And Gul Khan Died

Gul Khan died yesterday. The news of his death came as a shock to me.
You may be inquisitive as to who was Gul Khan? 

Well he was nobody. Not anybody of the notables. He was a man of 75 years of age and was a street hawker. He used to sell cigarettes and naswar (chewing tobacco) from his small tray or box hanging in front of his chest by his neck. I came to know of him when I joined the bar as an advocate and started visiting the courts of law. There I saw a tall old handsome man selling cigarettes and naswar (chewing tobacco). After a while I learnt that his name was Gul Khan and he is a regular in the courts. Whether the courts are on or off he was there doing his business. I always saw him smiling and I saw people including lawyers cracking jokes with him. One day, when there was not much work and I was sitting under a walnut tree that he came and sat beside me. He started narrating different happenings of the day.

It was there when I asked him, “Gul Khan, can I ask you a personal question?” he said, “sure go ahead. “

I asked, “what is your age?”

He said,” I shall be 70 this summer”.

I asked, “Don’t you have some family, children to look you after? You are working so hard in this old age to earn your living.” 

He kept quite a long time looking far ahead. I could see a glimpse of sadness creeps into his eyes. Then I saw a spark of hope come into his eyes and noticed that he came back and slight smile came to the corners of his eyes. Then he looked towards me and said, “Durrani Sahab, do you really want to know my story?”

I said, “ Yes.” 

Now I was becoming very curious after observing the changes in his eyes.

He said, “Well, it is almost 52 years back when I was a lad of 18 years. I was very handsome, energetic and very popular in my circle. I was the only son of my parents. My father was a woodcutter and use to cut wood from the forest and sell it in the market. Though my father earned a little but those were good old days and we were living alright. One day I saw Bano, the daughter of a shopkeeper in our neighborhood. She was so pretty that immediately I fell in love with her. We had a little talk and shyly she also responded to my feeling. I could also see a reflection of love and affection in her eyes. I still remember that I could not sleep the whole night, changing sides in my bed and her thoughts in my mind. The next morning, I told my mother about it and confessed before her about me falling in love with Bano and requested her to ask Bano’s hand for marriage for me. My mother agreed. 

On return of my father, my mother told my father and the next day they went to Bano’s parents. On their return I learnt that Bano’s father has demanded Rupees 100,000/- as Vulvar (money which is given in return for the girl to her parents). My parents told Bano’s father that the money is too much for us and we don’t afford it but he didn't bulge. My parents told me that Bano’s father is being unreasonable but I said it is alright. On this note I told my parents to go tell Bano’s father that I will do my best to arrange it and he has to give me some time. On this note my parents went and on return informed me that Bano’s father was giving one year but after some negotiation has agreed to give five years. 

Please note that those were good old days and it was 1938 and gold was hardly 25/30 rupees a ten grams. 

I started working very hard and started saving. After five years I was able to save only Rs. 10,000/-. My parents went to Bano’s father and told him so but still he did not bulge a bit. However, he agreed to give me another five years time. 

So I kept struggling and kept saving and a time came when my savings were Rs. 90,000/-. This was some five years back. In the meanwhile my parents died. I sold my house and added that money also to my saving. 

I asked, “You sold your house..! Then where do you live?” 

He said, “As I also got old and was unable to do hard labor, so I sold my house to get extra boost in my savings and moved here at the court some ten years back and started living under a staircase. I started selling cigarettes, naswar and toffees.” 

I asked,” now what is your status?” 

Gul Khan said, “Well, last year I was able to reach the figure of 100,000/- at last. I went to Bano’s father, who is almost 95 years old. He told me that I have taken too long to get to the figure. Now I have to give him Rs. 150,000/-.” 

I could not control myself and shouted,” What the hell? Then what did you say?” 

Gul Khan said, “Well, Durrani Sahab what could I say. I agreed.” 

I asked,” How old are you now and how old is Bano?” 

Gul Khan said,” I am almost 70 and Bano is of my age and luckily still not married.” 

I really started feeling pity on this man. But appreciated his consistence and steadfastness. We dispersed. 

After a year I saw Gul Khan sitting quiet and sad under a tree. Though inquisitive but as I was rushing for a court hearing for my case appearance so I made it a point that I will meet him on my return.

After the hearing I started looking for Gul Khan and found him still sitting at the same place. I went to him and after asking his good health I asked as to what’s wrong.

Gul Khan said, “Durrani sahab, last night somebody stole my 150,000 rupees which I was finally able to gather.”

