Mad On The Streets Of AMU

Used to speak to the grass and flowers along the streets of the AMU and hear from them. Used to describe the unexpanded buds in a different language. Used to roam on the streets of AMU madly as if I had lost something everywhere. Every piece of the Campus was an inspiration. Was searching and searching for something all the time. Wasn’t clear about that lost commodity. Spent many a nights in the Maulana Azad Library.

Fayyaz of English Department (from Assam) who spoke English so well was my Shah Rukh. When the lights went off I used to rush to his room thinking that he might give me some time now. Used to go to Sabahat ‘Azeem in Hadi Hasan Hall to hear him read a couple of paragraphs in English. It sounded music to me, literally. Both the Khans were so kind. Once overheard that a maulvi cannot speak English with fluency as those from the Convent. Felt so bad and distressed about it and kept it in the dark corner of my heart. Spent two hours reading The Times Of India daily thinking that I was obliged to do so as it was published exclusively for me. If I did not read who will do?

Used to translate the Sooraahs and verses that the Imaam recited behind him in English – in my heart. Thinking that the Almighty might forgive me for this. He forgives graver sins. When caught in a conversation and felt impolite to leave started translating the entire conversation into English. Trying in my own way to turn the problems into opportunities.

I am still searching for that lost commodity. Now I don’t want to do it alone. That’s the only difference. Between then and now.