Live every moment to the fullest….

Rabia called and asked me to tell Boss (Jawwad) that Leyuilyn had been hit by a speeding water tanker 2 hrs ago and had died on his way to the hospital. Phew, even though I had just met him once or twice, it was a difficult take.

Rabia is a former collegue. Jawwad had taught them a course in their undergrad. He had come to meet Jawwad and Rabia once or twice at the office. The guy was returning after an interview when his car was hit by a speeding water tanker.

I am supposed to ship the next release to my client on Saturday, so had to return to work, and didn’t think about it till I was on my way back. Was thinking, of Leyuilyn, his plans for life and his ambitions. Just thought if I was run over now, would I be satisfied with life? A fairly tough question, no easy answers.

I must say that I have lived a very fulfilling life so far. Have had ups and downs, but no major grievances yet, given a choice, would like to be myself, than anyone else, but certainly lots more to achieve. The worst fear is not death itself, but say, if you were forced into a situation of utter helplessness, maybe a coma or paralysis or a condition where you loose the ability to communicate or worse still to reason. Also tried to imagine what it would mean for people around you. Mom would be a total wreck. What about friends? A Noorali who dosent talk, wouldn’t be like Noorali, would he?

Fairly depressing thoughts, but two important takeaways

First: as the wise would say, live each and every moment of your life, as if it were the last.
Second: Try not to defer expressing your feelings, for tomorrow is a stranger you cant count on turning up :D

Take off your shoes to see how the hot earth hurts the soles…..

What do you do when a boy aged 6 and a girl around 4 come bare footed and ask for money for shoes, when you are trying to rush back to office? In most third world countries beggary is an organized industry. But you are bound to be moved when you see this sight.

Had just got done with the client and walked back to my car, was waiting for the charged parking attendant to get my keys, when the incident occurred. It was almost 3 in the afternoon and pretty hot. The only thing that stopped me from giving in, was how well rehearsed the two kids sounded. The language they were using sounded just too strong emotionally for their years. Another thing that gave them away was, young as they were; they would get easily distracted, but would soon return to a delivery that sounded almost like a well rehearsed jingle.

It’s been a year since I first read Ayn rand’s work. She seriously dented my socialist mind set with her no-nonsense rational arguments. Even though she is a radical in her own right, but an intellectual radical at that. Reading her hasn’t wiped compassion out of my feelings. But somehow with beggary as institutionalized around you as it is, you can somehow feel the difference between the genuine cases.

The first week I returned after spending a day with my Indian friends in Quetta, and experiencing the first snow fall, I encountered something that I felt was a genuine case. I was returning around 10 after my MBA classes when, I noticed a woman in her sixties with a small kid closely huddled, on the pavement trying to draw the attention of the few cars that passed by. At first I too just drove past. But something about them stopped me. I stopped my car and walked back to them, took sufficient money out of my wallet for a decent meal for them, handed it to the lady, and was walking away, when the lady stopped me. She said something to the effect of ‘Son, you seem a God fearing person, please help us, I need food for the kids.’ I had given her sufficient money for a meal or two, and was almost beginning to get a bit angry, when she said, ‘Son, you have provided for the food, but I and my granddaughters have nowhere to go. Its really cold, and I have no warm clothing for them. Please do something for them.’ That’s when I noticed that the other bundle in her lap was a girl of 2 years or so. I also realized that shelter from cold was a bigger priority for her than food. I walked away telling her I would see what I could do, not knowing what I would do.

Anyways got home. Asked mom if we could spare any warm clothing for young kids. Fortunately just a week ago, my sis had taken out some old sweaters and other clothing that did not fit my niece any longer. I took back the warm clothing, a warm shawl, some food back to her. I gave them to her along with some more money. But still wasn’t at ease. The reason was that I had provided for them today, but what about the day after.

Such experiences can be very powerful, as they stir you, and make you think. You feel that you need to do something, play your part. That’s when Ayn Rand’s arguments hit back. Though I largely agree with most of her arguments, the only thing that she dosent clearly address, is the different chances that the fortunate get in life. True not all make most of the chances they get, and on the opposite end are people who rise from nothing, but this issue certainly needs to be to be taken into account. The fact that I never had to worry about providing slippers for burning feet as a six year old is surely one of the reasons I have achieved whatever I have.

Bahrain Day # 5

The exhibition finally ended today. I leave tomorrow in the afternoon. Went to the mall to get some chocolates and other stuff for my place. Couldn’t find anything interesting, so just got back with chocolates.

Five of us went out for dinner. Then we had a loooong chat in the lobby, as Yousuf Jan (CEO of MIXIT) told us stories about his struggle in early life and then the famed Mumbai Don Dawood Ibrahim. Dawood apparently lives in Karachi now and Yousuf knew one of his former lieutenants. Don’t know how much of it was true, but we had a good time J.

