Uphill

By Zohra G. Salahuddin

Karachi University students Jamil and Yusra are deeply inlove. Each nobly bred and determined to achieve independence, the young Pakistanis hastily marry against their parents’ wishes and leave their future precariously hanging in the balance. Their journey together is not easy as the couple forgoes all luxuries, endures humiliation, and f

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lettra Press LLC
• Release date: Dec 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949746419

Zohra G. Salahuddin

Zohra G Salahuddin was born and educated in Karachi, Pakistan, and lived in Abu Dhabi for many years before moving to America. She is a board certified physician in Anesthesiology and Pediatric Anesthesia. Zohra speaks several languages and is the mother of three children. She lives and works in Pennsylvania.

Book preview

Uphill

This book is written to provide information and motivation to readers. Its purpose is not to render any type of psychological, legal, or professional advice of any kind. The content is the sole opinion and expression of the author, and not necessarily that of the publisher.

Copyright © 2018 by Zohra G. Salahuddin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any form by any means, including, but not limited to, recording, photocopying, or taking screenshots of parts of the book, without prior written permission from the author or the publisher. Brief quotations for noncommercial purposes, such as book reviews, permitted by Fair Use of the U.S. Copyright Law, are allowed without written permissions, as long as such quotations do not cause damage to the book’s commercial value. For permissions, write to the publisher, whose address is stated below.

Disclaimer

Except for the great city of Karachi, none of the people, places and events exist outside the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any one living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN 978-1-949746-40-2 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-949746-41-9 (Digital)

Lettra Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

Lettra Press LLC

18229 E 52nd Ave.

Denver City, CO 80249

1 303 586 1431 | [e-mail]

www.lettrapress.com

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter Thirty Four

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Six

Chapter Thirty Seven

Chapter Thirty Eight

Chapter Thirty Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty One

Chapter Forty Two

Chapter Forty Three

Chapter Forty Four

Chapter Forty Five

Chapter Forty Six

Chapter Forty Seven

Chapter Forty Eight

Chapter Forty Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty One

Chapter Fifty Two

Chapter Fifty Three

Chapter Fifty Four

Chapter Fifty Five

Chapter Fifty Six

Dedicated to the loving memory of my parents,

Professor Mrs Sayyada Azeemunnisa Salahuddin

and

Professor Mr Chemmeruthi AliAhmad Salahuddin

Chapter One

Yusra hummed to herself as she dressed to go to the university. The thought of meeting with Jamil always made her feel breathless and excited even though she had known him for four years and loved him for three of those four years. It was not that he was good-looking, at best you could describe him as passable, with his medium height and build, and ordinary features redeemed by a pair of big brown, speaking, dancing eyes. It was his winning graces, his boyish charm and the fact that he was a perfect gentleman that had won her over. He was really suave and debonair, and she thought they were a perfect match. Neither was given over to temper tantrums, loud emotional outbursts or garrulity. She remembered the first day she had met him, when sitting next to her in class, he had charmingly asked her for a pen. Now here they were, the last day of the semester and the end of their studies. Soon they would both have a Master’s degree in English.

Surveying her reflection critically in the mirror as she brushed her long silken black hair, she was not impressed. Familiarity with her beauty had led to contempt for it, and she saw nothing out of the ordinary in her oval face, dark, long lashes over sparkling black eyes, flawless complexion and chiseled lips and nose. She wished she was taller, as at five feet two inches, she was the shortest among her friends. Her trim figure was the only feature she was really proud of, and she took pains to display it to advantage with well fitted clothes, tailored to perfection by Karachi’s leading dressmakers.

Yesterday Jamil had told her he would be speaking to his father about sending a proposal of marriage to her parent’s house. She couldn’t wait to hear how the meeting with his father had gone. Judging by Jamil’s lifestyle she had gauged that unlike a lot of millionaires, Jamil’s father was not stingy, and had lavished every worldly luxury that money could buy on his son and heir. From his exotic overseas vacations, to his new BMW, Jamil enjoyed the lifestyle which most people in Pakistan could only dream of, and very few could actually afford. She hoped that Mr. Zaman, so indulgent to his son in everything else, would hardly object in this very important matter. In fact, she thought he might be overjoyed that Jamil was ready to marry and settle down.

