By Haniya Javed

My earliest memory

There is not much that I remember from my early, childhood days (yeah that is weird I know). Frankly, at this moment I can only recall that moment in class when we had that typical, never-to-get-old essay topics like ‘Myself’ and ‘bachpan ki yaadein.’ I would just sit and look at people scribbling away hurriedly, marveling at how those sleepyheads could be activated when asked something about themselves. So, yeah even back then the only memory I had was having no memory. Fast-forward today, still no luck with it. Or perhaps, my childhood days aren't over yet. I like this explanation better.

Recall I must, I do remember glimpses from moments of sheer terror and painful boredom. My mum had dragged me to one of her distant relative’s wedding and there I had thrown a tantrum. It was quite unexpected, as I had always been categorized as shy and quiet. I chose that occasion to test my vocal limitations simply because I was hell bored. My mum would perhaps give a better account of this and will most likely add that I still react the same way even to this date. On another instance, I found myself locked in the bathroom. I had this creepy feeling that I would just die here (not out of boredom, for once). My father played the macho man role by breaking the door and setting me free.

So, yep perhaps it would be better if only my childhood gets over with itself. Or maybe it shouldn't.