Nabil and Fatima

"It is better to be poor in Kabul," he had said, "than be poor in Delhi."

Guess he was wrong, eh ? ;-)

Once i started reading this story i could not stop. i dont know if it is true of fiction and i dont care. i wanted the story to go on and on so taht i can keep reading the life of these three people. writer (sakuntala) is gifted and should use her command with language to write more. chowk is lucky ot have someone with this calibre write for us readers.

Shakuntala has an exceptional and dynamic method of pouring out a heart throbbing story. The best thing i liked about the entire story was the creative affinity created between sectarian differences. a job well done.

Nicely done, Shakuntala.

Shakuntala,
Fact or ficton, real or imagined, you have told this story in a uniquely interesting and captivating manner. You have made yourself, Fatima, and Nabil all appear as individuals who cannot be overwhelmed by these wide sweeping meanderings of political fortunes. Thanks for sharing. You are a very good writer and I enjoyed this well-written anecdote.

This author is using Salinger's style to her benefit. The story is clearly fiction but clever as her style matches Cather in the Rye. She ought to write more as she is a storyteller star in the making.

"siddiqui' is not a afghani surname,obviously story is fictitiuos

Enchanting expression of a touching tale.
Shakuntala Rao, beautifully written! and yes, please do write more.

Sad story, beautifully told. Is this true? Should I look for the afghani kebab place the next time in Lajpat Nagar?

nice story...
while serving as faculty member in RCC, Calcutta, I have interacted with one such person(afghan refugee)...I thought, he would have been better in some other place, than Calcutta...( ignoring famous Kabuliwala from R N tagore).....

I like the narration. As for the story itself, I assume it's fiction, it has to be, because Nabil joining the Taliban stretches credulity and the author's description of it is quite thin.

I guess this is real. Pray and hope that these Afghan refugees are granted citizenship.

a very moving story Shakuntala ... and beautifully told

Shakuntala Rao
A marvellous story. Looking forward to read more from you.

a touching tale. I had the opportunity of interacting with a lot of afghans during my 3 yr stay in the gulf and not one ever told me that they approved of the taliban. and yes...many told me that young men were forced to joined the taliban. moreover, many wanted to visit india and have tremendous regards for indians.

touching ..