The Recipe

LONG ago, there lived a man called Haji Baghlol. He was a simpleton with a funny little beard who enjoyed cooking.

Once, on a fine summer’s day, Haji went to visit his aunt who lived in the next village. She served him a sumptuous lunch in which fried fish was one of the dishes. Haji loved the delicious fish and ate an enormous amount. While leaving, he asked his aunt for the recipe. His aunt was only too pleased to write it down for him.

Putting the recipe in his pocket, and humming happily to himself, Haji set out for home. On the way, he stopped at the market to buy a big fish. He was eager to try out the recipe as soon as he reached home.

A kite which was flying up in the sky glimpsed the fish in Haji’s hand. Now kites have excellent eyesight. So, down the bird swooped. It snatched the fish from Haji’s hand in a twinkling. Haji was so surprised that his mouth fell open. He stood there staring up at the sky for two whole minutes.

Then, the simpleton suddenly burst out laughing.

“Ha, ha, ha! Hee, hee, hee, ho!” he went, holding his sides. Passers-by stopped and stared. They had seen what had happened. “What are you laughing at, sir?” asked one, puzzled.

“I was laughing at the foolishness of that kite,” replied Haji, between chuckles.

“Foolishess?” enquired another villager, blankness writ large on his face. “But he just snatched your supper away from you!”

“Yes, he did!” replied Haji. “But what’ll he do with the fish? He doesn’t have the recipe for frying it!” Haji patted his pocket triumphantly. “That is still safe with me!”