MY BROTHER MY FRIEND

Appreciation- Dilawar Khan

It will be 40 days since the demise of my beloved brother and friend Dilawar. The news of his death was so sudden that it shocked and saddened everyone. He was a gem of a gentleman.

He was the third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Khan. His older brother Haroun Rashid, and his older sisters Zareena and Jezima predeceased him.

Dilawar’s relatives and his large circle of friends admired him for his simplicity, kindness, humble and winning ways. His home was an “openhouse” to his numerous friends and relatives, on his annual birthday get-together. It was a tradition, a meeting place for everyone, who gathered for “news and views” and to renew ties. His wife Rafia, a wonderful hostess, treated everyone to sumptuous meals and refreshments. Coincidentally his birthday is on the 23rd of this month. Sadly there won’t be the joyous get-together.

Dilawar was a sportsman of a high calibre, and his forte was cricket. From his student days at Zahira College, Colombo, and from his formative years he was interested in cricket. He was captain of the college first-eleven cricket team. An all rounder, he shone as a fast-medium opening bowler and had wrecked many an opposing team, winning many accolades. In cricketing circles he was known as D.B. Khan. His cricketing prowess also contributed to his employment. He represented Forbes & Walker and eventually captained the champion team, in the mercantile sector. He also played for Nomads C.C. and Moors S.C.

Dilawar was my younger brother – there was a gap of many years between us, but our thoughts and ideas were almost on the same “wave-length”. We had long conversations on the phone almost daily. We reminisced and also spoke of the turmoil of present day politics. Dilawar would always implore me to visit his home. He loved company and together with his gracious wife Rafia would not allow anyone to leave without a meal.

Dilawar was a family man, and whenever his children who were living abroad came on holiday to their paternal home, he was agog with happiness. He would play with his grandchildren, and take them to snack bars and ice cream parlours. He and his wife also went to Australia occasionally to reunite with his children.

Happiness ends when the curtain of death engulfs one with sorrow. Dilawar leaves behind his wife Rafia, daughter Sharon and son Badshah and grandchildren. Farewell my dear brother. May almighty Allah grant you Jannatul Firdouse.

-Duleep