Done with the gossip around 1:30 a.m. I showed Emraan, shehzad and PSEB guy my rooms; and they were really baffled. Their rooms were comfortable too, but almost 1/3rd the size of mine. Emraan took a couple of pics of the room, hope he sends these and the others he has taken, I really regret not havin brought a camera.

Bahrain Day #4:

15/02/2006

Today was perhaps the best day or rather evening since I have come here. Instead of going out with boss and manager to the mall for shopping, I joined the other exhibitors from Pakistan and we went out to explore the city a bit. It was 13 of us, and we went to Bab-al-Bahrain (Gate of Bahrain). We explored the bazzars with narrow lanes, most of them being run by desis. The place seemed flooded with Chinese goods. But it was interesting to walk through the narrow lanes. I was told the majority of the Muslim population in Bahrain was Twelvers. As it was Muharram, we came across this mosque with huge paintings depicting Karbala probably placed for the ashura. These were very vivid pictures, something that I have seen in churches, but never in mosques, even though I have many ‘twelver’ friends. Different traditions I guess. It’s a pity I didn’t have a camera to capture those images.

We had dinner at a road side eatery. This is the best food I have had for quite a while. The Bar-B-Q was done perfectly. Even the daal tasted lovely. Am actually planning to go back to the place again tomorrow for dinner J

Imran was insisting that we check out the night life. But boss and manager are gonno be leaving today around 11:30. Plus I really didn’t feel like going out with him, is a bit weird. Lets see.

While we were chatting in the lobby, S__ brought out a cake, that her husband had sent, thats when I remembered it was the 14th of Feb.

Bahrain Day #3

14/02/2006

Yesterday was a long day. It wasn’t actually a client, but an acquaintance of boss from around here. He had lots of connections, and introduced us to a number of people. Also turned out to be a-soon-to-be-relative of boss. Took us to his place, where we chatted for like 90 minutes. I was so tired, was almost dozing and the host interpreted my lack of interaction as my shyness. Shy, hehehehehe. People who know me, would call me anything but shy. And just when I thought we were getting done, the host insisted on showing us around. It came as a mixed feeling. For one, I was really looking forward to see the real city, beyond the main streets and malls. However it was a bit of a disappointment. We did see some of the mansions of the sheikhs, but I would have preferred going to some old bazzars, or some place to really experience the place. We went to this Leabonese restaurant, but I was too tired to enjoy the food.

The place had a good ambience, but I was literally dropping by that time. Sleep’s not a problem with me, if I am with friends. But we had been talking business all day at the exhibition and were expected to do the same for another 3 days. So would have been nice to rest a bit.

Bahrain Day #2

13/02/2006


End of a tiring day, no not quite the end J, got to be leaving for a dinner with a potential client in 15 minutes. The first day at the exhibition was interesting but tiring. It was great we had completed setting up the stall yesterday so, didn’t have to bend and stretch and hammer in a jacket.

Hmmm, Bahrain is a nice little place. Everything seems very well structured. The rulers realized quite early that Oil wouldn’t last a long time, and that diversification was essential to survival. It is already a hub for financial activities in the region, trying to act as a bridge between London and New York. Boss seems keen to establish an office in Bahrain, if we can get some business in the region. Was just thinking of what it would be like, if I were asked to take charge here? But soon realized that it did not have much to offer apart from the clean, structured environment. As in, yes there is a night life of sorts, but don’t know, I wouldn’t last long in this place. The most important thing for me is to be in touch with friends; to occasionally take time out and go out with them.

Then was thinking of the opportunity of goin to a new place, all alone. That’s when you get a chance not only to really experience the place but also to make new friends. It also gives you time for reflection and to get to know yourself better.

Bahrain Day #1

12/02/2006

O boy, these rooms are huge :D

The first surprise Bahrain had to offer was the pleasant climate. Karachi had been in the 30s, and was a real surprise to experience the under 20 temperature of Manama, the capital city.

The airport did seem a bit small, but then Bahrain was no Dubai. The driver of “Elite Suites” happened to be from Karachi, fairly close to the place where I live. He gave me the first informal tour of Manama as we drove to Elite Suites.

As we had referred some other exhibitors to the suites, our rooms were upgraded to Diamond suites. There is a huge lounge attached to the bedroom, two 30 inch flatrons, a dvd, a sound system, a mini kitchen complete with utensils, microwave, sandwich maker, toaster, electric kettle, you name it. I was thinking, what am I doing all alone in these huge rooms :D? I mean I have stayed at the Sheraton, and Holiday Inn, but this place had a completely different ambience. Whats more, my corner room, has an unsecured wi-fi signal from a near by network too J. The only disappointment is that the pool is undergoing renovation. It is a pity though that the tiring days would mean that I wouldn’t get to really enjoy the place. Got to leave for a networking dinner now, better get going.