{"id":28630,"date":"2023-10-01T09:19:43","date_gmt":"2023-10-01T07:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themarkaz.org\/oldmarkaz\/?p=28630"},"modified":"2023-10-01T09:19:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-01T07:19:43","slug":"silence-is-golden-a-short-story-by-farah-ahamed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themarkaz.org\/oldmarkaz\/silence-is-golden-a-short-story-by-farah-ahamed\/","title":{"rendered":"“Silence is Golden”\u2014a short story by Farah Ahamed"},"content":{"rendered":"
His own greatness misunderstood, Dr. Fazal takes a vow.<\/span><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

Farah Ahamed<\/span><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday morning and Dr. Fazal was ready for a productive week. Dr. Fazal, to be clear, did not have a PhD, nor was he a medical doctor, but his colleagues called him \u201cDoctor\u201d because he was full of \u201ctimeless philosophical wisdoms,\u201d as he said himself.\u00a0 He\u2019d made the suggestion at an HR meeting in jest when he realized he was always being consulted when there were serious problems to be solved, and the name had stuck. One time, many years ago, he had the feeling that his colleagues were making fun of him, but that was a forgotten memory. When he did remember, he told his wife, \u201cBeing wrong is just as powerful as being right. Sometimes even more so.\u201d He\u2019d been at Amber Investments for ten years working as the Deputy Human Resources of HR Manager. He was not in any doubt that a man of his talent and superior intellect was destined for higher places. His favorite saying was, \u201cIn six simple words, I can sum up everything I\u2019ve learned about life. It starts and stops with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stopped Khalid, the tea boy, as they exited the lift together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Khalid.\u201d He lowered his voice. \u201cDid you take my trousers to Sir Gangaram\u2019s to get altered?\u201d It was against company policy to use support staff to run personal errands, but Dr. Fazal felt as Deputy he should allow himself some exemptions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Khalid said. \u201cI took them to Liberty Market.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you explain to the tailor to open the waist and shorten the trousers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they\u2019ll be ready tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, then bring them straight to me. I don\u2019t want them getting lost. They\u2019re for my new suit.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They walked down the corridor.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father told me, there\u2019s no rice without<\/span> small broken pieces,\u201d Khalid said. \u201cIt\u2019s true even for your trousers, not so? But after they\u2019re repaired, I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be first class.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Khalid talked too much, and every interaction was peppered with his father\u2019s sayings. Dr. Fazal suspected he often made up the quotes and said it was his father just to give them weight. He unlocked the door to his office. Khalid stood waiting with an expectant expression. Of course, the tip. Dr. Fazal gave him fifty rupees. \u201cThanks for your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir, Ms. Zafar said I should be informing her if anyone in the department asks for favors.\u201d Alia Zafar was the Head of HR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Fazal had been trying for a promotion for several years, but she kept saying he wasn\u2019t ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMs. Zafar needs to stop being so petty.\u201d He gave Khalid another fifty. \u201cAnd keep this between us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, sir.\u201d Khalid pocketed the notes. \u201cI almost forgot this.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He took the bulky envelope from Khalid. Inside were a document and note.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor,\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/i>I\u2019ve been trying to reach you by phone, but you haven\u2019t been picking up. I\u2019ve just realized that the dates of the Standard Chartered Golf Tournament clashes with the International Transparency Conference which is in the UK later this week. I\u2019ve already confirmed my name to play. Do you mind going to the UK instead of me? You\u2019ll have to travel on Friday. Here are the papers and my speech. Remember, you\u2019ll be representing Amber \u2014 we must make the right impression.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Call me,\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Alia<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The opportunity to travel abroad was not something that happened often. He went into his office, sat down on his swivel chair and excitedly dialed her number. \u201cHello Alia, I\u2019ve just seen your message.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, please go through my speech carefully,\u201d she said, \u201cRemember this is an important meeting about corporate transparency. You must emphasize that Amber\u2019s policy is that: <\/span>Employees must act visibly, predictably and understandably.<\/span><\/i> If you\u2019re asked a question and you don\u2019t know the answer, just keep quiet. The less said, the better.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOf course.\u201d He played with the stapler on his desk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cIn such situations Doctor, remember, silence is golden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cYou can count on me to be Amber\u2019s ambassador.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cKeep me posted. I\u2019ll be on the golf course, but checking my phone.\u201d She hung up.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d known sooner or later his chance to shine on a global stage would come. His gaze shifted to the wall lined with rows of books which he\u2019d been collecting to read when he retired: <\/span>How to Win Friends and Influence People<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>The Art of War, The Magic of Thinking Big, Teach Yourself HR in Three Easy Steps. <\/span><\/i>He hadn\u2019t read any of them, of course, because, at his level, he knew exactly what he needed to know. He selected<\/span> The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, <\/span><\/i>dusted the cover, and turned the pages without registering any of the words. Yes, he thought, yes, Dr. Fazal, you have finally arrived.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood by the window looking down at the cramped car park with overflowing dustbins. One day, instead of Alia, he would occupy the office on the top floor, with the garden view. He typed up a message for Salma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello Dear,\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/i>I have to leave for London for an important meeting on Friday. Please pack my things, including my new suit. I\u2019ll explain everything later.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

