Chapter no. 4: Wali Daad (VI)

“Baba, I want to say something.” Both of them were sitting on stairs going towards the roof.

“Say, Baba’s life.” Yousuf Mairaj replied smiling.

“I sometimes bother you very much due to my disorder, but I can’t do anything. The moment my mind comes under my emotions then I have no control on my own self.” They were having evening tea sitting there.

“Not at all, Qandeel. Does ever the pain of our own body feel to be unpleasant? No, then how can I be bother due to your disorder. You are the hope of the life for me.” Qandeel looked behind the steam raising from tea mug, in his eyes the uncountable love for her.

“These usual and ordinary pains and worries walk along with life; should not give them unusual attention and move forward, life becomes easy. I am never bothered due to this disorder; you are dear to me how you beloved to me without this disorder could.” She smiled.

Yousuf Mairaj was taking sips of tea. There was silence for a while then she said again.

“Baba.”

“Hmmm”

“I am not able to forget Wali Daad. More than a week has been passed but thoughts about him are not leaving my mind. I think about him again and again and that makes me sad.” She was perfectly alright now but the shock of his death was making her grieved again and again; after the efforts of many days, at last she told this to Yousuf Mairaj.

“Who asked you to forget him or try to let him out of your mind? No Qandeel, you should not think like that. Wali Daad is an example of courage and bravery and you have to keep him alive in your heart forever so then you would be able to show the same courage at some hard time. He didn’t trade for his self; gave his life but didn’t sell his Yousuf; struggled for his right till his last breath. He deserves the respect, how do you feel the need to forget him then? Blood that is flowing in the veins of the life is hot just due to madness and insanity of these lunatics; the thought of these lunatics just keeps the blood hot, flowing in our veins.”

“You are saying the truth, Baba, but as soon as I think about him a strange sense of guilt grasps me. There is a strange pain that I could not do anything for Wali Daad, and this pain, this sense of guilt is making me agitated.” She had brought the real grief on her tongue.

“You should avoid these kinds of thoughts, Qandeel. You will waste your energies in this way; man should be happy on God’s will. There is always an expedience in His decisions, a long lasting betterment which remains hidden from eyes temporarily but as the time passes, comes in front. What if you couldn’t do anything for Wali Daad, you can still do many things for unlimited people like Wali Daad, with your pen and words; by using your professional skills in a best way, and you can change the world.”

I can’t do anything alone, Baba. I can’t change the world.” The disappointment that was accumulated inside for few days now was coming out through words.

Yousuf Mairaj kept the mug aside and took her face into his both hands.

“You don’t have idea that what you can do, Qandeel. You can change the world and in order to change the world, sometimes it’s enough to change a single person. To conquer the world, sometimes just to conquer the heart of a single person matters. Whether a man is so powerful, so talented and capable, he always needs the support of a woman at each and every battle in the world whether this woman would be his mother, sister, wife or daughter, in any case she is important for him. You don’t know that what a blessing God has given to you; you are unaware of your strength and your qualities, otherwise wouldn’t have said like this. You have an innocent smile, water like pure eyes and a kind and loving heart which are your biggest strength. You just have to utilize this strength in a right way, the world around you will be changed and you will feel this change yourself, Qandeel. I am saying the truth.” Yousuf Mairaj kissed her forehead. She smiled but couldn’t say anything.

For last one week, she was grasped with some strange feelings, and suddenly that feeling was nowhere. Disappointment, sense of guilt, sense of loses, the pain of incapability, all of the feelings were diluted into the air just because of those few sentences of Yousuf Mairaj. She was feeling herself so light now.

During the last one week, Kamran Ali and Maryam had visited her almost daily, Ghani had come twice, Sami had visited her once, all of them were aware of the reason of her illness, but her University friends didn’t know the original reason of her illness. Qandeel just told them that she is feeling some weakness and therefore wants to take some rest at home.

Ghani and Maryam told him about the recent events that had been occurred in the case of Wali Daad. She was not fully but partially satisfied. The sacrifice of Wali Daad didn’t go in vain. His death which had been occurred in these circumstances ruined the whole plans of Nadir Siddiqui. The story took a twist and turn. The answer that was submitted in the Supreme Court was unsuccessful to satisfy the court. At the other hand in the next two days after the death of Wali Daad, media and human rights organizations fired the issue so much that the pressure was on now Nadir Siddiqui’s family. Case was formally registered in the court and the court had ordered that till the final decision of owning the land, the land should be handed over to the family of Wali Daad. Unwillingly, Nadir Siddiqui had to return the land to the family of Wali Daad. It was expected that the final decision will also be announced soon. The piece of land for which Wali Daad had sacrificed his life, at last that land was given back to his son Ali Daad.

After knowing all the updates, she was grasped in a perplexity. She could not decide that whatever has happened and whatever is happening, she should consider it as good or bad, right or wrong. This sense of perplexity was vanished after so many days just because of the words said by Yousuf Mairaj and now was feeling herself pretty normal.

After dusk, she was in kitchen when the door was knocked. Yousuf Mairaj went to open the door.

She came in veranda outside the kitchen.

All four of them came one by one inside laughing and roaring.

Qandeel smiled without a reason.

“Thanks God to see your face.” Seema screamed as soon as she came inside.

“I had thought that now will have to see the inscription plate of your grave, if would have lived how could you leave our life and University so easily.” The shining voice of Ameen had made her to laugh.

Humaira and Rohail were behind both of them.

Asking about her health, all of them were seated on the chairs in the courtyard. Yousuf Mairaj went into the kitchen to make tea for them.

“You look so well then why do you act to be ill. You are becoming fond of blandishments, I think so.” Ameen was teasing her as usual.

“Qandeel, you have taken enough leaves; even Dr. Kamal and Dr. Saeed started noticing your absence in the class. You will have to submit an application to all teachers otherwise your attendance will be short.” They were kept talking one by one and she was sometimes hearing someone and the next moment answering someone.

