Cross-border opinions

One of my prized possessions is a book on gender equality. The biggest reason I cherish it is because it was sent to me by post - from Islamabad. I had met someone involved with the subject at an assignment during my first job. But the fact that I had received something from Pakistan thrilled me. It still does.

Another is a beautifully engraved wooden box from several years ago in which I store my stock of ear-rings. It's special because it was a birthday gift, but also because it was bought by my friend at a rare Pakistani exhibition held in New Delhi.

One of the best feelings in the world is to meet someone who speaks the same language as you, particularly when you're in a foreign land. No matter how well you speak English, it's just another feeling when that person – a stranger until now – and you, can communicate in Hindi or Urdu.

All these events are from years ago. So why am I remembering them today?

I woke up to a rude shock this morning. Someone from my neighbouring country left a rant for me on a Facebook page of a new Pakistani cartoon series which I had innocently 'liked' yesterday. I love cartoons and a lot of things about Pakistan, so this was a real treat.

The remarks made by the gentleman were about the 'double standards' employed by my country, references to terrorism and how India takes away their artistes - you get the drift. Thankfully, the language was not obscene. I know there is worse stuff on the internet and this does not compare at all. But it did startle me. I had not expected that 'liking' a page of a Pakistani cartoon would get me this.

People probably don't think before writing and god knows what he thought. I didn't react to it. But here's what I think.

I am, like a large number of people in India, in love with many things from Pakistan.

As a child, I was in love with cricket, and one of my dreams was to have a joint India-Pakistan team. They would have the best batsmen and bowlers in the world was my logic. You couldn't argue with that, could you?

As I grew older, my fascination with cricket grew as well and India-Pakistan matches were not to be missed, even if exams were round the corner. Obviously India had to win, but if Pakistan were playing with a third country, they would always have my support.

Like many other Indians, including my friends and relatives, I adore Pakistani dramas – my most favourite one being Dhoop Kinare. The Indian adaptation just didn't have the charm.

One of my favourite films is Tere Bin Laden and so is Khuda Ke Liye. We like Shaan and Ali Zafar as much as they do.

I'm so envious that a few people I know have visited Pakistan – knowing full well that I may never get that chance in my lifetime.

Recently, I was discussing with my friends about the great work being produced by Pakistani authors. Their books are a joy to read.

Many Indian writers such as Gulzar focus so much on Pakistan because they have seen the time of Partition and it is an integral part of their lives. Many were born in what is now Pakistan. One of Gulzar's new short stories which moved me was about the emotional connect between the military and people across the Line of Control.

We in India are as impressed with Malala as any Pakistani would be.

There's so much in common and still, it will probably always remain a strained relationship, because some things will never change. But no matter what my personal thoughts are about the politics of the issue, I don't involve ordinary people into it.

I'm not angry with the gentleman - though I was a bit shocked, understandably. I also wondered if my name had given away my identity as an Indian. How else would he have known? In any case, he made his point clear.

So – my message to the gentleman. Thank you – because you inspired me to write today. You may have taken the sheen off and reduced my excitement just a little bit about watching the Pakistani cartoon – but watch it I will. I am as patriotic as any other Indian, but that does not stop me from appreciating nice things about your country. I hope that some day you will be able to reciprocate the feeling.