By SYED MAJID GILANI

From the beginning, Haya’s indifference was apparent. She never offered Saif the love and warmth he yearned for. While she was not openly cruel, her emotional distance was unmistakable. She kept him at arm’s length, never truly connecting with him or showing affection. Her coldness created a subtle yet undeniable barrier, signalling the need to withdraw. Still, Saif stayed, driven by love and hope. His heart refused to accept the painful truth: Haya had already made up her mind.

Haya’s indifferent and emotionless demeanour had always subtly suggested that she had secretly craved a detachment from Saif right from the start. Despite her deliberate attempts to provoke him, she failed to push Saif into seeking a divorce. Her subtle tactics, designed to manipulate him, ultimately proved ineffective. Meanwhile, she secretly and silently plotted against him, orchestrating nefarious games in the shadows. Yet, even this failed to achieve her desired outcome.

Saif loved Haya deeply, convinced that love could overcome any obstacle. With patience and understanding, he endured her coldness, hoping she would one day see him for who he truly was and reciprocate his love. However, as the years went by, the weight of her indifference became increasingly unbearable. Her emotional detachment transformed into a subtle yet devastating form of cruelty that Saif could no longer disregard. Despite this, he persisted in believing that his love would ultimately prevail, softening her heart over time.

Despite Haya’s behaviour, Saif continued to pour his heart into the relationship. He poured his heart and soul into it, dedicating his time, energy, and love to a partnership that was already disintegrating. Every effort he made, every small gesture of kindness, was met with indifference or rejection. Saifalways clung to the hope that if he held on a little longer, if he loved her enough, their marriage could be salvaged. However, deep down, he knew the truth: their relationship was beyond repair. Haya had made her decision long ago, and had already begun to emotionally and physically distance herself, leaving Saif to navigate a marriage that had become a mere facade.

Haya’s coldness was more than just a lack of affection—it was a deliberate and consistent emotional estrangement that persisted throughout their marriage. Saif was kept at an emotional distance, and the bedroom he had lovingly redesigned for her, with the hope of creating a warm and inviting sanctuary, became a poignant reminder of his profound isolation. He had poured his soul into creating a sanctuary, but she had transformed it into a cold, empty room where he was never truly welcomed.

Haya’s emotional neglect served as a constant reminder that no matter how much Saif gave, he would never receive anything in return. Her indifference had become a self-perpetuating cycle, leaving Saif feeling drained and unfulfilled.

As time passed, Saif was forced to confront the painful reality. His love, once a bond between them, had become a weight that was slowly crushing him. No matter how much affection he showed, it could not fill the chasm Haya had created in their relationship. The sacrifices he made only seemed to drive them further apart, and his hope, love, and tolerance, which had kept the marriage intact for so long, were slowly losing their potency. The relationship was disintegrating, piece by piece. Haya’s indifference, which Saif had endured for so long, had drained him emotionally, and the truth he had long refused to accept became impossible to ignore: he had been clinging to a relationship that had long since lost its meaning

The invisible wounds and bruises of Saif’s sufferings deepened with each passing day, his heart heavy with the weight of his unrequited love. His love for Haya had transformed into a silent torment, a constant ache that consumed him from within. Yet, in the quiet moments of his pain, a subtle shift occurred. Saif began to realize that remaining in a relationship where his love was unreciprocated was no longer a testament to his loyalty, but a path that would inevitably lead to his own emotional devastation. The marriage, which he had sustained through sheer determination and willpower, had lost its essence.

For the first time, Saif grasped the realization that healing could only commence when he relinquished his attachment. This insight did not arrive easily, nor did it occur suddenly. Memories of rare happier moments and dreams of growing old together still lingered, haunting him like a ghost. Haya had already charted her course.

Saif couldn’t help but think that if she had simply communicated her desire for separation openly and honestly, without subjecting him to years of silent torment and emotional anguish, she might have spared herself, not to mention preserving Saif’s pure-hearted innocence.

Although the past, with its accumulated pain, would forever be etched in Saif’s story, yet he would rise above it, embarking on a journey of healing, though uncertain, whether the wounds and bruises would ever fully heal, or if he would carry them with him forever.

