After a long time, I found myself wandering through the old markets of Karachi. Journeys to Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Motandas Market, and my personal favourite, Chhanti Lane Market, always bring a peculiar, heartwarming joy. The bustling shops, fragrant spices, rows of colourful fabrics and the constant murmur of people – together they seem to give the city its true breath. Once you step here, there is an irresistible urge to return again and again.

From Motandas Market to Zainab Market, I hailed a rickshaw. The driver, a Pathan man of nearly seventy, smiled and said, "Why not?" when I asked him to take me. When I inquired about the fare, he replied with a twinkle, "Pay whatever you wish." Feeling playful, I said, "I don't feel like paying today." Without missing a beat, he said, "Then just ride along."

The traffic was heavy, yet the journey itself was a pleasure. On reaching Zainab Market, I handed him three........

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