-
Had I not taken him to the hospital when I did,
-
he would have had a nervous breakdown.
-
Oh…
-
Everyone’s saying that you’ve left me and gone.
-
But you can never leave me.
-
I’m right here.
-
Near you.
-
I saw him doing it even in my presence!
-
He was talking as if
Shanaya was standing before him.
-
He’s going mad!
-
She went off somewhere…
-
and its been quite a while now.
-
She still hasn’t returned.
-
What…
-
Yes…
-
The circumstances of the house..
-
are getting worse day by day.
-
No one got to eat their fill even today.
-
Have the food, Azka I’ve got a stomach ache.
-
Ma, didn’t eat deliberately ….
-
using the excuse of having stomach ache.
-
Here you go.
-
Just be quiet and eat your dinner.
-
Here Ma.
-
Why don’t you also eat with us my dear.
-
No, no, you go ahead and eat Ma, I’m not hungry.
-
Sister-in-law gave Aliha her food to eat.
-
What kind of a trial is this?
-
Do you know something…
-
Brother Sultan’s sister is so capable….
-
that I’ve decided to educate her so that she can become a doctor.
-
What?
-
Please don’t look at me like that…
-
because I don’t want to get into an argument with you.
-
And besides I have enough money in my account ….
-
to be able to support her.
-
Its not about the money Shanaya.
-
That girl is ungrateful and an opportunist.
-
She’s only exploiting you and that’s all.
-
That’s just your problem.
-
You look at everything from your own viewpoint.
-
You should sometimes do something just for sake of sheer goodness.
-
Who is that girl, what does she do… what difference does all that make Azlan?
-
What do you mean?
-
What I mean is …
-
that one doesn’t do good with the thought
-
that we will get the result of it now and today, right here in this world.
-
All this is just a worldly and materialistic way of thinking;
-
get out of that thought and think beyond it as well.
-
Its a very impractical way of thinking.
-
Okay fine
-
then let it be impractical in your eyes.
-
...But my Lord says
-
that, ‘Good, begets good.’
-
And after that …
-
there’s nothing left to ponder on.
-
The Lord says to do good,
-
not to become a fool.
-
Okay. I’m fine as a fool then and you’re the intelligent one.
-
Its not about that Shanaya!
-
You know what it’s not what -
-
Alright… okay, drop it.
-
I love you!
-
You’re one mad girl!
-
You are crazy!
-
That I am…
-
for you.
-
Aliha?
-
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
-
Change into your uniform; you have to go to school!
-
I’m not going to school Aunty.
-
And why not - why won’t you go to school?
-
I feel afraid.
-
They’ll put in a car and take me away again.
-
...No, I’m not going to school.
-
Aliha my love …
-
no one’s going to grab you and take you away my love.
-
Why… who told you?
-
I know it..
-
And you know what,
-
the police caught them and took them away.
-
Really?!
-
Yes, of course!
-
Would your Aunt lie to you?
-
No.
-
And they beat them and beat them so much… saying why did you kidnap Aliha!
-
Really???
-
Of course!
-
Now change into your uniform quickly.
-
You’re getting late.
-
Ma or Sister-in-law will go drop you to school, okay?
-
Why?
-
I can go myself.
-
Why?
-
Its because…
-
your father used to go drop you before…
-
but now since he isn’t around anymore…
-
Ma will go drop you, yes?
-
Yes.
-
Good girl.
-
You’re already late so go get dressed quickly.
-
Are you angry?
-
Yes.
-
Has anyone ever told you that you look good when you’re angry.
-
I’m not in the mood for jokes.
-
You think I’m joking?
-
I’m speaking the truth.
-
I spent the whole night calling for you.
-
I was really missing you.
-
...But you never came.
-
You come around when you feel like it and leave when you feel like it!
-
Shanaya?
-
Does that mean that you should become angry with me like some stubborn child?
-
Yes.
-
So should I leave then?
-
Never.
-
Ma?
-
Hmm?
-
Where’s sister-in-law?
