Indian couple get 'anonymous' Independence Day treat from Pakistanis

Dubai - The couple ordered their favourite Pakistani food at Karachi Darbar, but were in for a special surprise

Indian couple Christine and Ajay had a memorable and touching experience on Monday, at a Pakistani restaurant they had gone to for a quick lunch.
On her way to a check-up at NMC Specialty Hospital, Christine and her husband Ajay dropped in at the nearby Karachi Darbar. "We knew it was the Pakistani Independence Day and so we greeted the waiter and some people eating at the restaurant. We even had a warm conversation with an elderly Pakistani gentleman on the adjacent table," Christine told Khaleej Times.
The couple then ordered their favourite Pakistani food and also asked the waiter to bring them the dish of the day, which most of the restaurant clients were having. "We ordered our food with a lot of joy as we always do. Ajay even joked that I broke Usain Bolt's 100m record on the haleem.
"We finished our meal and asked for the bill, but the waiter seemed to be taking his own time. After much delay, he reluctantly came back and said shyly, 'Your bill has been taken care of'.
The bewildered couple were told that their bill had been settled by two Pakistani Pathan gentlemen, who sat a few tables away from them.
"We couldn't thank them personally as they had long gone. All they told the waiter was that they liked the way we spoke and were simply happy to see us enjoying Pakistani cuisine. This random act of kindness really touched us. Life is complex but it's the simple things that people do that make your day. It also helps you shift your perspective towards hope and positivity," an emotional Christine told us, adding that the incident left her and her husband 'teary eyed'.
Two things that the Indian couple think led to this unexpected treat were their "love and expression of fondness for Pakistani food".
"Yes, we are divided as countries but we fought the same struggle for Independence. Today, we learnt that the world becomes a better place when we treat each other with respect and kindness, irrespective of circumstances.
"On that note, here's wishing my Pakistani friends a happy Independence Day, and special wishes and prayers for the two gentlemen for treating us to a full meal of kindness. May God bless you, wherever you are," said Christine.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE