Short Story: Silence by Ghulam Mohammad Khan

In this short story, Ghulam Mohammad Khan gives the readers a glimpse of life and its challenges seen through the eyes of a caregiver.

“Don’t get it twisted, I ain’t here as a beggar, but I sure as hell gotta beg. Don’t let the look fool you,” he grumbled, trying to get his legs placed just right. Despite his efforts, there was a rawness to his posture. As he settled in front of me, he continued, “I may look like I’m down on my luck, but that’s just appearances.”

He didn’t fit the typical image of a beggar at all. His long white beard was neatly groomed, and his face lit up with a perpetual smile. A deep furrow creased his broad forehead, adding a touch of gravity to his otherwise jovial demeanour. His neat white skullcap lent an air of spirituality. When he spoke, he had this habit of raising his right hand, fingers lightly grazing his lips, perhaps trying to conceal the gap between his front teeth. No, he didn’t fit the beggar stereotype. If anything, he reminded me of that bishop who made headlines recently after being stabbed during a sermon in some rich country.