This is my Hajj

Nazly Cassim

Naleefa was in her fifth month of pregnancy. The slight swelling of her abdomen showed it clearly. She was medium built and her complexion dark. Yet, charming because of her two beautiful eyes. A tiny nose-ring shining as if competing her eyes. The beginning of her motherhood added something pleasant to her personality. She had no much education but possessed the highest degree in her qualities. Born to a middle class family she had only her father, Nazeem’s. mother passed away in her childhood.

She was in the house of Nazeera, her mother-in-law. During the period of pregnancy women normally feel happy and gay. Often imagining about the baby to be born, their choice of male or female, how they will nurse it and a number of other inspirations. But unfortunately the residence of Naleefa’s mother-in-law was not a place for her to think those nice things.

Nazeera was constantly creating problems to Naleefa and was harassing too. Whatever good Naleefa did appeared bad to Nazeera, who was very greedy for money. Every word of Nazeera brought tears to Naleefa’s eyes. She would only wipe them and keep quiet. Because it was some relief to weep: grief is satisfied and carried off by tears. She never argued or attacked the aggressiveness of her mother-in-law. She knew well what Nazeera really needed.

Nilab, husband of Nazeera, helplessly watched all the atrocities that were being committed on his daughter-in-law. He was very much grieved over the gross injustice being done to her. But he uttered nothing, because he could not command anything in that house. He ignored his wife’s ferocities as his words had no respect at all in his own house. He had a considerable lot of wealth earned in his lifetime. But no authority over it totally. All his wealth had been written on his wife’s name. He was only a dud coin there. Both father and son trembled before Nazeera.

Nizam, husband of Naleefa, was an irresponsible person. He had no education at all and never thought of an employment. His mother gave him in marriage to get all the house and miscellaneous work done by her daughter-in-law.

It was with this intention Naleefa’s farther was approached and somehow the wedding took place. The son too was aware of his mother’s cruelties to his wife but he never intervened. Had he, the free meals and the pocketmoney would stop.

Nazeera, one night spoke to Naleefa roughly, “Listen to me well. Rush now to your father and ask him for the jewellery which he promised you. I have tolerated enough. Don’t step into this house without jewellery.” Being innocent, Naleefa did not utter a word. Instead tears started drawing lines on her cheeks. It was a disgrace to her. So she was mute. But Nazeera continued, “Why still waiting? Pack your things and go to your house. I will get you a threewheeler.” She chased poor Naleefa.

Three days passed. The father and the son did not go to see her. They were warned not to step into Naleefa’s house. It was around 10 at night, the fourth day.

Thinking about his daughter who returned home with bitter experience in her life, with so much pain in him, her father, Nazeem, was reciting the Holy Quran.

Nilab, entered Nazeem’s house saying ‘Assalaamu Alaikkum’ (Peace be upon you). He had a small bag in his hand. Grief stricken Naleefa was fast asleep.

Nazeem got angry when he saw Nilab. Yet he managed to cast a smile slightly and welcomed him with return greetings. He instantly pleaded, “Please forgive me.

I will anyhow give the jewellery to your son which I promised. But please do no ruin my innocent daughter’s life. It is your responsibility to look after her,” he held Nilab’s hands firmly,

“No. I have to seek forgiveness from you for allowing my wife to ill-treat your daughter. My son too knows about it but we are unable to do anything. If we do, there will be no peace in our family. I came to help you,” said Nilab requesting him to believe him.

Those words were a great consolation to Nazeem. Looking eagerly at Nilab he asked what help it would be. Nilab said, “My wish is to perform Hajj this year. For years I have been saving for that noble purpose without my wife’s knowledge. It is a considerable amount. I sincerely feel helping someone in distress.

As in your daughter’s case making her life bloom will be more meritorious than performing Hajj and this is my Hajj. This will quench my wife’s craving for jewellery.” He handed order Nazeem the bag which contained money to buy jewellery. Nazeem received it with both his hands and said, “God will certainly reward you for your sensible act and your kindness will always be in our hearts.”

To Nazeem it was like the weight of a mountain being put down from his shoulder. The relief was so great.

When Naleefa learnt about this the following day she thanked God, prayed for her father-in-law and started the day’s work with Joy.

Please restrict short stories to 1,500 words.

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