Mirza Asadullah Khan (Ghalib)-27-12-1797(Agra) To 15-02-1869 (Delhi)
Benaras Hindu University (B.H.U)
(March 1974)
Me and my friend Abdus Saleem got admission in B. Pharma course in B.H.U.
We reached Varanasi (Then Benaras) and settled down in the hostel of the University.
We had to stay there for three months to complete the course.
Furthermore, we were told that the city of Varanasi is a historical and pilgrimage place. And world renowned city of temples.
But we were not aware that this is a place where you can taste mouthwatering dishes.
Kachauri of asafoetida, imarti, rabdi, malai, thokda, colourful halua, jalebi, ghughuri, litti-batta, litti-chokha, masala betel and more. I am unable to name more, otherwise my mouth will be watered.
First week passed in attending class and tasting the varieties of fabulous and mouthwatering dishes.
But there was a sense of feeling something which was undefinable. And that also suppressed by natural enthusiasm.
From the age of ten year, I was taught by my respected grandmother to visit Lord Hanuman temple every Saturday. And on that day it was Saturday. After I got my bath, I started for the temple. Salim was sleeping, so to awake him was not proper.
Only 1 km. away from B.H.U., the famous Sankatmochan temple is situated. On every Saturday, since morning, 5 am. to night 11 pm. more than lakhs of people pay visit to this temple.
It was 7 am., and we have to attend the lecture at 10 am., so I was in hurry. After reaching the temple I recited the Hanuman Chaleesa, then sat in front of the deity to meditate, and then started for the university.
But when came out of the temple, it was a surprise standing in front of me. From across the road, my brother-in-law, my sister, brother of my brother-in-law and his wife were crossing the road smiling and staring at me.
My sister was 5 years elder to me. She was the daughter of my mother's cousin sister. this was the second year of her marriage. My brother-in-law and his brother were married on the same day and in the same hall. They were very fond of me, and I also never thought that she was not my distant sister.
The name of my sister was Ranjana, brother-in-law Shashank, his brother was Abhinav and his wife Maya.