The Price She Paid by Ayesha Pervez (paper ebook reader txt) 📕

she felt now. In a daze, she circled the room and turned back to the book shelf, which stood there, looking like a cruel monster, with many uneven teeth laughing at her destiny. Feeling weak, she dropped to the ground. I cannot believe this. How could this be? She thought, tears streaming down her cheeks.
From the kitchen, the rattling of the teapot thundered in her ears. She dragged herself to the kitchen and turned the flame off. Then she crumpled on the floor.
Lying on the cool linoleum of the kitchen, Amina had lost track of the time. Her eyes opened and flew to the clock on top of the fridge across. It showed a quarter after seven. Amina walked to her room and searched her drawers. She took out the letter along with another chit of paper containing a phone number.
A decision had been made. I am sorry, Abba, Amma, if I am letting you down, but I complied with your wish; now I must live my life with some of my own wishes. If my husband gives me any valid reason for what I just witnessed, for hiding such a profound truth, and if I’m willing to accept that, he will have to adjust to what I want. I am taking a big step; it’s scary, but I trust myself. I know I can do it. I don’t really have much to lose now anyway. How ironic to pay such a price to attain a dream …
Amina looked at the scholarship letter in her hands and then picked the phone. She dialed, and the phone rang twice before it was received by a melodious hello.
“Aunt Seemi—” Her voice was urgent.
“Amina? Yes—are you all right?”
“I need your help to accept a scholarship that I’ve received.”


1. Sweet fennel seeds
2. Mother
3. Father
4. Frozen dessert
5. Dowry
6. Traditional fancy dress, mostly worn at weddings
7. High-ranking and esteemed religious authority, who also conducts the nikkah or marriage contract
8. Meaning, “I accept.” It is mandatory that both bride and groom repeat it thrice.
9. Soft flat bread made of wheat

THE END

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Publication Date: 05-04-2010

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