A humming word

There are few stories that move you to tears and Kabuliwalla by Tagore is one such story. Though the story has only three characters: Mini, the father (the narrator), and Kabuliwalla, it will inch into your heart and move you, deeply. Is it the picture painted by Tagore? The same way that Mini's father is transported to Afghanistan listening to the mere word. So, are we transported. The autumn, the gate, the nuts, and the innocent friendship between Mini and Kabuliwalla. The story is simple: A hawker who visits several houses, meets a young scared girl and slowly forms a perfectly saccharine bond with her. As she talks to the Kabuliwalla and he becomes an enthusiastic listener, you become a mute observer on the porch of Mini's house and wait for the mighty Afghan too. But things slowly take a turn and soon, the Kabuliwala is forgotten till he returns years later. If you haven't read it, I'd nudge you to. After all, a perfect story is one that you live and relive an...