Farewell to Farooq uncle: The man who welcomed me with a smile, every morning

August 28, 2025 by News Desk

Murtaza Bilal

With a warm smile on his face, these were the words with which Farooq Uncle always welcomed me whenever I went to his shop. Though that interview of mine had countless flaws, it was his favourite, and he never missed a chance to remind me of it.

He was a man of routine. Each morning after fajr prayers, he would open his shop, sweep and clean, then sprinkle water on the road — not just in front of his own shop, but around the neighbouring ones too. Small acts of care that reflected his big heart.

Most mornings, as I left for college, I would stop by his shop to buy chewing gums, Lays, chocolates, or something small to eat. He always had something to say — jokes, prayers, or little orders. The most recent one I remember was just a few weeks ago, when he asked me to fetch a banana carton from the nearby fruit vendor.

For us boys in the locality, “Headshot” became the word most associated with him. Whenever he had to step away — either to get some stock for his shop or because he couldn’t leave the counter unattended — he would look around for any of us standing nearby and call us to take his place, or to bring whatever was needed.

I realised long ago that sometimes people who aren’t related to you by blood can be genuinely happy for your success. My mother too cherished his words, whenever she visited his shop, he would proudly repeat the same sentences about me and my reporting, bringing a smile to her face.

From childhood to adulthood, his shop and his presence have been a part of my life. The kindest, most sober, and friendliest person of our locality — Farooq Uncle — left us today in a way no one imagined. After fajr, he left on his bike, like always, to purchase banana cartons. But this time, he returned differently — not riding his bike, not with cartons stacked behind him, but wrapped in a cover, carried in the arms of mourners.

I’m sorry, Uncle, that I couldn’t fulfil your wish of interviewing you. But I will always carry your words, your jokes, your care, and your kindness with me

May Allah, the Almighty, ease your shortcomings, grant you the highest place in Jannah, and give your family patience in this time of loss.

Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Nowgam died in a road accident on Thursday morning.