Short Story: The Fair of Many Colours by Umar Hayat Hussain

Umar Hayat Hussain narrates a heartwarming tale, reminding one of Munshi Premchand’s Eidgah with its poignant narrative and characters.

Crimson-red tiles led to a narrow, paved street, where heaps of garbage lay unattended on the left side. Mud-walled houses with rusty tin roofs and wooden patios surrounded the area, lending a rustic charm to the scene. The only unpleasant sight was a group of stray dogs rummaging through the overflowing dustbins for leftover food. 

In a nearby open area, shaded by thick chinar trees planted along its edge, a vibrant market had sprung up. Stalls displayed an array of colorful items—glass bangles, handmade toys, woven rugs, shawls, carpets, and plastic utensils—brought in from different regions and sold at affordable prices. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, and the people, cheerful and content, browsed the stalls with joy.