Simpleton Yanko

Once in a quaint village nestled amid rolling hills and lush meadows, lived a simpleton named Yanko. He was a man of endless chatter, possessing a penchant for sharing his thoughts on every topic and person that crossed his path. His words, like a ceaseless river, flowed freely, uncaring of their impact.

 

On a serene afternoon, Yanko set out to visit his friend Nanko, who had recently met with an unfortunate accident. As Yanko entered Nanko's humble abode, he greeted his friend with a flurry of words, not pausing to notice Nanko's guest, another villager named Tanko, sitting beside the bed.

 

Yanko, true to his nature, prattled on about everything under the sun. However, his musings took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon a name—'Ianko.' In his usual fashion, Yanko embarked on a spontaneous monologue about this mysterious Ianko. He spoke of him in a manner that stirred bewilderment in the eyes of Nanko and Tanko, who exchanged surprised glances as Yanko continued, oblivious to their reaction.

 

Unbeknownst to Yanko, his casual ramblings about Ianko, littered with unintentional fabrications and exaggerated anecdotes, began to circulate within the village. The very air seemed to carry his words, and before long, Ianko's reputation was tainted, tarnished by Yanko's reckless tongue.

 

Remarkably, Ianko chose not to confront Yanko about the matter. Instead, he chose the dignified path of silence. Yet, Yanko, despite the unintended repercussions of his words, remained unchanged. He never seemed to grasp the weight of his careless chatter or the consequences it wrought upon others.

 

The village, once a haven of tranquility, found itself caught in the whispers fueled by Yanko's thoughtless banter. And although Ianko silently endured the fallout, Yanko continued his carefree musings, never considering the damage caused by his unfiltered words.

 

For Yanko, the world remained a canvas where words flowed uninhibitedly, often leaving behind unforeseen marks on the lives of those touched by his thoughtless speech. Yet, despite the lessons life presented, Yanko remained steadfast in his ways, forever lost in the endless stream of his own chatter.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Ephemeral Embers

In the realm of human connections, a story unfolds where two souls, Ishvar and Ramesh, existed as one, their identities intertwined in a dance of profound camaraderie. Ishvar, a luminary in the world of learning, radiated intellect and kindness, traits that ignited an unquenchable thirst for knowledge in the hearts of those he touched.

A chapter of their story found its inception in the world of Ramesh's cousins, particularly Devaki, a vivacious spirit whose chatter seemed to paint the air with hues of life. United by the corridors of their classroom, Ishvar's presence was first summoned by Devaki, who sought his guidance in the realm of learning. She was a beacon of vivacity, a counterpart to Ishvar's wisdom, and as they navigated their shared journey through academia, Ishvar found himself entwined in the world of Devaki's kin.

However, in the quiet corners of Ishvar's heart, a subtle yearning blossomed for Devaki, like a delicate flower whose petals he dared not unfurl. His words found solace between the pages of books and notebooks, where he inscribed her name with the grace of his penmanship. Hidden away, like secrets whispered to the wind, were expressions of affection, tender sentiments like "I love you," yet cloaked in a veil of trepidation.

But amidst these hidden emotions lay a truth that was emerging, a truth that resonated within the very core of Ishvar and Ramesh's connection. They were more than friends; they were soulmates existing in a state of harmonious resonance. Ramesh's affection for Ishvar transcended the boundaries of mere camaraderie. His days revolved around the presence of Ishvar—meals were shared, conversations intertwined, and life itself seemed to breathe through the rhythm of their shared moments.

The story took a turn that was as unforeseen as it was inevitable. Ishvar, his own circumstances tethered to the fringes of poverty, found solace within the embrace of Ramesh's family. A sanctuary emerged within their dwelling, where Ishvar sought shelter from life's stormy winds. In this haven of warmth and acceptance, Ishvar's intellect flourished, nurtured by the love and care of Ramesh's angelic parents.

As time wove its intricate tapestry, both Ishvar and Ramesh found their separate paths. They created their own families, their own worlds, yet their bond remained unbroken, a testament to a friendship that had transcended time and space. Ramesh, however, seemed to have drawn a curtain over the past, his memories of those vivid days now tinged with the soft hues of fading recollection.