"Yusra, beti, are you coming down or not? Your omelet is getting cold! Yusra’s pleasant thoughts were interrupted by her mother’s voice calling her downstairs for breakfast.

"Coming Ammiji, in less than two minutes." She yelled back and hurriedly brushed her hair, grabbed her handbag and assignment, and rushed down the stairs. The delicious aroma of omelet, parathas and French toast wafted up her nostrils as she made for the dining room.

"Assalaamu alaikum Ammiji", she greeted her mother, lovingly.

"Walekum assalaam wa rahmatullahi," replied her mother, setting the omelet, parathas and French toast in front of her.

Orange juice, Yus?

"No Ammiji, I’m too excited to eat"

Yusra’s mother knew all about Jamil. She prided herself on the fact that she was a friend and confidant to her daughter. She had never betrayed Yusra’s confidences, even to her husband whom she loved dearly.

Samra gazed at her daughter lovingly, watching her toy with her food. Her heart welled up with love and pride. Yusra was not only beautiful but very sweet tempered and obedient as well. Samra’s own sister, Yasmin used to complain bitterly about the tongue lashings she received at the hands of her three daughters who were around Yusra’s age. Yusra never talked back to her or created scenes. If she could be said to have a fault, it was that she was no scholar, her degree in English notwithstanding. Yusra had undertaken her studies as a necessary rite of passage in her life, and because her father was a great advocate of educating and empowering the girl child. Mrs. Ahmed’s sister-in-law, Hina boasted constantly about her daughter, Naila who was doing an MBA in finance and was a true bluestocking. However since Naila was quite plain and gauche, in Mrs. Ahmed’s eyes her scholastic achievements didn’t hold a candle to Yusra’s beauty, charm and grace.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Yusra’s touch on her arm, "Ammiji please pray that everything went well between Jamil and his father. After all, what possible objection could he have for accepting me as bahu?"

Objection! Scoffed Mrs.Ahmed, They will bend over backwards to wed you. The Ahmed’s can seek a groom from the highest echelons of society.

She poured a cup of tea for Yusra and placed it in front of her. Now hurry up and drink your tea and I will drive you to the University

"Ammiji, it is the last day of the semester and you still have not let me drive by myself to the University"

Beta, Karachi is such a traffic jungle, I am scared to let you drive by yourself, and any rate I need the car to run my zillion errands. However you can drive today, and then I’ll drive back.

Ooh! Can I really? Thank you, you are the best mother, she finished her tea and ran to the bathroom to brush her teeth, after which she picked up her handbag and assignments and followed her mother outside.

The drive to the University took about forty minutes, during which Yusra concentrated on her driving, while her mother offered her advice and encouragement along the way. Her mother dropped her off near the Arts Lobby and drove off. Samra had not communicated it to her daughter but for the past few days she had a feeling of unease and foreboding. She was trying to convince herself that it was just her premenstrual megrims, but nonetheless during the drive back she was praying silently for her daughter’s happiness. She thought that while parents could lavish every attention and care on their offspring they had no control over their destiny; neither could they buy them life, health or happiness.

Samra herself had been extremely lucky in life, love and health. She was the youngest of three children; her father was a Nawab of a princely state in undivided India, who had opted for Pakistan at the time of Partition. The family had bought some of their wealth with them to Pakistan and wise investments had resulted in financial success and stability. Also her father had managed to secure a ministerial post in the newly formed cabinet and the family’s well being in the new country was assured. She herself was born in Pakistan and her knowledge of pre-partition India, and her family’s existence there was limited to her parent’s recollections and musings of vast mansions, an entourage of servants, and descriptions of the darbar or court of the state where her grandfather and father ruled. She however really wanted to visit India badly; the land of her ancestors and ancestral homes. They had gone to India when she was about six years old, and had the vaguest recollections of being introduced to aunts, uncles and cousins on the other side of the border.

