The Human Heart of Sahl

Although Sahl’s family was full of ignorance and bad morals, Sahl stood out from the rest. He possessed a unique character, positive thinking, and a constant desire to benefit others. His other siblings were often taken to foreign wars. Wherever his brothers went, their names were known. Their hobbies — dogs, chickens, pigeons, and guns — had become a part of their lives.

But Sahl was different. He was educated, and humanity flowed in his veins. He had never had a bad relationship with anyone in his neighborhood.

A few days ago, Sahl’s sister Sadaf had gone to her village home with a man named Shahzad. On the tenth day, his elder brothers tried to take the girl and the boy from Darra Adam Khel. However, Jinni and Shahzad, fearing death, surrendered themselves to the police. Sahl’s brothers were also forced to surrender, and nothing was said to them. Yet, they had sworn that they would kill the couple themselves. Today, they also prayed in the jail cell.

Later, a meeting of Shahzad’s elders took place, but no decision could be made. Whatever demands Sahl’s family made were not acceptable to Shahzad’s father. His brothers demanded ten lakh rupees from Shahzad’s father and a written apology in return. Shahzad’s father was not ready for this.

The eldest brother, angry, threw a blanket on the fire, got up from the bed, and said,

“You just have to go back and stay there so you don’t come back this way again. I see that your police and government have taken the boy and the girl to jail. The elders of the Jirga have explained to Shahzad’s father that there is no other way out. Don’t lose patience, son.”

Shahzad’s father was forced to give in and surrender.

The next day, it was decided in the Jirga that for this act, one Surah and ten lakh rupees would be given by the girl’s family to the boy’s father. After that, the girl’s brothers would have nothing to do with the couple.

When Sahl found out that they wanted to marry him as part of the settlement, he refused. He said he could not accept this relationship.

His brothers opposed him, but Sahl replied,

“After all, are you human beings or animals? I am surprised at your thinking! One person makes a mistake, and the punishment is shared by another. What kind of justice or humanity is this? It is the fault of our sister, so why do you force me to pay for it? If you are so brave, go and face the boy. You all talk about honor, but what about fairness? What lesson have you learned from life? It’s not about two people or a mistake — it’s about feelings, compassion, and conscience.”

Sahl continued, “I am not ready for this marriage. What about my dreams? My goals? I want to further my education and build my career. I can’t throw it all away.”

The elder said softly, “Sahl, my child, sometimes one eye smiles and the other cries. You must accept what life demands.”

Sahl thought for a moment and then said, “Alright, I agree, but I have some conditions.”

When his elder brother asked what they were, Sahl replied,

“First, my marriage will be just like yours — a proper, respected one.”

Everyone laughed.

“Second,” he continued, “she will be my wife, not your servant. You will have nothing to do with her. She will not be oppressed. Whatever rights and respect your wives have, she will have the same.”

They hesitated but finally agreed.

And so, sixteen-year-old Sarah became his life partner.

Sarah’s innocence, moral beauty, and kindness soon won Sahl’s heart. Even his elder brother gradually became impressed by her character. Sarah cared deeply for Sahl’s mother, though the mother never fully accepted her. The reason was that Sadaf — Sahl’s sister — had shamed the family by running away, and his mother blamed all women for that incident. Whenever Sarah’s parents were mentioned, Sahl would send her away to avoid conflict, but his mother’s heart remained bitter.

Time passed. Despite the tension, Sarah continued to win everyone over with her goodness and patience. But Sadaf, on the other hand, became more and more disliked by Shahzad’s family because of her arrogance and poor behavior. Eventually, a fight broke out, and word spread that Shahzad had beaten Sadaf badly — but no one came to her help.

Sadaf sat in a corner and cried.

That day, she finally realized the truth:

A girl who leaves her home with respect, prayers, and dignity holds value in her husband’s house. But one who leaves by her own will, defying her family, loses all status. She became a victim of depression and self-hate. Her pain was unbearable. She dug her nails into her palms until her face turned pale, but she told no one.

When Sarah’s mother came to visit, she comforted Sadaf, saying,

“Be patient. God will fix everything. You fix yourself first. My brother’s sins once sent my parents to grief, but with my morals and patience, I turned their sorrow into peace. Learn to endure — time heals everything.”

Her words had a deep effect on Sarah.

One reason Shahzad began to hate Sadaf was jealousy — Sarah had been blessed with a child, while Sadaf had been deprived of this happiness. Sadaf’s frustration grew. She started quarrels with other women in the house for no reason, and Shahzad would often beat her. Days and nights passed in misery.

One evening, Shahzad came home from work to find Sadaf and his mother fighting loudly. The entire village gathered to watch. Enraged, Shahzad beat her again, then slapped her hard and threw her out of the house. She had no choice but to leave. She went to Nowshera, where a man named Khan took her to Sindh Arti in Nowshera — and from there, her chapter closed forever.

Meanwhile, Sahl’s life grew harder. His mother now demanded that since her daughter was gone, Sahl must also divorce Sarah. But Sahl refused. He was ready to fight his entire family for his wife. His elder brother remained silent — torn between his mother and Sahl.

The next day, Sahl’s mother gathered the family and declared,

“Today, the decision must be made — either Sahl divorces his wife, or he leaves this house!”

Sahl looked at his elder brother, but the man lowered his head and said nothing.

Sahl finally spoke,

“Mother, I am human. I have a mind and a heart. I know right from wrong. Your daughter made a mistake and was punished for it — but what is Sarah’s fault? Why should she suffer? She is innocent.”

His mother shouted, “No! She must leave!”

Sahl stood silently for a moment, then walked out. His other brothers followed.

His elder brother came to him later and said quietly,

“Don’t worry. For now, stay calm. This is also your house. Whatever you need, I’ll provide. I know Sarah is innocent — but even I can’t go against Mother.”

And thus, Sahl and Sarah’s quiet struggle for love, dignity, and humanity continued — in a house divided by pride and pain.