Great Teachers Are Born Great!

Great Teachers Are Born Great!

Tariq Ahmad Malik

By: Tariq Ahmd Malik

Behrampora Raffiabad

It is beyond all doubts the dedication of the teaching faculty which transforms an otherwise low performing school into an ideal learning platform. Teachers become dedicated when they assume their duty in right perspective. When they take teaching as a mission. Such teachers ensure that the students should find a reason to remember their class as an important part of their school life experience.They believe that their students are their teammates. They don’t fear to have a little fun with them. They love to be creative and innovative .Before taking their classes, they review key concepts afresh. They believe in delivering to the maximum of their potential. They make students feel excited about school.

The great teachers are always on time. They welcome their children every morning. During morning assembly sessions they make sure that the students  have  maximum participation in them. They set the platform for the students so that their special capabilities are honed, and they are provided ample opportunities to bring out their best.

The great teachers maintain record  of their lessons. They have always a proper lesson plan. Besides their lesson plans,  their  diaries keep record of students’ bio data, Their case history, the contact numbers of their parents, marks awarded in different tests, etc. These teachers keep  up to  the date the record of the students as per their performances in different test  eg, high achievers, the averages, the below averages etc. 

The great teachers organize special sharing sessions for  the poorly  performing students and guide them through remedial teaching sessions.

The great teachers don’t allow any moment  go waste in the school. When they have vacant period,  they prefer to cross- examine the written work of the students. They do also spend some time in school library to update the content of their lesson plans.

The great teachers volunteer in organizing special lessons on “ Friday Post-Recess Sessions” , and discuss at length the basics of their specialized subjects. In these sessions all the students are assembled in the school auditorium for having live interaction with the expert teachers.

The great teachers keep themselves   in constant touch with the  parents and keep  intimating  them about the performance of their wards. They receive their feedback and try to explore novel learning techniques. These teachers help the administration in forming parent-teacher associations, and organize parental meets at school.

The great teachers never fear to go for innovations if they think they can help the learning process acquire momentum. They create  “  Whats- Up  Group” , and add the parents as members. On this page they post circulars, Notices, Datesheets, Schedules of important events, and the report of various activities the school organizes at day to day basis. They do also post the award rolls of the mock tests which the school organizes. Thus the page is intended to bring the performance of the school in public domain.

The great teachers organize the events on special days related to the life of great scholars, scientists, leaders, saints etc. They do also create awareness about different career options,health hazards, and social issues. Doing this on regular basis they inspire a change in the budding bloom of the nation.

The great teachers invite the living legends to the school and ,make them interact with the students. They organize lectures of eminent scholars. These eminent people share their experiences with students and motivate them to work out their career in a best possible way and plan their studies prudently.

The great teachers make the school into a language library. They organize student  discussions, interactive sessions, and debates. They prepare Power Point Presentations and expose the students to smart learning. They show them documentaries, short films etc. and widen their mental horizons every possible way.

The great teachers form cultural clubs in their schools. They motivate and guide the students for performing art. They prepare skits, mimicry, declamations etc. They teach them folk lore. They show them the beauty of their native  culture and motivate them to preserve it with all its vitalities.

To sum up , we may say that it is only the dedicated and inspiring teachers which transform an ordinary looking school into an ideal one. Such teachers are necessarily intelligent and know their subject matter well. Their work and behaviour is invariably commendable. These teachers are reflective. They keep correcting themselves .They are confident about what they deliver. They are engaging. They make learning interesting. They never dread trying a new idea. If it doesn’t work ,they refine it. If it still doesn’t work, they ditch it. They make every student feel important. Thus they do necessarily give their students a reason to remember them as an important part of their school life experience.

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Is Happiness A Choice?

Is Happiness A Choice?

By:   Tariq Ahmad Malik

       Behrampora Raffiabad

Every human being is destined to taste happy as well as unpleasant moments during his entire life span. There are certain situations which make us feel happy (e.g.), Marriage  ceremonies ,birthday parties, festivals etc. There are also certain occasions which have grief attached (e.g.), funerals, accidents, and failures etc. There is , however, a third set of situations in which we opt to be either happy or upset. This situation may arise at our homes, in our offices, and at our work places. In these cases we opt whether to appreciate somebody’s efforts or disregard him. Whether to give somebody respect or ignore him out rightly. Here ,in this situation ,we do deliberately choose between regard and disregard, approval and disapproval, envy and jealousy, ego and selflessness etc. .This phenomenon engulfs the major part of our life’s practices.

Looking at the life style of different people ,the keen observer is made to understand that happiness is ,to a large extent,  a choice , an option and a matter of preference. The person who is happy is not necessarily the person who has no worries at all. He may be the person who has deliberately decided to live up his happy moments lavishly. For him the worries could be a stimulus in the way of making him strong.

The wise man knows that worries are common to all, so are the suffering. He keeps busy exploring the way-outs from his troubles.

