By Riaz Ahmed
It was an early cold winter morning when the door knocked.
“Open the door, Ashley,” sound whispered. “Your brother is getting late for school; get up and quickly make breakfast for him.” said her mother.
A small girl woke up by rubbing her tiny eyes and respected what her mother said. When Ashley was in the kitchen, a beggar knocked on the door and begged as well as prayed, “Dear give me something to eat; I’m very poor. May God succeed you in life.” “I am not a student, and I’m not studying.” Said the child. “Are you a slave?” asked the stranger. Ashley remained speechless and moved back to the kitchen. That point didn’t let her calm, and unconsciously she cut her finger while she was chopping vegetables, and didn’t even notice it.
Her mind raised thousands of questions, and within a few days, she lost around a couple of weight due to overthinking and not taking care of her health. “Ashley, my dear, I have been noticing you for several days, but I guess you are not fine. Is everything all right, my doll?” Asked her mother, “Yes, Mom, I’m fine.” replied innocent Ashley. A small brain could not bear the burden of thought. Eventually, she spoke to her mother regarding her study, but they refused by saying that they could not afford them.
As time passed, Ashley’s paternal uncle and aunt visited her and stayed for a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, it was the time when Ashley became a victim of engagement at the age of innocence. Initially, her parents rejected the proposal because Ashley’s cousin was not mentally fit due to excessive use of alcohol, but as it is said that money buys everything except the soul when it is deceased. Her parents’ mouths began salivating when they heard about the sum of money, but Ashley wasn’t happy and could not accept it anymore and mumbled, “Mama, you better know; he is drug addicted as well as irresponsible. Why are you playing with my life? Is my life, not my life? “But my love, they are wealthy, and you will be enjoying a luxurious life,” said greedy parents. “But I need a responsible life partner rather than a luxurious life.” cried the innocent daughter. “Just shut up,” screamed to her,” and go to your room, you insolent lady.” powerless Ashley went to a room and laid down on the bed, and her tears were flowing ceaselessly as a river.
Ashley tried so many times to persuade them, but they were not willing to give attention to Ashley anymore.
The next morning, Ashley once again ran to talk with them regarding her engagement. However, this time they compelled Ashley to accept the proposal as Ashley’s uncle offered her to study till graduation at their expense. Ashley took a moment for what she was offered, and eventually, because she could not find any other way as she was interested in studying, she accepted. Ashley proceeded to a new path for a brighter future that was not even in her own hands. She was as intelligent enough that even though she got admission very late, but still took the highest grade among the fellows. She was always acclaimed by her teachers due to her excellent academic records and extracurricular activities. Apart from that, after graduating from school and college, she got a scholarship to study abroad, where she received higher education later. But besides all her achievements and happiness, she even became more disappointed to think about the discussion which had been taken by her parents.
With the passage of time, Ashley got to know that her fiancé was drunk too much and met with an accident while driving a car speedily. Hence doctor said he could not walk anymore due to a disastrous tragedy; his legs were injured badly. Ashley’s life became upside down after hearing about the accident, and she started worrying about her future which put her more under the shadow of stress that she would be the wife of a disabled person who could not even stand on his feet. She was in deep thinking and reached out to her parents and began to beg for her life. Ashley tried so many times to persuade them, but they were not willing to give attention to Ashley anymore.
After eight months of the accident, Ashley’s uncle and aunt once again visited her and said, “We regret what happened, but it occurred due to God’s wish, so we cannot make God’s act back once it is written in one’s fate.” Ashley believed that they would feel sympathy as they were feeling grief over the incident, but maybe there was an error in fate of Ashley. Instead of freeing Ashley from a cage, they asked for the wedding. “Since that mournful moment, my son’s life has become hell,” said his unkind uncle, “We thought that now the time arrived to marry him; after all, he is disabled and needs someone to take care of him.” Listening to that shocking discussion over her marriage, Ashley left the town at midnight without informing anyone and never came back.
About the Author:
Riaz Ahmed
AlumniRiaz Ahmed is a SIT alumnus. He is currently enrolled at the University of Balochistan Quetta, majoring in BS English literature department. He tweets @RiazAhmed87_