Love & Loyalty
No compromise
(Part 3)
At dinner all officers greeted Hashim on his excellent shooting performance. Many wanted to listen from him about training methods adopted in Pakistan. Mary reached dining hall a bit late but tried to be close to Hashim. She had changed her clothes before coming. She was very careful about her dress and on that day also she looked nice.
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Before
leaving Mary invited foreign fellows to Bar room to celebrate Hashim excellent
performance. Gul could not understand but quickly replied “Yes, yes.” He on
seeing Hashim’s angry fac, felt embarrassed and bowed his head down. Mary sensed what was going on and so
laughed. She looked very beautiful &
graceful while laughing. Hash impolitely
told Mary “We do not drink. It is prohibited in our religion.” Mary with smiling
eyes asked, “Why so; What is harm in it?” Hashim while walking out of hall said
“There are many reasons.” After a short pause continued, “The main is that one
after drinking does not remain in senses and forgets the difference between
right & wrong.” Mary replied “I do not drink much rather just take some
sips.” She then while shaking her head said “It makes one very fresh
&happy.” Hashim changed the topic by saying “Yesterday we saw sports club
here. We are going there to play Table Tennis. Would you like to join us?” Mary
thought for a while and replied “No, some other day.” She hugged Hashim and
left.
Two
days later at night Gul was sitting in lawn with Chinese officer Lussie in lawn
trying to communicate with each other in broken English. They had become good
friends in short time. Mary on seeing Gul, came close to him & asked about
his friend. Gul smilingly pointed towards room. Lussie was her roommate. Mary
told her to keep busy Gul for some time and walked towards Hashim’s room. She
slightly knocked the door and without waiting slowly opened the door. Hashim was sitting on bed trying to untie
boot laces. She almost jumped on bed, kissed and sat very close to him. Hashim
was surprised and just looked at her with spotless face. He then While trying to get a bit aside said,
“Madam, kissing and this type of close relationship is neither allowed in Islam nor is liked in our culture.” Mary kept looking
at him silently for some moments and then while slipping closer to him said,”
Innocent officer, first thing I am not Madam rather only Mary. Secondly, it is
best way to express inner feelings in our culture.” Hashim with a slightly
smiling face replied “We are good friends and thus can express our feelings in
words also.”
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Mary
placed her white soft hand on his hand and asked “tell me. Am I not beautiful?
Do you not like me? Do you not feel happy in my company?” Hashim did not have
any answer to her questions. She while slowly rubbing his hand desired for cup
of coffee. Hashim tried to get up to prepare coffee. Mary also got up with all body weight on him
& came very close to him. While standing she put her arms around his neck.
She was a bit less in height but they had full body contact. Hashim stood straight
without holding her which Mary did not like. Hashim tried to get out of her
grip but she tightened her grip around his neck. Hashim at once remembered
Romana who loved him in same way. He started thinking about Romana and his
thoughts were broken by another kiss of Mary. He recalled that he was in arms
of Mary and Romana was waiting for him many miles away. Soon Hashim realized
that perfume fragrance of Mary was slowly overcoming his mind and he might not
be able to resist or be able to come out of her grip. He forced her to lose the
grip and quickly stepped towards small kitchen area for electric kettle.
During
the coffee preparation, he felt uncomfortable on realizing that he had not
called Romana since last four days. He then questioned from himself that why
Mary was taking interest in him or inclined towards him. He was neither so tall
nor had good complexion and also hid not have some extraordinary career.
While
enjoying coffee, Mary once again tried to be close to Hashim which further
strengthened questions in his mind. Suddenly Mary made program of going out for
dinner next night. Hashim replied while taking sip of his coffee “My dear,
neither me nor my country are rich. I have come here for a training course and
so can’t afford all that type of recreations.” She was not ready to hear any
words and insisted like a child. Hence Hashim opted to keep quiet.
At
night Hashim called Romana and had a long telephonic talk. During those sweet
moments he again realized and accepted that her wife was too innocent & had
a blind trust in him.
Next
day another shooting session was held in same shooting area. Hashim’s
performance was once again brilliant and outstanding. Maj Thomas & Mary
closely watched his actions. Gul also performed in a much better way and scored
good points.
