A Selfless Soul

Life is a gift of God to every creature in the universe. It is the creator who knows the purpose of our existence. Humans are the best of all creatures possessing beauty, emotions, intelligence and other distinct characteristics. Having bestowed with this life, our primary duty is to remember God in all the times. In this transient life, one should always strive to please others by loving everyone around. Our deeds shape the equation with others and our goodness speaks volumes. The crests and troughs of one's life illuminates others, inspires to earn fame. Though we face hurdles, we should strive to achieve equilibrium in all the aspects of life seeking help from the creator. This is a law of enlightened living, in fact a way to please The Almighty.

Humans go through many phases in their life. Being a baby in parent’s care, they grow up to play with siblings strengthening themselves in relationships. Life is a solo journey until a partner comes-in to make it beautiful. Henceforth a person gets identified by his family and children. I used to wonder how a man unknown to a woman spends life together, but, could realize its certainty if the love bonds the relationship. This is the story of a person who obeyed destiny, praised the creator, never stepped back to maintain relations. It is unattainable to narrate his life in a few lines, but my endeavor is to represent his lifetime optimally. His life is an extraordinary tale of responsibilities and hardships but he steered them with unending determination. Caring for his parents, brothers and a loveable sister, he was selfless for any help in and around his family. By the blessings of the Almighty, he got married to my maternal aunt and that was the first time I met him.

After a long time of their marriage, I went to my maternal grandfather’s home at Eluru to spend summer vacation. Those were the days when the mankind was so far to switch on the air conditioners. We used to overcome heat sleeping on the terrace breathing natural air. Looking at the dark sky shining with stars, I used to fall asleep listening stories from grandma. It was a routine to spend time with my grandpa post lunch discussing many topics. One afternoon he said, “Ask your grandma to pack our clothes, we will go to meet Kaami tomorrow”. Kaami is my maternal aunt, wife of Mohammed Aleem, my Khalusab, whose story is being discussed. As decided, my grandpa started by train the next morning from Eluru, carrying baskets of mangoes, variety of sweets and uncountable love for his daughter and his son-in-law. I being a co-traveler, sat with a pack of samosas in hand, peeping out of the train window, passing through the river, lush jasmine fields and the sea sands en route to Chirala.

Traveling was one of my hobbies and the journey of four hours to Chirala, passing four districts had fulfilled my desire to travel long. I could see the train approaching Chirala railway station as the clock struck ten. Walking on the platform Grandpa told me that aunt has arranged a car to pick us home. We boarded a white Ambassador car that was actually arranged by Khalusab, but, in general a father’s love always speaks on behalf of the daughter. After a few minutes of drive, we could see the car honking at a big black gate which was the entry point to enter in the zone of bungalows designated for managers working in ITC Ltd. A security personnel came out of the gate to allow inside, saluting Grandpa. Grandpa was on a higher note grabbing the respect that he deserved. Last night, I heard from granny that aunt’s house is a bungalow and now I could see it in fornt of my eyes as we entered into the compound of tall trees and shrubs surrounding the house, with a lawn and a big swing on either sides of the house. Khalusab was at office and we were expecting him to meet at lunch. Grandpa took rest after breakfast and I went out to swing on the cradle.

Half a day passed, Khalusab informed he would be late for lunch, asking us not to wait for him. The main course was mutton biryani cooked to perfection. Grandpa was all praise to the food commending aunt and countering grandma. I ate quickly and was about to get up, Grandpa whispered “Tumlaga se baithe toh aadha pet khaako uthna rey”. I smirked, sat till grandpa was done and came back into the living room. While aunt and grandpa were in some discussion, I heard the sound of a running engine ascending towards the home, guessing it a vehicle I looked outside and to my expectation it was Chetak 150cc entering into the compound of the bungalow. Stopping the engine, taking off the helmet, I saw Khalusab heading towards the main door. He seemed tough and smart wearing black shoes. I wished him and he replied “Waalaikumussalam, Kab aaye Khaan”. He wished grandpa and asked “achey hai?”. Suddenly, a boy came running towards Khalusab watching him remove shoes. Khalusab said “Addaa, Khaana khaya?”. This boy is Adil, Khalusab’s adorable son who was five years old. The day went on with snacks in the evening followed by dinner. Post dinner, grandpa went in the garden to stroll, Khalusab started to refer the news paper resting on the bed while we heard a baby’s cry. Shifting his focus from the news paper, Khalusab lifted the baby saying “Alima, idhar aao tume”. The baby is Aliya, Khalusab’s lovable daughter of two years old. He started humming lullaby until the baby slept. It was a short trip of two days, Garndpa and I left for Eluru the next afternoon.

