Gul Gulshan Gulfam

by Pran Kishore

  One day, feeling utterly exasperated, she made Sulaiman call Bilal, but when Ghulam Qadir came to know of it, he got angry like a rabid dog. He snatched the telephone from Sulaiman’s hand. After a very long time Reeny’s patience gave way. ‘What is this madness? That son of yours there once saved our son’s life, and the poor child wants to thank him and you—’

  ‘Do not force this innocent boy to become a part of the horrible vortex I am stuck in. They just hate him. They hate you, they hate me. And still you yearn to forge relations with them!’

  ‘I am desperate to forge relations with them because you are severing relations with me! I want my Qadir back, that is all.’

  ‘What? When did I sever relations with you? What nonsense are you speaking?’

  ‘Yes, of course, I am shattered, and I hold myself responsible for that. Please give me some more time to gather the broken pieces of my life.’

  ‘Till you do that, you plan to continue drowning yourself in alcohol? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? See what you have made of that handsome face. For God’s sake, don’t ruin yourself, Qadir, please!’

  ‘I work from dawn to dusk like a blindfolded bullock in an oil mill. You know how much I have expanded your business. Yet you’re saying that I am ruining myself.’

  ‘You work all the time because you can’t bear to spend time with me. I don’t need this business. I need nothing but my own Qadir.’

  Qadir felt sorry for Reeny, and he held her in a hug. He promised her that he would not touch alcohol again.

  But the damage had been done. He was losing his appetite with every passing day. The pain at the right side of his chest was become unbearable. Yet he never let Reeny know. When the medicines he took for over a fortnight did not give him any relief, he consulted his family doctor who advised him to undergo a couple of tests. When the doctor saw the test reports, he went pale and said to Qadir, ‘I will run the tests again immediately for a confirmation.’

  Ghulam Qadir became anxious. ‘Is there anything serious, doctor?’

  ‘You need not worry. The tests are not very clear.’

  When reports of the second round of tests came, the doctor went quiet. He said to Ghulam Qadir, ‘I will call Reeny and ask her to come here.’

  ‘No, doctor, no. For God’s sake don’t disclose anything to her.’

  ‘Why shouldn’t I tell her? You have to get admitted in the medical institute of Bombay and have a thorough investigation done. It is imperative. We do not have such facilities here and you need treatment immediately.’

  ‘So you suspect that I—’

  ‘I cannot say anything for certain yet. Your liver is not functioning well. But we can only verify this in Bombay. Since you cannot go alone, Reeny must accompany you.’

  ‘No, doctor, she will simply die of shock. I have a brother in Bombay. I entreat you not to tell anybody about my illness.’

  After promising secrecy, the doctor contacted a couple of doctors at the Tata Memorial Medical Institute, prepared Ghulam Qadir’s case history, and forwarded the file to them.

  Reeny was happy that Ghulam Qadir had begun spending most of his time with her and loved her as he used to. After a week or so, while having breakfast, he told her that his friend Vijay Kumar had sought his council in connection with a big business deal, and he would have to go to Bombay for a few days. Reeny felt happy that Narayan Joo’s son was trying to seek some excuse to restore their severed relations. She saw Qadir off to Bombay the very next day.

  On reaching Bombay, Ghulam Qadir went straight away to Vijay Kumar’s office. Vijay Kumar was surprised when his secretary handed Ghulam Qadir’s visiting card to him. He got up and went out to meet Ghulam Qadir who had never thought he would be received so warmly. Vijay Kumar led him in and asked his secretary to send them coffee.

  ‘No coffee please, I would like just a glass of water. Coffee does not suit my system.’

  Vijay Kumar asked the secretary to get them tea. Then there was a little silence. Vijay Kumar said, ‘Please forgive me for not even responding to your invitation card. The circumstances were such that I could not. But I swear by my father that my love for you has not lessened by even an ounce.’

  Ghulam Qadir looked at him innocently and said, ‘If I did not trust your love and friendship, why would I come here without giving you any notice?’

  The tea was served. Vijay Kumar asked his secretary not to allow anybody inside.

  Vijay Kumar asked Ghulam Qadir, ‘Now tell me why have you come here to see me? Are you interested in some hotel here?’

