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WARNING!! : Explicit content. Contains strong language.
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The command center of the Syrian army was just a couple of kilometers south of where the soldiers were holding the line. This place used to be a school of sorts before the war started. One of the buildings had been converted into a makeshift prison. The officer stopped his vehicle in front of that building and called for the guards. Two young men wearing the army uniform came running. He instructed them to check Aman's clothes and throw him into an empty cell.
It wasn't until later in the evening that Aman regained consciousness. His head was heavy and the room felt like it was spinning. Adrenaline had worn off long ago and the wounds he had received started to hurt. His elbows and knees felt like they were on fire because of the dirt covering his scraped skin. He kept lying on his back till his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He got up gradually after forming an idea as to where he was and gathered his thoughts for a while. He knew he had been dealt a losing hand but he still wasn't out of the game. He had a few cards left to play but timing his moves was of paramount importance.
He reached for the door and tried to speak but his voice wouldn't come out. His mouth was completely dry and he had no energy. He mustered all his strength and banged on the door a couple of times. The bangs echoed down the corridor. After a few seconds, he heard footsteps approaching and a slit opened on the top of the door. Someone looked down, most probably a guard. He heard some dialogue but could not understand what was being said. The slit closed and he heard the man walk away. Silence settled in once again. After a few minutes, he heard another set of footsteps. This time he heard the door lock being opened. He mustered up his remaining strength to sit up against the wall. A man entered and stood right in front of him. He squinted his eyes and focused on his face. It was the same officer from this morning.
I see you are up. What is your name?
Aman tried to speak but his voice wouldn't come out. He motioned with his hand signaling he wanted water. The officer nodded to the guard and he brought Aman a glass of water.
He took a couple of sips and placed the glass on the ground.
My name is Aman.
The officer continued with his interrogation and asked all the standard questions like who he was, who sent him, and what his mission was. Aman answered all the questions in as much detail as possible.
Let me tell you a few things right now. You have no value to us. Child soldiers like you do not have any information that might be of any importance. Therefore, the major has instructed us to let people like you die because we do not have enough rations to waste on the likes of you.
I am sorry (he said looking away). I have a daughter your age. I cannot imagine starving a child to death but we have been instructed not to waste even a single bullet on prisoners such as yourself. I do not know how to say this but I will be blunt. I cannot give you food or water but I can arrange for you to die in your sleep (he straightened his head but his eyes met with Aman's and he turned away immediately). I will be going now you can inform the guard if you know ....well...
He could not complete his sentence. He felt sick and started to walk away (the thought of condemning a child to death in such a cruel way was beyond what he thought he would ever have to do. The kids' silence listening to his death sentence was ringing louder in his head than the bombs this morning).
Sir Wait. Please. Sir...hear me out
He stopped at the gate and turned towards Aman.
Please tell me your name, sir.
I am lieutenant Farhan.
Did my warning save lives today?
Yes, it saved a lot of lives but a lot of our men were killed as well because we could not relay the information fast enough. This won't help your case kid.
I understand sir. But what if I tell you I have more to offer. Much more.
(The lieutenant's gaze was fixed on Aman's face by then. He had been avoiding eye contact before but looking at him more closely he was slowly realizing that he might have misplaced his pity. There was no trace of fear on his face. The look in his eyes made him shudder. Those weren't the eyes of a feeble puppy who was about to die. They were stone cold, the eyes of a hunting dog looking for an opportunity to pounce.)
Look, I told you already, low-level soldiers like you do not have any useful information. I am not sure if my bosses would even want ...
How much do you earn sir?
Excuse me?
How much do you earn per month? What's your salary?
(The guard at the door yelled and started advancing toward Aman) You son of a bitch! How dare you talk to our lieutenant like that you filthy rat bastard! The officer ordered him to stop but he still landed a sharp kick on Aman's side.
Go and stand on the outer door!
But sir he was...
