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Born: February 18, 1925 at Gujarat, Pakistan.
ADDRESS
505 B, Poorvasha, Anand Lok IMPORTANT WORKS:
HONOURS:
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Zindaginama
Allah – Hoo – Akbar Allah – Hoo – Akbar ……………………. ……………………. The Azan, the call to prayer from the Mosque and the crowing of the cock sounded simultaneously. It was time to wake up. The ghoon-ghoon sound of the water being drawn from the Berry Tree Well, began to string strands of musical notes around the pre dawn hour. Shahni turned on her side and opened her eyes. “Vahe Guru! Vahe Guru” In the pure predawn darkness, the earth appeared to be drawing bucketfuls from the well of life. As though the Akaal Purush were speaking to His people – Take, take more of it, and still more! Live a full life and drink nectar to your fill. Food and water are gifts of the All Giver and work is the lot of human beings. “O Real Ruler of all creation! There is no dearth of anything in your court. We’re lucky to have been given a place where the food is like milk and water is like nectar. Baba, it’s all your blessing! Your munificence!” Shahni pulled down her leg wear from the hanging clothes line and pulled it on. Buttoned up her shirt. Did her hair and putting a wrap around her shoulder, cast a glance towards the sitting room of Shahji and with her mind at peace, descended the stairs. As she gave a push to the door, the main gate of the mansion opened. “Salaam, Shahni.” “Salaam, my son, May you live long!” As usual, Shahni looked towards the stables. She saw the light of the earthen lamp in the niche of the wall. All the three horses were ready. Both the white ones – Shahzada and Badshah, were alert and they neighed like the thunder or clouds. Shahbaz, the third who was dark brown, also neighed on seeing Shahni as if he was enquiring “Why Shahni, do you have a mind to go up to the river ?” “No, dear, no.” Shahni made a sound of affectionate caressing and moved on. “This chocolate colored one has the forehead of a valiant hero.” “Shahni, don’t praise it. It is very naughty. Once it knows that it has a new rider, God save him. Last year, your father, the Shah from Alamgarh had to nurse his wounds with fomenting for a whole month. It took off and dashed him from the Maujiki mounds.” Shahni smiled “That is all right, Nawab Khan, but you remain with him day in and day out. He recognises you. Does not he ?” Newly calved Veerkundi buffalo began to strive to free itself from the tying post as soon as she saw Shahni. Shahni stroked it. “You’re very hot tempered. Nawab, has her flatulence subsided somewhat? “Last evening I had added some mango pickle and aiwain in its feed.” Shahni caressed the calf. “It’s belly is also distended. Give it some oil mixed with sour butter milk. If there is some obstruction, it’ll get cleared.” The newly arrived young she –buffalo from Begowal lifted its head. “Is there some reduction in this Maharani’s melancholy. Did it give milk yesterday?” “A little only. The calf kept sucking. The moment it was pulled away, it drew up the milk.” Shahni went to the corner and looked at the feeding trough. She caressed the buffalo and made sounds of affectionate caring. “Here is our Kapila Cow.” “Shahni, don’t be deceived by this dappled Cow. It is very ruthless and rough. As soon as the calf goes out of sight, it begins to misbehave.” Shahni caressed the calf. “It has only a few days to enjoy its mother’s milk and love. Thereafter it will be put to the yoke.” “May God protect it. It will soon start capering around. The moment it leaves its mother, it will become an Ox.” In front of the stable there was a line of shining brass vessels, each with a capacity of five seers. Seeing them, Shahni lowered her eyes. It’s all by the grace of the All- Giver .
- translated by Shivnath
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