In the era of innocence and simplicity, in the bygone days of (cupboards), newspapers were also printed in English, much to the fascination of the local residents. Surprisingly, these newspapers did not contain any references to sacred books, marking a unique contrast to the contemporary publications.
Even the smallest mishaps would send shivers down someone’s spine, creating an air of suspense and anticipation. It was as though the very ground beneath our feet would turn into salt or pepper, and our senses would become heightened, expecting Judgment Day to unfold before our very eyes.
The garbage collectors, known to every corner of the neighborhood, were revered figures. Special envelopes with money were reserved in our homes solely for their collection. The neighborhood doctor, a man of singular dedication, would vaccinate fifty patients in a single day with just one syringe, a true marvel of efficiency. He dared not risk infection.
For ailments such as jaundice or severe headaches, the local cleric would place his hand on the patient’s forehead and perform a ritual. Surprisingly, these simple acts of faith often resulted in remarkable recoveries, and people would emerge from the cleric’s ministrations healthier and happier.
Letters would arrive at our homes, and those who couldn’t read would have the postman read them aloud. The postman seemed to know everyone, not only delivering letters but also engaging in friendly conversations. He was more than just a messenger; he was a familiar face in our lives.
Examination results were a cause for celebration. People would recite a phrase, “Nasr min Allah wa Fath qareeb,” meaning victory from Allah and success is near. They would leave their homes with joyous hearts, and their triumphant return was marked by laughter and jubilation.
This was an era when people understood each other without the need for long explanations. A simple “Okay” or “It’s fine” sufficed. Life was lived in the moment, and there was no overthinking or overanalyzing.
In homes where someone had passed away, the entire neighborhood would weep genuinely, and in happy homes, laughter echoed through the streets. Every neighbor would send a plate of sweets to the newlyweds, and not a single plate returned empty.
Sweet treats came in three main varieties: Halwa, Zarda (sweet rice), and Kheer (rice pudding). These delicacies were not obtained from ice cream parlors but from wooden carts, which never played music.
Bicycle repair shops lined the streets, where someone from the neighborhood would invariably take their bicycle for repairs. Watching air being pumped into the tires with a hand pump was a common sight, and the cycle would be good as new.
Niaz (religious offerings) would always be the first to be distributed to the children. Every other day, a voice from some corner of the street would call out, “Karyo, Mandyo, Sheh Vandiye” (“Come, children, and have some”). Gathering around, children would eagerly await the distribution, and many voices would join in, “Mere Bhayi da hissa vi deo” (“Give my brother a share too”).
Milkmen and shops offering dairy products were introduced much later. Initially, people would visit neighbors to borrow some milk. Conversations flowed freely, and time seemed abundant.
Ladies would often exchange stories about their children, sitting on the steps under the shade of a tree. The elderly would share tales of days gone by, and memories of olden times would be recounted.
Television and departmental stores came much later, and people would visit each other’s homes more frequently. Earlier, people would visit to borrow milk or exchange goods, and often, the exchange was not limited to items but also included heartfelt conversations.
Barely anyone had heard of depression, and headaches were generally treated with a paste of crushed herbs. We have indeed come a long way from the days of simple living, and our journey has seen advancements from mud roofs to concrete ceilings.
Yet, despite all the comforts and conveniences, there remains a peculiar necessity in our homes – a box that contains, at all times, pills for depression, headache, blood pressure, sleep, and vitamins.
It is worth pondering why, in the age of such abundance and convenience, we still find it necessary to keep a box stocked with these remedies – a box that is always within reach, just in case.