Epilogue or Ending Rewrite
- What do you think happens after the book ends? Write an epilogue from Najmah or Nusrat's point of view to update us about what the character's lives are like now.
- Unhappy with the ending of the book? Rewrite the ending!
You don't have to use textual evidence in your response. Your post should be several paragraphs long and be written in the same style as the book.
Najmah and nut walk on the land "I see uncle" says nur. Me and nur start to run to the house where we camp in the corner there is a loud banging sound at the door its uncle he breaks open the door he has a knife he says " you give me the land or I kill you or nur" me and nur look at each other we start to question if we should give him the land he says " 10 min I will be back" ok we say. We start to panic then nur says "I will be killed run little one". Then i start to run then I see uncle he says "your decision" then I say "nur says he will be killed" then uncle stabs me and runs I lay there in blood screaming for help nobody arives.
ReplyDeleteI am very afraid. Uncle is banging on the door really hard now! He has a knife in his hand! "Don't you make me kill you with this knife!!" He yells. Bibi Nusrat opens the door. She tells him everything. She tells her how far I have made it to get to Bibi Nusrat, about the death of Mada-jan and Habib. She tells him a lot of things that I cannot even keep track. Uncle nods to what Bibi Nusrat says."What is the matter". Uncle then tells Nusrat how much he wanted the land and he wanted to kill Najmah. Why would you do that!?!?" asks Nusrat. "I am an Islam woman and have been taking care of Najmah, She is fine!" Uncle turns and sees me through the window. I am in shock. I could not believe it.
ReplyDelete"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!!!???" yells Uncle. I am in sadness. "I had a really long journey, I had nothing to eat and drink for days!" Suddenly tears are starting to spring up from my eyes.
"I found Bibi Nusrat and she said she would take care of me." By then tears were pouring down my face and I was so afraid Uncle would kill me. But then Uncle pulls out his knife and stabs me. I am seeing blood, my own blood. I cried and yelled for help. Then everything went dark!
It has been a month sense Nur has came to the school. We were really anxious about what was going to become of our farm, our land, and our home. To be honest Nur and I are actually planning on escaping and finding our way home, it will be dangerous due to the fact that it is winter and the mountainous terrain won't make it any easier. Ever sense Uncle intruded, Bibi Nusrat was always tense, overprotective even. But after all this waiting, Nur and I have made the final decision. We are leaving tonight. Around midnight we packed our bags and took took three months worth of food with us for the journey, making sure to leave a note to Bibi Nusrat thanking her for what she did. "We must not danger ourselves" Nur told me as i wrote the note, " If she finds out we are leaving, she will be devastated or worse, come looking for us". But I insisted we thank her for her kindness.
ReplyDeleteDear Bibi Nusrat,
We are grateful for everything you have done for us, but we must move on to find out home and pay respects to our family. We apopogize we had to take some food for the journey, we didn't want to steal your money.
.
We snuck out of the school through the backyard, taking some persimmons with us.
/
Months have went by with no sign of Najmah or Nur, and Nusrat was starting to lose hope. Every day she would go out to look for them, and every night she would come back disappointed. Days went by, then weeks, then months with no word of them. "They probably went back home", she thought solemnly. She did eventually build enough courage to go out by herself. After many hard months, she got to what looked like their farm. She looked at it, knelt down, and cried.
/
One week earlier
" At last!" I exclaimed "we are here". But it was too late, men in black turbans were walking around the farm. There was poppies planted in the field. BANG! The gunshot was loud and menacing. I looked at Nur, he wasn't there, he was on the ground, dead. I turned to face the killer, the leader of this troop, it looked like. He was short and fat, he threw his gun to the side and laughed at me. "Well, well, well, Look who we have here!" My uncle growled. "You are violating many rules right now, your body isn't even covered completely, i know you were going to school, you do know you are older than eight, right? Also-" BANG! I quickly grabbed Uncle's gun and shot him. His taliban allies turned to his body, then me. They aimed their guns at me and said someting I couldn't understand. I knew what was about to happen, but I am ready for it, and I will rest in piece. BANG!
When the book ended I think Nusrat went back to New York and lived happily as a teacher and I think Najmah was killed by her uncle when she went back to her land. I also think Nur was shot and killed after Najmah, by the Taliban.(Nusrats point of view) As I got off the plane I was soon awaited by the airport pickup bus and was taken to my hotel. I thought about Najmah and hoped she was safe but I knew it was far too dangerous going back to Kunduz and I couldn't help her any more because she made her decision. I called the nearest school and asked if they were hiring and they agreed to let me come in the next day to apply for a job. I was very unhappy with the ending because there was no closure on what happened to the characters and was just left with a cliff hangar about Nusrat and Najmah making their decisions.
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ReplyDelete-A few months later-
DeleteNajmah's POV
It has been a good time living in America with Bibi Nusrat. I have learned to speak English fluently and am now in an American school. When I first entered the school, I had no idea I would get a great education. Now, I love my school, and I want to learn more about how to restore my home country from its current state. I think of my former home and, I realize my uncle would have likely stolen my land. Nur is also in the same school as I, and we often talk to each other after dismissal. I like life in America, though I still wish I can go back to Kunduz after I graduate.
We have arrived back at home. It seems like forever since I have been in the protection of my own home. I know that Nur has the same feeling. Before nightfall, I feed the animals and head back in. I see that Nur has already settled back into his bed. As I go to put out the candle, I notice a figure walking outside our house. I turn my head to see that it is Uncle. My first though is 'Oh! He must be coming over to welcome us back!' but then I notice something. In his left hand, there was a knife. He turned towards the house. I immediately woke up Nur and told him what was happening. He told me to get to the closet and hide. He would join me in a bit. I did as he said. All of a sudden, I hear violent knocks on the door. The door breaks, and Uncle comes in yelling "Give me this land or I will kill the both of you!" I take a peek out of the closet door, and see Uncle holding Nur up against the wall, with the knife pointed at his neck. I can tell by the way he is talking and how he can't stand still that he is drunk. Not wanting him to hurt Nur, I burst out of the closet and tackle him to the ground. While he is pinned to the ground, I tell Nur to go tell somebody about him. A minute passes, and somebody comes in and takes Uncle away. We were never bothered again and lived a happy life in our home.
ReplyDeleteAfter a long process of difficult thinking, Nur and I decided we wanted to return home. Baba-Jan wanted me to stay on our land this whole time to protect our land, this is the least I could do for him. We began the long journey back with Nusrat on foot by ourselves. I am too tired to walk all this way again, but Nur thinks this is the safest plan. I cannot doubt Nur, because he is my elder and I have learned to respect him.
ReplyDelete/
Nusrat accompanies the two siblings on their long journey back to their home. Nusrat feels as a sense of loneliness now that all of her kids have left the school. Nusrat has made sure to pack plenty of supplies, since she knows how grueling this trip can be. The three begins to climb their first mountain, of many more to come. "So, what are we even going to do once we get back to your home?", wonders Nusrat. "We are going to claim the land that is rightfully ours, and if anybody gets in my way I'm not afraid to fight them for it," Nur angrily moans. Najmah and Nusrat share a chuckle before continuing their trip.
/
I have lost track of the nights now, but I know that I will never lose my way as long as I have the stars. I am sure that we are almost back at home, but I cannot even begin to imagine what has become of our land. I pray that the the Taliban, or even worse my uncle has not messed with our land. I know that if anyone suspicious is on our property, there might be more deaths. However, this is a chance we are all willing to take.
We near our village now, as I can see it from a distance. I walk on, and Nur and Nusrat become more quiet with every step we take. I approach the house, and realize my biggest nightmare has come true. Uncle has taken over control of our land. How could he do this to us? After everything my family has gone through over the past year, he has the guts to steal our land.
I see that Nusrat is beginning to comprehend that these are not welcome visitors. I see steam coming out of Nur's nose, as he begins to sprint towards our house. Nusrat and I follow him, as I wonder if he wants to get himself killed. "What is he doing?", screams Nusrat. "Just follow him", I state nervously. Nur reaches the house a couple seconds before I do and I worry. Uncle points his rifle at Nur's head, I scream as loud as I can. I then turn around and start running as fast as I can with Nusrat.
Intense ending!
DeleteNice ending!
DeleteGreat plot twist!
DeleteRewrite ending
ReplyDeleteIts been half a year for me at the school and i still haven't seen Nur and Baba-jan. im starting to get worried that they have been killed by the Taliban leader . Bibi Nusrat is starting to pack things up for America. I had promised to think about leaving for America but I don't want to leave until I find out what happened to Nur and Baba-jan. I hear that she is leaving this weekend and I have decided that I would leave with her if baba-jan and Nur did not show up...
_________________
I'm ready to leave for America. I will miss Asma and Faiz who is now confirmed dead from a messenger. Najmah has agreed to come to America with me if her family did not show up to pick her up. I am exited to see my parents again even though they never liked my conversion to Islam. But I am excited to see them again with Najmah. I hope they won't be too mad.
I think that Nusrat will end up going back to New York, however remains Muslim, and that Najmah and Nur will return to their villager. However, when they return their uncle has taken their land, and marries Najmah off:
ReplyDeleteNur and I walked upon our land, and noticed Uncle already took over. “It’s too late,” I thought. I was not able to fulfill my father’s wish of taking care of my mother, and now not being able to protect our land. Slowly, as Nur and I approached our home, Uncle pops out and opens his mouth–
“Oho, I see your brother has come back. I suppose you’re aware that your father is dead as well?” Uncle said.
“Get off of our land,” I said, “you are not welcome here.” Uncle’s face didn’t change. If anything, he almost chuckled.
“You’ve realized that you’re a little overdue. After running away to Pakistan, you’ve practically handed the land over to me,” he said. I felt numb and weak. Nur had no sense of emotion in his face either. I glanced over to our garden and saw Uncle’s poppies planted. My world began crashing down all at once. Before, I thought being treated as trash when I was a refugee was terrible. Although I’ve realized that being under control of my Uncle was worse. He’s going to marry me off and get rid of my youth. I began thinking of Bibi Nusrat, and how she was doing. At this moment, I begin to regret not leaving with her to New York. However, I know that I coming here was a choice I made to carrying out my father’s orders. I look up at the night sky, and see a sword ripping through sky. Although Bibi Nusrat told me that it was just a piece of ice in space, I began to hope that the sword would head towards my Uncle...
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ReplyDeleteIt has been 3 days since nur and i have left nusrat for our farm back in kunduz. The soilders that general durrani had granted us had laughed in our faces and left us in the road. Nur and i have blisters all over our feet and we haven't eaten for days. We finally reach our village. It lays in rubble and memories flash before my eyes of the place i once called home. I remember the times when me, mama jan, baba jan, and nur would eat dinner together without the fear of armed men taking our food. A tear rolls down my cheek as i understand that nothing will ever be the same. As nur and i approach our house which was now repaired from when the bomb killed mama jan and habib i automatically recognize the large man with a beard sitting on the porch.
ReplyDelete"Look who decided to show up" said uncle
"Get off our land"! Yells nur
"While you kids were running around in pakistan i decided that i wasnt gonna let this farm go to waste and i started planting poppies"
I remeber when baba jan had argued with uncle that he dosnt want to plant them. Another tear starts to roll down my cheek. All the memories and flashbacks of mama jan and baba jan flash through my head until i cant take it anymore. I rush towards uncle with my fists in the air ready to strike but before anything happens i feel a grown mans fist strike my face.
My eyes cross and i feel dazed as i feel blood run down my nose.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER YOU FATSO" i hear nur scream however i dont see anything because i black out.
I wake up with a throbbing headache in a familar place, my family room.
"Nur what happened to uncle" i say with a raspy voice
"I took care of it" he said as he stared at the ceiling. My head hurts so bad that i have no intention of asking him what he did to him. I walk outside into the dry hot air and look towards the mountains.
"its over" i say to myself "everthings back to normal".....
I like how in your ending Najmah and Nur will live a peaceful, happy life.
Delete
ReplyDeleteI think Najmah will get kidnapped by Uncle and put to work at the taken land, growing poppies.
I might be actually going to live the life I had always had, going back to Golestan. The stars showed me that this is possible. Since the events with my family. Just thinking of my family, it makes me very upset. But when I gaze at Nusrat, and the news of her husband. It makes me feel like I am not the only person this has happened to. Uncle no longer scares me but I am unsure on how to cope with what he does.
Later that night, I remember going to bed in my bed. But I wake up to the sound of an engine. I open my eyes and notice it is still night out, and I am not in my cot. I sit up and look around. No Nur. I start panicking and wondering where I am. It appears I am in the back of a truck. I have been Kidnapped! I do not know what to do. The truck is moving way to fast to leave. Then I start to wonder who had done this to me. Just thinking about it scares me to the point, where I just fall asleep again.
When I awake, it is morning. All of a sudden, the door to the back of the truck swings open. My sight will not allow me to see this mysterious figure. He picks me up. I am to weak to fight back. When my vision returns, I see that it is uncle! I also take notice to the fact that I am back in Golestan. I see the mountains and the area where my house was. The thought of this makes me happy. Then I realize the situation I am in. I am to feeble to scream so my body decides to go with it.
I look to the farm. There I see something that makes my dread even worse. I notice these plants that are in the ground on my fathers farmland. They are not vegetables that I am familiar with. I then realize, they are poppies. The farm land is ruined.
Uncle looks down at me in his arms while he is walking. "Najmah, I have found you. It is time to start work on my farm."
I can not speak, for I am scared. He was not going to kill me, he is going to make me work. He put me down. My feet are feeble against the weight of my body. Uncle had always scared me, and now putting me to work.
At this point I am happy though through all the sadness. I am at the one place I would like to be. Sure the conditions are unimaginable, but I would not change this place for anything in the world.
I run to Nur and throw my arms around him. He looks at me with relief. I don't care what has happened. All I care about is that Nur is back. Nusrat insists that he eats, "Just eat something and I will leave you alone to talk." After the meal Nur and I sit down on bed. I tell him about Mada-jan and our little brother. He then tells me that our father is alive but is missing. I cringe as he tells me what the Taliban had done to him. Nur does not believe that he will see Baba-Jan. "We are the only family we have left" "No!" I say. "We can't lose hope on finding Baba-jan!" Nur spoke to me quietly, "Let us rest, we can talk more tomorrow." The next morning after breakfast Nusrat takes us to the store. We buy Nur real clothes instead of the rags he's been wearing. Nusrat takes us too a safe house. "Here you will be safe from your uncle." she tells us.
ReplyDeleteOne evening when the stars were shining more brightly than ever in the sky, Nusrat, Nur, and I were discussing about the Taliban. "The Taliban are not finished yet", Nur informs us. "They have taken away our father and are killing innocent men and women." We go to the place where Nur last saw our father. We make a memorial to honor everyone who was affected by the bombings. Nusrat tells us, "When I return to America I will make a memorial school dedicated to the children of Afghanistan."
3 months later: Nur and I talk about how everyday Nusrat dreams about Faiz. I remember her telling me that he was the best man she had ever talked to and loved. She always admired how kind of a person he was. After all, he did risk death to help the lives of others. I always wanted to meet him after she talked about him. He seemed like a down to earth guy. Nur and I discussed what we would do if we found Baba-jan. We kept imagining what life would be like if all of this would never had happened. In my heart though I was glad to meet Nusrat. She had taught me many life lessons that I will cherish throughout my life.
7 months later: Nur arrives; Nusrat finds out that Faiz is dead. I try to comfort her, but I am hopeless. She is full of pain; and she grieves for the whole week. After she has slightly recovered from this difficult state, we decide to go to the market. A wonderful miracle happened to preform itself. While we were waiting for Najmah to finish buying little nicks and nacks and sweets of all sorts, a man with a bushy beard approached us. He introduced himself "Have y-", and suddenly he stops. He recognizes us. We stand speechless, Baba! We cry out, "Baba-jan!! You are alive!" He hugs me so tightly that I feel as though I am about to pass out. Together we rejoice with Nusrat. I thank her with all my heart. Later that evening we have a party. Near the end of the party I see Baba-jan talking to Nusrat. I think he is thanking her for all she has done for us. Nusrat deserves all the thanks we give her. I'm just sad that she will never see her husband again.
Baba-jan takes us to his other safe haven and provides enough money for Nusrat to travel to the US to stay with her family. She tells me that she will go and live in New York and if I ever want to come and visit her I am always welcome. I am overjoyed that everything is ending nicely. My family and I move to Israel and live there for about 3 years. Nusrat, who was teaching in New York’s finest schools, invited us to stay in New York with her. We had to think about this offer but ultimately accepted. We were now to live with Nusrat and her family. I think we will enjoy America. I hope America enjoys us.
I really like your alternative ending when Baba-jan is still alive. The final sentence: "I think we will enjoy America. I hope America enjoys us," is also very thoughtful and I believe that it's something Najmah would actually think. Good job!
DeleteI think that Nur and Najmah will return back to their village but face many life-threatening obstacles, but I think Nusrat will go with them, because she has become family to Najmah.
ReplyDeleteThat night I woke up in shock and knew that I had to leave. What if uncle came back to take both me and Nur to Golestan again but not only kidnap us, but take our fathers land we were supposed to protect it for generations to come. Not only was he just take it but he would kill us too. I'm finally starting to realize what Nusrat had been trying to tell me all along.
I woke up telling her what I had thought through that night. She looked at me and smiled. Surprisingly not only did Nusrat finally agree with my decision to leave and go back to my village, but she wanted to go on the journey with me and there to make sure we ended up safe without any obstacles to face on the journey home. I was grateful to have found Nusrat, if I hadn't I don't know where I would've ended up. We packed our bags and opened up the room that Nur had been staying in. In shock he jumped out of bed and bewilderly stared at us. Whipping his eyes, he looked at us and asked "what are we doing? Are we leaving yet? Are we safe? Are we okay?". Who's minding filled with many questions I quickly calmed to him down and told him that we were ready to leave. In an instant a smile rose upon his face from ear to ear.
We went to the airport that night and there was one plane left to fly that night. Very fortunately the plane was going to Golestan. We hopped on board and there had been bombings close by which had caused the plane to not go in the right direction. That day the plane had crashed and Nusrat, Nur, and I were the only survivors. With no other belongings to make it quickly and safety back home, we only had a few miles to go, nothing compared to our journey cross country to and from our house, so we decided to take the risk. After all the trouble we have gone through going to and from our house, Nusrat had decided that it would be best for all of us that she would stay with us and become our new caretaker, I was okay with it because she become my family. After talking it through with Nur, he finally agreed after many refusals to let her stay with us. I shouted and jumped with joy to know that someone was actually going to stay there by my side and become my family, I knew that Bibi-Nusrat would not let me down.
We made it back home where the three of us had rebuild our house the way it had been before. Nusrat had kept us safe from our uncle who wanted to steal our land, she cooked for us, cared for us, and taught us everything that we wanted to know, and nothing had ever been better than before. Yes we had missed Baba-jan, Habib, and mother, but this was our new life, our new normal and I was okay with that. I knew that Baba-jan and mother would be proud of Nur and I. We had made it this far that we should deserve a normal life, and it had gotten almost as close to normal as it had even been before. Life was finally going back to a the way it should be, and I couldn't think of a time where I had been happier.
ReplyDeleteNajmah's POV
I stare out the window at the cars, zooming in and out of the streets behind Bibi nusrats house. It's almost 9:00, and Nur is making me tea. I lye on the soft cushioned sofa, thinking about the amazing food at dinner, the clean clothes, and plenty of privileges. Everything is almost perfect, but then what is nagging at me? I try to think back, but I can't think straight. Maybe I just need a nap, I tell myself. I stride back into my room, dizzy headed. I tuck myself under the covers, and my world drifts away from me.
