My view and experience of knowing my people across the border
By Neil Mistry

Neil Mistry

I am just a guy from a suburb in Bombay. Since early days, I have wondered what it is that keeps Pakistan and India at bay from one another. It was only recently, since moving to the United Kingdom, that I have come to know quite a few people from Pakistan.

From among the Pakistanis I was fortunate enough to have met in London, a handful of them have become friends. Over time, I realised that I have developed this bond.

There was this one time I remember where after being in the same classroom with a couple of friends from Pakistan, I said, “I must be honest, it feels like I’ve known you guys for long. You’ll are the same as me.”

One of them replied, “Of course.”

We connect over common issues. We laugh at the same jokes. Food is our life. Music takes us to another level.

There is another Pakistani friend who comes to mind. We keep mocking one another. She makes fun of my Hindi and says, “You Bombay people don’t know Hindi.”

I retort, “Our words are gold.”

She keeps correcting me on words. I think I have improved a bit, which is a good thing.

Seeing a few photographs from my Pakistani friends has opened my eyes even further. I wish to visit Lahore one day, hopefully soon. I want to try the food and walk the streets. As I write this, I am getting goose bumps.

I have gotten to know my Pakistani friends and I think, why didn’t I meet them earlier?

Now that most of us have started working we do not get time to get together very often. But we do stay in touch over social media. We hope to have a reunion, someday. It was always fun and interesting when we shared experiences from our countries.

Then I wonder, why is there a divide? Where interests are at stake, the common man is just another pebble on the beach. We, together, are and can be one. We can, through harmony, love, trust and humanity conquer the bigotry that plagues our lands.

You only get one life, make it worthwhile, for there are people like me who wish to see a Pakistan and India together, in peace. Onward and upward.

Neil Mistry works in the UK as a doctor. Email [email protected]