For Ishvar, though, those days remained as vivid as ever, etched into the very fibers of his being. He carried the weight of their shared promises, the whispers of a lifelong companionship, and the echoes of a love that was profound and unspoken. He understood that the depth of their connection went beyond the conventional boundaries of friendship—it was a union of souls that transcended earthly labels.

As the sun of their lives cast its gentle glow, Ishvar carried the torch of their memories, a beacon of their enduring bond. In his heart, he held the fragments of a promise made to Ramesh, a promise to stand by his side in the journey that lay ahead. For Ishvar, it was a promise that remained unbroken, a testament to a love that was resilient and everlasting, and a whisper of a connection that time could never sever.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Whispering the past bonds

In the labyrinthine tapestry of life's connections, a tale of a friendship unfurled, a bond forged in the crucible of shared moments and nurtured by the inexorable march of time. Ishvar and Ramesh, two souls destined to intertwine in the grand symphony of existence, embarked on a journey of camaraderie that traversed the ordinary and transcended into the extraordinary.

The story of their friendship found its nascent spark on a night drenched in quiet significance. Fate, as if weaving its invisible threads, guided Ishvar to Ramesh's doorstep. The ambiance, shrouded in the comforting cloak of darkness, saw Ramesh insist that Ishvar stay within the sanctuary of his home. It was an invitation that not only bridged physical spaces but also sowed the seeds of an enduring companionship.

The saga of this remarkable association began with Ishvar's first footprints in the sprawling mega city. In a quirk of fate, Amrut, a soul of a different temperament, became the tether that connected Ishvar to this new world. Amrut, bearing a disposition that contrasted Ishvar's intelligence and aspirations, introduced him to his humble abode, a place he shared with a penchant for leisurely habits. Amrut's family, recognizing Ishvar's potential, welcomed him into their fold, hoping that his influence would steer Amrut onto the path of industry and accomplishment.

Yet, within the fold of their familial embrace, Ishvar couldn't ignore the stark contrasts between Amrut's wayward inclinations and his own virtuous pursuits. But, against this backdrop of differences, Amrut's parents held onto the hope that Ishvar's presence would offer their son the guidance he needed.

Amidst these dynamics, Ishvar, despite his own struggles stemming from family strife, found himself in a situation that forced him to seek refuge on the terrace of a communal dwelling. It was in this context that Ramesh emerged as a beacon of kindness. That fateful night, Ramesh's insistence that Ishvar rest under his roof marked the inception of a friendship that would weather life's tempests and bloom into something profound.

Ramesh, a slender figure with a certain charm, stood in stark visual contrast to Ishvar's own countenance—a man of intellect and grace. The two, united by circumstance and mutual respect, found their academic worlds colliding. As Ramesh tread the path of ninth grade, Ishvar, a scholar in the eleventh, became his guiding light in the intricate labyrinth of English grammar. This alliance, nurtured by Ishvar's brilliance and Ramesh's earnest pursuit of knowledge, solidified the foundation of their bond.

In the embrace of study sessions and shared dreams, Ishvar and Ramesh became inseparable. Nights found them side by side, absorbed in their studies, often huddled on a single bed—a symbol of their connection that transcended mere physical space. The humdrum of their daily existence was punctuated by visits to a modest teahouse, where they enjoyed the luxury of sipping tea alternately from cups and saucers.

Amidst this evolving camaraderie, Ishvar's indomitable spirit and Ramesh's unwavering support paved the way for a deeper connection. In the face of narrow minded familial opposition, their friendship only grew stronger. As tensions simmered, Ramesh's parents, recognizing Ishvar's value, embraced him as a part of their family, a sentiment echoed by Ramesh's mother, the nurturing Jamuna, who extended maternal love to the young man.

The relentless march of time saw their paths diverge for a while. Amrut secured a position in the Railway Department and tied the knot, while Ishvar's journey led him to the corridors of prestigious government service. Ramesh, meanwhile, embraced a similar destiny within the Railway Department and, like Amrut, embarked on the journey of marriage. It was a new phase, marked by responsibilities and commitments, yet their bond remained resilient, a testament to the ties that transcended time and circumstance.

Today, retired from their respective vocations, Ishvar and Ramesh stand at a juncture where the vibrant hues of youth have given way to the softer shades of reminiscence. While Ishvar clings to the mosaic of nostalgia, cherishing every memory, Ramesh seems to have let time's currents sweep some of those cherished moments away. Their connection remains strong, like weathered vines that cling to a familiar trellis, but the echoes of their youthful adventures resonate louder within Ishvar's heart.

