Alvida

   I usually don't write much on current situations...but I thought I should now... I simply couldn't overlook with what's on. I had just heard the name 'Guru' for the past 11-12 years. I had the reaction what others had of a terrorist.. Good he is arrested and good riddance. But then came forward people who voiced for his support and accused the law for not providing him with proper justice. It is then I further looked into the matter and came across the most barbaric things that happen in the valley. The doings of the secret agencies, the impact it has on youths of Kashmir, the power of militancy... I hope you remember what happened at Delhi post gang rape...remember how the police tried to suppress the crowd, charge with lathis and all that. It was brought to notice and severely condemned by the media. Guess what? The people of Kashmir face it for probably the whole of their lives..living in the fear of getting punished for nothing. Constantly suppressed and charged and arrested...but who cares right? It is by default a problematic valley not a center city where these things are outright noticed and condemned..

  The latest news that caught my attention was an article of the Tihar jail authorities who on anonymity gave out details that kind of shook me...literally. Here it goes : http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/in-tihar-officials-feel-tinge-of-sorrow/article4400897.ece
 The first thing that raised my eyebrow was so much for an alleged terrorist by the jail officials? Why was he not given a proper hearing? Why did he have to live as 'living dead' for all these years? If he truly was involved then that indicates the security agencies were/are not efficient enough to keep a tab on a surrendered millitant. If they are efficient then this clearly is a conspiracy. This kind of act sends out a wrong message to people who want to turn back...who wish to reform and live a normal life. It was but a shameful act by the citizens of India to celebrate the death who they 'think' did it. Yes Law is blind..and today I believe it. Nothing can be more blind than letting a man walk to gallows after letting him live like a living dead for years and then execute him just like that....There's only one way that I calm myself saying justice is never denied...and all the conspirators shall face turmoil at the end....That' what the books of GOD say....and that is what I believe..
For the millions of questions in our minds..here's how Anjali put it in her article.
  http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/unanswered-questions-are-the-remains-of-the-day/article4397789.ece
And yes the TV channels who continue broadcasting that if revenge is taken? Really! How absurd can you get? If this is what the courts are for...to take revenge...then I guess we have gone back to barbaric times again! Because any sane,educated,mindful person would refrain from talking in this manner especially on national television.

 I don't know where I am living anymore. India has never felt so unsafe ever before....I loved living here but it suffocates and pains to see how justice was undone...If Kashmir is a part of India then why is it so isolated? Why is there no trust in the people of Kashmir?...There are many whys and why nots....that like Mr.Afzal's case will remain unanswered and will perhaps be closed chapter for the coming ages..

  I wish I could one day say alvida to all the conspiracies,politics,corruption and injustice..

-Afrah

Of Duties and Wishes!

Hello...

What I am about to write is in a totally off-beat mood. I am very well aware that this is a public space but I am sure every woman goes through this phase at least one point of time in her life and hence I decided to write about it. 

It is no doubt an understandable duty of a woman to take care of her household...be it the everyday chore, the kids and etc etc.. And when it comes to executing what she wishes for...it takes the last priority.

No, I am not grumbling but I am just trying to figure out how to get about it. The stress of handling things and squeezing in some time for yourself... For that very feeling of satisfaction on achieving something on your own. Who in this world does not wish to be a winner? Everyone struggles to meet targets, face new challenges and be proven . A woman is definitely known to be an expert at multitasking but by the time these multitasks end, exhaustion takes its toll and you know your last priority-your wish is waiting to be seen and heard!

And if you are lucky enough to find time for what you wish to do then the stress factor is ready to take its place and announce to everyone that an extra 'not so' required task has been performed and hence should be avoided........! And you are sentenced to serve humanity as this is your priority (I oblige!).. And if you are steady with what you want..then you get to voice your opinion. But here is where I face the dilemma. To me my kids are clearly my priority. I had this thing set in my mind a long time back. But it freaks me out to think I cant pursue my talent because I cant manage....makes me think I am incapable. 

So I repeat what I did in my days of schooling when I was asked to prepare for medical entrance test(...and I was not interested.) Arts has always been my love but never pursued it.....maybe because I never voiced my wish....Anyway I just had a pencil with me and so I began sketching and got pretty good with pencil sketching. That's what I do now...sneak in between my chores and try to execute the plans I have working up in my head. I suffer from insomnia....people think I sleep a lot but I hardly sleep! My mind is so over-worked...because its constantly working ...when my hands are doing something else..my mind is thinking of things I should be doing when I get free..Okay! I am not here to talk about my medical condition but I am just trying to bring to your notice that being a female you have to be strong enough to put your stress aside and never let feelings like frustration,depression and other words related to that come in your mind.... IF you wish to pursue something of your interest. And it is such a blessing if you have a husband who not only supports you but also acknowledges it....fights for it. All you would wish to say is Thank you Allah Taala for this blessing!!

I did mention that I am in an off-beat mood...so just read it as an article and move on...

I would sign of with these verses by Ghalib which I find saying a lot these days...

'Hazaaron khwahishein aisi ki har khwahish pe damm nikle 

Bahut nikle mere armaan lekin phir bhi kum nikle

-Afrah