“Urdu… and how do you say ‘friend’ in Urdu?”
“Dost.”
“Dost,” Lena repeated to make sure she’d pronounced it correctly, “and ‘brother?’ How do you say that?”
“Bhai.”
“Bhai… and ‘Daddy Cool?’”
“Haha! There’s no such term for ‘Daddy Cool.’ But you can say Daddy in different ways as you can in English. There are variants like dad, daddy, and papa. Similarly, in Urdu, you can say Abu, Abba, Baba, and so on.”
“I’ll stick to Bhai, as it resembles Bratishka. And I think it’s better to say it in your native language as you refer to me in mine, which is really cool.”
“That’s fine.”
Before anything further could be said, Z saw the door opening, and a young woman entered Lena’s room. Lena noticed too. Once she came in, she saw the video call on Lena’s screen, and without saying anything, approached a drawer nearby, unplugged her phone, placed it in her pocket, and left again.
“That was Dasha. She didn’t take her phone earlier, because she had to charge it first,” Lena explained.
“I assumed it was Dasha. Where does she spend her time? You’re always alone at this time. Why don’t you go out with her? Don’t you have any extra-curricular activities?”
“Every person has his or her priorities in life. Everyone’s different. As far as I’m concerned, every Sunday I go to church. I sing in the church choir. I go to Bible Studies every Saturday at 8 in the evening. I go running every morning before going to university, apart from Saturdays and Sundays. After university, I usually stay in my hostel room doing my mathematical research most of the time. I spend time in the library for this as well. If someone wants help with an assignment or studies, I help them,” Lena said.
“That all sounds good.”
“I also prefer reading. It helps broaden my understanding and improve my English. I used to help others and learn English through HLP, which you already know about. And now I have a Bhai I spend my spare time with, and, of course, I help Bhai with Russian and practice English.”
“Indeed.”
“My aim in life is to focus on my studies, excel, and be productive for others. As far as Dasha is concerned, she has a fiancé and accompanies him. They go everywhere together, the gym, dance classes, movies, etc. Not every person is blessed to live a normal life with a carefree attitude. Some are born to carry responsibility on their shoulders. That way, they can fulfill their dreams and the dreams of those who sacrificed for them.” Her in-depth answer spelled out everything for Z.
“That’s very true, and it’s good to know about your lifestyle and preferences,” he acknowledged, as he nodded his head.
“By the way, is it OK to run for thirty minutes a day, five days a week?” Lena asked.
“That’s absolutely fine,” Z confirmed.
*******
“Sestra, I wanted to let you know that from tomorrow, the holy month of Ramadan will begin, so I’ll be awake earlier than usual to eat and prepare for fasting. Just in case you wanted to, we could either start earlier or continue with our normal time?” Z queried.
“I understand. Same time will be fine. It allows me to return from university and finish things without urgency. I don’t want to feel guilty if I fail to be online earlier, either. As far as the holy month of Ramadan is concerned, yes, I know it’s going to begin, and all the Muslims around the world, including those in Russia, will be fasting.”
After a moment, Lena had another thought. “And about Ramadan? It’s one of the Five Pillars of Islam, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Indeed!”
“What are the other Four Pillars?”
“The first one is the Declaration of Faith. The second is Obligatory Prayer. The third is Compulsory Giving. The fourth is Fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan — as you mentioned — and the fifth is Pilgrimage to Mecca,” Z said, as he noticed the light bulb starting to flicker in his room. “Oh, no. Not again. I think it’ll keep on doing this. I thought I’d fixed it earlier, but I guess it needs replacing,” Z said as he stood up.
“Is something wrong with the light in your room?” Lena asked, noticing the flickering.
“Yes, it seems something is wrong with everything today. First, I had trouble with my desktop, and now something’s wrong with the light. For the desktop, I can use my laptop, but I’ll have to replace the light bulb finally, but I’ll do that later. For now, lemme take the laptop out of this room,” Z said and moved out.
“I can see your apartment now!” Lena said as he walked to the living room while holding his laptop.
“Yes, you can. That was my room, and here’s the kitchen,” he said, directing his laptop toward the kitchen, then the living room, and, finally, the main entrance so Lena could see all his apartment. “I’ll sit here,” he said as he sat down on the couch in the living room.
“I think I can identify the artwork behind you,” Lena said as she spotted some calligraphy on the wall behind him. Z looked over his shoulder, but before he could respond, Lena continued, “It must be ALLAH and Mohammad written in Arabic.”
“Peace be Upon Him,” Z said before he carried on. “Yes, that’s right! How did you recognize it? Do you know Arabic?”
“No. It resembles the calligraphy Granny Maria had in her room, but what’s written in the other one?” Lena asked.
“The other one has the Durood-e-Ibrahim on it,” Z replied.
“Ibrahim or Abraham?”
“Well, in the Holy Quran, he’s Ibrahim, and in the Bible, he’s referred to as Abraham, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Does the Quran talk about Abraham? And what is a ‘Durood’ that you just mentioned?”
