Strangers That Aren’t So

You may not know them, but you cannot forget them. They are the faces etched in your memories simply because they have been a tiny (albeit significant) part of your life. You may not even remember their names and it might take you a while to recall why they seem so familiar. But when you do, a smile winds up on your face or a thought flickers past your head. Who are these people?

For Sameer, these are strangers with whom he has shared some part of his life, be it utterly random moments. Like the unnamed doodhwala (milkman) who brings unpackaged milk on his trustworthy motorbike every evening, or the man who lives two blocks away but meets Sameer regularly at the barber’s shop on Sundays.

This week, Sameer was saddened to learn about the deaths of two such people; people who were never close to his heart, but are irrevocably pieces from his past, his glorious childhood. The first is his kindergarten teacher. Sameer is ashamed to say he does not remember her name. What he does remember is her warm hand helping him cross the road on the day of the annual field trip and the twinkle in her eyes as she painted a moon on his face on the day of the carnival. He cannot recall the things she said but he’s certain what she taught him was invaluable. Perhaps it was just the series of English alphabets; perhaps it was how to hold the crayon over the artpad. But without such crucial basic knowledge, would he be able to understand his textbooks in IBA or appreciate the beauty of colors in his photography? Sameer thinks not.

The second person Sameer lost is Zahoor baba. Zahoor baba was the owner of the only kiryana store within walking distance from his house. It was at Zahoor baba’s shop that Sameer devoured countless Jubilees and purchased 1.5 litre Pepsi bottles for guests. It was Zahoor baba who gave him free Eclairs when he got good marks in his exams and it was Zahoor baba who guided him how to select his first ink pen in 5^th grade. Sameer remembers saying salam to him every day but never asking him about his health. He was dependably present and it never crossed Sameer’s mind that one day, the shutters of Zahoor baba's shop would be down and people would be heading to his namaz-e-janaza.