Chapter 9 Chasing the Shadows Professor’s cabin Amir: Good morning, Ramnath. Ramnath: Morning... Amir: You sound off. What’s bothering you? Ramnath: Nothing... Amir: Still thinking about Shaqib, aren’t you? Ramnath: (hesitant) It’s not just his death... It’s how it happened. Brutal. Senseless. Amir: (calmly, but firm) Ramnath, there are moments in life when unimaginable steps must be taken. Painful, yes—but necessary. Ramnath: Necessary? He was one of us, Amir. One of us! Amir: (looking directly at him) When the choice is between loyalty to a person and commitment to a greater cause, you don’t hesitate. You look ahead—to the bigger