belonging to a muslim (so called) country there were very few hindus in our class. Iam quoting a time when I was in grade 7. I had a class mate called Bhavita. Who I lovingly call bhavi.
Everytime we had a Pakistan studies class it was always followed by a full blown fight during the lunch time. An LOC was made in the class and shouts of you Pakistani's are frauds and you Indians should be where you belong in the slums. Something which Bhavi aand myself never repeated after a certain event because we were too ashamed of ourselves.
One day on the ride back home our school bus decided to break down. Since we belonged to an evening shift and it was winter season it was getting dark and we all were tired and hungry. Fate brought us outside Bhavi's house. Before she could climd the steps to her flat she figured our coaster has stopped functioning. She looked back worriedly. Catching my eye she Humfed and left. Five minutes later we had a Female with a bindi onher forehead running towards us with a trat full of goodies. She handed them to the driver and started chatting. We muttered under our breaths and sent hateful eyes towards the driver uncle.
Before we knew what was happening we were being led out of the van by the woman. It was the first surprise of the ones to come. I wondered she looks just like my mother! minus the bindi. She looks and talks in the same gentle tones as mine does. I gave her a sharp look trying to see hidden malice. Before I could see anything vindictive I saw her talking a grade 1 kid in her arms soothing her and taking her with her. I fell in love grudgingly. I missed my mother less.
We went upstairs to a very small but neat flat. To my surprise (again) Bhavi had arranged several glasses on the table and was preparing chilled juice for us. I blinked twice to recognise the tigress in her all I saw was...... what???? Myself when I have guests I like in my house!!! Phew naaa...
As soon as I turned from the view there was an old lady dressed in sari kneeling down in front of what looked like a God from Hindu religion. Without noticing anything else I was struck by how that frail looking woman (who reminded me of my nani) deep in prayers unperturbed by the hustle bustle. I was mesmerised. I saw my nani kneeling on her praying mat. Crying for a miracle. Her son (my mamo) was shot in the head and he was paralysed. I felt like crying and my heart screamed and prayed please Allah don't let me know that she suffers a grief as strong as that too.
As in a dream I was sitting beside her just staring at her with wonder and pain in my childish eyes. After sometime which seemed like eternity she turned towards me and smiled. The smile of an angel as I recall it. In a chocked voice I said to her will you pray for my mamo too and narrated the whole story. She took me in her arms and said Ganesh G is great He will listen to me I will and you will see your mamo will be fine. Lying in her arms I felt the same comfort I felt when I hugged my own nani.
I gaze up to see Bhavi standing and staring at me what she said then made us friends for life. God listens to dudda's prayers dont worry everything will be fine. Soon it was time to go home as our van was functional again thank yous were said good byes done we were walking out I felt an elation I still remember.
After coming home I told mama what had happened. She smiled at me which I now understand was a smile of pride. I also told her the story of our fights over India and Pakistan. My mother then said what has today become the lesson of my life. She said first thing is History is never the complete truth be it anywhere in the world. Facts are twisted and lies infused to suit the purpose of few. The fights are due to the monsters which exist on both sides. People known as our leaders serve no purpose but their own and soil the minds of the likes of us with crap. Even though till date I dont completly understand the game called politics but I do understand what came next.
She told me there are two types of people. We all have God or Gods But very few actually believe in the divine power. And it is those few who no matter what religon tay practice are the ones closest to God. As a muslim if you turn around and bad mouth about hindus their country or anything you are not a muslim! I gasped and tried to argue but the fight had left me. She said No religon be it Islam or Hinduism, They both preach love and respect for all humanity. As distruaught I get when I hear about the things you said to her I seek console in the fact that you recognised that woman for who she is. A great one. If you seek divinty in any form or religon God answers.
From there on we became family friends and there was never a worry in my little mind that was un heard by bhavi's dadi who I also take as my dudda till date.
Today when I see this fight between the two countries I marvell at the audacity of leaders on both sides. There are people dying, poverty right left and centre all going un noticed by them. Over looking what their people are going through they are more interested in what the other end is upto. Today if somethign happens I do not bother listening to what the policticans in my country are saying because I know they all are the same. Pakistani government will convince us saying India is the villans and Indian politicians will do the same on their side. Unfortunately some fanatics on both sides will rise and support their cause painting a picture of complete animosity.
I here take this opportunity and say Do Hell with you Fools. I will not succumb to your bull shit! I stand by humanity. If I shed tears for my people I cry for people in India too who are dying and suffering every day at the hands of the hoiety toiteys.
I know this will continue to be so. Because if this stopped there will be no politicians on either side left. Which is nothing but wishfull thinking. But I so hope that people reading this will realise the game we are being played at and learn to establish harmony. When I joined this site knowing this is an Indian site I thought twice. But then Bhavi Raj Rawanti and all my hindu friends who originally belong to India came to mind and I said hey They are family! So this cannot be so bad either. And this place became my sanctuary. Everytime something troubles me I write! And write on Writer Babu and no where else!
