Coincidence

 

 

Last week I noted on the TV that Abdul Haq, a leader of the Northern Alliance of Afghans fighting against the Taliban had been murdered (or executed if you prefer) by the Taliban while in their controlled area. I was sorry to hear that Abdul Haq was dead. He seemed a kindly , if exasperated, man and had a neatly whiskered grandfatherly face. But war is war, and I quickly put it from my mind.

Day before yesterday I made a trip to Half-Price Books (not unusual for me) and bought a few books. Among them was a book called "Hindoo Holiday" by J.R. Ackerly and which concerns his service for some several years as secretary to His Highness the Maharajah Sahib of Chhokrapur (the double h is not a typing error). I bought the book because I had previously read a book by Ackerly called "My Dog Tulip" and had enjoyed it.

Tonight I went through the usual ritual of greeting the newly purchased books, caressing them and welcoming them to my home. In this process I opened the new Ackerly book to a page titled "Principal Characters" and there three names from the top was: "Abdul Haq - my tutor".

Of course it is just coincidence, but it sends a chill up my back. There is little doubt in my mind that it is the same Abdul Haq. I now feel our kharmas are intertwined.