The
swathed head beneath the blanket fixated on the cerulean glow of the mobile
phone. The flushed cheeks and the racing heart betrayed the thrill of the
accolades cascading from the other end. How exquisite and exhilarating this
experience was! Life was idyllic, was it not?
Little
did the poor mother, who slept soundly, comprehend the clandestine activities
of her daughter. The day’s toils had drained her of vitality. Life had proven
arduous, especially after being widowed following a mere four years of an
unfulfilled marriage.
Naila,
her second-born, was raised with the conviction that the tribulations her
mother endured would not dictate her own destiny. Despite familial pressures,
Najma championed her daughter’s pursuit of higher education. Her son, however,
could barely progress beyond secondary schooling, molded by the patriarchal
mindset characteristic of their village culture. Naila thrived academically,
becoming the first in her family to gain admission to a university.
“How
stunning you appear today! Why don’t you reveal more than just your visage? Am
I a stranger to you?” teased the young man on the other side of the screen.
“Ah! But… how can I? What if my ama discovers all of this?” “Oh my jaan! Why
are you so conflicted? Haven’t I vowed to marry you? Why do you hesitate? You
cannot fathom how desperately I long to hold your beautiful hands in mine.”
Naila
found herself captivated by the enchantment of these words. No one had ever
extolled her in such a manner before. Gradually, the camera shifted towards her
figure. “Oh my! How exquisite! I had never envisioned that you could be so
alluring! Come now, darling! Let me behold you more closely. After all, we are
destined for one another. Do not worry; I shall stand by you through every
trial and tribulation.”
Life
had never been so vibrant and full of delight. The stifling orthodox mindset of
her family had always prohibited Naila from interacting with any male figures.
Even her male cousins were kept at a distance, and the societal taboo of
maintaining a boundary with the opposite sex pervaded her upbringing. “Oh! How
misguided my mother has been all these years! What harm is there in merely
conversing with a boy? How can this be wrong or shameful? All my classmates
engage in such interactions; why shouldn’t I?”
Naila’s
adolescent mind refused to accept the rigid ideologies instilled by her family.
“Come on, my love! We have been communicating for so long, and yet you still
regard
me
as a stranger! Tonight, you must be more forthcoming with me.” Naila, slowly
and unwittingly, found herself ensnared in the tendrils of a spider’s web.
“Ama!
Why can’t you allow me to attend a co-educational university? The girls’
college does not provide a competitive degree.” “Curse be upon you! How dare
you even contemplate such a thing! Don’t you know your chachoo? He will kill
you. He has already granted us ample permissions. None of that sort now!” an
astounded Najma exclaimed in disbelief, having begun to seriously consider
arranging her daughter’s marriage.
“Sister!
Please inform me of some suitable proposals. The boy must be educated,
self-sufficient, and possess a reasonable income to support a family,” Najma
implored a matchmaker the other day. “Look! I will certainly search, but you
know, people these days seek beauty, wealth, and status, and are unwilling to
compromise on any of these aspects.”
|
My
First Guitar Lesson |
The
classroom was alive with laughter and chatter. The vacant period prompted the
young women to engage in casual gossip. “Have you heard about Naila’s newfound
romance? She is seriously involved with a very handsome young man these days. I
wish he were mine,” whispered Momina to Sofia. “Oh my! What are you saying?
Naila is such a pure, simple soul. How could she dare to entertain such a
friendship?” Sofia was utterly astonished.
Naila
could not have fathomed that she had become the talk of the town. Like many
others, she could now boast of having her own man. Her well-groomed eyebrows,
perfect curls, fair complexion, and alluring physique were worthy of admiration
and adoration. Why not embrace the trends? What harm was there in following suit
when all others were doing the same? After all, one must go with the flow.
“My
darling, you look so enchanting. I wish I could be with you, holding your
exquisite figure in my arms! My love! I cannot restrain myself from being apart
from you. After all, we are to be married in the near future. I have the right
to behold your beauty. Please unbutton your shirt for me.” The tendrils were
gently and lovingly entwining Naila’s mind and soul. A numbness enveloped her
being, stripping away all rationale from her existence.