Her thoughts turned towards her husband, whom she adored. They made such a perfect pair, everyone told her. He had always assured her, that with him it was love at first sight when he had seen her at the wedding of one of his numerous cousins. He had sent his parents with a proposal immediately, and she barely had time to complete her B.A before she was married to him. She missed him, for being the CEO of an international bank, he was forever travelling, mostly to Europe, but also to the middle east and far east. For once, however, she was glad he was away, because of her misgivings about Jamil’s father. In case the tycoon was not being agreeable, she wanted to be able to deal with Yusra’s disappointment by herself sans Zaki getting into the act. He was a doting husband and a fond father, but with his cold banker’s logic, he would probably say it was a girlish infatuation, and Yusra should get over it. She sighed and prayed again for her daughter’s dreams to come true. By this time she had reached the supermarket from where she had to pick some groceries. Alighting from the car she just wished time would fast forward itself to when it would be time to pick her daughter up again.

Chapter Two

The main campus of the Karachi University, spread over many lush green acres was the premier educational institution in the country and boasted a distinguished faculty, internationally trained and universally acclaimed. It consisted of clusters of imposing building surrounded by serene lawns and beautiful flower beds, bursting with a riot of hollyhocks, hibiscus, pansies, petunias and carnations. The hallways were dotted with potted plants, while the pillars supporting the hallways were covered with the ubiquitous Karachi vine, bougainvillea, in all shades of magenta, pink, purple, red, white and yellow. Cool shady boulevards, lined with banyan, peepal, neem and eucalyptus trees, separated the main faculties from each other, while the administration building stood austerely in the middle of it all, as if to keep an eye on everything. It imparted a world-class education not only to students from all over Pakistan, but was also the center of higher learning for a host of international students, coming from as near as Nepal and as far away as South Africa. It was a melting pot of regional and international languages and cultures and presented a breathtaking kaleidoscope of humanity. The alumni of the University were spread all over the globe, enriching the lives of many others, imparting knowledge and stoking intellectual curiosity.

Yusra oblivious to all this made her way to the Arts Lobby and looked around anxiously for Jamil. Not seeing him anywhere she decided to go to her department to drop off a couple of term papers. This was soon accomplished and she debated whether to call Jamil on his cell phone or not. She was in an agony of apprehension and wanted her fears laid to rest; however decided against it, and summoned up some patience. She made her way back towards the lobby and sat on one of the stone benches, looking around expectantly for her adored Jamil. She was gratified to see him making his way towards her from the far end of the lobby. As he came closer, her heart sank. He was walking with slow dragging steps and his face bore a stormy, troubled look.

She ran to meet him, and said with a lightheartedness she was far from feeling, Meil, it’s too bad of you to keep me waiting a full five minutes.

He didn’t respond to her banter with one of his quick and clever repartees, but said curtly, Come and sit with me in the car, I have something to discuss with you. The novelty of this abruptness robbed her of speech and she quietly accompanied him to the parking lot.

He opened the passenger door of his BMW for her, came around and sat in the driver’s seat and said without preamble, Yus, adored one, there is a bit of bad news. My father does not agree to our match and told me he had promised me to his brother, for his daughter Lamia, in our childhood and he cannot break his promise.

You told me about it a long time ago when we first fell in love, but I remember you also telling me at that time that nobody in your family has talked about for a long time and also that Lamia didn’t care about you.

She doesn’t care about me at all, or any other boy. All she cares about is her textbooks of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and whatever dull boring subjects she has to study for her MBBS. All she wants to do is to go to America to do her residency once she is through with the medical college retorted Jamil.

Then why is your father insisting on the match? Wailed,Yusra.