  Ghulam Qadir smiled and said, ‘Yes, I am. I am interested in the Tata Memorial.’

  ‘Don’t be silly.’

  ‘But I am not joking.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  Ghulam Qadir took out the medical reports. Looking at the case history, Vijay Kumar’s hands began to shake. He got up and stretched his hands out to Qadir. ‘There is nothing to worry about. This is only a preliminary test. I will call Doctor Arvind Koul today. He is the head of the pathology department. God forbid, even if there is anything serious, it can be treated here. Times have changed, and there are many new remedies for every disease. Everything will be all right. Where are you staying? And where is Reeny?’

  ‘I came straight away to your office. I haven’t told her yet. She has already suffered a lot of because of me. If she comes to know that I am here to undergo a medical examination, she will die of the shock.’

  ‘But if, God forbid, there is anything serious, we will have to tell her.’

  ‘Let me undergo all the tests and then we can inform her.’

  Malla Khaliq and Narayan Joo went to Hari Parbat as they did every day in the morning to pray to their respective gods and saints for everyone’s health and prosperity. When they were done praying, they met each other in the middle and walked down through the Kathi Darwaza, the huge gate in the rampart that was built by emperor Akbar around the hill known as Hari Parbat. They were reminiscing the happy days of their youth when they used to walk through groves of almond trees and orchids and participated in all rituals and festivals together.

  ‘Very soon people will not spare even these walking tracks. They destroyed such a beautiful valley to erect brick and stone walls all around!’

  Malla Khaliq stopped at Kathi Darwaza to catch a breather, and turned to Narayan Joo. ‘Emperor Jahangir died with an unfulfilled desire to see almond blossoms. He raised such a huge fortification to keep his almond garden safe from encroachment, yet he could not reach here in time for the almond blossoms. But see how people have ruined it to grow hashish.’

  Narayan Joo made a concluding remark, ‘Let us walk ahead. How many misfortunes will we lament over – the dwindling Dal Lake, the fast vanishing pine forests, or the withered almond orchard? Now please get up, otherwise I will be late to the airport.’

  Malla Khaliq held his knees and said, ‘My knees feel weak. I feel a strange something gripping my heart.’

  ‘It is age, old man, it is nothing but age!’

  ‘On the one hand you reprimand me for walking with a hunch, and on the other, you tease me saying I am getting old. You are impossible.’

  ‘I was just kidding. It is your hard work and courage that helps me continue this business of living.’

  ‘It is okay. Let us fix up a time to have another of our debates on who is encouraging whom. Let us get moving or you will never reach the airport. You shoulder so much of your business single-handedly. Such an inspiration.’

  Narayan Joo stood up, looked back to have a parting glance at the hill, heaved a deep sigh, and said, ‘All this is the Devi’s wish.’

  Vijay Kumar’s wife could hardly believe that Ghulam Qadir had finally put all his grudges aside. She remembered how well Ghulam Qadir and Reeny had hosted them when they visited Goa and Daman. Vijay Kumar did not let his wife know about Ghulam Qadir’s illness.

  The tea and snacks were placed on the table and Vijay Kumar took Ghulam Q
adir to the dining room. They had hardly started drinking the tea when a tall young man entered and went straight up to Ghulam Qadir. He held out his hand to him for a handshake. ‘Good evening, Uncle!’

  Ghulam Qadir responded to his greetings unsurely.

  ‘I think he doesn’t recognize me, Daddy. That is why I had insisted on coming to Goa with you.’

  ‘You!’ Ghulam Qadir realized that the young man was Dilip Kumar, Vijay Kumar’s son.

  He had seen him many years back when Vijay Kumar had bailed him out from jail. He got up and gave him a warm hug. ‘Oh God! Do you see, Vijay Kumar, how time has flown like a galloping steed? May God bless you, son.’

  They had their tea together. Ghulam Qadir continued to look fondly at Dilip Kumar. He was lost in his memories of Kashmir; he felt like he had returned after so many years. His conversations with Vijay Kumar and his family in Kashmiri seemed sweet like honey to him. Looking at Vijay Kumar’s son, he imagined Bilal’s face. Tears flowed from his eyes. Then the telephone rang and the moment passed.