I land in a field of grazing cows and bukri, baby goat. I fell lost, stranded, and a little bit cold. I wander around a little trying to make sense of this place. Suddenly, I heard 2, maybe 3 planes fly overhead. U.S. bombers, I think. My first reaction is to flee. As I turn to run, something stops me right in my tracks. I see my mother. She is running toward the house with habib, my baby brother. Wait, I say, aren't they dead already. But that doesn't matter. I yell, shout, scream at my mother. But she ignores me. I reach out to her, and right then I bombs fly all over landing right on my mother and habib, and I start to cry. I start to drift away, and suddenly I am staring into the eyes of Bibi Nusrat. She has a worried look in her eyes. I find myself feeling a loss of breath. Then she Bibi Nusrat exhales. "You were breathing so hard and you were shouting for your mother. I thought you were going to have a heart attack!" She says. I start to turn red. "Sorry, bad dream," I mutter. Nur enters the room. Nusrat nods and leaves the room. Nur sits right next to me with a blank expression. "I know," he says. And I do too. I have forgot about my mother for such a long time, and I don't feel a nagging anymore. And I know I must return to my homeland. TBC... (To be continued)
Rewrite Ending:
ReplyDeleteIt's been 3 months and I still go to school, get good grades, and I still live with Nusrat. About a month ago I was told through a messenger that Nur is dead. I still do not know where Baba-jan is. Whether he is dead or whether he is alive I have no way of knowing. Just last week Uncle came back to look for me. Nusrat lied to Uncle and told him that she didn't know what he was talking about. Through these few months of knowing Nusrat, she feels like a sister to me. I'm so glad that she has helped me, and supported me throughout all of the bad and good times. Tomorrow I am leaving with Nusrat to go live in New York. I'm very sad that my families name no longer owns our land in Kunduz, but if I had gone back to Kunduz I would've been killed. More than likely Uncle owns the land. I am excited to start my new life with Nusrat by my side.
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ReplyDeleteNur and I go back to the farm and go inside. We hear this loud banging then Uncle says "let me in or I will let myself in". Nur and I find a place to hide when Uncle says "ok then I guess you want to do this the hard way or you could call it the killing way". Then we hear the sound of a loud crash and Uncle steps through the gaping hole in the door with a gun. Nur says softly "lets go out the back", we quietly go out the back door when uncle hears the door creak. He starts to go over and he sees us running, so he starts to chase us. finally, he gets close enough to have a shot at Nur and he takes it. Uncle hit him! As I look back I see Nur screaming in pain on the ground bleeding with Uncle having one foot Pushing down on his chest. I start to run faster and faster but then I trip, and now the time has come for my life to end and for Uncle to take over the property. As my life flashes before my eyes the last thing I ever hear is BANG!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting extension to the story
DeleteWhoa.
Delete
ReplyDelete1 month later:
I wake up to the sound of the roosters. Nur splashes some cold water on my face and says "get up lazy one". I can already smell the fresh eggs and tea that Nusrat is making for us in the kitchen. At last I hear nusrats voice "Nur, Najmah, it's breakfast". We rush to the table for we are always excited for nusrats breakfasts. Ever since the day we got back to Kunduz we rebuilt our house and Nusrat is now living with us. We are a happy family at last. There has been no sign of uncle in the last month, so our worries of him are fading, and we have sultan with his family right next door. We all share the cattle we have so it is easier for everyone. We have 3 cows, a goat, a pig, and 13 roosters. We are very lucky to have all of this. We have not forgotten about the option of New York for we know everyone is dead. In 17 days Nusrat is taking Nur and I to see New York and hopefully Nusrat can regain peace with her family. Nusrat will even see if she can build a school in New York! If Nur and I like it there, we may end up moving with Nusrat. It is good that Nusrat, Nur and I have gotten over the tragic events that has happened. They will never be forgotten.
I like the happy ending it is well written.
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ReplyDeleteI am so glad I have made it to New York with Nusrat and Nur. If I had stayed in the Kunduz hills we would have to deal with the Taliban and uncle. Even though our dads last wish was to protect our land and stay in Afghanistan I think coming to America was a wiser choice. I have endless opportunities here in America. Nusrat really was looking after me when she wanted me to come here. I can start a new life here and grow up and get a proper education. We stop at a house that holds many people at once it's called an apartment. In this huge house we have our own comfortable mattresses that are covered with blankets. The next day I wake up and see that Nusrat has already cooked us breakfast and a lunch. We are going to school I am exited to learn! We have a teacher for each subject we switch classes every period and have gym a subject that I never had in Afghanistan. I know this is great but I can't stop thinking about Afghanistan and the kunduz hills. I learned so much today and even made some new friends. I think this was a good choice because even though many generations of my family have lived at my house it's not worth dying for.
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ReplyDeleteNajmah
ReplyDeleteWe safely made it home, I told Nur to get it bed. He was already one step ahead of me, it felt like he knew what I was thinking. A few hours later uncle pounded on the door, Nur woke me up, he knew it was uncle. I was afraid, Nur knew what to do, he told me to hide. I did as I as told. Uncle broke down the door. He started screaming at us, I saw a knife in his right hand. He screamed at Nur to give the land to him. Nur refused, I stayed quiet. After a few minutes I saw Nur pressed against the wall, I got out of hiding and jumped on uncle. Uncle turned around and punched me on my face. I felt warm blood trickle down my face, I saw Nur slap uncle before I blacked out.
I asked Nur what happened, he told me that uncle wouldn't be bothering us anymore. I was happy but a bit concerned, I thought it meant that uncle was dead. Nur told me how he slapped uncle and punched him until he ran away, as far as he could so he wouldn't have to see us again. He told me everything would be fine, I believed him. We sat down on the mat and ate some naan. Nur bugged me about the leopards, we cleaned up the house so it looked like we just bought it. And so we lived happily, knowing there I wouldn't be any more pain in our lives.
It has been weeks since Najmah and Nur and I have parted ways. I've decided that I should return to Afghanistan and honor the name my husband gave me by building a school there.
ReplyDeleteWhen arrived in Afghanistan, I was happier than I thought I would be. I felt guilty for not visiting my parents, but this school was my first priority. I feel so deeply about the education of young children and my late husband, so this is the least I can do.
I had a long conversation with the school board about the importance of education, and they agreed to build the school for me. It took a lot of convincing, but I got it done.
I requested they name the school 'Nusrat' in honor of the name Faiz gave me, and also because my name means help. As in, I'm helping these children get what they deserve - a good education. As I watch the school being built, all I could think about was Faiz, and how proud of him I was. Being brave, brave enough to die for our country. And also everything that he taught me about Islam, I could never thank him enough for showing me the light. When this school is finished, Najmah and Nur are more than welcome to finish schooling here, just like every other student I had at the persimmon tree school. This way, these kids will be getting a proper education.
Thanks to Faiz, kids all around Afghanistan will be getting the education they deserve.
That's really good! I wish I had thought That's had thought of making Nusrat brave rather than grieving over the thought of her long lost husband.
Delete*of making
DeleteNajmahs pov
ReplyDelete"Nur" I say as he plops to the ground slowly. He was hit in the shoulder with a peice of shrapnel from the air strike. We finally rebuilt our home, but know it's blown up again. I pick up Nur and carry him to the little car I hide stole to get back to Kunduz after Bibi Nusrat left for America. He sits in the passenger seat clutching his wound with a painful wince. Blood dripping like a hose that has just been started. I speed off and as I stop back to look at my once childhood home, all I can see is a patch of rubble. I drive as fast as possible to the border on my way to Peshawar. I need to go see Fatima and the rest of Bibi Nusrats family to get help. As I pull into Peshawar i head down. The road to university town were they live. I glance over at Nur he is soaked in blood and gives me a half hearted smile. Tears well in his eyes like a puddle. I finally pull into the courtyard where Fatima and Asma look at me like I came back from the dead. I take Nur out of the car and then they rush to help me. We take him inside and set him on a cot. Then as I sit clasping his wound Fatima calls in a man with brown hair and these turquoise green eyes. He introduced himself as Faiz.
Epilogue
ReplyDeleteNusrat/Najmah
It has been 3 months since we left Peshawar and Nusrat, Nur and Najmah are in New York. Najmah went to school and she is going to come back in an hour. Nur went out to explore New York City and Nusrat is at work finally with an actual teaching job. Nusrat is enjoying teaching with other kids and she got over her husband's death. They all moved into an nice apartment together. Nusrat is happy with this choice.
/
I liked school. I actually learned a lot of things and I made a lot of friends. I am still working on English but I am still decent. I like New York and it is fun to explore around here. Bibi Nusrat was right, there is a lot to do here. I can barely see the stars at night though but it is fine. Nur liked New York but both of us miss back home. At least we are still safe away from the Taliban. The new apartment is great we moved in fast so we could get ready for school and for Bibi Nusrat to go to work. I will always remember about the rest of my family and what I had gone through. I hope I never get something like that ever again and have a happy life from now onwards.
Blog Post 3
ReplyDeleteThis takes place just after Najmah and Nur talked to Nusrat but instead of deciding to go back home, they decided to move to America with Nusrat.
Najmah and Nur look around in awe at all of the buildings and parks in the large city. Here, there is no worry of getting attacked or accidentally stepping on a land mine. There are no terrorist groups here that want to kidnap you or kill you. We look out in every direction as we walk to school. School, who knows what school here will be like. Just by the looks of the city we can see that it will be much bigger than the school Nusrat taught back home. We have no idea what to expect. I hope that we will do good in school although everyone here has been going to school their entire lives and Nur has never been to school and I have only been going to the Persimmon Tree School for a month. We are overflowing with excitement to go to school but we soon learn that people here in America don't like to go to school and not only take it for granted, but they despise going to school. We are extremely grateful for everything that Nusrat has done for us like teaching us enough english to go to school and some academic work to get us into the grade levels we should be. Our lives are finally safe but the memories of what happened in our final months back home will haunt us. What happened to each Nur and I we keep secret but we both have an idea of what we went through.
Interesting, and great details
DeleteChapter 24, Arrival
ReplyDeleteNajmah (Point Of View)
On my way to the plane I take a last look at my home. And then I look in front of me and I'm still very happy that Nur is with me but I know it won't be long until things are normal again and he starts teasing me. As we board the plane and get too our seats I ask Nur if I can sit in the window seat he looks at, me nods his head and we switch our seats. Im looking outside now, and I'm happy with my decision to go to America even though Nur and I have had a terrible experience in Afghanistan and traveling to Pakistan, we both have a place in our heart for that country, my home, our home. I still remember the days when my family members were getting taken from me, and my uncle thought It was funny that he got taken away from us. "That selfish man, hope I never see him--", "What?" Nur said confused on what I was saying, "Oh, nothing to worry about" I said, "Are you okay", "Yeah, Im just really excited" . After that I took a nap and thought of home and our family again. The plane stops and Im a little frantic on what America will look like, like the buildings, people, cars, and school. We get in a taxi and we go to the apartment complex Nusrat used to live and where she met Faiz, it looks like there are balconies now. Nusrat told me what it looked like. "Najmah?" Nusrat said as she takes her things out of the taxi. "Over here" I help her with her stuff and we get in her apartment, it was a long flight and I think i'm experiencing jet lag whatever that is. I couldn't sleep at night, and then I remembered the balcony. I get my blanket and pillow and open the door to the balcony and I watch the stars at night I smile at them, and my family smiles back.
"We must go to make sure that my husband is dead or if he really was that doctor." Nusrat says.
ReplyDelete"I believe we must." Asma replies.
Soon after the two gather all of the supplies for the journey, Nusrat stops, sits and cries for a minute thinking about what she would do if he was really dead.
"We must go on in order to find the truth about Faiz." Asma says. "Of course, let's go." Nusrat replies.
They left the mountains and came out toward a small river, there is a girl. The girl is gathering water. "Hello. My name is Nusrat. What is your name?" Nusrat asks the girl.
"My name is Catherine." The girl replies.
"That name sounds American, and telling by you having no accent, I would say you are American" Asma replies.
The girl turns toward the water and washes her reflection away and a tear runs done her face. She looks up at the sky quickly and sniffs to clear up her face.
"I'm sorry for this, my father died recently. He helped many people. I never met my mother I was adopted but he told me all about her."
"What was his name?" Nusrat asks nervously.
"Faiz." She says.
Nusrat gasps.
"Faiz is my husband." Nusrat tells the girl.
"M-m-mom" Catherine stumbles.
"I have a daughter." Nusrat says happily.
"Oh my, I have a mother." Catherine tells Nusrat.
"Let's go, we can live happily together." Nusrat tells Catherine.
"That would be great!" Catherine says with excitement.
The three of them went back to the house and lived with each other. They cared and loved for each other no matter what happens.
While me and Nur discus our current disision of living in New York with Nusrat, or going back to our home, I feel lost and hopeless. Part of me is dying to go back home and continue carrying on future generations on that plot of land. But the darker part of me grows, and reminds me of the horrible memories of my home getting destroyed, and watching my own innocent mother get killed by a bomb that destroyed my life. As me and Nur discuss the pros and cons of each option that will ultimately determine our survival, Nusrat arrives with a suit case and informs us of her plans. "I no longer have any reason or hope to drive me on to live here anymore. I am heading to New York in three hours. Please, you are some of the two people I care about most, will you come with me". Me and Nur look each other in the eyes. There is silence for the next thirty seconds. Both me and Nur know the best option for both of us. Considering their is nothing to return to at home, and we will most likely get killed on our journey to our farm, we decide to go with Nusrat. I head upstairs to my temporary bed room and gather the few belongings I have. Soon after, Nur comes in and sits next to me on my bed. I look outside at the mountains, the hills, and bazar. I try to talk, but instead of words, I make a choking noise and begin to cry. Nur grabs his and my belongings and heads down stairs with me. Nusrat leads us to the taxi and we all cram into the back. I think of my whole life ahead of me, in a new world, with new people, and a whole new culture. I feel scared, but not alone. I know that Nusrat will help me,and I feel safe around her. We arrive at the airport. I have never seen anything like it before. Nusrat helps us through all the steps of traveling through the airport. We board the plane, and soon after,we begin to move. The plane lurches forwards and I grab the seat in front of me. I look out the window and realize that I may never set foot in this wonderful place I call home. I close my eyes and dream about the whole new life ahead of me. I form a grin, but a tear rolls down your eyes. I am ambitious to arrive, but I think to myself, "someday, I will return home Baba-Jan, I promise".
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete(This was a rewrite of the ending)
“I have another student for you, the father's here too” says Haroon after they exchange greetings. The man and the boy stand at the gate next to Haroon, both covered head to toe in dust. “Well, Haroon, as usual your timing is perfect. Will you join us for a meal?” Nusrat asks. Haroon puts his hand over his heart and thanks Nusrat but says he must get back to the camp. Najmah's and Mansoora are in the kitchen setting plate when Nusrat brings in her new student and his father. When Najmah looks up, there is a loud crash of plates as she drops stack out of shock and they shatter to the floor.
(Next chapter- Najmahs first person point of view)
I run to Nur and Baba-jan and throw my arms around them. I am not aware of anything in the world except that my brother and my father are here at last. I stand back and look at them for a long time, not even wondering what happened to them and just glad that they are back. We sit down to dinner. The others leave us alone in the room together while Nur and Baba-jan eat hungrily. I don't know how I am going to tell them about Mada-jan and Habib. I decide to wait until after they have eaten to give the news. Bibi Nusrat comes into the kitchen “We can't stay here” she says, “Your uncle will soon learn that Nur and your father are here. We will be much safer with Asma and Sultan at their home.” I take this in, but I don't answer, instead I turn to Baba-jan “are we going back to Kunduz? Surely we must or uncle will take our land and we'll lose the farm!” Nur looks at Baba-jan and Baba-jan looks at both of us. “Yes,” he says “it is with our dignity we must return to Kunduz” he looks at Nusrat and thanks her for her kindness. “Thank for everything, Bibi Nusrat” I say.
A tear streams down my face as I hug her and then go pack my things from my room, wondering how we will make our journey home and if we will make it. Nur walks in and I see the sadness in his eyes. Although I never said anything about Mada-jan and Habib I see that he knows, but I must explain. “Mada-jan and Habib,” I start, a tear streaming down my face. “They are gone”. And I see his eyes filling up with water too. I look at my brother. He is taller than I remember and skinnier. I wonder if the Taliban ever gave them anything to eat.
I finish packing as I remember what Nusrat said about going with her to America, but I know what I must do. I must return to my homeland with my family and live a happy, simple life with them on the farm. I hug Nusrat and thank her for the last time. “We shall meet again” I say quietly in English. Then I take Baba-jan and Nur's hand in each of mine as we walk out the metal fence gate of Persimmon tree school, worried about the journey ahead but knowing we will make it home one day.
Part 1 of Epilogue:
ReplyDeleteNusrat walks home after a long day of teaching at her recently opened school for children. It had been a little over a year since Nusrat had said farewell to Najmah, Nur, Asma, and the others and boarded a plane to New York. Upon her arrival, she was pleasantly surprised to see her parents there awaiting her. Of course she had notified them of her arrival — but she had not expected them to be there. Her home was almost exactly as she remembered it; there were the same chintz curtains her mother had made long ago, the same corduroy slipcovers on the sofa, her father's same recliner chair, and the same old Formica kitchen counter. Nothing seemed to have changed, yet rather than seeing the bland, isolated, lonely place she had lived in as a child, Nusrat saw something else. The curtains were more richly colored, the fluffy cushions of the sofa more welcoming, the recliner chair more inviting, and the kitchen counter less formidable. After what she had seen in Pakistan, nothing could've been better than a safe home like this. For she knew it was her home now — the moment she had gazed into her mother's eyes at the airport, now wrinkled but somehow more striking and beautiful than they had been before, she knew she belonged here.
Thus, Nusrat had become accustomed to daily life in the States again and even started her own small school to honor Faiz. The days hadn't passed by easily though. Whenever she had a moment of spare time, her thoughts would drift back to Pakistan and to Najmah. Now as Nusrat is walking home, she does exactly this. Najmah and Nur, I hope you are safe.
I hope you continue your studies Najmah, but most of all, I hope that you are happy with your decision. Nusrat turns onto her street, nears her door and enters. "Hello mother! I'm back."
I like how she is back in the states
DeletePart 2 of Epilogue:
ReplyDelete"Hello Mada-jan. I hope you are doing well." I kneeled before a small mound that marked where my mother and baby brother's bodies lay. "Nur and I are managing the farm very well considering that it's just us." I shook my head and corrected my mistake. "No. There's Atifa too." Atifa was a nice girl who lived with us. She took a great deal of work off of my shoulders whenever she was helping to bring the animals out to graze. That's not the only reason why I like her though — she is understanding and does not pity Nur and I. No, she is unbelievably gentle and amiable, especially to my brother. I suppose that's why her name means "kind."
I still remember the day we met her, shortly after General Durrani and his mujahideen had left after escorting us all the way to Kunduz. Nur and I had decided to settle down for the day and sleep in the bushes by the side of the road. In the morning, there was an extra person! How we didn't see her was a mystery to me, and still is. Sleeping right across from us was Atifa, a slender girl with rich, honey-colored skin and wide eyes. She would've been beautiful had there not been the dirt on her skin and the swollen bags under her eyes that signaled many nights of crying. We ignored her and gathered our belongings. That was when I noticed something. "Nur!" I cried. "We have no water left!" Without hesitation, Atifa stood up and offered her canteen.
"You can have it. As long as you're willing to let me travel with you. " I glanced at Nur. He nodded and turned towards Atifa.
"Alright. But where are you going? We may not have the same destination."
