Stories from history (27)
He knew that they would let him down

Bouzarjomehr Parkhideh:  Because of the careless behavior of his sons, Aflatoon and Shahbahram, who had incurred heavy debts and loss to him, the late Arbab Kaykhosrow Shahrokh had become poor and frustrated.  Most of the Zoroastrian dignitaries, who had at one time, gained plenty of land and property under his name and auspices, knew about the state of Arbab Kaykhosrow.  It was for the same reason that he did not ask for their help to lend him money because he knew that they would bring all sorts of excuses to reject his request.
Since he knew of my sincerity towards him, he wrote a private letter to me to lend him 2000 tomans as soon as possible, and he would pay me back with interest.  At that time I was empty handed because my salary was low compared to the expenses of those days when I was managing a family of eight, and I did not have any considerable saving either.  I requested Aflatoon Siavashi to lend some money for this purpose.  He accepted and gave me 1000 tomans.  Pari, my wife’s sister, lent me 800 tomans.  I sent 1800 tomans for Arbab.  Very soon we got the news that Arbab Kaykhosrow was murdered in a street close to his house and his body was found there.
From the memories of Hormozdyar Nowrooz Hematti


Translation by Rowshan Lohrasbpour