The Beloved Enemy- Part 1

It was one of those stressful days at work. Deadlines, deadlines... and so many of them. Sarah had been coming home late for the past one week and now it was getting to her. Then walking into the lounge, she got totally flustered when she saw her brother Nickie sleeping on the couch with the TV on at full volume. He had not even bothered to open the curtains since morning. This threw Sarah into a rage.


Nickie had been acting strange since their father’s death. First he left his job then just decided to go overseas. But could not get the visa, so was left with nothing. He would not work or even help out at home. Nickie was 29 years old, it was about time he started taking some responsibility. The whole family was badly shaken after their parents’ death in a car accident a year ago. But that did not mean they could just sit and mope. Sarah had a family of six siblings, four girls and two boys. The three sisters were married and she lived with her brothers- Nickie and Angelo. Angelo was 15 yrs. old and still in school. Sarah was the eldest sibling so the job of running the household fell on her. She had been feeling very tired and exhausted lately.

Sarah and her sisters had tried to support Nickie by encouraging him to try for other jobs but he would not even make the effort to go and meet someone. He was a quiet person, just busy with his computer or watching TV . He also did not have any friends.

“ Get up will you!. Can’t you even shut the TV off when you are sleeping. You have to start caring, we have to pay bills you know.” That’s all the energy Sarah had to tell Nickie off. Then she went to change muttering to myself. The most infurious thing was that he didn’t even budge from the couch, just raised his head for a minute then went back to sleep. Sarah knew it was futile saying anything to him, so just went into the kitchen to prepare a meal for herself and her brothers.

Life just went on at this pace for a while, there were small moments of joy when one of the sisters visited with their kids. Generally they were a close knit family, caring and supportive. The trauma of parent’s death had affected everyone badly but they were being brave and trying to move on, or at least some of them were. All Sarah can remember from those days, is the feeling of exhaustion, mostly emotional. Life carried on in the usual fashion, Sarah was too pre-occupied with her job and home chores. Angelo was busy with school and Nickie was just temperamental. Some days he would be fine and other times gloomy. But other than that he didn’t really trouble anyone, just kept himself busy with his own thoughts and activities.

After a few months, they noticed a change in Nickie’s mood. He was very happy, making plans and buying stuff for home. Suddenly he also started showing concern for his sister, saying she get too tired and they should hire a maid to do the housework. Sarah asked him what he was up to. Did he win a lottery or something? And he just smiled saying he got a good job. He was not very communicative. As always Sarah was just too tired to pursue further and thought it was good that he is at least feeling positive.

Maybe if she had not been dealing with the grief and burden of responsibilities, she may have looked further and seen through him. But unfortunately she was also a very trusting person and usually just took things at face value.

The positive mood did not last long. It may have, if Sarah had not discovered that some jewellery was missing. The phone call from the family jeweller came as a real shock and a rude wake up call. Nickie had been selling off some heirlooms. Since the family had good terms with them, the jeweller called to just check if Sarah knew what was happening. She could not believe it at first. But the truth was the cheerfulness was actually because of some pieces of jewellery Nickie had found at home. Sarah felt did not have the strength to confront him on her own. She was too distraught and decided to consult other family members and Nickie was exposed. But that was the day when he also showed a very different side of himself for the first time. He became nasty and revengeful. He was so good at manipulating everyone that the focus turned on Sarah.

Yes, even though he had been caught red handed he turned the tables by accusing her of plundering money. Not taking care of him or the house and using what she earned for her own frivolities. This is when Sarah’s brother became her enemy.

What followed was a whole year of torment and persecution, till they finally broke away.

To be continued.

Random thoughts on being a writer

I have been told that I have a talent for writing and am good at expressing myself. Personally, I just enjoy writing, but I really wish I could be more disciplined. For many years, I have wanted to compile my own book of short stories. God knows life is full of sensational stuff, much more than what you see on TV. But I have not been able to really discipline myself and actually take this project seriously, although it is something so close to my heart. I tell myself I am a moody writer, sometimes the words just flow and I get inspired, while many times I just shut myself up...even to myself.


Hmmm ..interesting thought, I didn’t realize this happens to me. You see writing is quite liberating for me and it has helped me in my worst phases to clarify my thoughts and be honest about my feelings. I started this blog with the view to pen down my thoughts as they came, but have not been able to fully use that. You must be wondering why I am telling you this. For one thing I think I need some motivation and a push in this regard. So I hope some of you will give me that.

Also by writing this down, I am actually admitting to myself that I am not on track and I have to start doing something if I ever want to realize my dream of being a published story teller.

Now that I am done with my rambling, I decided to write my first story. This is a true experience based on my observations. Do tell me what you think.

To trust or not to trust?

