My Mother by Zafar Ula Khan

The advent of a lovely male child was a Divine favour that filled the mother's heart to overflowing with humble gratitude to the Bestower of all bounties. It made the long periods of separation from her husband more easily endurable; it cemented even closer the bond between them. The baby was named Zafar, and from the very first day occupied the foremost place in his proud grandfather's heart. He was the light of his parents' eyes and filled their lives with sunshine; even though most of the time one was away in distant Lahore and the other had him in her lap. Zafar was only a few months old when his mother had occasionto visit her parents at Data Zaidka. She naturally took the baby with her, which delighted the hearts of her parents, who idolised their lively and lovely little grandson. There was at that time in the village a Hindu widow Jai Devi, who had earned the reputation of being a witch. Far from resenting her ill repute she exploited it and blackmailed ignorant, superstitious women on its basis. Within a day or two of the arrival of Zafar and his mother, Jai Devi called on the latter and having greeted her demanded certain articles of clothing and a small quantity of provisions in a minatory tone. The response she received was: You are a poor widow. If you were to ask for alms or charity, I would be happy to help you according to my means; but I do not hold with witchcraft or sorcery. I believe

in Allah alone as Master of life and death, and do not recognise any other power in these matters. I consider such claims as blasphemous and abhor them. I am not prepared to yield anything to you on that basis. Jai Devi rejoined: You had better think again. If you desire your baby to live, you will have to comply with my demand.