Now they were having tea.

And then they got to go.

“Qandeel, are you alright now really?” Rohail again had asked for his satisfaction.

“Yes, perfectly.” She replied with satisfaction.

“Then it’s fine. I will now pick you daily in the morning and drop you on the way back from University but won’t let you to have any further leaves. I don’t want you to be careless about your studies in the last semester.” She laughed.

“Whether I study or not, will take more marks in exams than you.”

“I know and I want it to happen that’s why am worried for your studies.” Qandeel shook her head positively.

“And listen girl, next week is our get together. If you did anything wrong at the last moment then, remember, we will kidnap you to take there but won’t hear any excuses.” The tone of Ameen was really threatening.

They were gone and she suddenly started feeling herself fresh.

Friends are a blessing of God; like a cloud in scorching sunlight and like a shelter in heavy rain. How just few laughs of friends and few sentences full of criticism, drive a new life into tiring body and losing nerves; she just felt this reality today. In those times, if friends call with abuses even then those abuses seem to be more beautiful than the praising words.

She rejoined the University from the very next day. Rohail used to pick and drop her daily. He was a very good friend; one who cares who gives love and respect. The stubbornness was absolutely absent in his nature. Instead of being the only son of a very successful business man, he neither was obstinate nor was fretful. He had cared for Qandeel more than any other in her friends. If anyon else whenever used his laptop, he used to knit the brows but Qandeel had an upper hand in this case also. She didn’t need to get permission to use Rohail’s laptop like rest of them; in class, library, digital media lab wherever she needed, used to open his laptop without any hesitation; Roahil never frowned.

Next whole week had been passed like this; copying the lectures, completing the assignments, visiting the room of Dr. Saeed and searching hard the library. She was not going to office in order to fulfill the loss of studies that she had because of so many days leave even then the work was too much and was not coming to an end.

Get together was on Saturday. They had made their all classes to be ceased that day. The electronic media research lab of Dr. Kamal was hired for few hours by getting special permission. This lab was newly constructed therefore still was empty and without any furniture. They had arranged few chairs and tables for get together.

Rohail had told two days before that a friend of his will join them in get together; nobody had any issue. For next two days, Rohail had highly exaggerated in praise of this unknown friend. Rest of the people kept hearing with an interest but Qandeel was not giving much attention to this topic.

“Yaar, if I am good-for-nothing then it doesn’t mean my friends are idle like me…. See, you won’t believe that a very talented one could be my friend.” He said when looked the inattention of Qandeel.

“Ok, will see him when he will come, Rohail. Now let me do some work.” She said in a teased manner.

On Saturday, everyone was dressed very well especially the preparations of the girls were outstanding but Qandeel, she had such a load of work that she came without any special preparation. She had Rohail’s laptop with her all the time. She had to submit an assignment and was searching few topics on internet right now.

They were in library for a while then Ameen and Asif came to call that everyone should gather in Dr. Kamal’s lab for get together. They collected their stuff and got to go when Roahil received a call on his mobile.

“Go to lab along with Seema and Humaira. My friend is waiting on the gate; will be back in ten minutes with him.” He said to Qandeel and she shaking her head positively, moved towards the lab with Seema and Humaira.

The lab was big and wide; few chairs and tables were set at aside. There was uproar everywhere. She came inside after Seema and Humaira and stopped for a moment with a shock then with surprise she was feeling like laughing.

All girls of the class were playing a game of interlocking fingers in a bid to twist other’s hand. Qandeel stopped her laugh with a difficulty. They were playing in a pair form and the girl who was winning then playing with another one.

“What’s this nonsense, Ameen? This open hand bidding is not the game for girls to play.” She said to Ameen.

“What can I say? You girls have always a new fondness everyday.” He had Rohail’s handy cam in his hand and he was making movie of the whole scenario there; the environment was completely enjoyable for him.

“Don’t talk rubbish.” She came out of the crowd laughing.

Seema and Humaira were left in the crowd. Asif and Raheem were raising slogans; Ameen along with movie making having an additional responsibility of live commentary.

Qandeel searched the switch board; there was not any chair or table near that wall, but she didn’t care for that.

She put the laptop on the floor; attached its adaptor with the switch; put off her sandel and kept it aside. The floor was clean; she sat on the floor tilting her back with the wall. She spread her legs forward and kept the laptop on her legs, started her work again.

The uproars were still coming into her ears.

Then suddenly she looked the door of lab was opened.

“Roahil has come.” Ameen screamed.

Qandeel moved her eyes up. Somebody had also entered in the lab behind Roahil.

Qandeel again fixed her eyesight on the laptop.

The laughs of Rohail and Ameen were echoed; perhaps he also enjoyed the unique fondness of the girls.

A smile was spread on her lips.

The laughs were again echoed and this time a third laugh was included in them which was completely strange for her.

Unwillingly, she moved her head up and looked.

The smile was vanished from her face.

Chapter no. 4: Wali Daad (V)

If ever, Kamran Ali had a misunderstanding that he knows Qandeel very well, then it was a day for this misunderstanding to be proved as incorrect.

He knew that Qandeel is emotional and sensitive but she would lose her consciousness like this on Wali Daad’s death, he could never imagine.

A while ago, he had seen her being unconscious in Yousuf Mairaj’s arms; she fell onto the floor and Yousuf Mairaj holding her into his arms, sat onto the floor of the courtyard.

Kamran Ali, himself became unnerved on this situation but was surprised when he could not see the agitation and worries on Yousuf Mairaj’s face which should be seen.

“Kamran, call Dr. Lodhi. Tell him that Qandeel is not well so he should come immediately.” Qandeel was taken inside. Yousuf Mairaj instructed him while going inside.

He didn’t feel much worries reflecting from the tone of Yousuf Mairaj and this thing had made him more confused.

He knew that Yousuf Mairaj loves Qandeel so much therefore this reaction of his on this state of Qandeel, was surprising for Kamran Ali.

