After the majlis session, I left the building. As I exited the large structure in the winter, I relished the enjoyable cold—at least something was pleasant, I remarked to myself.
As per my habits, I typically go to a nearby café called Bakinka, named after the city of Baku. With cheesecake in mind, I opened the door.
The staff greeted me cheerfully, as they usually do, though I wasn't sure why. Then I saw the familiar figure of Mustafa Larjan, head of the Handala organization that helps and defends political prisoners striving for freedom. He was a tall person, always dressed in formal clothes. However, today, for some reason, he was wearing simple batik attire (a type of Indonesian shirt) along with plain jeans.
"Assalamu alaikum," I greeted him.
"Walikum asalam," he replied. "Long time no see, sir. How was your session?" he asked in a formal tone.
"Getting worse day by day," I responded, sipping the black tea that a young waiter had brought during our conversation. "Well, I need your help regarding the Big Peasants' arrested MPs," I said.
"We can provide highly qualified lawyers," he replied, "along with raising a petition. But, as you know, half of the judges from the Topku court have been arrested as well," he continued. "The rest fear Ahmed Muhammad's power. Do you still want to try?"
"Even small help will matter," I responded.
"I can't refuse the favor of a new Lee Kuan Yew," he said to me with a smile, referring to the president who made Singapore prosperous.
"Haha, I am not one yet, but will, inshallah," I replied.
"When are you going back?" he quizzed me.
"Today at 10 PM by train," I answered. "Oh yeah, it's already 8. I need to hurry," I said, standing up quickly and walking to the counter to pay.
"Oh yalla (hurry in Arabic), you're going to be late," he noted.
"Tamam (okay in Farsi), tamam," I responded.
I paid 600 rials, then left the café to head to the train station. It was nearby, only a 30-minute walk. I started walking, looking around, and enjoying nature.
Finally, I reached the train station, showed my ticket to the inquiring train conductor, and boarded.
The train ride would take six hours, allowing me not only to enjoy sleep but also peacefulness and the opportunity to rethink my strategies, I remarked to myself.