Bade Mamu

Sometimes life deals you a blow which shocks you to the core. One such day, in a matter of minutes, it changes so immediately you are left wondering how it all happened. The death of my eldest uncle was such a blow to all of us in the family. Bade Mamu, one of the most jovial persons anyone could have ever met passed away on 30th Dec 2014. Always a smile on his face, he was the most devoted son, loving husband, caring brother and a proud father. Whenever he spoke about Honey, his daughter, I could see his eyes fill up with joy and pride. He doted on her immensely, she being the source of his joy. Being the eldest son in his family, he had seen the best times and the worst. And he braved them all. A science post graduate, he was a loved teacher. Later he joined Indian railways and rose  to the post of station superintendent at Ajmer Junction, Rajasthan. He could regale you for hours on end with stories from school, college, work and life. Being in his company was immense joy for everyone. It was as if he understood the meaning of life lay in laughter and making people happy. He could even repeat jokes and make you laugh with the reaction later. About a month before he passed away, he got Honey married in a gala ceremony. He couldn't dance well but he matched steps with her at her insistence. Everyone who saw the performance would remember his smile while performing. Nervous yet happy, matching steps with the apple of his eyes, he was happy having made her happy. There was a duet with his wife. Badi Mumani, which brought so many smiles in the audience. He did his best, perhaps missing a line sometimes, but knowing he did his best for the people he loved made him happy. The wedding was grand, everyone was impressed. I was lucky I got to spend a lot of time with him during the wedding. I was the first to arrive for the wedding and the last to leave later. Some of the happiest days of my life. Words aren't sufficient to describe Bade Mamu, a gem of a person. He was an amazing personality, Most loving and caring, religious, with a beautiful heart. I feel he's watching us from somewhere and getting most upset if we cry for him. He couldn't see tears in his loved ones eyes ever. If at all, we should try and follow his path, making others happy. It would make him happy. - Arshad Iqbal 30 Dec 2015

http://arshads-musings.blogspot.com/

Mom

Hopes fulfilled & yearned for more,
Joys felt in heart with pride,
A glance of concern, furrowing forehead,
A love unconditional, pure and divine.

The eldest daughter of the Ramzan family, my mom lost her dad at a young age. She would later recall the event steeled her heart from crying at the drop of a hat, like she used to. Living a hostel life made her value her parents more, she would say. "Why be sad when you can be happy, always smile and face up to what life gives you bravely" Never one to make a sad face, she was a courageous woman. Jolly natured to the core, understanding, caring and selfless. The most loved amongst all brothers and sisters, she would advice them about anything and everything. Her mom was her life, she would make nani smile by cracking jokes and then be happy herself that she made her mom happy. A Sophia Covent educated student, she was a strict but loved Science teacher, respected among colleagues and students alike. Innocent, yet not naive, mom always cared about us more than herself. You could talk with her about anything under the sun and yet find new viewpoints as to how to look at things. Sweet voiced and with a sweeter nature, she could put anyone at ease so comfortably, you would hardly realize you met her for the first time. A gem of a person, she loved Govinda for his comedy and his devotion to his mom. People who knew her were lucky, people she loved were luckier. It may seem that I'm telling all these things since she was my mom, but it isn't so. She was an amazing woman, loving and strong.

                14 March, 2008 was a Friday, an auspicious day for muslims.

                15 March, 2008 was the 6th of the Raby`al-awal month, an auspicious date in the muslim calendar, especially in the Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Shrine, in Ajmer. - The day my mom passed away.

                21 March, 2008 the following friday, was Eid Milad-un-Nabi (the birth of Prophet Muhammad PBUH).

                The same day was also Good Friday, the day Christians mark the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

                The same day was also Holi, celebrated by Hindus as the festival of colours.

                The same day was also Eid-e-Nauroz, the religious festival of members from the Baha’i faith which is also a community festival for the Zoroastrians as well as the Ismailis and Iranians.

                22 March, 2008 was Holla Mohalla,an occasion of to rejoice for the Sikh community.

                23 March, 2008 was Easter Sunday, celebrated by christians in observance of their belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.

                The confluence of so many religious occasions and festivals in the same week is rare. I like to believe it's a special occurence for a special reason.

                Some events change your life forever, Instances which spiral out of control & take you along for the ride, dropping you off unchanged outside, yet different inside.

                How do you define someone who defines you? How do you stop looking outwards for someone who is inside you? My mom defined me, defined us. She made me & my brothers what we are today. She is and will be in us always. With us.

- Arshad Iqbal

April 6th, 2008.