Dr. Lodhi was an old friend of Yousuf Mairaj and his doctor also. Kamran Ali knew him because during last few years he used to meet Dr. Lodhi for the treatment of Yousuf Mairaj.

He called Dr. Lodhi and told him about the condition of Qandeel. Dr. Lodhi said that he will reach till half an hour.

He came inside the room after it.

She was lying on the bed and the rest of the three were around her.

Yousuf Mairaj was sitting besides her, combing her hairs with one hand while holding her hand with his other hand.

She was unconscious but looked like sleeping.

Kamran Ali also sat.

Dr. Lodhi came before half an hour.

He checked the blood pressure of Qandeel first of all. His satisfaction also confused Kamran Ali; he even didn’t ask that what has happened to Qandeel, just asked that from how much time she is in this state, then he started checking her B.P being very satisfied. Then he gave an injection to Qandeel and collected his stuff.

Maryam and Ghani were inside.

Dr. Lodhi came outside along with Kamran Ali and Yousuf Mairaj.

“Everything is fine. Qandeel will wake up after a while, see everything yourself then.” Dr. Lodhi said coming outside.

“What has happened with Qandeel, Dr. Sahib?” Kamran Ali finally asked.

Dr. Lodhi gazed Kamran Ali with a surprising look.

“It’s better that you ask this question from your teacher. I am tired to explain him again and again that for his daughter’s better future and health, should take her to England once. There is only one doctor who is in England and who knows about this disorder and can provide some help, otherwise medical history has no knowledge about this disorder. None of the doctors of the world could understand this disorder. Dr. Scott is the only doctor who has worked on this disorder a little and just due to that limited knowledge I was able to diagnose the disorder otherwise perhaps I could never be able to understand that Qandeel is suffering with Complex Neurotic Disorder (CND).” It was a day of surprises for Kamran Ali; he could not say anything for a moment, then he looked towards Yousuf Mairaj.

“What’s this all, Sir? Why did you keep me uninformed about this reality?”

“What could happen by telling you? Nobody can do anything for Qandeel.” Yousuf Mairaj had tiredness in his tone.

“What’s wrong if we try once, Yousuf. You should try at least for one time just for the sake of your daughter.” Dr. Lodhi said.

“You won’t understand, Usman. You can’t understand and even I can’t explain it to you.” Kamran Ali felt his tone was very strange.

Dr. Usman Lodhi jerked his shoulders, taking a deep breath turned to go. Kamran Ali came with him to the car.

“Can you tell me some details about this disorder, doctor?” Kamran Ali asked.

“This disorder is found in one among millions therefore not much work has been done related to the disorder in medical science and so no specific cure has been discovered. Some people after looking its initial symptoms consider it as Panic Attack but it’s different. In this disorder, person as a reaction of a sudden accident mentally paralyses for a short period of time. A wave of emotions controls his nerves completely. Person starts thinking whatever is his emotional condition, as a result person’s mind becomes impaired and the person goes into a state of unconsciousness. Same happens with Qandeel, she is very sensitive and emotional; whenever feels something very deeply then her emotional conditional becomes unusual. Sometimes, she becomes quiet and sometimes cries like a child. Becoming unconscious and when wakes up after it then reacts totally opposite to the initial state. If initially she was quiet then now starts crying and if initially was crying then now will be quiet. Second time she does not go into state of unconsciousness instead one has to pat her to induce sleep, has to talk to her and then when she wakes up again, then is quite normal. The disorder always has some changes during different periods of age but in the case of Qandeel, during last few years, I haven’t seen any change at all.”

“Does Qandeel know everything about her state or she remains unaware?”

“Qandeel feels everything and she is aware of her state and this disorder but she is just like her father. She also doesn’t consider the disorder dangerous; even I don’t consider it dangerous because Neurotic attack lasts for a very short period of time and physically it didn’t harm Qandeel at all, if harmed spiritually then I can’t say anything about that. Anyway, I think that for Qandeel’s better future its necessary for her to go England once and get the proper check-up. She is engaged and this disorder could be problematic for her after marriage but I can just advice and nothing else.”

He sat in the car, smiling.

Kamran Ali returned back; met Maryam and Ghani on the door; they were also going.

“Yousuf Uncle is satisfied now. I will come tomorrow, sir to see Qandeel. Inform me whatever will be the situation.” Kamran Ali shook his head positively and then shook his hand with Ghani.

“I will also visit tomorrow; right now going to office to observe the whole situation. Wali Daad’s body has been sent to Nawab Shah, let’s see what happens?”

Kamran Ali shut the door behind him and then looked Yousuf Mairaj.

He was sitting in the veranda; tilting his back with the pillar was deeply thinking something.

Kamran Ali came and sat besides him. Yousuf Mairaj looked him.

“I just kept thinking that there is not a single side of Qandeel’s life with which I am not aware but I was wrong. You and Qandeel hid such a big reality for so many years. I could never imagine that Qandeel would suffer with a disorder like this and you, who share each and everything about Qandeel with me, would not tell me about the disorder.” He was complaining.

“I am embarrassed, Kamran but the truth is that Qandeel strictly prohibited me to tell you. She didn’t want to bother you.” His tone had tiredness.

“I am even bothered now, sir. Whatever Dr. Lodhi had told me about this disorder, is enough to bother me.”

“Don’t be worry, Kamran. Thanks to Allah that this disorder has not harmed Qandeel at all.”

“But it can, sir. Why are you taking this issue so easy? Dr. Lodhi was saying that Qandeel should once go to England and……” Yousuf Mairaj interrupted him.

“Usman always keeps explaining me, never tries to understand that the problem that is with Qandeel, would not be understood even by Dr. Scott. Going England would be worthless, Kamran.” His tone was mysterious.

“What’s that problem which even could not be understood by Dr. Scott?” He could not be satisfied without knowing the whole matter.

There was silence for few minutes, and then he heard Yousuf Mairaj saying.

