The Sins of the Father ...An Asya Story

Part 1

Zoya was having a hard time battling with her emotions as she drove through the streets of Bopal. She was back in India after a whole year. Zoya rested her head against the taxi seat. So much had happened. She looked at her right palm and gently touched the "A" that was now burned into her hand. Who thought mendhi could be so deadly. She smiled to herself and rolled the window down letting the breeze in. Zoya looked out and then opened her iPad and began idly flipping through pictures of all that happened a year ago. She would have been still living in India if he had only listened to her. But what is the point of a relationship if there is no trust. I gave him the all evidence still he didn't trust me thought Zoya. She stopped at a picture of their photo shoot. When he told called her "khubsoorat". She closed her eyes at that memory and recalled his touch on her scar. She loved him then and still loved him now. But it was too late. Who knows what went on in his life? She didn't want to come back. But she had too. She was back in India for the same reason she came to India one year ago. Before everything happened, before she was forced to face the reality of life. She looked at the letter that was the sole reason for her return.

Dear Miss Farooqi

You may not remember me, but I am the man you brought your abbu's picture too. I am the man that told you your abbu was dead. Miss Farooqi, the reason I write to is to tell you the truth. I have been living with that guilt for over a year now. Miss Farooqi, your abbu is alive. I was paid a large amount of money to tell you that lie. I know you have no reason to believe me now. But Allah, has punished me. I am dying and I want to face my maker with a guilt free conscience. I don't know how this information is going to help you, but it was woman that knows you very well. And someone that I feel had a lot to lose. You were very close Miss Farooqi to the truth about abbu. I did recognise your abbu. He is alive and in Bopal. I will try and find out more information for you. And will let you know once I do.

Allah Hafiz Miss Farooqi.

That was a month ago and Zoya had not heard since from the man. Zoya had to find out answers. The taxi driver announced that they had arrived at the market. Zoya got out the taxi and asked the driver to wait. Zoya knew exactly where to go. This was very familiar to her. As Zoya approached the shop she saw a crowd. She made her way to the front, what Zoya saw in front of her , brought her to her knees, the tears began to freefall down her cheeks. Is this some sort of joke, thought Zoya. Ya Allah, what do you want from me can my life never be simple. In front of Zoya covered in a white sheet was the man that brought her to India. So close yet so far. She came all this way, pushed away all the memories she tried to forget, only for this man that had all the answers she needed. Allah Miya what do I do now. Zoya was still on her knees sobbing her heart out. As the men lifted the body and began to walk away, the crowd followed. Zoya was now alone again when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Zoya" came a shaky voice. Zoya wiped her tears got up and turned around. The girl in front of her crushed her in a hug and cried. Zoya just held the shaking girl. Finally pulling away from her and wiping her tears. "Tamatar" said Zoya smiling hugged her back. Najma and Zoya held each other and cried for everything that was, is and could have been. Zoya finally moved their reunion to the nearest bench. Najma asked "What are you doing here, when did you come back, why didn't you come home Zoya" Home thought Zoya. She thought the Khan mansion was her home. Zoya wiped Najma's tears and smiled "One question at a time Tamatar, I came here to meet that man, he had some information about my abbu. Don't ask, long story. I got back now only. And Najma, you know that was never my home. I was only a guest there. I could not come back" smiled Zoya sadly. Najma just cried some more. Zoya now began to get worried. "Hey hey, tamatar what's wrong." Zoya looked at the bag Najma was holding, it was filled with loads of medication, In the panic that Zoya was in she mistakenly dropped the bag. "Tamatar, who is all that medication for?" asked Zoya. Najma just started crying more. Zoya was now really worried. "Najma, you are scaring me. What's wrong? Is everyone okay?". Najma just said "Ammi" and Zoya felt the heart squeeze. "What's wrong with phupi Najma? Asked Zoya all in a panic. "Woh Zoya" hiccupped Najma, Zoya rubbed her back and prompted her to speak. "Zoya, ammi is really very sick. At first she used to get dizzy spells, headaches which eventually led to a stroke, now she is completed bed ridden" cried Najma. Ya Allah, thought Zoya how much more cruel can you be. My phuphi did nothing to any one, then why all this pain. Zoya wiped away her tears. She will not ask about Mr Khan, as much as her heart was dying to know she will not. Zoya then bent down to pick up all the medication that she dropped. Zoya picked up a bag of baby diapers. Zoya's mind was working over time. "Eerr Tamatar who is this for?" asked Zoya trying to sound calm. Najma looked at Zoya "Oh that's for Tanveer's baby, she asked me pick on some on my home" explained Najma. Zoya felt her heart shatter and the pieces we poking her chest. Mr Khan married Tanveer and they have a baby. Ya Allah, can you destroy me anymore. Zoya pushed back the pain she was feeling. No she was not going to cry over him anymore.