A dinner trap

by A.F. Dawood

Seated in the office, he is in a pensive mood. He is thinking, or rather racking his brain, how to take advantage of the situation that has cropped up. A huge contraband is to be cleared from the Customs. If he gives the green light he would immensely benefit financially. He remembers the businessman who met him last week; he remembers the pleading tone he used to get his contraband cleared. The contraband, arms and ammunition, which has to be cleared.

"How many times have you imported like this to the country?" he asked in a tone to express his belligerence.

"I've been doing this business for the past 10 years. The former Chief cleared my goods, and there was no problem as such," replied the businessman meekly.

"So you want me to do the same thing?" questioned he in the same tone. The businessman remained silent for sometime and then plucked up courage and spoke, "Sir, sir, I'll look after you very well."

The businessman awaits his response; the Customs officer, likes the suggestion, but he displays a facade of pretense. "So you're going to buy me."

"Sir, please don't drag the matter. I'll give you, sir any amount you ask," the businessman pleaded.

Many Customs officers are money motivated and Shamrock Bela is no exception; he is known in the department as bribe king. Through corrupt means he has amassed sufficient wealth.

Green light

As petitions have reached the department, he is a bit reluctant to demand huge sums - usually Rs 1.5 million to 2 million to give the green light to clear the contraband. So he is hesitant and his colleagues too have advised him to be careful.

Shamrock Bela was deep in thought. He was totally oblivious to his surrounding.

His thought trailed to the young lady who was with the businessman. She was an epitome of beauty; her poise, charm and beauty would bewitch any man.

"Who is this; Mr. Gunera?"

"She's my daughter, sir"

"Still schooling?"

"No, sir, she finished schooling and is now following a computer course."

The Customs Chief directed his glance at her.

"Why computer course? You could've followed Law or Accountancy". The girl simply blushed. She did not talk.

"A lot of money involved sir, for higher studies,"Gunera said. "So please release my goods for the sake of my daughter."

"For the sake of my daughter..." Shamrock Bela repeated. "What will you give me?"

"Anything you ask, sir".

The Customs Officer's mind was in a whirl of thought. His reverie was shattered by the chief clerk's voice. "Sir, someone has come to see you."

He came around. "Who is that?"

"Sir, that gentleman, Gunera."

Gunera met the Customs officer in his room.

"Sir, I've brought a parcel for you. It's in my car."

"No, Gunera, I won't accept money. I've enough money."

"Then what do you want, sir? Tell me anything, I'll supply you."

"What's your daughter's name, Gunera?"

"Oh! the one who came here last week? She's Felonica."

"She's in the car, or didn't she come?"

"Sir, I'll bring her next time."

"Yes, I want to talk to her."

Nice time

The Customs officer is in his forties but looks young and possesses a charming personality. He is obsessed with the desire to have a nice time with Felonica, 15 years younger to him. He thought that he had taken enough of money from numerous businessman to clear their contraband; so he decided to seek the favour of Gunera's daughter as he thought that it would be safer than taking money.

Gunera met the Customs officer in his room with his daughter. "Felonica, what are you doing these days, I mean, how do you spend your time?"

This time Felonica did not blush. She answered the questions well; she has been coached by the father to act that way.

"I go for classes, do my assignments and listen to music."

"That's very good. You don't go out for dinner?"

She giggled but did not answer.

"Alright, I'm taking you for dinner, will you come?"

She remained silent and cast a glance at her father.

"Reply Felonica, reply."

"Where will you take me, sir?"

"To one of the hotels."

"What hotel, sir?"

"I'll tell that later. Tell me will you come with me or not?"

"I'll come, sir."

"That's fine".

Two days later Shamrock Bela summoned Gunera and his daughter to his office. He told them both to surrender their mobile phones.

"Where're we going, sir?"

You both come to the hotel I take you. I don't want you to know the hotel I'm taking you.The trio went to a star class hotel in Shamrock Bela's car; he was at the wheel. They were in a fabulous hotel by seven in the evening. Keeping the father and the daughter in the lounge, Shamrock Bela went to book a room. As these two have surrendered their mobile phones to Shamrock Bela, they were unable to communicate with anyone. However, Gunera managed to befriend a gentleman pacing the lounge and borrowed his phone to pass a message. A few minutes ticked by. Gunera was fidgeting in the lounge, thinking of the scene that is going to unfold. Shamrock came rushing to the lounge and fetched Felonica upstairs and told Gunera, "You remain seated, we'll be back soon."

Room

In the room Felonica acted the way her father had instructed. She had resisted his attempt to undress her.

"No, no, I don't like".

"Then why did you come with me. I didn't force you to come. You agreed to come." He was infuriated. "Come on Felonica, you co-operate with me. I'll ......"

"No, no," Felonica screamed at the top of her voice. "Please stop that, I don't ...."

Just then there was a tap on the door. Both Shamrock and Felonica stood still. The "tap tap" sound continued.

Shamrock Bela became restless.

"Open the door!" A voice commanded from outside.

The door was opened. Shamrock was flabbergasted. He was badly trapped. Two police officers in mufti were standing outside. "We're from the CID. We're taking you in to custody."

(All characters in this story are fictitious and do not bear resemblance to any person living or dead)