Who killed my sister? SH

 

How can you truly forget the people you love? I believed I could do so when I was younger. However, as a 43-year-old mother of a 9-year-old girl, I find it quite difficult to let go of all those lovely individuals who were previously an integral part of my life. I was once told by MSR that humans are incredibly complex creatures who cannot transcend their past. He was always that way—philosophical and enigmatic. I found him so admirable. At the time, listening to his thoughts on love, life, and many other topics he could only discuss was one of my two favorite things. The other was to lay next to Vaishu Didi and hold her arms as I smiled, spoke, and told her my life's secrets. Well, that was a lifetime ago—26 years ago. Then Zahir arrived and showed me how to travel and live a free life. I can still clearly recall that morning in the highlands close to the Himalayas, when the air was filled with the aroma of deodar trees and birds had just begun their morning calls. I noticed him sketching and feeding the dogs biscuits as I peered out the window. The dogs were at ease with him, and he was at ease with them. When I came out to greet him, I saw that he was so absorbed in his painting that he was unaware of me and did not even attempt to wave hello. Then he stopped to show me his painting. He wrote his favorite lines—Hum Intezzar Karenge Tera Qyamat Tak, Khuda Kare Ki Qyamat Ho Aur Tu Aaye—on my photo with him. When we were together, we fell completely in love and even loved more deeply throughout the years though we were apart. Later he also disappeared, just as MSR and Vaishu didi had done without telling anyone. Unlike all other stories, which had a beginning, middle, and end, my stories did not finish. My only question now, as I look back on all the times I spent with my loved ones, is: Why did they leave?                         My name is Shabnam, or Shabbs as people like to call me. This is a tale of some of the most beautiful people I have ever met. I work as a neurosurgeon in New Delhi. Although the story is lengthy, I promise you will stick with me through it all since it is about dreams and hopes despite unanswered questions and unfulfilled promises. It also discusses the intricacies of interpersonal relationships. I will now tell you my narrative, which requires you to return to 1959 to understand it.