In
evening Hashim got ready in time for the dinner with Mary & walked alone
towards parking area. Mary reached there a few minutes later in her red BMW
car. She was nicely dressed and was once again impressive. After a quick look
on her Hashim had in his mind that there was something special in her as she
looked more attractive each time they met. She brought the car to main road
like an experienced driver. In few minutes the car was on High way. On enquiry
of Hashim, she said that she wanted enjoy some time with him so decided for a
long drive before a dinner. On the way Mary frankly told him about her
childhood and about her joining of American Army. During the talk she did not
forget to repeat her feelings about him. Hashim remained quiet most of time and
listened to Mary with keen interest.
The
car left motorway after an hour drive and was on a comparatively small road
with much less traffic. In a few minutes Mary stopped the car before a big
black iron gate.
Mary
described it as farm house of his uncle Robert. The automatic gate opened and
she drove car inside. It was a big drive way where already three big cars were
parked. It was a double story building. Green lawns on three sides of building
were visible in dark also. Hashim closely watched building & surroundings.
Her uncle Robert & aunty Julie came out to welcome them. They both were
smart & fit and looked some professionals. Julie hugged Hashim & Mary
and guided them inside. After a big lobby with many closed doors, they sat in a
big drawing room The interior added to confusion and questions in Hashim’s
mind. It looked to him that he was at some official place rather in any farm
house.
Uncle
Robert started talking with Hashim on different topics related to Pakistan.
During the chat drinks were served on which Hashim was hesitant & reluctant
to pick the glass. Anti-Julie clarified him that it was simple plain cold
drink. She then asked Hashim about his visit & days in America. Hashim replied with a smile that it was his
first visit outside cantonment area. Mary had been quiet which was strange for
Hashim.
Then
Anti Julie invited them for dinner. It was a lavish dinner on a big dining
table which looked more like a conference room. On the table also, Mary was
quiet. Hashim was engaged in discussion by her relatives. After enjoying the
dinner, they sat for a while in drawing room and had a chat n Hashim was making
up his mind to take permission for leaving but he was astonished to hear anti
Julie “Room is ready upstairs. You
both can take rest there.” Hashim at once changed his posture on sofa and said
“It is already late. We should leave.” Anti-Julie with a smile on face replied
“What is the hurry? Relax & enjoy here.: and then both uncle & anti
shook hands and left room.
Mary
immediately jumped on the same two-seater where Hashim was sitting. Hashim could
not analyze that where uncle & anti had gone and sudden change in behavior
of Mary. There was complete silence in building with only slow sound of music
which Uncle had switched on before leaving. Mary came closer to Hashim and in a
very slow lovely voice started convincing him to stay there. She with one hand
tried to open buttons of his shirt but Hashim got up with a jerk and said
“Let’s go.” Mary also got up and hold his hand with love and said “Why not to
enjoy here.” She tried to take him probably towards stairs. Hashim resisted
& got annoyed. She at once took him in her soft but strong arms and kissed
him repeatedly. Hashim realized that she was in some other mood and he had to
take some decision in short time and so pushed her with full force on sofa.
Without waiting, he took big steps towards lobby and then towards big iron
gate.
He
was just thinking of ways to cross the gate that Suddenly he heard anti Julie’s
voice calling him to listen her. He thought for a while and then stepped back.
Anti
Julie softly convinced him to give them some minutes before leaving. Hashim
hesitated but then followed her to drawing room where Mary & Uncle Robert
already sat. Hashim was in bad mood and annoyed on Mary’s behavior but controlled himself as per the circumstances.
On
sitting the uncle introduced himself as col Robert and introduced Julie as col
Julie special branch. All
the
initial doubts in Hashim’s mind were over in seconds. He had a quick look at
Mary with many more questions in eyes but kept quiet.
Col
Robert did not waste any further time and said “Young captain, it would be
better if we forget everything and join hands like professionals & friends.
Mary has explained us about your capabilities and is confident enough about
your far distance shooting. You can earn a big amount in dollars before
returning back to your country.” Hashim took a deep breath but kept quiet.
He
was now fully convinced that Mary had brought him there under a plan and had
successfully trapped him. He very quickly decided that need of hour was to
remain calm & friendly.
Robert
placed a brief case on a side table near Hashim & opened that. The case was
full of dollars. Robert in a professional voice told him that the amount was
Forty Thousand dollars while the balance 50% were to be given on completion of
job. Julie assured him about transfer of amount anywhere in world. Hashim knew that the huge amount was being
offered for some illegal work. He looked at Mary but controlled his feelings as
was among enemies. He closed the brief case and said “I do not want to hear
details of job. Please give the details
to my boss in Pakistan and arrange his orders for me.”
