Shahid mentioned his death to the writer during a conversation about his poetry and life experiences. He mentioned it as a metaphorical expression, likely to convey the depth of his emotions and the impact of his life experiences on his poetry. Shahid may have used the idea of his own death as a way to emphasize the intensity of his feelings and the transformative power of his art. Additionally, discussing themes of mortality and the passage of time is common in poetry, and Shahid's mention of his death may have been a way to explore these themes within the context of his own life and work.

In "The Ghat of the Only World," the strange request that Shahid made to the writer was to help him die. Shahid was suffering from terminal cancer and was in great pain. He expressed a desire to end his life on his own terms, rather than continuing to suffer. This request was difficult for the writer to comprehend and accept, as it forced him to confront the painful reality of Shahid's impending death and grapple with the ethical and moral implications of assisting someone in ending their life.

The writer realized that Shahid was serious about him writing about his death when Shahid handed him a manuscript titled "A Requiem for My Father" and requested him to publish it after his death. This gesture indicated Shahid's intention to leave behind a legacy through his writing, specifically about his experiences and reflections on mortality and loss. By entrusting the manuscript to the writer and asking him to ensure its publication, Shahid demonstrated his seriousness about preserving his memory and sharing his story with others even after his passing. This realization deeply affected the writer, as it underscored the gravity of Shahid's situation and his determination to confront death with courage and dignity.

Shahid wanted the writer to write something, specifically to publish his manuscript titled "A Requiem for My Father," for several reasons:

1. Legacy: Shahid wanted to leave behind a legacy through his writing. By sharing his experiences and reflections on mortality and loss, he hoped to preserve his memory and contribute to the literary world.

2. Expression: Writing allowed Shahid to express himself and articulate his thoughts and emotions about his impending death. It served as a form of catharsis and a way for him to come to terms with his mortality.

3. Awareness: Shahid wanted to raise awareness about terminal illness and the challenges faced by individuals nearing the end of their lives. By sharing his story, he hoped to shed light on the experiences of those grappling with serious illness and the importance of compassion and support.

4. Connection: Writing provided Shahid with a means to connect with others, both during his lifetime and beyond. He hoped that his words would resonate with readers and foster empathy and understanding for those facing similar struggles.

Overall, Shahid's desire for the writer to write something stemmed from a combination of personal expression, a desire for legacy, and a commitment to raising awareness and fostering connection with others.

During his illness, Shahid was staying in a hospice in Trivandrum, Kerala. The hospice provided care and support for individuals with terminal illnesses, offering medical treatment, pain management, and emotional support to patients nearing the end of their lives. Shahid's decision to stay in a hospice reflected his need for specialized care and comfort during his final days, as well as his acceptance of the reality of his terminal illness.