“Yes, the Holy Quran does talk about Ibrahim. In Islam, he’s recognized as a prophet and messenger for the Almighty ALLAH. Ibrahim plays a prominent role as an example of faith in Islam,” Z began and then resumed after he’d gathered his thoughts.
“In Muslim belief, Ibrahim fulfilled all the commandments and trials by which the Almighty ALLAH nurtured him throughout his lifetime. As a result of his unwavering faith in the Almighty ALLAH, Ibrahim was promised by HIM to be a leader of all the nations of the world. He was given the title Khalil-ullah, which means ‘the friend of ALLAH.’
“The Holy Quran extols Ibrahim as obedient, a model, an exemplar… not an idolater. The Islamic holy day of Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated in memory of the sacrifice of Ibrahim. Every able-bodied Muslim is supposed to perform the pilgrimage to pay homage at the Ka’bah in Mecca, which was built by Ibrahim and his son Ismail as the first house of worship on earth,” Z adjusted his glasses as he spoke.
“I didn’t know that Abraham is mentioned in the Quran and how well respected he is in Islam,” Lena said, sounding very polite.
“Well, then you should also know that Moses, Jesus, and Mother Mary are mentioned in the Holy Quran too, and they’re also highly respected in Islam. In fact, according to the last messenger of the Almighty ALLAH, the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him), you can’t be true in faith unless you have faith in all the other messengers of the Almighty ALLAH and the holy books that were bestowed by HIM on His Prophets in their respective eras — which include Jesus and Moses,” Z elucidated in more detail.
“Wow! I can feel your respect as you mention their names!”
“I guess you’re aware that Muslims celebrate two Eids? One is Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of fasting. The other is Eid-ul-Adha, which honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son following the Almighty ALLAH’s command… so now you know that Eid-ul-Adha has a background connected with Ibrahim,” Z told her.
“I knew about the two Eids in Islam celebrated by the Muslims, but didn’t know about Eid-ul-Adha’s background. Thanks for sharing that. Coming back to my other question, could you please answer that one about Durood-e-Ibrahim as well?” Lena asked politely.
“Sure, now coming to your second question. Durood Sh
areef is a series of phrases that Muslims use to compliment the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him). There are several Duroods, but the one offered in the obligatory prayer is called ‘Durood-e-Ibrahim.’ I’ll say it to you in English so that you can understand it.”
“Please!” Lena interjected so Z translated to the best of his ability.
O ALLAH! Shower Your mercy on Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him) and His family as YOU showered Your mercy on Ibrahim and His family. Surely YOU are praiseworthy and most high.
O ALLAH! Bless Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him) and His family as YOU blessed Ibrahim and His family. Surely YOU are praiseworthy and most high.
“That’s very powerful!” Lena exclaimed instantly.
“Indeed. It has its significance and is invaluable,” Z said with a great deal of confidence. “Just a minute, please,” he said as he stood up and walked toward his room.
“Sure!”
“Sorry, Sestra! It’s taking a bit longer due to that flickering light,” he said loudly from his room so Lena could still hear him.
“No problem, Bhai, but what are you doing?” Lena spoke loudly, too, as she realized Z was further away.
“I’ll let you know in a moment,” he said, and there was silence for a minute before he returned. “Here, I am. I was looking for this,” he said and showed her a certificate and a kid’s magazine.
“What is it?” Lena asked.
“Well, while we were speaking, I thought of Angel. She wrote something she won a prize for, and it was published in her school magazine as well.”
“Wow! What did she write? Please read it to me,” Lena asked him.
“Yes, I will! I’ll start now,” Z said and started reading.
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Praise, praise for Mohammad
My gratuity is because of praise for Mohammad
The tip I shall receive once this chapter of life ends,
Had there not been Mohammad, there had been nothing,
Nothing had been in the making.
Mohammad helped the helpless.
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Praise, praise for Mohammad
My existence is because of praise for Mohammad
The purpose I shall serve till this chapter of life ends,
Had there not been Mohammad, there had been no ease,
Life had been ceased.
Mohammad, faithful to the unfaithful
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Praise, praise for Mohammad
My worth is because of praise for Mohammad
The balance I shall spend after this chapter of life ends,
Had there not been Mohammad, there had been no blessing,
People had been teased.
Mohammad, truthful, and honest.
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Praise, praise for Mohammad
My path to heaven is because of praise for Mohammad
The reason I shall mend once this chapter of life ends,
Had there not been Mohammad, there had been no success,
Things had been messed.
Mohammad, the blessing in entirety.
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Praise, praise for Mohammad
My humanity is because of praise for Mohammad
The grant I shall lend till this chapter of life ends,
Had there not been Mohammad, no one had been blessed,
Life had been stressed.
Mohammad, the last prophet, the one and the only one,
May Z be blessed by the Almighty ALLAH for the sake of Mohammad.
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Praise, praise for Mohammad
Z finished reading and looked at Lena, who responded, “Wow! Angel was incredibly talented. That’s very touching and filled with dedication.”
“She mentioned me in one of her phrases at the end, and as I told you, though she didn’t say it, she knew what I was going through at work,” Z said, as he placed the magazine on the couch.
