This is How You Create a Story!

Few months back I headed to Islamabad to attend a workshop of Fiction Writing. It is true that I was the only guy in the whole lot. Also true that I did see another guy over there. But, it’s not true that the rest of the crew did not see him.

They not only saw him but, also communicated with him. Just before the arrival of the instructor; he left the room. When the instructor confirmed if everyone is present and no one is missing only then, one of the girls informed that there is one more guy and he was here a minute ago. None of us approved her; not on purpose but, it just happened. After this reaction of ours’ the girl almost shouted (not that she was scared but to make a joke and to wake everyone up):

“Am I the only one who saw him?”

All of us started laughing with the approval:

“Yes, there is another guy.”

And finally someone in the workshop resolved the mystery by informing that the guy was her brother or cousin who just came here to drop her. I was observing everything and I could not resist so I said:

“This could be a Story!”

By keeping in mind the part:

“Am I the only one who saw him?”

And then someone replied with a smile:

“Yes, and now; You are an Absolute Minority.”

Slave

“I worked there, there, and there; ha ha ha … since the age of 14, I have been working … I worked for others and then I thought for how long? I can’t be a slave for life. Eventually I started my own setup and finally…I am here.”

It was my 3^rd day at the newly founded Ad Agency/Production House (It was also agency’s 3^rd day as far as I can remember) and I was having that conversation with the CEO. After listening to what he said, I added with happiness:

“That’s a very good decision.”

“Okay you can’t wear Shalwar Kameez in this office.” CEO pointed out. (Then, it was just the two of US in the office and the third colleague was on his way. In total ... 3).

“I’m not.” I replied with a smile with happiness gone.

“You were in them yesterday.” He reminded me.

Because it was Friday. It’s a casual day … usually.” I added and was not expecting to justify wearing Shalwar Kameez on any day.

“Multinational Companies don’t allow those in my experience.” CEO got serious.

“This is not my first job, and I have been there; it’s not an issue.” I also got serious.

“It is … here!” Was the response.

“Fine … I thought you don’t want to be a slave for life. Hope you get rid of it.” I smiled and walked away and then I heard:

“I Pray we go along, Welcome onboard!” I did not look at the CEO when he said that but I sensed his smile.

P.S. I hardly worked there for a month and; the 1^st paragraph of this post is what the CEO replied to the question:

“What is your Professional Education?”

Our Cricket – Muhammad Hafeez – The Star

I guess I really have stopped liking cricket. I want to watch matches but after the world cup of 2011 all my interest in cricket is like vanished; for good. Still I follow sometimes over the news.

I realized this fact when my senior few days ago called me up and asked me to write a COPY for some Housing Project and the Brand Ambassador of that Project is Muhammad Hafeez. I was expecting that my senior will explain who Muhammad Hafeez is? But, he did not. Instead, he was acting like I already know him and am really excited to know that Muhammad Hafeez is the Brand Ambassador. I wanted to laugh at that very moment but I couldn’t. When I got that fact I pretended that I KNOW EVERYTHING. 

I searched Google the moment the internal meeting was over and there he was. I knew him by face but that’s the first time I got his name. Really don’t know where the hell Pakistani Cricket is going? I don’t follow cricket but at least I know Indian players more than ours. Not cool at all.

Nightmare

People were smoking in that gloomy office. They looked weird and mysterious at the same time. A woman came to me:

“RD is calling you.”

I got up and followed that woman. The moment I entered RD’s office I started shivering with fear. RD had no head.

“You’re early, 15 minutes. That’s impressive!”

The voice came right from the table in-front where RD’s head was lying.

My eyes got wide open. I was sweating on my bed, dream was over. I hurried to the bathroom to get ready for my first day at work. I was already 15 minutes late.

MAK

It was my first month at work while I was observing and experiencing a lot of stuff in my professional life. MAK (Mohammad Ahmed Khan) was our agency’s Creative Director. Everyone used to call him Ahmed Bhai.

I was on my way to meet him at his office. The moment I entered his room with some routine work he shot me up with a question:

“How is it going?”

And in a microsecond every single statement from different colleagues regarding Ahmed Bhai started dancing in front of me. Well, the majority of the statements:

“I feel this small when Ahmed Bhai is angry with me.”

“I only say Prayers when Ahmed Bhai is around.”

“Ahmed Bhai is unlike other bosses. I hate the rest.”

“He is just better than the rest of the crew. Less Corrupt.”

“What you decide to discuss with him, exactly the opposite happens after the discussion is over with him.”

“I think Ahmed Bhai has a Djinn………...he knows my secret that I never told anyone. He was asking me about it.”

“You see this new entry in our office, the Ahmed Bhai look-like, same beard but with a cap (They were talking about ME). He is His (Ahmed Bhai’s) Spy and is here with a purpose…he has the same (Ahmed Bhai’s) thinking, and I believe he is hired to convince all of us to think His way (Ahmed Bhai’s). You know, to be on the same scale and platform. Basically, to prove us wrong and get things done without a conflict.”

“If you want to discuss anything with Ahmed Bhai, I suggest you should pen those things down on a paper and take it along with you during the session. Otherwise you will forget your points, right there at the right moment.”

“Are you understanding everything around here?” Ahmed Bhai put an end to the dancing statements in my mind.

“Let me tell you one thing.” Ahmed Bhai continued. “The kind of environment, the kind of atmosphere you get in my agency; you will not get it anywhere else in Pakistan.”

I looked through Ahmed Bhai’s shiny little eyes and wished if I could become a SPY.