Going To Pakistan

Going from mountains to plains is somehow an adventure art. It is a journey that teaches us to not lose hope until the last breath of life. Expedition through different parts of the globe brings new confidence to one's life. Such aplomb was well stocked in Bismillah on her visit to Pakistan.

1971 was crucial for both India and Pakistan. The Indo-Pak war forced them to mourn their innocent people. And sinless cried for homes but no voice to hear.

At such time Bismillah decided to visit her sick elder sister Minnau Apa in Pakistan. In India, everyone suggested she not go there. But the concern for Minnau Apa showed deaf ears to them.

From India, she applied for a visa for Pakistan. She got the visa. As one of her children was ill she couldn't go there. Then after the expiry of the Ist visa, she again approached for another one. This time getting the visa was hard but to crack. Still, she didn't lose her faith. She with her family went to Delhi and again went for it but all in vain. Then she asked Minnau Apa to send a medical telegram to India. Her sister did so.

At this time she again heads to Delhi. It was the month before Ramzan. Her husband Mubeen Bhai couldn't find a resting room for her and their children. Shakoor Bhai a friend of Mubeen Bhai gave them free rooms at Sartaj Hotel in Old Delhi. The manager of the hotel gave them a free dinner of Keema and Naans. The manager assured them of getting the visa. 

On the next morning, Bismillah with her family went to Jama Masjid(Mosque) and Mubeen went to the Pakistani Embassy. On one hand, Bismillah was praying for a visa and on another side, Mubeen was struggling to get it. 

When Mubeen didn't come to Jama Masjid she left the Mosque with a heavy heart. Mubeen also came empty-handed.

On the next day, the Manager greeted the goodbye saying to a family. He handed Mubeen an envelope. He said to the manager " I am very grateful to you Sir for your kind generosity and humbleness but couldn't take anything from you." Then the Manager replied, " it is your amiable nature and your family that  I am giving you this envelope for going to Pakistan".