Born to a lower middle class family, Malak grew up facing many hurdles. Her father Mahmood seemed overjoyed at her birth. Initial years she was pampered with every gift that she may dream of.
But this did not last long. Mahmood saw Malak as an asset to further his worldly wishes. By the time Malak turned ten, her father seemed to care less about what she wanted. In fact, he did not think she was worth much except when there was a need for her to do some domestic errands.
Mahmood was a man fortunate in seeking education. He took this to his great advantage. His main interest was in showing off his knowledge of the stars and the universe; there was hardly any interest in educating her or moulding her into a self-reliant young lady. Home rules made her work laboriously. Schooling was limited. Every aspect of her life was restricted. Social life was nil. Mahmood lectured on the principles of Islam while he himself was unaware of his moral duties, to his family, and his kin. Mahmood’s arrogance touched the lives of people closest to him. Malak saw this in great bewilderment. Malak’s paternal uncles were dealt with sternly, but her maternal family enjoyed many privileges and tender service from her father.
The passing away of Malak’s mother was the greatest blow to her; it destroyed her like an island gets swept across by a tidal wave. As nature thrived even in neglect, Malak grew up, groomed well by loving neighbours. Her confident stance in life bothered her father, who sensed she may find a new life that gave her greater happiness and comfort. As the days passed, Malak began standing up to her father’s demeaning words, and started demanding what she rightfully deserved.
The two-day hunger strike finally hit the nail on the head. Mahmood realised there needs to be a change; some reform. The strict home rules were relaxed. He offered Malak the olive branch we she grudgingly took hold, but made it clear that her mind was made up. She did not trust him anymore. Malak began to be more vocal. She argued, she contested and demanded more than her father was willing to give. But the entire neighbourhood came to her rescue. She had support. Four years after the devastation of the loss of her beloved mother, Malak decided to steer herself away from her autocratic father who had clamped her down for almost thirty years. She had heard enough of promises; enough years of her youth had gone waste waiting for education, waiting for riches; enough opportunities to be economically independent had slipped through. Even her friendly neighbours had started threatening to give up helping her if she did not move away from her arrogant father who looked down on everyone except a few.
Then one fine day it dawned on her. She must escape this dominant environment. Malak looked outside. The sky had cleared after the horrendous out-pour. She could see a beautiful rainbow. It was dawn, on the eleventh of the eleventh month. Malak walked away from her childhood home. She pursued her dreams. Dreams of development. Of freedom. Of empowerment. Today, Malak is thriving. There is no dominance. There is no dark cloud hovering upon her keeping her head down. There was no weight of gloom crushing her shoulders.
Friends tell her that her father is still struggling to bring her back into his control. Even in his old age, he is seen everywhere trying to call upon anyone who had a bearing of Malak’s progress in life. Mahmood was in a self-made nightmare. His intent was solely waiting for an opportunity to grab Malak. But then she was empowered. She was crossing the bridge to a better future. She has an entourage of well-wishers to protect her. Malak looks up. The blue skies and the swaying coconut palms give reminds of her freedom; freedom she fought for; freedom she gained after a thirty year ordeal.
Malak finds freedom…and progress!