Syed Majid Gilani is a Writer and serves as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be mailed at syedmajid6676@gmail.com

By SYED MAJID GILANI

Every year, I find myself reflecting on the profound and beautiful journey that began with the birth of my first child, Syed Arshad Gilani. Arshad’s arrival on December 15, 2011, at Modern Hospital in Raj Bagh was nothing short of a miracle. The moment he took his first breath, I felt the deep certainty that my life had irrevocably changed. His mother, under the care of the highly respected Prof. Dr. BilqueesJameela and later Prof. Dr. TasneemGowhar, experienced a smooth and uneventful delivery. As I held my newborn son in my arms, I felt the weight of fatherhood settle into my heart, along with a profound sense of awe and responsibility. From the very beginning, I felt deeply connected to the traditions of our faith, and one of the first acts of fatherhood I performed was to recite the Azaan in his ears, immediately after his birth. This was not just a religious obligation—it was an act I took to heart, a sacred moment of welcoming Arshad into this world with the divine call to prayer. I named him Arshad, meaning “the guided one,” with the belief that he would walk a path of wisdom, guided by the light of Allah. Holding him close in that moment, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me—love, responsibility, and an unbreakable connection. On Arshad’s second day, Iwas blessed to have Dr. Nisar Ahmad, a trusted and skilled surgeon, perform his circumcision. This was another important religious obligation that I felt privileged to fulfill.

Each of these acts, though small in themselves, was a way to ensure that Arshad’s life would be grounded in faith, with each step of his journey rooted in the love and guidance of Allah. I had long dreamed of providing my children with the best of both worlds—an upbringing deeply anchored in our faith, alongside an education that would help shape them into responsible, compassionate citizens. Arshad’s early milestones, from his first steps to his first words, filled our hearts with immeasurable joy. Every moment, no matter how small, was celebrated with love, and the bond of affection that surrounded him grew with each passing day.

In 2014, on April 30th, the arrival of Arshad’s younger sister, Syeda Sarah Gilani, brought even more light and happiness into our lives. From the moment I saw her, I knew that she would be a source of peace and joy for our family. Just as I had done for Arshad, I recited the Azaan in Sarah’s ears immediately after her birth. This religious tradition ensured that she was welcomed into the world with the same faith and love that had embraced her brother. I named her Sarah, meaning “purity” and “brightness,” and as she grew, it became clear that she was destined to be a source of tranquility in our home. The memories of Sarah’s early days are vivid and precious to me. Prof. Dr. TasneemGowhar helped bring her into the world, and I will always be grateful for the safe delivery of our beloved daughter. I recall with great fondness the anticipation in our home as we awaited Sarah’s arrival, and the moment her first cry filled the room—it was as if the heavens rejoiced with us. I remember thanking Allah for this priceless gift, a moment of deep gratitude and prayer. As was our tradition, after Sarah’s birth, I made my way to the KhanquahMoulla Shrine to offer Nimaz-e-Shukrana, a prayer of gratitude to Allah for her safe arrival. This act of thankfulness was a spiritual moment of profound significance, reaffirming our devotion to Allah and acknowledging His blessings in our lives. As our family grew, so too did the bond between Arshad and Sarah. They became inseparable companions, their laughter and energy filling our home with light and joy. The love they shared only deepened over time, and I felt a sense of fulfillment watching them grow together.

Then, in 2019, on October 23rd, Syed Murshad Gilani was born, completing our family. Murshad’s birth was another moment of pure joy and serenity. Just as with his siblings, I recited the Azaan in his ears immediately after his birth, fulfilling our religious practice. I named him Murshad, meaning “the already guided,” believing that Allah’s guidance would accompany him throughout his life. The name reflected his serene presence—a calm, peaceful soul who, even as a baby, radiated a sense of tranquility and love. I recall holding Murshad in my arms, and feeling an overwhelming connection to him. He brought new light into our home, just as his siblings had.

Each of my children, with their unique qualities, had transformed my life in ways I never could have imagined, and Murshad was no different. Through all these moments of joy, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the traditions passed down through generations. I think often of my late great-grandfather, Moulana Syed Mohammad Yasin Shah Gilani, a venerable saint, Islamic scholar and a spiritual personality of bygone era, whose teachings of wisdom, faith, and devotion continue to guide me. The foundation upon which I seek to build the lives of my children. I feel immense pride in how Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad are growing, each of them embodying these values in their own unique way. With Murshad’s arrival, our family truly felt complete.

