In Lesson 14 of Book I for English 1st Year, titled “Overcoat,” Ghulam Abbas paints a vivid picture of a well-dressed young man strolling through the cold streets of Davis Road and Charing Cross one January evening. This young man is the epitome of style, with sleek hair, sideburns, a meticulously drawn thin mustache, and a rakish brown overcoat adorned with a cream-colored rose in his buttonhole. He complements his attire with a green flat hat and a white silk scarf knotted at his neck.
Despite the icy winds, he seems impervious to the cold, ambling leisurely as others rush to keep warm. His appearance is so striking that even tonga-wallas and taxi drivers vie for his attention, but he dismisses them with a wave of his polished cane. As the evening progresses, the bitter cold drives people out of their homes and into the lively atmosphere of the Mall, where they seek solace in various forms of entertainment. The young man, however, remains seated on a cement bench, observing the multitude of passersby, most of whom are also bundled up in overcoats of varying styles.
Although his own overcoat may be old, it exudes a timeless charm with its impeccable cut, quality material, stiff lapels, well-creased sleeves, and shiny horn buttons. The young man appears content and at ease in his attire, even striking up a conversation with a boy selling pan and cigarettes about change for a ten-rupee note. This lesson by Ghulam Abbas beautifully captures the contrast between the young man’s elegance and the bustling streets of the Mall, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of fashion, individuality, and the city’s vibrant life.