Lahori Novels
The Silent Struggles of Aashnay Gham
Life often tests people in ways they never expect. For some, these trials shape them into stronger individuals; for others, they become the weight that sinks them into despair. Aashnay Gham, penned by Aqsa Tehreem, is the haunting tale of a woman caught in the clutches of societal expectations, unfulfilled promises, and familial betrayal. It is a story of resilience, heartbreak, and unspoken pain.
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A Marriage Without a Companion
It had been five long years since her marriage. Yet, Aashnay lived like a stranger in her own home. Her husband, Faran, had left for foreign lands soon after their wedding, leaving behind promises to return soon. Promises that now seemed like distant echoes in the corridors of her memory. The hope she once held onto had gradually dissolved into bitterness and regret.
Faran’s absence was not just physical; it was emotional too. Over time, he had faded from her life, as if she were a chapter he had closed. Letters, calls, or any signs of connection became nonexistent. Aashnay wondered if she had been forgotten or deliberately abandoned.
The Torment of Zartaj Begum
Living under the same roof as Zartaj Begum, her mother-in-law, was no less than a trial. Zartaj Begum’s words were sharp, laced with venom and disdain. She never missed a chance to remind Aashnay of her inadequacies or question her place in the household.
“Why is she still here? It has been five years!” Zartaj Begum’s shrill voice echoed through the house, seeping into Aashnay’s ears. Though the words were addressed to her husband, Ahmed Sahib, Aashnay could hear them clearly. These words weren’t new to her, but each time they cut deeper, leaving invisible wounds on her soul.
To avoid confrontations, Aashnay would cook meals quickly and retreat to the solitude of her room. This routine had become her shield, her escape from the relentless insults that had become her daily reality.
A Past Marked by Betrayal
Aashnay’s pain was not confined to her married life; it stemmed from a past riddled with abandonment. Her mother had passed away when Aashnay was still young, leaving her vulnerable and exposed. Instead of stepping into his role as a protector, her father had abandoned her. He had gone abroad to build a new life, leaving her at the mercy of his brother-in-law, a man who treated her as a burden.
The loss of her mother and the betrayal by her father had left deep scars on Aashnay’s heart. She often questioned whether she was destined to endure a life devoid of love and care.
A Marriage of Circumstance
Aashnay’s marriage to Faran had been arranged during her mother’s lifetime. It was supposed to be a new beginning, a chapter of hope. But that hope quickly turned into despair when Faran left for abroad shortly after their wedding. He had promised to return soon, but five years had passed, and there was no word from him.
She had wanted to stop him from leaving, to tell him how much she needed him by her side. But her words had failed her, and she had watched him leave with nothing but promises that now felt empty.
The Weight of Silence
Despite her suffering, Aashnay never complained. Who would she complain to? Her father, who had abandoned her? Or Faran, who had forgotten her? The silence became her constant companion, a reflection of her inner turmoil.
Her self-control was remarkable, but even the strongest hearts have their limits. The constant insults from Zartaj Begum, the absence of Faran, and the memories of her father’s betrayal weighed heavily on her. She often closed her eyes and tried to block out the pain, but it was always there, lurking in the background.
The Resilience of Aashnay
Aashnay’s story is one of silent endurance. Despite the pain and betrayal, she found ways to survive. She clung to small moments of solace, whether it was the quiet of her room or the fleeting hope that Faran might return one day.
Her resilience was not born out of choice but necessity. She had no one to turn to, no one to share her burdens with. But even in her isolation, she refused to let her pain define her.
A Question of Justice
Aashnay’s story raises important questions about justice and accountability. Why do women like Aashnay have to bear the brunt of societal expectations? Why is their worth tied to their relationships with men, whether it be a father, husband, or brother?
It is easy to dismiss Aashnay’s struggles as the fate of many women in similar circumstances. But every individual’s pain is unique, and every story deserves to be heard.
A Call for Change
Aashnay’s story is not just a tale of suffering; it is a call for change. It highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and support for women who are trapped in similar situations. It is a reminder that silence should never be mistaken for consent, and resilience should never be an excuse for inaction.
Aashnay’s journey may be fictional, but it reflects the reality of countless women who face abandonment, emotional neglect, and societal judgment. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a plea for a world where no one has to endure such pain alone.