I saw one of my acquaintances worrying ,and feeling very upset about the attitude of her colleagues. She complained that her colleagues were not respectful to her despite of her showing utmost courtesy to them. This phenomenon had made her very unhappy .She could not help saying, "I talk softly to them every time .I give them due regard. I meet them with smiles, but they are hell-bent on disregarding me .I am left with no option .I suppose I should leave my job.”

We face such odd occasions every now and then. We do usually find ourselves option less in these situations .But as a last resort, we need to have yet another look on our personality traits .We may ,sometimes, discover that we need to reshape our personality traits. We may need to examine our attitude afresh. Every word and every phrase has either a wedding bell or a sting attached. Words may have flavor of ego or humility.

After coming with multiple self-corrections, we can expect of the souls around us getting moulded for the good. The time tested traits of truth, beauty, and goodness are always rewarding .If we embrace decent attitude ,we will be showcasing all the three .After making it into our habit, we can expect the people around us flocking around us. Supposing people persist with their mean mentality and defy our decency, we are still at no loss .The decency in our attitude can win us thousands of decent people .We can rule over hearts of scores around us. Our obstinate colleagues are also expected with the passage of time, to having reassessment of our credibility.

There is always the second side of every coin. The people who are decisive to letting us down have their own shortcomings. Endorsing the rare talent in this context makes them feel inferior.

Familiarity breeds contempt. When some hardworking and dedicated official is appreciated by the boss, the mediocre ones slide into the background. Instead of improving their efforts they start fomenting grudges with the one who  is committed to his job. They start isolating him and looking for his flaws. They start accusing him of being egoistic, glib tongued, and double faced. In case the dedicated official is a girl, the erring officials can even descend on leveling her with the accusation of being in a living relationship with the boss.

The dsire for a good name and face is common to all. It is, however, only the determined and the dedicated people who do actually work for it. Such people know how much effort it takes to become number one. They face the challenges headlong. They even fail at times but they don’t give in. They correct themselves ,and ultimately come up with bright colours.

The voice within is our best endowment. We need to allow it rumble. While we deliver according to our inner voice, the world creates uproar of noises. We have to reassure ourselves to let the genuine voice survive amid the whirlpool of noises .When others try to suppress our voice we have to use our full strength to keep it afloat .we need to get muse from the self-talk .We will ,as a result, discover that our conscience is invariably applauding us for our coveted efforts. Someday the unwanted noises have to die out. They will die when they will see the genuine voice gaining momentum and soaring in the sky. The best answer to the mediocre people is our ultimate success. Once we see success eye to eye, we find thousands of mothers caressing and fondling us .Long ago H.W.Longfellow has voiced _

Let’s then be up and doing

 With a heart for any fate

Still achieving, still pursuing

Learn to labour and to wait

Let the winds from opposite direction run their course. They will have to sway the cradle of our dreams. They will have to allow the kite of our ambition soar in the vast expanse of the sky. Lets believe that when others will be dreading to dream big, there is always an opportunity for us to prove our mettle. In this case , if we face opposition, it will be worth it.

Raffiabad Adbi Markaz literary Event

Raffiabad Adbi Markaz Holds Literary Event;Book Release

By: Tariq Ahmad Tariq

Today on 6/11/2018,Rafiabad Adbi Markaz organised a grand literary event at Nether Field School Bohripora Sopore. The event had two sessions.

 The first session  was presided over by Dr Rafiq Masoosi(patron). Shabir Ahmad Shabir(president), Hashmatullah Hashmi(educationist), Ajaz Ahmad Masoodi(Chairman Netherfield School), and Saif din Saif(Author)  were also kept in the presidium. 

The first session was moderated by Shabnum Gulzar. The session started with the recitation of Holy Quran, followed by the recitation of naat. The session was aimed at the book release of Saif udin Saif "Qanooni Nazakatien". Two papers were read out on the book. The first review paper which was prose specific was  presented by Tariq Ahmad Tariq, and the second paper which was poetry specific was presented by Hassan Azhar.

 The session ended with the release of the book "Qanooni Nazakatien" in the presence of the electronic media and the invited audience. 

The second session was on poetic recitation. It was presided over by Shabir Ahmad Shabir.The other degnitories who shared the presidium included  Qazi Gh Mohammad Gulshan,Gh Mohammad Tawheedi,and aijaz Masoodi.The session  was conducted by Hassan Azhar. The poets who enthralled the audience with their poetry included Shabir Ahmad Shabir, Gh Mohmad Tawheedi, Dr Rafiq Masoodi, , Shabnum Gulzar, Hassan Azhar, Javid Iqbal Mawri, Farooq Ather, Gh Mohammad Mahsoor,Jawhar Ramzan, Riyaz Parvana, Tariq Ahmad Tariq, Naseer Ahmad Naseer, Shahid Shafi, Lateef Gamgeen, Qazi Gh Mohmad Gulshan, Gh Mohmad Dilgeer, Parveez Amin, Manzoor ul Hassan Qurashi, Khushbo Khursheed, and Nadeem Javid. Towards the end Tariq Ahmad Tariq presented the vote of thanks to the guests, the institution, and to the media. 

