I never thought I will be writing such a story, coz’ I never get influenced by movies to write a story, but yes real life has always inspired me to write. I have a colleague named Ashfaque Khan in my office, he is basically from Lucknow, his ancestors were Hindu, they were converted during the rule of Akbar Badshah, Ashfaque always favored the Hindus, he liked being among them ‘had lot of friends, one of course is me. He is really a fantastic guy.
He had is own dreams, one them he had shared with me, he wanted to go on a world tour with is parents and so he was saving all his money, but he did not have a passport, I suggested he get it made soon.
He filled an online form and went to the passport office for the formalities, but every day, he was told to come another day or was given any other excuse, that he is late or whatever, one day he decided , he will reach there before the office opens and wait…he did that he was the first one in the queue. The (passport) Verification Officer, during the verification was very rude, coz’ Ashfaque was a Muslim, however Ashfaque kept his calm, but the one question which the officer asked really made Ashfaque speak- “The question was “Are you or your family related to or connected to any terrorist ? “ Ashfaque had tears in his eyes, he said, “Sir, I’m not related to any terrorist, nor do I no one, but my Father has served the Indian Army for 15 years, and I’m proud of that, I’m a proud Indian, Like you are, I’m not a terrorist.”
The passport officer, just passed his file and sanctioned it without a word, people who were standing there saw Ashfaque with respect.
Friends’ this is a True Story, only the name is changed on request, I’m proud to be Ashfaque’s friend!
True Indians! Happy Independence Day to all of us!! Respect our People, Respect our Nation!!