-
She’s gone to look for a job.
-
Maybe she’ll get a job in some house.
-
There’s nothing to eat in the house as it is.
-
I’ve gotten Aliha ready for school.
-
School?
-
But what about school expenses…
-
and school fees?
-
You’re right Ma, but…
-
but the school fees can be paid late as well you know.
-
Plus sitting home has disturbed her mentally so if she goes to school,
-
being with the kids there will ease her mind and heart.
-
I’ll arrange something for breakfast…
-
you…
-
you can go drop her to school.
-
Azka…
-
I’ve made tea but there’s no milk.
-
Okay fine
-
I’ll give her the tea to drink.
-
A hungry and thirsty child…
-
what will she do at school?
-
But what will she also do staying home.
-
Okay …
-
fine…
-
I’ll go drop her to school.
-
Meanwhile while don’t you… you check the boxes and see if there’s anything in them to cook.
-
I’ll go drop her.
-
Aliha?
-
...Aliha?
-
Mom?
-
...Ahem… Mom?
-
Mom?
-
Yes son, yes?
-
Sorry for getting up late and not having breakfast with you…
-
I am sorry….
-
Its okay.
-
Its good that you got to complete your sleep.
-
Since it isn't the breakfast hour so I’ll get lunch laid out.
-
Why do you look so down today?
-
It’s nothing.
-
Its just that it’s my birthday today…
-
so I was remembering…
-
how you and Shanaya had done such a good job of celebrating it last time.
-
I’m so sorry
-
I forgot.
-
It doesn’t matter,
-
I’m very sorry.
-
Its okay.
-
Happy birthday.
-
Thank you.
-
I’m very sorry.
-
Such small amount of rice?
-
What do I cook?
-
Who’s going to eat and who’s going to remain hungry…?
-
We’ve never been through such difficult times.
-
Oh Lord…
-
have mercy on us.
-
Brother Sultan never let us sleep hungry.
-
He always tried to keep us happy.
-
Azka?
-
Azka?!
-
Where are you???
-
Greeting brother!
-
Greetings.
-
You made a request for mutton curry that day …
-
so since I got my salary today, I brought it.
-
Thank you brother!
-
Okay and there’s some Rogni nan bread and Kebabs in there as well…
-
you know how your sister-in-law loves Rogni nan bread.
-
Hmm, yes.
-
Who is it?
-
Its Abid.
-
Oh wow!
-
You opened the door for me on my announcing myself only one time.
-
Seems as if everyone’s home.
-
No one’s home.
-
What’s wrong… were you crying?
-
Tell me what’s wrong…
-
I can’t bear to see tears in your eyes.
-
It’s nothing.
-
Don’t lie.
-
There is something that’s making you cry.
-
Tell me why you were crying truthfully.
-
It’s just…
-
I was thinking of Brother Sultan…
-
I just felt like crying…
-
Hmm…
-
The only thing left of those that have gone are their words and memories.
-
He also loved you a lot just like me.
-
After brother Sultan’s death..
-
Life’s become very difficult…
-
I had no idea that things could be like this…
-
life now isn’t what it used to be.
-
What’s happened… is there some problem at home?
-
I get the feeling that there is some problem.
-
Tell me… I’m not some stranger you know.
-
Brother Abid,
-
you know …
-
we are respectable people…
-
and ..
-
how it’s very difficult for us..
-
to hide the circumstances of our home and to keep up appearances.
-
Our only prayer to God ….
-
is to be able to get decent two meals a day…
-
the rest one can handle.
-
I’ll just be back.
-
So what have you decided about what you want to get for aunty?
-
Hmm…
-
I don’t know…
-
something unique….
-
something different.
-
Look at this… what do you think about this?
-
It’s nice.
-
But it can be better than this.
-
Show us something better than this please.
-
But I like this one.
-
Actually…
-
I really prefer this one.
-
...And I always get that which is my choice.
-
But then if you wanted to get something of your choice then why’d you bring me with you?
