The Ghat of the only World by Amitav Ghosh is a story about Agha Shahid who was a friend of the writer. The writer knew that his friend won't live long therefore, Shahid asks his friend to write about him when he will be dead. The author ought to keep his promise towards Shahid. Both the writer and Shahid studied in the same university that is in Delhi University. As Shahid belonged to Kashmir, in 1975 he moved to America and later Shahid's two sisters also joined later. The writer was impressed by the poems that were written by Shahid. Since then writer never met Shahid. Later from 1998 to 1999 they had frequent conversations and met sometimes. Suddenly one fine day in February 2000 Shahid faces a blackout. The reason of blackout was suggested to be due to cancer. Later in order to be close to his sisters, Shahid moved to Brooklyn and so writer also lived in Brooklyn few blocks away. In April the writer calls Shahid and reminds him about the lunch invitation they had from a friend.

Shahid spoke to the writer about his death that was approaching and asks the writer to write about him when he will be no more. Since then the writer kept track of all calls, meetings, and talks he had with Shahid. Shahid was admitted to hospital on 21 May 2001.

He became very weak and could hardly stand. The writer met Shahid last on 27 October and Shahid died on 8 December 2001. The writer feels the void without Shahid. While the writer walks into the living room he feels Shahid's presence.