38. Epilogue

 

Addressed to Doctor Saheb

The responsibilities which you had left behind for me, to the extent possible, with all my efforts, I have tried to fulfill them. You had a desire to go for Haj after Nikhat’s marriage. As your intent for Haj was there, I am sure it will be treated as accomplished in the eyes of Allah. As for me I have done my own Haj as well as on your behalf. Hope Allah accepts both.

Reyaz is married to a lady doctor and their son Sheeraz is also in final stages of adopting the same profession as yours. Next to Sheeraz is their daughter Ayesha who is in the early stages of college education. Neyaz had already been a graduate when you were there. He is married to the daughter of your favorite little sister. Both the brothers were married within a gap of few days and combined reception held. Neyaz had even got a job here in India but the vagaries of life compelled him to migrate to America. He is also blessed with two children. The elder one is son Danish and next to him is the daughter whom I have named Lubna. They say she resembles me.

The three elder daughters were already married in your presence. Talat was the one who looked like most attached to you. She inherited your temperament as well as the notorious sugar disease. She was the first one to go there and meet you. Of the two sons she had, the elder one Khalid is also now married and now we have a great-grand child who has been name Waqar by Sohail. Khalid’s wife was a sweet little girl - was so lovable that Allah  decided to recall her just four years after their marriage. She was the great-grand daughter of your close friend Dr. Muzaffar. Sohail is still there in Monghyr and having his private practice there. Such a healthy person is not keeping good health these days. Talat’s younger son Sharique has completed his graduation with commerce and also done some computer course.  Bereavements seem to have jolted his persona. Khalid has managed a job for his younger brother in Bombay. Khalid himself has done quite well  professionally all on his own and is handsomely placed in Bombay.

Nuzhat along with Tarique had gone to England for higher studies and returned after four years. Masha Allah all her three kids are sharp as the mother herself. Hena is true replica of her Papa. All three of them have become doctors. Hena is married to Azfar who is son of Aneesuz Zaman. The boy is extremely decent and a prominent heart specialist. 

 Shahnaz was married in your presence. Her daughter Pinky too is now married. Her son Amaan Niamat is computer engineer in America and enjoys a good professional position. Niamat has attained very high post in the Bank. I remember you used to say that he is a shining star and your belief has been confirmed. In fact all the brothers of Niamat have progressed very well.

Next comes Nikhat for whom you teased me calling her my step daughter. I have developed   deep affection for her and fond of her. She is also a changed person now and has become a lot more wiser. Allah when he takes away something, compensates by way of other means. Your loss to her in a way is compensated by a decent husband Qamar who is soft spoken. Qamar has since migrated to America and has his own private medical practice. Their son Tanveer is also going to be a doctor soon. Their daughter Tina is real cute and a few shades better than her mother in looks.

In your presence only Ejaz’s education was still not complete. You were very fond of him. His attributes now  have very strong affinity with that of yours – taciturn by nature, eats and sleeps frugally. He could not be made a doctor, which I will always regret. He has been married to the youngest daughter of Minhaj Bhai named Mehar. She is a very fine girl. They have two young kids and both of them are very intelligent and sharp.

Somehow all your children have been scattered at different places. Only one to stay back here is Reyaz who has inhabited the house made by you, as his clinic. As your co-professional, he is extremely charitable. He is holding the threads of the entire family as the central point.

Feel like closing this book with a couplet “oh Lord, in this world of yours my heart makes a forlorn prayer to be called back”.          

Just waiting to meet you again.

Hamida Bano

T H E   E N D.

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