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Story Time: Was he really a stranger?
Wallaaa! A week left to celebrate the memorable day of August. Ding dong ding, the clock chimed. Ali looked up and saw the time. It was 12noon —the time to join his friends to prepare for the celebrations.
“Dad, Can I go with my pals? They’ve planned to decorate their houses with bunting and flags. Can I also buy some stuff?” Asked Ali.
“Well, it’s all right with me but make sure you’re back before 8:00 pm,” answered Mr Shah politely.
“I sure will,” replied Ali hurrying out for his friends. The cloudy weather seemed perfect for the young fellows. They got so engrossed in their shopping that time flew and it was almost 5:00pm. They had to drop Ali at his place but since the weather was good, Ali requested his friends to drop him at a park near by where he went often.
Finding a peaceful cozy corner surrounded by green trees and bushes, the boy started to wonder about the events that took place 56 years ago. He was deeply engrossed in his thoughts when an old, yet tall and graceful man entered the garden and sat beside him. In no time the two were sharing their views about the struggles and the sacrifices that the brave Muslims must have made 56 years ago. The gentleman was impressive and knew a lot about the historical events that took place during the struggle for independence. Placing his cap by Ali’s bag full of bunting, he started telling the young fellow how badly the Muslims were treated, how cruelly their houses were burnt and how Muslim students were not allowed to study according to their own traditions. He also told Ali how all their demands were neglected and even after that bloody partition and losing their loved ones, how those brave hearts cared for nothing else but one single word “PAKISTAN”.
The young boy was totally occupied with what the old man was saying. His words left Ali lost in a microcosm of the past. Seeing his father coming, he bowed to pick up his bag just then a Jinnah Cap, lying near his stuff, grabbed his attention. The boy was totally awe-struck. Looking at the boy’s dazed eyes his father got a little concerned and said, “Come on son, all your friends would be at their places. How many times have I told you not to keep out till late at night. You must be chatting with some stranger”.
“But was he really a stranger?” Ali murmured to himself.
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