As Shakti did exactly what his captive had told him, his mind went back many years — to his youth and to the mother of one of his school friends. Her name was Mrs. Swoopa. Her son was just like the other kids at school, always making fun of Shakti. But the woman felt sorry for him and became his friend.

Mrs. Swoopa was older than Lt. Malini and not as beautiful, but to young Shakti, she was like a goddess. He loved watching her work in the kitchen and still remembered the faded green house dress she often wore.