My Patriotism

"Allahu Akbar
Aouzu Billahee Min ash-Shaitaan ar-Rajeem.."

"Aisha, Aisha!"
I'm slightly irritated at my Fajr being interfered but the look in his eyes hush my annoyance.
"What is it, Rasheed?" With trembling lips, he says, "There was a terrorist attack in Duru." "Ya Allah! Abbu? How's he?" His eyes trace my face with pity before he says, "He was killed, Aisha. He fought bravely."

It feels like the Earth's slipped underneath my feet but I need to handle myself for Ammi. "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un", we mumble together.
I find Ammi in her room shaking with uncontrollable sobs, staring at something only she can see. " Khala?", Rasheed tries to reach her but I know what she needs to hear.

"He isn't gone, Ammi", I watch as her eyes focus on me, finally coming back to her senses. "A man lives as long as his legacy does. We all know how much he loved our country and we can imagine his smile as he laid down his life for it. He always wanted to show the patriotism of Kashmiri Muslims despite the risks unknown by others. I'll carry on that legacy, Ammi.
I know it's going to be very hard; having my patriotism questioned and being discriminated against based on my community but I'll fulfil his dream, Ammi. I won't let his sacrifice go to waste. We will see India truly as one -- where everyone can come together despite their backgrounds and stand united.
I'll figure something out. I'll just need your blessing and your trust, Ammi. And then we'll bid him farewell with the honour he deserves."

I watch as the look on her face changes from uncertainty to that of pride.
"Inshallah" -- is all that she says and it's all that I need to hear.