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Lets Start Afresh

Lets Start Afresh

By :Tariq Ahmad Tariq

We do sometimes complain that many of us don’t deliver to the best of their capabilities. This way we affirm that our potential is always more than what we actually work out usually.

If we cherish dreaming ,we need to sleep most of the times, but in order to follow our dreams we need to keep awake for longer hours. This is the time tested axiom. Great people are believed to be doing even the simplest things  very differently. They do ordinary things with extra ordinary zeal and zest, and manage to discover the excitement of the work .They equip themselves with knowledge and skill, and go with refined attitude towards the work. These are the people who deliver the best ,and people  call them real champions.

Every human being is endowed with a set of qualities. The only thing one has to do on his own is to  execute  his plans at the place where his endeavors  are valued to the utmost. If he keeps with the people who have no wisdom to recognize his worth, he will have to be contended with a miserable life. He can’t carve out a special place for himself. A wise man once  explained the same truth to his ten year old son. He placed a shining rock in his hand, and asked him to go to the market and find out its real worth. He advised his son if somebody asked him of its price he should simply raise two fingers and keep his lips sealed. The boy reached the market place  ,and showed the rock to different people. One person showed keen interest and asked its price. The boy raised two fingers which made the buyer cry –“Oh! Two dollars”. The boy didn’t say anything and returned his home. Next,  his father sent him to the jewel market of the city. Seeing the shining rock in his hand a jeweler asked if he wanted to sell it .The boy nodded his head in affirmation. The jeweler asked the price, and the boy raised two fingers in the air. The jeweler smiled and yelled, “Two hundred dollars!” the boy kept silent and returned to his father.

By the next morning the father sent his son to the most famous and expert jeweler of the city.The boy showed the shining rock to him .His eyes gleamed. He asked the price. The boy raised two fingers. The expert jeweler exclaimed- “ Two hundred thousand dollars! It is worth it”. The boy silently returned home and asked his father the reason of such a huge variation in evaluation .The father smiled and explained. He said,” No matter where from things come ,they must reach the place where they are valued the most. People have their own price tags for different things. One has to look out for genuine people who would look beyond the faces and make clear assessment of the intrinsic value of the things.”

The father added  “This rock is not just an ordinary rock.It is a precious stone. The average man, roving in the markets ,fail to recognize its worth, but the expert jeweler always knows what is its exact worth.”

This story is not just a story of amusement, but a story of inspiration. It is the reflection of the worldly truth. Every human being is endowed with some unique talent .It is the possessor who needs to explore it  .It is he who needs to explore for himself the right place where his talent finds desired recognition. The ultimate value of a pearl is known only to two people-  the king in whose crown the pearl is decorated, and the jeweler who sculpts the pearl. Name and fame becomes destiny of those who toil hard. Opal is chiseled hundred times before it is actually turned into the jewel, and decorated in the queen’s ring.

In order to make our life worthwhile we have to attain the best possible knowledge, and go with the required set of skills. The refined attitude and the strong will power does ultimately help us realize our coveted dream. Thousands of people around us have proven this axiom. Why can’t we?

Lets ask ourselves a simple question- “What should we be remembered for when we are gone? The answer will have to come from within”. Let’s imbibe the great qualities of the people who have attained the greatness due to their valuable contribution towards the humanity. Let’s take the pledge that we will do our best .If there are bottlenecks, lets believe that they are there to make us strong. Smooth seas have never produced skillful sailors. We are not exceptions .Lets have a new beginning .Lets start afresh.

Hour Of Destiny

Hour Of Destiny

By :Tariq Ahmad Tariq

Rafiabad Kashmir

As soon as she entered the auditorium, she could see a young dynamic speaker motivating the curious audience from the podium-

“This is the hour of destiny for you.This hour belong's to you”, he said. “You are special.Yes,You are different, so you have to make a difference. Yes, you can inspire the change. Ask yourself what is the best in you, and then work on that”.

 He kept motivating the audience , but it all fell flat on Insha .She started counting her failures and  looking down on herself with all the more contempt.

She came out and rushed to the canteen adjacent to the auditorium. She ordered  tea and sat on the bench. Frisking deep in her bag she got her cell phone out to make a call.

Insha :  “uf! Again switched off”, wearing a frowsy look she whispered to herself. “Nothing is going my way”, she added.

In the meanwhile, Aatif came out of auditorium and sat on the table opposite to Insha  .He  also ordered a cup of tea. The waiter placed both the cups simultaneously on the table. While taking the first sip, Aatif found a pretence to talk and he started, “If I am not wrong, you would lead a campaign for women empowerment  last year.

Insha responded in affirmation and added, “Now  your next question must be why I left the auditorium mid-way”.

Aatif:  You are correct ,but I don’t qualify to ask, as I have also left the hall midway.

Insha:  Actually I am fed up now with these so-called motivational sessions. Talking big hardly makes a point, but acting big does make.

Aatif:  You are right.  Even the ordinary things done with extra-ordinary zeal and zest have the power to make a big difference.

