MAP

The Sayeeds were aware of Abdul’s deep scars and his prejudice

against Indians. He held the entire nation guilty for an act of violence

that had made him understandably bitter. But the Sayeeds had hoped to

erase his painful memories. In the bubbly, innocent and fun-lovingSehmat, they were sure that they had the right prescription to heal his

wounds. Sehmat too looked forward to an opportunity to remove some of

the bitterness in his heart, and also win his trust.

Her first chance came during the annual inspection of units under the

command of her father-in-law. Amir Khan, the General Officer

Commanding (GOC), was known for his ruthlessness. He wasn’t a man

to cross swords with. Since the GOC was in the last leg of his long

service, his high-handedness and haughtiness had reached its peak. For

Brigadier Sayeed, it was time to press all buttons to ensure that his units

met with the highest standards.

Pacing up and down the lawns of his palatial haveli, a nervous Sayeed

was at his wits’ end thinking of various ways to appease the GOC.

Sehmat, who had been observing her father-in-law’s quandary, saw a

golden opportunity to prove herself worthy of his confidence and trust.

On the pretext of going to the Jama Masjid, a public mosque some

distance from their house, Sehmat covered herself with a burka, got into

her car and drove away. Before entering the mosque, she slipped into a

telephone booth and hurriedly dialled a number she was made to

memorize as part of her impromptu training by Mir.

‘Yes,’ came a sharp voice from the other side.

‘This is Romeo 221022 Zulu. Lieutenant General Amir Khan, GOC

Light Infantry. Urgently need complete details, family background,

hobbies and weaknesses. Shall call tomorrow.’ There was a momentary

silence at the other end. Sehmat instinctively knew that she had taken the

First Secretary by surprise. The recognition and recovery on the other

side, however, was quick. ‘Okay,’ came the short reply.

Sehmat replaced the receiver and picked it up instantly. She dialled a

dummy number to ensure that her call could not be traced and placed

back the receiver. During her short training, Mir had repeatedly

impressed upon her not to leave anything that could be traced back.

Sehmat went back to a different telephone booth the next day and was

soon smiling under her burka as she heard the brief on Amir Khan.

‘Thanks,’ she said softly as she replaced the handset and repeated the

drill. She then drove straight to her husband’s office and, dismissing theguards with cheerful smiles, perched herself on the thickly cushioned

green sofa.

Captain Iqbal Sayeed was issuing instructions to his men when he was

informed of his wife’s arrival. Amazed and somewhat shocked, he

rushed to his office to find Sehmat closely observing the map on the wall

and encircling landmarks in red ink.

‘What are you doing here at this hour of the day, Sehmat? And why

are you messing with this map? This is no time for jokes, you know. The

GOC is inspecting units in fifteen days and I have no time to even

breathe. Abba Huzoor will be very angry if he comes to know about your

surprise visit in such a time of emergency.’

‘I am going to meet Abba Huzoor, but wanted to see this map before I

did. So will you please drive me to him right now?’ There was a soft

cajoling play to her voice as she drew imaginary circles on the thick

leather of the sofa with her long shapely fingers.

Iqbal was speechless. What could his wife possibly want to say to his

father that apparently couldn’t wait? She knew too well that the

Brigadier was tense and in ill humour and yet she was trying this stunt.

But before he could say anything to her, Sehmat had already left the

office and was opening the door of Iqbal’s car which was parked in the

driveway, while simultaneously ordering the driver to take her to

Brigadier Sayeed’s office.

Iqbal barely managed to sit inside the car as it sped to its new

destination. And before the confused and visibly shaken husband could

start with his round of rapid-fire questions, the car came to a halt at

Sayeed’s office.

Sehmat, who was without a burka by now, kept herself a pace ahead of

Iqbal. Bowing slightly and gently, acknowledging the salutes of the

amused guards, she stood at her father-in-law’s office door and knocked

softly.

‘Abba Huzoor, hum andar aa jaain? [Respected father, may I come

in?]’

There were about fifteen officers seated around the table who instantly

stood up and smiled at Sehmat. Her unexpected presence had added

colour to the dull and drab room. The Brigadier wasn’t pleased thoughand, with great effort, stopped himself from snapping at his daughter-in-

law.

‘Of course, please come in. It is indeed a pleasure to see you. I hope

all’s well?’ he said and simultaneously gave a hard stare to Iqbal who

tried his best to wear a not-guilty look and feigned ignorance. Escorting

Sehmat to the sofa, he turned towards his officers who quickly scrambled

away from the room after exchanging pleasantries.

Holding her father-in-law by his arm, Sehmat walked him to the wall

that had a large-scale military map. ‘This is where the inspection will

begin and end, Abba Huzoor,’ began Sehmat with confidence and poise,

pointing her finger at the lake site earmarked on the map. The Brigadier

listened to her in complete silence for the next half hour. As she began to

reveal her ideas, his tense face began to relax.

Escorting her back to the car, he said, ‘I had heard that brides bring

luck to their in-laws. I am more than convinced of that now.’ Iqbal could

only marvel at his wife’s intelligence and guts. She had not only come up

with an amazing plan, but also had the nerve to barge into his father’s

office unannounced and get away unscathed.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***