Is this fish fresh?

[Aubrey Aubez]

Hi all,

Now, this one is from a long time ago. And from a very distant land.

It's a land of rivers and streams. No wonder then that fish forms a regular part of the diet. The stage is set in the capital city of Dacca. The time 6:30 am. That late!

Our anti-hero, an ordinary householder (we'll call him Fred) enters the market, does the daily shopping for fresh veg. frying oil, some rice, you know the usual stuff. Lastly, he perambulates to the fresh fish section.

His delegated mission (from the Rear-Admiral) is to bring home a particularly fresh Hilsa fish. Since you may not know this one, here it is:


His zeal knows no bounds. He checks out a dozen fishmongers. Now, if you have ever been to a fish market in India you'll know this is no mean task. Not only, is it difficult to maintain concentration but also to resist the very persuasive and insistent sales patter.

Anyway at last, Fred finds a stall with some delectable specimens. He haggles a lot (this is mandatory, you know) and finally buys one; with a show of extreme indifference and reluctance. This is mandatory too; standard procedure in haggling, especially when the merchandise is first-rate.

Fred carries on with the standard moves in the game. "Is this fish fresh? Are you sure?" he asks, very suspiciously.

Our hero, the fishmonger, is fully up to the task!

He ripostes " Master. Just whisper your address in the fish's ear. He will reach your home, before you do!"



Prashna