 Insha :  I have tried that as well, but nothing went my way. I was an utter failure.

( In the meanwhile both finished their tea.)

Aatif :  May be, you had planned with a wrong option. You might have followed public opinion and suppressed your inner voice.

Insha :  No, Mr ….

Aatif:  Mr, Aatif. Mr Aatif is my name, and what is your good name ,please?

Insha :  I am Insha.

Aatif:  If you are not offended I must say that you don’t want to come out of the world of your failures. You are still upset with yourself.

Insha :  Are you a psychologist to say so?

Aatif:  No, I am not. I feel it to be true. I suppose you are desperate enough to tell your tale of woes .I can say with authority that your story has missed the entry of the prince riding the white horse, and presenting a red rose to the princess.

Insha :  No, gentleman. This brutal world has left no room for such whimsies.

Aatif:  That means, in your case the world has used all her brutality to deprive a beautiful girl of her soulful moments.

Insha :  Yes, but the good point is that I didn’t yield easily. I fought with all my might ,but I lost. Thus I have no complains with myself, at least.

Aatif:  Ah! How much it pains me to see a pretty girl in such a deep trouble!

Insha :  You seem to flatter me all the more now. I suppose I should keep my lips sealed now.

Aatif:  You can't do that.You desperately need to clear your chest before a potential listener.

Insha :  No, I haven’t any stories to tell, and I need not your advice either.

 Aatif:  You need not feel scared of me. Every other person has the same story.

Insha :  What do you mean?

Aatif:  Listen, I am a writer, and a motivational speaker. I have portrayed many characters giving them your attributes .The way you behave is known to me for ages now.

Insha :  What do you want from me ,then?

Aatif:  I want you live up your long cherished dreams. I can, if you wish, change the plot.

Insha :  No, You will not do that. I don’t have courage to revisit my roles. I am an utter failure.

Aatif:  If that is the case, why don’t you write a documentary of your failures?

Insha :  lets assume I will initiate ,but what good it will do to me?

Aatif:  Well, it will make you bold. You will discover the multiple reasons of your failures. You will get an opportunity to rectify them .In this process the world may be gifted with a talented writer.

Insha :  (smiles). I had sat here for tea, and it took one full hour to have my tea finished .I have been listening to an uninvited stranger for so long. What does this mean?

Aatif:  It means you are very close to finding a genuine listener for  your woes. A listener who does also understand various things which often remain unsaid.

Insha :  Don’t flatter anymore .I have left nothing unsaid.

Aatif:  But, I managed to listen a lot from you. Your newly found eloquence at speech, and your bright eyes speak quite loudly that you have found a sweet friend.

Insha :  ( smiles). This can be partially true. After all why should a renowned writer and a great motivational speaker waste his precious time for an ordinary girl except that she is her close friend.

Aatif:  You are wise enough at drawing quick conclusions. Now tell me honestly,  will you take to writing.

Insha :  I suppose yes. In fact, I have thought of writing a story that took its shape before my eyes. The story is full of matter.

Aatif:  I suppose you will not allow your story become preaching.

Insha :  I will try to keep my judgment reserved ,and will bring forth how emotions are victimized in routine arguments.

Aatif:  That is nice. Try to make your story appealing for the readers. Don’t allow your characters turn rude at the very outset. Create the exposition for allowing crises zoom out fully.

Insha :   I know that much ,sir, after all I am a literature student. I am well versed at presenting things. I have my own lovely style. But…,tell me honestly now,  why do you take so interest in me?

Aatif:  I really don’t know why. But.., I can’t afford to see you in trouble.

Insha :  And you have planned to arouse the dream of the prince in the heart and mind of this pretty girl, and have worked hard to paint yourself into that prince. Isn’t it so?

Aatif:  No, Ms Insha. I don’t harbour such intensions. But one thing I know for sure. Your prince will not come from any royal palace.He will not be accompanied by a band of musicians .He will come all alone .He will dive in your existence, and settle in your heart .He will add scent to your life and breath. When he comes you will see the time flying holding your wrist. He will spend an hour with you without any apparent reason. That will be the hour of destiny for you.This I have read in epics.

Insha :   (Becoming emotional). I quite understand it .When he comes ,he will have to listen to all my woes. He has to take me in his lap. He has to caress me, and fondle me to the core. When he comes he will discover by himself how much incomplete I was without him.( wipes off tears).

  Aatif:  But.., remember. This all shall happen in the resolution phase. Only after the crises have reached to a frightening climax .This will give your story a telling effect.

Insha :  But, sir, In my personal life I do badly need resolution ,for, I have come across countless crises but without a single resolution.

Aatif:  Then start cherishing your prince .let him come and spend the hour of destiny with you.

Insha :  He has to come. I have been waiting him for ages now. Any way thank you very much for your sweet company.

(loud cheers are heard  reaching  skies in the auditorium, and repeated announcement are made that the next motivational speaker Aatif would be present on the podium in just one minute)

Aatif : (getting up). It is my turn to speak .They have announced my name. I need to go.

