Memories of Sialkot, Pakistan

With the current nationalist movement led by Modi in our country, no Indian can fathom setting foot in Pakistan. But I have the fondest memories of my childhood in Sialkot. My memories lingered on long after the unfortunate partition of our country.

My maternal family, in Sialkot had a very big house with two stories and eight or nine rooms. There I would get a chance to ride buffaloes daily. Our grandfather had three buffaloes. His son, Shadi Lal would  walk them out and wash them in the nearby canal. I accompanied my uncle daily and got a joy-buffaloes ride daily. It was hands-down one of the most unique experiences in life. All 5 of us (my uncle, I and three buffaloes) enjoyed each other's company fully.  My face had a very striking resemblance to my uncle. Of course, I belonged to him and vice-versa. I would like to believe that I was the most favorite nephew for all my maternal uncles.

I never visited our own house in Sialkot. It was left vacant, as our entire family had shifted to Amritsar. Babuji secured a Rs7500/= claim in cash for that property.  He gave 50% of it to Taya ji as his fair share. The fact that Taya ji never helped Babu ji in his entire life didn't change that moral compass. 

We have a social custom where maternal uncles bring "Chak" as  marriage gifts for a nephew or niece.  You will be surprised to know that Babuji arranged for 6+10*5 = 56 Chaks in his life.


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