All, my father and my uncle want, is to keep the wealth in the family. That is all they care about. Certainly not about my happiness, said Jamil bitterly. In this, though, Jamil was wronging his uncle, Sherdil, who had more than once told his brother that his plans might not bear fruition, but the younger brother could not penetrate his older brother’s autocratic nature, and stubborn will. The elder brother, Mr Adil Zaman was egotistitical and overbearing and brooked no interference in his schemes and plans.

What are we going to do Meil? Asked,Yusra despondently.

Don’t worry Yus, I’ll think of something. I told my father I would marry you within a month, with or without his blessing, said Jamil defiantly.

Cannot your mother plead our cause? She knows about us, and you are the apple of her eye. Queried, Yusra anxiously.

She’s too much in awe of my father and would never stand up to him. She would consider it sacrilege to argue with him, was Jamil’s crestfallen reply.

How about talking to Lamia and asking her to inform her father and yours that she’s not interested in you?

That wouldn’t solve anything. My father is a medieval bedlamite with the antiquated notion that once we have tied the knot we will find eternal happiness. He is arrogant enough to think that we don’t know our own mind; and thinks he knows what’s best for us. Yus, if you don’t stand firm with me in this you will lose me forever. If you loved me for my worldly rank and wealth this would be a good time to cut loose. If you tell me, we should wait until we’re older or more financially secure, then we have to go our separate ways.

There was a disturbed silence in the car as each grappled with this adverse turn in their affairs. Jamil was drumming on the steering wheel, while Yusra was biting her lower lip and twirled a lock of hair mercilessly. After an eternity, Jamil said, "Janu, I really really need you by my side if we are to come out of this problem, winners."

Oh, Meil, you know I’m totally yours and so incomplete and lost without you. How can you even think that I will desert you. My fortunes are tied with yours. I will be with you through thick and thin.

At the words Jamil’s clouded brow became lighter and for the first time that morning he smiled and said, "We will find a way out, ja’an. Let me think things over for a day, and hopefully by tomorrow or day after I will have a clear plan of action. My father has threatened to cut me off without a paisa, if I oppose him in this. It’s time to shed my golden shackles and to prove to him, myself and the world at large that I can make it on my own".

There were many questions and doubts in Yusra’s mind about their future, but Jamil spoke so confidently that she did not voice any of them. She was no fool, and was practical enough to realize that were they to tie the knot in the teeth of parental opposition, life would not be a bed of roses. However she loved him sincerely, and was ready to take the rough with the smooth at his side. She had come to realize, in the past three years that the male ego was very fragile, and needed to be constantly stoked.

She spoke with an optimism she was not feeling, "Of course you will do very well on your own. You are intelligent hard-working and honest and have at least two marketable skills, your experience in your father’s business, and your MA in English degree. Let us get out and take a walk in the fresh air and get some samosas and Pakola to enjoy under our favorite tree".

Jamil got out of the car and came around to open the door for her. Yusra picked up her bag which she had deposited at her feet and got out gracefully. They started walking across the parking lot towards one of the boulevards which led to the humble roadside shack which sold what Jamil thought were the best samosas in the world, sprinkled with a spicy, delicious cha’at masala.

Chapter Three

After eating samosas they went back to the English department, where Jamil had to submit his assignment. This was soon accomplished, and they made their way back to the car. Jamil excused himself saying he had to confer with Wali.

Wali does not know the bad news yet, as I was too upset yesterday to talk to anyone. I will run everything by him and see what he thinks.

Yes Jamil, I think Wali has a good head on his shoulders and since you two are friends from childhood, he does understand your circumstances better than anyone else. Furthermore he’s extremely sincere to you, and being a few years older than you he is a little more experienced and worldly wise. He’s sure to have some good ideas about how to appease your father.

For the last time, Yusra, I am not interested in appeasing him. I will marry you in the teeth of his opposition. I won’t give you up to satisfy his whims, said Jamil defiantly. In fact I’m determined to marry you within a month.

O Meil, I love you so much, I would die if you got married to your cousin, cried Yusra.

