Shah lived in a joint family. His father, a hardworking farmer was known for his hospitality. Shah lived with his uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces. Growing up, Shah knew that with time he would have to take more responsibility of his family members.
Like his father, Shah worked very hard. But his father kept him away from the fields and pastures. His father wanted him to do pursue higher education and be the first university graduate from his family.
Shah's father had limited land and animals, but whatever he had, he made sure his youngest son got the best of it. Sometimes Shah's school fee was covered by selling fruits, cattle, butter and firewood. Shah was very punctual and would never miss school.
Passing grade 12 with good grades, Shah got admitted to a medical school with scholarship in Punjab. His father continued supporting him. He kept sending money to his son studying in the Bahawalpur, knowing that one day he would become a doctor.
After five years of hard work Shah became a doctor and started serving as a doctor in his village. His father was very happy as people congratulated him on the success of his son becoming the first doctor of the village.
One early winter morning Shah's father passed away. This left Shah devastated. Shah had just started enjoying his life, as he had secured a job, got married and had kids. His father's demise shattered him!
Shah's elder brother took control of the farms. Shah left his job in the village and moved to the city with his three children and wife. He started saving money and made sure that his children get good education. Shah's children did not perform well in school but he managed emigrate them to Canada.
When Shah turned 60, he was asked to retire. He did! Shah wanted to shift to his village. As per the local custom, being the youngest male in the family he requested his elder brother to hand over the ancestral house to him. His brother refused. He said: " People say you have made a lot of money! When do you plan to spend it?" Shah did not reply.
Shah wanted to build a house, but he did not have land. He purchased a piece of overpriced land as his urgency was someone's opportunity. His wife also put a lot of pressure on him. Shah wanted to avoid any type of conflict with his elder brother.
After nearly two slow years of construction, when the house was completed, Shah's relatives started objecting! His neighbors also shunned him. They said that he was a show-off, as they thought that a lot had been spent on a house which was barely occupied during the summer, for three months.
Today Shah continues to stay away from the crowd! He avoids going to his village. He finds peace in drinking, in his house in the city.
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