Atifa replied quietly. "Anywhere. So long as it's away from here."
"Fine then. What is your name?"
"Atifa."
That was how Atifa joined our family. Nur and I still haven't had the chance to ask about her past, despite it being over a year since we met, but I'm sure we won't have to wait very long. Yesterday I noticed the smile on Atifa's face when she looked at Nur and how my brother's cheeks were flushed, his eyes darting nervously around. Ha! Each time I see this I stifle a snort of laughter. I do believe Nur has a lady friend.
As for Uncle, he no longer walks on this Earth. In one of his fits of rage, he had blindly crossed the road and was hit by a truck loaded with fruit. At least, so the rumors go. I don't really care how he died, so long as he is no longer a threat. These days, I think less and less of him; perhaps it's because of Atifa's presence. As Atifa brings happiness back to our lives, I can't help but think about how much she resembles Nusrat in her generous character. I hope that Nusrat can find love and happiness again, just as I have done. A flicker of orange light startled me and I was yanked from my thoughts. It was dawn. The sun was rising; its rays would warm the Earth. Another day had just begun.
THE END
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEpilogue
ReplyDeleteNajmah/Nusrat
It has been a couple months since I left Bibi Nusrat's place. Nur and I have rebuilt our home in Kunduz, just like we wanted to. Uncle came a day after we arrived. I think he came to take the property. In any case, he was surprised to see both of us. And now that my hair has grown back just like it used to be, he never realized that I was once Shaheed. He now comes to check on us every other week to make sure we are okay. A few days after our arrival, we found all of our animals hiding in the grave Akhtar had built for Mada-jan and Habib. I truly wonder how they got in there, but as long as they are safe – so am I. We clean them off, give them great amounts of food, and nourish them just like we used to. We got some help to build the house. Before Bibi Nusrat left for America, she taught me so much to last a lifetime. She also gave us a lot of food, and was one of the helpers for our house. When she did all of this for us, both Nur and I, promised her to help her find Faiz. We both knew that there is the slightest chance he may still be alive, just like I thought that Baba-jan could possibly still be alive, before Nur came to Bibi Nusrat’s school.
/
Nusrat had loved Najmah and Nur as if they were her own. She still wasn’t settled about the fact that Faiz was dead. She knew that Nur wouldn’t lie to her, but what if that was also a rumor that he heard? What if that wasn’t true? “It has to be true, since he hadn’t called or informed them of anything,” Nusrat thought out loud. She still prayed that he would still be alive everyday.
After Nusrat helped Najmah and Nur settle back in Kunduz, they promised her that they both would help Nusrat find Faiz. Nusrat tried to explain that it wasn’t worth it and that they wouldn’t find him – but the two were being stubborn.
Together, they all went to Mazar-i-Sharif. And after a couple hours, they went to meet a few friends, and Nusrat gasped. “Bibi Nusrat, what happened?” asked Najmah. Nusrat replied, “I think that is him!” And with that she ran.
After reuniting with Faiz, telling stories about their times alone, they both decided to move back to America. But Nusrat had promised Najmah that she would come ever month or two to check on them. Nusrat loved Najmah and Nur so much; she wanted to take them to New York with her. But she knew how much the land meant to them – so she let them be.
Every day, they talk via the stars.
Naj.
ReplyDeleteRiding in a big truck, being driven by General Durrani's men, thinking about how Nur will feel when he sees what happened to our home.
Nur and I glance at each other as soon as we see what use to be our home. I can see Nur is extremely upset, his eyes start to tear up. We finally arrive at the wreckage, which got worse from being left there over time. We both run towards the wreckage, but Nur was running faster than I have ever seen him run. He stops in his tracks, then kneels down at what use to be our front entrance. He curls down and starts crying uncontrollably. I stop about 10 feet away from him, remembering what we did to Mada Jan and baby Habib's bodies. I argue wether I should show him now or later.
As I approach Nur, I can hear him sobbing and crying. I feel his pain, considering I went through it just recently. I step over him, and into the wreckage of my home. The roof is completely gone, and most of the walls are gone. All that's left are just some of the cabinets, and our beds. And that's when it finally hits me.
Uncle.
Where is he?
(Cliffhanger)
Nus.
As Nusrat's plane is taking off, she looks out the window of the plane and thinks about what a great person Najmah really was. Her flight was from Afghanistan to Saudi Arabia, to France, then overseas to New York, back to what she really called home. She would go back there to teach in the same area of where she grew up.
She was now en route to the United States, deeply thinking about what it'd be like living in New York, and the United States in general after 9/11. As she's going over the ocean, she thinks about how quickly she befriended Najmah, and she hopes that she'll find someone like Najmah in the United States.
ReplyDeleteOne Year Later-
Once Nusrat and Asma had gotten them all packed for their travel, Najmah and Nur had set out straight away for their village. Nusrat had begged them not to go, but they had insisted. She knew that asking them to stay was wrong, and that she was keeping them from fur filling what they believe to be their destiny, but she was so worried and just wouldn't be able to handle if anything happened to them that could have been prevented. So, they set off with no way of communication with anyone, and Nusrat willed herself to believe that they would be alright. She didn't hear from them after that day and reinstated her belief that they were alright every morning.
Once they had been sent on their way, she began packing for a trip of her own. She was going to discover the truth about what happened at Mazar-i-Sharif, even though that would mean she would no longer be able to hope, even if only the tiniest bit, for her husbands safe return. She spent two days wasting away in Asma's house in a sort of dream like state, before she left for the camp. She asked Basharat to take her on the long journey to Mazar-i-Sharif, but he told her that there was no way he could leave his child and wife on their own for all that time.
Eventually she was able to convince a widower who had no children or family of his own to come with her. He was old and thin, but was quite strong and moved quickly. He was not ideal for a long trip, but there were very few men who would have been willing to go, especially on such short notice. She liked to think she had only chosen him for that reason, but if she was really being honest with herself, it was also because she knew it would take a good deal more time with him driving because of his old age. She was definitely eager to find out what happened to Faiz, but against her best judgement she still had hope that he was alive. She didn't feel ready to let go of that hope just yet.
So, they started off, making their way slowly through the tall mountains and barren deserts. She had been quite worried about the trip, with all the stories of bandits and storms, but all went smoothly and they did eventually arrive in Mazar-i-Sharif.
It took her a long time to finally find him. It seemed as if everyone she spoke to remembered him, but no one had any knowledge of what became of most of the people in the bombing. She asked survivors, doctors, teachers, and even people living on the street. Any leads she found trailed off, leaving her with more questions then answers.
Then one day, she was out on the street with a picture of Faiz asking everyone that passed about him. There was a frail old woman who said she remembered him very clearly. She had been a patient at the refugee hospital, around the time that Faiz had started working there. She spoke very kindly of him, saying that he had been so helpful and sweet in her time of need. Every week Faiz had boughten her flowers and set them on the table beside her. It was the little things, said the woman, that made him such a rare type of person.
Continued from last post-
ReplyDeleteIt was at this comment that Nusrat realized she could no longer hold her tears back any longer and a river began cascading down her face at a rapid pace. She collapsed into the woman's arms and they spent the better part of an hour like that, with the old woman holding Nusrat close to her. She knew that just as Faiz had helped her, she must help Nusrat in order to repay him for his kindness. Although Nusrat didn't realize it at the time, she became attached to that woman from that moment forward and realized the true reason you must put your trust in others at times.
When Nusrat had finished crying and her breaths had stopped coming in choppy spurts, the woman took her hand and began to walk with her down the street. She asked Nusrat if she thought she would be ready to see what happened to Faiz and she replied that she would be willing to do or see anything just to know. Anything would be better than not knowing. The woman told her of a place just outside of town where the clinic used to be. This was the place they left all of the bodies of the deceased.
Nusrats stomach grew more agitated the closer they got to the large tent that could be see from several blocks away. It wasn't just the smell emanating from the site that made her feel queasy, it was that the thought of seeing Faiz tossed recklessly among a sea of other unidentified bodies, that really made her heart feel like cracking.
She started feeling numb and by the time they got to the tent her body was going through the motions of walking, opening the door, and finally stepping through the threshold into the tent, but she wasn't thinking about her actions.
The site of all the dead bodies made her shudder. She couldn't help think of the hundreds of wives and husbands out there looking for their spouses just like her and she wished with everything she had that she could help. She felt powerless to the fact that there was nothing she could do to help anyone. Except herself.
Continued from last post-
ReplyDeleteSo she began to look. At first she didn't want to touch any of the bodies in her hunt, but after a while her need to find him took over and she began flipping the bodies over to look at their faces whenever necessary. There were men, women, even infants; lives that had all been terminated due to the bombing. One woman had died holding her toddler of maybe three in her arms. The thought of all the families that had been torn apart in the bombing filled Nusrat with sorrow and remorse.
Just then she noticed a familiar face out the corner of her eye. She shut her eyes tight and turned away hoping that if she prayed hard enough, it wouldn't be him. Then she opened her eyes and turned to face the truth. She found that her original presumption had been correct. Her husband lay dead in a distorted heap before her.
Nusrat collapsed on the ground wailing and clawing at the ground. There was a physical pain in her core that she remembered to be the most horrible she had ever felt. Every fiber of her being felt like it was dying with Faiz. She rocked violently back and forth on the ground, clenching her fists so tightly it left gashes in her palms. Every good memory she had of Faiz was passing through her mind and the only thing she could think was that she would never have any of those times with him again. She thought of snuggling by a fire during the frigid winter and walking through the park on sunny days as he explained all the intricacies of Islam. The little things that were so important. It felt like all the year she had spent with Faiz were being torn out of her all at once.
➰
She sat in a coffee shop replaying that day over and over again in her head as she waited for someone to bring her a pumpkin chai latte. She was staring out the window and almost didn't hear the woman with the New York accent come up behind her, put the mug on the table, and say "You wanna pay now, or..."
"Oh, ya, sorry.", she replies, getting out her wallet. "I was just lost in thought, I guess." She gives the waitress a weak smile and hands her the money. Then she goes back to staring out the window.
This was why she hated weekends, because at least during the school week, teaching little second graders at the public elementary school near her parents house was enough to distract her from her own self pitying thoughts. Weekends left her alone to bear the full weight of her sorrow.
Just then a man walked past the window, holding a Quran. She follows him with her eyes, as he walks into the coffee shop and up to the counter. Her table is too far away for her to hear what he orders, but she suspects that it will probably be black coffee. That is what Faiz always drank. The man glances around the room and catches her staring at him. He smiles at her, but she feels very uncomfortable and glances down quickly.
Once he has gotten his coffee, he casually makes his way over to her table and asks, "Is this seat taken?"
It is morning and nur and I wake up to the sound of trucks driving down the road kicking up dust as they go. Najmah runs to the window and in the distance she can see men riding on trucks wearing black turbans. "NUSRAT"! she screams waking up everyone in the school, Nusrat runs towards Najmah's screams eventually stumbling across her my the main gate. "What's wrong"? Nusrat asks, "The Taliban, their coming" Najmah's voice is shaking and she is speaking so soft that Nusrat can barely hear her. Moments later Sultan runs over to Najmah and Nusrat with Nur following right behind. "What happened"? Sultan yells as if trying to ask anyone in the school. "Najmah thinks that she saw a Taliban truck, I know that I saw several Taliban trucks" says Najmah correcting Nusrat "just look for your self". Sultan walks over to the nearest window and stares out into the distance for almost a minute and then turns around running towards the garden. "What are you doing"? Nusrat yells at sultan, however he just ignores her and proceeds to kneel and the ground digging up the ground with his bare hands until he come across a box. "What's that Nusrat asks"? "I hid some things in case the Taliban ever decided to show up" Sultan says opening the box taking out several guns and knives. He hands a gun to Nusrat and Najmah and takes the biggest gun for him self but Nusrat says to him "I won't do it, I won't shoot anyone even if they are evil". Sultan responds saying "I'm sure that you will shoot that gun when the time comes, but right now we need to board up any windows and barricade the gate". By this time anyone else who was in the school has found Sultan and for each person he explains that the Taliban are coming and then proceeds to hand them a knife arming everyone except Nur who he thinks is too young to handle a weapon. After boarding up the windows and barricading the gate the Taliban at right outside. "Come out of there now"! The Taliban yell. Najmah runs to the kitchen with Nur and and moments later they hear 2 loud bangs. Najmah wants to believe that it was either nusrat of sultans gun that fired but she knows deep down that it was the Taliban that shot first. Najmah and Nur hide under a table as they hear a loud crash followed by men yelling and running through the school. Three soldiers run in the kitchen and are looking around for any survivors when Nur sneezes. All three soldiers immediately point their guns at him and just when their about to fire Najmah jumps in the way yelling "no"! At that point Najmah hears another gunshot and then everything starts to fade until she can no longer see or hear.
ReplyDeleteWhy is everyone killing off the characters????
Delete
ReplyDeleteNajmah: Nur and I eventually did return to Golestan. We stayed we Bibi Nusrat for a few days. She provided supplies for us, and we started off through the mountains. The journey took about a week, and although it was said to be very treacherous, we didn't seem to run into trouble. When we arrived at our land, we found our uncle. He seemed very angry and he threatened us, then Nur told him what had happened. This revealed a new side of Uncle that I have never seen before. He agreed to let Nur and I stay on the farm, and we were back to our old routine.
Nusrat: About a month after Najmah left, I decided to return to New York for a while. I visited my parents. I will admit that it was very awkward at first. However, my mother began to apologize to me for acting like I betrayed the family. It felt so nice to know that I had made peace with my family. I have a plan though. I will soon return to Afghanistan, and construct a school to help children in need.
Najmah: I went back to my home with Nur and uncle. Nur and me blocked our eyes to see the animals and bodies on the whole village. A week later we cleared a lot of the ruble and buried the bodies. Next week we will start to rebuild our house and the few people that survived also came back and helped since this is there home too. We made a big area for Mama- Jan, brother, and Baba - Jan in respect. Nur and I have visited the area ever since we built it. Every morning that's our first priority.
ReplyDeleteNusrat: Nusrat swore to travel to her family in America every time she could. The first time they met her in the airport and she swore to make changes and told them the things she could in one day there was just to much. She said she would follow the family's rules and follow the religion. She felt even closer to her family and felt she got a lot of things of her chest. She needed this trip away form the violence and drama she needed to see her family very badly.
End rewrite
ReplyDelete3 Months later,
Nusrat wakes Nur and Najmah early in the morning, when the sun isn't even up. It is raining outside but all of the tall buildings of New York still glisten beautifully. Nusrat has made tea for us with cardamom from the local super market. It definitely doesn't taste like the cardamom from India but it's a start. The sweet taste of the tea just excites me more for this Sunday. We are all traveling to Peshawar to visit Asma and Sultan. The reason for this is we got a message form them that Fatima has passed away.
I'm excited to go back for a week but I don't know if I can, Najmah kept thinking. It's hard to go back somewhere that so many bad things happened to you. Besides, I love my new life here! No one will ever forget what has happened. Nusrat will never forget about Faiz and the kids will never forget about seeing their dead parents, but they will also never forget all the help that Nusrat has given them. And Nusrat will never forget all the light and hope that the Nur and Najmah gave to her.
Nur and Najmah get ready for school and get in Nusrats car. They have many friends there and live a happy life in NewYork, visiting Nusrat's family every week. Some times all three of them wonder how life would be if Najmah and Nur went back to their old house. They might've died. But now they are alive and that's what is important.
A couple of days have gone by after my brother Nur gave the message of the doctor in Mazar-i-Sharif being killed by the bombing. I knew and Bibi Nusrat knew that it must have happened, since I feel that both are life's are connected in some ways. Asma when she herd the news could not talk for the past days and through the eyes of me and Nur she might not talk for many more days to come. Bibi Nusrat continues to teach us about mathematics in her persimmon tree school and we all follow her directions carefully, but there is one thing that bugs I always see Nur not doing any work and just thinking. When I see Nur thinking it makes me wonder, is he thinking about leaving the school and making the journey back home by himself?
ReplyDeleteWhen it's getting dark out I look out at the stars to remember Baba-Jan and Mama-jan and the horrible journey it took to get hear, but I also wonder if even when they past were they were protecting us from the sky's above. I asked that question to myself all the time, there were many times through my journey I almost died and got out of it, so I wonder was that luck or protection. Even though I never met Faiz I wonder what he was like, from the way Bibi Nusrat tells it he was a great guy who saved many lives. The mention of Faiz always goes through my mind, but after the news was delivered I do not see Nusrat going out as often. I used to see Nusrat everyday going outside and looking at the stars I think she still looks at the stars the same way I do, which is to remember the family members we have lost over the months...
Durning the night I herd a loud slam and it woke me up, but my eyes were in a gaze and I could not see anything. It took awhile for my eyes to adjust, but as soon as it did I went out my door and saw Nur's room ajar. Without hesitation I went inside and saw a dark empty room which soon became bright when I lit up one of the lanterns. Nur was no where in the room, but there was something that was out of place which was a white letter on top of his cot. I picked up the letter and there was writing on it which said "My sister Najmah from Nur." I quickly opened it and read it out load quietly "Dear Najmah, I am going back to my village to honor our ancestors tradition. I packed all the cloths you gave me and took some fruit from the Tree Nusrat teaches under. I would have asked you to come with me, but I know deep in your heart you think it is best to stay were you are and I know in my heart I have to honor our family's tradition. The journey is going to be tough, but I can mange I have thought of what you said about the house being destroyed, and I will rebuild it even if I have to do it alone. Our father's wishes will be granted and ingle will not get our land," Sincerely Nur...
ReplyDeleteI Burst into tears I can't believe him, my brother, left me. I feel a mix of emotions now and there going between confused, sad, and angry. Bibi Nusrat woke up and wanted to know where the noise was coming from, she came into the room and saw me crying holding a piece of paper. "Why are you crying Najmah?" asks Bibi Nusrat. I have so many thoughts and feeling in mind and I am unable to say the words, so instead I give the letter to Nusrat. Nusrat examines the letter "This is not good," Nusrat says. "There are many bandits and other dangerous things out there," Nusrat continues. I think to myself and I realize if that door slam was him he could not have gotten far. "I think he is still around the area, but to catch we must hurry," I say. Me and Nusrat hurry outside and we first start going to the persimmon tree. When we reach the persimmon tree he was not there I quickly look over the gate expecting to see no one, but there was a shadowy figure running away from the school. "Nur!" I shout out. The figure running, stops and turns is head to me, but as soon as I run to him he runs again.
ReplyDeleteMe and Nusrat go back inside and I can't believe Nur left me here. Nusrat looks at how sad I am "We can't stop him, but we just need to hope for him," Nusrat says. "Your words are correct he would have gone anyways and we could not have stopped him even if we wanted to," I say. Just the thought of Nur makes me think why would he leave the safety of the school in order to fill a tradition. What he did was not worth his life traditions can't be fulfilled if your dead. Even though he is going back on his dangerous journey, I always hope the stars protect him and he makes it back to our village all right.
It has been 2 years now and Nusrat is still teaching refugee kids from Afghanistan. Najmah is still there too. Najmah and Nusrat became good friends and Najmah is still going to school. Nusrat thinks about Faiz everyday, and Najmah thinks of her family. Haroon has been keeping a secret from Nusrat. The people in Afghanistan mistaken Faiz's body from another person. Faiz is still alive but no one knows where in Afghanistan. Harmon is waiting for the right moment to tell Nusrat. Haroon has been keeping another secret but this time, he is keeping it from Najmah. Someone has spotted Nur and Baba-jan in the south of Afghanistan headed to Pakistan. Harpoon is keeping these secrets because he is trying to keep them safe. He doesn't want anyone from getting hurt. Najmah already has a suspicion about Haroon, she feels like if he is keeping secrets, and he is. Najmah starts investigating him, she is following him everywhere, she goes through his things, everything to figure out what he is hiding. Najmah is close to finding out the truth, while Nusrat doesn't suspect a thing. She thinks that Haroon is a truthful man. Najmah tells Nusrat the she feels as if Haroon is keeping a secret from them. So, Najmah and Nusrat investigates Haroon. Even though Nusrat thinks that Najmah is over reacting, but she is not. Finally, Najamh and Nusrat figures out what Haroon was hiding. Najamh and Nusrat leaves Pakistan to go to Afghanistan to look for them. They look in the south, not, there, they look in the north, not there, they look in the west, not there, and when they looked everywhere in the east, they found them. They were camped out, Nur, Baba-Jan, and Faiz, everyone was very happy. They stayed in Afghanistan for as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteBlog post number3
ReplyDeleteAs Najmah looks out into the distance she sees a blond haired woman with fair skin. "Bibi Nusrat!" Najmah hollers. Najmah invites Bibi Nusrat into their old refurnishing house. "Where is Nur?" Nusrat questions. "He's out doing the field work for a little while, he'll be back soon right now I'm making naan, milk the goats, and now make green tea because you are here." Says Najmah. Just a short time after Nur joins Najmah and Nusrat, Uncle Mohiuddin comes up to their doors. "Nur can you get that" while Najmah and Nusrat clean up the table. Going up to answer the door, Nur opens the door to see his uncle Mohiuddin standing there with poppies. "I'm here to say I'm sorry about wanting to take your land" uncle says through his teeth as if they were sealed shut. Nur looks down at his selfish and says "Are you really sorry?". Najmah comes up to the door without greeting uncle, "Uncle leave now, you are not going to take me and Nur away to marry us off to take our fathers land-".
"-heavy breathing and panting- it was just a dream, it was just a dream." As I lay on the cot, I start reminiscing about how I can find my family and a way back to Golestan to take their land so Uncle won't get it. I have so many problems to answer in such little time before Nusrat and I have to leave for America. Where are you Nur? I need you.
ReplyDelete"Najmah" shouldn't you be at school, your brother Nur already left and you can't stay bibi Nusrat ( her teacher) is in the car she is here to pick you up. Nusrat now is working as a teacher, and Faiz came back and Najmah's father goes to learn about Faiz's job. Nur is in high school, and Nusrat comes to pick up Najmah every day to go to middle school Nusrat teaches her. Nusrat : don't worry
Even though it is your first day you can still make a lot of new friends it will be exciting! Najmah smiles back and says nothing. Nur is working on weekends at a store to get his family money to pay for their rent. Najmah and her father and brother live in their own apartment, Najmah feels like the rest of her life will be full of excitement and safety from wars.
They are now in America living happily and Faiz and Nusrat visit them at their home to help them with everything and they all become like family.
ReplyDeleteThat Faiz is gone forever. Nusrat has some little tears coming out of her eyes thinking about the news about faiz. Najmah tries to cheer Nusrat up by saying that faiz is in a better place now." Thanks, that really helped" Nusrat says.
ReplyDelete" Well me and Nur have to go back to Golistan to make sure uncle doesn't take our land" Najmah says.
Najmah and Nur start to set off on foot back to golistan when Nusrat offers to drive them back." Najmah, Nur, i want to drive you to the Afghanistan border" Nusrat says " Its a long walk back to Kunduz on foot".
"Ok" Najmah and Nur both say. As Nusrat drives Najmah and Nur back, they pass some bandits braking into a truck. They get halfway back to the Afghanistan border, Najmahs uncle shows up behind them running towards them yelling.
"Stop the car! Stop the car! Najmah, Nur are you in there?!?! I want to take you home!" Uncle yells. Nusrat jumps in the car and polls over.
"Whats happening" says Nusrat " it scared me".
"My uncle is back" Najmah says " speed up". Nusrat speeds the car up finally losing uncle. Nusrat gets to the Afghanistan border, gives food to Najmah and Nur, telling Najmah and Nur to take the food and speed up and go home quickly. Najmah and Nur have to climb high mountains to get back to Golistan. There food is running out quickly and there wondering when they will get home." Najmah, we are running out of food. We should go out and find some." Nur says.
" Ok, lets go find some" Najmah says. Najmah and Nur go out and find some food. They find two peices of bread. Two days later they get beck to Golistan. They rebuild there home garding it from there uncle.
Nur and I just reached hom back in the Kunduz where Uncle was waiting for us at the front steps of our house. It was almost as if he knew we were going to return home, or he was just so crazy about getting the land from us. We approached him sitting outside the front door and he looked very angry, there was no way he was leaving here without our land and me and Nur knew it. "You guys know what i want so you might aswell give it now." said Uncle. But me and Nur wouldn't answer, we were very freightend and we had no idea what to do. We both don't like Uncle. In fact we don't even recognize him as a family member. "So are you gonna give over the land or am i gonna have to kill you for it". Nur and I were even more scared and we ran away over the mountains but i think Uncle and us knew that we weren't just gonna give up the land like that so me and Nur had to think of something good to come up with because if our parents were still here today they wouldn't want us to give up the land just like that, they would protect it very well. Nur and I knew we couldn't let Uncle live or every day would be us defending our land and we couldn't live like that. So Nur and I thought if their was anything in the mountains would could use as a weapon against Nur and we found some sticks we could use against Uncle. Of course stick wouldn't do anything so we widdled them down at the tip so their would be a sharp tip and that would surely hurt Uncle. But now we needed a plan because we couldn't just run out at Uncle he would definetly see us and we wouldn't be able to save the land. One of us had to go out and distract Uncle, it would be a risk but at least we knew we could save the land. So Nur ran out near the front of the house where Uncle was standing, He had a knife before so we figured if he ran at Nur I could easily run and get him before he killed Nur. When Nur stood their Uncle then pulled out a gun and both of us knew we had no chance, Uncle started firing at Nur and Nur was dodging bullets for a while and thats when i started running at Uncle from behind and right as i was about to kill Uncle, Nur got shot by one of the bullets and i wasn't sure if he would live but one thing i knew for sure was that Uncle was dead for sure, and infact when i go to check his pulse, there was none. I ran over to Nur and told him to hold on and don't let go. I needed Nur to live. Nur wasn't looking good at all and there was no chance for him to survive, "Protect the land from anyone that comes and stay safe, you can live Najmah i know you can stay alive on your own." Said Nur. But right after he said that Nurs eyes closed and he was gone but he was in a better place. Once again i witnessed 2 family members dead outside my house but this time they were my last family members dead, and also 1 of them i didn't even like.
ReplyDelete"Najmah and Mansoora are in the kitchen setting plates and glasses on the table when Nusrat comes in with her new student. Mansoora and Amina stare at the dust-covered newcomer, and when Najmah looks up, there is a loud crash as the stack of plates in her hands falls to the floor and shatters." There in front of my eyes is my Baba-Jan and Nur in black turbans and white clothes. They're dressed like the Taliban. I was paralyzed with shock, I was so happy. Tears started rolling down my cheeks and I was finally able to move. I ran to my family and wrapped my arms around them, it was so nice to feel the embrace of someone I loved and trusted. I asked Nusrat to excuse me from class so that I could be with my family. She said yes and led us to a room where we could talk. The first few minutes were silent. We all all just looked at each other because we missed each other, I started to get the feeling that Nur and Baba-Jan weren't able to see each other while they were soldiers for the Taliban. I was the first to start the conversation. I told them everything that had happened while they were gone. First about Habib being born, then the bombings, then that Mada-Jan and Habib had died. I paused for a moment and then kept talking, when I told them that I walked with Akhtar and Khalida Baba-Jan scolded me and said it was far to long of a walk for someone like me and that i should've stayed behind and protected the land from the Taliban and uncle. I said I was sorry and then they started telling me about they're journey with the Taliban.
ReplyDelete/
After Nusrat let Najmah and her family go talk she came back to her class to finish setting up for their meal. Nusrat didn't see Najmah until after the class had left and she was about to go to bed. They agreed that Najmah would sleep with Nusrat and the boys would sleep where Najmah had been sleeping. The next morning they talked about what they wanted to do now that the family was back together. Baba-Jan wanted to go back to Golestan Village and rebuild the house since it had been knocked down in the bombings. Nusrat knew it was going to be a hard journey but at least the family was together now. A few days later Najmah, Nur, and Baba-Jan collected a small amount of food from Nusrat for the trip and Nusrat gave Najmah some sheets to practice her skills on. They agreed to meet again later and said they're goodbyes. Najmah thanked Nusrat for everything she had done and went on her way. As Nusrat walked in to her home she heard Najmah tell her family that Nusrat was the reason she found them. A tear slipped down Nusrat's face as she smiled with joy.
PART 1-
ReplyDeleteNajmah:
I can not sleep in this cupboard. Bibi Nusrat left a few hours back, and I am feeling very lonely. I try to tell myself to sleep and stay in the cupboard, but I can't. It has been a while since midnight, but there is still a long way to go until morning.
My courage to leave and have faith that it will be all right wins the battle in my head. I quietly push open the door of the cupboard and step out of the small, uncomfortable space. Putting one foot in front of the other, I quietly make my way to the kitchen. I intend to have a sip of water for my throat is as dry as the desert. From outside the kitchen door, I hear a voice.
"Yes, I am sure . . . Somewhere in this house, that's all I know . . . Juldi, juldi. Fast, fast . . . okay. I am coming. About time," I hear. Suddenly, I hear footsteps coming towards me from the other side of the kitchen door. The door opens, and the sour faced servant Husna steps out of the kitchen. She walks outside and opens the gates. Confused and filled with curiousity, I follow closely behind her. From under the persimmon tree, I see Husna ushering a broad, fat man into the yard. I cannot see much in the dark of the night, but as they get closer, I immediately recognize Uncle. I realize that they are headed this way!
Panicked, I turn to run away, as far as I can, but instead I trip over the roots of the permisson tree and fall. My knees are scraped to the point where it pains to move them at all, and my arm is twisted at an odd angle.
As the two pairs of footsteps become louder and quicker, a large, juicy persimmon falls into my head. I see my life flashing before my eyes, but I know I am not dying. I see this as a sign from Allah. Allah is sending me a message from the heavens, one last ray of hope, a warning, a goodbye.
I do not think as Uncle picks me up and throws me over his shoulder. I only scream. I see Bibi Nusrat throwing open the door to our house, I see Husna disappearing into the kitchen. I see Bibi Nusrat screaming, but I do not hear her. The last thing I see is her yellow hair splaying out of her night scarf as she trips and falls with tears streaming down her face before I feel myself being thrown into a small space and everything turns black.
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Nusrat:
All Nusrat can do is scream. She screams and screams again and again until her voice has almost left her. She call Haroon with shaking hands as she scream more, trying to send Haroon a signal to send help. He arrives with five Pakistani Policemen, but it is too late now. Nusrat lays on the ground, under her beloved persimmon tree and she prays to Allah.
Ya' Allah. What have I done wrong? I turned to you before my family, and I gave my complete and utter faith in you. Ya' Allah, please forgive me. Please keep Najmah alive. Keep her safe. Do what you want with me, just keep her safe. Keep my star safe, keep her alive, keep her happy. Please Allah. Alhamdulillah, Astakfurallah, Astakfurallah, Astakfurallah. Bismillah. Ameen.
As Najmah lays there under the persimmon tree, she decides that no matter what happens, she will save Najmah. Nusrat may have lost Margaret and Faiz, but she will never lose Najmah. Not if she can help it. She is, after all, named help.
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Najmah:
I wake up to see a plain ceiling. I sit up and I look at my surroundings. I recognize a traditional Afghan room for the more wealthy. I look outside the small window and I see a poppy field. At first I am confused and convinced that this is all a dream, but then I remember everything. Uncle.
A pang of hopelessness falls over me as I sink to the ground in despair. My hands reach up to my head and my fingers claw at the choppy strands of hair. I lay there on the floor for what feels like only an hour, but was actually five. I stand up and I look outside. I see the faint signs of the sunrise about to begin. I remember Bibi Nusrat, and my family. I decide that i will try my best to escape, even if i die doing it.
(NEXT COMMENT IS PART 2)
PART 2:
ReplyDeleteNajmah:
The window is high above the ground, and it is very small. I drag the small wooden chair next to the window. With shaky legs, I climb on top. The window reaches my chest now. I hold the window frame from its edge and count to three in English before pulling myself up. I quickly swing one leg over. Soon, I realize that I am stuck at an odd angle. From my knee, half of my right leg is dangling outside of the window, while my left leg stays inside, pressed up against the wall. My hands are clutching the window from the top, and the rest of my body is leaning back. I am no longer as small as before, and with dread, I realize that I can't fit into the window opening. The only way that could be possible would include ripping off the window frame, which would make too much noise.
Suddenly, I hear thundering footsteps getting louder and louder. In panic, I try to squeeze myself through the window, but it is too small. I gasp as the door opens, and I see Uncle looking at me with a shocked expression. His face transforms into a sneer. He walks over towards my struggling self, and picks me up. He places me on the floor and doesn't say anything. I try to look confident and defiant, but it looks like he sees right through it.
"Najmah, beti, Najmah, child. What are you doing? You must get ready for a big day! Today is the day that you learn about what your Uncle does for a living, and you will learn how to work!
Wear this, and I will get your window blocked off," he says, and he tosses me a long burqa, the kind which covers the eyes and everything.
I feel very scared as I change in the small room. I wonder what will happen to me now. As I try to breathe, I think of Nur, Babajan, and Bibi Nusrat. Oh, Bibi Nusrat. She must be so scared. All her plans of moving to New York would be ruined by me. I sit down and sob.
A few minutes later, Uncle barges in with Husna. I glare at the sour faced - and sour hearted - woman. How dare she?! How could she do such a horrible thing to Bibi Nusrat?
"Najmah, come with me," she snaps.
"No," I say and shake my head defiantly. Wordlessly, she walks over to me and grabs my arm, dragging me out of the room.
"No! Leave me, you traitor," I yell, but no one pays me a second glance. Finally, we arrive at the kitchen. Husna shuts the door behind us. She sneers at me.
"You are now a servant until your Uncle says otherwise. Cook," she spits.
"No!" I scream.
"Very well. I will tell your Uncle to bring your friend Nusrat to do what I say instead."
With my eyes wide, I say, "No, I will do it," and I do. Silently, I bring the pateela, the pan, to the stove. I pour in the oil, and I drain the chicken. I do not know where Uncle could have gotten a chicken like this—it was perfect and full of meat. As I cook a chicken karhai, a quick chicken dish, I try to study Husna without her noticing. She has a hard exterior, but I can tell that she has had a troubled past. I try to imagine her smile, but I can't think of anything. I wonder why she works for Uncle. Does he pay her? Does she owe him?
I gulp down my tears as I think about my life. I put the final touches on the karhai, and I turn to Husna.
"I am done," I say without emotion. Husna walks over to the dish and takes a bite. She chews it thoughtfully before swallowing. Then, she picks up the dish, and calls Uncle. My fists clench as I hear his loud footsteps nearing the kitchen.
"I made you your chicken harhai," Husna says to Uncle. My jaw drops in shock.
"She did not! I made that! Every bit of it! She just stood there and watched me!" I exclaimed.
Uncle's eyes harden. "Take the lying girl to her room," he says.
(NEXT PART IS PART 3)
ReplyDeletePART 3:
Najmah:
Husna sneers at me and drags me onto my bed. There I sit and do nothing. I do not cry, I do not think. Suddenly, I hear a loud bang. I look up to see a big hole where the window used to be. I look outside and freeze. There stands Bibi Nusrat, her yellow hair flowing out of her scarf. I run to her, and she wraps her arms around me. She lets go and tells me to run. Hand in hand, we sprint across the poppy field. Far behind us, I see two men chasing us. Finally, we arrive at a brown truck. In the front seat sits the Malek, Haroon. I try to tell Bibi Nusrat not to trust him, but she gets me inside the truck.
"He is on our side now. He will take us to the airport," she explains. I trust her. She has never lied to me before, after all. The men have given up on chasing us. I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look behind me and gasp. It's Nur. I do not greet him, and neither does he. We wrap our arms around eachother, grasping onto what may be the only family we have left.
"Babajan?" I ask, hopefully. Silently, he shakes his head.
"Madajan? Habib?" he questions. I shake my head, trying to hold back my tears, and I tell him the long story. He is in tears, as well, and he tells me about his journey. They were at a refugee camp, and the Taliban men took all the fathers and older men in the group. They drove them to a nearby location, and shot them dead. Then, the young boys were forced into the same truck. They were sure they would die too, when they arrived at a spot where they saw all the men lying on the ground, dead. Instead, they began to walk toward an unknown destination. When their leader was injured, Nur and the boys ran away. Then, the Malek brought Nur to Bibi Nusrat. Bibi Nusrat was already planning to find me, and she took Nur with her. After I let go of our embrace, I look at Nusrat.
"I love you," I say to her as I hug her once more. We sob into eachothers shoulders before we fall asleep.
(NEXT PART IS PART 4)
ReplyDeletePART 4:
Najmah
"Najmah star, wake up! We are here!" Nusrat shakes me awake. I look around to see that we are at the Al-Ama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. After going through the strange process that we had to do before leaving, Bibi Nusrat, Nur, and I wait at gates to enter our jehaz. Bibi Nusrat says that jehaz is called plane in English. I feel the letters on my lips as I stare outside the clear window. I have never been in a plane before, but I have no thinking space in my brain to wonder about the flight. All I can think about is leaving Afghanistan, the only home I have known since I entered this Earth, possibly forever. Nur and I have decided that it could be good for us to move to the United States, as long as we can come visit Kunduz Hills once in a while.
I think of all the other innocent people who were ripped away from their homes and their family, only because of the Taliban, who cannot get enough of other's suffering. My heart feels a sense of relief and freedom when the plane begins to move. The plane is a strange thing. I find my heart racing in excitement as we soar through the sky. Nur and I can't get enough of this miraculous experience. When the plane jerks to a stop, we leave the plane and enter the airport.
As my shoesole touches the smooth, tiled floors, I realize that it is time for a new beginning. It is only now that I realize the intensity of this trip. Bibi Nusrat beams at us as we look around in awe. I see more yellow haired women and men. I also see orange hair, red hair, and pink hair! I see people of all kinds of different skin colors. Still looking at my surroundings in awe, I bump into someone in the crowd of Americans. I look up to see a woman with a hijab. She smiles down at me.
"Assalamualaikum," she says, as she continues to her destination. I smile at the familiar greeting. Maybe America will not be much different after all.
•••
Epilogue: 6 months later...
Nusrat:
Nusrat's heart warms as she opens the door to their apartment, but it is met with a pang of sadness as she remembers her time with Faiz, in a similar place. The children slip off their backpacks and their shoes. Najmah's eyes wander everywhere, inspecting every familiar detail, until they land on Nusrat. Najmah's eyes soften in understanding. Nusrat jumps in pleasant surprise when Najmah's small arms wrap around her waist. Without hesitation, Nusrat returns the warm, and much needed, hug.
"I love you Mama," whispers Najmah.
"I love you too, my star," Nusrat responds. Together, they walk onto their porch and lay next to eachother in their garden, under the persimmon tree.
THE END
(PARTS 1 & 2 & 3 IN ABOVE COMMENTS)
This story is so interesting, it has vivid descriptions....especially the part where Najmah sees the different colored hair of people...
