The Bookseller of Zero Bridge

With his father gone, Zubair became the man of the house at 15, taking responsibility for his mother and siblings, braving storms and ridicule to earn an honest living selling books in Srinagar.

- Subail Manzoor

n a rain-soaked evening in Srinagar, under the leaky roof of a small grocery store near Zero Bridge, a young boy stood out from the consumerist rush swirling around him.

The downpour had driven everyone into a chaotic, damp huddle.

Soaked to the bone, Zubair Ahmad Khan held out a heavy, waterlogged book. Rain dripped from his hair and glistened on his cheeks as he asked in a soft, hopeful voice, "Baya, Qitaab ma hyeakh?"

Brother, would you like to buy a book?

At just 15, Zubair carries a burden heavier than his sack of books.

From Golab Bagh Dargah, he is the man of his house: responsible for three sisters and a younger brother.

His father, Shabir Ahmad Khan, passed away years ago, leaving behind silence and a responsibility that demanded filling.

"I studied till the fifth grade," Zubair says, a faint smile brushing his lips, too mature for his young face. "But I couldn't continue after that. I don't miss it though."

His words end in silence, but his big, watchful eyes speak volumes.