In Yangon, while watching the turbulent situation in Myanmar on television and anxiously pondering upon the effects of it in her family, the ringing noise of the telephone from her bed-room, awakens Kim from this nightmare. Slowly she goes to her bed-room to receive the call. She picks up the heavy handle of the white, old fashioned telephone with golden designs on it. The level of anxiety in her increases the moment she hears the melodious voice of Brigadier Ban La’s wife Garma. Earlier she informed Kim of what had happened during the military exercise at Agwan. Kim has never expressed any interest in having a conversation with her about the army. However, for some reason, she is always eager to inform her of whatever has been going on in the army.

Today she has called Kim to tell her about one important meeting at the army headquarters. The army chief himself presided over the meeting. Other than a few handpicked generals, nobody is aware of this meeting. Garma’s brother-in-law is one of those handpicked generals. With her elder sister, that general frequently discusses the internal matters of Tatmadaw. Hence, the news of what goes on inside the army, reaches the ears of Kim.

Before their conversation could begin Garma inquired, how far Kim knew about the Maung Dao incident. Then Garma presented to her the details of the meeting in that context. Under the command of Lee and Ban La, the military drive against the Rohingyas in Rakhain state that was about to start, had been postponed. The understanding between Tatmadaw and the political leaders in Yangon reached a deadlock. There was a possibility that the champion of human rights and democracy in Myanmar might get the Nobel prize. Tatmadaw wanted to use the clout this lady had in the international arena. Tatmadaw was expecting support from the political leaders in Yangon, especially the pro-democracy leader, before they could commence the drive against the Rohingyas. Regarding this, the statements coming from the politicians were quite encouraging. There seemed to exist a secret understanding between Tatmadaw and the political leaders in Yangon. Policy makers in Tatmadaw assured those political leaders that they would not infringe upon the democratic and human rights of the Barmese who formed the majority in Myanmar. However, Tatmadaw expected a clear statement from the champion of human rights about the Rohingyas. But she refused to comply on this issue for such a statement about a minority group would jeopardize her chances of winning the Nobel Prize. She would remain silent about the democratic and basic human rights of the Rohingyas. That’s all she could do for Tatmadaw, for millions of people all over the globe still believed her to be the champion of democracy and human rights. Her image abroad stood on this belief. Consequently, Tatmadaw decided to wait till August. After August, it would not wait for anyone’s approval.

Kim kept on listening. The moment Garma stopped, Kim asked what the purpose behind this drive against the Rohingyas was. Garma took a deep breath and said that her husband did not shed light on this issue. However, it was clear to everyone that Rohingyas were going to be driven out of Myanmar. When Kim asked what would happen if they refused to leave, she said such horrible situation would be created that the refugee camps in neighboring states would look like paradise to them in comparison. Hence, Garma had no doubts about the success of the impending drive.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Kim did not prolong the conversation, perchance she gave away her fears and anxieties. Before hanging up, she said her household chores required her attention. No sooner had she stood up after putting the receiver in its place, the phone started ringing again. Though she was annoyed by the sound, she picked up the phone only to be greeted by her husband’s heavy voice from the other end.

She said, “What’s the matter, instead of doing office work, why do you want to talk to me?”

“First tell me how you have been doing.”

“When you two are not here, I feel lonely.”

You could have come with Su. Why did you stay back?”

“Su’s on a two week leave. Who’ll look after the house-hold if I stay at Sittwe for that long? Now tell me what your motive is.”

“I’m worried about something…”

Lee could not finish as Kim interrupted, “This is not new, I never see you relaxing. Something is always bothering you. What’s worrying you now?”

“My dear, I’m not joking, I’m really worried about something.”

“Tell me, I’ll try to alleviate your anxiety.”

“Will you please tell me who tells you all about the internal affairs of Tatmadaw?”

Kim smiled. She was not sure if she should disclose it to her husband. She asked, “Suddenly why are you interested in this?”

“Yesterday Su told me that somehow you get informed of what happens in the army.”

“Specifically tell me what you want to know.”

“The incident that took place during the last exercise at Awagan.”

“Oh, I see. Ban La’s wife informed me of it. Now, don’t tell Ban La that his wife has told me this. If he finds out we’ll be in trouble. Do you really think that all officers in the army are like you? Most of them tell everything to their wives. It’s a fail proof medicine to appease their wives.”

“You’re right. Now let me guess, I must have fallen way behind others in this competition to appease wives. Don’t worry, quite soon I’ll also convey to you in the most pleasant manner possible, the details of every confidential matter. So what if it jeopardizes the security of our state. I’ll be happy if it keeps you satisfied.”

“Why are you so sulky about it? We don’t disclose anything to our enemies. We disclose it only to you.”

“If our enemies come to know this, instead of attacking us, they’ll make you their targets, have you ever thought of it? Therefore, for the sake of your own security, desist this desire to interfere in the internal affairs of Tatmadaw.”

“My dear, I don’t interfere in your business. I have no interest, whatsoever in what goes on in the army. On their own accord the wives of your colleagues tell me all this. If I hang up without listening to what they have to say, they’ll spread rumors about you. Now tell me, what you would have done in this kind of situation.”

“Don’t listen to what others say. Listen very carefully to what I say. Anyway, I have to go for my evening walk now.”

“Don’t forget to eat before you sleep.”

“Of course, I won’t, don’t you worry about it.”