J K Bhalla GSI (retd.)
I would like to continue from where Khalil left, as both of us were ' partners- in- crime' of whatever GSISOA for four years did with full intellectual and moral support of KKU. In fact he was at least two mental steps ahead of us even in our normal conversation and absolutely unambiguous about what he wanted to convey.
In another incident pertaining to SOA activity, both Khalil and I managed to fix an appointment with a union cabinet minister by visiting his house in Guwahati- a rather rare achievement. Acutely aware of our own limitation in taking on a minister- who was a brilliant individual by any standards, we contemplated including KK in our delegation. Our apprehension was only because of this affecting his career which had the potential of his reaching the top.
" What happened at Guwahati" he asked as soon as we entered his room at Kolkata. ' Yes, we got the appointment, but stuck on who goes with us in delegation" I said blandly. " You have me in mind?" " Yes" I said " but....... " You are bothered about my career" " Yes" I replied. Then he said -
"Look, I am now a Director. Number one main banoonga nahin, aur number 2 banane se mujhe kisika Baap-tist bhi nahin rok sakta. I am coming with you. Saale minister ko bhi dekh lete hain. Koi kya ukhar lega" he declared in his trademark ISM Hindi- English combination.
The delegation was finalized in two minutes flat.