From Syria...With Nothing

CHAPTER 2

The call for prayer had been given from a nearby mosque. Isa quickly got up, called to his brothers and together they went for morning prayer- Fajr. The mosque was not very far. On reaching, they performed ablution and quickly joined the prayer. Isa only prayed for peace, for well-being of his family, for his people and for his father. Back home, his father would take him and his little brothers to the mosque where they would pass a long time reading and reciting the God's word. Once the prayer got over, it was time to head back home and quickly leave for work.

Today there was no bread for the family, they had to eat boiled potatoes. The little ones were bored of having tasteless food. Noah, the youngest of the brothers showed dismal.

"Why do we have to eat potatoes? I want bread. I want to go back home. When daddy arrives, I will tell him to buy me a nice cake."

Hearing those words brought tears to Maryam's eyes. She could not provide them proper life and now without her husband's support, she was struggling.

Isa saw the tears and quickly took his brother's hand in his, he said, "How about we pray to almighty to provide us bread? Did you pray earnestly Noah?

"Yes brother! I even prayed for Pa to return home soon. I miss those piggyback rides with him! "said Noah chirpily.

"Do you want a piggyback ride from me? asked Isa.

"Yes, yes! Replied Noah. "Me too!" said Musa quickly.

Then, together they played and ate potatoes. They used to have delicious meals back home, but now they were living on anything available. Sometimes they would have only water for dinner and sleep. They were a happy family, back in Aleppo not for long though. In the morning,the brothers had to leave for work and their mother had to search for any job. Recently she had been taking Safiya with her to the workplace. She had been lucky to be taken in as a maid at the same family's house for whom she worked a day before.

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It was noon, Isa had already started playing his flute. His melody attracted few passerbys, who glanced at the talented young lad. Few of them offered him coins and left. Some were generous enough and gave him fruits. Today, God had been kind to him. Meanwhile, his younger brothers Musa and Noah, were at the other street. Musa being the elder of the two, was given the job of calling out to customers and Noah was asked to hand out small packets of accessories to the customers, as instructed by the Vendor. They were quite efficient in their work. Back home, in Aleppo, they would help their father in the same way. He was a fruit and vegetable vendor. The family never had to go out for money. Their father was the only earning member of the family.

Isa realized it was getting dark. He looked around himself and saw less crowd. His mother would be waiting for him at home. Also today, he had earned quite good. Happily he started to head back home. On the way back, something caught his eye. Parents were picking their children from a school. They were merry. Isa thought about the times when his father used to pick him up from school. He was always a bright child and longed to be admitted into the school. Unlike other children of his age, he never made a fuss. Football was his favourite sport. He wanted to make his father proud one day by making it big. Alas! The dreams were shattered and they were fending for themselves here. However, he decided to pick his brothers on the way. When he reached the shop, he saw his little brothers were counting coins, as in who got the better sum. They were happily showing their earnings to each other. Isa felt happy but sad at the same time. It was their age to study at school, to make new friends, to enjoy. But here they were, working hard to feed themselves. He looked towards heaven, and prayed to God. Calling out for them, and together, they went home.

At home, they saw their mother fast asleep besides their sister. She looked weary. The brothers decided to prepare the supper on their own. However, they thought of eating only fruits as it would save them more for next day's meal. They ate the fruits Isa got, two bananas and an orange. Reciting their prayers, they thanked Almighty and went to sleep. The nightmare of escaping by sea would torture them every night. But each day, they were praying to God to help them overcome it. How long would they be able to withstand the pain, was unknown.

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