This is a dilemma faced by almost everyone at some stage in their lives. If only there was some kind of instrument like a baramoter that could gauge the sincerity level in a person and one could adjust their trust meter accordingly...

Science tells us that each one of us has a natural instinct for survival, we can smell the danger or maybe feel it in the pit of our stomach. Some people even have symbolic dreams warning them of danger.

Alternatively, faith tells us to keep on believing in God and in our heart... for He is present in all pure hearts. So we start that first step towards trust and learn to let go. Shunning our doubts and taking that giant leap of faith, because it feels so ' good' 'just right'. For those who are lucky to have their trust honoured it is a re-affirmation of the world's beauty, the power of their heart and faith.

There are others who after a while feel like thunder has struck them and their self esteem and faith all comes crashing down. Where did I go wrong? What happened? They keep on hearing this broken record in their heads. Sometimes paralysed for life, unable to recover or at the least being cynical of every new encounter.

Is this fair? Why is it like that with some people? Are they too trusting or are they stupid? Or are they simply the unfortunate ones who have been cheated and robbed of their innocence. People say such people can hear the alarm bells but they choose to be oblivious and this is why they get hurt. They have ignored the signs and so they must pay the price.

To trust or not to trust? Is it really that simple to discern?

Why Muslims don't eat pork

Welcome to my home

No matter how much people in my country may dislike the U.S administration, there is definitely one positive side to it. Those who had never heard of Pakistan, know about it now..( although not in the true sense) So we must be thankful to this fame ( pun intended). Although sport fans are familar with the cricket star Imran Khan and Squash Champion Jehangir Khan, people generally have a very vague understanding of the place itself.

The images that people generally conjure of Pakistanis is bearded men wearing turbans and women clad in head to toe burqas living a very primitive life in some mountains...this is when you realise how the media has defaced the real beauty of this land. Modern Pakistanis are no different from any educated class of people in the world.

There is a wrong assumption, especially about women. Mostly people feel that women are very submissive and highly suppressed and are surprised to know that Pakistani moms drive their children to school and also balance a career at the same time. True there are issues in some remote villages but generally the Pakistani woman is more informed. We are proud to have female politicians, a female prime minister and a woman as the head of the State Bank. Women excel in all fields from being heads of multinational corporations, large financial institutions, architects, doctors, teachers, designers, pilots and even in the army as generals.

I am often amused at the look of astonishment on people's faces when I tell them I am from Pakistan. The next question is, "How long have u been here?" . " Just over a year." and they look incredulously, " Oh, I thought you have been here for many years, you are so confident and your English is so good". The same happens with my other family members here and we feel we are the true ambassadors of Pakistan and aim to slowly dispel the negative notions about Islam and our own culture. We are what we are today because of the education and skills we received back home.

The images in the video posted above give few snap shots of Pakistan. It's not as if I don't enjoy being in Australia. It's a beautiful country with great friendly people. My only aim of posting such information is to give a different view of my country which has unfortunately become synonymous with cross border terrorism. Our army is battling against insurgents under very challenging circumstances and the masses are scared and worried with the increasing de-stability in the region.

Still, its a wonderful place with the most beautiful deserts and famous mountainous regions...Although the war on terror has destroyed some very lovely resorts and wiped out  places of livelihood for the villagers :(

Pakistan has a great mix of culture that is unique in each province/region. This adds its own individual colour. The rich cuisine from the South of the country to the Frontier and Tribal Areas in the north have a myriad of different tastes and flavours. From the all time favourite spicy 'Biryani' to tantalising ' Sajji' and a wide range of cool summer drinks and teas, there is something to suit every taste bud.

The province of Sindh is known for it's famous saints and there is lovely historical
architecture in different parts, some dating back centuries. The lovely Shalimar Gardens built by Emperor Shahjahan in Lahore are a masterpiece of  Mughal architectural brilliance while the Shah Faisal mosque in Islamabad is an example of modern Islamic architecture.  These are just a few sites to visit. For all those who love shopping, there is soo much to choose from. Rich fabrics, lovely cool cottons, hand embroidered cushions, hand woven rugs and carpets and don't forget the scrunchy dry fruit galore in Quetta and Gilgit. It's simply a steal and the genuine warmth of the people will make you keep coming back for more.

My own work with the Aga Khan Education Service gave me the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world. While the Aga Khan Foundation works tirelessly for the social and economic development of the people living in the remote, challenging areas of Pakistan it also does a great service of opening the door to beautiful cultures and architecture that need to be preserved and cherished. A visit to the rocky and breathtakingly beautiful areas in Chitral, Hunza, Gilgit and Skardu have made me feel like I have already visited paradise on earth.

So on behalf of every Pakistani I say, " Khush Aamdaid" . Welcome to my Pakistan. :)

This is our Pakistan

Click on the title to view video

Pakistan's delicate balancing act -II