A letter to Izhar

Aliya Bashir
There are so many names with which I used to address you. Izhar Bhai, Izhaar Sir, Baya, Bhaijan, Sir Ji, Boss, Izu Bhai...
Why don’t you intervene today? Why don’t you ask me why these formalities now? What is stopping you to speak? How can you forget that you don’t have the habit of turning a deaf ear to anyone, not even to those who cannot speak, as nobody can beat you to read the expressions so powerfully?
I know you cannot remain silent for a longer period, So No Silence Please! Your most said tagline.
You know these days every newspaper and magazine is flooded with your praises and grandeur, why don’t you step in and tell them that you don’t like hypes and publicity. After all you are known for downplaying your countless contributions both at personal and professional front.
Do you remember that day when a young boy bumped into your office and before introducing himself, he gave some quick references to impress you. Actually, the boy had the common perception that of media being lucrative, full of glitz and glamour and therefore demands more references over talent. The boy was quite nervous to face the person of such a high stature. But, as he didn’t know you as a person, if he would have, things would have been quite relaxing and easy.
I could see the surprise in his eyes when you passed a joke and said to him, “Gobur kaeti paeth chu, kyah chakh (Boy where from you are, what will you take)? And he said, “No sir! It’s ok.” Bhai, as always you were best in proving as a stress buster and that too when you offered him a biscuit from your favourite Good-day, which always complimented your way of greeting people. And you said, “Normally chu ni yaeti biscuit har kaensi Milan kaenh (Here biscuits are not so commonly offered) and this boy who had come with a serious and confusing mood burst out in a big laughter and started to introduce himself. Nobody on earth could again beat you on your hospitality.
You know that day how we laughed when unexpectedly a middle-aged person, who was not from the journalistic fraternity brashly, called your name “Izhaar- Ra,” from the corridor and I was like what’s that, how can somebody call you like this, especially in an office. Again, to my utter surprise before he could say anything more, you stood up from your chair and walked towards him and gave a big hug to him. You said, “I know you have full list of complaints for not contacting you, but I am sorry.” I failed to understand how you could use “SORRY”, so easily. What I had experienced that mostly it is not easy for people to say, SO-ORR-YYY, even though how much they try, still they can’t! Reason: Some people find sorry so humiliating. But, you were a real jewel. You could do anything. Bhai, apologizes aren’t supposed to be so easy, as most of the people lack empathy. Sometimes it is just pride or ego that gets in the way.
I still remember your quote, “Giving an apology is like being the ‘loser’ and the person receiving the apology is the winner.” But, as always here also you never felt any wrong in taking the ‘responsibility’ and became the donor of heartfelt apologies. I envy those who were lucky enough to be the ‘recipients’.
These turbulent times won’t last as it gives a real pain to see every day you making it to news with people around the globe showing solidarity and sympathy. Because, I know you, even though you are not this time here, but I can see you everywhere, so Why should I believe that you are no more. You are here only. Yes you are. The sky outlives everything. Even this pain is temporary. You are alive. What then if you have some transformation. But that does not mean you are no more.
Thanx Izhar Bhai, for edifying the most complex situations so wonderfully, without any room for repentance!
I am quoting here your favourite quote,
“In the slaughterhouse of love, they kill only the best, none of the weak or deformed. Don't run away from this dying. Whoever's not killed for love is dead meat.”
Your Sister
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Courtesy : Rising Kashmir (http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/a-letter-to-izhar-24926.aspx)