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ReplyDeleteTopic- what happens next
ReplyDelete1 week later
Najmah: It's bin one week since we left Nusrat's school, as me and Nur finally arrive to the top of the path to the village, all we see are dead corps from animals and people, we also see building's that have bin destroyed from past bombings. Me and Nur immediately run to our land and immediately try to make a temporary shelter of what is leftover from our house. The next morning i woke up I found bread and water on the table that Nur left me. I here Nur struggling to dig a hole to put the corps in, after I have my breakfast, I walk out of the shelter and i thank Nur for the food he shared with me, he asks me to help him dig the hole. Three hours later we have successfully put the body's in the hole and cleared land for a house. We decide that we need to find supplies to build a shelter and then a truck flys down the road and making a lot of dust, it was a Christian missionary truck filled with supplies to build a house. The kind gentleman helped us build a house. One month later we had a massive farm and big house with several rooms and running water. Nur and I are happy and can't be more thankful for what that man had done for us that day.
ReplyDeleteI was leaving tomorrow. The day grows darker and my thoughts are all on my journey. Will I make it to Golestan? It’s been a few weeks since Nur got here, we were planning on leaving sooner, but I couldn’t leave Nusrat. Nur wants to go, and so do I. But will I make it? I calmed down. I worry too much, I thought. I give Bibi Nusrat a small kiss on the cheek, while she was reading letters in the kitchen, and tell her good night. The moon gets brighter and brighter, as I watch it from the little window right beside my bed.
_____________________________________________________________________
Nur and I had sweet persimmon tea, and naan for breakfast. We had said our goodbyes earlier that brisky morning, but we say one last goodbye to Bibi Nusrat and Mansoora. We take our bags on our shoulders and gathered our belongings, which is not much, and started to head out before we knew it. The fog in the early morning skies blurr Bibi Nusrat’s face as Nur and I walk further down the stone path that leads out of Peshawar. I see people in front of us. Far away. I wondered why they are, too, on this stone path that leads out of Peshawar. This shouldn’t be a goodbye. It wasn’t. Bibi Nusrat has been like a sister whom I’ve never had. I loved her more than I loved my own brother. Will I see see her again? She would always be my Bibi Nusrat, wherever she goes. Nur holds my hand. I tighten the grip knowing he is only what I have left, and I have nothing else to lose. The bag on my shoulder suddenly feels as if it was strangling me, but it wasn’t, I was lightheaded thinking about what it would be like at Golestan. How Nur and I would live without Baba-Jan and Mada-Jan. How scared we would be when our uncle comes and threatens us, if he did.
Visions pass through my head of the last moments of Mada-Jan. Her running toward Habib. Her face as she looks at me. It was a nightmare come true. I couldn't go. Golestan is not my home anymore. It will never be my home again. I couldn’t bare to live with an incomplete family, I couldn't bare to know that I will never see my mother, my father, and my sweet Habib. I let go of Nur, and I run into the mist, blinded and sobbing. I fall, and I could hear my skin tear. but that was no pain, considering the pain I would go through if I went back home. Nur picks me up and dusts me off. He asked if I was okay. I didn’t answer. He understood. He carries me away as I lay in his boney hands, unconscious.
ReplyDeleteI woke up, I would say a few hours later, in the warmth of a cozy fire. Beside me a table filled with sliced persimmons. I shove a slice in my mouth considering how hungry I was since I left Nusrat. As I sit up, I hear soft whispering in the other room. I got out of the bed, but I couldn’t walk. My left knee was tightly wrapped in white cloth. I limped to the other room to see Bibi Nusrat and Nur talking. Not noticing me by the door, they continue to eat, and chat. Nusrat looks up at me, “Najmah, should I get you something to eat?” She questioned. I shook my head, and she sat back down. “Najmah, why did you run? Your leg is broken...and you are weak.”
“I had no choice Bibi Nusrat, I do not want to go back to Golestan anymore! Please don’t send me there!”
“I won’t” She replied.
“What about our farm, our house, our animals?” Nur asked.
“ What about them? We don’t need them. We can not take care of them.” I said
“Where will we live Najmah? We have nowhere to go. We can’t live alone!”
“Yes we can Nur.” I screamed.
“ Najmah, we will not survive, we are not going to be protected. We don’t have parents anymore. We have nothing, no house, or belongings.” Nur shouted. He was aggravated.
“ Nur, Najmah, I have been all alone since Faiz left me. The loneliness cause me to think about him all the time and worry every minute of my life. But, when I am with you, Najmah, I don’t feel all alone and I feel like the empty hole in my heart is filled and I am happy. Najmah, will you stay here, with me? Even though it is not complete, it still can be a family.”
“I will, and, I always will.” I replied, hugging my Bibi Nusrat.
I really like your plot idea!
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DeleteRe-write ending:
ReplyDeleteI stood there. In shock. About 10 feet away from Nur. I couldn't believe what i was seeing. He stood like i did when i saw Nusrat. Silent, frozen, wide mouth. Jaw dropped. I was more than ecstatic to see him. I ran over to him and hugged him. He was still in shock from seeing me, i could tell. I missed Nur so much i was so happy to see him.
He came out of the shock and we started to catch up from out time being apart. He told me everything. All i could see for a while was Nur. He had all my attention. "Hows father", i said loudly. He murmured under his breathe "he...hes dead". I froze in shock. I couldn't believe what he told me. Oh my god. Baba-jan is dead. I could not speak. No words came out. On top of all this i did not want to go home because my uncle will kill me. I want to go see Nusrat again and maybe Nur will meet her too.
Rewrite to ending: Najmah perspective
ReplyDeleteNur walked in, and we both looked at each other and ran towards each other. I looked at him in disbelief, he did'nt look good. he was filthy and covered in dirt and looked to be blood. It didnt matter though, we were reunited and had each other now. Nusrat welcomes him in, she give him food an water. As we were eating I asked: "Where is Baba-jan?"Nur replied back: "He is dead, so is everyone in our village. The Taliban took them over a hill in trucks, shortly they returned and said they are dead. " Nusrat buzzed in "Oh kids, it a pretty big idea but, come with me and my husband and I to New York! You will get a proper education and you'll be safe." We thought about it for a while, we really did and Nur and I both agreed . We would do it . Nusrat came to us the morning after Nur came. "Will you accept this offer?" Nusrat asked patiently. "Yes we will!" we both exclaimed. A phone suddenly rung and Nusrat ran to it like, she knew who it was. She quickly answered it, he walked into the salon to talk in private. 10 minutes later she came out, "Faiz was injured in a bombing. He is okay, he is coming home!" She exclimed, not even worrying about his injuries, she was just excited for him to be home. " So kids, are you ready for NY?"
--New York City, 1 year after arrival--
Me and Nur made the best decision. And yes of course, we feel terrible that we left Father's land with Uncle but, we were not safe there. Now we live with Faiz and Nusrat in a nice condo in NYC. Schoolwork is fun and Nur has a job at a small store. But, what matters is we stuck together and made it through.
ReplyDeleteNur and I try to walk quieter as we hear leaves crunch under our feet. I am worried Uncle will hear us, though I know in reality we are still miles away from our village. He could be coming to find us though. He could be coming from the east, or the west, or the south or the north, my heart is beating so fast that I can feel it in the back of my head. I take a deep breath and try to relax my thoughts. I know he isn't anywhere near us. We must be safe, at least for now.
Nur and I continue on. For hours and hours we walk, into the night so late that at this time I cannot see even a foot in front of me. My eyelids feel heavy, and I begin to fall to my knees.
CLAP! Suddenly my eyelids fly open and it takes them a while to adjust there stands Nur gazing down at me. "Get up Najmah there is no time for sleeping right now." he glares. I find my footing and slowly get up. I notice that it has gotten much lighter out and that we are closer to our village then we were when I dozed off. After what seems like weeks more of traveling we reach a pathway that leads into our village. My legs ache and I am nervous and afraid that Uncle will be waiting for us. I can tell Nur feels the same way. We should of stayed with Nusrat I begin to think, but I forget that thought and Nur and I marched into our village...together.
I like that you had them go back to the village
DeleteThey sit together for a while, and then Nusrat comes back to the kitchen to help Maha get dinner ready for when Jamshed and Sultan return. Nusrat decides that, even though what Nur has said may be true, she must still find out exactly what happened to Faiz. Just then a hard knock comes from the front door. Najmah and Nur look as each other, frightened. Nusrat knows that they are in danger still. She hurries the children into another room, her included, and locks the door. Nusrat, Najmah, and Nur all listen intently through the door, attempting to hear who is there.
ReplyDeleteAsma opens the front door to find an older looking man staring at her, with two other men at his sides, each with guns. The man's voice booms, and it's too much for Najmah to bare. Tears start streaming down her face. Nur's face is completely filled with fear, just as Nusrat has recognized the voice that has become far too familiar to her.
She takes Najmah and Nur to the closet and tel,s them to stay quiet and small, staying hidden behind the clothes. Uncle comes through the front door and into the house, uninvited. Nusrat can't make out what he is saying, but she hears a lot of yelling. Nusrat hears Sultan come running over, followed by more running. Finally, Nusrat hears the front door slam shut and soon after, Asma is calling to them that he is gone.
/
We learn that Uncle has told Asma that he knows Nur and I are staying here, and that if he sees our faces ever again we will be killed immediately. We also learn that the farm and land has been destroyed by more bombings. We decide there is no point in going back to Kunduz, for there is no land to honor and the risk of death is certain. Both Nur and I were just about to tell Bibi Nusrat that we have decided that we want to go to America with her when there is a sudden burst of the door and a man falls to his knees in the doorway. He is covered in dust and holds a gun. We all jump back, afraid and shocked. I look towards the adults, as they all start to smile, tears streaming down their faces.
Bibi Nusrat runs into the man's arms and embraces him tightly. He smiles and starts to cry. Soon the entire family is crowded around the man and hugging him.
/
Nusrat couldn't believe that he was actually standing there, alive, well, smiling at her. She thought it was a dream. The relief that washed over her was unbearable. Breaking down was all Nusrat could think of doing after running to him. Faiz tells his stories of survival, and how another doctor had come to help him out just before a bomb went off, killing the doctor. He told of how everywhere he went, people has thought he was dead. He told of how the messenger was terrible at bringing letters, and then died in the bombing also. Later that night, the decision had been made. Faiz and Nusrat were going to move back to America, bringing Nur and Najmah with them.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a month since Nur and I have left the school. We left in secret, I hope Babi Nusrat isn't too upset with me. I left her a note telling her about our prepared journey, It read
"Dear Babi Nusrat,
Nur and I have left for our journey back to Kunduz to redeem our land. We have just made the decision to leave 10 minutes before I wrote this. I have packed water, extra clothes you have given me, and a months worth of food. I have stolen this from you but we are like family so I didn't think you would mind. I'm sorry for not saying goodbye to you. I couldn't say goodbye to your face its was too hard. Nut and I both greatly appreciate what you have done for us. You are too kind. You have reunited me with my brother, gave me food and shelter a small bit of education and much more. If you have decided to go to New York, safe travels and good luck.
I miss you already,
Najmah
After I wrote her this I never got a letter back. My uncle has already taken our land and he won't give it back or let us work on the farm for him. My brother is working on another mans farm for little money. I have been blessed to work on a farm with a small family as well. Nur and I continue to make money, we have enough money for a small piece of land to build a tiny home. Their is only one bedroom but at least me and Nur are safe. A women on the farm has been teaching me and given me an education in return for work. I hope one day me and Nur will be able expand our property and I will be able to start a school like Nusrat. I haven't heard from Nusrat since I left but I would love to reunite soon. If I could tell her anything anything it would be that me and Nur are safe and healthy and that I look up at the stars every night and I think about her. I just hope Nurat is safe and happy like I am.
Najmah:
ReplyDeleteI make eye contact with an familiar face, on a large muscular body. "Nur!" I shout tears rolling down my cheeks. He had grown so much. Nur dropped all his bags and ran for me. "Oh Najmah, how I have missed so much! My have you grown skinny!" He said laughing a little. I didn't mind, I missed his playful attitude. "Where's baba-Jon?" I asked looking around. Nur kneeled down and looked me in the eye and said "Najmah...he's... He's gone. He died Najmah" I didn't know wether to cry or to just explode. "No... No... He's not dead. No he can't be dead. Nur I swear to Allah if this is one of your jokes, I'm going to kill you. He's not dead! HE CANT BE DEAD!" I screamed. Nur looked at me with red eyes and said "he's dead. The best thing to do now is move on. Before we went into battle, he told me to protect our land, from uncle." Pain turned to rage. A rage to fufill baba-jons wish. A rage to kill uncle. "I'll kill him" I said. "No!" Said nur. "We will not kill. Too many have already died, but I will make sure uncle will not get our land." Nur gets into a truck and motions me to get in. Surprisingly, I forgot about baba-jons passing fast, as if I knew he was going to die. I get into the truck and fall asleep. I wake to find nur yelling at someone outside. It's uncle, he had already started to plant poppies in father land. Nur grabs uncle by the neck and screams at him "Your brother is dead, and you plant in his land! Boy you'll be lucky to even breath after I'm through with you. I'll let you live, only to suffer broken bones and bankruptcy!" I don't stop nur from beating uncle. He deserves it. After around half an hour, nur spits on uncle and walks back to the truck. "I told him to sell the poppies and donate all the money he has to nusrat's school. If he doesn't, I'll call the police for he has trespassed in our land." I felt so glad, even through all this pain and suffering, I was able to be with my brother and live well with nusrat. We drove back to nusrat a house and we lived there for many weeks.
5 years later
I ask nur if he'd like a Pepsi and toss him one. As nusrat, nur and I lay down on a beach. Florida is great I say to myself. :D
Epilouge of Nusrat
ReplyDeleteI momemts away from leaving my life here in Peshewar. Im the most terrified that ive ever been in my life. I am very excited to go back to new york but as the time gets closer to leaving I get emotional. My life here is over, Persimmon tree school is over, Najmah has left and I pray every day she is okay her and Nur, and i must now go back to my real name Elaine. When i go to New york i feer i will be very emotional as i walk passed my old building i used to live in. Its already bringing back the memorys of Faiz. I miss him. I will still look ar the stars and i know he's looking on with me in spirit. Faiz has helped me through when my apart,ent was broken into. I now have no fearless warrior by my side to protect me and watch out for me. New York is a bug place and I Elaine am very happy to go back but part of me wants to keep in peshwar pakistan with the persimmion tree school.
After Najmah and Nur left Nusrat decided to go back to New York and start a new life in the New York. Nusrat had a hard time trying to find a safe way back to New York. When she finally reached America she contacted her old next door neighbor that she was friends with. She calls her friend to see if she is willing to let Nusrat stay in the apartment. Nusrat called her friend through the pay phone at the train station. Nusrat used all her life saving on getting back to New York and beginning a new life. He first priorities was to find her friend and get a job to get money to begin her fresh start. Nusrat took a stroll through Central Park and saw all the different cultures of people that are in the city. Canadians, Indians, Mexicans, South Americans, Chinese people, and many more. Nusrat turns around and she notices the bench, that every time her and Faiz walked in the park they would sit down and enjoy the scenery whether it was spring, fall, summer or winter.
ReplyDeleteA few days after she arrived in New York she started to begin her new life. Nusrat decided that the first thing she was going to do was to look for a new job that would keep her busy. The first job she applied for took her right away. Her job was in a small cafe. The cafe was the right underneath her friends apartment building. On her first day of her new job she was an excellent waitress. She gave everybody the correct order and didn't give any free food away by accident. The Russian manager was very impressed by her work. He promoted her to head waitress. The moment she got promoted to head waitress she knew that she made the right decision coming to New York. She knew that things were going to turn around for her and soon.on maybe a few years Nusrat will have her own school to teach at and run to start her new life, but she will never forget about her life in Peshawar.
Epilogue-
ReplyDeleteNusrat’s point of view:
It has been 1 year since Nur and Najmah reunited. It has been 9 months since the three of us moved to America to live in New York. It has been no time since I have stopped missing Faiz. I think about him everyday, and what our lives would have been like if we hadn’t moved to Pakistan after we first met. I regret the decision day after day, but then realize it was all for the good since I wouldn’t have met Najmah and Nur without making the decision. The three of us live in a small apartment on the Upper East Side, almost like the one Faiz and I had lived in years back, but not quite. It was missing the Islamic aura Faiz had in his small, two room living space. Nonetheless, we had turned our little, tiny apartment into a great space to live. I had gotten a new job at the University and Nur and Najmah were going into the eighth and seventh grades. Life felt so different coming back to New York, after I had gotten used to the lifestyle in Pakistan. I was getting back into the routine of the luxurious New York City life, and I could tell Najmah and Nur were still getting used to it too.
I woke up bright and early, Monday morning to find Nur and Najmah making a traditional Afghan breakfast. I smiled in delight as Najmah greeted me with her daily, “Good morning, Bibi Nusrat!” I grinned at her English, which was surprisingly becoming more and more fluent as days went on. Nur was packing his schoolbag and gave me a smile from ear to ear. I could tell he was in a good mood.
“We get our English exam results today, Bibi Nusrat!” he exclaimed with such joy, it was unimaginable. “I am certain I passed at the top of my class!”
“Very well, Nur!” I was so proud of him. It took him some time to get used to me and to trust me after he came to the Persimmon Tree School. It warned my heart to see him getting excited qbaout something in New York. Both Najmah and Nur were reluctant to leaving their father’s land and coming with me. I finally had convinced them it was the right choice. They needed to leave the land, as their Uncle would take it away the second they got back. I followed Najmah and Nur out the door after eating a quick breakfast that Najmah had prepared. Nur and Njmah raced down the narrow staircase, which made me laugh as I thought back to the first time I met Faiz when he helped me with the bandit. I walked down the stairs and out the door, thinking about this afternoon, which would be the first time I was meeting my parents since I told them I was converting to Islam. Butterflies flew around in my stomach as I walked the children to school. I couldn’t bar to think of this afternoon any longer.
~
I turned to key to my apartment door after work, expecting to see Najmah and Nur working on their homework. But that was not what I saw. I dropped my book bag at the sight I was looking at in my kitchen. It was my parents. The were sitting in my kitchen, laughing away with Nur and Najmah.
“Bibi Nusrat! Come look at these silly pictures of you!” Najmah called out to me, in the midst of her giggles.
I walked through the doors and over to my parents. They stood up and I couldn’t hold it any longer. We all burst into tears and embraced in a long, warm hug.
“Oh, how we have missed you, my darling,” my mother said. “We have been waiting for this day ever since we realized that you converting to Islam was not such a horrible thing after all.”
"Thank you. I have missed you all so much.” I could not contain my tears. I was so overwhelmed and happy my parents had accepted my decision. I could tell life in New York would end up being pretty great.
Epilogue
ReplyDeleteNusrat's heart opens as she slowly creeks open the door to their apartment, but she is met with sadness as she remembers her time with Faiz and the first time she met him. The school children slip off their backpacks and their shoes and run into the apartment basement to play. Najmah's eyes wandered everywhere, looking at every familiar detail of the apartment, until they land on Nusrat. Najmah's eyes start watering in tears. Nusrat jumps in pleasant surprise when Najmah's small arms wrap around her waist. Without thinking, Nusrat returns the hug from Najmah that she longed for so dearly because she was still sad and depressed about Faiz's death.
"I love you Mama," whispers Najmah in Nusrat's ear.
"I love you too, my little star," Nusrat responds back.
As they walk to the front porch and sit down in two baby blue chairs visualizing their long journey and as they sit they both set eyes on the persimmon tree in the front yard.