She responded straight away. <\/span>May I come?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Sorry dear, it\u2019s strictly business.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He had met Salma at a boring ten-day accounting course for non-finance executives five years ago. They\u2019d made a connection over the lunch breaks. Salma had been supportive of his ambitions at Amber, and enthusiastic about his accomplishments. After they\u2019d been on several dates, he\u2019d proposed to her. The only problem was that Salma was forever trying out new diets and exercises. He wouldn\u2019t have minded if she didn\u2019t inflict them on him. She\u2019d recently forced him on a no wheat and sugar diet, which meant no <\/span>gulab jamuns<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>kheer<\/span><\/i>. And many others, equally torturous. But nothing seemed to have worked. He was as plump as ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

London<\/h4>\n

Dr. Fazal messaged Salma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hi dear, landed safely at Heathrow. In-flight food delicious. Watched horror film. How are you?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

She replied, <\/span>Finished an hour at the gym. First day of juice diet going well.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He responded<\/span>: Checked into the President Hotel, Russell Square. Going for shower. Conference in an hour.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Thank goodness he wasn\u2019t there. The juice diet sounded ghastly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

He attended the morning session, listened carefully and took notes. The mood was serious and he felt gratified to be representing Amber. His first international assignment. And many more to come. At lunchtime, the conference organizers assigned a journalist to interview him. All the delegates were being asked for their thoughts, which would be combined in a conference booklet. Dr. Fazal found the young woman, Ruth, very pleasant. He approved of the cut and style of her long tweed skirt and jacket, and neatly combed, short hair. Very professional, he thought. She seemed to be quite in awe of him, because she kept smiling and even coughed a couple of times as he was talking, which he put it down to her obvious nervousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBased on your experience in the HR sector, Dr. Fazal,\u201d Ruth said, \u201cwhat would you say were your three principles for transparent leadership?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree rules are too few.\u201d He put on a thoughtful expression, then remembering the bookshelf in his office said, \u201cEven Steven Covey, the guru, has seven.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,” she said, \u201cbut we have a word count print restriction.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He frowned. \u201cNow let me see. Rule one is this: Transparent leadership starts from the inside out. Not the other way around.\u201d He moved his plate to the side and propped his elbows on the table and made a steeple with his hands as he had seen politicians do on television. \u201cIt is really not something that one shouts about, but based on a person\u2019s core values.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth took some notes then placed her phone on the table, \u201cDo you mind if I record our conversation?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, Ruth, please do. You must make the most of this opportunity.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Returning to the question of core values, what might they be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He tapped the tips of his fingers. \u201cIt depends, it all depends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne must use one\u2019s imagination, Ruth. One must never be literal.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. How about rule number two?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes, rule two is this: Transparent leaders are products of what they think, not circumstances. They should always keep the central thing, the central thing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that, Dr. Fazal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe central thing is not an absolute, but a contingent.\u201d He picked up a fork and spoon and lay them side by side on the table to emphasize his point. \u201cWhatever is critical should always stay the focus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould you explain, please?\u201d She was looking at the cutlery, bemused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite simple really; a true leader must be ready to accept smaller defeats, in order to win the bigger battle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is what, it is, of course,\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t speak for all leaders. I can only speak for myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d Ruth nodded, but he could read confusion in her eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His precious pearls of wisdom were going over her head, it was obvious. She was struggling with his profundity. He really would have to speak to the organizers about allocating him such a junior journalist. It was too bad. He needed a more seasoned interviewer who really appreciated the finer points he was making. \u201cWhich brings me to rule number three,\u201d he said. \u201cAll transparent leaders must strive to leave a worthwhile legacy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what will yours be, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be what it will be.