Oh dear! I can't see anything. l hope this doesn't mean that I am dying" The fear of death was very vividly visible in Shahids One of voice and usage of words. He got scared when he felt for the first time that he was dying. When his occasional memory lapses became more serious With passage Of time, the realisation of death drawing nearer becomes stronger When he was in a conversation with Amitav Ghosh. he said in a clear ringing voice- "When it happens, I hope you will write something for me." The writer could think of nothing to say cm such a topic. At last he had to promise, "I'll do the best I can." From that day, the writer started keeping a record Of all the conversations and meetings he had with Shahid. This record helped him to fulfil his promise.