Sa'eed - The Warrior

Void

I sat in one corner, my hands and feet numb as Dayima bathed and shrouded Maa. Seher Khala was helping her. A few other ladies from around the neighborhood had gathered. People were trying to comfort me, someone gave me a glass of water but nothing registered. I was no less than a statue, having the lost the capability to think and feel. I wasn't in pain, there were no tears, there was nothing at all!

Everything was happening so fast, it was a blur. It was already afternoon and Saira tried to feed me a few morsels. When the food did not pass my throat she gave up.

"You haven't eaten anything since yesterday Saeed"

I did not reply. I hadn't used my vocal cords since last night. I did not even know if they existed anymore. Dayima walked to the corner which I had glued myself to.

"Mayera, say your last goodbye. They are taking her away"

Her meant my mother. The woman who had brought me into this world. The woman who was my world. And now she was going away... forever! It was then that the magnitude of grief hit me. Her comforting presence will no longer be felt around the house. She was no longer there to love me, guide me, scold me and put me right. She was my only family. My sole support. No matter how many people claimed love for me, they would never be able to match hers. Every corner of the house will remind me of her. Every article will tell her story. My life was filled with her presence. How will I survive now?

I looked at her peaceful face, hoping she had gone to a better place and finally free from all the pain. A void settled in. I was married and had lost my mother in the same night. Happiness and grief went together in life. Where you find one, the other would undoubtedly follow.

"Saeed!" I was wrapped in a bear hug before I could register who had called. Finally when she let me go I saw Meher. "I am really sorry about your mother. I can't imagine your pain. You took away all my pains and I pray Allah takes away all of yours". She cried bitterly. I hadn't shed a single tear myself. They just wouldn't come. My body had stopped responding to everything. I was in shock. I just sighed as she rubbed my arm. There was another woman beside her I didn't recognize. Catching my gaze Meher introduced her.

"This is my mother, Nilofer. Now that Mir Jafar is gone my family has been released from their jail. They can move around freely with no tabs on them. All thanks to you".

Nilofer Khala spoke words of comfort but like many before her they had no effect. Seher Khala entered and stood stock-still at the sight of Meher and Nilofer.

"Nilofer....", she advanced slowly unable to believe she was meeting her long lost sister-in-law.

Nilofer khala stood up and opened her arms. "Seher. At last". They hugged each other and cried their hearts out. Seher Khala took Meher in her embrace as well. "You have grown so much. You were just a little girl when you shifted to the Shahi housing".

At least one family had united over the excuse of Maa's passing away.

"It's time our husbands met as well", said Nilofer Khala.

"Yes I cannot bear to see Hamid cry anymore. Bring Javed Bhai straight over to our house after Isha Salah".

As the night fell people cleared out. I was left alone with Saira and Dayima. They both would do anything for me but they couldn't replace my loss. Only one person could truly help me feel better but he was off doing his duty as a king. Not that I was complaining, I knew the price for being the wife of Shehenshah.

"Saeed, eat something". Saira placed a plate before me. I tried eating just to please her. She looked at me waiting for me to speak. But I was in no mood of doing so.