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The negotiators

D. Murali

SINCE everybody was doing something or the other to get the hostages back, a high-level committee -- with the three chiefs as its members -- was hurriedly set up at the Chidia Ghar, roughly equidistant from all the three Institutes.

``When are we going to the jungle?'' asked the CA. ``I shall be bringing along my apprentice too.''

``I suggest we can cut cost by travelling in a jeep, rather than first class,'' said the CWA. ``And, for a week, no five-star food for us. Only roots and fruits.''

``Should we not send out a 21-day notice to Mr. Veerappan?'' asked the CS. ``Unless we all decide to do away with it.''

``Cut it,'' ruled the CA. ``But, bring cassettes to record all sounds that we hear.''

``We can even give a few to Veeruji,'' said the CWA. ``I am told he runs a recording studio deep there.''

``First of all, we should rehearse the whole meeting,'' advised the CS. ``That is what we do for AGMs.''

``Let us decide how we should greet him,'' declared the CA. ``Who will say namasthe, vanakkam and prostrate before him? They say he does not like to shake hands, but prefers bouquets.''

``If Mr. is not enough, we could say H. H. or H. E. After all, it does not cost us anything!'' discovered the CWA.

``Think about it,'' said the CS, ``if only we manage to tackle this crisis, people will know how united we are and also that we too can deliver goods.''

``But there is one matter I shall never compromise,'' said the CA. ``The November question papers.''

``I can't see why you are so touchy about those papers,'' wondered the CWA. ``If he is very keen, I would give him some.''

``Suppose Mr. V wants to swap the hostages for any one of us,'' the CS threw a bombshell.

``I carry a coin for such purposes,'' said the CA. ``Heads the CWA and tails the CS.''

``What about you?'' asked the CWA and the CS.

``It would be me if the coin stood on its edge,'' replied the CA even as a luxury bus arrived, already filled with superstars and makeup men.