I pack my things, go through my notes one final time, before walking out. Behind the shed, Radhaakka is making tea. I go over and chat for a few minutes. By the time I finish the piping hot tea she provides, it is time to start. There are a couple of villagers waiting. Vishwanath and Sagar would come with us till about 10 minutes from the road. The villagers would be our last link with the Naxals, and would take us to the bus stop and see us off.

The guerrillas have all lined up. We shake hands with them. Like their greeting, it is 'Lal salaam ' again. I raise my fist in acknowledgement as we start off.

After an hour's march, we reach an open field. This is where the guerrillas leave us. They seem genuinely sad to see us go.

" Lal salaam. Phir milenge (Red salute. See you later)," Vishwanath says. And adds softly, " Bacche tho... (If I live...)"

We follow the villagers, cutting across the naked field. Just before we re-enter the jungles, I turn back to wave. Vishwanath and Sagar are standing where we left them, two silent sentries of communism, fighting a fight they will not live to win. They raise their fists in salute.