( Recap – Old man had began with the story, the story that was, in fact the story with in the story. Simply, it was a recurrence of an old incidence, in a new format but with the same feelings. )
For a long while, old man kept himself rested silently on the back of the sofa chair, then began, ” Now I come back to the point, I began with the intent of my story. At that time, that incidence was a trite incidence in my eyes. But on this day, when I find myself stood in the same situation, I realize the gravity of the incidence. The years of 1946 to 48 were apocalyptic years, though gradually everything subsided and life came back to the normalcy. This part of the city was densely Muslim populated area, but this city witnessed communal riot nominally.
Trains bounded for
Just adjacent to this location, as you know, Railway terminal station is situated. The government had arranged special trains for Muslim evacuees, bounded for Pakistan. A big chunk of Muslim population opted for Pakistan, but a good number of Muslims too chose to stay back here only. If you would have noticed, still this location contains two Muslims’ burial yard located at a distance of half an Km from here. Those graveyards been extant since that old era.
When major portion of population migrated from here, their evacuated property were taken in possession by “Rehabilitation and evacuation Board” of the government. That kind of property, later on allotted to Punjabi Hindu migrants from Pakistan to this side as a compensation. This location, got a name “Punjabi Camp” or rather were called as ” Refugee colony” for a long, because of that. Gradually, every thing restored back at ease, as if, nothing major event had occurred.
VISA facility
After some lapse of time, both the government of India and Pakistan began to issue the facility of VISA for people to visit across the border. Once, my father too made a visit to his parental place in Pakistan. Some where in his heart, he cherished a hope, might be he ably find, some ‘where about’ of his missing family members. But every effort proved futile. Though, one benefit he obtained there by his visit. He succeeded to receive some claims in lieu of his lost property there. But the ” mental condition” of father was so pitiable on receiving the claims, he donated the entire amount to an orphanage.
Visit of the Akhlaak Miyan
About the year of 1960, the same Akhlaak Miyan, from whom father had bought this house, visited this city on VISA. He visited here to see his some relatives, who chose to stay back here in India. On his visit, he too sent a message to my father, he be given permission to throw a glance once only, over his old property. Why for my father could afford to deny him? He too, once with the same intent had visited the Pakistan to his parental place. Well! The same Akhlaak Miyan arrived with his burakha ( proper veil of Muslim women) clad begum ( wife.) At that time, I was a chap around 18- 19 years old only.
Still I remember , how my father and Akhlaak Miyan embraced each other warmly, as if, two old time friends were meeting after a long elapse of time. Both had tears in their eyes. With a choked voice, father had asked him, “Why Akhlaak Miyan, are you happy in your Pakistan?” The answer delivered by Akhlaak Miyan, still resounds in my ears, “Can a tree flourish properly after being rooted out from his original soil? Now my children been acclimatized to that environment, that forces us to stay there only . But my childhood, teen age to adulthood, along with my friends, play fields and lanes of city I trod on, all left behind here. Just to refresh those memories, I am here only.”
Upon which, father had commented, “very shortly you grew up into an old man, dear friend.” He too retorted, “You too any, don’t look the same youthful, as you happened to be once, friend. Our generation has suffered through an irreparable loss friend. How can we now be the same old one? Just, we are living the life for the sake of our children.” Again, my father reiterated, ” Are you happy there? What’s about our Hindu fraternity left behind there?”
A candid reply
On that, Akhlaak Miyan candidly admitted, ” Friend, Muslims who chose to stay back here in India, are in far better position than Hindus over there, Government by herself there is Anti Hindus. Even, we migrant Muslims from India are given an entitlement of Muhajir (refugee.) After that, Akhlaak Miyan and his wife visited every nook and corner of the house. Their eyes minutely searched every corner, as if, they intend to drink every moment through eyes.
On the request of his wife, the store room ( once their kitchen) got unlocked. The lady remained stood there speechless, with tears in eyes. How can a matron of old house could afford to forget her old kitchen. So many sweet memories were attached to that, in her mind. At that time, all these things seemed like a “melodrama” to me.
I was an immature one at that time and could not realize the anguish and painful feelings of them. As on today, I am here with the same longing to throw a glance over the house. In near future, if my age permits me again to visit this place, I won’t find it in the old shape.” And abruptly, old man dropped into a deep silence, streaks of tears were shedding down on his cheeks.
Snap shots
After that, old man and his family too visited and inspected minutely, each and every corner of the house, with a pang. Lastly, they requested me, If I could permit them to have some snap shots with camera, of the old house and orchard. I had no objection in that. His son recovered his camera from the car. They took some snap shots of the property and group photos. Then with mist eyes, they took a bid to leave the place. For me also, those were the moments to make me sentimental.
I came up to the car to bid them a departure. With a throttle, car engine came to the starting mode and car rolled on. For few seconds it glided before me and remained visible in the sight. On the first turn it vanished from my sight. For a long, I remained stood there speechless with a heavy heart. ( End of the story ) … Penned by — Vinay Pharasi …..