-
It was so I could spend time with you…
-
so you could give me company.
-
Right.
-
Good afternoon Sir… Good afternoon Sir…
-
Do you have a vase similar to this one?
-
Sir, I had two of these vases but one got sold.
-
Sir… which one would you like me to pack?
-
Pack this one.
-
Right Sir.
-
You’re sitting here Mom.
-
What’s that son?
-
One second…
-
Your birthday present, Mom.
-
This wasn’t necessary son.
-
It was necessary.
-
I’m so sorry I forgot your birthday.
-
Open it.
-
Oh hey this is exactly like the one you and Shanaya gave me last time.
-
Yes Mom.
-
Thank you buddy.
-
This one would have broken the way the last one did had you not come.
-
These are some groceries for the house and I’ll get you the month’s rations as well.
-
Why did you get all this… there was no need for all this.
-
We can’t accept it.
-
You all are family.
-
...And family are the ones that prove most useful in hard times.
-
I’ve told you not once but a thousand times, consider me as your own only once…
-
and then watch what all I will do for you.
-
I will bring the world’s happiness and blessings lay them at your feet.
-
...But you…
-
I think you’re blind to my love for you.
-
Thank you for all this and whenever we get the money, we’ll -
-
Again ….
-
you’re talking like a stranger.
-
I’ve been trying to explain to you that I am now the man of this house after Sultan.
-
Your family’s problems are my problems.
-
You all are my responsibility.
-
Anything you need,
-
you have only to tell me once.
-
...I’ll be leaving now.
-
Wait…
-
Send Aunty Nusrat over…
-
to get a date for the wedding.
-
When!
-
Really???
-
Is this true?
-
I…
-
I’ll send Ma over right now!
-
Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma!!!
-
Congratulations!
-
Let me go!
-
What are you congratulating me for?!
-
Ma, Azka’s agreed to marry me herself today!
-
What?!
-
Hmm….
-
Azka did???
-
Yes.
-
Azka said it herself!
-
Now get ready and go get the date for the wedding!
-
Absolutely not!
-
I’ll not go there even if I’m dying!
-
Hey…Sometimes her mother refuses
-
and sometimes her sister-in-law refuses!
-
Sometimes they say yes, sometimes they say no!
-
Created a spectacle of the whole thing!
-
I’m not going there!
-
They’ve made a joke of the two of us!
-
Ma, its not a joke and nor is is it any kind of drama this time!
-
Just go there once!
-
No!
-
Its a flat refusal from me!
-
My Ma!
-
My beloved Ma!
-
It wont get refused this time.
-
This is one hundred per cent the truth!
-
Now you see here Abid -
-
I’m telling you the truth, it wont get refused this time!
-
And what if it does, what then?
-
It wont happen!
-
At least go there one time and see!
-
Tell me something…
-
Hmm?
-
Did Azka actually say yes to you herself?
-
Ma..One hundred per cent, Azka has said this to me herself.
-
This will be the last time.
-
Ma….Last time!
-
On your life, the very last time!
-
I swear on God the last time Ma!
-
Get ready… I’m taking out your clothes.
-
Get dressed and go with the proposal.
-
Ma please.
-
Son,
-
go across to Dr. Faiza today.
-
Why?
-
What for?
-
Son,
-
Shanaya’s death has really disturbed you.
-
And when one is this disturbed…
-
its not a problem, you should get some medical help, yes?
-
Are you saying that I need a psychiatrist?
-
Is there some problem?
-
Where’s the harm in it?
-
I don’t agree,
-
what may be a problem for you isn’t a problem for me.
-
What’s the need of this?
-
Why are you both sitting here and talking to me like that?
-
But Son,
-
sharing with someone relaxes the mind.
-
Mom,
-
I don’t want to share my personal life with anyone.
-
Now see here son,
-
you’re unable to accept Shanaya’s death.
-
And the only time one cant accept such a major reality son is when one is mentally disturbed.
-
Dad -
-
Now listen to me… your mother, Shireen and I, all of us have accepted this reality.
