It has been twenty-four years since Saadia’s passing. On this anniversary of her passing, I remember a friend who moved through the world with a quiet, observant grace — a person so talented in many ways and yet she never sought the spotlight. I will relate a few memories that help to show how remarkable she was.
My first memory of Saadia is from Kinnaird College in Lahore. I did not know her then, but I remember her cousin coming to talk to me. We were all standing together, discussing each other’s plans for college. Saadia was just standing there quietly by her side — a junior I would later find out was truly exceptional.
Our friendship really began during my third year at GIKI. For a long time, the girls lived in individual houses, but everything changed when we finally moved into the girls’ hostel together. That was when the fun really began. Living in such close quarters turned acquaintances into a community, and by my final year, she had become a good friend.
During a campus treasure hunt, the girls’ hostel also had a team. Saadia observed that other teams were going ahead of our team, as the next clue was at the top of the mountain near the club. It was a steep trek, and we were all making our slow way up. Saadia politely asked if she could go up to get the clue by herself. She did not walk up. She ran up that mountain, overtaking other teams. I was aghast.
It was only later that I discovered the depth of her adventurous soul; she was an accomplished skier, an avid rafter, and a horseback rider. She had been in my life for years with these experiences and talents tucked away, never once mentioning them. She did not need recognition; she was just content being herself.
Saadia had a remarkable way of making the best of a bare hostel kitchen; she would whip up the most amazing dishes with almost nothing. On my last birthday during my fourth year, she managed to bake a surprise cake for me in that sparse kitchen. We were at one of our favorite spots, the hostel rooftop, and everyone was stalling for time while the cake was getting ready. To keep me occupied, she and her best friend sat with a guitar and sang badly and loudly till the cake was ready.
I have often thought since she left that the best of us had been taken. I carry her memory as a reminder that you can be everything-talented, brilliant, and beautiful — and still be the person who offers their room for a week, a second chance, and a laugh when it is needed most.
Rest in peace, Saadia my dear friend, you are missed very dearly!
