Faruk was a resident of a small town known for his euphoric and sometimes idiotic nature. Despite his occasional bouts of foolishness, he was considered quite clever. Holding a Master of Arts degree in Gujarati literature, Faruk was a talented writer in his native language. He had a knack for jumping into deep philosophical discussions, often delving into topics that left others scratching their heads. However, when it came to practical matters like commerce and understanding legal procedures, Faruk was a simpleton. One day, Faruk approached his friend, the protagonist of our story, with an unusual request. He needed assistance with applying for a passport. Knowing Faruk's quirks, the protagonist agreed to help him navigate the process. They completed the online application and paid the necessary fees.
A month before Faruk's scheduled appointment at the passport office, he received an appointment letter. Excited and curious, Faruk began reading the letter daily, trying to decipher its contents. However, he soon found himself drowning in confusion. Unsure about the required documents, Faruk sought advice from various sources, including agents and friends.
Unfortunately, each person provided conflicting information, leaving Faruk even more perplexed. Some suggested he bring his birth certificate, educational certificates, and address proof, while others claimed that a simple Aadhaar card and a photograph would suffice. Faruk's mind became a whirlwind of uncertainty. With the appointment day drawing nearer, Faruk's worry intensified. Determined to be prepared, he meticulously gathered copies of all his marksheets, starting from his primary school days to his Master's degree. He wanted to leave no stone unturned.
Two days prior to the appointment, Faruk decided to stay at a friend's house near the passport office. He hoped it would alleviate his anxiety and allow him to arrive promptly on the big day. The morning of the appointment arrived, and Faruk woke up with a mix of excitement and nerves. Accompanied by his friend, he eagerly headed to the passport office. However, when they reached the building, they were met with locked doors and an empty reception area. The office had yet to open.
Faruk's anxiety reached its peak. He paced back and forth outside the office, unable to contain his excitement. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the doors opened, and Faruk rushed inside without thinking twice. But fate had a cruel twist in store for Faruk. In his haste, he slipped on the freshly polished floor, losing his balance and falling headlong. The sound of a loud thud echoed through the room as Faruk hit the ground, screaming in pain. Concerned peons quickly rushed to his aid, helping him up and realizing the severity of his injury. It was evident that Faruk had broken his leg. Without wasting any time, they called for an ambulance, and Faruk was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital. As Faruk lay in the hospital bed, his right leg encased in a cast, he couldn't help but think about his passport. Even in his current state, with a broken leg and immense pain, his worry about the passport lingered. Would he be able to obtain it despite this unexpected setback?
Meanwhile, news of Faruk's accident reached the passport officer. Touched by Faruk's dedication and unfortunate circumstances, the officer decided to take matters into their own hands. Determined to ease Faruk's worries, the officer personally rushed to the hospital.
With all the necessary documents and paperwork in hand, the passport officer sat beside Faruk's bed, ensuring every formality was completed swiftly and efficiently. Within a matter of days, the passport was issued, despite Faruk's inability to physically visit the passport office. Faruk let out a sigh of relief as he held his newly acquired passport in his hands. The document that had caused him so much anxiety and anticipation had finally arrived. However, Faruk couldn't help but feel a bittersweet emotion. "I have my passport now," Faruk said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and disappointment. "But I've lost all my curiosity to go to the passport office and experience the process firsthand."
He couldn't deny the irony of the situation. His accident had saved him from the potential confusion and chaos he had anticipated at the passport office. The officer's prompt action and compassion had made it possible for Faruk to receive his passport without enduring the process he had been so curious about.
As Faruk lay in the hospital bed, his leg elevated and healing, he couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. It was a humbling experience that taught him the value of patience and the unpredictable nature of life. He realized that sometimes, things don't go as planned, but they may still work out in unexpected ways.
With his newly acquired passport, Faruk's dreams of exploring new horizons and experiencing different cultures were still within reach. Although he missed out on the physical journey to the passport office, his eagerness to embrace the world outside his small town remained intact. As he began his recovery, Faruk channeled his energy into his writing. Inspired by his own comical and ironic situation, he started penning a humorous story about his passport misadventure. His friends and fellow literature enthusiasts laughed along with him as he recounted the events leading up to his accident and the passport officer's visit to the hospital.
Faruk's story became widely popular, earning him recognition as a talented writer of Gujarati literature. His ability to find humor in even the most unexpected circumstances became his trademark. And though he missed out on a physical visit to the passport office, his tale brought smiles to countless faces.
In the end, Faruk learned that life has its own way of unfolding, often deviating from our expectations. It was a valuable lesson that reminded him to embrace both the highs and lows with an open heart and a sense of humor. And so, Faruk embarked on a new chapter in his life, armed with his passport, his unique perspective, and the unwavering support of his friends and readers. As he turned the page, he eagerly awaited the adventures that awaited him, ready to explore the world through his writing and his spirit of curiosity and laughter.
~ Dr Intaj Malek
(Image Credit: <a href="https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/white-man-cartoon-showing-passport-vector-32331695">Vector image by VectorStock / mapichai</a>)
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