When i was less than ten years, there was no electricity or any modern way of communication in my village except Letters.
Some men of my of my village including my eldest brother were in army and lived in different cities. Some were in foreign countries of middle East.
Only way to communicate was Letters. Many aunties would come and ask me to write letter to their sons or husband behalf of them. So i would write what they would tell me .
Letters had special place in my life throughout.I used to write letters to my brother and would ask so many silly questions about army because i was so fascinated by their uniform and discipline .My brother was hardly interested in my curiosity so my questions were answered sometimes hardly .If there was little bit understanding between our relationship it was only due to letters we wrote to each other .It existed until he quit the army and we stopped writing letters.
I used to write letters to my father whenever he went away from home . He was man of few words though in his letters he would share bit of his thoughts which i missed in his presence always.
He would sent draft of money separate mostly by money order but sometimes he would put some money within his letters . I remember how joy and excitement would shake our heart when we find notes of one or two hundred while opening his letters . I think such joy is not felt even husband gives whole salary in my hand . My father would write "buy something you like with it " and we both me and my sister would feel whole world in arms.Such pleasure is undefinable.I still have some of his letters and read them sometimes .
I had horrible handwriting though thankfully it was comprehensible for all .
My parents used to visit my uncle which latter became my in laws once in a year .Sometimes period will extend due to shortage of resources but meeting when was possible , was obvious.
We would write letters to each other once in a while such as after each one or two months. One of my husband's brother would write behalf of my would be father in law then. My husband who was just a cousin then never took any interest in keep in touch though.He or me we both were totally unaware of relationship which destiny had chosen for us in future .
Letters were very first thing in my life which connected to world of my dreams. I would listen many radio shows fondly in which anchor would speak thoughtful or philosophical metaphor and try to cheer up the listeners with following songs. I would find them best thing happened to me then. I loved Ahasn uncles' program most .
His compassion and gravity of voice and inspirational talk would cast spell on senses .He was best in his expressions and he seemed gifted. I would write letter to his program . I remember how mom hard it was for mom to take time and walk to post box which was in next town.She would do it just for the sake of my happiness because she knew how it was important to me .
I didn't know then but i realized latter that she was serene that i was in different but decent passion.She was content with my fondness for learning .
Uncle Ahsan would read my letters with special title "bari Be" which means big lady . He would praise my words and thoughts and would encourage to write even better.
Islamabad radio station then had some of the most inspiring personalities as anchors .And i was so fortunate to have opportunity to get connected to them through letters . They were very basic and first source for my "life understanding ". Letters written to them gave me light and understanding about my own self .They revealed what i was as person and how i am different than others.
When it comes to my marriage credit again goes to the letters that my husband wrote me for almost one year and almost everyday before my marriage .When i was told about his proposal first by my father i was not in normal state of mind i mean i was not interested in getting married so i asked mom to refuse immediately.
My husband wrote me his first letter then and asked he want to convince me and all he want is chance to do so.Meanwhile if i was still disagreed he won't insist.
So for almost one year he used to write me letter and almost everyday. I would also reply in formal way in the begging. But gradually honesty and simplicity in his expressions inspired me . He would send me some of the most beautiful pieces of poetry along which was Not in any way romantic but insightful and deep.I agree this was most impressive weapon .
If you will ask me what is the regret in my life ? i will say that i should have not burn those bundles of letters !!!
Yes due to misunderstandings risen by totally rough and disturbed environment by in laws of course we had issues in our early marriage and one stupid depressed day because of my stupid anger i burnt those most precious letters .They are safe in my heart though yet my eyes long for them sometimes, specially on our wedding anniversary which we never celebrate .
I think writing letter is totally different sending e mail or text message . It is still so close to heart and most beautiful and touching way to connect with our loved ones!
Blessings to all of you my precious friends!!!