Insha :  Ok, Sir . You may go.

Aatif:  But, inform me when your prince comes to spend the hour of destiny. ( Aatif hurries to the auditorium).

  Insha :  (Smiles with herself) .Surely Sir.(again smiles and gets absorbed in self talks). Very interesting person. He spent more than an hour with me just to console me. How selfless he is. He had none of his interests to field .He is a nice guy .

Insha kept thinking of Aatif being very nice to her. She went to the manager to pay the bill. The manager returned her money saying her friend had already paid the bill. She left the counter and started walking home .the phone rang. Insha looked the contact and switched off her phone.With a gentle smile on her face she dropped the phone in the bag,and went off with rapid steps murmuring the recurring phrase of her prince’s arrival and the hour of destiny.

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contact: 7006121241

Email:taraiq@gmail.com

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Ali Mohammad Shahbaz

By: Tariq Ahmad Tariq

Abode of Late Ali Mohammad Shahbaz

During my School days I would ,sometimes, visit my friend at Watergam.My friend was very much inclined towards poetry.He had acquired this trait from his parents.His father Shiekh Abdul Khaliq was very much avid of poetry.He would recite to me the rare poetic pieces of Zaib-un-Nisa.He would recite dozens of couplets of Iqbal,and Mahjoor.At times he would compare Iqbal with Mahjoor for me.
Shiekh Mohammad Syeed(My friend) was equally a poetic genius. He had learnt the poetry of Mushtaq Kashmiri in his tender age. He would recite the couplets of Shahnama Islam,and poems of Iqbal every now and then.
The father and the son would also read dozens of couplets of Ali Mohammad Shahbaz for me.
I am very young then in my twenties. I didn't know too much about poetry. But the frequency with which the duo would read the couplets of Shahbaaz was enough to make me one of his fans.
I didn't know then who was Ali Mohammad Shahbaz.I would simply feel exalted at listening to his poetry.His couplets had utmost soothing effect.

تھووتھ خدایہ للہ ون تقدیر میانہ بابتھ
بیے اس نہ کونے کانہہ تدبیر میانہ بابتھ
ؔ
پوشہ متیو نیندر پیم چآنی غزل گیواں گیواں

ؔ
بیقلس نش درد جگرکی سورہ پرناونی غلط
سینہ مژرتھ لوڪہ نارکی آکھ گیے ہاونی غلط

؎
مے سئ تن توتہ کرہک اکی کتھ میانہ جگرو
بہ وندہے ناز و نخرن پنن رتھ میانہ جگرو

؎ژٔ نارس کوم کرن والیا پزر پزراونے گژھ کھا

ؔکرامہ مومن تہ فطرتاً آزر
توتہ پانس ونان خلیل چھ أسی

All these poetic expression have been there ever since my childhood. As  a child I had never thought I would ever become a poet.I had never expected that I would someday set to find out
Where my favourite had his nest.The time fled with immense speed ,and it was only last Sunday when I received a phone call from some seemingly known voice.He started complaining why I didn't meet my word and visit him till now.The voice was definitely of Ibn Shahbaaz(Nazir Qurashi).He was humble enough,and gave me great regards.He persisted on my visit to him,and made me fulfill the promise on this Sunday ,September,2,2018.
I reached to the residence of Late Ali Mohammad Shahbaaz by 10 am, and saw my elder brother eagerly waiting my arrival at the Handwara Nowgam road at Shatgund.What I saw in the first instance that it was a beautiful house standing on the edge of road at a table shaped piece of land overlooking the macdamized 60 feet road.The scenery was a treat to eyes

.The hospitality of the Shahbaz enclave was unparllel. Nazir Ibn Shahbaaz served me food by himself.All of his children kept around me.A large number of varieties of meet preparations had been cooked.
Next,we had a detailed discussian about the life and poetry of this matyred poet.His collection of elegies "خونی خون" is almost complete.The collection  of Gazzals "چآنی دری" is all set to be released in the coming months.The arrangements to this effect are almost complete.
The best part of the day was the session which Nazir Ibn Shahbaz shared with me reading out hundreds of couplets of this legendary poet from his three unpublished collections.
The poetry,when it will come to the public domain will surely start a new era.Every gazzal has more than ten couplets,and every couplet has tremendous standard.The romantic tint,and the eloquence with which Shahbaz was blessed makes him as philosophical as a poet as Galib,and as romantic as Keats.The readers will,for sure,explore themselves in the poetry of this genius.The reseach scholars will find treasures in between the lines of Shahbaz.By 2 pm we went to the graveyard and offered fatiha khani.
It was a day worth remembering.

And The Mystery Was Unfolded

And The Mystery  Was Unfolded

By: Tariq Ahmad TariqBehrampora Rafiabad

Aatif had just joined his duties at Ghaziabad Office of his company. He was altogether different from others in both his look and outlook. He wore simple dresses, and had orthodox outlook. His M.D was ,however, taking  keen interest in him, and was giving him ample opportunities to show his talent. God knows ,what motivated the M.D to ask him once to prepare a presentation on his behalf to be presented before the board of directors .Aatif prepared the presentation and delivered in his own simple way. He could not get any clue whether the board got impressed or not. It was, however, clear now that the boss started believing in his talent all the more.

