CHAPTER 25 - YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN NOW

There was no way Aliza was going to react to Humaira's comments and suggestions. She was busy feeding Iqra as she was hungry for the fourth time in the day. Her daughter had recently turned 2 years old and had become exceedingly mischievous and difficult to manage. Aliza had to constantly watch over her to save her from ruining washed clothes, throwing clean vessels into the floor and spilling water all over the floor. Aliza's parents wanted to name her 'Noor' as she reminded them of the moon, the light of her life. But Aliza was adamant to name her 'Iqra', which means ‘to read’. She wanted her daughter to read as much as she could in her life and become independent, unlike her. She wanted her daughter to turn out to be the one deciding her life on her terms instead of waiting for others to do it for her.

She wanted to read, too, after her separation, but life again limited her options. She was pregnant with Iqra when her urge to start college intensified, and most places did not admit her for the same reason. Her parents, too, were against her idea of going to college when she was carrying. They were not ready to take the risk. So, Aliza inquired about the distance education option and found that she would require access to a computer for proper education. She could ask Fahim or her parents but she did not want to add to their burden. And above all, she wouldn't be able to manage Humaira even if they agreed to it. So she buried her wishes under her pillow along with her silent prayers and tears and vowed to give her daughter all that she could. 

'What is wrong with you, Aliza? My brother has been waiting for your response for more than a year, and you don't even consider him a human. Who do you think you are? Who else will be ready to accept you and your daughter wholeheartedly like my brother? Women would worship him for doing this.' Humaira's daily dose of taunting and forcing Aliza into marriage began a little early today as she was already in the mood.

'Bhabhi, please. Not today. We shall discuss this sometime later.'

'Why, Aliza? Were all these days not enough for you to decide? You have had enough time already. The longer you stay here, the worse our own family name gets stained. I don't know about Mama and Mami. But people are already asking me questions about having the family's daughter at home. How am I supposed to answer them? I feel responsible for your life as much as your parents because I am your brother's wife, and I can't answer people every day like this.'

Every time Humaira did this, Aliza wanted to shout back. She wanted to yell, 'No, you are not my mother. And you aren't worried about my future. Instead, it's about yourself that you care. You do not want me here, and you try to dump me into any random person that you could think of. And that's enough now. I am not going to answer you or give in to your wishes. I will stay as I wish until I save enough to move out soon.' But she would only remain silent as she did not want the drama that comes with it. But today was different. She did it with full force. She made sure her words were registered across everyone's minds. 

'Why don't you move out now, then? If you want to live by your terms, it doesn't happen here, in this house. Why don't you find your own house?'

All that Aliza dreaded has happened. She knew it was inevitable. She knew that she would have to hear this one day, and she was precisely preparing for that. Only that, her technical job in a pharmacy did not pay as much as starting a life away from home. She earned a meagre amount and saved most part of it for Iqra's future. She used the rest to manage her expenses at her home. Her parents fought with Humaira after the incident, but it was in vain. Humaira threatened to leave if Aliza didn't comply with either of her advice. She was stubborn that Aliza either married her brother or moved out. Or she would leave their house forever. Aliza's parents were really at crossroads and were fumbling. Aliza made her decision and decided she would go right away. She did not want to get married again, and that too to the man proposed. She packed Iqra and her clothes and some toys and was prepared to leave. But she did not really know where to go. Who will take her in? Her relatives? No. Her friends? They were all almost strangers now. She stood confused and frustrated. 

As her final stand, she decided to move into the women's hostel with Iqra until she figured out life. Nobody, not even Fahim, could convince her to stay anymore. She was on her own to write her new chapter in life. At least, she was free now.

To be continued…

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