“Qandeel has got this disorder as a heritage from Saima.” Kamran Ali jerked with a surprise. “Saima was suffering with this disorder since childhood. When I met her, she used to live her life with this disorder. She had left to visit doctors as neither they could diagnose the problem nor could provide any cure. She told me everything before marriage; my Love had not anything to do with it, so we accepted each other with qualities and weaknesses and she became a part of my life with this disorder.” Yousuf Mairaj stopped to take breath. Kamran Ali was silent.

“She used to say and wish that may this disorder would not transfer to her kids. Sometimes this condition of hers had bothered her and then she used to think like this. I got some problems initially then I was used to it, I was able to control her easily and this disorder never had been felt unpleasant by me. Then when she went to Lahore last time, suddenly things became changed. Saima’s mother was ill; she had gone to meet her. She lived there for some time, then after her mother’s death came back to Karachi. Shama insisted a lot that she should go to Islamabad along with her but don’t know why Saima had become so stubborn those days. She simply refused to go Islamabad and came back but was slightly changed; being very silent and less talkative; used to cry on very little things. I asked a lot but she used to change the topic every time. Five years had been passed and still we didn’t have the blessing of kids but were satisfied with God’s will. Don’t know why those days, Saima was having this sense of deprivation very much.”

He was flowing in a wave of memories. Kamran Ali looked reflection of Saima moving into his eyes in the form of water.

“Omer was not in Karachi those days. His posting was settled in Kargil. Saima used to write him letters. Both of them used to write letters to each other. Perhaps whatever Saima could not share with me, she shared it with Omer that’s why Omer applied for Karachi posting and after few months he was sent to Karachi.” Yousuf Mairaj looked him for a moment.

“You know na Omer, Kamran. Perhaps you also had met him once or twice.” He shook his head positively.

“Yes, sir. I remember I had met with Omer once. Omer Laashari, son of Aadil Laashari who was one of the favorite students of Saima. Saima had introduced him to me in words like this.” Yousuf Mairaj breathed deeply.

“Yes, he was a very strange guy. Saima had never taught him anything formally but he used to proudly call himself the student of Saima. Sometimes I had felt that he knows Saima more than me, and then perhaps I was jealous to him for some time. Though Saima had loved me too much but she had a very strange relationship with Omer. When he got his posting in Karachi, started visiting us almost every day due to which Saima was back in her usual behavior and attitude. This was satisfactory for me as he had become a good friend of mine during last five years. The guy had a strange attraction for others; it was not possible for anyone to be unconcerned to him more than some time; he had attracted everyone towards him; heart wanted to love him. Initially Saima and later on I had a great affection for him.” Kamran Ali was hearing with interest.

“Omer had said to Saima one day that ‘Miss, you will have a daughter who would be just like you, her each habit would be like you. Just keep her name Qandeel, I like this name very much. If you will call your daughter with this name, I will be very pleased.’ Saima and I kept laughing for a while on his words. Then he went to Battal Sector and was martyred there. Saima remembered him; used to talk to me about him for hours.” Small and tiny, two drops slipped on his cheek from the corner end of eye lashes.

“Then, Saima came to know that she is going to have a baby. I had never seen her so happy and satisfied in her life. Saima had belief that we will have a daughter who would be just like her, in habits, in nature. She had a complete trust that Omer’s words will be fulfilled and therefore, for the first time in life she asked for something to me. She took a vow to me that if this disorder transfers into her daughter then I will never consider it as bothering or worrying for me. I took the vow; could not refuse to fulfill her very first thing that she asked to me. And then our daughter was born and we kept her name Qandeel; fulfilled Omer’s wish.” Kamran Ali had breathed deeply; he came to know about many things for the first time today specially the relationship between Saima Yousuf and Omer Laashari which could be considered as strange for anyone to know.

“Does Qandeel know about Omer?” He asked.

Yousuf Mairaj shook his head negatively.

“Neither Qandeel knows anything about Omer nor does she have much knowledge about the family of Saima. Shama is the only one who as her Khaala(Mother’s sister) is the only relation for her in her mother’s family, doesn’t know much about the other relations. Saima had asked to do so.” Kamran Ali bent down his head; he was confused.

“I can’t forget that night, Kamran. It was mine and Saima’s last meeting; I didn’t know that otherwise I would have seen her enough, would have talked to her enough. I also had much to say to her but couldn’t. She kept saying and I kept hearing. And then she fell asleep; was tired to keep struggling with life in a very young age therefore took a deep, everlasting and peaceful sleep and before sleeping she just said one thing to me.” His voice was shivering; tears were shedding continuously.

“She said: Yousuf! Distance doesn’t matter in Love. Whether I am near to you or not, I will be with you forever; will shine in your smile, will giggle in your laugh, your eyes will have my reflection and in your life at each and every place, in happiness and sorrow, every moment you will find me with you.” He was wiping the tears shining on his cheek.

There was silence for few moments. Kamran Ali could not say anything.

Then Yousuf Mairaj started saying again.

“She had said the truth. She is with me even today, at each and every place, like my courage my belief. It was just her love due to which I never let Qandeel to feel that she has lost her mother; didn’t create any gap in her personality; made her like what her mother wanted to make her; given her guidance where necessary and left the decisions on her own whenever there was a need. And therefore Qandeel is now capable enough to see and analyze the life herself and to make her decisions on her own.” He was normal gain.

“I have few other questions as well in my mind which are confusing me, sir due to what I have heard from you.” Yousuf Mairaj looked him.

“I would not be able to answer your single question right now, Kamran. It’s better if you don’t ask any question; instead ask these questions to Hamza, I am sure Hamza will have answers for all of your questions. He knew about Omer and Saima’s relation better than me infact he knew Omer personally very well. I am so old now; don’t remember much old things very well.” He was tired.

Kamran Ali didn’t feel to say anything in reply.

He had stood and just then he had felt that there is a third person there who is standing behind him.

He turned his back. It was Qandeel who had just come outside her room.

