Chapter 1
It seems that there is no court in this country, A country in which a person is not protected. When God's creation is stuck in a problem, Prostration is not worship, Why do we hate dust dwellers? Is there no impurity among the veiled people? This will have to be explained to the new generation, Nudity is never a culture, We often put it on the head and eyes. There is no truth in any promise, Everyone came out with a shroud on their head, Fighting for the right is never rebellion, ( HABIB JALIB) The concept of ethics, once held in high regard, seems to have taken a backseat today. It’s as if people have forgotten the boundaries of what acceptable behavior is towards one another and have become psychologically ill. It’s a disturbing trend that seems to be getting worse every day. But there is hope. Our judiciary has a significant role to play in the elevation of these individuals and the restoration of ethical behavior in our society. It was a harsh reality that I couldn’t ignore when my friend Amna bluntly stated that Pakistan is not a good place for my family to live. Her words struck a chord with me, and I couldn’t help but agree with her. As I looked around, I saw the reality of what she was saying. The social and political climate in Pakistan had become increasingly dangerous, and it was no longer safe for my family to live there. Amna and I had met at university, and we had become close friends. Her family had left Pakistan six months before us, and she knew firsthand the challenges that we were facing. She had seen the toll that it was taking on us, and she had urged us to consider leaving. Leaving one’s home country is never an easy decision to make. For me, it was the most difficult decision I had ever made in my life. After much contemplation, my mother and I decided to leave Pakistan and move to the United States. We knew that it was necessary for our safety and well-being, but it was still hard to say goodbye to everything we had ever known. Pakistan was my birthplace, my home, and the place where I grew up. I had spent my entire life there, surrounded by family, friends, and familiar places. But the political and social climate in the country had become increasingly dangerous, and we knew that we had to leave to protect ourselves. Before we left, I wanted to meet with my friends one last time. I knew that it would be a while before I would see them again, if ever. As I sat with them, my mind was filled with a whirlwind of emotions – sadness, fear, excitement, and uncertainty. I wondered when I would be able to see them again, if ever. It felt like a part of me was being left behind, a piece of my heart that would always be in Pakistan. As we packed up our belongings and sold all of our property, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. I knew that I was leaving behind everything I had ever known, and there was no hope of returning. It was a painful realization that left me feeling empty inside. But as we boarded the plane, a new chapter in my life was about to begin, and I was excited to see what the future would hold. As we took off into the air, I looked out the window and said goodbye to Pakistan, knowing that it would always hold a special place in my heart. As we arrived at the airport, I felt a mix of emotions. Excitement, anticipation, and a hint of nervousness. I was going to meet Amna’s family, whom I had known for quite some time now. Our relationship had blossomed in Pakistan, where we had become quite intimate with each other. But now, we were in New York, and things were different. We were in a new environment, with new people and new challenges to face. As we made our way toward the arrival lounge, I spotted Amna’s familiar face in the crowd. She was beaming with joy, and her eyes shone with excitement. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Seeing her again made everything feel familiar, and I knew we were in good hands. Amna’s family had already been informed of our arrival, and they were waiting for us at the airport. They welcomed us with open arms and treated us like family. We were ushered to their home, which was not a small place by any means. It was a grand, spacious house that exuded warmth and comfort. Amna’s parents and her younger brother were there to greet us, and they wasted no time in making us feel at home. They served us delicious biryani, and we gorged on sweets until we were stuffed. It was evident that they were aware of the difficult circumstances my family had faced, and yet, they did not pry or ask any uncomfortable questions. As we spent time with them, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Amna and her family. They had taken us under their wing and were doing everything they could to make us feel comfortable and at home. I wanted to express my gratitude, but I wasn’t sure how. Eventually, I mustered the courage to ask Amna’s father about the apartment they had arranged for us. Before coming to New York, we had asked Amna to help us find a suitable place to stay, and she had gone above and beyond to find us a cozy apartment. Her father readily agreed to take us there, and we hopped into his car. As we drove through the busy streets of New York, I felt a sense of awe and wonder. This city was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I knew that it would take some getting used to. Finally, we arrived at our new apartment, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a charming little place that was just the right size for us. As I stepped into my small apartment, located in a peaceful residential neighborhood, I was greeted by an open living area that welcomed me with its cozy warmth. My eyes were drawn toward the large window that bathed the living room in a flood of natural light, making the space feel airy and bright. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the small sofa, coffee table, and TV that completed the living area. It was the perfect place to relax after a long day at work. I could easily picture myself curled up on the sofa with a good book or watching my favorite TV show. As I made my way toward the compact kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for all the necessary appliances that made cooking a breeze. From the refrigerator to the stove, oven, and microwave, everything was at my fingertips. The small dining table that sat two was perfect for intimate dinners or for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Opening the cabinets, I was pleased to find all the essential kitchenware neatly arranged. It made me feel right at home, knowing that I could easily whip up a meal whenever I pleased. Walking towards the single bedroom, I was pleased to see the comfortable queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a closet for storing clothes and personal belongings. The bedroom’s window allowed natural light to enter, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance that made me feel right at home. The bathroom, although small, was functional and featured a shower, toilet, and sink, as well as a medicine cabinet for storing toiletries. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the other amenities in my apartment, such as the washer and dryer, high-speed internet, and air conditioning and heating, which provided year-round comfort. As I spent my first night in the bustling city of New York, my thoughts turned to my future goals. Thankfully, due to the kind efforts of Uncle Ashraf, Amna’s father, I landed a small job in journal writing. It had only been a month since my arrival in the US, and I already began contemplating my next steps. That’s when I remembered my university lecturer, Mr. Ali, and decided to reach out to him.