Epilogue
ReplyDeleteNajmah, Nur and Nusrat
That night Nur and I talked about our final decision. Should we either go to New York with Nusrat or go on a risky, dangerous trip back to Kunduz to take back our land from Uncle. We both gave it some thought and we came to a conclusion that we are going to go back to Kunduz where we belong and where all of our ancestors lived and where are future family should live too. It is just so important to us and we can not leave it just so it can be taken by bad people. Now that Baba-jan is dead we would like to try and accomplish his goal. One thing he wanted when we last saw him is for our land not to be taken control of by the Taliban or Uncle, and we know that he would be disappointed if we didn't even give it a try. If we do die then we get to hopefully see our family up in heaven, but if we don't die then we can keep our land and our children's, children can have it and that special love if land that was hardly earned by our ancestors can be used by this family forever. Nur and I also both decided we shall tell Nusrat and the others tomorrow during tea time, but we will only leave has soon has Nusrat finds out about Faiz, for whom she loves. If he does end up dying then we will stay an extra day here to cheer up Nusrat before we set off for Kunduz. If Faiz is alive then we will leave right away.
The following day during tea time Nur and I lightly tap on our tea cups with a spoon. "Attention everyone, Najmah and I have an announcement to make." We have decided as siblings to go back to Kunduz to reclaim our land for our family. We will leave as soon as we figure out if Faiz is alive or dead.", says Nur. "We would both like to thank all of you for your support and help for these tough times, but especially thanks to Nusrat who has feed us, bathed us, made sure that we weren't diseased, provided us with clothes and a house to live in and also she gave us an education. I think that I wouldn't be alive right now if she didn't take care of me like she has been for the past month and a half or so. You were like a sister to us and we appreciate that. I'm praying that Faiz is alive, because you have been doing so much for us and other refugees and it would just be a shame for your husband to die when you have been doing all of this good in your life", Najmah announces. Minutes later everyone starts crying and there is a big group hug. Three days later Sultan finds Faiz and three others alive under a building that has collapsed from the bombs that were dropped from the U.S. It is a miracle! Faiz returns home the following day and the whole family gets emotional, especially Nusrat. Later that afternoon Sultan schedules two soldiers from the mujahideen to help protect Najmah and Nur on there long dangerous journey tomorrow. That night Nur and Najmah pack and get ready for there journey, and celebrate with everyone else about the return of Faiz. Najmah and Nur fill up on the feast for the celebration of Faiz, before leaving for Kunduz. Faiz and Nusrat catch up on each other's life for the rest of the night while everyone sleeps. Early that morning Nusrat said goodbye to Najmah and Nur and prayed for them on there journey. She gave them a note with the address of this house and her own house address and told them to write to her when they reach home. Nur and Nusrat hugged and Nur said "Thanks for everything". Najmah nodded back and said "No, thank you". Then Najmah and Nur hugged and both started crying. "Remember to follow the stars", Nusrat said before Najmah left.
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks later Nur and Najmah arrive to there loving home with there two guards. They are all hungry and tired, considering they barely ate and slept. Najmah and Nur both cry when they see that there broken house is now brand new and fixed. Those tears then turn into excitement when they see the gorgeous hills like they always used to when they would wake up to them every morning when things were normal. They couldn't be more happier, Najmah was dying to see them again. As a reward for the guards bravery and acts of kindness Najmah and Nur invite the two guards in for dinner. When all of a sudden they see a man making dinner already. He turns around and they realize that it's Uncle. Uncle then says "I knew you guys were alive. Come in, come in." "Get out of our house and our land, this isn't yours, says Nur". "This is my land now, you guys came here to late and it belongs to me", argues Uncle. "Listen Uncle this is our territory it was our ancestors land, you can't just take it. Now we are here so can you please leave, thank you, states Nur". All of a sudden Uncle grabs one of the kitchen knifes and throws it, skimming Nur's face, almost killing him. Then I command the soldiers to shoot Uncle. Uncle throws another knife right at the soldiers finger, cutting it off. The other solider than shoots Uncle and next thing you know Uncle is dead. The non-wounded solider buries Uncle, while we ice the other soldiers finger to relief the pain. Finally we have our dinner and thank the soldiers. A week later Nusrat receives a letter from Kunduz and the first sentence says "I followed the stars".
Part Two^
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNajmah/Nusrat
ReplyDeletePeshawar, Pakistan
"Will you please consider coming with me to the United States?" Bibi Nusrat said.
"I told you, I have to see what is left of my house before uncle does," I replied.
"Well," Bibi Nusrat replied. "I'm not going to leave you there alone. If you go, I go too."
I look at Bibi Nusrat. She is as serious as ever. I can't believe that she would actually risk her life to stay with me, but I don't want her getting hurt. She has a family that loves her. I do not, I only have Nur. We must go back to take my families land, like we are supposed to.
"Bibi Nusrat, please don't. I don't want you getting hurt."
"Well, why would I let you be in danger? Najmah, I care about you and your brother, and I don't want anything happening to you just as you don't want anything happening to me," Bibi Nusrat replied looking into my eyes. Well now what do I do? I need to go back to my home but Bibi Nusrat will come with me and surely get killed.
"Bibi Nusrat-" I say. She interrupts.
"No, if you go I go too. End of story."
"I'm going to bed," I say.
"Goodnight, Najmah," she says.
I run up to my room. I have so much to think about. Nur is back at the house getting the rest of our clothes, so I can't talk to him. I have to decide this on my own. I look out the window and try to think. I soon become lost in the stars. Thinking about my past and all that I have been through. I've grown so much as a person. I know this war will be over soon, I can feel it. I slowly drift to sleep, thinking. I wake up very early. I walk downstairs and hear Bibi Nusrat whispering with someone.
" She's not ready to hear that!" Bibi Nusrat says.
"It doesn't matter," Asma says.
"She can't know her Uncle is already at her house!" Bibi Nusrat whispers. As soon as I hear that I run up the stairs as fast as I can and crash on the bed. I begin sobbing and sobbing. I don't know why but I can't stop. My life, my plans, all gone because of my horrible uncle.
A few seconds later there is a knock on my door.
"Hello?" Bibi Nusrat whispers. I know she heard me run upstairs. I should have been quieter.
"What?" I snap. She comes inside.
"I'm assuming you heard that," she said looking at the ground.
"My putrid uncle, my horrible uncle," I begin saying.
"I'm so sorry, Najmah," she says.
"I knew he would do this," I reply.
" I know this is a bad time, but would you now consider coming to America with me?" She questions.
" I really have no choice now, do I?" I reply.
" I guess not," she says.
The next day we pack up our stuff, say goodbye to Asma, and head off for the U.S. After a very long plane trip we come up to the apartment where Bibi Nusrat used to live. I can't help but feel happy but nervous. This will be a good life. Nur and I walk through the door and take in our new home.
" Are you nervous?" I ask Nur.
"Of course, but we will get through it," he replies.
As I go to bed that night I feel content. I am happy that Allah listened to my words of Nur and Baba-jan coming back. Even though I am happy that Nur came back, I worry and I feel that I am put in a dilemma. If Nur and I return back to our hometown in Kunduz, our Uncle will kidnap us and take our land because by then he would've figured out that Baba-jan died. My eyes begin to tear up as I think about the thought of losing our land. But on the other hand, Bibi- Nusrat promised us if we stayed with her, she will take us to America and she promised us a good education and life. But the thought of leaving my hometown Kunduz, Afghanistan, and Peshawar wretched. Nusrat who was lying next to me had eyes filled up with water and tears running down her face. She just couldn't stand the fact that Faiz had died.
ReplyDeleteThe next morning I get up and talk to Nusrat about the important decision I must make. Whether I should go back home to Kunduz and get kidnapped by my uncle or if I should leave my home and go to America. After a long talk I decided it would be best for Nur and I that we go home back to Kunduz. Nusrat promised to come with us through the long journey. As I leave Peshawar, my heart sinks, thinking of the many memories I've had here. Nusrat has been like a best friend and a mother for me so I shall forever be thankful for her. After a long time and long journey we finally reach to our land in Kunduz. Bibi- Nusrat looked so shocked when she looked around and saw that our house isn't remaining. Nur looked devastated also. I could clearly see from the other side of our land that Uncle was once again roaming around the land and I noticed he even started planting some poppies.
"Najmah!!" my Uncle comes yelling. "Why did u come all of a sudden to Kunduz?" "I thought you were going to stay in Peshawar with Nusrat!" He looked a little hesitant but he has not yet found out that my Baba-jan died. This isn't the right time to tell him, I thought. Or else he'll take our land away. Uncle sees Nur and suddenly remembers that Nur went to the Taliban and he came back and he was wondering about Baba-jan. "So" he says to start of a conversation. "Where is my brother?" "Did he die?" Or is he still with the Taliban. "Ummm well......he's he's he's" I say trying to make up a story. I then realize I have no choice but to tell the truth. "Ok I have no choice to say this but he's dead" Najmah murmurs. "Yes! Yay! I am so happy! Says uncle with joy." "This land is mine, forever and always mine!" My face was turning red and I was mad. Really really mad and angry!" How dare he's happy when his own brother died. Najmah wouldn't have felt this way if Nur died. She'd be sobbing for days, months and years.
By now I knew I was doomed. Bibi-Nusrat was standing at the side trying not to cry. She hugged me and believed I will be okay. Bibi-Nusrat told me we have no choice but to go to New York. This time I actually agreed with her She promised to adopt Nur and I as her children. Nusrat goes up to uncle and says, "you know what, we've had enough of this nonsense." "We will be leaving to New York first thing Monday morning." "You can have this land and do whatever you want to do with it, we don't care!" Uncle had no words to says but the expression on his face told us he wanted to keep the land.
ReplyDeleteWe made our long journey all the way back to Peshawar. We packed all of our suitcases and all personal needs. Nusrat's family even had a big farewell party for them on Saturday night. On Monday morning, Nusrat, Najmah and Nur took of to the airport. Soon, they boarded the plane and it took of. Najmah looked though the small airplane window and saw a bunch of small little houses. She remembered her house as one of those houses. She held onto Nusrat's and Nur's hand and prayed to Allah in the sky that everything will go well as the plane took of into the clouds.
Rewrite of the ending:
ReplyDeleteIt was just a usual day at the persimmon tree school. That's when we heard a knock on the front door, my heart jumped thinking it was my uncle. I run to my room to hide, I hear her open the door it's a man but not my uncle. I come out and see who it is it's a tall boy covered in dust and has a gray turban on. I fell to my knees I realized it was Nur I ran over to him and gave him a hug. "Where is Baba-Jan I ask."
I have a lump in my throat as I try to tell her he is dead. "I'm sorry to tell you this Najmah but the Taliban killed him." Tears rolled down her face. "Where is Mom" Nur asked.
"The Americans dropped bombs on the village thinking the Taliban might be hiding there they are dead." Later that night Nusrat came in to our room with some tea and says "I'm glad you guys are reunited." "But I think we need to leave your uncle will soon find out about Nurs arrival and will confront us we must go. When we arrived in University Town we re met with Nusrats sister in law. She was happy to see me and surprised to see a new person walk through the door. She helped him get comfortable and clean. Nur and I talked some more about our journey and then I told him about New York.
"I don't think we should go" Nur exclaimed.
"I think it will give us a good opportunity though" said Najmah.
"If that's what you want that's what we will do."
We go to talk to Nusrat and tell her about New York she was exhilarated to hear this. A few hours later Nur remember about a doctor that survived the bombing in the town of Mazar-i-Sharif. "He is staying in the nearest clinic a few miles away. "He is going to be ok" Nur says
When Nusrat hears this her heart jumps and she hugs Nur. "I am so happy" she states.
A few months later:
Faiz is better and we have tickets to fly to New York when we arrive I am surprised with the building and all the people. After we got settled into an apartment we looked around the city.
2 weeks later:
Our first day of school is tomorrow and I am exited I know how to speak English and I want to see what the classes are like. Meanwhile Faiz found a job as a doctor and Nusrat finds a job at the school Nur and I go to. I am glad we moved to New York and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Squeal to Under the Persimmon Tree:
ReplyDeleteI waved good-bye to Bibi Nusrat. I didn't want to think I was leaving her forever. She had helped me when I was at my worst. But Nur and I needed to go home and take our land. We were going to travel on foot. It would be tedious and scary, walking all alone but I remind myself that I'm no alone. Nur is here. We didn't speak for hours he had told me about Baba-jan and I told him about Mada-jan and Habib. I just followed him down the road, like birds would follow one another when migrating. Every once in a while we would hear the faint gunshots of the Bizzar, but stayed on track. We spent the first night in the mountains. I had gotten so used to sleeping on Nusrat's home that it was hard to sleep in the hard ground. Nur and I traveled for about seven weeks, making minimal conversation. I suppose we were both thinking of what we had been through. How we were still alive. I was scared for the future, but at least I knew where we were going and why. The stars keep me company and remind me of Nusrat. I will never forget the last three months. Wether I want to or not.
ReplyDeleteAs Nur and I continue to head toward our home, I start to wonder what Nusrat would decide to do. My thoughts continue to drift toward Nusrat. She lost everything. All of sudden, my daydream was broken with a tap on my shoulder. Nur was showing me that we had reached Torkhum.
Nur left me near a tent and went to get some food to stock and eat. My thoughts drift again. I really hoped that Nusrat left for America. It was quite important to her to make up with her family and live in a place that she could work.
I reach into my pocket and stubble upon a piece of paper that I don't remember putting in their. On it was written and address and the English alphabet. I scream with joy! I have found a way to contact Nusrat. I run all the way up to Nur and told him the good news. He smiled and watched me dance around.
"Once we reach home, I'm going write her. I hope she responds soon." I say hopefully.
Nur just continues to stand their, smiling at me. After Nur comes with the food we enjoy the meal and continue on our journey with the mujahideen.
About 5 days later we reach the mountains. This is the most treacherous part of the journey. As we continue through I hang onto Nur because I know he'll protect me. As we creep through the mountains I ask Nur quietly, "Do you think we will make it?" Nur responds with confidence that we will. We rest in a cave along the mountains. I get a sense that someone was watching us from the walls. Out of nowhere men jumped from off the wall and cornered us. As the mujahideen men were fighting them, Nur and I barely ran past them. We just kept running. We didn't look back once for the men who saved us. As Nur and I began to slow down, I prayed that the men in the cave would be ok.
Nur and I made it safely back home were another challenge lie. Uncle. He was not going to back down, but now that Nur was back, Uncle would have to back down.
I kept my promise to myself and wrote Nusrat a letter telling her that we reached safely. I also put in so many questions it might take her two pieces of paper to answer it.
Nur and I run the farm just like Baba-jan wanted. My life is complete.
I really like this:) I like all the points you made.
Delete
ReplyDeleteNajmah/Nusrat
Nusrat begs me and Nur to go to America with her. We want to go, but we must return home. We will make a memorial for BaBa Jan, Mada Jan, and Habib since they have gone to the afterlife. Uncle must also be trying to get our land by now. We tell Bibi Nusrat that we will go home. She cries, but realizes what we really need. She lets us go and we begin our journey. We don't know when, but we will get back home and start a new, better life. We travel be forest and mountain, many bandits and Pushtan Talib guard the road. We know it will take a long time on foot, so we travel all day, rarely getting any sleep in fright of hypothermia. It is tough, but me and Nur are persevering
/
It has already been a day since they have left, but I am already feeling worried. What if they are lost? What if they've been captured? It is a struggle to go through the school day as I remember her sitting right in the front of my students. When my class is over and I send my students off, I hurry to my bedroom and pray. I pray for Najmah and Nur to get to Golestan, but at the same time, I pray hard for Faiz, who has left the world while doing good deeds. I lie down in bed looking at the stars out my window and pray that they will guide Najmah and Nur.
Part two:Najmah/Nusrat
Nur and I have climbed over tons of mountains, walked through over 10 forest, and Nur says that we are close to home, but I feel like we should already be there. My feet are sore and I feel like I will die from tiredness. We have gone low on food and are preserving the dried persimmons, and nuts for the rest of our journey. Nur had even tried hunting in the forest, but we could not cook the game because the Taliban would've surely seen our fire. As we reach the top of the last hill, we can see the wreckage of what our house used to be. Our fields were not cared for and had weeds everywhere. We quickly ran down the hill to inspect what we had to build new shelter with. When we got there though, we saw a strange, but familiar man. It was Uncle, and he held a large machete, ready to murder us and take our land. We sprinted back up the hill as fast as we could, with Uncle trailing behind us. We were much faster than him because he was fat! We lost him in the forest and went back home. An unfamiliar car was parked there. It didn't look like the Taliban's vehicle. As we got close we saw two faces. It was Nusrat and the malek. We hopped into their car and the malek stepped on the pedal. We were safe now and Nusrat said she would take us to the airport. We saw Uncle chasing us in the mirror so the malek turned around and ran over him. We then continued to the airport.
/
I was too worried about them so I told the malek to drive me to their home in Golestan. When we got there, no one was around, but we then saw Najmah and Nur running towards us. They got in the car out of breath saying that their uncle was chasing them. The malek gladly ran over him with his car and we are now going to the airport. It would be a 4 hour long drive so we fell asleep. When we woke up, we were at the Mazar-i-Sharif airport. Many Americans were there with there children, probably to visit relatives in the war. Their children were very rude though. One of them walked up to Najmah, pointed at her sandals and shouted, "What are those!". After waiting on the super long line, we were on our way to America. Najmah and Nur would live with me, and I would open a Memorial school for those who died like Faiz.
The End
ReplyDeleteEpilogue: Najmah and Nusrat
Nusrat:
It has been 4 long months and 24 days since we left war torn Pakistan. Me, Najmah and Nur are living peacefully in New York City. Najmah decided to return to school and achieve a higher level of education. She attends New York preparatory school. For the first time in her life, Najmah's school will not be blown up or demolished. Nur too is eager, his curiosity leading him to explore the whole city, from the colossal Empire State Building, to the sandy salty beaches. He is also slowly healing from the horrors of the war in Pakistan. Soon Nur will begin school. The siblings have decided to help other children who like them, fled war at home to assimilate to a new life in a new country. I am now starting to teach all grades 1-12 in a safe, peaceful, war free country. Here, in New York, the children and I share an apartment and I am their legal guardian. For me though, my husband Faiz is still in my head and my heart. I hope he will rest in peace. I still pray for the children I left behind. One day, if the war ever ends, I may return to Pakistan, and again seek the Persimmon tree.
Najmah:
I really enjoy school. Ever since I've come to New York, I have made many new friends and learned a ton. My English has massively improved, but I still need to practice more. I am really enjoying the many great city sites, from the massive buildings, to the fresh clean parks and open roads. It is so green here. Sounds funny to say but plants and trees are everywhere. It's so different from home. Nusrat was right about this amazing place. It has lots of fun stuff to do. My favorite thing to do is go to the beach on a hot hazy day. New York is like heaven to me, but I miss seeing the stars over the night sky in Pakistan. I don't mind that though. For the first time in my life, feel protected and no longer need to flee from the Taliban's deadly force. Now we live in a home, one that I myself actually picked out. It is a large apartment. In fact, me, Nusrat and Nur live together. I will always pray for my family and hope they rest in peace for eternity. I will never forget the challenges that I faced fleeing from the Taliban and uncle, and I will never forget my family. Pakistan will always be in my heart and I won't forget, ever. There are others like me and Nur, that have fled from war and find themselves in a new land. Foreign, but safe. Nur and I talk to them and help them learn the ways of New York. One day when my schooling is done and the war and persecution is done, I hope to return to Pakistan and again find comfort in my father's stars.