Simply portraying the role of a husband doesn’t help life to be great. Leading the life with a partner similes sketching a picture. Consistent co-ordination between the hand and sketch beautifies the art. Similarly, a consistent understandability between a couple flourishes into a blissful life. Contrary to her other sisters, aunt used to go back Chirala within few days of stay in Eluru saying “He is alone”. Wife and children were the two eyes to Khalusab. All of them used to be very close to each other and we at the maternal side used to say “their world is different”. Khalusab used to work as a senior manager in ITC Ltd, Chirala. Being adept in his profession, he has gradually stepped on to the higher positions at work migrating to various units in ITC. After several years, he was assigned to ITC Ltd, Anaparthi. Similar to his residence in Chirala, the home in Anaparthi was also a company-provided bungalow. The workload at the Anaparthi unit was a bit heavier compared to that of the Chirala unit; however, he managed to exercise restraint, alleviating his fatigue by spending quality time with his family. It is often said that with love and dedication, one can achieve the impossible, and this proved to be true in his case as he got promoted within a short time. The office management commended him for his unwavering contributions in the production department. As the years went by, he approached fifty. His name resonated across the departments and units of ITC. While everything was proceeding smoothly, one day in the year 2013, he expressed discomfort in his stomach and sought medical advice. It was uncertain whether this was due to the influence of an evil eye or the impact on his lifestyle due to the intense workload. The doctor identified ulcer in the stomach recommending surgery but we suggested him to seek a second opinion.

Taking the advice from the elders, Khalusab planned to undergo treatment at Hyderabad. Khalusab’s brother Saleem Saahab, Aunt’s brother Khaleel and I consulted the doctor with the reports. The doctor apprised us about the health condition recommending to plan for surgery without a delay. The doctor also instructed to be on a strict diet taking rest for a few months post surgery. Saleem Saahab, Khaleel and I broke into tears coming out of the doctor’s room. Though Khalusab was not present with us, he sensed the severity but stood firm persuading himself. He asked me to brief the status to his boss over the phone. His boss indicated polite acceptance of the condition encouraging us to proceed with the treatment. I saw my aunt choking back tears comforting her husband. The family’s harmony was disrupted but their unwavering belief in god was intact. In addition to the family’s responsibility, serving the guests for more than a week needs a great heart. Though Khalusab’s family is familiar, Khaleel and myself being the guests at Saleem Saahab’s home were very thankful to be treated indigenously with tremendous love. My maternal cousin, Nazir, insisted a lot to stay with him at his room. With Saleem Saahab’s permission, Khaleel and I moved to Nazir’s room to stay further. Nazir has taken utmost care of us in those tough times. We three as a team helped each other to make necessary arrangements related to hospitalisation under the guidance of Saleem Saahab. Siblings of Aunt and Khalusab along with their partners made themselves available on the day of surgery. With a lot of faith in the God, possessing heaps of hope to recover, Khalusab went into the operation theatre on the 11th of December 2013. Salaah and Sadqaa was offered by everyone expressing their gratitude to the Almighty learning the procedure was successful. He got discharged from the hospital after a few days with an advice on diet, medicine and follow-up visits.

