Until Dawn

Asim carefully drove his car off the paved road onto the dusty terrain. The journey was long, and no signs of habitation were visible nearby. Alongside him was his assistant, Sarfaraz, a well-educated young man who managed Asim’s family business. Sarfaraz noticed a group of nomadic girls struggling with thirst near the road. Offering to buy water for them, he stepped out to help. One girl insisted she would provide water without any payment. When Asim arrived, he insisted on paying, respecting her effort. He gave them 300 rupees in appreciation.

After filling the car’s tank, Sarfaraz discovered both tires were flat. Stranded, the men turned to the girls for help. Bhuli, the girl who had offered water, invited Asim inside her humble hut and seated him on a charpai. As he removed his shoes, Asim noticed an elderly man nearby physically abusing a young girl. Unable to bear it, he tried to intervene, but Bhuli stopped him, explaining this was a daily occurrence—the girl’s husband controlled her income harshly. She handed Asim a precious soap and a fresh towel, showing hospitality despite her harsh surroundings.

Bhuli explained that in their nomadic community, girls often earn for their families, and marriages involve large sums paid by men. Her brother, Hameed, was on his way with a donkey cart, bringing other women who also earned and handed over their daily earnings to their husbands. Bhuli guided Asim through local customs and shared the harsh realities of women’s lives, including the constant struggle to survive and support their families.

During the conversation, Asim revealed he was traveling to Duniya Pur to meet the daughter of his father’s childhood friend, intending to arrange a marriage as per family wishes. Yet, the broken tires had led him to Bhuli’s hut, and he began to see life differently. Hameed arrived, and together they repaired the tires and prepared to find Bijli, Hameed’s wife.

On their way back, they encountered a tragic scene—a young girl’s lifeless body had been hit by a car, surrounded by scattered currency. The police quickly covered her body and took her away. Hameed feared it might have been his wife, Bijli. When they finally returned, Hameed rushed to his hut and found Bijli alive, safely nursing their daughter. Overjoyed, he realized the true value of life, courage, and community support.

Bijli had donated blood to save a wounded child, showcasing her selflessness and bravery. Inspired by these nomadic women’s resilience, she resolved to educate her daughter and prepare her to serve the nation, breaking free from the cycle of hardship. Asim was deeply moved by Bhuli’s determination and decided he would marry her, no matter the cost, seeing in her a spirit of courage and integrity that transcended wealth and social status. He also committed to arranging the marriage of the Duniya Pur girl with Sarfaraz, ensuring that societal expectations would be met without exploiting anyone.

Asim’s journey, which began as a mere travel task, turned into a lesson about courage, justice, and compassion. The determination of women like Bhuli and Bijli inspired him to rethink priorities, value human dignity, and commit to a life guided by fairness and moral responsibility. Their stories reminded him that true societal change starts with recognizing the strength of ordinary individuals who act with integrity and empathy.

By dawn, Asim returned to the city, carrying not just repaired tires but renewed hope—a realization that societal norms could be challenged, women could be empowered, and love could be chosen with heart, not wealth. The journey symbolized a metaphorical sunrise, where light and hope emerge even in the harshest darkness.