"Janu, I might not see you for a couple of days, because I have a lot of thinking and planning to do, but I will call you regularly and keep you posted about all my plans and how things are shaping up. What time will your mother come to pick you up?"

I told her about one o’clock, but seeing that you will be leaving, and not wanting to hang out with anyone else I will call her and see if she could come earlier. Yusra said listlessly.

Do you want me to give you a ride home?

No Meil, you know my mother does not approve of my being alone with you, even if it is in the car. Said Yusra grabbing her bag which she had placed on her lap, and exiting the Beamer.

Yus, I respect your scruples and will never compromise you in any way. I can wait till you are my wife. Jamil tried to say these words nonchalantly, but his voice became thick with emotion and made Yusra blush.

You are such a gentleman she said smiling shyly at him. Try not to worry too much. I have a feeling everything will turn out all right. She spoke with enthusiasm she was not feeling. She started walking away, back to the Arts Lobby, groping for her cell phone in her hand bag, as Jamil drove off. Sudden tears stung her eyes and blinded her. She thought it was so unfair that the only reason Jamil’s father was disqualifying her was because she was not his niece. Did he not know that no one understood Jamil better or could love him more, than she did?

She finally found her cell phone and called her mother to pick her up earlier. Luckily her mother was nearby, running some errands around Hasan Square and would be able to pick her up within an hour. As she hung up she heard somebody calling her name from behind. Wiping her tears quickly she turned around.

A group of friends were walking towards her, Hi, Yusra, they hailed her in unison. Saba, Shehla and Zarin known around campus as The Feather Heads were walking purposefully towards her.

"Assalamualaikum, she greeted them favoring the traditional Islamic greeting. Her grandmother had taught her to offer salaam to everyone as it meant peace be upon you, and was more meaningful and sincere than a mere hey, hi’ or hello.

"Walekum salaam", they chanted back at her.

Yusra smiled, and thought that she really needed some peace as her brain was in such turmoil. However she mustered a nonchalance she was far from feeling and asked, Where are you guys off to?

Saba, a pretty skinny, good looking girl, as empty headed as she was good-natured said, Oh nowhere, we just saw Jamil driving off. So when is the big day?

Saba was not only a good friend but also a cousin and Yusra did not want to snub her. In an attempt to change the subject Yusra asked, "Are you invited to Yasmin Khala’s party next Sunday?

Her feather headed friends were too savvy for her, and did not let her turn the conversation to safer channels.

Don’t try to change the subject please Yusra. Let’s have all the good news in great detail, retorted Shehla, a tall willowy damsel.

Little do they know, thought Yusra, that there is no good news, instead there is an ache in my heart and a burden on my soul. She wanted to burst into tears but pride came to her rescue. She knew she was the envy of the entire University because of her undeniable good looks and her connection to Jamil, with his connotations of untold worldly wealth. She could not let her friends know that her future with Jamil was hanging in balance, and fate was about to deal her a very cruel blow. She spoke as nonchalantly as she could, "Oh, we are still talking about it and you guys will be the first to know when we have decided on the dates

Good chimed Zarin, the most sensible of the three, "because we have been practicing a whole new bunch of songs for your mehendi. Zarin had a very melodious voice and was apt to burst into song at a moment’s notice. I won’t let the Dulha Wallay win the singing contest."

Yusra could not bear to hear this lighthearted banter about her wedding, she said pleasantly with her winning smile, My mother might be waiting for me in the parking lot so I really must run. I will keep you all updated about events. Her voice nearly broke as she voiced these words, so she turned abruptly and walked away trying to brush away the tears that were blinding her.

Her friend stared after her in astonishment. Hmm, that wasn’t like our Yusra at all, Shehla said, She’s usually so eager to discuss her future and her plans. Wonder if there is a fly in the ointment? Saba, you are her cousin, find out the inside scoop from her and let us know.

Will do, said Saba a little troubled. She was fiercely loyal to Yusra who was her favorite cousin. She offered a silent prayer, ‘Please God let Yusra’s happiness be complete. Let there never be a cloud on her horizon’. Suddenly she did not feeling like discussing Yusra and her plans, and did not want anyone to gossip, marvel and chatter about her.