Khalusab stayed with his second brother Kaleem Saahab for some days post surgery. Then my maternal uncle, Arif, insisted a lot to stay at his house. Khalusab used to be very comfortable at his home. He returned to Anaparthi with his family after a month. Being at home after a long time makes life serene. As per the doctor’s advice he availed leave to take rest maintaing a healthy diet. He was also regular on the follow-up visits going to Hyderabad. Noticing a lot of stability in the health, the doctor reduced the frequency of consultation fixing it once in a six months and approved him to join the office. Being relieved, he started to regain his strength and habituated to the routine in a short time fulfilling the office targets. It is a known truth that people often prioritise work forgetting their health conditions. Considering his health, he requested for a transfer to the Chirala unit perceiving the work load at Anaparthi, but the transfer process took time due to the unavailability of a vacant position suitable to his grade. Relocating to Chirala brought him solace as it also helped him come nearer to his hometown Chandole. Thereafter, he attained equilibrium in his life and the essence of old days came into effect with the people turning up to the “Corner House”, the name of the bungalow assigned to Khalusab in Chirala. Similar to the bungalow that I had visited with the Grandpa, the Corner House also had the amenities with a lawn and a cradle on either sides of the home. There was also a swimming pool, badminton court and a club house equipped with a party hall and gymnasium near the bungalow. As a rare coincidence, Nazir, Khaleel and myself got an opportunity to work in Chennai staying in a same room. Knowing we are only five hours far from Chirala, Khalusab used to invite us to spend our weekends with him. As we all were together in the hospital post the surgery period, we had built a greater rapport with him. He used to value our time and presence, always encouaraged to excel in the career sharing many examples and experiences.

Few years passed, everything was normal until I heard there was an abrupt change in the health of Khalusab. Though he was punctual taking medicines, he seemed to lose appetite and became thin. As a result of weakness, he faced severe back-pain for which he relied on analgesics. Doctor had noticed structural changes in the cells due to the inflammation in the body and asked him to be cautious at all times. Sensing his health is deteriorating, Khalusab has decided to fulfill the crucial responsibilities of his life. Being a solo bread earner, he understood Adil has time to settle, as he was still pursuing higher education. He ensured his family get the pension requesting the higher authorities to expedite the process. He discussed with his wife the way to share the assets to their children. He approached my second aunt’s family to ask their son’s hand for his daughter. Upon the acceptance, he requested the groom’s family to perform the marriage soon. Both the families picked up the pace to arrange all the necessary stuff for marriage in a short time. The marriage took place in the party hall near to the Corner House with pomp and gaiety. Fulfilling a father’s responsibility by enduring pain and gulping the sorrow, he partcipated in all the marriage activities to send his beloved daughter with Asif blessing them a happier life.

We, the members of the family, gathered at the Corner House after a few weeks of marriage to celebrate the last jumaagi. I noticed the cradle was detached from its hook, placing aside in the gardden, as it was broken due to the heavy load of children swinging on it. Never in the past eighteen years I saw something in that state being unattended. Few people had booked tickets on the same evening to return while few of them stayed back to leave on the next day. Khaleel, Nazir and myself had also started on the same evening telling Khalusab we will meet next time. As we are none infront of the divine decisions, we don’t know that eveneing was the last time to speak with him. In the mid of our journey, we received a call that Khalusab had just closed his eyes forever. As soon as the news entered ino the ear, the eyes produced tears without a second thought. We were asked to reach Chandole to see Khalusab for the last time. We felt the change in the weather having cool breeze all around. Consoling ourselves and jostling in the crowd to give our shoulder, we completed the rituals allowing him to meet the Almighty in the heaven.

Sands of sadness washes away with the tides of joy. Clouds of happiness often melt when the thunders of sorrow strikes. Khalusab worked tirelessly for more than three decades easing the hurdles in his path. He suffered lot of pain but never disclosed it. Caring his family, loving the wife and children was always on top of his list. He reached the pinnacle of success in every momment of his life. As the dawn loses to the dusk, the life dissolves into death. God has always enclosed us in a safe place, Be it a womb where we start our life to the grave where we rest forever, we are always covered. We evolve from the darkness into this world, we learn to face light, we laugh, we cry, we fulfill our responsibilities crossing many phases of life, and finally we diminish from this world into the darkness. This life bestowed to us by the Almighty teaches many chapters but we should definitely focus on the topic to impress the God. I hope Khalusab had passed his test, Inn Sha Allah. I apologise to the family of Khalusab if there is something wrong written here. Right from the beginning I wanted to show how great his life was and shared my part of experience with him. May he enter Jannah and live there peacefully. Aameen.

