Inside the mind of an immigrant
In Pakistan or in the Pakistani culture I've noticed that women aren’t allowed to leave the house and even if they are the atmosphere and society won't let them. There’s too much misogyny. Don’t get me wrong there are things about the Pakistani culture that are beautiful, like making sure the family sticks together through … Continue reading Losing Freedom
I was born in Pakistan; we moved to the United States when I was four years old. We moved back to Pakistan when I was seven years old, and we stayed there for about six years. We mostly lived in the city and would often go to our village over the summer break or on … Continue reading The knife and the curse
When I came to America in 2013, I was fourteen years old and had no knowledge of cultures outside of the one I grew up in. I was naive and used to live in my own little fantasy world. I still kinda do. My made up characters are a better interaction then most real people … Continue reading Inside the mind of an immigrant
“It’s our anniversary,” she says so softly over the phone that I can barely hear her. “That’s amazing! Are you gonna celebrate?” I ask trying to sound gleeful even though it’s 4 am in the morning, and I’m sleepy. She doesn’t say anything and all I hear is her uneven breathing. “I’ve wasted eighteen years … Continue reading Wrenched anniversary
“Appi,” the little kid calls me out of respect. His name is Aman; he’s as old as my ten-year-old cousin, but he acts and talks like he’s older than me. “Haan.” I give him a quick glance to show him that I’m listening. All my other spoiled bratty cousins are holding onto juice boxes and … Continue reading Village life