To give her friends’ thoughts a new direction she said, Listen gals, remember that cute guy I liked in the cafeteria the other day, I found out his name.

Okay what is it? The other two asked gaily.

Its Shaz, short for Shahzad Saba said on a giggle.

Are you making this up? Asked Zarin, suspiciously.

Now why would I make it up? Anyway if you doubt my word, why don’t you go up to him next time you see him and ask.

Sure, I’ll also let him know that my fathead of a friend is head over heels in love with him said Zarin menacingly.

Head over heels in love my foot! I’m determined to be a career woman, and all men will be as dust beneath my chariot wheels was Saba’s insouciant reply.

Since she was really scatterbrained, with no firm career plans, her friends laughed heartily and Saba was happy to see that for the present she had succeeded in banishing Yusra from their minds.

Chapter Four

Jamil, meanwhile had driven away in an agonizing frame of mind. He kept thinking up and discarding schemes to bring his father around. He knew that his father could be very stubborn, especially since he thought Jamil was casting a slur on the family honor, by wanting to marry outside the family. In his frenzy he drove fast and furiously, and since the traffic was flowing smoothly he reached Wali’s office in less than an hour. He mused about his friendship with Wali, who was more than two years older than him and of a very different temperament. Physically too, the were opposites, he thought; Wali was tall with broad shoulders, handsome features and luxuriant wavy locks, while he was not tall, good looking or well built, and had only a modest head of hair. During childhood, Jamil’s impetuosity had lead him into one scrape after another, and it was his friends Wali’s resourcefulness and cool head that had saved them.

Wali’s office was located on I. I Chundrigar road, and was an imposing multi storey building, very modern and contemporary, with a façade of blue glass and black glistening granite. Uncle Baig, Wali’s father had built it a few years ago, after a trip to Abu Dhabi, where he had been very impressed with the skyscrapers having huge glass windows at every level. It was called, Binaya Baig, and since its completion had become a famous landmark in Karachi’s financial district.

Reaching Wali’s office before noon, he handed the car keys to the valets, who recognizing him and the car came running up to meet and greet him. He was a huge hit with the financial district crowd, as much for his friendship with Wali, as for his own charm and good manners. Heading straight to the fifth floor, where Wali’s office suite was located, he heaved a sigh of relief as he saw Wali’s secretary at her desk. Looking up at him she smiled, for he was a very frequent visitor and quite her favorite.

He’s taking a quick lunch in his office now and then he has to go out to one of the factories.

That’s okay, no need to announce me. I’ll announce myself. Jamil said sans ceremony.

He knocked his code knock, two short raps and a long one. Almost immediately Wali’s voice was heard saying, Come on in Jimbo, and close the door behind you. What brings you in the middle of the day to this part of town?

As Jamil entered, he saw that Wali was eating a sandwich and drinking what seemed suspiciously like lassi. Jamil, instantly diverted from his troubles exclaimed, "Surely you’re not drinking lassi in the middle of winter."!

I shall drink it, early, often and regardless of seasons. Though, I am sure that you did not come all the way here to discuss my dietary preferences.

Jamil instantly sobered up and his face clouded. Watching him closely, Wali’s heart sank. Oh, what is it Jimbo?

Jamil sinking into a chair, across the table from Wali said, "Dost, I really need your help. I’m so upset and angry -----"

Just a minute, said Wali and buzzed his secretary over the intercom, telling her that he should not be disturbed at any cost. He then went to the door and locked it, and walking up to Jamil put his hands on Jamil’s shoulder and spoke in a quiet soothing tone, Chin up old chap, no quirk of fate will subdue us. Whatever besets you, remember that we are in it together and will soon turn things around. So, what’s up?

"Wali, I told Abbuji about Yusra yesterday, mentioning how much we like each other and would like to get married. He flew into a towering rage and said if