Our lives: Always close - Never together

Life has lot of desires that flow like a water stream. They originate with a thought and take many forms. Eyes make us to enjoy the beauty of life, but the heart addicts to that beauty beating forever. In the beautiful journey of life, travelling alone can lead us to the destination but the real excitement comes-in travelling with a partner. Life shows us many persons but we don’t know who will be our soul mate among them. Destiny binds two lives that are distant from each other and brings them into a relationship. But something like this also happens when destiny interferes in a relation which I am going to narrate.

I was a person who love to travel. It was the month of December when my friends and I were touring Kerala. Its splendid beauty, lush greenery, made us to feel heaven on the earth. Snow fall till mid-day, cool clouds passing on the cliffs and the depth of the valleys created everlasting magic on me. There were many groups, couples and lovers at the spots enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, there was no girl in my life. So, the presence of a partner and the essence of the romance in the cool zone was missing. After spending three spectacular days of my trip, I was on my way back to the home. The return flight bound to Hyderabad got delayed by three hours due to inclement weather conditions. Getting bored, my friends went for shopping and I started to read a book in the lounge of the Cochin airport. There was a person beside me speaking to a girl over a call. He was informing her about the flight delay and assured of meeting her soon. Due to the weak signal he was repeating the words. But, that helped me a lot in understanding the conversation. I tried to avoid listening his words but my decency failed to stop me and I managed to know that he loves that girl very much and they are going to meet soon. His phone got switched off while talking to her. You could sense the eagerness when a boy wants to talk to a girl and something like this interrupts. I felt, she might be calling him but he has no option left. I thought of giving my mobile, but he himself turned to me and asked: Boss, can I make a call. As if I don’t know what had happened so far, I said:  Sure, with a smile.

He spoke to her for a while and handed-over the mobile thanking me. Then, we both started introducing each other. His name was Imran. Hesitating to ask, I put forward my doubt if he was talking to his girl-friend so far. He replied yes. There was ample of time to board the flight and I was getting bored to read, so asked him casually: Are you going to Hyderabad? He again replied yes. I felt odd. I was trying to talk with him and he was simply giving one line answers. I said I am also waiting for the Hyderabad flight. Shall we go for a coffee? Having coffee, I started telling about my friends, tour and asked him if he would mind telling his story. Taking deep breath, Imran smiled and started his story: “It was around 8:30pm on Saturday when my Mom and I were waiting for dad to return from office. Mom got an old family album from the cupboard and we both started to see the photos. As it was an old album we were slowly flipping, memorizing everyone. Dad came after sometime and we all had dinner together. Dad informed that my Uncle’s family is visiting our home tomorrow. I was listening to him going through the album and stopped at a picture. Next day morning, I had breakfast and was about to go out to meet my friend.  Doorbell ranged suddenly and I expected it would be Uncle’s family. My uncle and my father were very close since their childhood. I also admire him a lot. Mom opened the door to welcome Aunt.  I went to assist Uncle bringing the luggage from the car. While I was approaching him, I saw one more person stepping out from the car. For some time, I was blank and surprised to see my niece, Inaaya. Her childhood face flashed in my memory from the photo of the album where I stopped suddenly the last night.

Nine years back, due to an assignment, my uncle had to shift to a different location. My father asked uncle to go with Aunt leaving Inaaya at our home. But my uncle didn’t want to give us trouble and admitted his daughter into a boarding school. It was the last time I saw her closely. Later she continued to pursue her higher studies staying in a hostel. She was never been to my home and now, I welcomed her smiling and asked how are you? She wished my family members with her alluring smile. She used to be very naughty in her childhood but seems to be different now. I was bounded by her charm and manners. The attraction in her face made me to forget everything. Elders were busy in their discussions while I was busy looking at her. It was a very beautiful evening with these people at home. Sorry…with my beautiful niece at home. After a while, my mom asked me to get ice cream from the store. As I started, my father asked Inaaya about her favorite flavor. She replied Butterscotch in a sweet voice looking at me. I never carried my lunch box with such care as I carried the ice-cream pack. All of us had dinner and Inaaya started to serve ice cream. She came to me offering the ice cream bowl. It should be the ice cream that has to melt at that time, but my heart melted down touching her fingers, which were as soft as the butterscotch ice cream.