“I noticed that. Did she go to an Islamic school?” Lena inquired.
“Yes. We have Islamic schools here, where the Muslim community sends their children,” Z affirmed.
“I thought that was the case because it was published in her school magazine. She was an amazing child — even more — a very talented child,” Lena sounded impressed.
“She was.”
*******
May 2007 – Hyderabad Junction Railway Station, Sindh, Pakistan
Stepping out from the train onto the platform at the station, Z can hear announcements in the background. The platform’s crowded with people. He looks around for a payphone and spots one.
After he dials, he can hear the phone ringing, and then his call is answered, “Hello! Howard here.”
“Howard, it’s Z.”
“Z, where are you, and what’s going on? It’s been said an American— ”
Before Howard can finish, Z cuts him off, “I know what must’ve been said, but I don’t have time to go into all of that now. All I have to say is that I need your help to fix this, and one thing’s guaranteed — you won’t regret it. Even if you don’t help me, I’ll still go for it,” Z says, looking around while he speaks.
“I’m in. The moment I got your voicemail, I spoke with some higher-ups to let them know an American abroad needed help and that it was you. They wanted to ensure that you’d show up, surrender, and they’ll take care of the rest. Just tell me what you need.”
“Right now, I’m at Hyderabad Junction Railway Station and heading to Lahore. It’ll take roughly twenty to twenty-four hours for me to get there, so this is the only time we have in hand. I won’t be using my cell phone, so you won’t have a number to contact me on. The only way we can coordinate is by payphone.” Before Z can finish, he hears the announcement that his train is ready to leave. “Got to go now. I’ll call you again.”
“OK,” Howard confirms.
“Just one thing… I’m an American, and I won’t let my country down.”
“I know.”
“Having said that, I’m also a Pakistani at heart, and I won’t let my motherland down. It’s time to stand for the pride of my country, as well as the honor of my motherland. This time, it’s more than personal. Talk soon.”
“I’m with you. Talk soon,” Howard says, as they end the call.
CHAPTER 07
7 Months Earlier – October 2006 - Los Angeles, California, USA
“Bhai, I have great news on this super Saturday! I received an email telling me I’ve been shortlisted after the first round! My proposal was accepted!” Lena said ecstatically.
“Alhamdulillah. That’s great! I knew you’d make it big time. You deserve that, Sestra! When did you find out about it?”
“Just an hour ago, but I decided not to write to you, and instead share it once we were talking. I knew you’d be preparing for your fasting too. The credit goes to you for helping with my English. I’ll forward you their email, but money is the problem now — as I mentioned before. The total cost is more than what I expected based on previous years,” Lena said as she forwarded the email to Z.
“Don’t worry! We— ” Before he could finish, he received her email. “Got it. I’ll just read it.”
“Sure!”
Z read through the email. “According to this, you have to deposit an initial, non-refundable $700 fee to be included in the final group of shortlisted applicants for the second round of evaluations. If you make it through this second round to the list of selected applicants, you’ll receive an official invitation to the conference that you can use to apply for your visa. You have fifteen days to deposit the payment before that final evaluation. They’ve provided the payment details and other info with links to their website,” Z brushed his hand through the hair on the back of his head.
“I told you there was no need even to apply since there’s no money. The $700 is non-refundable too! They’ve changed their policy this
year.”
“Yes, they did change it and rightly so. Did you notice that this year’s conference has the biggest prize money ever? It’s $25,000 with other rewards, too, including a scholarship plan and has the largest number of applicants ever. You must keep those things in mind. And as I said before, I repeat — you have nothing to lose! You tried, and you succeeded! This means you’re destined to achieve something big in life. You pray to God in church this Sunday, and I’ll pray to the Almighty ALLAH in the Mosque this Friday, and we’ll find a way.”
*******
“Eid Mubarak, Bhai!” Lena wished Z on Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. “How quickly Ramadan has passed!”
“Thanks, Sestra. Ramadan certainly comes and goes quickly. It’s hard to believe how quickly one month can pass! Ramadan is my favorite month of the year. By the way, this is late for you. I didn’t expect you to be online, but I’m very pleased to celebrate Eid with you,” Z said, looking at the time.
“You told me a few days back that you’d go to the Mosque for the Eid prayer and return by 9:30 am your time. I wanted to make sure I gave you a surprise and wished you a happy Eid. I decided to ask Dasha about it, but before I could, she told me that she’d be going to a movie with her boyfriend today, and that made things easier for me,” Lena smiled as she spoke.
“Well then, I also have a surprise for you.”
“What?” Lena asked in wonder.
“With Eid, there can only be good news. Just wait and watch,” Z said with a smiling face as he started doing something on his desktop.
“What are you doing, Bhai?” Lena asked when she saw this.
“Just a second, Sestra… just a second,” Z said slowly as if his attention was on his desktop screen. After a few minutes of silence, Z said, “Congrats, Sestra! Your $700 fee has been paid, and your application has been successfully submitted for the final evaluation! Check your inbox for a confirmation email from the conference.”
Missing Page 8