I said go. That's an order.
Aman grabbed his ribs and slowly sat up using the wall as a support.
Oye you. What are you trying to say? Just because I have been kind to you doesn't mean you can get away with whatever you say. If you try something like that one more time, it will be my boot and your face. Do I make myself clear?
Sir. I have a deal for you. A deal that will greatly benefit you. Please just hear me out. Please, I beg of you, sir.
Okay, I will at least listen to you. Not because you might have something worth offering, but as thanks for saving the lives of my soldiers today.
Sir, you said a while ago that you have a daughter. What is her happiness worth to you?
What is with these questions? Just cut straight to what you want to say or I will...
In these times of war, I am sure you don't get to see her very often. What's her smile worth to you, sir?
Everything (He said after a brief pause). She is my everything. Her smile is the most important thing to me.
(A faint momentary smirk crossed Aman's lips as he saw the eyes of the man in front of him become tender. He knew he had hooked the fish. It was time to reel it in.)
When are you going to see her next?
At the beginning of Ramadan. So in a few days. Alhamdulillah (whispers to himself). Actually, I am so thankful to god and you as well that I did not die today. I could so easily have.
God doesn't want you to die yet, sir. He has big plans for you. Our meeting is fate. I will do half the work for you but you also have to do your half.
What do you mean?
I am sure a lieutenant in the army doesn't earn much these days. The inflation must be through the roof as well. Not to mention that you have to stay away from your families for long periods of time.
What are you trying to say?
I am asking you... do you want a promotion sir? and perhaps, do you want to be a war hero?
Oye, you bastard! Are you joking with me right now? (He grabbed Aman by the collar)
Why would I joke with you, sir? This is no time for a joke. My life is in your hands.
(What is this kid up to? What the fuck is this? Why is he so unnervingly calm? Am I being played for a fool? But then, what does he even have to gain by lying to me? These thoughts started to spiral in his head.)
Sir! I couldn't be more serious. Just listen to me.
Tell me then. How are you planning to get me promoted, ha? Tell me this so-called plan of yours.
Sorry, sir. I cannot. Not right now. You have to do something for me before that. But as a token of my sincerity, I will give you a gift. A gift that will make your beloved daughter very happy when you see her on Ramadan.
What? You motherfucker! I will kill you. What kind of gift could you possibly have on you?
Sir! Calm down. I do not have it on me. I will tell you where it is but I need you to promise me something first.
What?
I want an audience with the Colonel. Can you make that happen?
What are you thinking? Are you out of your mind you piece of...
Your daughter's smile, sir. Is it not even worth this much effort?
(The room fell into complete silence as the lieutenant began to weigh the proposal that was just laid before him).
(Well, It is by the grace of God that I survived today. Is this also a sign? Can I even trust this kid? What if this kid really comes through and I can get promoted? He says he can make me a war hero. What if that really happens. People from my sect do not get easily promoted in the army. What if this is my only chance at promotion?)
(He cleared his mind and asked) What's the gift you were talking about?
I will tell you sir, but first, do I have your promise that you will get me an audience with the Colonel?
I can't make such a promise but I will do what I can.
Okay then. I hope your daughter's smile is as precious as you told me (He said locking eyes with the lieutenant). Under the back seat of the jeep, you brought me here in, I have hidden a packet of premium American chocolates and strawberries. Those are probably worth more than your entire salary right now. Give them to your daughter. She will absolutely love them.
What? Where did you even get them from? Are you joking right now?
That's not important. And no, I am not joking. You can go and check for yourself.
(By now, the dynamic in the room had completely shifted. It was Aman that was being assertive and taking the lead. The lieutenant even though a little skeptical; was following along.)
Okay kid, but the colonel isn't here at the moment. He will be back after two days. I am going now. I will see what I can do. Try not to die before that.
I won't die. Not a chance. Play your part lieutenant Farhan and I will make you famous. You have my word.