章節 23: Indeed, small world

The officer was thinking of where he'd seen this man before since he appeared very familiar. But upon his introduction, the officer realised that he was the Cabinet Secretary or the Head of Home Civil Service, highest ranking civil servant of London.

He was practically the right hand man to the Prime Minister of London. All the decisions for the functioning of the country was taken by him with the Prime Minister just approving his decision without thinking much. He acts from behind the scenes while the Prime Minister presents all the decisions.

The superior officer had once got a chance to visit London on work when he had attended Ronnie's conference which carried the theme of "Securing the International Borders." His speech was well received and praised by all the delegates present in the conference representing various countries.

That's how the superior officer found his face very familiar. But since Ronnie had a worn out look due to his stay in the forest, the superior officer couldn't recognise him immediately. Nevertheless on hearing his name, the officer recognised him. Who wouldn't know the top officer of Her Majesty's British Empire.

The officer immediately told Ronnie, "Sir please have a seat."

Ronnie nodded and they both sat opposite to each other now.

Ronnie was slightly taken aback by the officer's sudden salute. The corners of his eyes crinkled. He quickly asked him with his forehead furrowed, "Officer do you know me?"

The superior officer extended his hand, "Yes Sir. I do. I'm General Abey Chopra. Right now I'm in charge of monitoring the flood situation here. But actually I'm the Head of the Borders Security wing here. I once had the chance to attend your conference on Securing the International Borders at London. I was representing my country at your conference."

Since all the officers wore jackets and long coats, their uniforms weren't visible and Ronnie thought him to be a Police personnel while he was actually from the Army.

Ronnie chuckled and nodded in appreciation. "Oh yes that happened a couple of months ago before I came here. Indeed, small world. I'm glad that I found you General." He lightly laughed.

"I'm more than glad sir. It's my honour to have you here though the situation isn't right. I wanted to talk to you in person after the conference back then. But then you left too quickly due to other appointments. But now, I've got back that opportunity," the General said.

Ronnie laughed. "I've come here to ask for a favour General."

"My apologies Sir. I was so excited on seeing you that I totally forgot to ask about it. May I know what brings you here Sir?" The General asked.

Ronnie explained the whole situation of how he came here on a mountaineering trip to the Himalayas and got lost. Later how he found the woman and took her to the tribal people who helped them. He finally concluded by telling how they came here.

The officer after hearing Ronnie let out a sigh and said, "Well Sir, from here on it's my responsibility to ensure that you go back to London safely."

Ronnie gushed, "Thanks General. I would be grateful to you for that."

"No Sir. You don't have to. It's a part of my duty." The General replied.

He continued, "Sir is there any medical aid that you need? You said that the woman was injured. Shall we have the doctors here at the medical camp check on her?"

Ronnie was happy that the General was so kind to them. He thanked him. "General, the medical practitioner of the tribe was taking care of her all this while. She's feeling a lot more better now. If your doctors can help in dressing her wounds till we go back, it would be of great help."

"Sure Sir. Let's get her to the medical camp then." The General got up from his seat.

Ronnie too followed him and they both walked out of the tent.