Julie
immediately said “Relax & think before taking some decision. Stay over here
for a night and then
decide.” Hashim with aa fake smile said “I think my
words are clear. I fail to understand that why you do not take my services
through proper channel.” Col Robert in a relaxed voice to slow down tempo
replied “Listen; There are some jobs that have to be kept hidden.” Hashim said:
All the conversation between you & my higher authorities would remain
confidential.” Col Robert with a deep smile said: I can give you many examples
of the jobs that are genuine& legal but are not discussed openly.”
Julie
asked him “Are you married?” Hashim smiled and shook his head in a positive
sense. Robert immediately said “Then you are quite aware that a relationship
between husband & wife is legal but they sleep in closed doors. Everyone
knows that a mother has to feed her new born baby but she covers herself during
feeding or goes behind curtain.” Julie
also gave some such examples. Hashim
quietly listened and then replied “you are both senior to me. In all legal
works, one need not to give money behind the curtain.” He paused for a while
and said “With due respect, I am sorry. I cannot move ahead.”
Col
Julie tried to convince him by increasing the amount and other incentives But
Hashim repeated his initial opinion & words. Hashim shook hand with both
senior officers quickly and left room without waiting response. He was also not
sure of consequences.
Mary
quickly followed him and opened the car doors with her remote control. She
drove the car out of gate and then said” Hashi, I am proud of you. You have
been as per my expectations. You are very solid.” A There was silence in car for some minutes
and then Mary once again talked about her love with him. Hashim while looking straight with a plain
face said “What a type of love? Is this
love? Is this part of your culture?” Mary had no answer so kept quiet for some
time and then said “Believe me, whatever has happened today was not as per my
will & desire. I was asked to do so.
You very well know that in Army we are helpless. Mary parked her car outside male officer
block and before Hashim could open the door, Mary held his hand for some time.
She then said in voice with some cry “I am sorry. Please forget it. Believe me
I love you.” Hashim left the car without replying. Mary rested her fore head on
car steering and sat there for several minutes. She was worried and hurt on
Hashim’s unfriendly behavior.
(To be continued)
Love & Loyalty
No Compromise
(Part 2)
Next
day Hashim remained key figure in valima ceremony of his old friend Ali because
oflast day’s astonishing & tremendous shooting performance. In the evening
Hashim was discussing marriage ceremony events with his father and wife Romana
at home when there was sudden knock at door. The messenger left a message for
him to report immediately on duty. On hearing Romana got sad as he had come
home only two days before. She had just planned vacations. She knew that no one
could stop her husband from going.
On
reaching unit he was asked to report to Major Waseem. He kept bag in his room
and quickly changed clothes and then went to Maj Waseem’s office. After saluting him, Hashim sat on chair in
front of his table. Some minutes later he started briefing Hashim about a
Twelve-week Sniper course in USA. Two Snipers had to represent Pakistan. For
the finalization of those two shooters, 15 best Snipers from different units
had been called for a four-week special selection program. Hashim carefully
listened the details of program & importance of foreign course. Hashim got
enthusiastic regarding the training program but was not very confident of his
selection. The foreign trip looked a dream.
Next
four weeks were very hard, hectic and tough because of different physical and
shooting exercises. The training and selection program had been designed to
evaluate and judge skills and fitness
of all participants in different environments. During these hard exercises he got the
pleasant news of being promoted to the rank of captain. He was glad to be in
officer cadre. He called Romana same
night and gave her happy news and as per habit had a long telephonic talk.
Mobile signals had recently reached his village.
After
the hard training program, an unexpected but good news came of his selection
for 12 were sniper course. The other guy was Gul who by chance was from his
unit. Hashim was more educated and
senior. He had better command over English language which was of course going to
help him during foreign course.
In
the next two weeks their necessary documents were completed and they were
allowed to go to their homes for five days. On the way to home Hashim bought
some clothes for Romana & his father as it was his first visit after
promotion. Romana was as usual very delighted and did not allow him to go out
anywhere during his short visit. Hashim always tried to fulfil her desires
& wishes as they loved each other too much. Before leaving home, He told
Romana & his father about his foreign commitment but promised to be in
regular contact.