Next day morning, Uncle and Dad went out on some work. I didn’t go out to meet my friends though they called me twice. I was like desperately looking forward to talk to Inaaya. There was some feel, there was some chill and there was something which I don’t know. Am I getting attracted to her? Do I like her? Nothing was usual in me. I don’t know when they will leave but her presence in my home was like a cloud in the sky that can pass out anytime. My emotions and efforts were trying to get into some conversation with her but I don’t have any clue on how to start. Half day passed and it was the lunchtime when my father and uncle arrived home with sweets. Uncle gave me the sweet box and went inside to meet Aunt. Dad asked me to get some water. As I was entering to kitchen, she stood at the door holding the tray with two glasses of juice. I said one glass is enough; should I give the other glass to your dad? It was the moment of the day for me to hear her replying: No, the second one is for you. It was me who was trying hard to talk with her, but she started to do it. We discussed about our hobbies, education, jobs and families. She explained how her life went on in a hostel in the past years. During our discussion, the news that made me happy was that Uncle is shifting back to our place and they have aso bought a house here. I felt it will not be far for me to meet Inaaya. Her smile always attracted me and I just loved her eyes. She pinged me Hi…asking my number and there was no control on my emotions. The water that gushes down the falls is now gushing in my stomach. The cool breeze passing from the door is making me shiver. What is this feeling? I questioned to myself. A person who always roam outside with friends had spent almost two days with a family and that too for a girl is enough to confirm that I started to like her". Our flight has been announced and we had to move for check-in stopping the story. Though we were in the same flight, we couldn’t find time to continue the story. I had spent time with my friends in the flight and Imran was on another seat. We bid bye to each other hoping to meet next time. My friends booked a cab and we started to go home. My friends were asking about Imran in the cab and then only I realized that I have forgotten to take his number. I reached home and met my family but was thinking, If I could meet Imran again.

Two days later, one of my friends came to my home to copy the tour photos from me. Mom got some snacks to eat and we were going through the pics. At an instant while looking a snap that was taken at the airport lounge I got an idea..!!! I checked my phone’s call list to see Inaaya’s number that was dialed by Imran. Felt very happy to see an unsaved number. My friend insisted to call Inaaya to get Imran’s number. But, finally, we decided to ping her. We messaged…. “Hi Inaaya”. No reply till an hour and then I messaged again saying “Hi Inaaya, Can I get Imran’s number?”  This time instead of reply, I got a call from Inaaya’s number asking: "Who are you?". I introduced myself and told how Imran and I met at the airport.  I asked if she can share his number and told her that I heard of your love story. Then she replied: "This is Inaaya’s friend. Imran came here yesterday to see Inaaya for the last time". I got shocked and questioned: "last time? Why, What happened?". She replied: "Imran loved Inaaya very much and discussed with his parents about this. But, he doesn’t know that he was confessing about his love lately to his father". I asked: "Why, why it was late? He told me that Inaaya’s family was planning to relocate to Imran’s place". She said: "Yes, Inaaya’s father came back to Hyderabad on the purpose to fix Inaaya’s match". I got puzzled and asked Imran’s number to have a clear understanding. She gave me the number telling: “Imran is leaving to Delhi today as he cannot see Inaaya getting married to someone”.

I went into a terrible shock listening those last words. I disconnected the call and connected to Imran. His pitch was dull. I asked him where is he now. He said he don’t want to meet anyone and disconnected the call. I tried again and got to know he is in a hotel to leave airport in an hour. I reached hotel and asked what’s wrong with you Imran. Did you tell about your love to Inaaya? Her friend was telling that you were late in telling this to your father. Is she getting married?

