The Lost Connection

Not long ago, it is the memory of my childhood. We used to live in a small community area, which was not very elite. there were small houses, connected very close to one another, just like the people, living in them. When I was four years old, I used to see my parents, along with many people in my neighborhood, at the end of every month, used to wait for a man, named, JAN BABA KHAN. Jan Baba Khan was a celebrity for me. I used to believe, that Jan Baba was a very famous person, and since he is a very busy man, so, he only gets free time to meet all of us, on the days, I mentioned earlier. Jan Baba, also, used to bring with him, an envelope for everyone, which, I used to believe, as gift money from him, or his autograph signed a postcard for everyone. But there was one question, which always used to ticker in my mind, like a Pop-up ad, on advertisement nowadays. That question was: "On receiving envelopes from Jan Baba, why do some people used to Cry or get tensed, while some celebrate, for some, the envelope used to bring a smile on their face. and why does everybody used to share it with Jan Baba? Though he was famous, but still a stranger. then why share with him?. Who was Jan Baba Actually? ". When I grew up and turned eight, I came to know that, Jan Baba, was, actually not a celebrity. Jan Baba Khan was a POSTMAN of our area. Well, the biggest troublesome Question of my childhood had been answered by time. Now, another question possessed my thoughts. " How come, everyone was So connected to Jan Baba? "Well, this puzzling question started to reveal its mystery to me also, with time. One day, Finally, I shared my thoughts with my father and, he revealed everything. Jan Baba Khan, a short height, chubby guy, with greyish white hair, making an eclipse on his head, behind the ears (as he was half bald), with round chubby cheeks, white, Royal Look Mustaches, underlined by a sweet, smiley curve, WAS A POSTMAN. At the end of every month, he used to come to our area, carrying Letters with him, for everyone. People used to rush to him, on listening to the ring of his bicycle's bell. Jan Baba was a very kind, sweet, loving and friendly man. He also used to read out letters to the ones who could not read for themselves. Like for instance, Mrs. Saeed, our sweet, old widow neighbor, who was in her 80's and could not read and could hardly see. She used to get letters from her son, who was in Pakistan Army. I remember, one day, Jan Baba read out the letter to Mrs. Saeed, and the next moment, she was jumping with joy. Jan baba was happy with her and was congratulating her. She went inside her house and after a while, brought a glass of Coke and a piece of cake for him. everybody from the neighbor houses also joined Mrs. Saeed in her happy moment. it was revealed later that the letter was Good News about the promotion of their son on the rank of Major, and also, that he was coming to meet her mother next weekend. everyone was very happy that day. Now, today, when I recall those memories of my childhood, I consider Jan Baba, a true Hero. He used to be a part of every joy and every pain of all of us. Where his smile and way of reading, used to bring Joy, happiness, and shine, in the eyes of people, there, also, his words of condolence, and his company, used to be a comfort for people. There was peace in the past times. People were closely linked to each other's feelings. 'All for One and One for All' was the slogan used to practice in reality. but today, as I am typing this article, I am realizing, that we have lost that closeness, that connection of Affection. Technology has brought us far away from that bonding, which was once present and felt strongly between people. The comfort and love in voice, sweet words, tears, smile, hug and laughter, which Jan baba used to bring with him, can no more be felt in emails. Where technology and Modernism have made us advanced and successful, there, it has made us lonely as well. Now, on a single click of the mouse, we get our messages and News through the e-mails. But now, there is no Jan Baba, to smile with us in our happiness and cry in our pain. Now, we have lost the Connection among each other. Love, care and affection have been replaced by selfishness and individuality. Now, we are no more connected.