Aatif performed his duties honestly. He would greet everybody, hug everybody, and extend smile to everybody. He kept going, totally devoid of the fact what his colleagues thought about him .His colleagues would hardly notice his individual craftsmanship where he had carved out a good name for him. The best point of Aatif was that he would enjoy his work and keep invariably good humor.

The majority of the staffers of the company would come to the office in their own cars. Aatif had his bicycle. He would receive very less number of phone calls. He had some good friends working in other companies, but they would contact him occasionally. when Aatif felt bored, he would dial the number of some friend. They would lavishly spend their time with him on phone.

Aatif would never boss the job, and let others potter under his directions He had so many junior colleagues, and a good number of seniors .He believed that the juniors be treated with love, and the seniors be given due regard.

Aatif could very soon realize that his juniors had started giving him good regard. He was, however, confused about the behavior of young Farhan. Farhan , at times, would give him great regards ,and talk to him with  a  smiling face; but the next day Farhan would frown upon him, much to his discomfort. Aatif had great regards for Farhan. He knew that Farhan had great prospects waiting. He had seen in Farhan, an enterprising worker with innovative  approach. He would be always ready to take challenges . Aatif didn’t want to lose Farhan. He knew Farhan alone can have a good feel of his talent .So he did always wait the opportunity to bring his presentations in his notice. Farhan’s friends knew that Farhan was maintaining distance from Aatif, so they ,sometimes, descended  to kidding Aatif.

        “Come on Aatif, Tell us why Farhan avoids colliding you in the way.”
Farhan’s friends could ask this question to Farhan  as well, but they always wanted Aatif to answer. The simpleton Aatif would simply utter,  “The problem lies with me. I don’t know how to talk to the people of different temperaments. I confess I am a conservative type of guy.”

Aatif , however, got noticed by a senior officer .He had been secretly studying his behavior pattern and attitude. One day he approached Aatif saying,  “Aatif Sir! Some presentations are needed. Would you please prepare them for me.”  Aatif had this much of understanding that this officer had never  before shown keenness toward his presentations, yet he nodded his head in affirmation. He was over- joyed to be called Aatif Sir by his senior officer. It took Aatif ,at least ,three days to prepare the presentation. Tassaduq sir, as was the name of the officer, came to him each day asking whether the presentation was completed. He would, in the meanwhile, ask different questions to his junior Aatif. After three days, Aatif was happy as he had prepared a great presentation. He thought after Tassaduq Sir, had finished listening to it, he would appreciate his talent whole heartedly , and would thank him. Aatif carried his presentation with him  ,and found Tassaduq Sir waiting him at his table. Aatif hurried to the table and said, “sorry Sir,I am a little late. This is the presentation for you.” Tassaduq sir received it and showed no unusual response. He didn’t even thank Aatif. Instead he said, “Aatif sir, another presentation shall be ready within three days.” .Aatif ,who had now hung his head, nodded in affirmation.

The story kept going like this and Aatif wrote many presentation and Tassaduq sir didn’t even care what was written in them. Tassaduq  would respect Aatif very much. He would often ask him about his health, relations, problems, and would offer him every  type of help. This caring on part of Tassaduq  made Aatif feel good about Tassaduq. Aatif ,however, was desperately waiting somebody to acknowledge his distinction in creative writing which was still a distant dream for him.

Aatif would sometimes think that the circumstances in the company were hostile to his inherent  talent. He had, however ,a ray of hope left. He had seen Farhan going his way, and having enterprising vision. Farhan had a great quality of keeping himself busy like a bee. When Farhan talked , Aatif would feel he spoke out pearls. Now in  desperation, Aatif started thinking about Farhan. Aatif longed that Farhan should ,at least, read his presentations and watch him deliver at the next presentation. He was not blindly cherishing Farhan’s attention .In fact Farhan had lavishly praised Aatif when he had given his first presentation in the company .Aatif could not solve the mistry why Farhan kept away from him. He had shared this concern with three close associates of Farhan with the hope they would help the duo come closer. For unknown reasons these people did not ferry the message. Aatif shared this concern with Tassaduq  sir thinking that he was the closest of all to Farhan, but he did never show any response. Aatif started having introspect of his behavior, attitude, and style of talking, but could not really find out anything wrong which could have possibly offended Farhan. He thought that he would write a letter to Farhan and would clear his heart for him, and determined that he could not afford to be a mystery for Farhan too long.
One day Tassaduq  felt done with Aatif. Aatif had now realized that Tassaduq  would never appreciate his work, yet he would respect Tassaduq  invariably .How long the reluctant partners could have shared  the compartment. Tassaduq  was sure to get off on the next station.Aatif took it as ill-omen that Tassaduq failed to acknowledge his talent .Tassaduq  went off and the conservative man Aatif was again shown the dark lane which his bicycle was fit for. The poor man was shaken to the core.
As a last resort, Aatif wrote a detailed letter to Farhan and asked him the reason why he did polish him into one of his bad wishers. He wrote..

