Friday, August 06, 2004
August 02.
August 02. It was Shahnila's birthday, and I had no idea how to wish her. I wasn't even sure where she was, and how life was treating her in general.
Shahnila, one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. The greatest of listeners, and the most wonderful of friends one could ask for. All she had to do to be a great friend to you was be your friend, and be herself.
I still remember her fondly, she and her weekly new dresses. Complete with new make-up to match. I also remember that day in class when we were having these presentations, which were not really much trouble, nor did they carry any real weightage towards the final grade. But, she was all worked up, and sat through the whole of the two presentations preceding hers holding my hand. That was the sort of thing she needed your support in. A teeny weeny test, an immaterial report, an unimportant presentation.
I also remember the day she sat with me at Punjnad's stairs, and heard the ups and downs in my love-story. By the time I was through telling her how tough the going was increasingly getting, she was the one with the tears in her eyes, and a smile on her lips. That was the kind of support she lent you. Felt your frsutration, your pain, and your longing. Felt them probably more than you yourself did. As long as she was around, you knew you had some sincere prayers coming your way, and some real support system, should the things that matter most to you take a turn for the worse. You also knew for sure there was one more person who would definitely rejoice in your good fortune.
And then that last meeting with her. At her home, in their drawing room, over a wonderful meal cooked by her loving mother. Her mother who looked so much like her grandmother whose portrait adorned the wall. She had broken up with OT, and I had decided to part ways with Saima. Our reasons were different, but our pain was the same. We had spoken at length that day. We had spoken about how it was important for her to part ways with OT, because he had a different lifestyle. A lifestyle that required a huge effort and sacrifice from her parents and family to adjust to. We also spoke about how important it was that I do not go against my parents, and sacrifice my love for their wishes. She went ahead and stayed away from OT. I did not make the sacrifice.
Today, if she knew about my two wonderful kids, Masha Allah, perhaps she would be one of the happiest people on earth. Happy that I had found happiness with Saima. She would also lament the fact that it had to come at a cost.
If only I knew how she was doing. Last I heard, her troubles had continued even after her decision to separate herself from OT. I have since always prayed that she finds happiness with whomever it is who is lucky enough to have her as his life partner.
And I have wished, and hoped that she will contact one of us one of these days, and share our joys the wonderful way only she does.
Happy Birthday to you Shahnila, whereever you are. And many many happy returns of the day.
May He bless you with all the best in life, and hereafter.
¶ 8/06/2004 06:52:00 PM Shahnila, one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. The greatest of listeners, and the most wonderful of friends one could ask for. All she had to do to be a great friend to you was be your friend, and be herself.
I still remember her fondly, she and her weekly new dresses. Complete with new make-up to match. I also remember that day in class when we were having these presentations, which were not really much trouble, nor did they carry any real weightage towards the final grade. But, she was all worked up, and sat through the whole of the two presentations preceding hers holding my hand. That was the sort of thing she needed your support in. A teeny weeny test, an immaterial report, an unimportant presentation.
I also remember the day she sat with me at Punjnad's stairs, and heard the ups and downs in my love-story. By the time I was through telling her how tough the going was increasingly getting, she was the one with the tears in her eyes, and a smile on her lips. That was the kind of support she lent you. Felt your frsutration, your pain, and your longing. Felt them probably more than you yourself did. As long as she was around, you knew you had some sincere prayers coming your way, and some real support system, should the things that matter most to you take a turn for the worse. You also knew for sure there was one more person who would definitely rejoice in your good fortune.
And then that last meeting with her. At her home, in their drawing room, over a wonderful meal cooked by her loving mother. Her mother who looked so much like her grandmother whose portrait adorned the wall. She had broken up with OT, and I had decided to part ways with Saima. Our reasons were different, but our pain was the same. We had spoken at length that day. We had spoken about how it was important for her to part ways with OT, because he had a different lifestyle. A lifestyle that required a huge effort and sacrifice from her parents and family to adjust to. We also spoke about how important it was that I do not go against my parents, and sacrifice my love for their wishes. She went ahead and stayed away from OT. I did not make the sacrifice.
Today, if she knew about my two wonderful kids, Masha Allah, perhaps she would be one of the happiest people on earth. Happy that I had found happiness with Saima. She would also lament the fact that it had to come at a cost.
If only I knew how she was doing. Last I heard, her troubles had continued even after her decision to separate herself from OT. I have since always prayed that she finds happiness with whomever it is who is lucky enough to have her as his life partner.
And I have wished, and hoped that she will contact one of us one of these days, and share our joys the wonderful way only she does.
Happy Birthday to you Shahnila, whereever you are. And many many happy returns of the day.
May He bless you with all the best in life, and hereafter.