The
norms, dos and don’ts of the culture in which she was raised had dissipated.
Such was the mesmerizing power of being praised, ‘loved,’ or adored. Her ‘self’
yearned for approbation, endorsement, and admiration. How could she restrain herself
when those around her were of a similar disposition? “What harm is there in
conversing with someone on social media? Why are we still ensnared by this
gender bias? The world has progressed significantly, yet my relatives remain
mired in outdated gender norms,” pondered the impressionable young mind.
The
wheel of time spun ceaselessly, widening the chasm between two generations.
Graduation day arrived, and Najma felt elated, as if she were soaring through
the air. Her daughter was the first degree holder in many generations. “God has
been exceedingly gracious. My social standing will undoubtedly improve. My
daughter will secure a good job and marry well,” thoughts cascaded through the
mother’s heart.
Congratulations
poured in, making Najma a proud mother. However, she grew increasingly anxious
about finding a suitable match for her daughter. Her family desired that she
marry within the clan to a less educated boy, but she resolutely rejected the
notion, causing everyone to turn against her.
Najma
was determined not to allow history to repeat itself. The miserable memories of
her own unhappy and forced marriage echoed in her mind. “What I have endured, I
will not permit to happen to my children,” she often reiterated her resolve.
As
night descended, enveloping the day’s activities in its embrace, a deep silence
prevailed. Naila awaited the early hours to connect with her ‘love,’ but today,
there was no response. Hundreds of missed calls, swollen eyes, a fatigued mind,
and a myriad of misunderstandings were enough to shatter her. The other end had
meticulously orchestrated her preparation to go to any lengths.
A
few days of disillusionment and neglect towards Naila brought her to her knees.
She was so enmeshed in her infatuation that reason and logic had become
estranged from her judgment. Tonight, in a fit of desperation, she awaited the
mobile’s vibration to shatter its silence. Lo! Here it was. The predator on the
other end had come fully prepared to maximize his chances of success.
“Why
have you not called me in so long? Why have you neglected to respond to my
messages? What is amiss?” Naila inquired with a suddenness that betrayed her
desperation.
“Oh!
I was a little preoccupied. Why are you upset, my love? By the way, I have now
discerned that our conversations serve little purpose, as you remain so
guarded. The hunter was gradually rising on his haunches, poised for the final
leap.”
“Why
do you assert that? I have consistently been most welcoming. Please refrain
from harboring anger. From this moment on, whatever you express, I shall
dutifully comply,” the cornered girl replied.
“Ah,
that resembles the demeanor of an obedient ‘wife.’ Soon, you shall embody that
role. You see, I have found it impossible to find rest these past few days
while we were estranged. You have persistently invaded my dreams, and fervently
I have longed to hold you in my embrace.”
The
flushed visage on the opposite end of the screen provided the ideal backdrop
for the hunter to execute his final stratagem. “Promise me you will not reject
my proposition. I wish to propose to you in a manner unparalleled by anyone
else. All you need to do is spend an entire day with me, and I assure you it
will be the most remarkable day of your life.” The final enticement was cast.
“Oh!
How I fervently desire to meet you in person so that we may deepen our
acquaintance. Yet, you know that I have been closely monitored by my brother
and ami. I believe it will not be feasible for me. Why not send a formal
proposal to my abode?”
“Very
well then! Farewell. I have already expressed to you that you maintain a
certain detachment. I perceive no merit in pursuing our connection as you
remain too ensnared by this incessant surveillance and are incapable of
adopting an independent stance. I believe it would be prudent for us to part
ways amicably.”
The
predator was fortifying his abs, preparing to break the prey’s neck.” Please do
not utter such words. Very well! I shall contemplate a means for us to meet.
But promise me, you will send your proposal following this meeting, “implored
Naila.”
“Oh,
my beloved! Please, extend any vow you desire. I am utterly yearning to behold
your resplendent ‘beauty’ before my eyes. This Monday, then! Let us convene at
Paradise Inn at ten in the morning.”
The
prey had been deftly ensnared, and now it was time to relish the moment.
Naila’s mind was consumed with the anticipation of meeting her beloved and
persuading him to take the decisive step towards commitment—namely, presenting
his proposal before her family finds a suitable match for her.
|
The
Fallen |
‘Greetings!
