A sweet friendship refreshes the soul," - Proverbs 27:9.
560 km southwest from my hometown of Lahore, I bid Waseem good bye and turned to South Western Punjab to one of my final year batch fellows, friends and my neighbouring hostel fellow. 2 doors down in 1998/99 for a whole year Mohammad Aslam was one of the closest N44 hostel boarder residing near my cubicle.He belongs to the mango producing and loving district of Rajanpur !
Aslam was a reliable class fellow who always worked hard in his studies. His interests outside of studies in that era especially was to discuss the world of politics as well as sports and almost every aspect of an issue affecting all walks of life for us as adolescents.Jokes cracked all over. Tempers would flare as we both would get emotional but all in good name of banter. We could never be more jovial at times !
The trip at Taunsa in March 1996
Aslam and I had a fondness for mangoes that peaked in the summer of 1999. He used to go back home in July and bring back a particular variety endemic to Rajanpur . He wanted me to try the Fajari variety.When he came back, there was a big brown bag full of just one thing.Fajaris. I said why did you bring in this bag ? He said its the best way ! We would have mango feasts in nights post dinner. He would love those times and so did I.The Multan heat didn’t affect at all in those moments !
Qasim hall was famous for mango trees. Once a mango which was in full bloom in August grew close to my cubicle’s corridor side. It looked so good. He warned not to eat that one as those fresh from fruits are not to be consumed.The Forbidden Mango, I called it.If it wasn’t for the Qasim Hall allotment, our paths won’t have crossed !
Many years after NMU ended , thanks to Whatsapp , I managed to contact him in an emotional call.He was thrilled.I was also euphoric.We kept contact ever since.In the recent silver reunion, I met him after 25 years. It was like not even 25 days had elapsed.
April 6, 2025 Multan.
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