He would not open his heart to us and tell us what was on his mind. He also did not let any of us know of his suffering, and if he fell ill, he would suffer quietly and silently.
On 31 August 1903, at the age of nine, Merwan entered the Poona Camp Government English School. He attended this school for five years. It was an all-boys school, a beautifully constructed building located on Main Street (near what is now Poona Drug Stores).1 It was an old school built by the British for students from the wealthier families of Poona and Bombay. Here Merwan encountered older students and became a favorite of many. He had an outgoing, gregarious nature and was sympathetic and helpful to all. His companions loved him dearly and looked to him as their natural leader. He was such a favorite that many were eager to sit, eat and play with him whenever they had a chance.
Since he was so popular, several youngsters became jealous and, out of envy, formed a gang against Merwan and his comrades. Merwan, however, ignored their hostility, believing that today's enemies are tomorrow's friends, and he did not react to their antagonism.
This group was led by Merwan's friend Baily's older brother Hormazd. Homi , as he was called, was a mean-spirited individual who would go out of his way to harass Merwan. Once while playing field hockey at the school, Homi's team was beaten by Merwan's and the angry boy deliberately struck Merwan on the shin with his hockey stick. Merwan's leg hurt intensely, and had it been anyone else, he would have fallen on the ground crying. However, Merwan not only took the blow without complaint, but also did not strike back. Homi was deeply impressed and, though outwardly he remained Merwan's enemy, inwardly he started to respect him.
Merwan excelled in athletics at the Poona Camp School. When he won prizes in different games he would always share them with his friends or teammates. As a boy he was disciplined; he had fixed times for his studies, reading and games from which he would seldom deviate. He would rise early and, after his ablutions, would pray aloud in a melodious voice. Merwan had been gifted with an exquisite singing voice. The neighbors would also rise early just to hear him sing. When he sang it seemed as if the rippling waters of a river of poetry were flowing by.
Footnotes
- 1.The school later became part of the Anglo-Urdu High School.