As the years gracefully wane and the tapestry of their lives takes on the hues of nostalgia, Ishvar and Ramesh remain like two ancient oaks, their roots entwined in the rich soil of their shared history. Their friendship endures, an unspoken language that time and distance fail to erode.

Yet, amid the mosaic of memories they have woven together, a gentle asymmetry emerges. For Ramesh, it's as though some chapters of their past have been blurred by the passage of time. The vibrant scenes that once painted their shared canvas might now appear hazy, the details obscured by the relentless march of the clock. It's not that he has cast aside their shared history; it's more like the nuances have faded into the tapestry of his broader life experiences.

For Ishvar, however, those shared moments remain vivid, like silver letters engraved on his golden heart. Every laugh, every conversation, every challenge overcome—they reside within him as a treasure trove of experiences, eternally vibrant, eternally present. The nights spent huddled over textbooks, the laughter shared over cups of tea, the support offered through thick and thin—these memories are etched in Ishvar's being, forming an exquisite mosaic that defines his existence.

In the twilight of their days, they still stand united, the bond that once flourished as tender saplings now towering like ancient trees, their branches whispering stories of times long gone. Ramesh might not revisit those bygone days as often as Ishvar, but the essence of their connection remains. It's a testament to the resilience of true friendship—how it can evolve and transform, yet remain an intrinsic part of one's identity.

And so, as the sun of their days bathes them in the warm hues of retrospection, Ishvar and Ramesh stand firm, their friendship like a precious gemstone that time has polished but not diminished. The symphony they composed together, the laughter that echoed through their shared spaces, and the lessons they learned from one another still resonate within their souls. Though life's tides have carried them along separate shores, their bond stands as a reminder that genuine friendship is a tapestry woven not just from the threads of shared experiences, but from the threads of the heart itself—a tapestry that remains vibrant, undiminished, and utterly enduring.

Thus, in the grand theater of life, the tale of Ishvar and Ramesh continues to unfold—a testament to the enduring power of friendship that knows no bounds. In the chambers of their souls, they harbor the whispers of shared laughter, study sessions, and the warmth of a friendship that was ignited under the canopy of stars. As the sun of their days wanes gracefully, they stand united by a bond that time and distance can neither diminish nor sever.

Ishvar longs for quilt

Once upon a time, nestled amidst the rustic embrace of a humble village, there resided a luminary of unparalleled intellect and philanthropic ardor named Ishvar. Born into the impoverished domicile of a lowly farm labourer, this extraordinary being exhibited remarkable brilliance from the very dawn of his scholastic endeavours. Eager to transcend the limitations of his humble beginnings, Ishvar embarked upon a momentous odyssey, traversing the winds of destiny towards a sprawling metropolis teeming with possibilities.

Arriving at the city's threshold, Ishvar sought refuge in the bosom of his elder sister, Anandi, and her spouse, the querulous Shanker. Yet, concealed beneath the veil of familial bonds lay a tempestuous tempest, as Shanker's discordant disposition estranged him from Anandi's loving embrace. Exhibiting a discerning acuity, Ishvar discreetly concealed the discord that afflicted his sister's abode, ensuring that the ripples of their turmoil remained veiled from prying eyes.

Within the labyrinthine labyrinth of urban existence, Ishvar chanced upon the effulgent camaraderie of his collegiate confidant, Amrut. The tender tendrils of Amrut's affable family entwined Ishvar's heart, particularly the benevolent matriarch, Jamuna, who enfolded him within the tender folds of her maternal love. Graciously extending an invitation to join their humble abode, Jamuna's altruistic gesture provided Ishvar the sanctuary he sought, while bestowing upon him the noble mantle of mentorship for Amrut's younger siblings, Ramesh and Hitesh.

As the wheel of time rolled forth, Ishvar, with indefatigable diligence, poured his sagacity and soul into fostering the intellectual prosperity of Ramesh and Hitesh. Together, they engaged in scholarly quests, traversing the enchanting realms of cinema, gardens, and academic sanctums. Their bond burgeoned with each passing day, but it was the amity between Ishvar and Ramesh that bloomed into an indissoluble union—a connection that surpassed the mere bounds of friendship and transcended into an ethereal brotherhood.