“Qandeel.” Kamran Ali looked her surprisingly.

Yousuf Mairaj also stood, “Qandeel, when did you wake up?”

Qandeel gazed both of them for a moment. Her eyes were not empty as they were earlier; they had a shining of familiarity.

She moved and walking in between of them tried to go towards courtyard.

Kamran Ali held her wrist. She turned back and looked him.

“Leave my hand, sir. I have to go to meet Wali Daad.” Her voice was normal but the tone was different.

“Qandeel, my dear daughter, you can’t go anywhere right now. You need a proper rest.” Yousuf Mairaj grasped her shoulders with both hands.

Kamran Ali had left her wrist.

“No Baba, I will go to meet Wali Daad. I have to talk to him. He is on hunger-strike. If he wouldn’t eat anything then will die. If he will die then how would he get back his land?” She slithered and tried to get rid of Yousuf Mairaj’s hold but Yousuf Mairaj was not handling a situation like this for the first time; he knew what he has to do.

Qandeel raised her right hand towards the door and started requesting like an innocent and younger kid.

“Baba please let me go. Let me go. Wali Daad is dying. I have to save him.” Tears were shedding from her eyes; she was appealing and crying.

“No Qandeel, it’s worthless. Wali Daad has been died. What would you do there? They have taken his body to Nawab Shah for burial. Tonight is his funeral. Wali Daad has been died, Qandeel. Wali Daad has been died.” Yousuf Mairaj embraced her with his chest.

Kamran Ali had never seen Qandeel appealing and crying like this. He was observing each and every symptom in front of him, what Dr. Lodhi had told him.

“Baba, please save Wali Daad. He is on hunger-strike. He is dying, please save him.” She had kept her head on Yousuf Mairaj’s shoulder and was continuously repeating the same sentences.

Yousuf Mairaj took her into his arms and started tapping her head with soft hands.

“Everything will be alright, Qandeel. Everything will be alright. Allah will make things better. He always does better for man. Don’t cry, you are a good daughter. You are not stubborn; always accepted Baba’s decision. Let’s go inside.” She was not requesting now, just crying.

Yousuf Mairaj brought her inside, embracing her with his chest. Kamran Ali was at the back.

She was not crying now, just was sobbing.

Yousuf Mairaj helped her to get onto bed and still was tapping her head sitting besides her.

“Everything will be alright, daughter. Don’t worry.” Her sobbing was getting less; eyes were closed and in a while she started taking deep breaths. After few minutes, she fell asleep again.

Kamran Ali came outside along with Yousuf Mairaj.

“Today, I was not with Qandeel therefore she has got a serious attack, otherwise in these situations as soon as I feel her condition I use to embrace her with my chest and to assure her, to talk to her unless she starts crying and acting like normal persons. In other case she always has this condition.” Kamran Ali had taken a deep breath.

“Does Sami know about this disorder, Qandeel is suffering with or he is unaware?”

“He knows everything. I and Qandeel didn’t want to keep him unaware so we told him. Even then he wants to continue this relationship and therefore he strictly forbidened me and Qandeel not to tell this all to Saleha Aapa although we wanted to tell her too. He said that if she knew all this before marriage then she would never be agree to continue the engagement; will see then and there.” Kamran Ali shook his head positively.

“Sir, I am going home; will be back after explaining the whole situation to Aaliya. And I will be here with you until Qandeel is perfectly alright.” Saying in a rush, he moved towards the courtyard.

“Kamran.” He turned back on hearing Yousuf Mairaj’s call and looked him, “You are my student. I know you very well. Whether you ask me or not these questions will remain in your mind. It is true that I have told you few things today what I have never told anyone else before but it is also a reality that to answer your questions is not possible for me. It’s better that you wait.” Kamran Ali smiled.

“With the passage of time, you will get answers for all of your questions. Time disentangles each and every tangle, solves each and every mystery, and answers each and every question.” Yousuf Mairaj had something mysterious in his tone, he could not name it.

Chapter no. 4: Wali Daad (IV)

The next morning, several newspapers had the news about Wali Daad in their headlines and the whole story of this cruelty was published. The column of Qandeel was included in the editorial of Asghar Sahib’s newspaper, some other journalists had also written articles in different newspapers. In the late hours of the morning the news was spread to some other cities as well. The human rights organizations immediately came to press club, they could also gain media attention in this way and didn’t want to miss the chance. Some of the political parties also ordered their members to participate actively in this case, they also wanted to get benefit of it and to prove themselves better than other parties. Whatever it was, but the name of Wali Daad was being called in the city at many places.

After observing the reaction of the news in public, before afternoon few T.V. channels also started telecasting news about Wali Daad and then just in an hour the story of Wali Daad had caught the fire.

Qandeel was extremely happy. A change like this so rapidly, she could not believe. Unfortunately, she could not go to office today. It was the last date for submitting the assignment of Dr. Hassan; Rohail came at her home very early in the morning, perhaps he had an idea that she is showing extra carelessness towards her studies; so, he reminded Qandeel that she has to submit her assignment today in any case. She also was feeling like that, therefore went to University along with Rohail.

For many hours, sitting in the library, she kept making her assignment; Seema and Humaira helped her a lot; perhaps without their help she could never be able to complete her assignment on time.

She was in the library when got a call from Maryam on her mobile and she told each and every detail to Qandeel. She wanted to fly towards press club and to see the crowd of people around Wali Daad, who were spreading his voice throughout the country or those who were protesting to pressurize the government to help Wali Daad or those who were trying to take the case into the court in a legal way; she wanted to look everything; wanted to take in the happiness completely which she had got as a result of that small effort she had made for Wali Daad.

But there was too much work and they have to submit their assignments till two O’clock in the afternoon; controlling her, she kept moving her hand and mind but in real her heart was still there at press club.