How do you fare, dear sister? Ah, yes! Thank you for keeping us in your
thoughts. Indeed, Naila, insha’Allah, will pursue a commendable position. After
all, she has exerted herself so diligently. Please feel free to visit us
anytime. Your son, Obaid, is a promising young man and I am happy that you have
graciously asked about Naila’s proposal,” beamed Najma on getting an
outstanding match for Naila. Lady Luck was very kind on the old woman but the
black clouds of bad omen were looming large.
“Ama,
where are you? Listen! All my friends are orchestrating a gathering this Monday
at the university. We will convene with our faculty to resolve our outstanding
library dues and retrieve our security deposits. The process is expected to
take longer than usual. Please refrain from asking bahi to fetch me, as Maria
will be my charioteer,”Naila articulated her meticulously crafted plan
“Why
do you devise such schemes when you are acutely aware that your Chachoo will
never grant permission? Furthermore, Mrs. Asghar is scheduled to visit
regarding her son’s proposal, and you ought to be present,” the exasperated
mother retorted. “
Ama,
please, this is the final occasion my friends and I will convene. Kindly
persuade Chachoo, and I assure you I will return before Mrs. Asghar arrives at
our home,” the cunning mind was fully engaged in crafting an escape, striving
to make it fool proof.
Monday
morning dawned as usual, with Najma preoccupied in arranging the household and
preparing refreshments to serve the guests. There must be no oversight in the
hospitality, as the ‘larka wala’ would scrutinize everything with discerning
eyes.
Oblivious
to the turmoil surrounding her, Naila was engulfed by a torrent of emotions
coursing through her entire being. She had never possessed the audacity to meet
a male figure in such a public venue. “What if someone were to observe her, or
if something were to go awry? ”A fleeting moment of trepidation crossed her
mind, but the allure and yearning to gaze upon her beloved eclipsed all else.
“Am I making the right decision? Yes, why not? My family is so antiquated that
they will never comprehend the necessity of fostering an understanding before
entering into matrimony,” Naila reassured herself.
“Wow!
How breathtakingly beautiful you are, far surpassing what that wretched screen
portrays!” exclaimed her admirer. Naila blushed profusely, rendered speechless
by her inability to respond. The spider was weaving its web so skillfully that
the prey was ensnared willingly. “Let us indulge in lunch first. Why are you
silent? You used to be so expressive over the phone, yet here you are, so
reserved. I am not a stranger to you; you ‘know’ me intimately.”
“You
cannot fathom the joy I feel today,” beamed her suitor as he grasped Naila’s
hand. She experienced an unfamiliar, exhilarating sensation in her heart, one
she had never encountered before. “After lunch, we shall retreat to a private
room where I will propose to you. Thank you for placing your trust in me.” The
final noose had been tightened.
“Ha,ha,
ha! How splendid! What a fool! I thoroughly relished the encounter, and what a
lovely specimen she was!” boasted the young dandy to his companions. He had
successfully ensnared the girl, leading her to relinquish her innocence.
“How
on earth have I permitted him to touch me! He claimed he would send his
proposal within a day or two and treated me as if he were my husband. Was he
truthful? Oh my! What have I done? What if bahi or Ama discovers this? Ya
Allah! Please assist me. Let me maintain this as a secret while he sends his
proposal.”Naila desperately endeavored to reconcile her tumultuous emotions.
|
Village
Life, an Interesting Description, Romantic Secene |
“Please,
pick up the phone! You promised to send the proposal. Where are you? Why are
you not responding to my calls or messages?
No
one answered the number. Her ‘to-be husband’ had vanished into thin air, as if
he had never existed. Her frantic attempts culminated in her number being
blocked.
The neighborhood congregated at Najma’s anguished cries. Her eyes widened in horror at the sight of Naila hanging from the ceiling. “What have you done? You were the jewel of us all. We safeguarded you, stood by you through every trial. Why, Naila, why? What tormented you?” The answers had dissipated with her. Only whispers of gossip remained for the despairing mother, who remained oblivious to what had gone awry.
