The sight of the Himalayan mountain range from his bedroom window had never been so dull and frightening for the twenty one year old Akash Gupta. The family was mourning. Akash’s father lost his job. He was working in a garment manufacturing company in Bhadarpur, Nepal----a small sleepy bordering town in the India-Nepal border. The great recession had its toll on one of the outsourced American garment manufacturing company at a small town in Nepal.
Akash’s father was given some money and send off home. The amount he got was not much to take care of his family for even a month. The family asked each member ---“Now what”? Akash’s father decided to open up an eatery in front of the Bhadarpur College. At least this would somehow steady the rocking financial boat.
A month after, Akash graduated in commerce and got the desired certificate. He wanted to pursue his career by joining a management course. But that meant a lot of money. Akash restricted all his expenditure. He stopped going to the local gymnasium. He even restricted buying clothes. All the austerity measures could not bring the financial happiness in the family. In her spare time Akash’s mother started making woolen garments in her knitting machine so as to supplement their family income. Akash started applying for different jobs but couldn’t succeed.
“Why don’t you join our type of work, you would be paid quite handsomely, for every trip you undertake”. Akash was offered the job of a “carrier” by the local smuggling cartels operating in the India- Nepal borders. Akash readily agreed. After all he has to just carry those cheap Chinese electronic goods from Nepal and cross the Mechi River which separates Nepal from India and deliver it to the Indian smugglers. These Chinese goods are in great demand in the major cities of India, especially Kolkata, Delhi and “B” grade cities. He informed his parents of his “new job” assignment in an “export-import” company. His parents were happy.
Akash father was overjoyed and blessed his son when he handed him twenty thousand rupees as his first “pay”. This would make us live a little bit comfortably.
Akash’s trip to India continued. He was successful in evading the eyes of the Indian border guards. Akash graduated from smuggling cheap Chinese toys to animal skins. Akash’s smuggling employers were very happy with his work. What a success rate? No arrest and no loss of goods in Akash hundred and ten trips to India so far.
Avinash Mathur an inspector in the Customs department in India had been following Akash’s activities for quite some time. He waited for an opportune moment to strike Akash. The day arrived when he caught Akash with a large consignment of contraband goods. Avinash made a deal with Akash. Either you work for us as a “source” or be ready to spend the rest of your life at jail. Akash thought it’s wise to listen to Avinash.
Akash’s many tips to Avinash had been useful. Avinash made large seizures. His name was recommended for a promotion. But poor Akash, he had no place to hide. His smuggling bosses were after his blood. A sudden fear gripped him. He could be killed any day. He pleaded with Avinash to find him a respectable job. He wanted to leave this dirty job. Avinash didn’t want to loose his golden goose. He made false promises to Akash so that he continues with his supply of information. Akash thought he is being used like a condom only to be thrown away when the purpose is over.
Akash went to Siliguri to find a respectable job. He found none. Not knowing what to do he sits at a tea stall. He ordered for a tea. A group of youths were discussing some recruitment in the Indian army. He approached them to know what type of recruitment was going on. It was the “Short Service Commission” officers’ examinations.
Akash Gupta is now days known as Captain Akash Gupta.
Sitendu De is the author of this post
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