This question has kept me pondering for days and I have not been able to gather the energy to trace my words on paper. I am haunted by the young neighbor's smiling shining dark eyes, the loving gaze reaching the depths of my spirit.
Her personality is magnetic and there is something special about her.
Living close with just a wall between us we both had the same thought -who is this person who lives next door. What is her name? is she a student, if yes what is she studying and where? What is her family like? What village in Pakistan? What interests does she have?
The mental inquiry was gradually gaining power by the strength of concentration and finally it took shape. She was in the lane with her mother and I was leaning against the terrace wall.
'Hi' a smiling happy face looked upto me, please come'
She was so eager loving and desirous that I immediately accepted the invitation.
Women are more social I guess' as the story goes "two ladies stood and talked in the doorway for the two hours" they did not have time to go in'-
I found out that there were only ladies in the house next door... So my husband could not accompany me.
'Social calling' is the last thing favorable to my husband "I have found myself telling others. Well, I combed my short hair put a dash of lipstick and was ready to go
The welcome was warm and affectionate.
"Grandmother is here too' in came a strongly built tall woman wearing dark glasses showing determination in her stride. She greeted me in the traditional way when the young ones stand in respect and then elders are the first to give a hug and a cheek to cheek greeting. This is the Eastern style.
'Now where is your other daughter "I looked around for her.
"OH she is making tea for you' Oh really? What satisfying words, what comfort at being so special? I was thinking' why do they treat me like this? I have not done anything for them' Are they just loving and caring people? Are they so neighbor loving?
Love care and respect in these times is rare.
The curtain moved and the young daughter, slim energetic eager, with the same determined steps came forward and this time I was the senior. I hugged her.' How are you?' her face was all smiles. I looked at the tea tray. "Small pieces of apple cut into thin slices, French fries now known as Freedom fries or Friendship fries, sweet balls which we call "Gulaab Jaman' in Urdu language "Gulaab" meaning rose and "Jaman" a summer fruit' but actually this food item is prepared with flour sugar egg and milk and the balls are then deep fried in oil.
The whole tray appeared decorated neatly placed and well presented
'It's so good to meet you, finally' the mother said.' We would wonder if Uncle lived alone or was there a lady of the house?' A thought flashed -'they don't know that I am the man of the house';
'At times it would be all dark with no lights in the porch'. "well Ammi,
"Now you know' and tell me about yourself ' I looked at my smiling host.
'She is a doctor in the army. Studies are complete House job is about to begin' mother said
I was impressed
'Oh great person great knowledge, hard work and much practical training'
"Great achievement" too. I remembered my father, a doctor in the army and felt a lot in common with this family.
But the word army struck a slight shiver and a wave of apprehension crept in my soul. Somewhere in the distant the sound of a blast echoed, sirens wailed and my heart missed a beat; no. no .O God please keep such tender talented young ones safe. The country needs them, the families have yet to enjoy their happiness and success and they themselves have a full life ahead.
'Ah yes, we belong to Khairpur' in Sindh ? What is your village?'
My thoughts broke at this point. The doctor looked very pleased and was smiling continuously, "please take some more, and the tea is getting cold" she continued in her slightly husky voice-
'Today I feel after knowing about you that there is still hope for the younger generation''our generation' "I always feel that our elders have not given us the due love care and contribution"
'we are a deprived group' a starved nation'
'Oh you have a real thinking mind' I was shaken at this young voice, the frank impressions and expressions.
'I have written a poem on this road, this Tulsa Road, and have sent it to all the concerned departments, I will give a copy to you' I would like you to give your comments'
OH me?
Yes why not -I can see a great thinker in you-
'This is how we can bridge the gap' the young doctor said "If our elders have contributed in writing, in making the country better, in creating new things , in passing on good traditions-"
If only they had not wasted their time, if only the politicians would realize the value of real service to the people'
'Our religion- and at this point mother got up to offer prayers.
'Prayers too are to be offered regularly and again the elders have to show'
'Doctor you have done a great job by completing your education' This is your beginning'
Let us join our hands. I will do the teaching and you could bring in the first aid training to begin with'
Listening to this Grandmother also agreed. Suddenly the doorbell rang.
'Someone wants you home'. OH I should beg leave now'
Well I believe we can now bridge up the gap completely, when we think alike…I took a pause and promptly came the remark
'We love each other' the doctor had completed my sentence again with a little laughter and more happiness
'You are witty Doctor”
I hoped I had satisfied the new generation to some extent.