“What!” I screamed in shock and surprise, “How does this happened and when and where the money was kept?” 

With tears in his eyes he said, “I had kept it in my living place in a box. Last evening I went to buy some food. When I returned, I saw that the lock of my place is broken and the money is stolen from the box.” 

I had no words to console this man. I asked, “Now what?” 

Gul Khan said, “Well, no problem. I will try to save the amount again.” 

I saw determination in his Eyes and felt it in his voice.
I salute this man. 

I could not meet Gul Khan after that as I had to move out of the city and now I received the news of his death. After inquiring as to what happened, I learned this. 

Gul Khan has kept the news of his money being stolen to himself and did not let this know to Bano’s father. Two days back the news travelled to Bano’s father. Who in turn called Gul Khan for confirmation? Gul Khan gave the confirmation but assured Bano’s father that he will gather it altogether again and came back. 

The same evening Bano died. She was buried the same night.
Next morning people found Gul Khan Dead on the grave of Bano, embracing the grave, his hands spread over the grave as if embracing and kissing someone.

The Stomach Germs You Need to Avoid!

With population numbers rising, one thing that is becoming more common is catching infections and passing them on to the people around us. One common form of infection comes from a group of bacteria that are found in many foods and animal feces, which means we have to constantly be careful and follow some basic rules to avoid.

It is important to understand what these germs are and what they do, and most of all - how to avoid them!

E. Coli

The E. Coli germ lives in the colon of people and animals such as cows, sheep and goats. Usually, the bacteria is not harmful and is required for the routine activities of the digestive system, but when some touch occurs with feces, there is a risk of infection. The bacteria usually travels through uncooked meat, polluted water and unpasteurized dairy products.

Symptoms of infection from E Coli include severe diarrhea, stomach aches and vomiting which can last between 5 to 10 days. Also, E Coli bacteria may cause urinary infections, with women being especially susceptible.

Although the vast majority of E Coli bacteria aren't dangerous, there are strands which can cause bloody diarreas, kidney malfunction and even death.

To avoid infection, be sure to properly cook your meat, watch fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking them and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and juice. Make sure to clean your hands well after going to the rest room and to thoroughly clean kitchenware and work surfaces that came in contact with uncooked meat.

Campylobacter

Campylobacter jejuni is a species of bacteria commonly found in animal feces. It is one of the most common causes of human gastroenteritis in the world. Food poisoning caused by Campylobacter species can be severely debilitating, but is rarely life-threatening.

C. jejuni is commonly associated with poultry, and it naturally colonizes the digestive tract of many bird species. One study found that 30% of European starlings in farm settings in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, were carriers of C. jejuni. It is also common in cattle.

Avoid contaminated drinking water and unpasteurized milk, which provide an efficient means for distribution.

Contaminated food is a major source of isolated infections, with incorrectly prepared meat and poultry as the primary source of the bacteria.

The causative agent of the relatively rare bacterial disease, listeriosis, a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The disease affects primarily pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

Listeria

Listeria germs are found in the soil and in water, and so can appear on raw foods such as fruit and vegetables, raw meat and fish as well as unpasteurized dairy products. Unlike other bacteria, this species can also grow and spread in the relatively low temperatures of the average fridge.

Most Listeria bacteria are handled by the immune system before they can cause infection, but some 'get away' and cause Listeriosis.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, shivers, headaches and vomiting. People at high risk to suffer from a listeria infection are pregnant women and their fetuses, adults over 50 and people who have a weak immune system.

Listeriosis may not affect a lot of people, research suggests that every year it affects about 1,600 people globally. However, out of those 1600, 260 die.

To avoid infection, we repeat our advice to scrubs vegetables and fruit before eating, clean any spills in the kitchen, especially raw meat juices.

Vibrio

The Vibrio Parahaemolyticus germs live in salt water, and are often found in uncooked seafood. They may cause food poisoning which will in turn cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and shivers. Severe cases will cause blood and mucus to appear in the feces.

People who eat fish and uncooked seafood may be infected within 24 hours, while the symptoms may last 3-5 days. Severe infections are rare, but people with a weak immune system are at high risk.

These infections can usually be avoided by thoroughly cooking fish and seafood.

Toxoplasma

According to the CDC, millions of people around the world carry the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. However, only a few of us suffer any symptoms, due to a robust immune system. That said, there are people who develop texeoplasmosis and may suffer a severe infection.

The symptoms, like those of the flu, might be weakness, fever, muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes.

