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It is quite a job. But I am determined to make the best of these<br />
challenges and make my work noteworthy.<br />
I have also at the back of mind, my mother-in-law Begum<br />
Saira’s whispering but firm advice: “Having married my son,<br />
think of yourself as a Muslim bride. You cannot delink yourself<br />
from our family’s religious norms and ethos. It will be in your<br />
interest and peace of mind. Think about it seriously before you<br />
come to meet us at Saharanpur”.<br />
I did not react to her advice, though I must say I did not like it. It<br />
looked like a threat bordering on blackmail.<br />
When I told Zaheer about it, he dismissed it.<br />
“You are married to me. What will hold good is what we have<br />
decided between two of us. I stand by it, not just to please you<br />
but out of my personal conviction.<br />
“I don’t believe in the clash of civilizations or of religions”.<br />
“Religions should not divide us. They should be a binding force<br />
through silken threads of love, understanding, mutual respect<br />
and tolerance. I see no problem”.<br />
Zaheer was clear and categorical. However, our Partition<br />
experience and ground realities throw up a different picture<br />
before me. So, I have to be realistic, and not allow myself to be<br />
carried away. After all, I have to face Zaheer’s near and dear<br />
ones.<br />
I must confess that in my moments of solitude one thought<br />
kept bothering me. That is, why not adopt Islam and see for<br />
yourself any difference the way you see the world today.<br />
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