                   Imran said: “Yes, I told Inaaya about my love and I had expressed my interest to marry her in my family. But, my heart shattered after listening to my father’s words. The time when Inaaya came to my home, I spoke about Uncle and father who went out on some work and returned home with sweets. That was the day when the groom’s family invited my father and uncle to discuss about the match. They fixed the marriage date and came back home with sweets. Uncle thought of making an official declaration when all the guests gather to his house-warming ceremony. By that time Inaaya and I started loving each other. We used to chat, speak late night, but we never knew that there will be a day soon which will blew away the nascent fire of love from our hearts. We thought to express our feelings in our families after the ceremony. But, our short journey of love which was just on the track derailed when Inaaya and I listened about the marriage. After reaching home, I discussed this with my family. It was Uncle who thought it will be a trouble to my family if Inaaya stays at our home during her childhood. But now it’s my dad who said this is not the right time and we shouldn’t trouble uncle’s family saying this when all got arranged. May be that was correct from the elder’s point of view. My mom spoke to Inaaya and consoled her. We respected our elder’s decision and agreed to them. It’s the destiny to which we were bound to. Days passed on without talking to her. We were just living thinking of each other. The marriage date was due in three days. I have decided to go far from her before she gets married. I couldn’t dare to start from Hyderabad so I booked ticket from Cochin to Delhi to my friend’s home. But, due to bad weather my flight got cancelled. Inaaya called me when I was at the airport. We both wanted to see each other for the last time and I booked ticket to Hyderabad again. She was crying, I said I love you and will meet you soon. That was the moment when my battery drained and we met with each other at the airport”.

I asked Imran to come home with me. But, he denied and boarded the flight to come back after the marriage. He showed me his last picture with Inaaya that shows all the heaviness in their eyes. He said our lives are always close but we will never be together. I thought of listening a blooming story meeting Imran but ended in understanding the pain one endures missing their partner. This was an incomplete journey of two lives that came across each other with destiny and separated by destiny. Life is all about living with happiness with what we have and praying to God for the best to have.

The day when we met again...!!!

Life gives us many experiences from which, some teaches a lesson, some will create humor and some of them shares pain. But, an experience that steals our heart making to live the moment forever is something special and will not fade from our memories. Come, let's tune to that feel, said a guy talking to his friends over a tea.

That was the final day of graduation when the students of a class were waving off at each other outside the campus. A girl hurriedly moving towards the parking bay was obstructed by some of her friends and got dragged into their conversation. Unable to ask excuse from her friends, she started to watch a boy frequently who is standing at the parking gate. That boy was observing all the girls passing by, but couldn't find the one he was searching. After a while, he came closer to the campus from the parking bay to check if that girl was nearby. He found her with her friends throwing looks at him frequently. Feeling helpless to call, he went back and started his bike. As soon as he turned back, the girl rushed towards the boy in order to meet him. As she approached the bike, the boy accelerated and moved on, but hadn't notice this girl coming behind to meet him. She shouted his name but the boy couldn't listen as a bus nearby honked at the same time. She left the campus bidding bye to her friends and reached railway station to catch the train to her home. Sitting on a platform bench with an upset mood, remembering the bike engine beating, her shout for that boy and the bus horn that swallowed her dearest moment made her to weep silently. 

Handing over the bike to his friend which he borrowed for a day, the boy reached to the railway station with a depressed mind as the reason for borrowing the bike was not fulfilled. He sat on a bench, opposite to the platform where the girl was sitting but didn't noticed her. The girl's train was announced and she started to shed tears. Resting his head on the back of the bench, the boy closed his eyes missing someone. The girl's train started to arrive on the platform and the boy stared at the rail engine pacing on the other end. As the engine was passing by the girl's bench, the boy's sight fell upon the girl and he jerked. With lots of hope he shouted her name but the fate is such striking that she couldn't listen him due to the train's horn. He thought of crossing the track to meet her but suddenly a goods train on his side has blocked the way. Bringing up his whole energy to his feet, he ran fast to use the foot-over bridge, but could see the last vehicle of the train leaving the station. What was the reason of her cry and his reason of meeting her? Why does they want to meet at the campus? What was that they wanted to share has been buried in their hearts.

Listening to the alarm, struggling hard to miss the coziness of the bed, a guy woke up to get ready for the office. He picked up his friend on the way discussing about the plans for Diwali, on the next day. Having holiday on Diwali, the guy's friend had a plan to visit his uncle and requested this guy also to join him. The guy agreed to accompany him and they thought to meet at the railway station in the evening. It was 6:30 PM, but the guy was still working on an important assignment. He informed his friend that he would be able to catch the next available train asking his friend to start as per the plan. "Do visit Grandma tomorrow and spend some time with her" said Nandini's mother to Nandini over the phone. Two hours later, the guy finished his work, reached his home to pack clothes and chose the shortest path to reach station.

