Question

Write an original short story that begins with the following words:

She was still on the phone giving out instructions when...

Answer 1

She was still on the phone issuing directions when someone yelled from outside. From the street outside the police station, loud tunes blared while cracked broke through. IPS Sapna Kshirsagar strode quickly towards the gate. A gunshot zipped passed a few inches above her head.

She quickly looked up and saw a flash of metal from a window up in the five-story building across. She understood the shouting outside and the music were meant to entice her from her office. Up there meant business, whoever was there. Ever since Sapna led precision strikes against insurgents, the terrorists have been monitoring her. She had stopped rebel attacks at the border and diffused many efforts at government project sabotage of key sites. For all the lawbreakers under her purview, Sapna had become into a headache.

Under her breath, the lady officer called two of her constables and mumbled. A few minutes later the constables showed along carrying a handcuffed, scruffy young lad. He had his face down. Mumbled "Kali Somasundaram," when asked his name. She urged the lad to study her features. Declaring, "I don't want to see your face, you murderer," he turned away.

His speech carried a great deal of resentment. Demand one of the constables, "What are you talking about?" She did indeed murder my brother. She shot my brother dead and set him up in a bogus lawsuit. His voice was sharp with rage. At this point he glanced up. She recalled the Somasundaram who perished inadvertently while polishing his rifle. He was a pawn under terrorists' hands. She intended not to murder him, but fate had other ideas.

Constable Hariram detailedly narrated the sad occurrence he recalled. Though the youngster glanced at her once again, there was uncertainty; the vehemence had dropped. Under detailed examination, he disclosed how impoverished the family was, how he had to budget money for his sister's marriage, how he joined the terrorist gang hoping to get revenge, and how he ended up at the window from where he was apprehended.

Though a strict cop, Sapna had a tender heart, especially for children who fell prey to bad influences. Just eighteen, this lad was on the brink of manhood. Should she punish him under anti-terrorism laws, therefore subjecting him to a long term in jail and hefty fines? Doing this would squander his talent before it could flourish. Rather, she decided to send him to a juvenile home, pledging to help his family and pay for his sister's wedding on the proviso that he forswear more crime. Kali nodded gravely and accepted Sapna's offer, therefore completing their contract. Although she followed the rules, Sapna saw the value of second chances, especially for young people driven astray by circumstance. She was then a shining example of the empathy and intelligence required to negotiate the complexity of justice.