Najmah/Nusrat
ReplyDeleteHolding the plates, I suddenly drop them and see who's at the door, it's Nur. I turn and stare for a second not knowing if what I see is real then I know for a fact, this is not a dream. I know from the sight of just Nur, Babajan isn't coming. But then, right as I start to walk into Nur to give him a great big hug, he steps aside and there, right in front of me, is Babajan. Tears flow down my face of great joy and I embrace both of them at once. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see either of them in my whole entire life. Now seeing Babajan standing in front of me, I know we'll be okay. Later on I ask him what he's planning on doing with us now that we're all together. I ask him if we're going back to Kunduz, but he doesn't respond right away. He tells me "I know I said we needed to protect our land, but now we need to protect ourselves. We are going to start a life and a new family of just the three of us, in America, and make the best of it." I'm sad to hear him say his, but I trust him anyway. I nod as I'm holding Nur's big hand. It feels like forever ago that I touched him, and it feels so good to have him back with me.
I'm happy to see Najmah back with her family. It brings joy to my eyes but makes me want to have Faiz back even more. I do believe what Nur told me is true, but i want to know for sure, I need to know for sure. If I don't know I won't be able to move on with my life and go to America with Najmah, Nur, and Babajan. Suddenly, the door bell rings, I open it and in comes Mazar-I-Sharif. I wait for the words "He's dead" to come out of his mouth but instead he just stands in front of me, I begin to become inpatient so I snap at him. He's sad to tell me they couldn't find any news on him. I gently close the door and walk upstairs. I think about Faiz, think about him up in the sky and close my eyes, slowly dazing off into sleep dreaming about my husband that I will never see again. The next morning, I decide I can't wait here any longer and I need to get out of here and go to America. We will leave tomorrow to get out of here as soon as possible, before Uncle finds Najmah and her family.
It's time to go and I see Nusrat slowly regret leaving, but I know she won't stay. So she says goodbye to all her family then shuts the door. As we start to get in the car, we hear rustling through the leaves. We all get nervous it's uncle and brace ourselves to run, but no. Out comes a tall, handsome man, covered in dirt. Nusrat wipes her eyes to see if she's dreaming, and without having to even ask, I know that the man we are all staring at is, in fact, Faiz. She runs towards her husband tears streaming like a waterfall down her face and they embrace each other continually saying "I love you." We all know that Nusrat won't come with us now so we wave her goodbye and head in the car. I thank her for everything she's done and promise to visit her soon. She tells me she plans on going to see her parents with Faiz and then settling back here. She promises me we'll see eachother very very soon and never forget eachother. I'm thankful for everything she's done for me and thankful I've found her, but now I have my family, and I know everything is going to be okay.
I rewrote the ending for Najmah and Nusrat
ReplyDeleteWhen Najmah and nut return to their land the noticed an black haired woman in the grazing area for where the animals used t be. As they approach the woman Najmah get close enough but as nur turns around Najmah was on the ground crying. Screaming of how she had to be strong. But they did see a baby like shape right next to the woman. They were smiling , the woman whispered something so soft not even the gods could hear it. The woman said " keep your sister safe". Nur joined his sister to the ground. But as they had enough courage to get to the two figures the people started to fade away. Next she saw a man who said he was proud of them. But he ended up fading away too. Every once in a year the brother and sister swear to see the figures watching over them like it was their family. But as they got older they realized Najmahs wish had come true. Too see her family one more time.
As for Nusrat she never quite knew if Faiz was still out there. But many years later it was announced that after the bombing of the clinic there were 10 people in captivity by the Taliban for many years. As Nusrat lay in her bed and watch the stars in her New York home , she saw on tv that Faiz was alive. From that moment on she knew she couldn't go back because after her husband went missing she lost a part of herself only allay himself would be able to give it back. Every since then she has opened a school that teaches the study of Islam and many mosques were followed. Later when she was older she too reunited with Faiz at his dying breathes. She still wondered about the answers she always wanted about her sister. But form the happiness and sadness in her past she finally found them. Life isn't just a game but it's your own staircase you can stop going up and give up or you can live on forever and let nothing stand in your way from success.
I think that this ending, with Faiz still alive, is a much better one than one where he dies, because then Najmah, Nur, and Nusrat can all have their own sense of hope/their own happy ending.
DeleteEpilogue
ReplyDeleteNajmah's point of view
I push open the front door of our apartment and slip my shoes off, savoring the jangling noise that the keys make as I plop my backpack down next to the coat rack. The smell of naan baking floats through the threshold and fills the small apartment, and I hear Bibi Nusrat humming to herself as she pours boiling water into teacups for Nur and I. "Najmah! Nur! Welcome home!" She says, her voice finding its way around the corner and inviting us into the kitchen. We sit down at the table, smiling, and Nur begins to tell Bibi about his biology teacher and how interesting nature is. She is fascinated with his love of the natural world, and they are engrossed in a conversation about stars and galaxies when the beeping of the oven timer pierces the air. I quickly get up and go to the oven, putting on mitts as I approach the blazing heat. The warmth makes my cheeks rosy and the smell of freshly baked naan fills my nose as I place the pan down on the table and slip off the thick mitts. I am about to sit again at the table, but the window above the kitchen sink catches my eye. Sunbeams flow in like a river of light. Picking up my hot mug of tea, I approach the window.
Every time I behold the scene outside, my breath catches in my throat and I am filled with both happiness and homesickness. Skyscrapers claw at the lacy clouds, reaching for the vast blue sky beyond. Cars and bikes and pedestrians flow through the streets, filling the sidewalks and alleyways with a buzz of activity. Cafés advertise sweet pastries and clothing shops show off the latest style, while vendors yell from their small food vessels and businessmen read the newspaper on the benches in the park.
While I cannot see the mountain engraved with my ancestors' hearts or the grassy hills rolling out into the countryside, I can see many opportunities for myself in the future.
I am so glad to be here in America with Bibi Nusrat and Nur. They're the only family I have left, and the only family I will ever need, in this new life.
2 months later
ReplyDeleteI wake up with pain runing up and down my back, i can batley move. I was hoping it was a nightmare, i was hoping that i didn't recognize the place i was in. But i did. I was in the field laying down waking up to another miserable day with my uncle. Ever since he found me at bibi nusrat's home and took me away from her to work for him all i could think about was that i would rather die. I hear uncle in the distance shouting my name, i turn away and start doing my work completely ignoring him. He starts shouting even louder as if he has something important to say, i slowly start walking towards him because if i don't im afraid he will hurt someone. As i get closer i notice he is carrying something i couldn't make it out myself but i started getting worried. Something in the back of my head started telling me to run, i didn't know what to do because i wasn't sure what was happening. I did what my mind was telling me i took one deep breath and ran, as if i knew that it was going to be my last one. I felt a sharp pain in my chest.. My own uncle had shot me. I looked down i collap-.
Rewrite The Ending:
ReplyDeleteThat night as I go to bed, I can't help but wonder where Nur and Baba-jan are. As I start to fall asleep, I know I must hope and pray for their return. The next morning, I wake up as normal and head out of my room. "Good morning Najmah", Bibi Nusrat greets me. Just as I greet her back, we both hear a knock at the door. I rush back into my room and hide. I listen closely and hear a door close. I hear footsteps approaching, not one person but two! Could it be Uncle? I take a quick peek out, and it is not my Uncle who I see, but Nur! We both run to each other, not believing what we see. He tells me quickly and silently, "Bada-jan is dead". I knew it had happened, but I knew I must hope otherwise. I tell him of Mada-jan and our brother. He tells me that he knew it in his heart too. We tell each other of our adventures, Nur of his escape from the Taliban, and me on my journey to Peshawar. Bibi Nusrat seems happy too, and just as she goes to get a bath ready for Nur, we all hear another knock at the door. This time it must be Uncle for sure! I grab Nur and pull him into my room. We both peek out. There, we see a man running towards Bibi Nusrat, and I know it must be Faiz, her husband. In that moment, I know we must stay with them and go to New York. Bibi Nusrat is right, what do I have left to go back to in Kunduz? In New York, I have an education to look forward to and career to look forward to. I know that we must go to New York.
As nusrat, najmah, nur, and fatima wait in the small living room sultan finds faiz! I turns out he was twken by the taliban but escaped and was trying to get back to peshwar so he could tell nusrat he was okay. Faiz walks into the living room and nusrat slowly looks up and her eyes get as big as saucers and she is speechless. He smiles a huge smile and she runs over and hugs him and wont let go "WHERE WHERE YOU?!" he describes his escape and treaterous journey back. When he finishes najmah walks up to greet him. Nusrat is extremely happy, and fatima has fainted on the couch. But sultan then arrives with bad news. The taliban have gone back to kunduz and there is a huge firefight and there is nothing there. So najmah and nur have a very long, colorful worded conversation about going to america but finally come to agreement and to nusrats surprise they decide to go to america with nusrat and faiz. They pack up all their belongings and get on a plane to italy, from there they take a plane to the U.S. going through endless security checks. They finally arrive in New York City and the leftovers from the attack in september 2001 are very noticeable, not only are two huge buildings missing but scrap metal and the air is still dusty from the collapse. Najmah and nur are speechless, they have never seen anything close to this and when they take a taxi to their new apartment they are amazed at all the different people and buildings, and cars. It smells so different and they dont think they will like it here but it is better than being killed. They sleep the night and the next daynusrat surprises them by taking them to their first day of school! To be continued...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBriefly after Nur and najmah make the decision on going to begin a new beginning while Nusrat decided to go back to New York. It was something Nusrat had a pretty rough time getting used to. Once landed in JFK airport in NYC she instintly had a flashback, she remembered her sister again and just couldn't get her mind off of that one concept. She finally realized she was in New York and called up a friend she had memorized number. Her friend was someone she knew she could count before leaving Nusrat always had her in mind. She used a street phone near a subway, anxiously preparing what to say. After getting off the phone with her friend Nusrat knew she had to plan things out what she was mainly going to start to do. She knew she had to get a well concerted job in able to bring in the enough money to pay other expanses. Soon to be Nusrat finds a job at a local library helping out organize books and after school hours people with a second language she continued helping out people like she was doing back in the refugee. Such a person like Nusrat with mainly capacities had the dream of opening her own school helping out others what she loved to do. That dream soon came true and Nusrat was successful with her life.
ReplyDeleteNur and I finally trudged our way to Golestan, Kunduz, at very late at night. My feet are numb and sore from all the walking I have done. I look over at Nur, who looks like he is half asleep. "Here we are", says the leader of group. "You know the way from here, right? "Yes", I reply softly. Before the mujahideen group left Nur and I to walk by ourselves, I told the leader that I appreciated his efforts in protecting and taking us on the long and treacherous journey. "Without you and your group, Nur and I probably would not have made it here". "You are very welcome", he replied. "Make sure to be careful, and take care of yourselves. I also suggest to always be aware of your surroundings, because life in Northern Afghanistan is still very dangerous". I waved goodbye to the kind man, and he acknowledged by nodding his head slightly. Before I knew it, Nur and I were all alone, hiking silently on the steep trail that would take us to where our house used to stand. "Najmah", Nur said quietly. "What are we going to do when we reach our farmland? We have no shelter to stay in, our home is destroyed". "I have no idea Nur. We will figure it out when we get there. I am still worried about uncle, and whether he made it to our house before we did". "We can only hope that he didn't take over our precious farmland", Nur said. "It was the only wish Bab-Jan's had, before he passed away".
ReplyDeleteAround half an hour later, Nur and I were within 100 meters of our farmland. I could clearly see our broken down house on the horizon. As we kept on walking, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man who looked particularly big. I put my hand out in front of Nur. "What was that for?", he whispered. I simply pointed forward, and Nur gasped with his mouth wide open. "Is that Uncle?", he asked in a questioning voice. "I believe so. I mean..., at least I think so", I replied back. The disgusting words frightened me, as they released from mouth. Both of us remained silent for the next minute. "Okay, here's the deal Najmah. Let's travel to the east, so that we will be directly behind where our house used to stand. Then we will have to do the hard work, fight Uncle and force him to leave our land forever. I know it may seem impossible, but we will have to give it our best shot, even if it risks our lives". "Okay, let's go".
ReplyDeleteWe were only minutes away from one of the most scary moments in our lives. We stood behind the house, getting ready to sprint and tackle down Uncle. "Are you ready?", Nur asked, staring straight at me in the face. "I am ready", I replied with confidence, even though I did not feel any. "Okay, 5,4,3,2,1 go!". My body jerked with motion. I almost fell, but remained balanced. We were running as fast as we could, the wind blowing past my face. I could see Uncle, almost 10 feet away from me. Uncle turned around with surprise, but he was to late to do anything about it. Nur and I jumped into the man with fury. He fell down in an instant, mud flying everywhere when the man made contact with the ground. We punch him repeatedly, until we managed to pin him to the ground. Uncle starts to struggle, trying to fight back. I release all my anger, by kneeing him right into the stomach. "I wan't you to never, ever, step on our land again!", Nur says loudly. Uncle doesn't give any response back. "Do you hear me. Never lay your big foot on our property again! And if you do, I will kill you without any sympathy!". The fat man, nodded his head up and down in an understanding. But, before I got off the Uncle, I decided to demand one more thing of him. "I also wan't you to pay to rebuild our broken down house", I said loudly in his ear. Uncle nodded again, showing that he got the message.
It was 3 years later. I woke up from bed, and stared at the sunrise over the Kunduz Hills. But instead of a frown, I have a wonderful smile on my face. Nur and I may have gone through a lot of depressing moments over the past few years, but we always try to find the optimistic points in life. On the bright side of things, by coming back to live in Golestan, Nur and I made our father's most beloved wish come true.
ReplyDeleteEpilogue - Najmah's Perspective
It's been three years since she decided to live in Afghanistan, and Nusrat strides down the hallway of her new school, headed to her classroom on the second floor, ready to teach a whole new group of children. When Nusrat founded Persimmon Elementay, the idea was to help as many refugees as she could to honor Faiz's memory, but it has turned into something so much more. The school that started as almost nothing has become a place where refugees come to not only learn, but to find a new family. Not to replace all that they've lost, but to help ease the pain.
The beginning of a new school year is always so bittersweet, as the students from last year are leaving, and new refugees enter the school, but she will have to accept that the old students are off to bigger, better things, and she knows that over time the new group of students will grow on her, and they will have some fun times together. A wave of sadness comes over her as she is reminded of Faiz, and how they would spend almost all of their time together, enjoying each other's company. He may be gone, but she must treasure his memory and move on, for it is what Faiz would have wanted. Nusrat puts this past her and tries to think of all of the good things that have happened since then. Her mother and father have accepted her for who she is, she has this amazing school, and Najmah and Nur write as much as they can, telling of how far along they have gotten with rebuilding the life they once had. And with that final optimistic thought, Nusrat steps through the doorway and into her classroom, determined to do what Faiz named her for. To Help.
Najmah
ReplyDeleteGolestan village
April 3, 2015
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Epilogue
It has been three years since my escape to Peshawar, three years since the Taliban fled Afghanistan, and three years since Mama-Jan and Baba-Jan left me. I sit up and rub my eyes as I let my mind search for the last time when Mama-Jan would tickle my feet for me to get up to start my chores, how before, Baba-Jan would bring me warm milk for breakfast. If only time could go back and I could really appreciate those small events, which I took for granted! Tears start to well up in my eyes. “Don’t cry, Najmah. Be a strong woman,” I command to myself as my voice cracks. Instead, the tears freely roll down my checks as I stifle a sob. Najmah, you will be brave, you will survive, and you need to believe, I chant in my head. I give myself five seconds to calm down: five, four, three, two, one. I wipe away the tears, and take a deep breath. It’s time for me to face the day, another day without Baba-Jan and Mama-Jan.
Minutes later, I fling open the door right as I overlook on my land, on the land that was once my fathers, and now is mine. Uncle made several attempts to deceive us into giving the land to him. I stood strong. Every time he walked towards our land, I would stamp my foot and look straight into the whites of his eyes, as if to stay “This is my land, and you won’t get it without a fight.” Over time, he backed down and for over a year, uncle has not returned to our land, which I am happy about. A grin spreads across my face as I think of how furious I had looked, standing with my arms akimbo as I watched him like a hawk each time he came, trying to make him feel unwelcomed, intimidated, and to let him know that I have matured. I am no longer the Najmah who is afraid of leopards or other petty fears! I am now the Najmah, who is determined to live as a strong, independent woman. Looking upwards, I can’t help but notice the dark, stormy clouds slowly starting to form in the sky. Since the Taliban fled Afghanistan, we would witness frequent showers. In heaven, I know Allah, Mama-Jan, Baba-Jan, and all the other civilians who were killed by the Taliban are rejoicing that the Taliban is gone. I know that even though my parents aren’t here by my side to support me, I can feel their presence, encouraging me, protecting me. I wave towards the sky and imagine all of them waving back.
Closing my eyes, I think of all the nights I spent gazing at the stars with Nur, searching for patterns and the cluster of stars Baba-Jan would passionately describe to us, even after Baba-Jan was gone. Sometimes though, Nur and I would just sit there, talking to the stars, as if Baba-Jan could hear us. Occasionally, when Nur was asleep, I would make a clandestine trip up the Koh-i-Dil, where I could just reach out, almost touch the stars, and feel closer to Mama-Jan and Baba-Jan. There, I would admire each star’s bravery as it shone brightly, lighting up the sky. I believe this is Baba-Jan’s way to tell me to be brave and live up to what my name really means: star.
I am suddenly snapped back to reality when the birds chirp their sweet melody. I amble down to the crops which immediately reminds me of Bibi-Nusrat. I wonder how she is, where she is, and if she still thinks of me. Maybe one day, I will make enough money to go to New York, and maybe one day, we can meet again. As for now, I shall continue to take care of my land and stand strong.
I really like the imagery up you used.
DeleteNajmah have started her journey back to her home in Kunduz with her brother Nur to saw her fathers farm from her uncle because she and her brother are the only people left in their family left aliveeven though she have been given a chance to go to the US to live with Nustrat.
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Today is a day that I will remember the days that I have had a hard time finding places to sleep at times and trying to trust people but the best thing that I did in my life is trusting white haired women and trusting her to find my family and that she helped me do. She helped me to find my brother Nur who is now living with me back in our farm which toke us a great deal to get back from our Uncle who I will always look at as a bad man. As my life is as it is every night looking at the stars just hoping that one day that Mada- jan, Bada- jan, and Habib weren't killed by the Taliban and that has left a strain on me and Nur's life. But we have found great times together on our farm.
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Life in New York is not as great as the time I had with Faiz but now that he has gone I have to get through it without him. I have a job teaching teaching 1st grade children even though it's not same as teaching the refugee children it's alright. I try to visit Asma and Jashmed because her my family and I aren't that close but in Afghanistan it fells better with people that are alike me and vey close to me. Life will never be the same without the love of my life.
Re write the ending
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Before Nur and I started our new life's without our mother and father, and living in New York with Nusrat , both of us wanted to visit our old land one more time. We wanted to see if we can get anything that might have survived. We told Nusrat what we wanted to do. She agreed to take us but just for a little time because of our uncle. On the way there I had amazing memories of all the times that we had with our mother and father. Nur spots a single tear running down my face," I miss them too". Nur said with water in his eyes. We got to our old land and we saw that our uncle was there with his goats and animals digging our land. I see a gun next to him like he's ready to attack. We try to be quiet when we look to see what he is doing. Crunch, the leaves under my feet made a sound." Who goes there" uncle said pointing a gun at our detection. "Be a man and show your self or I'll shoot". Nur stood up, then a gunshot shot, Nur took a shot to his arm. "Nur? Is that you, hahaha great a man to help me dig". I keep silent until he come over and started to grab Nur. " stop right there", Nusrat came over and confronted uncle. " now what are you doing with this boy he is mine now I'm his gradian so give him back right now". I've never seen Nusrat like that. Everything else is a blur after I hear gunshots, and blood flying every were. I blacked out feeling a sharp rigged pain in my left wrist... "Najmah, oh my gosh Najmah is that you your finally up!" I hear, it's a familiar voice to me, just like my mothers. "Oh Najmah I was so worried you out passes out for weeks". I released who it was it was my mother father and Nur all staring at me. Can this be true, I thought to my self. "Mother,father,Nur? I.. I thought you were all dead?". Being so confused my mother looked at me saying, " oh honey that was a bad dream after your sickness that made you pass out for weeks, we are all safe and alive and at home were we belong". Then I see a new face and she said, "Hi I'm Nusrat I am your school teacher we are giving a year of free schooling to anyone who survived that awful sickness, and oh did I mention you will be living in New York for that year away from any harm, but don't worry about your family we will take care of the", she points to a small group of people to the left p. I'm home but not for long, safe and with my family, were I belong.