Finally, he arrived station and was waiting on the platform. He was very tired of day's work and of long travel to reach station. He rested his head on the back of the bench closing his eyes. As soon as he closed his eyes, he listened the train's horn on the platform opposite to his bench. A memory of his past reminded him of same situation and suddenly a Girl's face flashed in his mind. Being a similar situation, he immediately threw his look on the opposite platform and saw a girl sitting on the bench waiting for the train. Without a second of thought, he jumped from his platform to cross the track and the fate is so striking that no train has blocked his way this time. The engine was approaching but the guy managed to get on to the platform. He is very eager to meet that Girl but just want to make sure if it is Nandini.

Even the girl was surprised to see this guy as he resembles the boy whom she missed to meet two years back. Both of them moved towards each other. Then the boy with deep emotion said  "Nandini?". The girl responded..."Sameer?" Both at the same time replied "Yes". The moment made them to excite, they felt happy. The moment made them to reconcile, they cried. They felt the warmth of exciting emotion for the first time in their life when they shook their hands. Their heart pounded, veins freeze to circulate, breath gone swift, and eyes got closed. She float in a virtual sky lacking gravity when he touched her cheek with his fingers. She altered the atmospheric pressure of him by hugging him tight. They don't know who has turned the magical wand upon them, making the strings of their heart sing the melody of love. Both of their trains came and left, but they sat on the same bench holding their hands and discussing.

Boy: "I borrowed my friend's bike to drop you at the railway station on the last day of our graduation. But you were busy with your friends. Finally, I started as I am getting late to handover the bike to my friend...!!!"

Girl: "I saw you starting the bike, got late with my friends, but when I am almost nearby you didn't even look back when I shouted your name...!!!"

Boy: "I saw you at the station when you are about to board the train, I shouted for you, but no luck...!!!"

Girl: "I have thought of missing the train on that evening, hoping to meet you at the station. But, I don't know where did you go on the bike...!!!" 

Boy: "What would you have told me, If we have met at the campus or at the station...!!!"

Girl: "I Love You..!!!"

Boy: "I Love you too...!!!".

Listening to this story one of the friend asked the guy, is it your story Sameer? When Sameer thought of replying...he found his phone ringing. Looking at the phone screen and smiling, he showed the caller name to his friend written Nandini and said, Excuse me, My wife is calling me..:) and I married her after the day when we met again...!!!

Your Life...Your Way

Living happily doesn’t mean that we are truly happy. Humans plan to achieve something and get lead on something else. Nobody on this planet can say, “I enjoyed my day to the fullest”, because our mind controls the traffic of numerous emotions. Experiences of the past tickle us often reminding to do better. We listen to many successful stories but fail to succeed. Why this happens? What is life teaching us? Why are we made and what did we gain?

Life should start with belief and should end in faith. Following this simple rule in one’s life shall turn all the odds into favor. Respect your ideas because you are the treasurer of your own thoughts. Manage your time effectively at work but don’t count on seconds when you are with your dear ones. A right contribution at a right place brings out miracles. A smile at a wrong place can sow a seed of misconception among others. So, don’t carry smile but carry your sense.

Baba Bhai - A Man of all times..!!!

A person influenced by the society is common to hear but a person who influenced the society is exceptional. Soft shoulders bearing hard responsibilities, sharp mind to take firm decisions, kind heart to love everybody and convincing gestures in every aspect will earn huge stardom to a person. Raising from the bottom individually to leave an inspirational life for others is hard to achieve. Maintaining the fame, nourishing bonds, filling the gap in relations, living a king's life and of course leading a big family makes a person - A Role Model. 

In 1940s, there used to be a family of Shariff's in a small town called Eluru. As the surname says, they were landlords owning good properties. One of the child from that family who was christened Hameedullah Shariff was a talented chap. Without taking the liberty of their family status, Hameedullah Shariff burned his young blood to stand on his legs handling responsibilities. He was married to a beautiful lady named Noorjahan and took one more responsibility to share his life with her. Later on the couple were blessed with 10 children by The Almighty Allah, among who 5 are male and 5 are female.