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould you please clarify?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obvious, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he said. \u201cAny leader will know what I mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth jotted something on her writing pad. \u201cAnd what motivated you to work in HR?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew from a young age I was destined for great things.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow inspiring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked her straight in the eye. \u201cA leader never forgets, Ruth, that when one is in a high place, one has a bird\u2019s eye view.\u201d He framed his hands in a square. \u201cOne sees the bigger picture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould you give me an example, please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake this interview. What I say may not mean much to you, Ruth, but it will to those who understand me.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely, sir. That\u2019s an excellent point. Any final thoughts?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe hallmark of a true leader is that he can\u2019t predict the spheres of his influence.\u201d He gave a modest nod. \u201cSo I shall leave it to posterity to show what I have done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy colleagues don\u2019t call me Doctor for nothing, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. If you don\u2019t mind, Dr. Fazal, could we have a snap of you to accompany the article?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. Where would you like to take it? How about over there, under the photo of the King?\u201d He stood up, tucked his tie into his trousers, dusted down his jacket, and patted down his hair. He struck his most dignified pose. \u201cHow is this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect, sir.\u201d Ruth held up her phone and the flash went off.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to seeing my interview in the conference magazine,\u201d he said, beaming. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At lunchtime, he sent Alia an email.<\/span><\/p>\n

To: alia@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>From: fazal@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>Date: Tuesday, December 6, 1:08
\n<\/span>Subject: A & T Conference\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Alia<\/span><\/p>\n

This morning, I heard many eminent men and women at the lectern. The theory proposed by a distinguished gray-haired gentleman from Not Only Transparent (NOT) was the highlight. He argued that the lack of transparency and accountability in institutions was the fault of <\/span>bureaucracy <\/span><\/i>and not<\/span> individuals<\/span><\/i>. He concluded that we are facing a global crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n

All best,<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor<\/span><\/p>\n

Sent from my iPhone<\/span><\/p>\n

Email\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To: alia@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>From: fazal@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>Wednesday, December 7, 16:09<\/span>
\n<\/span>Re: A & T Conference\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Alia,<\/span><\/p>\n

The NOT delegate relied on the Transparency Index and the Corruptions Perceptions Catalogue. Everyone agreed the evidence was incontrovertible. We finished the day on this consensus<\/span>: Man is but a product of his environment. <\/span><\/i>Tomorrow\u2019s deliberations will focus on examples of best practice and policy frameworks. I\u2019ve been allocated five minutes to present the case study of Amber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re now going for a tour of Bloomsbury. But first we\u2019ll have tea at a caf\u00e9 named after a famous Roman emperor. They certainly know how to treat important delegates here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good luck with the tournament!<\/span><\/p>\n

All best,<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor<\/span><\/p>\n

Sent from my iPhone<\/span><\/p>\n

A few hours later. Dr. Fazal returned to his hotel room, his arms full of packages. The group had walked around Russell Square and then gone to Covent Garden for some retail therapy. At Marks & Spencer\u2019s he\u2019d discovered a pair of stripy gray fleece pajamas on sale. The sales assistant said it was his lucky day as it was the last pair left in his size. She had also helped him choose a smart jogging suit, for Salma. He put on his new pajamas, settled down on the bed, and sent Salma a text message.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello dear. Been busy meeting important people. Went shopping. Hope you are okay.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