Mr Farhan
Sir,
I respect you and want you to attain higher wrung of success. You are a talented boy. Your dedication, commitment ,and love for work has made you into a special case for the company. Your curiosity to work, and your supportive attitude in group activities are appreciated by the board of directors .I personally feel very much inspired with you, though It will hardly matter for you.

Sir, my burning desire is that you would come to watch me delivering at the next presentation session to be called on a short notice. Your acknowledgement means a lot for me.

Sincerely yours
Aatif

Aatif presumed that Farhan had now finished reading this write-up, and would come to him anytime with a cute smile, and exclaim, “Sir, I knew you would do it someday. Fie with misunderstanding! ”  ,and Aatif would reply, “I am sorry Farhan, somewhere unintentionally I have hurt you.”

Aatif Knew that his reader was none but a Farhan of his own kind. Aatif’s confession of erring somewhere could prove a talisman to repair every relation.
None is so powerful that he could afford to live in isolation. we all need good relations to add colour to our life .Let we all be Aatifs and our Friends Farhans. Let’s be candid enough to acknowledge others enterprising skills, then hope that our efforts will be recognized.

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And The Mystery Was Unfolded -2

Aatif,after having Ferried his message to Farhan, kept busy with his work at his  office.He was not too much ambitious about Farhan’s response.He had only desired to clear his breast for Farhan. Sometimes things go our way,and same happened with Aatif.One afternoon when he was just preparing to leave for home from his office , a  thread of messages was created by Zaira.

Zaira:    Thank you for the letter. Taking out time to write a personal letter  speaks a lot about the efforts you put in into maintaining cordial relations with people around you. Really appreciated.

My presentations are my catharsis ,and believe me the comments or likes or dislikes have a very little bearing on me. I don’t consider myself as a youth icon yet and therefore it is really ok if I am shown the mirror. I purposely quit all the presentation sessions not because I have some illusion of grandeur but very much because I was getting an information overload which was not being processed by me sincerely. Moreover I really got intimidated by the class and knowledge of all the people present in these sessions  and I thought of myself as someone very unworthy of participating in such quality sessions. I have no literary background as I am an hardworking lawyer who loves her job but I do find solace in preparing presentations  and like to be somehow associated with it. It is a kind of food for my soul. That should answer your query about my absence.

As far as the story is concerned then I need to ask you one question which you must answer sincerely. Who was in your mind while writing this story?Then I will share my opinion firstly on purely the craft of the story and then depending on your answer I shall tell you what made Farhan what he is.

Aatif:     It is impersonal .There was no specific person in my imagination .I simply found an idea and wetted my hands. That is it.

Zaira:    I really don’t see an honest answer here. But anyways, I found the craft of the story weak. It is a narrative by the writer. The writer is doing all the job, explaining everything, building characters, preaching at the end. Short story is not a moral preaching thing. You should let readers take meanings or morals out of it. Moreover there were no dialogues which could build the characters but the writer did it. The climax didn’t resolve the tension that was built in the story. Somewhere the story got tangled in between a biographic account and a fictional genre. Short stories usually magnify (usually single) instances or   events which otherwise go unnoticed. A short story writer sees that which others miss. Well I have typical classical and traditional approach towards analyzing a short story. If you might ask a critic who evaluates on modern or postmodern benchmarks then he might have an entirely different opinion than mine. Having said that, this is just the beginning. You have a great vocabulary, decent grammar and refined taste for literature at your disposal and these altogether make a perfect material for a great short story writer.

Aatif:   Thanks for your valuable comments. Actually I am not from literary background either. A student of Economics does have his feeble say in literature.I felt that I should write what I felt happening around me, so I didn't see what should make my plot impressive. The truth I told is the basis for this. Anyway thanks.The day i clashed with you on feminist view was my first day in discussion motivated me to writing.

zaira:      So I shall again put my question to you. I know you are Aatif   but    WHO IS FARHAN?

Aatif:     Farhan of this story is a symbolic character. He is someone who did ever share a platform with Aatif, impressed him, and kept silently aside.Being a writer in making, I suppose some people get aligned with me. Out of this small  "some", a few are viewed pioneering a path for me, and others neglecting me intentionally.I don't want friends for wrong reasons as is the practice of seemingly 'Big Names' in our community.I am a less known person. I always want to gift myself  sincere, talented, and selfless friends.Those who can explain Aatif  how far is too far for him.

Supposing you "Zaira"  is my Farhan. How can I make it into a story. You are not known to me. You have never observed me delivering. I know none of your friends .lets suppose I know Sadiya Sheikh as having met her once in a program at the city center. I suppose you know  Haji Uncle who treats me as his son. Does it make a big deal? Again do I suppose saying , "Yes, You are Farhan",then read the content of my write-up afresh and see whether Aatif looks for virtuous relations or harbors any evil intention.Yes,I want to have Farhan closely watching my literary activities. If you are satisfied with this role for Aatif, I shall be obliged.