While each of my children had their own distinct path, their shared foundation in faith, love, and family has created a bond that is unbreakable. The journey with them—through their first steps and their school days—has been nothing short of beautiful. There have been, of course, moments of hardship, but they have only served to strengthen our bond and deepen our gratitude for each other. Throughout our journey, our connection to the divine has been central. We have offered prayers together, visited sacred places like the Hazratbal Shrine, KhanquahMoulla shrine, Dastgeer Sahib shrine,and made supplications for one another. These moments of spiritual connection have created a deep foundation for our lives, and I pray that they continue to guide us in the years ahead. Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad, you are each a reflection of Allah’s light and guidance. I am constantly amazed at how you grow and evolve into incredible individuals, each with your own unique qualities. Your laughter, your smiles, and your love continue to give me strength, and I am deeply grateful to Allah. Yet, as with all children, there have been moments when you have been unwell—those inevitable coughs, colds, and stomach aches. In those moments, I have always been sure to consult with a pediatrician, ensuring that you were well taken care of. By Allah’s grace, you have been spared from frequent illnesses, but whenever the need arose, Prof. Dr. Wajid Ali, your pediatrician, was always there with his compassionate care and prompt treatment. His expertise ensured that you all healed quickly and gently, and for that, I am forever grateful. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at Tawheed Medical Hall, Alamgari Bazar, who administered your vaccinations and boosters with such care. They made even the necessary injections a “cry-free” experience, which helped me keep you three healthy, strong, and happy.

As I look back on these moments— both big and small — I find solace in knowing that, they have shaped my journey as a father. The memory of those fleeting, precious moments is etched into my soul, carrying with them the essence of love, devotion, and unwavering faith. The most important journey of my life has been the one I have shared with you three—Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad. Each of your stories is a thread in the beautiful tapestry of our family, woven with joy, sacrifice, and hope. This journey is a shared story of faith, love, and devotion, a tale I now recount as one. The final chapters of this journey have yet to be written, and I look to the future with both anticipation and humility. As each of you grows, I see the lessons of our past shaping the paths you walk. Arshad, Sarah, and Murshad, you are the continuation of a legacy of faith, wisdom, and love that has been passed down through generations. You embody the values that I hold most dear, and I am filled with pride as I watch you become the people you are meant to be.

While the future may bring its share of challenges, I am confident that the love, faith, and guidance we have shared will carry us through. Every day with you is a blessing, and I will continue to cherish each moment, knowing that the most important journey I will ever take is the one I walk with you. With each passing year, the foundation of our lives—our connection to Allah grows stronger. I pray that we remain steadfast in our faith, our commitment to one another, and in the traditions that have shaped us. For it is this love and devotion that will guide us in the years to come.

Syed Majid Gilani is a writer and works as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be mailed at syedmajid6676@gmail.com

BY: SYED MAJID GILANI

In a world where truth is often trampled, John’s life was turned upside down by a relentless campaign of harassment and manipulation orchestrated by his partner, Mary. Her ultimate goal was to secure a divorce and a hefty alimony, but with a twisted plan: to manipulate John into initiating the divorce.

Behind the facade of a happy family, a toxic environment festered. John, a God-fearing, humble and honest officer, suffered in silence. His simplicity, clean-heartedness, and honesty had become his downfall in his marriage to Mary, whose narcissistic personality had created a living hell. Behind closed doors, John wept and wiped away his tears, hiding his pain from the world. Mary would taunt him, criticize him, and manipulate the children into turning against him.

She would often humiliate John in front of his relatives and of course, their children, making him feel worthless and insignificant. Mary tightened the noose, declaring an open war on John. She no longer bothered seeking permission or consent before doing anything or going anywhere, a fundamental aspect of a trusting married life. Instead, she began making outrageous demands for huge sums of money, knowing John earned a handsome salary and had adequate savings, but ignoring the fact, that he was drowning in loans and debts, which he had incurred for the renovation of his ancestral property. John had a great emotional attachment to his ancestral home, where his fathers’ and grandparents’ memories, coupled with his own sweet and sour childhood memories, resonated. Actually, John wanted to preserve the same for his dear children, hardly thinking that his wife was having contrary designs and plans.