Due to Hameedullah Shariff's skills, punctuality, talent and hard-working nature, he became a well known personality. People started to call him Foundry Baba and more shortly Baba Bhaai. Baba used to work in a foundry and dedicated his career getting many contracts. Very soon he became a Municipal Contractor and motivated many other minds towards hard-work. If this is his professional record, then a more magnificent journey starts If I speak about his personal life.

His commitment and love towards his family won many hearts. He never made their children feel sad or scarce of something. The thing they desire or a wish they make will be always provided by their father. He lived a balanced life and never felt that 10 children are really a burden. Introducing his children from their order of birth, Fathimunnisa, Meherunnisa, Sherajuddin, Taherunnisa, Thayyabunnisa, Imthiyazuddin, Araazuddin, Nazirunnisa, Hussain and Khaleelullah were his 10 hearts. He loved maintaining relations in his neighbourhood and extended a helping hand to one and all. All of his daughters and sons were given in the best families and they are leading a happy life till date. Taking the responsibility of his family, balancing the professional life, looking into other activities for the society were so easily handled by him. He became prominent in Eluru and almost everybody in some corner of the town knows his name.

Being one of his grandson out of his 20 grand-children, I have witnessed a blooming journey with him. He taught all of us to love and here also no grand-child was ranked least. We used to visit his home in the vacations and always found happiness in our stay. Toys, Toffees, Sweets, Mangoes, Ice-creams, money, clothes and what not for us if we stay at our grandfather's house. He prefers to watch old movies and we used to change the channels..but still he used to enjoy seeing with us. He wants to take rest after a tired day but still spend time with us cracking jokes. He used to eat mango in curd rice but used to share half of it with his grandchildren. Though he had commitment outside, he never hesitates to ride his grand-children on his vehicle. Seat gets filled with children for a single round asking....Nana ek round..!! He made us to identify his vehicle's horn though there is a lot of noise outside. Before he knocks the door, it will be always open for him as the eagerness took to the heel to welcome him. A common question "Mera beta kaun?" was asked by him to all of his grand-children for which we always replied "Mai". Immediate questions were asked by him in such a way for which the answer was always "Mai". Then suddenly, he asks "Mujhe maarne vaala kaun?" for which we say "Mai" in our usual flow. He asks "Mujhe maarte?" and we say "Nai Nai". There used to be a moral in every word he speaks. There was always appreciation though we do wrong. He used to give rupees to us if we ask a rupee. He is a helping hand for many families and used to be part of many occasions. He was fond of mutton biryani. Whenever his daughters come to visit, he not only brings their favourite item to eat but sends bag full of items while they return to their in-laws home.

Describing him shortly is not possible and words will not end if we start to speak of his attitude. He became a role model to many of the people and we always miss his presence. Unexpectedly, due to a strange illness, he fell sick and experienced lot of pain in his last days. I was shocked to get a call from my maternal uncle about his death on a fine day and rushed to Eluru for the funeral. People who got inspired by him, people whom he helped, people whom he cared were there to see him for the last time. Finally, we carried him on our shoulders to the grave yard remembering "Mera beta kaun?", "his vehicle's horn" and many more... to rest his soul in peace.

Decades went on, generations went on, but he was adaptable to every generation. His nature to mingle with everybody was a boon to him. He hoisted his flag in every heart and made his life an inspiration to every person. People still speak about him. People still take his name wherever necessary. People still use his vehicle. People still need him. But, god granted him rest and peace for his deeds and said "Baba...ab aajao mere ghar mein...tumhe khushiyaa mai detha hun...jo thumney duniyaa mei baanti". Forgive me Nana..If I hurt you or wrote something wrong about you. May you rest in peace.

We miss you Nana.............Your grand-children says. 

We miss you Abba.............Your children says.

We miss you Maamujaan.....Your sons-in-law says.

We miss you Baba Bhaai......Your people says.

Baba Bhaai is the man of 40s, 50s, 70s, 90s..and of course he is a man of all times.