Pratima's Forbidden Book

Pratima and William pull up to the gate of Delhi Cantonment on Pankha Cariappa Marg. There are people standing and waiting to enter. A line of carts and wagons are in line. Pratima leaves the horses with William and rushes past everyone to the front of the line.

As William slowly makes his way with four horses past all the waiting people he sees Pratima arguing with the gate guard.

"Close this gate!" she yells at him. He looks at her with irritation in his face.

"You don't have authority to close this gate," he laughs at her. Her body shivers like a chill has gone through her. She looks with a fierce expression at the guard.

"Take me to Commander Guptha!" she demands as she waves one of the letters in her right hand.

"And close that gate," the guard stares at her without moving to obey her. She begins speaking slowly and quietly. Each word with a slight pause before the next. "I speak with the word of his royal majesty Singh," she stares at the guard until he nodded to the other guard who lowered the gate.

"Thank you," Pratima acknowledges him for his actions with a smile. After a moment she inquires. "Which way to the next gate?"

"You should check in with Commander Guptha," he warns her. As she pointedly looks at him, he admits while pointing to the left. "Take Dhaula Kuan down to the Army Hospital, there is a gate there. Also the HQ is close by," he explains hopefully.

Pratima is arguing with the guards at the Enclave 1 entrance gate. William can see the hospital complex just behind them. The guards do not want to follow her orders. As she argues with them and William looks on, a man on horseback rides up.

"Librarian!" he announces as he dismounts. She stops and looks at him. He appears to be an officer.

"I am not the Librarian, only I work for her," she corrects him. "My name is Pratima Patel."

"Ms. Patel, Commander Guptha sends his complements," he offers. "I am Captain Katal. I am to bring you to the Commander," he commands. "The Commander has ordered all the gates closed, until further notice." He glances at the guard who hurries to lower the gate.