Srinagar, Aug. 10 -- The meeting with Agha Sahib was set for eight in the morning. I'm usually strict about punctuality, but that day I arrived ten minutes late.

My companion, Nasir Mansoor, had already reached the house. Agha Sahib wasn't in sight yet, and Nasir looked a little uneasy.

When I stepped in, relief eased across his face. It turned out that Dr. Sahib had prepared breakfast for both of us at exactly eight.

Nasir had already eaten, but Agha Sahib had warned him: if Bashir Budgami didn't come, Nasir would have to finish the extra breakfast.

Nasir's stomach was full, so he seemed unsure how to handle this unexpected responsibility.

Then Dr. Sahib emerged from the kitchen and asked for a little more time. He went back inside ...