All of them submitted their assignments together at two O’clock and now some enjoyment was must. Several hours’ hard work had fatigued everyone and therefore they wanted to have some fun in any condition. She kept saying nah nah but who cares about the voice of a parrot in a place where drums are beaten? So, they took her with them forcefully. They had lunch in a restaurant near University, a light fun and also updated Qandeel about the arrangements of the get-together.

At half past four in the evening, when she reached home, was tired very badly. Each and every joint of her was aching due to continuously working for several hours in library; fell asleep and just opened her eyes when the door was knocked. She got up and looked; it was nearly sunset; don’t know for how much time she had kept sleeping.

Rubbing her eyes, she opened the door; Yousuf Mairaj was smiling, standing at the door.

“So, my dear daughter was resting.” He had looked her red eyes.

“Don’t know why but I was feeling very tired, Baba.” Yousuf Mairaj came inside and kissed her forehead; perhaps she seemed to be like a little innocent girl as usual.

She washed her face and when brought the tea in the room, Yousuf Mairaj was watching news; she also started to watch the news silently. The news about Wali Daad was also included; almost everything that was telecasted was what Maryam had already told her but she kept listening and watching with interest. Still neither any reaction was shown from government side nor was any assurance provided for helping Wali Daad.

“Qandeel, come here, sit besides me.” Yousuf Mairaj turned off the T.V.

She sat besides him on sofa.

“Whole world knows that my daughter has done something very special; if somebody is unknown then it’s only me…..who even doesn’t know that with saying little verses, my daughter has started to write a beautiful prose.” Qandeel just smiled.

Yousuf Mairaj picked the newspaper from the table and gave it to Qandeel.

“If Kamran and Hamza wouldn’t have told me, I could never know because most of the times don’t get time to read newspaper thoroughly.”

“I am sorry, Baba. I wanted to tell you but could not.” She was embarrassed.

“But how did Sir Kamran and Sir Hamza know? Most probably this is done by Maryam; doesn’t understand whether explain her a million times. Just have written a column not did a heroic thing but she has the habit to make announcements in the whole world.”

Yousuf Mairaj smiled.

“My dear daughter, this depends on the style of thinking and analyzing. Your ability which has very little importance to you, it is not necessary that it will have less importance to others as well, Qandeel. Sometimes you use your ordinary ability in a way that it affects people around you unusually.” Her face had a strange expression; was not in the mood to hear praises.

“Leave it, Baba. Just pray that may Wali Daad can get Justice immediately and the whole problem can be solved. I am worried for Wali Daad, five days have been passed and he is still on hunger-strike and don’t know how many days it will take.”

The next day there was no class, perhaps if would have even then she would never go to University; she wanted to go to office in any case and to observe whole situation herself.

She and Maryam left for office together. They were in rickshaw and perhaps would have moved directly towards office if the long queue of jumbo size cars opposite to the press club and the crowd of the people wouldn’t have got their attention.

Maryam asked rickshaw driver to stop the rickshaw and both of them got down. After few minutes they had reached near press club. Making the space between the crowds they moved ahead and reached a place from where the view was now clear. Some colleagues of Maryam were also there; they went and stood besides them, asking about the matter. They told Qandeel and Maryam that Nadir Siddiqui and Habib Siddiqui have come along with some of their political friends and well wishers, perhaps want to find out a way towards the peaceful treaty.

Qandeel could not recognize them with their faces, therefore Maryam started to tell her the names with different signs.

“Two of them who are in shalwar suit and standing near black Corolla, they are Nadir and Habib. The one who is little bit tall than the other is Nadir, and the other one is Habib.” Now she started to call the names of others around them and Qandeel started to recognize them as she knew their names already, only was recognizing now.

The caravan consisting of different people was now crossing the road. Slowly and gradually they were moving towards the plot where Wali Daad was sitting right now.

“Are you looking the man who is talking to Nadir, he is the elder son of Sikander Shaikh; I don’t remember his name right now and he……..” Qandeel interrupted her.

“Who is he, Maryam? In blue jeans and white shirt, who is moving behind all with a strange slow walking style?” Don’t know why the eyes of Qandeel were stopped on that guy, he was looking very young in all of them and perhaps that was the only reason due to which Qandeel gazed him.

“Oho. So, this gentleman is also here.” Maryam perhaps had looked him now, “I was thinking that why none of the members of Laashari family is present here? I could not see him earlier; he is Ilaaf Laashari, the only grandson of Aadil Laashari and the only son of Qaiser Laashari; came back just few months ago after completing his education in England; I have heard that he is very intelligent and multi-talented; paints and sings very well; is an architect professionally, however he has also done M.B.A; age is probably twenty four. Some people think that Aadil Laashari wants him participate in the next election from his own seat, perhaps this is the first step in that case.” Maryam had kept speaking. She was silent; what interest she could have in these all details, she just felt sad. Even if he was really multi-talented even then he could only use this talent for a single thing, for dirty and benefit loving politics; what else could be expected from the offspring of politicians.

Qandeel looked; he was walking with both hands on pockets of jeans unconcerned and very carelessly. Perhaps Maryam also noticed this.

“Did you see his pride and disinterest? Walking like he is just walking in a park.” Maryam passed the remarks. She was still silent.

He was a tall, handsome and smart guy with sportsman like physique; had seriousness and carelessness on his face.

They were now talking to Wali Daad; perhaps were giving him threats or trying to convince him but Wali Daad was refusing.

Qandeel looked; Ilaaf is standing aside silently. Neither for a single time she had seen him, saying something nor observed any expression appearing on his face which could be helpful to have an idea.

Qandeel and Maryam were standing at a place from where they could not hear a single voice; just were having ideas with the body language of the people there.

And then what happened that was expected; nobody could win against Wali Daad. All of them had tried one by one and perhaps now they were tired.

Qandeel looked Nadir standing and saying something to Ilaaf Laashari. In reply for the first time, his lips moved. Don’t know what he said at which Wali Daad moved his head up and gazed Ilaaf. Perhaps it was a threat at which Wali Daad looked him for few moments smiling and then bent down his head again.

