First Grain of Sand — Page 124
108 FIRST GRAIN OF SAND blessings for me. The Colonel finally came to my room, did an inspection, and left. While he was inspecting my room, I did find one matter rather strange, however. The very first prosecutor who interrogated me in Tashkent-who was a noble man-was the one who was intro- ducing each inmate to the new Colonel and spent some time dur- ing each prisoner's introduction. However, when he came to me, he told the Colonel my name and said, ‘He is Indian. ' As soon as he heard that, the Colonel turned his head away and didn't ask any questions about me. At that time, I was surprised, but later I found out that he wanted to speak with me directly to hear about my situation-something the previous Colonel never did, as he had relied purely on my statements that the State Prosecutor would provide to him. As this new Colonel was leaving my room, a soldier who sympathised with me put his finger on his lips to gesture for me to remain quiet for now. That night, the new Colonel summoned me for the first time to question me, and just like before, the same Turkish [Ahmadi] man was there to be my translator. I wore my Bukhari robe at that time. I had been awake for several nights, surviving only on hot water and bread. I had been beaten by several inmates who were in fact officials working as spies, which left me exhausted and worn out. The Colonel began by pointing to the telephone on his desk and asking me what that is. I responded telling him it is a wire. He said if God exists and speaks to His people, and if I am a Godly person, then I should produce a sign as proof. He said that the Khalifah named Mahmood who sent me here should be informed of my imprisonment and contact the Soviets by phone, and that God Almighty should make me aware when that call is made.