Compulsions

Millions of Pakistanis live in the United States, having migrated from their homeland in search of a better life. By “a better life,” most people usually mean financial stability—and indeed, many do achieve it. Yet behind this apparent success lie countless struggles, silent sacrifices, and painful stories that rarely come to light.

During my stay at a house in America, I met a Pakistani woman who worked there as a domestic helper. One day, overwhelmed by emotion, she broke down in tears and shared her heartbreaking story with me. She told me how she had come to the United States with her husband, full of hope, dreaming of a secure and prosperous future.

In the early years, life was extremely difficult. She stood by her husband through every hardship, sharing both sorrow and joy. They worked tirelessly together, saving every penny, until eventually they managed to open a small grocery store selling food items. Slowly but surely, their fortunes began to change. The business flourished, and their financial situation improved so much that she stopped going to the store and focused entirely on managing the household. Their children, who were now growing up, were enrolled in good schools and seemed to have a bright future ahead

Just when life appeared stable and peaceful, everything collapsed.

Without any warning, her husband decided to marry another woman. He kept this secret from her and went as far as divorcing her without informing her at all. She continued living her routine life, completely unaware of the devastating decision that had already been made.

One day, her son came to her and said quietly, “Mom, do you know that Dad has married again and has divorced you?”

The ground seemed to slip from beneath her feet. She was stunned. When she investigated, she discovered that it was all true—her husband had legally divorced her. When she confronted him, he showed no remorse. Instead, he threw her out of the house. She was left homeless, abandoned, and shattered.

With no support system, she began moving from one Pakistani household to another, cooking meals part-time to survive. When I saw her at my host’s home, she did not look like a maid at all. She appeared educated, dignified, and refined—someone you would never feel comfortable asking to do household chores. Yet poverty and helplessness had forced her into this situation. My heart broke for her.

I asked her, “When he married again, why didn’t you seek help from the authorities here? According to the law, you were entitled to half of everything.”

With tears in her eyes, she replied, “He didn’t give me enough time. He acted so quickly that I couldn’t even approach the authorities. I was left helpless, with my children, and had to seek refuge in another Pakistani household. He threw me out, and he didn’t even allow the children to stay with him. They were forced out with me. The children are too young to earn anything. I work hard to educate them. Once they are capable, I will file a case against him and claim my rightful share.”

She went on to explain that her employers were kind people. They had small children, and she looked after them in their absence. Both husband and wife worked full-time and had promised to support her legally and morally. “I may get my rights,” she said softly, “but I have lost my husband forever.”

I tried to console her by saying that separation from such a selfish man was perhaps better. She had supported him during hard times, and when prosperity arrived, he turned his back on her. Men like this deserve punishment, I told her. I encouraged her to file the case immediately, as delays could weaken her claim.

She nodded sadly and said, “I will file the case. I wish I had kept a closer eye on him. When the store started doing well, an American woman joined the store after requesting a job. She spent all her time working alongside my husband. I never imagined they would secretly get married. Now I am paying the price for my bad fate. How can I return to my homeland? I will face nothing but humiliation there.”

Listening to her sorrowful words, my heart felt unbearably heavy. She was helpless, oppressed, and trapped by circumstances beyond her control. Who knows how many women like her exist—suffering silently, crushed under the weight of betrayal and necessity.