“Rest of the people even tried to convince Wali Daad but have you seen Ilaaf? He didn’t feel the need just threatened him and went away. What need he would have to convince a farmer, like his father and grandfather he would also be proud on his power.” Maryam had criticism and hatred in her tone. Qandeel turned her neck and looked Maryam then looked Ilaaf Laashari.

She didn’t feel hatred for Ilaaf Laashari, just felt sad. Offspring of a politician whether would have grown up outside the country in a different environment, always have selfishness, pride, egoism, stubbornness and politics of personal benefits in their blood and they even never tried to make their blood pure from these impurities themselves. Qandeel could only feel pity for a man like this.

They had moved back in their cars in the form of a caravan.

Qandeel and Maryam had also gone to their offices.

For a while, she thought about Ilaaf Laashari, and then as she was busy in the work along with watching the progress of Wali Daad’s case, she forgot him completely.

In her office, now each and every single update was being reported so that they could be able to provide a detailed progress of that case in the newspaper next morning.

Everybody now knew about the meeting of Nadir Siddiqui with Wali Daad; the news was immediately added as breaking news in the next bulletin of Maryam’s channel.

She was busy till the afternoon; had started to type the final report of her project; wanted to submit the project report this month in any condition.

On their way back, they came again towards press club. She wanted to talk with Wali Daad; for last two days she could not talk to him in detail therefore didn’t want to miss the chance but was disappointed on reaching press club.

The members of a popular human rights organization had been gathered around Wali Daad; having play cards and banners in their hands, they were raising the slogans for Wali Daad and protesting as well. Crowd was massive due to the presence of media related people.

Both of them waited for a while but when saw that those people are not leaving Wali Daad, they had to return back being unsuccessful.

Qandeel had to go to University next day and she was afraid that if she would have to stay in University then perhaps she would not be able to meet Wali Daad. Thus, also for a girl like her was difficult to access Wali Daad now; she was amazed, just three days ago the man to whom very few people have come to meet, now talking to that man for just two minutes peacefully was difficult for Qandeel. It was an art of media; she was well aware with the power of media; just had prayed that the profession with which she was linked, May that profession could always play a better role for the country and the Nation.

Next day around eleven in the morning, after the class of Dr. Saeed she was walking in the corridor along with Humaira and Rohail, when got the call from Maryam. She stood aside and started talking to Maryam.

The tone of Maryam was full of excitation. She surprised.

“Tell me, Maryam. What has happened that you even can’t talk very well?”

“Don’t ask. The courage, determination of Wali Daad and our efforts have brought a result. Chief justice has taken the notice of this news himself and ordered Nadir Siddiqui to be present in the court and go through the answer.”

“What are you saying, Maryam? I can’t believe it.”

“I didn’t believe it. Just few minutes ago the Supreme Court has given a statement; I just watched the breaking news on T.V. I was out of the office for an interview, just came home and now am leaving for the office, so that I can see the whole situation myself.”

“Maryam, I will go along with you.”

“I will be late, Qandeel.”

“No, I am just coming at your home in half an hour, will go directly to the press club then.”

“Qandeel….”

“I just have said……..wait for me.” She said in a decisive tone and switched off the phone. A strange satisfaction it was, that was penetrated into her soul like a belief.

She told Rohail and Humaira that she is going home but came directly at Maryam’s place. Maryam was waiting for her on the gate. They came directly towards press club in rickshaw. There was a massive swarm of the cars and people on press club road.

She knew that all would have been gathered on this victory of Wali Daad and would have been telling him this news. Perhaps till the time, people would have made Wali Daad to end his hunger-strike; at last the purpose of the hunger-strike was fulfilled.

Due to the traffic jam, they got off at some distance to press club and now was walking towards there. It was twelve exactly. The burning midday of second October was scorching her face but right now she just wanted to see Wali Daad for a moment, didn’t want to think about something else.

The crowd was more than expectations. They came ahead making space in the crowd.

Suddenly, Maryam looked at the cars standing at the road opposite to the press club.

“What is this ambulance doing here?” Maryam had worries in her tone.

“Don’t know, let’s move to the front.” She was now asking people to take aside and give them space to move, in this effort she was getting the pulls from all sides but didn’t care about it.

They reached at the front in few minutes, but she could not see Wali Daad anywhere.

There were some colleagues of Maryam along with cameras. Maryam in this rush, moved towards them and she….. She had seen Ghani at some distance; she came towards Ghani.

“What happened, Ghani? Maryam has told me that Chief Justice has taken notice about the cruelty happened with Wali Daad. It should be celebrated here now; you should ask Wali Daad to end his hunger-strike now. He is so weak; hunger-strike is dangerous for him.” She said everything in a single breath.

Ghani looked her with a plain face but didn’t answer.

Qandeel felt sweating on her forehead and temples of head; she was feeling suffocation and agitation in this huge crowd.

“Ghani, I am asking something to you.” She felt a raise in her tone.

“What has happened? Why don’t you tell me?” Thorns were prickling in her throat.

Before Ghani could answer her, the reporter standing few meters away, holding mike in his hand, looking towards camera, started to telecast the news.

“Viewers, as you know that right now we are present outside the press club where a farmer named Wali Daad, was sitting on a hunger-strike for a week.” Qandeel turned her neck and looked the reporter.

“He had only one demand that either government helps him or Supreme Court makes his case to be registered and the land snatched with fraud should be given him back.” She moved two steps ahead at the right side.

“We should tell you that today at eleven in the morning Chief Justice of Pakistan has noticed the case himself and ordered Nadir Siddiqui to enter his answer into the Court. But who can stop the happenings like this. Wali Daad who was sitting on hunger-strike for last seven days, is not among us now to see his victory. Exactly forty five minutes ago when people related to media came here to tell the news to Wali Daad, they came to know that Wali Daad had gone into the state of unconsciousness due to the intensive fasting. When doctors were called and they tried to recover him then people came to know that Wali Daad is not in a state of unconsciousness, in fact he has passed away. Wali Daad has been died.” Her ears had become senseless.