  Vijay Kumar received the call; it was Reeny. He handed over the phone to Ghulam Qadir, and took his wife and son to the next room. There he told his family the real reason for Ghulam Qadir’s sudden visit. There was a lull in the house.

  Ghulam Qadir kept talking about Vijay Kumar, his son and his wife on the phone. After assuring Reeny that he would return soon, he put the phone down and went into the drawing room. When he saw all of them looking upset, he tried to restore the cheer that had been in the air a little while ago.

  ‘Reeny was happy to hear that we have been reunited here.’

  Vijay Kumar said, ‘I think we must tell her why you are here, otherwise she will never forgive us.’

  ‘No. Qadir Uncle is right. Let us see what the tests say and then we can tell her,’ said Dilip Kumar. ‘Dad, I think you should call Doctor Arvind Koul and make an appointment. You know how busy he is.’

  ‘Thank you for your advice, my father.’

  ‘You see, Dilp Kumar is a replica of his grandfather,’ Vijay Kumar’s wife said. ‘He talks like him and always gives us advice. Like his grandfather, he repeatedly says, “Daddy, what are you doing here?”’

  ‘Yes, I do say so. What is here for us? Everything is artificial. I have told you that I will go back to Kashmir and work alongside Lala Sahib. We can modernize the tourist industry there. Having visited the whole of Europe, I realize what an abundance of culture and landscape God has given us.’

  ‘Okay. We will discuss this issue some other time. You first make sure that your uncle’s baggage is kept in his room. In the meantime, I will fix up the time with Doctor Koul.’

  Next day, Vijay Kumar took Ghulam Qadir to the Tata Memorial Institute. Doctor Arvind perused the reports of the tests conducted in Goa. After seeking council from other doctors, they decided to admit Ghulam Qadir without any delay. Vijay Kumar had no option but to inform Reeny over the phone. Ghulam Qadir tried his best to dissuade him. ‘Let me undergo the surgery, and then we can tell her.’ But Vijay Kumar told him that it wasn’t right not to inform her.

  Reeny shuddered to think that Ghulam Qadir was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. First she refused to believe it, but when Vijay Kumar told her that Ghulam Qadir had made up the excuse of coming to Bombay on business, she was furious. She went to her family doctor and screamed at him. But the doctor said, ‘Ghulam Qadir had made me promise that I would not tell you about the tests.’

  ‘And you went with it?! How could you!’

  The doctor tried to explain his position further, but Reeny stopped him, ‘Enough. Please tell me what to do now. I don’t have much time.’

  ‘I have been in touch with the doctors in Bombay. They are quite hopeful that after the surgery they will succeed in stopping the disease from spreading. If you agree, I am ready to accompany you to Bombay.’

  ‘Thank you. Let me go first.’

  Reeny was furious with Ghulam Qadir, but when she found him lying helpless in a hospital bed, her anger petered out. ‘We will fight it out. We shall not give in. You just get well and I will repay all that I owe you.’

  Ghulam Qadir was overwhelmed. ‘Forgive me, Reeny. I have caused you a lot of pain. I deserve this punishment. I have been a source of pain for everyone including you, you who love me so dearly.’

  The next day Ghulam Qadir was taken into the operation theatre.

  They waited with bated breath. The light on top of the door of the operation theatre shone red, and all eyes remained fixed on it. Every hour of waiting seemed like a high mountain to climb. Reeny was constantly on the phone with Sulaiman in Goa.

  After six long hours, the door of the theatre opened and Doctor Gujral and his other associate surgeons came out. Doctor Arvind took Vijay Kumar to his room. He said, ‘A big portion of his liver is still safe. We have tried our best to render the infected portion inactive, yet we cannot be sure that the disease won’t come back.’

  Then he added, ‘You please call his wife in, I want to tell her the diagnosis myself.’

  Vijay Kumar got up and called Reeny in. Her legs were unsteady with fear. Vijay Kumar tried his best to assure her that the operation had been successful, but she could not believe him for she knew that cirrhosis of the liver was a fatal condition, and only a few patients could be cured. Shivering with fear, she entered the doctor’s room. The doctor did not conceal anything from her. ‘We tried our best and froze the atrophied part of his liver which was badly affected. But I cannot guarantee that your husband is completely cured. Since God is the greatest doctor, I will take His name and prescribe medicines and will also write the necessary instructions.’

