Gulshan D. Morawala

A regular contributor to Parsi Times’ ‘Reader’s Corner’ and winner of many PT Contests, loving wife and mother, Gulshan Morawala was a gifted writer who commanded a way with words. She passed away earlier in the year, succumbing to an illness, despite putting up a valiant fight. She leaves behind a legacy – as much of love as of words. With sorrow and with much pride, we share her final contribution with you, in her posthumous honour.

As she sat outside her shack on the seashore, Sherry stared afar at the horizon, deep in thought. The high tide brought in gushes of cool breeze and the waves splashed noisily, tumbling over each other. She noticed not the wonderful hues in the sky, nor did she pay attention to the homeward-bound squawking birds. Little Rex lay snoozing at her feet, enjoying the calm.

Sherry was some twenty summers old. A pretty lass with sharp features and curls of copper coloured hair, cascading down to her waist. The rueful look in her eyes, depicted some bygone sorrow. She suddenly realised she was cold, and so she got up, tied her boat to a huge rock and walked indoors, with Rex skipping along. The sun had set. The day was done. She went within her shack and fastened the door behind her.

She prepared her dinner, and Rex’s, in her tiny kitchen and they both ate the meagre repast with gratefulness and relish. They then bedded for the night, each on their respective mattress on the floor, and were soon fast asleep… but not for long.

The wind picked up speed. Dark clouds gathered in the sky. Thunder boomed… lightening splashed against the dark sky. Sherry awoke with a start, and so did Rex. The doors and windows of the shack rattled dangerously, as the wind whistled eerily through the cracks. It started to rain torrentially, beating the earth with fury. Sherry had never before witnessed such a dreadful storm. She huddled with Rex, praying fervently that the storm would pass.

But, God had plans of His own. The raging winds and torrential rains split apart Sherry’s shack and all went askew. Terrified, Sherry picked up Rex and grabbed her raincoat and a rug and huddling under cover, ran out into the open. All shack owners nearby faced the same fate and there were shouts and cries of fear ranting through the air. Sherry found shelter under a huge protruding rock and she crouched there with a bewildered and shivering Rex in her arms. The storm vented its full fury before subsiding, leaving behind havoc and panic amongst the people.

At daylight, the destruction was evident. People were homeless. Several were dead and relief agencies were quick to step in. Food and shelter, clothes and medicines were provided. NGOs worked round the clock. Sherry had bruises on her legs and arms, which were attended to. The doctor who cleaned her wounds and bandaged her was taken in by her simple beauty. He befriended her. Sherry was thankful for his service and kindness.

When she felt better, she decided to check her shack. It was battered. Hiding her face in her palms, she stood there sobbing. All her possessions were washed away. She was ruined. She had no home, no money and no friends. What would she do? Rex too stood whining at her feet. He hated to see his beloved mistress in distress. His eyes showed concern, as he pawed at her feet, trying to share her losses.

A gentle touch on her shoulder, made her look up. It was the doctor who was on duty again. He pacified her and as they sat in the shade, he encouraged her to talk about herself. She told him she was the daughter of a fisherman. Her mother had died when she was ten, and she had lived with her father, since. But tragedy struck yet again when one day, her father did not return home after he’d left for fishing in the morning. Left alone, she had to fend for herself, doing odd jobs in the nearby town. And years rolled by.

The doctor was touched by her story. He introduced himself as Gabriel and soon a firm friendship struck between them. They started spending time together whenever Gabriel was at the shelters, on duty. Sherry continued doing odd jobs in town. Soon, friendship blossomed into love and romance. Gabriel spoke to his parents about Sherry. At first, they were reluctant of the fact that their son wanted to marry a fisherman’s daughter. But when they met her, they relented. A simple, quiet wedding was performed. Gabriel and Sherry were pronounced man and wife. Sherry sent up a silent prayer to God, thanking Him for always having her back. Rex joined her in her prayers.