Chapter3.
The consul general Lue Wan Chu at Chennai office of government of Singapore, stared at the photograph attached to the visa application form and the passport. His office was used to receiving thousands of such applications and there was a well organised set up to handle these applications. So he was a little surprised when this particular application was routed to him for his decision on grant of visiting visa. He looked at the name given in the form and the passport. The name did not strike any alarm bell, so why did this paper come to him, he asked himself, trying to see if any thing was written by the Visa officer. He called his Aide and asked, ’Do you know any thing about this form and why this paper was marked for my attention.”
For Lue wan Chu the appointment to the position of consul general ,India was high point in his diplomatic career. India was the emerging giant in international diplomatic field pitting her might and influence against China. So it was important for him to maintain best of relationship with Indian government and Indian people. So he did not want to create any diplomatic situation by denying Visa to any important Indian officiando, if he could help it. He looked at the photo and read the name again. He told himself that he should not deny visa to an applicant just because the photo that stared him was intimidating to say the least. The name also looked strange ’ Dickey Shankar Gurung’, profession retired Indian Army. Purpose was stated as sight seeing.So what was wrong with the application, he wanted to know.. He waited for his Aide to respond. The aide said, ’Sir, there are many questions. The application form is not our standard form. This is Xerox copy of limited number of forms we had selectively sent to Law ministry of Government of India, who are sending twenty legal experts for the forthcoming Judicial conclave being organised by our Attorney general at Singapore. So first question was how did this man get this application form in the first place. Secondly , we get forms only through our authorised agents, but this application came directly. Thirdly there was a recommendation letter attached to the visa application form. The letter was signed by IGP .HYDERABAD. Why did this man need such a strong recommendation? It is not so difficult to get Singapore Visa as we are quite liberal. I know it is almost second nature for some Indians to attach recommendations for special favours. That is the way many Indians get their work done and permits released. In view of these questions, our staff officer was not keen on deciding to issue the visa on his own.
Consul general heard all that patiently and then asked , “what do you suggest that I do?”
I suggest you simply say NO.
Consul stared at him and then said, ‘okay. Return the papers with reject stamp’
The consul forgot about it as soon as his aide moved out of his sight.
The envelope from Singapore consul’s office landed at Mouli’s desk at the police commissioner’s office , Hyderabad. Mouli eagerly tore open the envelope and extracted the passport and attached letter. The letter from the consul General office of Government Singapore, Chennai, clearly stated that the applicant’s application for Visa was rejected. There was a large stamp in red colour “Denied” in large bold letters.
Mouli whistled cheerfully.
He called Dickey on cell phone.
Dickey who was ironing his shirt on the ironing board kept the hot iron away and softly said Hello .He had noticed that it was Mouli calling. The loud cheerful voice of Police commissioner Mouli filled the air. ’Eh Dickey, it looks as though you are not very popular at the consul general’s office at Chennai or at Singapore. Your application has been rejected with extra large reject stamp. Did you do anything dirty in Singapore during your last visit.?”
Dickey was annoyed ’Nobody knows about my last visit to Singapore. It does not appear in my passport also. what happened?’
Nothing .They simply don’t want to see you any where around Singapore.
Any reasons?
Nothing. Just a plain old rejection letter. Diplomats do not believe in giving long winded explanation .At least not to any lazy retired army bums.
Mouli liked nothing more than irritating Dickey. He gets such opportunities very rarely because Dickey was always on top of any game he played and Mouli was always playing second fiddle.
Mouli , stop playing the fool. You know I have to go to Singapore. Kadambari has been nominated as a delegate for the judicial conclave and I am supposed to escort her to Singapore and back. She has already got her diplomatic Visa. She could have processed mine also. But I thought I could get it done faster through your office. That is why I sent a Xerox copy of blank application form obtained by her. I thought you were more capable than law ministry. Now I know why AP police is held in such low esteem. You can’t manage a simple Visa. You are inefficient.’ It was dickey’s turn to rag Mouli.
Mouli Bristled. For him AP Police was always top.
I have to get that Visa, Mouli. I have to go. Do some thing.
You have to escort kaddu ?.
Yes.
You want me to believe that.
Dickey you are holding out on me. There is some thing going on. you met the DGA in Delhi. You have undertaken to do some dirty job for him. Now out with it Dickey.
How did you know about my meeting DGA?
We are AP Police. We make it a point to know what is going on around some important people. For AP Police Dickey is important. We always protect your back.
Big deal. You are spying on me. OK you know some thing. you know it is important for me to go Singapore. So get my visa.
When is the conference?.
A month from now.
Okay ,I will get your visa. But you move your butt and reach my office to tell me all about the troubles you are going to create to god knows who. I want to be prepared for all the shit that starts flying around when you make your play.
No . I am not coming any where near your office for some time. If you are very keen to know all about DAG’s problems come home for lunch. Kaddu has promised one of her best biriyani for lunch. Taj is sending their top chef to help her.
That is a deal , said Mouli cheerfully.
Mouli was twenty years younger than Dickey, but there was a close friendship borne out of great trust and respect between them .For Mouli, Dickey was an elder brother or a father he never had.
Dickey, you will get that Visa even if it means I have to fry that precious CG over low fire.
Okay.be on time for lunch. Biryani should not be eaten cold and kaddu hates people who don’t keep their time.
Mouli laughed and said , I love your kaddu. I wish she were thirty years younger.