She kept looking the reporter with empty eyes. He was still speaking but she was not able to understand anything else. Just a single sentence remained in her mind, “He has died.”

She felt her senses freezing. She moved her eyes up and looked the sky; the Sun was exactly above the head; the sunlight had burning and light also; the time of setting had been started, don’t know either it was the decline of Wali Daad or the decline of all those who had considered loss of Wali Daad as their victory.

“Wali Daad has been died.” The echo of this sentence was still in her mind.

The sweat, flowing from her temples of head to her neck was cold like ice even in this scorching sunlight and was trying to freeze her blood flowing in her jugular vein.

She looked Ghani coming towards her. Maryam was also coming towards her.

“Qandeel, are you alright?” She heard Ghani saying.

She wanted to answer Ghani but could not move her lips.

“Qandeel, what happened to you?” She gazed Maryam with empty eyes.

She felt like her tongue has been stuck to the floor of mouth.

“I think she is not well. Staying here in this situation is not better for her; take her to the home, Maryam.” Ghani was saying to the Maryam.

She wanted to move ahead; wanted to tell Maryam and Ghani that without looking Wali Daad for a moment, she won’t go back but she couldn’t do anything; even couldn’t move from her place.

“In this condition and in this crowd, how will I take her to home alone?” She heard Maryam saying.

“My car has been parked at some distance. Somehow, bring Qandeel to the Suleman tower, I bring the car there. We will drop her at home.” Ghani saying to Maryam vanished in the crowd and she couldn’t stop him even.

She felt like she is not able to say anything; she has become dumb. She wanted to shout; wanted to say to Maryam, “Wali Daad has been died.”

Maryam came near and took hold of her arm; she turned her neck with difficulty and looked Maryam.

“Qandeel, you are not feeling well. Let us drop you at your home.”

“No Maryam, don’t take me now. Let me see Wali Daad for the last time.” Words were not coming out of the tongue, so she requested with her eyes, but perhaps the request of eyes was not important for Maryam at the moment.

Maryam dragged her; she felt movement in her motionless body but that movement was due to Maryam. Maryam was taking her away. She didn’t want to go.

As a last effort, she turned and looked the press club. Her left arm was in hold of Maryam; using her whole power, she raised her right arm towards press club; she wanted to stay. It was strange that she had raised her hand in a direction and she was going towards another direction.

She wished to free her arm from Maryam’s hold and to run towards press club; but she was incapable to do that.

She looked people were now looking her; they had strange impressions in their eyes. People were giving space and Maryam was taking her, dissecting the crowd. Press club was going away from her sight. She turned her neck and looked Maryam with a sense of powerlessness and then looked Ghani coming from a side.

Her other arm was now held by Ghani; he was opening the back door of the car. She wanted to cry, wanted to appeal; wanted to beg Ghani and Maryam for the last time that let her to see Wali Daad only once, but her body was not in her control.

Maryam and Ghani made her to sit in the car. Maryam was sitting besides her still holding her arm. Ghani started the engine.

She felt an ice penetrating into her nose and her eyes; the icy coldness of the air was slapping on her face.

She wanted to inhale but it was not possible to inhale properly with the ice moving in nose and throat. She had never felt herself so powerless in her life.

“Maryam, please call Qandeel’s father and inform him that we are bringing Qandeel with us; he should reach home as soon as possible.” The voice of Ghani came from a long distance.

Maryam was making a call on mobile, and then she started to talk to somebody.

“I have told Yousuf uncle. He is at home, sir Kamran is with him. Both of them will control Qandeel; only they can do this.” Maryam was sitting besides her but her voice also was not very clear.

She wanted to think but the mind was completely blank, just a sentence was echoing.

“Wali Daad has been died.”

The vibration around her was ended.

Ghani opened the door and held her hand; Maryam and Ghani had made her to walk in the same previous manner.

This was her street; her home was in that street, but she didn’t want to go home, she just…. She was now taking steps with so much difficulty; tiredness was penetrating inside her body slowly and gradually.

Maryam was knocking the door.

Door had been opened; she looked sir Kamran.

Maryam and Ghani made her to enter from the door.

With their support, she moved few steps ahead and reached at courtyard.

There, both of them were standing; the two faces which were reasons of peace for her.

She looked Baba coming close to her.

She was now free from Maryam and Ghani’s hold.

She could now see Baba’s face; he was taking her face into his hands.

She kept looking him.

His hands were hot. She felt a hot wave penetrating into that ice like coldness.

“Qandeel, my child.” She heard that voice full of Love somewhat near.

“Nothing has happened; everything is alright; don’t worry. Wali Daad has not died; he is alive.” His voice was shivering and eyes were wet.

Qandeel felt the ice overwhelmed her, was melting.

“He is alive, in your heart, in our heart; like a hope, like a belief; and he will live there forever.”

A mist was covering her eyes.

Hot water was flowing on the cheeks; the ice was melted.

“Body’s death is not death in real. Belief’s death is death in real and belief of Wali Daad has not died, then how can he die. He is alive, Qandeel.”

That hot sense of touch was providing her heat.

Somebody had suddenly squeezed all energies from her body; she felt it impossible to stand.

She moved and kept her hands on Baba’s chest; the kind one had taken her into his arms.

Somebody was striking her head with hammer and with each strike her mind was drowning into darkness.

She used her whole power and looked Baba.

His eyes had water of Love; the shivering body had provided her the courage for a moment. She felt like she can speak perhaps can speak the sentence at least, which was echoing in her mind and she could not say it.

“Baba.” She felt her tone trembling.

Darkness was over whelming her eyes; she opened her eyes with full power and looked Baba.

“Wali Daad has been died.” The sentence came out in Irregular breaths, incomplete words and had taken away her rest of the courage with it.

Darkness was spread and in this darkness she felt her fragile body sinking into a ditch.