Short Story: Tears into Cheers by Usama

Usama shares a powerful story that takes us through the deep crevices of a society that has skewed views about gendered violence and its implications.

The summer afternoon of Lakki Marwat was filled with suspicion and uncertainty. Upon their meeting, there was a debate among people on a single subject: If it would happen or not. People were on either side: the young and energetic lads were eager for it to happen, but the holy and aged prayed for its delay.

As usual, the meal mat was spread in the yard of the house, an hour before the Aftaar time. Muskaan, fourteen years old, was cooking pikoras in a corner of the house by the fireside. She was drenched in her sweat, yet trying to get it done quickly and avoid being late. Like a ghost, Gul Ahmad entered the house and sat on the mat. Unlike other days, he didn’t shout at anyone in the house, because he was lost in his dreadful thoughts. Meanwhile, Muskaan decorated dasterkhwan with numerous dishes. The family, sitting on the mat, was gazing at Gul Ahmad, whose head was lowered with a heavy burden. According to the custom, neither his mother nor his younger sister could ask him what was wrong.