She responded: <\/span>Hope you bought my gym things. Day two of juice diet.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He replied,<\/span> Yes, dear.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He typed an email to Alia.<\/span><\/p>\n

To: alia@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>From: fazal@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>Wednesday, December 7, 22:09
\n<\/span>Re: A & T Conference\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Alia,<\/span><\/p>\n

This afternoon was quite disappointing. The tour began at Caf\u00e9 Nero in Bloomsbury. All I can say is that it is a prime example of false marketing. How misleading to have the grand name of an emperor for a high street caf\u00e9! Instead of scones with cream and jam, we were offered wilted almond croissants and tea in paper cups. If you ask me, it should be Caf\u00e9 Zero.<\/span><\/p>\n

After that we went to the British Museum to visit the Ancient Rome Room, where we looked at ancient artefacts, including coins, sculptures and papyri. The names on many of the items had been erased and some of the portraits had been defaced. The guide explained this was, \u201c<\/span>damnatio memoriae<\/span><\/i>\u201d which is the term used when a symbol of power is attacked to condemn the memory of a deceased leader or undermine the influence of a living one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m all set for tomorrow. An important day for Amber, and for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

All best,<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor<\/span><\/p>\n

Sent from my iPhone<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning Dr. Fazal awoke early. He spent time in the shower practicing his vowels, and doing facial exercises in the mirror. He could imagine the audience clapping, saying, Dr. Fazal, what a great orator you are. He would make a speech they would never forget. He stood in front of the bathroom mirror, a towel tied around his waist, rehearsing his speech. He posed this way and that, trying to gauge from which angle he looked most flattering. \u201cLadies and gentlemen,\u201d he said. \u201cI stand here before you this morning as the Pakistani delegate from Amber Investments. My name is Dr. Fazal and I am the Deputy HR Manager \u2026\u201d He paused, looked at the bathtub, the toilet, and the bidet. He put on his most distinguished air, glancing up from his notes, to make brief, but intimate eye contact with the imagined audience in front of him. He cleared his throat and repeated his lines. Damn the word \u201cDeputy,\u201d he thought. He wished he could omit it. He brushed his teeth again and gargled with a mint flavored mouthwash. Humming softly, he opened the wardrobe, and took out his neatly pressed brown suit. Everyone would soon be saying he was not only a brilliant speaker, but he also had charm, and charisma. And then, they\u2019d be all over him asking him for his expert advice, as usual.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He pulled up the zipper on his trousers, fastened the buttons on his shirt and tucked it in. The trousers felt snug around the waist. He frowned, they felt uncomfortably tight. He\u2019d eaten only one cream pastry and one croissant the day before at Caf\u00e9 Nero. How would he look with a bulging belly in front of such a distinguished audience? He imagined himself standing there in his too tight trousers, and his heart sank. Then he realized with relief, he needn\u2019t worry too much, because the lectern would cover his belly. He sucked in his stomach, pulled on his jacket, shook out the back vents, and smoothed down the front panels. Last of all, he folded the papers with his speech and placed them in the inside pocket of his jacket. He was checking his hair when his phone rang. It was Alia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, have there been any discussions about employee corruption and transparency?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, in fact I got the impression there was a reluctance to talk about it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust as I thought, these conferences are just big talk.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Fazal glanced at his watch. \u201cI better dash, Alia, or I\u2019ll be late.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget, Doctor, when in doubt, silence is golden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He surveyed his reflection in the full-length mirror one last time. He certainly didn\u2019t look like a Deputy HR Manager, but more like a diplomat. He did a double take. His trousers were at least three inches above his ankles. \u201cDamn you, Khalid.\u201d He tossed the jacket onto the bed and pulled off the trousers. He opened one of the Marks & Spencer bags, and pulled on the navy blue suit he\u2019d bought. It was creased, and the trousers were too long. Better long than short. Harassed and irritated, he ran a comb through his hair, and flattened the sides with water. He drank a quick cup of tea and rushed down to the conference room. He was just in time. The other delegates were strolling in after their breakfast. He beamed at them, and reminded whoever he spoke to, that his presentation was later during the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The morning session included discussions around employee accountability and Dr. Fazal listened attentively, nodded his head, but did not ask a single question. During the break he helped himself to chocolate biscuits and cucumber sandwiches and gulped down two cups of tea. Refreshed, he mingled with the delegates, praised them for their remarks, and made sure not to say anything controversial. He ought to have been in the foreign office, or an ambassador, he thought. Socializing with important people came so naturally for him. It was too bad that at Amber no one recognized his potential. He even forgot to worry about his suit until he happened to looked down and saw how badly the trousers were sagging around the ankles. He quickly moved behind a table so that his legs wouldn\u2019t show.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the afternoon he gave his speech, and returned to his seat satisfied. That evening at the delegates\u2019 reception, he dined on grilled chicken with beetroot salad and for dessert, apple crumble and ice cream. Everyone commented on how delicious the food was, but Dr. Fazal found it bland. He asked the waitress for Tabasco, and all she offered him was salt and pepper. He accepted an invitation from the NOT delegate for a night cap at the bar, and after a few drinks, listening to the other delegates, he felt out of his depth. He made the excuse that he was expecting an international phone call, said good night and retired to his room.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He changed into the toweling robe he found behind the bathroom door and sat down at the writing bureau with his phone. The robe fell open as he began to type and he felt cold air around his tummy. After several attempts to secure the belt, he rang housekeeping.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a delegate attending the Transparency Conference. I\u2019ve just discovered my bathrobe doesn\u2019t fit. Could you please send up a larger one?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry sir, they come in a standard size. Was there anything else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks.\u201d Such poor service. London really was very disappointing.<\/span><\/p>\n

