The New Nation - Internet Edition

Abu Bakar Siddiquee

It is habit of some people to make out cover stories; they don't remain consistent to their words; their assumed personality are not parallel with the reality; in whatever style they present themselves turned out to be the reverse. They see something but narrate it differently concealing the fact, knowingly or unknowingly.

At present Abdul Haque is serving in a reputed office under a junior boss as a peon. He studied up to class eight and after the independence of the country, became the boatman of local union council chairman and soon turned to be his all time companions. Once it happened that Abdul Haque fall sick; along with fever, nausea, loss of appetite, yellow colouration of eyeball and urine, his whole body took a yellowish tint with itching, and progressive weakness. The doctor and the 'Kaviraj' of the village failed to treat him and advised to consult the reputed medical specialist of Dhaka. But Abdul Haque neither had the capability of going to Dhaka nor could spend money for his treatment. At last the chairman became sympathetic at Abdul Haque's earnest entreaty. While he came to Dhaka to admit his daughter in the University he fetched Abdul Haque along with him to be treated in a city hospital. The senior consultant of the hospital made some investigations and said, 'it's already late, Mr. Chairman, he is heading towards liver failure, which means certainty of death.'

However Abdul Haque fought the disease with the kind help of Chairman. The cold hand of death almost touched him but he was survived from its embrace. After almost one and a half months treatment in the hospital he recovered fully. He was also lucky enough to get a job in the capital, being employed in the doctor's house.

Abdul Haque was passing his days happily with the job. At the end of the month regularly he sends money to his family at village home. After finishing all work he used to have full meal and sound sleep. But he had a dream to serve in a government job, which also came into reality soon. One day the doctor called him and said,

'Abdul Haque, for a long time you have been working with me. After all you also have to think of your future; to bring up the family, to look after parents, to educate the children is a part of life and one require money for these. As such I have arranged a government service for you.'

Then he wrote a letter, sealed inside an envelope, and send Abdul Haque with that letter to the senior officer, where Abdul Haque works at present.

The doctor had a great reputation as a medical practitioner and had liaison with people of high status in the society. People had great respect for him. Abdul Haque was taken into the job. He was in the good look of the senior boss. Other employees of the office envy him in spite of having no enmity with anybody. But Abdul Haque did not change his character; he used to carry out the order of his senior boss and after office hour doing the tid-bit works of his house he used to return to the doctor's house to have meal and pass his night.

Thus Abdul Haque was passing his days happily. In the Eid holidays, before going home he used to buy clothes for his parents, wife, children and relatives and never forget to buy other necessary household articles. He also used to buy gifts for his neighbours according to their requirement of normal living hood. His aged father and mother always prayed for him. They used to say,

'Be happy my son. May almighty Allah grant you a long life and fortune, enable your children to become police sub inspector or magistrate.'

Abdul Haque used to be glad on hearing their prayers.

After few years, that easy life of Abdul Haque became stormy. His boss was transferred to another office in a higher position. Before farewell the boss promoted the head clerk of his office to the post of junior officer, with utmost effort. Abdul Haque was appointed as a peon of that junior officer. The boss thought that as they had been working together for so many years would have some bondage of love and affection; and would work in harmony caring for each other. But he proved to be wrong. After the promotion to the rank of officer the head clerk changed his attitude overnight. He pretended not to recognize the lower class employees with whom he used to work in the same desk, same room. He ordered Abdul Haque not to allow anybody to enter his office room without prior permission. If anybody tried to be familiar with him in the assumed personae of his previous acquaintance, had to stumble. Peon Abdul Haque was in awkward situation. He had to face all the storm of his new boss. It became difficult for him to keep good terms with the members of the office, who were known to him for so many years, and were like a single family.

Abdul Haque was ordered to do all the household works of his new boss after office hours. He didn't like it and felt humiliated; still he used to perform all the home duties meticulously and silently. After completing all the works he used to return to the doctor's house to have his meal and pass night there.

This time the new boss hindered his night stay also. He called Abdul Haque and said, 'Look Abdul Haque, how silly is that being my subordinate you are performing the duty of watch man in someone else's house? From now onwards after completing the work in my house you can take your meal by cooking yourself or from a hotel, and then guard my house at night.

Abdul Haque got stunned,- what an order! So long he has taken his meal at the doctor's house, he has passed his many years of life there. Now how could he leave the place by tearing off all the bondages of the doctor's family!

The junior boss snubbed,

'What are you thinking? From today onwards you must carry out my order. You must remember that your service is for the sake of mere subsistence and my service is a fancied one to have honour in the society. Do you get me?'

'Yes, sir, I do.'

'What do you understand?

'I serve for my bread and butter and you serve for honour and prestige in the society. Sir, we serve to fulfil the need of ours which falls short off!'

(Translated by Razia Khanam)