Like the ones before, the risk groups are pregnant women and people with a weak immune system. The parasite can cause more severe diseases though, which may harm the brain, eyes, liver and lungs.

The toxoplasma gondii bacteria is found in a large variety of animals, but it can only breed in the stomach of a cat. That is why cats are considered the main spreaders. Cats usually catch the parasite by eating raw meat, unwashed vegetables or by contact with other cat feces which contain the eggs of the parasite.

To prevent infection, the CDC recommends cooking your food safely and avoiding low heats, wash your hands while handling raw food, and to avoid unclean water and cat feces.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a group of bacteria usually found in uncooked poultry, eggs, beef and sometimes unwashed fruit and vegetables. Touching food or animals that came in contact with the bacteria might cause an inflammation in your digestive system. This inflammation is called salmonellosis and its symptoms include fever, diarrhea, stomach and head aches which can last between 4 and 7 days.

Most people heal without treatment, but for the elderly, babies and people with chronic diseases, Salmonellosis can spread in the blood, with deadly results.

To avoid infection, avoid eating uncooked eggs, meat and poultry not fully cooked, and keep your raw meat separate from the cooked meat. Also wash everything that came into contact with uncooked foods.

Norovirus

This virus can do harm to the stomach and bowels, and is often called 'stomach flu'. The bacteria are usually found in contaminated food or beverages, but can also be passed by touching surfaces or other people carrying it.

The virus can cause an inflammation in the bowels (gastritis). The symptoms include Fatigue, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever that tend to last a few days. Most people overcome the disease, but it's important to drink enough fluids to replace what you lost.

To avoid infection, always clean your hands with soap after handling foods, and disinfect work surfaces in the kitchen and restroom.

30 Surprising Animal Facts

The Animal world is awe-inspiring and full of surprises. Here are some collected animal facts that will amaze, amuse and teach you something new. Additional enjoyment is their super cute pictures!!!

1. Did you know that Turtles can breath through their anus?!

2. If a Squirrel finds a baby squirrel without parents, it will immediately adopt it!

3. Bees communicate through a complex dance.

4. Did you know that Dolphins actually have specific names for each-other?

5. In Japan, Macaques search for lost coins, as they learned to use vending machines!

6. Humpback Whales can get a song stuck in their head!

7. Did you know that a group of Pugs is called a "Grumble"?

8. Baby Chimpanzees will pick up and play with rocks and sticks, pretending they're babys.

9. This surprised me too, but apparently, Rats Mice are ticklish and can actually laugh!

10. Ever seen an excited bunny do this? It's called a "Binky"...

11. So a group of bunnies is called a "Fluffle" and that's just too adorable!

12. Shaved Guinea Pigs look exactly like baby Hippos!

13. When passing by another, an ant will bow it's head in greeting. Aren't these little fellas polite?

14. Did you know that the Norwegian Army has a Knighted Colonel who's a Penguine?! his name is Colonel-in-Chief, Sir Nils Olav!

15. Goats from different parts of the world actually have different accents!

16. Pom-pom Crabs aren't the ocean's cheerleaders, they actually pick poisonous anemones and wave them to defend themselves from predators.

17. Speaking of Macaques again, when they're young - these guys make snowballs for fun! (but unlike us, they don't throw them at eachother...)

18. Ever seen dogs play around, then suddenly sneeze? That's how they tell eachother that this is a game and not real aggression.

19. Fennec Foxes have extra-hairy feet, they act like snowboots - but for sand, making sure the fox can run faster and doesn't get burns on their little fluffy feet.

20. Sea Horses are amazing! They mate for life and when they swim around, they'll hold onto their mate's tail. (Oh, and the males actually get pregnant)

21. When Otters go to sleep at night, they hold hands so they don't get separated.

22. Does your cat bump it's head against you? It's their way of showing that they trust you!

23. In Sweden, they have an actual bunny-jumping show, called "Kaninhoppning" (Seriously!)

24. Crows are known for being intelligent, but did you also know that they're such rascals that they play pranks on eachother, just for fun?

25. Cows choose other cows as best-friends and spend all their time together.

26. Did you know that when they play, male puppies will let the females win?

27. Squirrels hide some of their nuts by burying them, but they're also forgetful and these forgotten nuts lead to hundreds of new trees each year!

28. Did you know that Elephant Shrews are actually related to Elephants, not Shrews?

29. You probably heard that Otters use rocks to break-open mollusks, but did you know that they have a "favorite" rock, which they keep in a special pocket made of a skin-flap?

30. Wombat poop is square! (but they're so adorable!)

I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I did finding them!