As we walk through the airport, Nur, Bibi Nusrat and I, we all begin to cry. We will leave our home. Bibi Nusrat will leave her family, and will never see her husband again. I think going to America may be good for us, but I just am not fully convinced. Very few planes leave the airport anymore. I am nervous to get on one, for I have never flown on one. I am not sure what will come of me in America, if I will be made fun of, homesick, or sad all the time. Bibi Nusrat is becoming more and more like a mother to me. Without her I never would have survived all of these tragedies. But its time to board the plane. My heart races and my stomach is in knots. What if I never see my home again. The thought of uncle taking our land makes me sick. I just wonder if I will ever be happy again. I sit in my seat and look out the window. Maybe America will be better for me I tell myself. After a long flight filled with tears, I look out my window and see it. It's beautiful, but scary. I do not know how to react. We get off the plane, and immediately I notice how much bigger and nicer the airport is in America. As we continue to walk I feel more confident in my decision and I think Nur does too. We walk through the door and all I can see is people. Bibi Nusrat gets us a cab and we begin driving through the city. I still do not know what will happen here, and I don't know what ever would have happened back home. But sometimes life is about taking chances and though this is a big chance it all should work out somehow. All I can see are people, and I automatically know, we made the right choice. If I learned anything from my uncle, whatsoever, its how you treat family. Bibi Nusrat taught me so many things, and the most important is have empathy for others, and be considerate.
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DeleteYour epilogue is a very creative idea and takes a very interesting perspective on the situation. You really explained the emotions Najmah felt in detail. This epilogue also really showed just how important the relationship was between Najmah and Nusrat.
ReplyDeleteIt was time for Nusrat to go. She hauled her packed suitcase into the courtyard. How it shattered Nusrat's heart is hard to explain. How could she leave this beautiful place she had learned to love and all of the memories attached to it? She looks around feeling as if she has forgotten something. As Nusrat walks around her home she sees the cabinet where she and Najmah stayed hidden, the chair where she first talked to the inspiring girl named Najmah, and the kitchen where Nur and Najmah reunited. She walks outside to remember all the memories flowing back to her. The beautiful flowers had started to bloom on the precious persimmon tree. She remembers the hope and smiling faces of the children running around playing. She most of all will miss the stars guiding her, allowing her to let go of everything, and just feel calm and genuinely happy.
Nusrat remembers saying the hard goodbye she had to say yesterday night. It was so hard for her to leave her family here but she must go back to help. Even though her mother and father never quite understood her they always cared and helped her become who she is today. Asma pleading, " Sister, please once again I ask you don't go and stay here. Oh, I will miss you so terribly. Please do write to me as soon as you can,". Nusrat surely promised to do so and waved good bye to the playful and mischievous Jamshed. Fatima was slowly getting better but still had to rest. Nusrat told her that it was time to leave. "Take care of yourself. You are the change you want in the world" she told Nusrat. Nusrat's thoughts suddenly got intruded by Haroon and Bhasharat. Bhasharat was here to take Nusrat to the nearest airport. It was a new day. A new beginning.
Haroon handed Nusrat a letter. It was from Najmah! Najmah and Nur had arrived to Kunduz safely after traveling through the treacherous mountains along side with the mujahideen. They left with the packed food and supplies Nusrat gave them. They survived attacks from bandits and walked for days and days through the cold harsh mountains but, made it back home. Najmah and Nur along with some of the other villagers that returned gathered any materials they could find from the rubble and from the woods to build a small community of homes. Najmah found extra seeds and planted all of them. After months of drought the drought had finally gone and the rain started to pour down allowing the plants to grow. When Nur told the mujahideen the threat of Uncle, the men took Uncle along them to a far away city.
Happiness soared through Nusrat, " Najmah is safe. She's really safe and going to be alright!" thought Nusrat. Nusrat got into the rickshaw heading towards the airport and became enveloped in her thoughts. She couldn't imagine the skyline without the Twin Towers. Nusrat understood that things could never be the same but, she must continue. Nusrat would stay home to help her parents no matter what and talk everything through. She could even resume teaching and volunteering at the animal shelter. Telling them about Faiz would hurt more than anything, the pain would be stabbing at her heart once again. Although Nusrat had to let Faiz go she would never forget him. He went and risked his life to help other people get better and he most of all helped Nusrat. The airplane started to take off and looking through the window Nusrat saw that they were heading off towards the North Star.
6 months later
ReplyDeleteI saw faiz i could not believe it, it looked like i was back in new York. Was i back in new York i see my mom and dad there making dinner and it smells so good. We sit at the table me faiz and my mom and dad, i said it is finally back to normal in the household. We where having turkey and mash potaeos it was so good. I was so happy to be back in new York. After dinner we had apple pie for dessert i only had a little because i was so full from all the other food. I felt like someone was tapping it was najmah i woke up and realized it was all a dream.
I saw my mom and dad, i could not believe it they where right there standing there waiting for me. I ran to them and gave them a big hug i was so happy to see them you can't even imagine. I saw are old house and all are neighbors. I said it is good to be home from all that. I walked inside the house it was all there the old couch are little tv it was amazing. Mom was cooking something in the other room it smelled so good. I went over to ask what she was making she said it was a surprise. I felt water on my face i woke and saw nusrat and i knew it was all a dream.
Near at desires to take najamah to New York State but not to New York City Because they are afraid they gone ask where have you Ben so they decide to move into Manhattan with an uncle who is the reason they lived in New York City. When she gets they update uncle Peter on what happened and he felt sorry a. Then we told them about uncle Benny in Afghanistan who was our neighbor and tried to take land and he was furious. He called uncle Benny and said that najmagh and nusrat Caled and told me every thing. There they lived they lives both najmagh and nusrat went to New York university
ReplyDeleteNusrat stayed longer to get her teacher degree. Najmagh just lives a normal life and finds jobs but she, finds a passion for nursing so she got her nursing degree and batlor degree for needing and that is what she dose that for the rest of her working life.
20 Years Later.
ReplyDeleteNusrat wakes extra early to make breakfast on Christmas Day. "Merry Christmas mom! I love you" says Afia, Nusrats daughter, which means good health. Nusrat is careful to place all the pancakes and breakfast on the dining table. Nusrat and her husband Ben, married 9 years kiss under the mistletoe. I love Christmas, it is my favorite holiday because it is the day that I left the Middle East and Nahmah and Nur left to go back to their village. I went to visit them last summer, I can't believe Nusrat is already 31 years old and married with 4 kids on their farm. Sadly, Nur passed away because of illness four years ago. He left behind 2 boys and one girl. I did not meet them, for they have their own lives with their children. Najmah and Nusrat talk everyday and remain bestfriends even though they are separated by thousands of miles.
Epilogue/ Najmah's Point of View
ReplyDeleteIt has been one year since I have returned to Kunduz. Who was left of us have built small houses for ourselves. They are not much, but it is worth living in my home. I remember the journey home, it wasn't easy. I felt sick from anxiousness, I felt like I had boulders on my shoulders. On the way back, I found it was extremely quiet. As if no one wanted to speak, but we could read each others minds. Nur was trying his hardest not to break his emotionless face. But, I have lived with him my whole life, and he was as nervous as I was. I had wondered if anyone was still there, like any neighbors. I just hoped my uncle would not be there. I hadn't seen him in a while, he doesn't have many places to go. I was thankful for my loud thoughts while going home, it helped distract me from my feet. My throbbing, blistered, and swollen feet.
I still remember the day we returned. I had forgotten about my uncle during the time we were walking here. It was painful bliss, knowing I would get back home but my feet, again, were a problem. I remember the horrible feeling I got when I saw my village. A terrible feeling in my stomach that resembled guilt, but wasn't. It was over all sadness from seeing my home demolished. Not to mention how many people I lived and loved here are gone. It was unreal to see, only the mountains could comfort me. The air was fresh, yet at the same time thick. Although it may have all been in my head from the shock. My most vivid memory was when we walked up to where our house was. I remember it the clearest, even if it was blurred by my tears. I felt like I had a flashback, I saw something. I saw me and Mada-Jon running for our lives, I saw the ash in the air after the exploding killer took away my Ma and Habib. At that moment, I have not cried that hard in such a long time. I hadn't realized there were arms around me, trying to protect me from my thoughts. They did not help at all. I realized that Bibi Nusrat had been holding me in a comforting motherly way, this made me cry harder. They were both happy and sad tears, I was home but it wasn't the same. A couple days later Bibi and some men had still been with us, so when uncle came looking for a fight he was pinned. We did not know that the men had guns on them but I was very thankful they did. We had told uncle they were living with us so he'd never come back because he values his life
Bibi Nusrat has decided to go back to America a few weeks after we settled, she checked in every week which I find very kind. She is like a big sister or mother to Nur and I which I really appreciate. I have heard she is very happy with her life far. She is coming to visit which will be so much fun because people believe they have seen faiz. Nusrat doesn't believe that he is alive, but she must have some hope considering she is coming. I hope all ends up well for her, as it has for Nur and I. The End.
In the midst of our conversation, I hear the bell ring at the gate, and what I see causes me stand there; my mouth is drooling, like a child on Christmas Day with the most amazing gift, except my gift happens to be two amazing humans. I see Baba-jan and his torn sleeves, rustic looking face, and rouged cheeks, (except it's red with coldness), and Nur, standing there, as a whole new person, hardly as his figure was before. His back was hunched and his face wrinkly, his lips mumbling a few phrases that I could make out "have you heard of a girl named Najmah?", "medium-sized, dark brown eyes, gets scared easily". Before, I would have been mad at him for that one. But now, all I do is drop the metal tray I am holding, and it doesn't make much of a noise since it lands on grass. So that cruel uncle did lie! My eyes are filled with life again, I am as free as a bird, as cheerful as a bee that finds pollen. When Baba-jan and Nur see me, it's a moment that i take a mental image of in my mind; I never want to forget it. It seems as if they do the same, they run towards me, shouting "Najmah! Oh, Najmah!!!", tears of happiness descending down their faces.
ReplyDeleteNusrat kindly offers them green tea flavored with caldamom, just as she insisted I drink when I first came, and every day after that as well. Baba-jan and Nur admire Nusrat's courtesy and at first they don't know what else to do other than insist to give money for this rare treat, and repay her in return. Nusrat says its her pleasure, and after a while, Baba-jan gives up on her- her nature is that of someone's who is simply too kind to back down on. As my father and brother start to settle down, Nusrat escorts the room- she wants us to have privacy.
First, Baba-jan tells his story. His story was by similar to that of mines, except he snuck into the trunk of a car. The driver who was a young, slim woman told his sister that he was going back to find his beloved friend, Tanar, in Peshawar. Baba-jan heard rumors about a girl my age with facial features very similar to mines, so he decided to take a chance. The truck driver opened his trunk to put a small clear bag inside, and it contained a first aid kit, probably in case Tanar was found bleeding terribly and needed help, I think. While the man was talking to his sister, Baba-jan snuck into the trunk, and found a blanket. He put the blanket on top of him, and he layed flat, holding back his breaths and barely breathing to make it look as if nothing was under. Baba-jan also mentions how the man was about to take the blanket because his sister was cold, but then he decided to use the heater. When they arrived to the bazaar and baba-man had hear the driver say, he opened his trunk, Baba-jan was in the same situation: again the man was talking to his sister, and Baba-jam managed to sneak out. There, he met a Taliban man next to a hat cart, and told him rumors about me. The man then led him to Nusrat's school.
Hi Ms.Lewis, this blog post is continued below. (Just incase you forgot), I didn't post this late, my school iPad cracked and it wouldn't work so I couldn't submit on there, and when I tried to copy and paste it from the backup one in google drive, it wouldn't let me until when I showed you!
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14 years ago, I was that little girl who watched her family brutally torn apart from war. I was that little girl who heard the slightest whistle that lead to the most massive of destructions. I was that girl who ventured day and night into Peshawar. I lived in a camp for a time that felt like forever. Yes I did do all of these things and I would do it all again if I could see me father right there, at the foot of the hill behind my home, with his arms wide open, yelling my name with all of his heart. But that dream can never come true because of one war, one soldier, one weapon, one bullet that put the man I held nearest and dearest in my life into a body bag in a war barren wasteland. I loved my father more than anything in the world. He taught me more wisdom than any other person on this planet except one woman, Nusrat. For the past fourteen years, I have been chasing, Tracking, flying over sees and so many more things that have brought me to be sitting across the table from the man behind the gun. Who shot the Bullet that changed my family forever. We stared at each other for moments before I muttered one word. "Why" that one word hit him harder than any man had before. This American soldier, sobbing and pleading my forgiveness. I scolded him for the longest time. And when I finished, the man lifted his head from his hands and responded with one word, "sorry". The one word meant nothing to me, but sincerity on his face spoke levels. A new light ignited inside me. And it reminded me of what my father had always taught me, forgiveness. I looked him in the eye and sternly said "I forgive you".
ReplyDeleteContinued: I sit there, pondering about the wish that I had made the day of the meteorite shower after Nusrrat had told me that there really was no sword in the sky. A day like this, it's one that I'll surely never forget.From the corner of my eye, I see Nusrat, wondering what the right time was to enter the room. I turn my head, and say, "come in, it's okay". "Are you sure you're finished?" "Yes, join us, please..." Nusrat sits down, and says "I'm so delighted to have you here, and Najmah, I have some exhilarating news!!!" "Faiz has been found! Faiz's friend has just called, and apparently the rumors had been about a hospital just a few minutes away from him! Oh, how I cannot contain my joy!" "Nusrat!!!! That's so amazing!! Do you know will he come back?" "Actually, no, sadly I do not. B-" Ding! "I wonder who has come late this evening.." Nusrat grabs her blue shawl, and puts on her boots. She steps outside, and she stops- she looks unconscious, like she is about to faint. But just as I am running to her, to stop her from falling, she screams "FAIZ!!!!", and my heart leaps. After seeing how astonishing Nusrat is, I have been desperate thus whole time to see how the love of her life looks, so without hesitation, I look up ahead and see him- the most dashing man I have ever seen before, that is. His eyes are turquoise, even more turquoise than Hawaii's most breath taking beaches. And oh, his hair, how could I forget about that? It's texture is silky smooth and its color is a perfect shade of dark brown. I see Nusrat run towards him, too happy to even ask how he got here so fast. He scoops her up into his arms, and twirls her around. "It's a miracle!!", I say. When Nusrat is settled down, she turns around and looks at me: "I couldn't have done it without you!" I am not sure what she means, and I guess my eyebrows make a confused furrow because she says "Najmah, you gave me the strength, the hope, the determination that I felt when I kept hearing rumors about a doctor in the same field as Faiz who died.." At first I laugh cheerfully, but then i smile in a returning-favor manner. She hugs me tightly, and we stay that way for a minute. When she lets go, that's the moment that I decide to tell her: "Nusrat, thank you so much for everything, from the bottom of my heart. I'm sure that I wouldn't have survived without you. But now, we must leave and it's time to say goodbye, but I'll always send you notes, and hopefully, one day we'll meet again.." Tears fall down both on Nusrat and my faces. "Well, I'll must go pack my things now. Thanks once again for giving me the opportunity to stay alive, and for providing a school to children- never let go of your passion. Remember how great of a person you are by giving other needy students a chance to survive- without education, they would be pointless, as they would not know how to do anything in this world." "Thank you Najmah, and I will never forget that", she mumbles. I go back inside the house, and tell Baba-jan and Nur that I will go pack. They nod, and sit there, motionless, not knowing what there is to talk about. I grab my bag, and put my other clothes inside." When I finish, I exit the room I have slept in for the last few days and tell Baba-jan and Nur that I'm ready to go. Just as I am about to go back outside again, I peer around the family room and take a deep breath. I leave, with Baba-man and Nur following closely behind me. "Thank you, Nusrat." "No, thank you Najmah.." "Well, I guess this is it..goodbye loved one, I will miss you." Nusrat doesn't even want to mumble those devastating words back, and she hugs me for last time. Baba-jan and Nur thank her after me, and Nusrat hugs them.
ReplyDelete(The "ding" noise in the beginning is supposed to be italicizes, but it won't let you do that on this website.)
DeleteThanks
Continued: When we have finally made the long journey by foot back home, we find uncle inside, laying his things down. "Uncle..what are you doing here?", Nur anxiously asks. "U-uh n-n-nothing, I was j-just organizing the house for you.." "So why are YOUR things here?" "I just, well, I-" "We're waiting.." I say. After a few moments, his cheeks turn flashy red, like the color of a red light, and his eyes are directed towards the ground. "didn't expect us to find each other and return, huh? Thought your plan of saying Baba-jan was dead was gonna work, did you?" "I don't know what you're talking about.." "Sure you do. I heard you when I was at Nusrat's house." "I knew it!" "But you didn't catch me, no, you didn't." "Now, LEAVE. Our land is OURS, and I'm astonished that you even thought you had a chance of stealing it." Without saying anything, uncle grabs his things and leaves. Baba-jan is speechless, but proud of me. But I can tell that something is wrong, as his dimples aren't appearing as they do when he usually smiles to me. Suddenly I realize something- that I forgot to tell him about Mada-jan and my baby brother that he never got to see. Just as I am about to speak, Baba-jan says "I know. I know she's gone, and I have to livewith it." "Oh baba, how did you know?" "I heard from Khalida." "Oh.." "But, you know what, that's okay. I have to be thankful that I still have you and Nur. It's a miracle you know, that were both alive and that we all united again." "Indeed, it is." As I say so, I feel Mada-jan's spirit above me, and I know she's looking down at me, smiling. So I look up and smile back, and Baba-jan doesn't even question it. How parents know certain things, that's what amazes me the most.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't let me space the words in the 15th line, in the beginning when it said "livewith".
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We have arrived back at home. It seems like forever since I have been in the protection of my own home. I know that Nur has the same feeling. Before nightfall, I feed the animals and head back in. I see that Nur has already settled back into his bed. As I go to put out the candle, I notice a figure walking outside our house. I turn my head to see that it is Uncle. My first though is 'Oh! He must be coming over to welcome us back!' but then I notice something. In his left hand, there was a knife. He turned towards the house. I immediately woke up Nur and told him what was happening. He told me to get to the closet and hide. He would join me in a bit. I did as he said. All of a sudden, I hear violent knocks on the door. The door breaks, and Uncle comes in yelling "Give me this land or I will kill the both of you!" I take a peek out of the closet door, and see Uncle holding Nur up against the wall, with the knife pointed at his neck. I can tell by the way he is talking and how he can't stand still that he is drunk. Not wanting him to hurt Nur, I burst out of the closet and tackle him to the ground. While he is pinned to the ground, I tell Nur to go tell somebody about him. A minute passes, and somebody comes in and takes Uncle away. We were never bothered again and lived a happy life in our home.
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