THE LOST FRIEND
The Lost Friend!!!!
"Human life is a profound and winding journey that spans over six decades or more. Along this path, we are accompanied by a diverse and dynamic cast of characters, including loving parents, supportive siblings, dear friends, spouse, kids, extended relatives, and colleagues, as well as many others who shape and enrich our experiences."
Throughout this journey, we inevitably experience the joy of encountering loved ones and the sorrow of parting with them. This ebb and flow of relationships is a universal human experience, shared by all, and is an inherent part of life's journey.
Started alone! 👷👸
"Navigating life alone after the loss of a partner is a daunting and arduous journey." 👩
"With the departure of our beloved, a new and difficult chapter begins. Though they may be physically gone, their memory lives on through cherished photos, unforgettable moments, and treasured videos, which will continue to be our comfort as we navigate life without them."😙
"Single parenting may seem like a simple term, but in reality, it entails a monumental responsibility, a lifelong dedication, and an unrelenting challenge, especially within the cultural and societal context of Eastern communities."🙎
"The loss of a spouse can catapult a single mother into a world of unrelenting hardship, particularly in Eastern societies where societal pressures and judgments can be unforgiving, making it exponentially more challenging to raise her child amidst such adversity."😇
"Meet Tabish, who lives with me even today!😊
A native Karachiite born into a middle-class family of modest means but rich in knowledge and values. Growing up in Karachi, Tabish's interests mirrored those of his peers: he was an avid cricketer, badminton player, movie buff, cyclist, and swimmer, with a passion for dining out and nurturing strong bonds with family and friends.
As his family relocated to the central district of Karachi, renowned for its esteemed educational institutions, Tabish enrolled in Grade IX at Delhi School in Federal 'B' Area. His academic record in early schooling was consistently above average, earning him a coveted spot in one of Karachi's premier schools. Notably, Tabish opted for Commerce, an unconventional choice for a high-achieving student of his caliber at the time."
It was here that we shared the experience of studying together as batchmates. We were privileged to learn from some of the most iconic educators of the decade, including Mr. Israr Ahmed Shamshi, Mr. Saleem, Mr. Kaleem, Mrs. Farzana Azeem, Mr. Shaheen, Mr. Rijuh maal, Mrs. Bilqees Nasir, Mrs. Aden, Mrs. Shahana, Mr. Nisar Ahmed, Mr. Ghaffar,Mr Naseer, Mr Mehdi,Mr. Sirajuddin Sabri and Mr. Hafiz Iqbal, to name a few. These dedicated teachers played a pivotal role in shaping us into the individuals we are today.
One teacher who left an indelible mark on me was our Sindhi teacher; Mr. Rijuh Maal Malanti Mukhi. His innovative teaching methods yielded remarkable results, with our entire class achieving distinction in Sindhi, ironically outperforming our results in Urdu, our mother tongue.
Tabish secured 1st position in his SSC City Board examination (1984) in Commerce, and earned scholarship as well.
Our academic journey continued as we enrolled in the prestigious Government College of Commerce & Economics, one of the country's finest institutions. We were fortunate to learn from some of the country's most esteemed educators, including Mr. Hammad Shah Iqbal, Mrs. Khairun Nisa Zafar, Professor Abdul Waheed Qureshi, Professor Nawab Alam Farooqi, Professor Masoodul Hassan, Professor Anjum Azmy, Mrs. Khalida, Mrs. Mubashira, Professor Badarul Hassan Abidi, Professor S.I.A Subzwari, Professor Hassan Akbar, Professor Zikriya Juma Memon,Mrs Naheed and Professor Khalid Azmy.
Tabish's academic excellence continued as he secured First Division in his undergraduate program. We then collectively prepared for and appeared in the IBA and BCCI entrance tests, with Tabish successfully clearing both exams. Notably, this was a pioneering time for BCCI Bank, which introduced a Management Trainee program offering undergraduates a direct pathway into banking professionals.
Instead, we both subsequently embarked on a career in Chartered Accountancy. While I chose to join KPMG, Taseer Hadi Khalid and Company, Tabish opted for A.F. Fergusons. His exceptional academic prowess culminated in him securing the prestigious Gold Medal in the final examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). This achievement is a testament to his dedication and expertise, given that ICAP is renowned for being one of the most rigorous professional institutions, with a remarkably low passing rate of less than 5%.
Our professional journeys began in earnest as we embarked on careers with multinational corporations. Tabish launched his career with Unilever Pakistan, while I commenced mine with Ciba-Geigy Pakistan Limited.
Our journey through life began with humble transportation, progressing from buses to bikes and eventually to cars. It was B2C, one can say.😂
In keeping with our local customs, where securing employment is often followed by marriage, our lives took a significant turn. Alongside our two closest friends, Asif, a Manila-educated MBA, and Azeem Haider, who held a Master's degree in Economics from University Of Karachi, the four of us embarked on a new journey, tying the knot in the years 1997-1998.
One memorable occasion that stands out was when Tabish graciously hosted an exclusive dinner for newlywed couples, including myself and Asif, at an elite business and social club in the city, a prestigious venue at the time.
Tabish and his wife embarked on a romantic honeymoon trip to Europe in 1997.
However, their joy was short-lived. Tabish's health began to decline, due to a sudden, undiagnosed illness. Despite this setback, the couple was blessed with a daughter in 1998. Tragically, Tabish's health issues persisted, and he was eventually diagnosed with renal failure. He underwent multiple dialysis sessions, and doctors urged him to undergo a transplant as soon as possible. Fate, however, had other plans. Tabish passed away when his daughter was just two or three months old, leaving behind a young widow to care for their child.
Inna lil lahe wa inna elehe rajewoon
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
In a heartwarming turn of events, Tabish's proud daughter is now preparing to embark on a new chapter in her life, celebrating her marriage soon after completing her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. The saying 'like father, like son' takes on a delightful twist in this case, as his daughter has clearly inherited his drive and determination. A special tribute goes out to her remarkable mother, who has selflessly guided and supported her every step of the way, bringing her to this joyful milestone.
Disclaimer:
This article employs certain narrative assumptions to maintain the confidentiality of family matters. Pictures are added after due permission from the family as well.
Its primary purpose is to convey a moral and social message to single parents who may feel overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of adversity, as exemplified by the challenges faced by Tabish's family following his untimely passing.
This story serves as a poignant reminder that even the highest academic or professional achievements cannot halt the inevitability of death. What endures, however, are the positive impact of our actions, cherished memories, love, and compassion, which continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew us.
I appreciate your kind thoughts and well wishes for Tabish's family and the many others who face similar struggles. Allah always help for those who never quit.
I wanted to say a hugeeee Thankyou to you for writing so beautifully about my chachu and his family. Indeed his wife fulfilled her promise to him and raised his daughter well. He still lives in our hearts. I was his first neice and he raised me like his own daughter. His passing left a hole in our lives no one can fill.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure beta.
DeleteHe left too soon. 💔
ReplyDeleteYes, but this what it is
Delete