-
...But you,
-
you’re not accepting it.
-
Dad…
-
do you think I’m crazy?
-
I’ve accepted Shanaya’s death.
-
You guys know this.
-
I also know that she isn’t in this world.
-
but…
-
but I’m going to keep her alive.
-
...So what’s the problem?
-
I can keep her alive.
-
God have mercy, what kind of infidel talk is this Azlan?
-
This was God’s will son,
-
she’s gone!
-
Don’t fight with Him!
-
I don’t accept…
-
that she’s left this world!
-
I will never let her go!
-
You guys understand!
-
Don’t do this again!
-
Azka?
-
Ma?
-
You stayed back there this whole time and here I kept waiting for you?
-
Get me some water.
-
Would you like some as well?
-
No, I’m hungry so I want lunch.
-
What have you cooked?
-
Uh…
-
Go change out of your uniform while I lay out the food.
-
Thank you my dear.
-
...Here.
-
I dropped Aliha at school and then went across to Hamida’s place.
-
Why?
-
I’ve told her ….
-
to ask around and see if there were any kids who wanted to learn the Holy Quran…
-
and she should then send them over to our place.
-
We’ll earn some money by teaching it.
-
How long can Kanwal handle everything on her own?
-
What she earns won’t be enough.
-
You’re right.
-
I then got up from Hamida’s house…
-
it was time for Aliha to get off school, so I thought…
-
I would pick her up and take her home.
-
Good you did that Ma.
-
Is Kanwal not returned?
-
God knows ….
-
where all she’s had to go.
-
Had Sultan been alive today, he would never have let her work elsewhere.
-
The woman rules like a queen while she has a husband.
-
We should…
-
we should also help Kanwal.
-
We should also do something or the other?
-
I’m exhausted.
-
I’m now just going to rest.
-
What about lunch Ma?
-
I’ve already had my lunch at Hamida’s, dear.
-
I also offered my prayers there.
-
I’m very tired.
-
I’m going to rest now.
-
Sitwat?
-
Why are you crying so much?
-
I don’t know why but there’s this nagging pain inside me …
-
that keeps telling me that we didn’t protect our daughter-in-law.
-
Azlan has gone mad because of his sorrow at losing her.
-
Have patience…
-
have courage.
-
What do I do…
-
Shanaya’s face won’t stop coming in front of me.
-
I feel as if ..
-
we were equally to blame for Shanaya’s death.
-
Had we not sent her home that night…
-
Look…
-
the day of one’s death is predestined.
-
Yes…
-
we all have to go one day.
-
but how will we stand before God with all our mistakes.
-
It’s these words of yours that make me feel even more guilty.
-
Are you saying that your conscience doesn’t hold you at fault?
-
person because of whom you forced Shanaya to leave the house…
-
that’s the same man that killed her.
-
At the time… you didn’t support Shanaya,
-
you supported your friend.
-
All of us are,
-
in one way or another,
-
to blame for her murder.
-
Hush now.
-
Aunty?
-
Hmm?
-
The rice you cooked today is really delicious Aunty.
-
I’m real hungry and they’re delicious!
-
Good.
-
Make sure you have your fill.
-
Aliha you went to school today….
-
so did anyone ask you anything?
-
Every one was asking me …
-
why I hadn’t come to school for so many days.
-
I told them I had fever.
-
I’m glad you did that.
-
You will go to school every day now.
-
Mummy’s back!
-
Mummy ..eat this rice, aunty cooked it.
-
Chicken pilaf?
-
Where did it come from?
-
Uh…
-
I made it sister-in-law.
-
Where did you get the things from because there was nothing available in the house?
-
Yes...
-
Aliha,
-
go inside….
-
and take the plate inside with you.
-
Okay.
-
Take the glass with you as well.
-
Shut the bedroom door as well.
-
Uh…
-
Sister-in-law,
-
the groceries and all…
-
were brought by Abid.
-
What?!
-
What do you mean?
