Such a Long Journey

by Rohinton Mistry

In the name of progress they discarded seemingly unimportant things, without knowing that what they were chucking out the window of modernity was tradition. And if tradition was lost, then the loss of respect for those who respected and loved tradition always followed.

It’s all a family really needs. A small bookcaseful of the right books, and you are set for life.

the ever-present hope that it would rain so hard, school would be cancelled.

But one day he will remember every bit. As I do, about my father. Always begins after the loss is complete, the remembering.

‘You see, I don’t like to weaken anyone’s faith. Miracle, magic, mechanical trick, coincidence – does it matter what it is, as long as it helps? Why analyse the strength of the imagination, the power of suggestion, power of auto-suggestion, the potency of psychological pressures? Looking too closely is destructive, makes everything disintegrate. As it is, life is difficult enough. Why to simply make it tougher? After all, who is to say

what makes a miracle and what makes a coincidence?’

What did it mean when a hammer like this was passed from generation to generation? It meant something satisfying, fulfilling, at the deep centre of one’s being. That was all.

Nosmot in frosmont of the chismildren,’

‘this is not the end, nor is it the beginning of the end. But it is the end of the beginning.’

Churchill

‘In a world where roadside latrines become temples and shrines, and temples and shrines become dust and ruin, does it matter where?’ He began putting his things together. ‘Sir, one