Imperious

Chapter 16

God has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to God: and God (always) hears the arguments between both sides among you: for God hears and sees (all things). (Quran 58:1)

It was the third day since Nafeesa's disappearance.

Parissa's heart was heaving with the thought of having lost another sister to her father's vindictive cousin.

The Jatois were certain that they were the cause of Nafeesa's disappearance. There was no doubt regarding it. Adham had combed the streets of Onahra, contacting many of his close associates. Neither of them knew of any planned kidnappings or prostitution rings running at that time on that day.

Molestors and abductors would not roam around the grammar school's streets since they knew that rarely any girl would be out during lesson time. The disciplinary system of the school was far too rigid. Any student that failed to show an interest in his/her educational life would be dismissed immediately. Truancy was a rare event that often resulted in exclusions; every child would avoid these in fear of their parents' reaction. Thousands of rupees were paid to receive the expertise education, no child could bear the shame of being crossed off the school register for good.

Mehrisa rested her head against Parissa's shoulder as they sat on her bed, contemplating the situation.

Zubeda had reacted almost hysterically to the news, enraged more at the men than Nafeesa herself. She accused Farasat of being negligent, Iqtidar and Arham of being useless, and the rest of the family for failing to provide them with a stable atmosphere after Sadia's death. Her sudden outburst of rebellion was opposed. Inaya was taken off Zubeda and handed to Marwah and Farasat found himself retreating.

Parissa had done her best to ensure that she and her sister behaved appropriately.

Sarwat Begum entered the bedroom of her granddaughters', for what was the second time since they had been born. She was not the kind of woman, who upon desiring to meet a person, would take the initiative to visit them herself. Most certainly not. She was an affluent woman who demanded continuous respect and servility without promoting her demands in a bought of violence. Her suave voice and deferential manner was enough to stimulate the limp bones of a lazy individual. Even though the extremities of her absolute temper had not existed to be presented as an example, it was known that the possibility of brutality was there and was not to be challenged.

Each of Sarwat Begum's daughter-in-laws were trained like robots, regularly charged by her watchful gaze and constantly motivated by the desire to achieve domestic perfection. Her granddaughters were adapted to similar methods of training. Timing, precision, it was all so crucial in this household. Everything else was minor before cleanliness.

Upon entering, she ran her hands over any surface that crossed the path of her journey. This was an act that she did before entering any room in the Manor. It was her way of inspection and the confidence that it drained out of the junior Jatoi women was so vast that it could not even be fathomed.

Parissa and Mehrisa rose instinctively. It was seen as rude to remain seated when an elder had entered the room. It was a demand of respect that was only taught a couple of times. If ignored, punishments were seen the suitable cure.

Both the girls held their breaths as their grandmother's beady eyes searched for dust. It was difficult to tell of her displeasure and pleasure. Sarwat Begum's face was like a rock; only changing in the midst of extreme weathers.