-
Azka,
-
tell me the truth!
-
Why did he actually come here?
-
Sister-in-law he’d come over just like that…
-
and then he saw the circumstances of the house.
-
You know…
-
how there was nothing to cook in the house.
-
And then he himself brought all of it.
-
He left a whole month’s rations.
-
He’s really helped us.
-
I see…
-
so this is what happened.
-
I’ve found a job and its morning to evening.
-
The moment I get paid …I’ll clear the bill so don’t worry about it.
-
Sister-in-law…
-
I’ve decided to marry Abid.
-
What!
-
Are you even in your right mind, Azka?!
-
Have you told Ma?!
-
Ma’s sleeping.
-
Come on!
-
Get up and come with me!
-
Come on!
-
Get up and come with me!
-
Ma!
-
Sister-in-law?
-
Come with me!
-
Ma!
-
What’s wrong dear…
-
is everything alright?
-
Make her understand Ma because she’s gone absolutely crazy!
-
Just listen to what she’s saying!
-
What’s she saying?
-
She’s talking of marrying Abid!
-
And I know very well that she’s only saying it because of the circumstances of the house!
-
Azka….
-
Is what your sister-in-law saying correct?
-
I can’t bear it anymore Ma.
-
And who knows maybe Abid will help me become a doctor and
-
then tomorrow is the last date to give the fees.
-
Azka,
-
if you’re destined to become a doctor ..
-
then you will become one without his assistance!
-
And you need not worry about the circumstances of the house!
-
Okay?
-
I’ve gotten a day and night job!
-
Sister-in-law are you going to pick up Aliha and your expenses with
-
what you earn at your job or will you pick up ours?
-
Just say yes to Aunty Nusrat!
-
We elders are still alive to take any family decisions!
-
You don’t need to say anything.
-
You decided to marry him just because he thought to bring the household rations!
-
You asked Abid to get the rations?
-
No, he brought it himself.
-
Yes and seeing his empathy you decided to take this decision uponyourself?!
-
Yes, I did.
-
Look at that Ma,
-
she’s crazy!
-
She only saying this after consideration of the family circumstances…
-
but you and I both know that this isn’t about her happiness and or love!
-
She’s talking like a lunatic!
-
It’s really the limit I tell you!
-
I know my Azka well…
-
she’s one who really feels for others....
-
But Azka…
-
I will never push you into a well knowingly.
-
Oh Lord…
-
Azlan!!!
-
Shanaya!
-
Shanaya! Shanaya!
-
Shanaya!
-
Shanaya!
-
Azlan?
-
Mom, Shanaya…
-
Where’s Shanaya, Mom?
-
Call Shanaya, Mom.
-
Where’s Shanaya?
-
Call Shanaya, Mom please.. please… please call her.
-
Sha… Shanaya?
-
I cant bear to see you like this Azlan!
-
Call Shanaya please.
-
Call Shanaya please…
-
Mom… Mom, I’m scared… I’m scared…
-
please call her… please call her…
-
There’s no one there… she’ll get hurt… she’ll get hurt…
-
please call her, please call her.
-
Mom… Mom… Mom… listen to me… I’m waiting for her…
-
Please call Shanaya.
-
Please call Shanaya.
-
I’m really scared.
-
Get a hold of yourself…
-
Get a hold of yourself Azlan.
-
Enough son… stop this.
-
Shanaya…
-
Oh Lord…
-
I have never been disappointed by You
-
You have supported me every step of the way.
-
You’ve accepted all my prayers.
-
Daddy had also taught me …
-
that I should always ask You with total hope and conviction.
-
...And even today …
-
I am asking You with the same hope and conviction…
-
Please give me a miracle.
-
Please find me a solution…
-
whereby my destination becomes easy.
-
Tomorrow is the final date to submit the college admission fee.
-
I can’t see a solution.
-
Our wishes ….
-
are very small….
-
and You are the Omnipotent.
-
Please bless me with a special miracle.
-
Find me a solution… an answer.