It
was a hot night when Hashim & Gul flew from Islamabad airport for New
Jersey. It was their first Air travel and was a long flight with two transits.
They talked a lot & enjoyed the travel but Romana remained in the thoughts
of Hashim.
An
officer from Pakistani embassy welcomed them at New Jersey Airport and helped
in completing official formalities there. He remained with them during a
two-hour road travel to o the specific cantonment area. Although they were
tired of long air travel but enjoyed natural beauty and huge buildings on the
way.
On
reaching administrative bloc of cantonment, detailed scrutiny of their
documents was done followed by a short documentary giving them a view of area
in which they had to stay for next twelve weeks and facilities available
there. All the facilities including
hostels for male & female participants, mess, club, sports room, gym and
other needs of course were available there. They both were fascinated and found
themselves lucky for being selected in course. It was going to be altogether a
new experience.
They
were guided to their room. The rooms of
all male participants were in one block while the block of female snipers was
on the other side of big grassy park with jogging track all around it. Each
room was for two persons and all the rooms were park facing. They were allotted
room on ground floor. A wide covered area had been designed in front of rooms
on each floor having chairs and a variety of plants at equal distances It all
had added to the beauty of place. The interior of room was very comfortable and
had all facilities including attached spacious wash room and small space to be
used as kitchen. Overall environment was not less than a Five-star hotel.
A
at
lunch time Hashim & Gul walked to
dining room which was adjacent to female block. A bar room was built on upper
floor of dining hall. The menu had some continental along some fast-food items.
During lunch they met officers from other countries who had reached by that
time. All were very courteous and friendly.
Some countries had sent teams
comprising of a male & one female. American team was one of those.
Hashim
had just finished his food that American female sniper came to their table and
sat with them. She introduced herself as captain Mary She was very
beautiful& smart. Apart from her attractive figures she was also smiling
& friendly. She was glad to know that Hashim could understand & speak
English fluently. They had a general discussion on journey & weather. Gul
remained quiet during all that time as he was unable to understand other
language. Indian snipers Vijay & Dileep sat next to their table and tried
to divert the attention of Mary towards them but she just smiled and continued
her discussion with Hashim. She took interest in knowing about Pakistan.
They
took rest in evening and had a sound sleep at night as were tired of long
travel. Next morning there was orientation program in conference hall where all
visiting officers were officially introduced to others and a briefing was given
to them about the schedule over there. They were briefed about theoretical
& practical sessions having marks of each stage. Major Thomas also informed
the details of prize money to be given at end of twelve-week training course to
three top teams.
At
the end of that day’s long session, Hashim & Gul decided to have a walk on
the track. It was a cloudy afternoon with slight cold breeze blowing. Indians
were jogging there and had crossed them twice. They walked slowly enjoying
view, weather and talking about facilities there.
Mary
was also there jogging. She had worn tight jeans & very thin dark colored
blouse which looked very nice on her white skin. She after jogging for some
time started taking small steps. Gul noted and said “Mary has slowed pace.”
Hashim kept quiet but started watching her closely. After some minutes Gul said that probably she
wanted company. Hashim at that time thought that she was tired. Gul smiled and
said “She is not an ordinary lady but an army officer.”
Few
minutes later they reached near Mary. She was taking very small steps rather
dragging herself on right edge of track. Hashim for courtesy sake asked, “Are
you well?” She gave an attractive smile and started walking on their pace. She
then cheerfully asked, “Can I join you?” Hashim replied “oh yes, our pleasure.”
Gul slightly pushed his partner with his elbow signaling him that he had very
rightly read her body language. They had a general chat and walked for some
time and then before leaving Mary shook hand with Gul and hugged Hashim. They
both were surprised the way she had gone frank in short time.
On
the fourth day, the first practical shooting was planned. all the snipers were
taken to shooting area on luxury coaches. On reaching there, a comprehensive
briefing was given by Major Thomas about the rules to be followed. Gul could
not understand much. The shooting area had all modern facilities and was quite
different to the one where Hashim & Gul used to practice in Pakistan.
There
was a shooting track in which every team was to come on turn & shoot at
target. The target was a type of a small statue. The shooter need not to move
himself to increase or decrease the distance whereas a remote control was fixed
on track to shift target from one point to another asper convenience. The
distance of target could vary from 200m to 2000meters. A big screen had been
installed on one side to have a clear view of the posture of shooter and the
target.
