The Flames of the Sun

In a small town in Gilan, Bijan Pira runs a tiny shop with his father, selling Abgoosht (Iranian traditional dish) and homemade pickles. Every time Shirin and I visit his shop, he first warmly greets Shirin and says, "Sister, it's good to see you! This guy (pointing at me) isn’t giving you a hard time, is he?" (laughs) "Anyway, if you ever have trouble, we’re at your service."
He says all this at lightning speed, then immediately grabs my hand, gives it a firm squeeze, and continues, “Where have you been?"
He doesn’t wait for my response. Instead, heads to the back of the shop, where rows of abgoosht pots are lined up. In a plastic basket, he neatly arranges two portions of abgoosht, two bottles of Soda, two whole onions, two deep metal bowls, a metal meat masher, two sets of spoons and forks, and, finally, a fresh Sangak bread on top of everything.
Turning to Shirin, he says, "Sister, I put in extra bread for you. It’s fresh—don’t buy more today."
I say, "Bijan jan, you’re too kind."
He replies, "I gave extra bread for my sister because I know you don’t like standing in line for it. Wouldn’t want you to be without bread tonight!" (laughs heartily)
When I try to pay, he forces my hand back into my pocket.
"Come on, brother! Bring the dishes back, then we’ll talk about money."
At the shop entrance, we chat briefly with his father. The old man looks tired. We say our goodbyes and as we pass I hear him softly humming an old melody, though slightly off-key:
"Tell Mihan(1) that Bijan’s(2) blood became a star,
And how it blazed like a flame…”(3)
Shirin hasn’t caught on to Bijan’s subtle singing. I explain.
Shirin: (surprised) "No way! Bijan?"
We reach home.

1- Mihan (which also means homeland) is the name of Bijan Jazani’s wife. 

2- Bijan Jazani (January 9, 1938 – April 19, 1975), Iranian revolutionary and Marxist theorist. Jazani was one of the founders of the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas.

3- “The Twilight's Silk" is the name of a revolutionary song published by the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas in 1979, featured in an album titled "The Flames of the Sun”. The song carries strong political and revolutionary themes, reflecting the struggles and sacrifices of activists, particularly in the context of resistance movements.