I’d like to add to the great background and stories about Agha and Api (Hasanuddin and Anees Fatima) from my perspective as someone who did not grow up in Hyderabad/Aziz Bagh. Agha and Api were so special, they treated all their grand nephews/neices and their children as their own. I always was made to feel like I was their own grandchild. They were constantly giving advice, love and support.
Whenever I would visit India or when they would visit the USA they made time for all of us. I treasure memories of spending time with them and always felt they were so interested and happy to see us. Agha had a unique and distinct way of communicating with me at all stages of my life.
From the interesting brain teaser puzzles he would challenge me to solve, his interest in discussing his extensive knowledge of Islamic history, and his interest in discussing politics and family history were among the many things I remember discussing with Agha.
My memories of Api are a treasure trove of things like her taking an interest in all our lives, her time spent making sure Aziz Bagh remained the family base and sanctuary that it was and is, and most of all her being the main one who would help the poor and her encouragement to have all of us help others in need. It’s amazing the love they had for all of us.
I treasure the many memories I have with them, Alhamdulilah.