He typed an email to Alia.<\/span><\/p>\n

To: alia@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>From: fazal@amber.co.pk
\n<\/span>Thursday, December 8, 23:40
\n<\/span>Re: A & T Conference<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Alia,<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been an exciting day at the conference. I knew you\u2019d want to post my speech on the Amber website, so I gave my phone to the delegate from Uganda sitting next to me. But unfortunately, he messed up. He failed to click even a single photograph of me or record my speech. It was very frustrating. But I was, if I may say so, myself, outstanding. Even when everything was going wrong, I saved the day for Amber.<\/span><\/p>\n

As I was walking to the podium, I almost tripped over a wire and a plug was accidentally pulled out of its socket. But I stayed calm and told myself these things happen. I tapped the mic several times so that the technician knew it wasn\u2019t working and he rectified the problem. It was only when I reached into my pocket for your speech that I realized I\u2019d left it in my other suit. However, I kept my wits, and spoke extempore. I believe I made the best speech of my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

I made an impassioned plea for transparency: Corruption, I said, cost people their reputation, health, money \u2014 and even their lives. It was time to wake up and smell the coffee. Half-baked measures were useless. If anything, they corroded the moral edifice of our institutions. The days of top officials enjoying the gravy train and having their cake and eating it too, were over. I gave them the shining example of Amber and quoted (whatever I could remember) of our Transparency Policy. Only urgent action could put a stop to the rampant corruption. And we needed role models, like myself, and those present in this assembly, to make a change. Indeed, it needed only one committed and courageous individual in every organization to start a revolution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When I stopped speaking and looked around, I noticed the delegates smiling, and one or two even looked like they were laughing. I realized it must be because I had embarrassed them and articulated what no one else had been able to. I stood there feverish and excited; ten years of toil and experience at Amber had prepared me for this moment. And in that instant, your words, Alia, came back to me: Silence is golden.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I held up my hand for the audience\u2019s attention and made an announcement: Words were not enough. Action was necessary. Self-restraint was the first step. And I was ready for it. For the sake of transparency, I would take a vow of silence. Every Thursday for six months, I would not utter a single word. My silence was my weapon of resistance. When I left the lectern there were a few claps. I think I must have stunned them with my eloquence. After a few more speeches, the conference ended.<\/span><\/p>\n