Points
scoring depended on distance and where statue was hit. Maximum points were for
the bullet that hit forehead. Small microphones were installed both at the
point of shooter & the target which produced a nice sound effect of whole
process. All the teams and management had very clear view of whole procedure
from their comfortable chairs.
Hashim
& Gul stood on one side for some minutes to familiarize with new
environment. Hashim availed the time to brief Gul in urdu about the rules of
game which Maj Thomas had recently told. Gul listened to his partner but did
not agree. He was trying to tell Hashim that Vijay had explained things in
different way. Hashim did not get time to make rules of game clear to him as
final bell rang to be seated quietly.
Other
snipers started firing. They selected distances as per their convenience &
capability. The performance of each
shooter was visible on big screen.
As
soon board blinked “Pakistan” Gul picked rifle and started walking towards
track. Hashim thought that since Gul already had seen other snipers so no
confusion left. He took his position and set the target at 300m. Hashim was
astonished as it was minimum distance and Gul was capable of hitting from much
more distance. Gul sat, took his position and fired three bullets in no time at
same distance. Hashim was shocked and got up to run towards Gul as Gul would
have not been able to hear from there. By the time he could take only some
steps, Gul had fired the remaining bullets. Hashim was very annoyed and depressed
on his very poor performance Gul had
surely wasted his bullets and secured minimum marks. Hashim saw towards Gul
with angry eyes with many questions. To his surprise Gul replied “I told you
earlier that Vijay was telling his partner to fire all bullets in less seconds
in order to gain maximum mark.” Hashim
never thought that to make fool of Gul was so easy. He looked at Indian team
and found them very happy and enjoying. Gul was not so innocent or inexperienced
but had been easily trapped or hypnotized.
Hashim
took the rifle and loaded it. He saw at screen for some moments which still
showed poor performance of his partner and thought for a while. Hashim then
walked towards Major Thomas and tried to brief him that how Gul had been misled
and requested for a second chance. Thomas rejected request with a simple smile.
He while turning listened Vijay’s words “Teach him professional language.”
During
his walk to shooting track, Hashim knew that he had to show extra ordinary
performance to cover the loss and to keep his country’s name in top numbers.
He
relaxed himself and decided to shoot in laying position. He set the distance at
1250m for first bullet. So far, the maximum distance at which other shooters
had set target was at 1200m and that too on their last bullet. Thomas noted it
with keen eyes. Hashim saw the target
from rifle’s telescope a twisted the elevation knob accordingly. He then
pressed the trigger. Within fraction of seconds sound of bullet came on hitting
the target. He saw on screen to confirm that bullet had hit on forehead just
above right eye. He then pressed the
remote-control button to increase the distance to 1500m.He again set the knob
on rifle to new distance and pressed the trigger. The second bullet had also
hit the head.
By
that time, he had gained confidence so decided to further increase distance.
Words of Thomas at the start of shooting exercise came in his mind “Any target
above 1800m would be very challenging because of present breeze and cloudy
weather. Bonus points would be given on every meter above 1800m.” He thought
for a while and remembering his Allah, set target at 1900m. All the eyes were set on big screen to see
the result. Many speculated that Hashim would waste the third bullet after
having good points on first two bullets.
Gul felt embarrassed and sat quietly. Wind speed slightly further
increased which was of course not in favor of any shooter. Hashim did not waste much time and closed one
eye and pressed the trigger. Everyone was astonished as third bullet had also
hit on forehead. Mary closely watched all this and was too happy although her
own maximum distance was 1100m and her no bullet hitting forehead.
Hashim
reset the distance to 1930m. Thomas thought that he had gone crazy and was
taking unnecessary risk. He ensured the target on rifle’s telescope and pressed
the trigger. The fourth bullet had also hit the head. Mary started clapping and
others followed her except Indians. They were tight lipped.
Hashim
again loaded rifle and pressed the remote-control button to set distance at
1940m. He thought for a while and then increased the distance to 1970m. The
light had faded as sun had gone behind clouds and a slight increase in wind
pressure. The conditions were not in his favor but he could not afford any
mistake. He saw the target in telescope and focused the head again and pressed
the trigger. Sound of bullet struck all ears and loud voice of Major Thomas
came “unbelievable” He at once got up from chair and rushed towards Hashim. He
was followed by Mary.
(To
be continued)
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