Whenever I look at my watch, the face of Rifas appears in my mind
In 1989 I was getting ready to go to Jaffna for my A/level classes. At first my parents did not allow it, however I succeeded in my attempts by convincing them.
I informed about my going to one of my friends, Mansoor. He and his friends, Rifas who is also from my village, accompanied me to the town of Akkaraipattu. Till the bus came, we thought of having a cup of tea. We went to a café and ordered three cups of tea. While having tea, we had a chat. I was talking more to my friend, Mansoor than to Rifas as I didn’t associate with him closely before.
Once we finished enjoying our tea, I rushed to the cahier to settle the bill. Seeing this, Rifas came running and stopped me from praying. Instead he paid? I thanked him.
Then we came out of the café and waited for the bus. After some time, we noticed the bus leaving the stand. I was sad to leave my friends and my village. At that time Rifas took my hand and fastened a wristwatch he was wearing. I was flabbergasted for a while without knowing what to do. I looked at him. His eyes were wet.
Before I could thank him for presenting me with the watch, the bus had arrived for me to get in.
I had farewell to them by waving hand as words did not come to my mouth. I got into the bus and sat in the seat looking repeatedly at the watch.
I have worn many watches in my life, but the watch presented by Rifas is the most pleasing one to me
0 comments:
Post a Comment