  It was over a month and a half since Ghulam Qadir and Reeny had returned to Goa. Ghulam Qadir had recovered noticeably during this time. Their family doctor visited them every day to examine him and then passed his report on to the doctor in Bombay.

  One day, while Reeny and Ghulam Qadir were engrossed in sweet memories of the past, Ghulam Qadir held her close and said, ‘I don’t know how much longer I will get to share this life with you. I want to tell you some truths that I had buried in the past.’

  ‘I do not want to hear anything. You first get well and then I shall lend my ears to your secrets. You have been sitting for quite long today, it is better you sleep now. I am afraid your back might hurt again.’ Reeny was about to get up, but Ghulam Qadir stopped her.

  ‘Nothing will happen to me. The burden of some truths is crushing my soul with its weight, and I will have no peace until I share them with you.’

  ‘All right, tell me. Have I ever won against your obstinacy?’

  ‘You know, my shattered life brought me to your threshold like a worthless beggar. You insulted me and forced me to leave your house, but I was so weary that I had no energy to go anywhere else. Do you remember when you took pity and flung an old blanket towards me before slamming the door, saying, “You might feel cold, so wrap yourself up with it?” That little gesture told me volumes about your kind heart hiding under your apparent sternness. That little gleam of hope gave me strength to start a new life. I promised you that I would regain my lost life with honour.’

  ‘I know all this. You don’t have to remind me,’ Reeny interrupted. ‘And then you invested all your savings in restoring our hotel and you became my partner. And then Daddy passed away, which brought us close to each other. Then we got married, and I gave birth to Sulaiman. You went to Kashmir to retrieve your lost life, but there – now that’s enough. Let us end this old tale there. If you want to tell me anything else, go ahead. Otherwise you better get up and stretch out on the bed.’

  ‘I married you, but in spite of my best efforts, I could not forget my past.’

  ‘This too is not new to me. Get up now, please.’

  ‘For God’s sake, let me speak, please. I married you not because I was in love with you, but because it was an obligation for me. I felt it was necessary to save your honour and the property we had worked so hard for. I
did all this only to repay the trust that your Daddy had placed in me.’

  ‘I know. I know all this.’

  ‘But you don’t know this. In a very short time, you won my heart and I fell in love with you. The birth of Sulaiman sanctified our relationship. But in spite of all this, I could not forget Zeb. I honestly tried to. That girl loved me from the core of her heart and entrusted her entire being to me. She suffered for no fault of hers.’

  ‘Yes, you are right. There is no fault in her. I alone became the villain in this story. But then I pushed you to visit Kashmir so that you could reassemble your scattered life and make amends. We are all puppets in the hands of destiny. Destiny steers us in whatever direction we are preordained to travel. I therefore implore you never to think that I bear any grudge against you. But I surely have one complaint, for which I may never forgive you, and that is your choice of such a fatal retribution for your sins. What right did you have to play with your life? You knew that your life is entwined with mine. Now let us stop this. I have already forgiven you for the rest. If I have ever loved anyone in this world, it is you, Qadir.’

  ‘You have forgiven me, but she has not forgiven me. My soul shall, therefore, always remain restless. I did not find anybody there who sympathized with me. The pain in my heart changed into the cancer of my liver, which remains gnawing at my insides. Please take me back to Kashmir; I don’t want to die here. Please, Reeny, take me to Kashmir.’

  ‘You get well and I promise you I will take you to Kashmir. We will take Sulaiman along as well. But please get well first.’

  ‘I will be able to recover only there near the waters of the Dal Lake where I took my very first breath in this life.’

  Ghulam Qadir continued to entreat her. ‘Please, Reeny, don’t make excuses and leave on the pretext of some chore or the other.’

  Feeling helpless, Reeny phoned Vijay Kumar and requested him to come to Goa.

  Vijay Kumar consoled her by saying he would come to Goa but only after consulting Doctor Arvind.