Summary and Analysis: (Chapter-6)
The chapter is important as the reader
is introduced to one of the main characters, Mariam APA, who mostly remains
quiet, except when she needs to set a menu of what to cook. Although she is
Aliya's cousin, she also acts like a mentor. She taught her the texture,
timber, and taste of silence.
Aliya was disturbed after noticing
the stars against her and Mariam's app's name. But she behaves as if nothing
happened to her when she tells her reader that she is thinking of her college
days while on her way with Rehanaapa. Rehanaapa sensed that disturbance, so she
took her outside for some discussion. They both sit under a tree, 'an elm or an
oak tree. The reference to both trees frequently occurs in English literature,
the writer herself agrees through Aliya that she has read many novels where
"…no other trees of importance exist".
The theme of 'Not quite Twin' is
running with the plot working as a bonding force for the novel. Aliya is again
thinking of the age difference between Mariumapa and her, which is" a dozen
and so years, "her cousin is older than her but still" did not seem
very much." This is her idea of Not quite Twins; she is disturbed by the
star sign and the similarities between her and Mariam's app and the Family's
notion of Not quite Twins.
The literary reference to
Shakespeare's Hamlet adds more feathers to the chapter. Furthermore, the
dialogues of Polonius and Hamlet are worth mentioning to reinforce "combat
abuse with nobility." Here MsShamsai is making her reader learn and
helping Aliya escape her mental confusion.
Still, Aliya was uncomfortable
with the discussion, and she changed the topic and asked Rehanaapa about her
Family and kids. Astonishingly her daughter's name overlapped with Aliya's.
Then Aliya asked about how she met Samia. Another twisting and exciting
scenario of Dard e Dill, as within seven seconds may be the minimum time of any
family member's union ever heard of that both Rehanaapa and Samia got acquitted
to each other in an exhibition, hovering around a Sword of NurulJahan, used in
the Battle of SurkhKhait. And this sudden meet-up occurred between people of
two nations, once separated, never even imagined supporting the other's cricket
team.
After some nostalgic talks and
thoughts, Aliya again manages herself out of the scene and starts thinking of
Khaleel and his Liaqatabad. Although she has never visited the place, she can
still imagine how it looks. Rehanaapa intervened in her contemplations and
again turned towards the star sign of Aliya and her cousin.
Then Aliya tells about the arrival
of Mariam APA at their place; she recites the whole letter word by word to
Rehanaapa and also mentions the dramatic entry of Mariam APA as soon as Aliya's
father finishes the letter and the doorbell rings. Mariam APA entered the house.
Aliya, at that time, was in her
mother's womb. But still makes some similarities between her and her cousin.
Another character Masood, the cook at Aliya's house, is introduced in this
chapter, and he too is playing a vital role in coming episodes.
This chapter's description of
silence is remarkable at the very outset. Then the reference to Hamlet is also
to the point and up to the mark. There is no desi word used in this chapter.
The overall chapter moves the story further, keeping the suspense intact thereby.
