By Shaizan Nadaf
“Dear Ji, Your smiling visage still appears like a warm wave reaching out to us. You were a kind-hearted soul who bored hope, love and bravery. Whenever we saw you, your comely visage would lit up with smiles and kindness. It is hard to fetch appropriate words and sentences to state that your kind soul has departed and left our hearts in unbearable heaviness. You left behind three young children who are just beginning to understand the essence of this world. Your passing has left a void in our lives that feels impossible to fill. Though you are no longer with us in person, the example you set and the beauty you created will live in our hearts forever.
Known to the world as Mehbooba, but to us “Dear Ji,” you lived a life rooted in faith. Being married so close to her maternal home was a true blessing, allowing her to stay as constant support to parents. She lost her father two years ago, which was a shocking and difficult time for her. Even though she moved on from that loss and remained strong.
She was a very brave woman. No matter what event or occasion it was in our family, she was always at the front, ready to help and serve others. She had a charming personality. Residing just a few feet away from my home and she would come there every day with her cheerful smile. She loved sharing lovely stories with my mother and siblings.
I often talked to her at home, listening and sharing things to make the sadness go away. We would laugh at funny stories and have deep conversations about life. She used to tell me what is truly important in life and advise me on what to do or avoid. She treated me like a younger brother, and I cannot find enough words to describe her kindness.
Even now, I remember those moments vividly, and it makes me feel numb inside. As Ramadan approaches, I keep thinking about how she used to come to my house after zuhar prayers every year during Ramadan. We would have Islamic discussions about many topics related to Ramadan. I still find it hard to believe that she is no longer with us. Just writing this makes me cry.
I also remember the cooking recipe competition she used to have with my mother. She would share her ideas about cooking, and my mother would suggest her own. Sometimes it turned into a friendly battle, but in the end, they would smile and share happy moments. She was like a sister to us, part of our family forever, because she lived so close.There are so many beautiful memories we shared together, and thinking about them makes me very emotional.
What happened to her, how she lost the battle with life. It was almost like a few months ago she fell seriously sick, which put her through a tough struggle. Despite that, she kept living strongly and took care of her family during that difficult time. Her relatives were always by her side, helping her stay hopeful and reminding her that she would get through it. Her husband stayed close too, showing her he was with her and supporting her. But as the days went by, her health got worse, and she couldn’t fight anymore. She left for heavenly abode, leaving everyone here heartbroken and shattered.
Eventually, this world is temporary. Everyone will meet the creator someday, either today or tomorrow. We are all shocked and heartbroken. Let us pray for her, MayAllah (SWT) , to elevate her status in Jannatul Firdaus and give patience and strength to her family, especially her sons. Aameen !
The author is a postgraduate student pursuing an M.A. in Journalism
(NOTE: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Kashmir Dot Com, its editorial staff, or its affiliates. KDC does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any claims made in this opinion piece.)
