Shamim's Stories

I had a rule: No social media until my book, Fragrance of Shillong, was complete. ✍️ But today, I’m breaking it. Some stories are just too bright to keep to yourself.
When I first moved here, I walked these new streets with hesitation. But the dawn always revealed the same beautiful sight: a woman moving through the 5:00 AM mist to feed the neighborhood strays. 🐕 The dogs don't just follow her; they wait for her in organized groups, knowing she brings not just hot rice and meat, but genuine care and medicine.
We eventually struck up a conversation and exchanged numbers. I discovered she is a powerhouse—a successful advocate at the Guwahati High Court—who has dedicated every morning of the last decade to these animals. ⚖️✨
Today, she spotted me from afar. "It’s so good to see you! Where were you?" she called out. When I told her the rain had kept me away, she told me she’d been worried. Then, with a shy smile, she told me she felt honored to have met me and asked for a selfie, convinced I must be a celebrity. 🤳
How could I say no to a lady with a heart like that?

The Khirkis of My Life 🪟
If I were to count every window I’ve looked through, the stories would be endless. Each Khirki has been a portal to a different version of my life.
🌸 Shillong: My bedroom window, draped in lace and florals. I can still see my father unlatching the hooks in the early morning to reveal the neighbor’s garden of laisaag and onions, where roosters poked holes through bamboo fences.
🍞 Saint Mary’s (Class 8): The window that smelled like heaven thanks to the nearby bread factory. We’d sneak glances across the street toward Saint Anthony’s, searching for "boyfriends" who were probably just blurry dots in the distance!
🌆 Hartford, CT: A window that held a darker reality. I still remember the jarring sight of a man shot in the street, running for his life. A reminder that not every view is a kind one.
🌅 Guwahati: Watching the sunset hit the coconut palms, where a pair of devoted crows—one with a missing leg—returned every year to fiercely protect their nest.
🌊 Chicago: My beautiful view of Lake Michigan. My constant companion during solo days, a witness to long phone calls with my mom and shared smokes with friends.
Today, I’m looking through a new Khirki in a rented home back in Guwahati. But that... is a story for another time. ✍️✨