The conclusion which I have drawn from the story is company policy motivation. I have written this write-up for the company’s annual publication   of whom I have been chosen Editor.Hope you will reply, and will now throw light on the point,"Why shouldn't Farhan behave that way?"

Zaira:    I believe you don’t know me in person. You don’t know my whereabouts. I would read your write-ups with great regard once,but lately some of the members of your  organization told me that Aatif doesn’t have good opinion about Zaira. I was astonished how could Aatif be so cheap a stuff. He doesn’t know me. How could he form a cheap opinion about a girl whom he doesn’t know. i don’t know whether the story which I was told was a manipulated one or not. There was no authenticity in place, but  the things which Zaira heard was enough to think the way she thinks now. Aatif ,if you had some opinion built about me you should have told me straight away; but, you spiced your gossips with my mention. Not good. Now it is Ok, No regrets I suppose the things have been manipulated. Now it is ok.

Aatif  :   Thanks for the reply. It is enough for me that at least you spoke out a few words finally. Let me tell you the truth. I have met, only once,  Saadiya Sheikh at a function where we both had to read out papers . I didn't know Sadiya till then. During lunch break Sadiya came to me and introduced herself. When I started introducing myself, she told that she knew me. She added that Haji Unclei had discussed me with them at company headquarters. Thus Aatif was not unknown to them. I simply added that I was very much impressed with Zaira's presentations. We could not pull the conversation beyond this because she had an emergency call then.

I don’t write too much; but whatever i write i want to show that to the quality readers. I rate your name with great honour in that context. Shall I hope that you will keep encouraging me for bettering my efforts?

 I don't know why people add salt to the otherwise candid expressions. I can't impress upon you my innocence because you don't know me in person. I am usually a tight lipped person. I started writing things very recently. You will not believe but it is true that the days i was made to confront with you  on the  page was my first day afresh. Thank God I received positive feedbacks for my efforts. May be my little bit familiarity would have bred contempt. Anyway whatever has been ferried to you, I regret, and sorry for that. I discussed nothing of you with Saadiya. Haji Uncle is like my father. I feel shy before him to talk. The third party if any, I don't subscribe to.  Hope you believe.

Zaira:    No issues .Now the air has got cleared. I am starting afresh. I would be happier that whatever you opine about me, that should come to me through you. And yes, to avoid any ambiguity, it didn’t come to me through Saadiya, because we are not friends but acquaintances, but through other people who are very much a part of these organizations.  Anyways. I wish you great luck and  I believe that you are somebody, who with his skill set, can give a tough fight to contemporaries. You shall be a great addition to our sky. In sha Allah

Aatif:   Thanks. But I feel very much hurt why should people spoil my image. I hold many people as my favorites, but they should play foul, It is very unfortunate. Yes, Due to some indiscipline some of the members of our organization were expelled, It could be the handiwork of them. I suppose Haji.., or somebody else.

Zaira:    No. Haji Uncle  always speaks good about you. It is not him either.

Aatif:    Yes. Whenever somebody poisons your ears against me, you better write to me, or phone. I know very less of politics. There is a long story behind the scene why should people defame me.

Zaira:    It shouldn’t matter now who it is. Its rather important  that we be authentic in our dealings. We shall keep our integrity intact.  I don’t nurse grudges. That is why i talked to you upfront.

Aatif:    Actually Haji Uncle has sympathy with the split away group. He didn't talk to me yesterday at our function. I asked him, and he simply told that he had some grudges. Now ,Do you believe that, at least i have not spoken anything ill about you.

Zaira:    I take your words and believe them to be true.

Aatif:     Thanks. I will always be true to my word. Beside I need your guidance.

Yes, Is my Farhan back,  Now on The previous track?

Zaira:    The admiration and learning shall be mutual inshallah. It’ ll b a learning experience for me too.

Aatif was now very happy for having Farhan back.He had toiled a lot to see him patting him.Yes,Farhan was none other than Zaira.Aatif knew that if his emotions were pure they would gift him his Zaira back.Aatif ,after this reconciliation kept sending his presentations to Zaira and would wait for a nod to present them and publish them .He was very emotional about Zaira.He wanted to keep with her,and discuss with her every presentation. He wanted to see Zaira present at his every presentation. In the audience of thousands he wanted to see the feedback of Zaira alone.Zaira was his ultimate inspiration.How much he wished that Zaira should know his feelings for her!

Aatif was not only shy but he was coward to the core. He always kept thinking about Zaira but did never dare to tell it to Zaira.He thought of Zaira being quick tempered and feared she might never return if she was offended. This fear helped  Aatif grow  very timid. Aatif did never tell Zaira that She was dear to him not only for being appreciative for his presentations,but she had been dwelling in all the compartments of his heart right from their first confrontation.This sweet feeling helped Aatif keep motivated for writing,and in his write-ups Zaira started breathing all the more.

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