no, please dont .. whimpered kamlesh amidst sounds of laughter. he knew he shouldnt have come alone to this part of the playground. but he had a way of getting lost in his own little tiny world. the three big boys gathered around him, one pushed him from behind and kamlesh knew what awaited him. he felt weak and scared. his voice barely registered a word. his throat dry and he was frantically hoping this would stop .. somehow just stop. suddenly a voice was heard. he recognized siddique. siddique walked right in keeping a brave face, kamlesh the principal wants you what are you playing here for ? mention of the school principal suddenly changed the attitude of the bullies. one boy patted kamlesh on the back, such a nice chap .. our good friend but run now to the principal but we will be looking out for you and with a wink the three guys left.

the burnt photograph slipped out of his hand, as the memory of that day came flooding back to him. he had burnt his own face on that photograph in a fit of reflective rage. it was the three of them. siddique, him and cristine. now all that remained of the photograph was cristine and siddique standing with the third musketeer burnt to hell. kamlesh knew his world deserved no amends. the two musketeers would never forgive but his heart longed for that special feeling.