I was intimidated. Just then a boy entered and tea was served.
The Unease
The milky brew made me feel at home. This place had no good books, yet it was enchanting. I wanted to lay down on the floor and sleep. But it was time to leave.
"Sir, if you happen to visit Delhi, I will show you my private library,” I said. “I have more than 5,000 books."
He was not impressed. "I can take you to people whose libraries are larger than your entire house!"
Misinterpreting his words as playful banter, I challenged, "Oh, is it so? Then take me there."
He remained quiet and looked irritated.
The Farewell
While leaving, I noticed a red-colored book dumped on the floor. Titled The Dog Annual, it was printed in 1937 by The Church Army Press in Cowley, Oxford, England. The front piece had a black & white picture of a young Princess Elizabeth with her corgi. The bookseller asked for 40 rupees. I didn't engage in any bargaining.
"I like you boy," he said as I shook his hands.
"If I were staying for a longer period I would have visited you every day." These were my final words.
Emerging into the blinding white light of Karachi, I looked back to have a last look at the bookseller. He was on phone. I think he had already dismissed me from his memory.
A board outside read: The Tid Bits Book Shop.
You may want to peruse: The Bookseller of Delhi
Article comments
1 - Pakistan Paindabad
Come On, Let’s Celebrate Pakistan in 2007
To welcome the New Year, Pakistan Paindabad invites readers to share their memories of the fabled canal of Lahore.
What is the magic behind Lahore’s legend? After all, money bag Karachi is Pakistan’s most cosmopolitan city. Rugged Peshawar is the most exotic. Artificial Islamabad is the most beautiful. Lahore is not even the most historic. Small town Taxila takes the cake with its Buddhist ruins.
Yet, Lahore Lahore hai " the stuff passions, poetries, and evenings are made of. And then there is the canal.
Originally built by the Mughals in 1861, later revived by the British, this 82-kilometer-long, tree-lined canal cut its way through the heart of Lahore - meandering through posh colonies, smooth highways, famous colleges, placid student hostels and cheery cricket grounds.
In summers, the canal tempts people to its cool water. In winters, the same people return to its banks to savor the warm sun.
To welcome the New Year, Pakistan Paindabad invites readers to share their memories, past or present, linked with this fabled canal. The musings or commentaries can be one paragraph or even one page long. Please e-mail your canal moments to Pakistan Paindabad.
Let’s celebrate Pakistan in 2007.
2 - Noumaan
It is quite difficult for Pakistanis to read any blog hosted on Google's Blog hosting service, BlogSpot.
3 - Ameer Hamza
I was unable to open the link of Pakistan Paindabad for some unknown reason. Let me know if the site is not up on the net. Or is there any other problem.
4 - Mayank Austen Soofi
Ameer, it appears Pakistan Government has reservations about Pakistan Paindabad. I have received complaints from many readers in Pakistan. It is ironic since this site works to highlight the better side of Pakistan.
5 - Mayank Austen Soofi
Except Pakistan, the website Pakistan Paindabad is being accessed in other parts of the world.
6 - gumshuda
There are some great bookstores in Karachi....
If you want to look at old books, there is a place near Chadi lane in old karachi...for good books in Saddar there are so many like thomas and thomas and city press book shop....In Urdu bazar u can go to Welcome book port....
U just dont know karachi :-)
7 - Mayank Austen Soofi
Yes, gumshuda. I just don't know Karachi! I'm glad to know that Karachi has good bookshops.
8 - hiba
hi
i have a big problen a want a harry potter novel but in home delivery can u tell where did i get number of that which delivery harry potter novel?
plz reply me as soon as posible