There are many a devil!

Chicago

There were some informal meetings by the sidelines of the parliament. This meeting at Kina’s was one such meeting. Kina’s was an upmarket restaurant at Chicago – often frequented by the who’s who of the country. Today, the dinner meeting was between Father Carlo of Brazil, Priest Osman of Somalia and  Tsang Hui of China.

“It is important that righteousness rules – whatever way it might.” Osman explained as the others heard with apt attention. “In my country, the masses are with me and I guide them on the right path. The prince cannot question me either. In fact he treads his path as I advice him.” There seemed a touch of pride in his voice. He had his head held high. “My writ rules in not only Somalia, but also Sudan and Kenya. People accept me as their spiritual master and listen to me. Narayanaswami talks about the congress of forces of the good, but his influence in his own nation is  limited – he heads an international sect, that’s fine – and a rich one at it, but what about the power? We need to establish a religious and righteous rule in the world to make it livable.

“ It is impossible in my country Osman.” Carlo replied. “I might have people listening to me, but I can’t extend my influence on  the government to make religious laws. Moreover people are happy.”

“Happy?” Osman replied. “There are two forces in this world. Good and evil. Whatever we do, either makes the god happy or the devil. People don’t count in this Carlo.” His voice became stern. “What matters is that on what side you are?” He looked straight into his eyes. “Remember what O’Donnell said today morning – we need to put limits.”

In the background, sat Lui - listening to the conversation. He haad always wanted to make it big and change the future of people – everything that Osman said felt like making sense. There were people in his nation, and there was power and there was a huge gap between the two. He could easily function as a power broker – he only needed to tread cautiously. Just as he was in a deep thought, Osman called on Freidricho – the chief of the shadow government at Rio.

“Hello Mr. Freidricho, Salam wa’alaikum. Al Osman Al Hameed from the Somalian mosque.”

“Hello Mr. Osman.” Came back the reply. “It’s been a long time since I heard from you. As we had promised you in last elections, we are garnishing support for implementation of religious laws and special previlages for the two million Muslims in Brazil. We welcome your support for upliftment of the community in our country.”

“So  kind of you, Mr. Freidricho.” Osman answered in a pleasant tone. “God willing, you would be the next head of the state. Today, however I have called you for another favour. Favour, as it would be, not only to me and you, but also to the almighty.”

“Go ahead Mr. Osman.” Came the reply.

“I have a good friend in Father Carlo from Rio, who shares my thoughts in the matters of religion.  I hope you would visit him and have a chat. I feel we can work really well together.”

“Oh, that would be a pleasure.” Friedricho replied. “I would definitely visit him once he returns.”

They exchanged some pleasantries before Osman haung up.

Carlo looked at him with disbelief. There was a smile on Lui’s face. 

  _______________________________________________________

Narayanaswami was in a governing body meeting when he got a call from India. It was his deputy Priyavrat.

“Guruji, there is going to be a new development soon.” Priyavrat said.

“What’s it?” Narayanaswami said in a rather uninterested tone.    

“The government is about to announce a tax on milk other than that given to the government stores for distribution. The food and agriculture minister has said that the regulatory mechanisms for checking the purity and quality of milk are quite expensive for which the companies must pay. They have tried to garner support for this since a long time. Their reason is that the companies and people can give the milk in government deposits and take optimum benefits. They allege that private firms are making milk an expensive commodity for their own benefits. They have also found out that the private firms are either overproducing as  is against the Cow Protection act of India and Prevention of cruelty against animals act of India, or not showing the number of cattle they possess.”

Narayanaswami’s eyes widened.

“Priyavrat, note down. Ask these questions to the government. First, would the cost reduce if the same amount of milk is being checked in government dairies? Second, the net amount of milk would remain the same in the market. People would not give milk to the government, and increase the cost of milk, for which the public would have to pay. Third, the government is more concerned with its own benefit rather than benefit of the people.”

He smiled as he disconnected the call. This might prove a turning point in his career. He smiled.