So, when Shakir would return from work, he would keep himself busy with matters relating to their housing society where he was secretary.

Shakir was also a man of his word. If he had to refuse a case, recalls Rehana, he would not hesitate to say that his services would be of no help to the person. “He was frugal and never worked for money. It was his passion for law that made him carry on practising.”

His colleagues, too, respected him for those qualities. His family received a number of condolence letters saying so. “He was a gentleman to the core,” writes senior advocate A G Sabnis in one such letter. “He did not mince his words while expressing himself which is a rare quality nowadays. I found him to be straightforward, punctual and hard working. I admired him for his sound knowledge of law.”

However much they try, the Merchants can’t seem to forget the events of 7/11. One of Shakir’s daily habits was to sit with grandson Kaizar and help him with his studies. And so, everyday, the little boy would wait at the verandah to see his grandfather come home. That day, he waited until midnight.

The next day, they brought Shakir’s body home.

These days, his grandmother says, he wakes up to ask about the story written that day. Daily, as Rehana’s daughter Naseem leaves for work, she picks up the paper on the way. Her first call to the house is to tell Kaisar about the Mumbai Life story of the day.

... contd.