Translation of Syed Haqu's short story Shikar
Prey Translated by Jackie Kabir There was a deafening noise! As soon as the bullets were fired from my rifle, I saw two birds flying away in the sky, dazzling in afternoon sunlight. And the third one fell down like a shooting star under the very tree they were sitting on. But I could barely see it because the bushes there walled off the view. My chaprasi rushed off with a canvas bag and a knife in his hand. How I love hunting in this mufassil town! Whenever I get some free time during my official tours,I go out hunting. My chaprasi can cook meat really well. Over all, it's been a good life. The cartridge came out as I bend the rifle; I put a new one. My eyes scanned the trees around, shifting from one branch to another. One had to squint even though the sun was soft. Sometimes the birds could really hide themselves among the l