Amidst wintry morns, cloaked in a pall of frigid desolation, Ramesh would tenderly shroud Ishvar in the warm embrace of a quilt, shielding him from nature's biting embrace before embarking upon their educational sojourns. Their communion knew no bounds, as they traversed the vast tapestry of knowledge, side by side, their minds entwined in an exquisite dance of intellectual harmony. Gratitude permeated Ishvar's being, for the benevolence bestowed upon him by Jamuna's loving embrace, prompting him to illuminate Ramesh's path, ensuring that his protégé's academic voyage was adorned with the brilliance of success.

As the pendulum of time swung inexorably forward, the bountiful seeds Ishvar had sown began to yield a bountiful harvest. Ramesh found himself ensconced in the warm embrace of gainful employment, while Ishvar ascended the echelons of the government, assuming the mantle of a superlative officer. Alas, the currents of fate, with their ceaseless ebb and flow, gently nudged the once-inseparable duo onto divergent paths, as they ventured forth into the labyrinth of their own personal and professional pursuits. Marriage adorned the lives of both Ishvar and Ramesh, as they bid farewell to the familiar contours of their erstwhile existences.

In the twilight of their lives, echoes of the past beckoned both Ishvar and Ramesh towards the hallowed realm of jurisprudence. Retiring from their previous vocations, they embarked upon the noble vocation of legal practice, embracing the intricacies of the law with fervor and sagacity. Yet, as the years waned and the weight of time bore upon their shoulders, a subtle transformation occurred—a melange of wistfulness and longing pervaded their once-intertwined destinies.

Although occasional encounters punctuated their journeys, the tapestry of their connection had been woven with threads now faded, the vibrant hues of camaraderie dulled by the passage of time. Ishvar, with a heart burdened by doubt, wondered if the cherished memories they had forged together had been erased from Ramesh's consciousness, lost amidst the shifting sands of bygone years. The symphony of their shared experiences played upon Ishvar's mind, harmonizing with the rhythm of nostalgia, while a lingering question haunted his thoughts—had Ramesh, in his inexorable march through life, forgotten the sacred bonds they had once forged?

And yet, amidst the quietude of their individual lives, they found solace in the fragments of their shared history—those precious moments etched upon the canvas of their souls. Ishvar, a custodian of recollections, held tightly to every embrace, every whispered secret, and every selfless act of kindness that had been their sustenance during days long past. He reveled in the embers of their companionship, cherishing the warmth it still radiated within his heart.

Though the ebbs and flows of existence had propelled them onto separate paths, their lives continued to flourish, serenaded by the sweet melodies of contentment. The specter of their bygone camaraderie lingered in the ether, a whispered memory that colored the tapestry of their twilight years. Ishvar, with unwavering fidelity, carried the torch of remembrance, while Ramesh, perhaps enveloped in the haze of life's relentless tides, traversed a different realm of recollection.

As their separate narratives unfolded, woven with the threads of fulfillment and joy, Ishvar and Ramesh found solace in the realization that their destinies, though distinct, had been indelibly shaped by the shared moments that had defined them. Each of them, in their own way, continued to honor the legacy of their intertwined past, albeit through the veiled reminiscences that accompanied their solitary musings.

Thus, in the annals of their lives, the flickering ember of their once-incandescent bond persevered—a silent testimony to the power of kinship, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Ishvar, forever the guardian of their memories, walked the corridors of his existence with a heart steeped in gratitude, content in the knowledge that their lives, though lived separately, had been forever touched by the magic they had woven together.

And so, they lived, two souls united in their shared past, navigating the currents of existence separately, but forever connected by the echoes of a friendship that had blossomed amidst the symphony of their youthful dreams. For Ishvar, the chapters of their story remained etched upon his consciousness, an indelible manuscript inscribed with ink that refused to fade. As for Ramesh, the secrets of his heart remained shrouded in the enigmatic depths of his own existence, an enigma that Ishvar would forever ponder, questioning whether the quilt that had once adorned their camaraderie still lay folded within the recesses of Ramesh's memory.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Faruk's Passport Predicament

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.

                              (Image Courtesy: <a href="https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/white-man                                                                 -cartoon-showing- passport-vector-32331695">Vector image by VectorStock/mapichai</a>)

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>)