Apprehension, relief, fear: The day Jadhav’s mother and wife met him

apprehension, “How is Baba (father)?”

All the time he spoke as dictated by his captors. The three of them were not allowed to speak in Marathi and were frequently disturbed by the security men present there. In a way, this was expected. How can a captive who has become a prestige issue in bilateral relations, speak freely? To this, mother Avanti even scolded Kulbhushan by saying, “Maa ke saamne jhoot bolta hai (you are lying to your mother).”

Wife Chetna did not cry even once before the media or the Pakistani authorities, but tears rolled down her cheeks when she saw her husband. Avanti was more composed of the two.

Both women stayed silent when, outside Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the local me- dia started hounding them and asked them questions about their meeting with the qatil ( murderer). But inside, both were scared. Indian diplomat J.P. Singh, who was accompanying the two women, was protective of them but appeared tense when waiting for the car soon after the meeting.

It is being said that by unleashing a jingoistic media, Pakistan was unleashing a psychological warfare on India. But the two Marathans had enough grit to match all that Pakistani aggression. Both managed to put up a brave face when unexpectedly encountering such abusive behaviour.

They were under pressure even when they reached the airport to return home. Reporters managed to approach them, sticking their microphones right under their nose. One video shows how Deputy High Commissioner Singh had to hold their hands literally and run through the crowd of journalists.

Both countries had agreed to keep the visit out of bounds for the media. When Pakistan wanted the ladies to take a question or two from each side, India refused. But the Pakistan establishment was not willing to let go of the opportunity to exploit the visit to the hilt for its domestic audience.

Still, Avanti and Chetna remained unruffled. But when they boarded the return flight a feeling of depression overpowered them as they did not know if they would meet Kulbhushan ever again; if that was their last meeting with him.

Of course, India is hopeful that Pakistan will now tread carefully and will not rush to hang Jadhav.