Antaryami’s father sees Guru’s miracle in release

Antaryami’s wife, Kusum said: ‘‘It was just unexpected. I can’t tell you how happy I am.’’

The news of the hostages’ release was unexpected, especially after the hopes about their imminent release last month were dashed with the kidnappers backing out at the last moment. Antaryami’s family thus refused to believe their ears when, at 4.30 pm today, they got a phone call from mediapersons who told them of his release. They then switched on the TV to confirm the news.

At 5 pm, Dr Ashok Amrohi from the Ministry of External Affairs called up to inform the family officially about Antaryami’s release. The news then spread like wildfire. Soon, all roads led to Upper Dehlan, Antaryami’s native village on the Una-Nangal highway. But what got the family celebrating was the call from Baghdad at 5.30 pm. The caller was Antaryami.

As laddoos did the rounds, Ram Murti told the mediapersons gathered there that the entire village had been on a fast for the last 20 days and special pujas were performed daily for Antaryami’s safe release.

‘‘Antaryami said he would go from Baghdad to Kuwait, but he didn’t know when he would come to India. Once he comes back, I’ll never let him go back. To hell with the money that comes at the cost of one’s well-being,’’ Ram Murti said. He added that he was thankful to the media, the Government, villagers, relatives and friends who stood by the family throughout.

‘‘Everyone in the village has been spending sleepless nights ever since the news of our son’s kidnapping shook us. Today too, we’ll not sleep. We’ll celebrate through the night,’’ said a resident of the village.