Zahid Shaikh, my NED college friend, died yesterday after a year-long struggle against cancer at the age of 79. He had been operated for prostate cancer about ten years back, but last year his bladder had also been affected by cancer and it had to be removed. Yesterday he died suddenly after a minor surgery. Three years back, his elder brother Abid (also my friend) passed away due to Covid.
I don't think I've known anyone as gifted as Zahid. He was a fantastic person. He could paint, write, sing, play music and he could mimic anyone on earth. Of course, he was a highly successful engineer as well. I was with him a lot until 1974, when he left for the US.
I've often wondered why people get cancer. Zahid never smoked or drank alcohol, two things which are responsible for cancer in most people. I asked him why he, of all people, got it. He thought it was due to the processed food that most Americans eat. If that's the reason, why hasn't Trump got it?
Whatever the reason, it's apparent that anyone can be stricken by cancer, even those who are very careful about what they eat or drink. Rest in peace, my friend. I'll never forget you.
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