Kolsuma Khanom

Gujars Friend

Guljar found himself facing a familiar door, though he could not fathom why. He stared at the brass knocker in front of him. It had become corroded with age. Bleakly, Guljar wondered why the knocker had not been replaced and he looked around as if to search for the culprit. His eyes were met by a desolate view. A lone tree stood, its spindly branches stripped of leaves and outstretched. The swift wind rattled the forlorn tree as if to say; "What! You still here?"

A scrap of torn newspaper scuttled to and fro accross the pavement as if wary of its surroundings. Suddenly, a crow squawked, breathing the spell of eerie calm and, flapping its velvet wings, flew away. His eyes fixated on the distant creature, Guljar didn't hear the door open and he did not see whose arms enveloped him.

"Gulzar! Vat you doeng h'yar?"

Guljar turned his head to face the puzzled expression of his beloved friend Konali Shai. The elderly wodow whom he stumbled upon many years ago when he helped her from the ground and retrieved the fruit and vegetables she'd spilled. Konali was so grateful she had consequently invited Guljar into her humble home for some tea and chapattis. Since that warm day Guljar and Konali had become steadfast friends.

Konali led Guljar through the dimly lit, narrow corridor of her house. The kitchen was larger than the other rooms but only marginly brighter.

"Sit down, Gulzar," Konai said as she shuffled towards the gas cooker behind the large table in which Gulzar was now sat. Guljar fidgeted restlessly in his seat and picked at the wool protruding from the chair cushion. "Gulzar, Vat wrong?"

She tilted her head to look better at Guljar, her gloden nose stud caught the light and sparkled, She blinked and a little of the fine powder from her kohl-rimmed eyes floated downwards and stained her brown skin. Guljar shook his head evasively, not meeting Konali's eyes. Konali took a box of matches out of the cupboard and lit the gas cooker.

"Gulzar? Gulzar, tell Konali everythig. I make tae." Like many, Konali was a firm believer in the magical cures of tea. But Guljar did not open up as she hoped. His eyes were captivated by the cooker fire; one blue violet flame chasing another, until there was a ring of fire.

"Is it white boy? Is they attack you?" Konali persisted in her efforts as she poured tea into two chipped cups. Guljar tore his eyes away from the gas fire and looked at Konali blankly for a moment and then he smiled.

"No, Konali, its not white boys. You always do look out for me don't you? What will I do without you, hey?" Konali laughed. It may be past midnight but Guljar was always welcome.

"Yes, but, I no go no where. I stay here with you." Guljar did not reply. He clenched his fists into two tight balls and looked away.

"Gulzar. You no worry. Everting be good. Me h'yar Always." Her soothing words calmed Guljar,s frazzled nerves and he sighed.

"Tell me vat wrong. I help you."

"Oh, Konali. Its taking over my life. I cant work, eat ,sleep. It always drags me back. And the more days pass, the stronger this becomes. I dont know what to do!"

"Gulzar. Tell me you no have drugs. Tell me!"

"No, Konali, I dont have drugs! Dont you know me better?" Guljar paused momentarily and said: " I only do things when I have no choice." Konali reached out and laid her hand on Giljar's stiff shoulder.

"I know vat is wrong. Me no give you chapattis with tea. You angry." She smiled and guljar laughed reluctantly. Konali brought two plates out; their once magnificent floral designs now faded away to a mere smear.

"Vat vill you have? My two day old potato mix or my fish which even Queen like?" Konali turned away from Gulzar and despite her happy demeanour, deep concerd flickered in her eyes........

To find out what was wrong with Gulzar Ask a member of the English Department or the Librarian to let you have a copy of the whole story and you will be able to find out the rest of the story.