At dinner I waited for someone to come over and tell me they would join me in my pledge of silence, but no one did. I overheard the NOT delegate, who was seated at my table, say, \u201cThat joker,\u201d and everyone started to laugh. I missed exactly who he was referring to, but I joined in the good cheer. Everyone was in high spirits and I think that you\u2019ll be delighted to know the seeds of <\/span>Transparent Silence<\/span><\/i> have been sown.<\/span><\/p>\n

You were absolutely right, silence is golden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yours,<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor<\/span><\/p>\n

A moment later his mobile beeped. It was a text message from Alia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alia: <\/span>Don\u2019t be ridiculous, Doctor.<\/span><\/i> Transparent Silence or whatever it is, is only useful if it translates into profits.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Dr. Fazal: <\/span>Confident it\u2019ll help enhance Amber\u2019s reputation.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Alia<\/span>: See me the minute you land.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\n

Lahore<\/h4>\n

Several weeks after he\u2019d returned from the conference, one lunchtime, Dr. Fazal was in the Amber boardroom slumped in an armchair hidden behind the projector screen. He\u2019d had a busy morning with the auditors. It was a Thursday and as he had vowed, he had not spoken to anyone. He skimmed the pages of <\/span>The Daily Nation, <\/span><\/i>and not finding anything of interest, covered his face with the newspaper. His nap was disturbed by people talking. He peered from behind the screen. Khalid and Bina, the cleaner, were there clearing up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it true,\u201d Khalid said, \u201cthat sir is still refusing to talk on Thursdays?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard him bragging about it. He keeps telling people to join him, saying it\u2019s to end corruption. But I don\u2019t understand, what\u2019s the point? When someone\u2019s\u00a0 dishonest you shouldn\u2019t keep quiet, it should be the opposite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very right,\u201d Khalid said. \u201cMy father always told me, <\/span>things are never as they seem. You can\u2019t trust a man who wakes up one day in London and tells the whole world he\u2019s going to keep silent once a week. Why? What\u2019s he trying to say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very confusing,\u201d Bina said. \u201cI used to admire Doctor\u2019s intellect. Now, I\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he\u2019s hiding something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. But sincerely speaking, I didn\u2019t expect him to behave so stupidly. He can\u2019t even ask for a cup of tea on Thursdays, he has to write it down and give you a note.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father always said,<\/span> the foolish man keeps talking, and the wise man keeps quiet. But here, it\u2019s the opposite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They laughed and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Fazal sat there, stunned; is that what they thought of him? He went back to his office and shut the door. He\u2019d been wronged. Misunderstood. The irony of it was that he was doing this for transparency and they thought he was corrupt and secretive. What a mess.<\/span><\/p>\n

That night he did not sleep. He lay on one side, on the other and then on his back. He had heartburn and shooting pains in his chest. Miserable, he waited for morning to come. At breakfast, Salma said, \u201cYour fidgeting kept me up all night, Fazal. I need proper sleep, or my muscles won\u2019t grow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a lot on my mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s those M&S pajamas,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve told you, you shouldn\u2019t wear fleece in this weather.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind about the pajamas. <\/span>When you\u2019re a deep thinker like I am, you don\u2019t get distracted by trivial things. <\/span>I\u2019ve got more important things on my mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

At work Dr. Fazal went straight to Alia\u2019s office. \u201cGood morning. Do you have a minute?\u201d She was dressed in her usual white shirt and black trousers. He always thought it unstylish, more like what a waitress would wear, and not at all suitable for the Head of HR at Amber.<\/span><\/p>\n

