FISH

For the next two weeks, Sehmat and the Sayeeds’ trusted servant, Abdul,

carried fish feed to the lake and dropped it at a particular point. While

the rest of the family wondered what was going on, Sehmat smiled under

her breath and waited for the final day.

On the day of the inspection, the GOC, along with the guard of

honour, was walking back with his deputy when the Brigadier, as

instructed by his new tutor Sehmat, made his move. ‘Sir, we have made a

slight change in the drill. Tea with officers is being held at the lake site in

order to give you a picturesque view of the core headquarters.’

‘But why did you do that, and why did you not inform me before?’

roared the GOC.

‘Sir, the men felt that with your vision, foresight and ideas, the unit

could go a long way in terms of future planning. They were sure that you

could see what we all can’t and wanted you to have a macro view of the

entire establishment. Besides, Sir, I happened to notice that the lake isloaded with possibly the finest fish waiting to be hooked. If you like,

maybe you could spend some time fishing, while the officers assemble at

the lake site?’ suggested Sayeed.

The Brigadier’s heart was in his mouth, while Amir Khan considered

the political correctness of the situation. But like all anglers, Amir could

not resist the lure of fishing. He was at the fag end of his career and was

in a position to make a minor change in tradition, after all. ‘Well Sayeed .

. .’ he continued, ‘I don’t like sudden departures from the standard drill.

But now that you have done it, let’s go ahead. Besides, one has to respect

the feelings of our men. By the way, are you sure there’s fish out there?

Why haven’t I heard of this lake before?’

While the officers sipped tea at the lakeside, their GOC busied himself

in counting the number of fish he had caught within half an hour of

dropping the hook. Like a much-desired trophy, he lifted the largest fish

and, exclaiming with joy, looked at his deputy, ‘I say Sayeed, have you

seen her size? She weighs nearly a ton!’

Sayeed was about to say something when he remembered his

daughter-in-law’s words. Looking philosophically towards the lake he

said, ‘Sir, I don’t know much about fishing. But I know for sure that it is

caught not with the hook but with the power of one’s mind.’

Sayeed’s response was music to the GOC’s ears. His eyes lit up. This

was exactly his philosophy and how rightly put! He glanced at the

assembled officers who were only waiting to break into applause.

Feeling on top of the world because of the massaged ego, he turned

towards Sayeed and said, ‘I didn’t know you are so deep into books,

Sayeed. I say, I am impressed, very impressed.’

‘Thank you, Sir, but this calls for celebrations. This lake too demands

to be honoured in the annals of history. It would therefore be appropriate

if you could address the men from this very site.’

‘I think that is a very good idea. I am very happy to see your units in

such great shape. Your men must be congratulated for all the efforts. Tell

them no more inspection. They can relax now and I’ll meet them in the

evening. Also, err . . . send some fish to my house. The rest should be

cooked for the evening function.’

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