GOC

The rest of the day was spent discussing the GOC’s fishing abilities,

with each officer outweighing the others’ estimate in order to please the

moody old man. His address to the jawans too was laced with fish

innuendoes. So happy was the GOC with his angling skills that he

referred to the enemy as a fish waiting to be trapped by the force of the

mind.

Dinner was carefully planned by Sehmat, keeping in view the GOC’s

morning success at the lake. Everything possible was made to resemble a

fish. Fishing nets were hung around the buffet tables with fish hooks,

showcasing Thermocol replicas and cut-outs of the morning’s catch.

Sehmat even gave new names to cocktails and carried the first drink to

the GOC herself.

Dressed carefully and strategically for the occasion, she looked

stunningly beautiful. The GOC could not take his eyes off her the entire

evening. She had draped her exquisite body in black crepe. The subtle

lines of her long flowing gown accentuated her curves and the neckline,

and though demurely cut, it was sensational.

He stood up as Sehmat approached him with a bearer and accepted the

drink, looking closely at the colourful cocktail presented to him by such

a lethally beautiful woman. On the brim of the glass sat a tiny fisherman

resting under the shade of a paper umbrella. A small piece of pineapple,

cut in the shape of a tiny fish, hung at the edge of the hook.

‘It’s your day, General. All the fish, it seems, fought amongst

themselves to grab your hook. With so much catch, we did not feel the

need to buy more from the market. Wish you many more,’ Sehmat said

and raised a toast, her sensual and mesmerizing eyes doing the talking,

watching the hapless General fall into the trap.

Amir Khan took a large sip and rolled his tongue over his lips, tasting

the liquor and simultaneously gulping down Sehmat’s well-rehearsed

compliment. ‘You look very beautiful. Thank you very much for such

magnificent arrangements. Yes indeed, what a day. Never in my life have

I been so successful. I still can’t believe my luck. And now you bring me

this artistically designed cocktail. I hope there’s no fish inside?’

‘Oh! Nothing fishy, General. It’s called the GOC Special.’ And with

that Sehmat walked away, diplomatically averting what could have beena faux pas.

Amir decided to take a walk around the huge lawns, admiring and

repeatedly complimenting Sehmat on each detail. Everywhere he

glanced, he noted and acknowledged the effort put in by the Sayeeds to

make it a memorable night. Walking closely by his side, Sehmat ensured

that the GOC saw the fishing hooks that were used as buttons on the

flowing knee-length coats of the waiters.

‘It was all Iqbal’s idea, General. He felt that he might not be able to

match you in fishing, but would surely outnumber the morning catch by

the hooks on display tonight,’ Sehmat gushed.

‘So it was the Captain teaming up with his wife? I should have

guessed. Well, let me admit, Begum Sahiba, how deeply I am touched by

this most heartfelt warm welcome. Your family must be suitably

rewarded for all the hard work. And I’ll ensure that it happens sooner

rather than later. Where’s Iqbal posted now?’

‘He is with the Light Infantry, base camp. Perhaps he could justify the

power of his thinking if he could work with his GOC.’

Sehmat knew that most officers dreaded working under Amir Khan.

But she was also aware of the many layers of officials who would act as

a safe buffer for an officer of Iqbal’s rank. Besides, she needed her own

source at the GOC Headquarters. The GOC too was aware of his own

reputation and was taken aback by Sehmat’s comments.

‘I think you are right. There is indeed a shortage of thinkers in my

office. Perhaps that will also ensure that we’ll have the pleasure of your

company more often, Begum Sahiba?’

‘It indeed would entirely be my honour, General.’

‘Good. Then let Iqbal join from next Monday. I’ll issue the orders

tomorrow. He can come in place of Major Hussein who’s going for an

advanced course.’

Iqbal was watching nervously from a distance. The ease with which

his wife was handling the entire situation was making him sweat even

more. The moment arrived when Sehmat subtly gestured to him to come

and join her and the GOC. After standing momentarily at attention, he

greeted the GOC. He prayed that his shaky legs would not give hisnervousness away as he stood in front of the man who was infamous for

his erratic behaviour.

Before the GOC could say anything, Sehmat reached out and excitedly

grabbed her husband’s hand. ‘The GOC is impressed with your

performance and has decided to promote you. You will now work under

him in place of Major Hussein.’

Both the GOC and Iqbal were taken aback by Sehmat’s comments.

Noticing the change in their expressions, she inquired in a voice dripping

with innocence, ‘Did I say something wrong?’

Amir Khan quickly came to her rescue. ‘Well not exactly a promotion,

Iqbal, but you can perhaps be appointed as an acting Major since you

would be replacing an officer of that rank.’

‘Oh, thank you, Sir. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations,’

Iqbal said and quickly came to a brief attention posture, his shoes

clicking at the heels, acknowledging the good news. The GOC shook

hands with him and looked over his shoulders at the approaching group

of officers. Even without the extra perks and higher pay, Iqbal knew that

he would be able to wear the rank and be eligible for a promotion. He

looked at his wife in awe, knowing that he owed it to her. Through sheer

planning and meticulous execution, she had brought him on a par with

his elder brother.

Now on cloud nine, he headed towards the bar and ordered himself a

rum and coke. He took a large sip and noticed a small plastic fish neatly

hooked below the wedge of lime peacefully floating inside his glass. He

quickly gulped his drink and pulled out the blue plastic. Finely etched

under the belly of the fish was the three-letter word, GOC.

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