She gestured to a chair for him to sit. \u201cAre you on track with the quarterly HR report?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlia,\u201d he said, \u201csince my trip to London, I\u2019ve completed four silent Thursdays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She took off her gold-rimmed glasses, and polished them with her scarf. \u201cI want to know about the report.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering if you\u2019d write me a congratulatory message in the newsletter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never been in favor of your vow of silence, or whatever it is, Doctor. It\u2019s very disruptive. On Thursday, at the meeting with the auditors, is it true you used sign language? The auditors complained that you wasted their time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true the auditors were upset, but there\u2019s something bigger at stake. Until all corruption ends, I will not speak on Thursdays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does your wife have to say about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe says she likes the peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour silence is spoiling Amber\u2019s reputation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I was following your instructions, Alia. You told me, didn\u2019t you, silence is golden?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, you take things too literally. Send me that report, I\u2019m waiting.\u201d She turned to her computer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Dr. Fazal paced his office. Alia had turned her back on him. An endorsement from her in the newsletter would have put an end to all the gossiping. Now he would have to sort it out himself. He sat down at his computer and typed up an article about the conference. As he printed it off, he remembered the incident with his trousers. He\u2019d forgotten all about them. Over the intercom he asked Khalid to come up to his office. He appeared in a few minutes. \u201cKhalid, do you remember you took my trousers to Sir Gangaram\u2019s to get altered?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Khalid shifted from one foot to the other. \u201cNot exactly. I took them to my wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour wife? And why, may I ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was promoting her business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis explains why the length was short and the waist was too small.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a genuine mistake, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it happened on the day I was supposed to make an important speech in front of international delegates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my wife\u2019s fault, I thought she could manage the job. My father always told me, <\/span>only angels are free from mistakes<\/span>. I\u2019ll be telling my wife she\u2019s not one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cForget about angels, Khalid, I trusted you to handle something important and you let me down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll forgive you, if you do this.\u201d He gave Khalid the document he\u2019d just typed, entitled, <\/span>Silence Is Golden. <\/span><\/i>\u201cTake this to the Communications Department and tell them to publish it in the newsletter with my photograph. And give them this also, it\u2019ll motivate them.\u201d He gave Khalid a hundred rupees from his wallet. Khalid shifted from one foot to another.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what are you waiting for?\u201d Dr. Fazal said. \u201cDidn\u2019t I say it was urgent?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMs. Alia said I should be informing her if you ask me for personal favors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst you ruin my trousers, and now you\u2019re asking for a bribe? Get out of here, and don\u2019t come back until you\u2019ve finished doing what I told you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

One morning, a few days later, Dr. Fazal found the Transparency Conference booklet with his interview on his desk. It had finally arrived from London. The timing could not have been better. Together with his article in the Amber newsletter, the record would be set straight, once and for all. Everyone would read his interview and realize his wisdom and acuity. He had many words of inspiration, yet to share. He turned the page until he came to <\/span>Dr. Fazal: Amber Investments, Lahore; Deputy Head of Human Resources. <\/span><\/i>He scanned the interview, and smiled. Ruth had done a good job. He turned to his photo and almost dropped the booklet. He telephoned Khalid. \u201cCome up immediately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Khalid put his head around the door in a few minutes. \u201cYes, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust look at this,\u201d he said. \u201cSomeone\u2019s scribbled all over my photo. They\u2019ve completely blotted out my face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very sorry, sir. This is terrible. Who could\u2019ve done it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Fazal sat back in his chair. He thought of his trip to London. Life had not been easy since the conference. But he had stuck to his guns, and bent over backwards for transparency. Yet, not a single person had appreciated it. \u201cDid you know Khalid, that one must start at the end, to understand the beginning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looped his thumbs under his braces and nodded thoughtfully. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s not enough to know what things mean, you also have to know what they don\u2019t mean. And it\u2019s all making sense now. This is a case of <\/span>damnatio memoriae<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt happened to all the great Roman emperors. People were jealous of their might and intellect and tried to destroy their legacy by defacing symbols of their power.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow I understand. My father was right,\u201d Khalid said. \u201cTo<\/span> be<\/span> a great leader, y<\/span>ou have to pay a great price, not so?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a believer of working hard in silence, and letting my success make the noise. Then you can see, the evidence speaks for itself. There\u2019s nothing to worry about, Khalid.\u201d He opened his tote bag, offered Khalid a samosa from the tiffin, and took one himself. \u201cYou see, Khalid, what you don\u2019t know is that success counts just as much as failure.” He took a bite of his samosa. \u201cThe main thing is one must have the courage to continue.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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