As Mary’s plans unfolded, John’s world began to crumble. The first step she took was to feed lies and concocted tales to their children, just to cultivate and harness hatred among them for their loving father. The children, under Mary’s influence, turned against John. They would ignore his calls, dismiss his messages, and even refuse to meet him. John felt like he was losing everything that mattered to him, although temporarily. He was left alone, with no one to turn to, no one to confide in.

For years, Mary surreptitiously compiled a dossier on John, meticulously copying his phone contacts and closely monitoring his interactions with friends, colleagues, neighbors and acquaintances. Her clandestine efforts were a precursor to a campaign of manipulation and harassment, designed to exploit John. Despite being subjected to torture, incitement, denial, and constant provocation, John remained calm and composed. Mary’s strategy was to push him to the brink, hoping he would lash out and give her the divorce she wanted. But John refused to take the bait.

As the days turned into nights, John’s tears fell like rain with his heart heavy with sorrow. He felt like a prisoner in his own home, trapped in a loveless marriage, with no escape from the torment. But Mary had other plans. She decided to break their home without giving a second thought to the children’s future, and John’s love for her. With a calculating smile, she executed her nefarious plans, feeling a twisted sense of joy in destroying the life, they had built together.

Actually John thought he had found his soulmate in Mary, but, he discovered a self-centered and manipulative narcissist in her. She consistently belittled him, making him feel insignificant and eroding his self-worth. Conversations revolved around her accomplishments, needs, and desires, with any disagreement or non-compliance triggering her rage.Despite his efforts to please her, Mary was never satisfied, leaving John feeling trapped and walking on eggshells to avoid her wrath. Her fragile ego and superiority complex made her incapable of empathy or understanding.But one day, John found the strength to break free from Mary’s toxic grasp. He set boundaries, refusing to engage in her games, and rediscovered his passion for writing. He reconnected with friends and family, slowly rebuilding his shattered confidence.However, Mary couldn’t accept John’s new found independence. She unleashed her fury and manipulation, desperate to pull him back into her web. Yet, John stood firm, knowing he deserved a life free from narcissistic abuse.

When Mary created a scene, hoping to manufacture evidence of violence, her lies didn’t work as planned. Undeterred, she reached out to the police, courts, and various forums, spinning a web of fabricated stories and lies. She even approached John’s colleagues, friends, relatives, and acquaintances hoping to infuriate him into a divorce.But John remained resolute, refusing to give in toher tactics. The battle of wills continued, with John determined to withstand the onslaught and protect his rights.

As John reflects on the darkest chapters of his life, he realizes that his quest for love and connection was mercilessly manipulated and distorted. Every day brought a fresh wave of torment: relentless arguments, crushing criticisms, and a relationship twisted beyond recognition. Mary, the person he trusted most, turned against him, and his own flesh and blood were brainwashed and turned against him.As the truth began to unravel, John realized with horror that he was betrayed in the most heinous way imaginable. Yet, he finds the strength to break free from this toxic web of lies and manipulation. His heart-wrenching true story is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the power of truth to overcome even the darkest of evils.

Her motive throughout the long years was to oppose John in every manner driven by a deep-seated hatred for him. Whatever John earned, he spent on his children and Mary, and tried to keep everything available for his family, even beyond his means and reach. But there was a huge difference, since Mary had a lot of hatred for John. All John’s genuine efforts, love, and hard work were met with disapproval. Mary’s desire and aim were to be the head and controlling authority in John’s family, which he resisted. Her behavior with John was such that no other person could have tolerated, but John believed he was chosen by Allah to bear all the disrespect and arrogance.

John, having full faith in the mercy of Allah, watched all the hostile events and the whole scenario, solely eyeing on Almighty’s justice, and believes that a day will come soon when the truth will be manifested. The closed room, full of dullness, stood as a silent witness to John’s suffering for all these long years. It saw the silent sobs and sighs, the trickle of thick tears from John’s eyes, and the mental and emotional torture, atrocities, coupled with severe denial inflicted by Mary upon him.The room held a thousand heart-wrenching tales, each one a testament to the anguish and pain that John endured behind closed doors. His love for Mary, for which she later proved worthless, prevented him from dissolving the sacred institution of marriage. In the end, John’s story became a haunting reminder that behind closed doors, the truth is often hidden, and the suffering is often silenced. But his resilience and refusal to give in serve as a beacon of hope for those trapped in similar situations, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward.

Syed Majid Gilani is a writer and works as a GST Inspector, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be reached at syedmajid6676@gmail.com