The Dead Wander in the Desert by Seisenbayev Rollan

Author:Seisenbayev, Rollan [Seisenbayev, Rollan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781542005395
Published: 2019-09-17T00:00:00+00:00

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Kakharman found it puzzling that destiny had brought him to Lake Zaysan. Who’d have thought it? He had traveled the country widely and had seen many rivers and lakes, but he never imagined that this little pond in East Kazakhstan would end up as his shelter. People here greeted him warmly; they paid attention to him and offered their sympathy. As soon as he arrived, Kakharman had demonstrated his expertise and knowledge.

In Semipalatinsk, no one wanted to see a man like Kakharman go. And when he finally handed in his resignation, Ivan Yakubovsky was bewildered. He invited Kakharman to sit down. He put cigarettes on the table but didn’t take one.

“Maybe you’re upset with me?” Yakubovsky said. “Just tell me honestly. I am more than prepared to apologize.”

“You have done nothing to upset me, Ivan.”

“And where will you go?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” Kakharman paused, then continued thoughtfully. “I want to visit Sayat on the Caspian. I’ll look at how his life is working out there. I’d like to finally settle down. Do you understand? I still can’t find my place. Don’t take it the wrong way. You have nothing to do with it. I’ll never forget your kindness. That’s all I can say. Please just sign my resignation, and I’ll go.”

“I won’t do it.” Yakubovsky folded the paper in fourths and put it inside the desk.

“Ivan!”

“You go to the Caspian. That is an order. Is that clear?”

“No, it’s not,” Kakharman laughed. “Are you suggesting I go at state expense?”

“Yes, but you’ll be part of an official mission. As soon as you complete your mission, I’ll sign your resignation. Deal?”

Kakharman could clearly understand Yakubovsky’s concerns. He had said the same himself, thinking, “Kakharman, it’s not hard to leave your job but think first what you’ll do afterward. Measure seven times, as the saying goes. And Yakubovsky needs people . . .”

“OK. Have it your own way.” Kakharman agreed to go on the trip.

“Done. Give my regards to Sayat. I’ve heard he’s not doing so well. I hope that by the time you come back, you’ll have forgotten about your resignation.”

Kakharman returned from the Caspian depressed. It all began when he didn’t find Sayat there. He had gone away. “Why the hell did I come here?” he muttered to himself, lying in a bed at the hotel. He was irritated with the squeaky hotel bed, the dirty state decanter, the three piss-colored glasses on the table, and the dreadful picture on the wall that was painted no doubt by a local amateur. He drank for two days. On the third day, Sayat came back. He found his friend unshaven and with big bags under his eyes. Kakharman didn’t recognize him. He was standing in the middle of the room unsteadily, staring bleary-eyed at him. He asked rudely, “What do you want?” Sayat was confused. Kakharman sat at the table and bowed his head. The rest seemed more like a bad dream. Someone seemed to sharply pull the bottle from his hand as he tried to fill up the glass.

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