Present day
Shamima sighed in exasperation upon sighting her husband. He was recumbent on the woven cot in the living room, his hands draped over his forehead, his eyes trained on the ceiling.
These days, Firdaus had become almost catatonic. He didn’t speak much. During meal times, he often fidgets with the food rather than eating it. But someone has to work to eke out a living. For the past ten years, Shamima had to fend for herself. She hoped in vain that things would get better once Firdaus got out of the prison. But the Firdaus who came back from prison was not the same person anymore. He was a broken man who had given up on life. So Shamima still had no other way but to look after their small business. After serving Firdaus a cup of chai, she hurriedly cooked the lunch and headed for their shop in the market.
Ten years ago
Firdaus was a young man with handsome features. He used to run a modest inverter battery business. Once Shamima’s father visited his shop and the hardworking young man who dreamt to make it big in life impressed him. When he came to know that the man was still unmarried, he made up his mind to make him his son-in-law.
Firdaus and Shamima were a happy couple. He cared for her and always tried to make her happy. But destiny had other plans for him.
Six months into their marriage, Firdaus was suddenly arrested by the police. Shamima got to know that the local police had seized a significant cache of weapons and explosives in a neighbouring town and they suspected that Firdaus had some links with the crime. Shamima pleaded with the authorities, but in vain.
Firdaus was never rich, but the earnings of his small business were enough for the couple to get by. After his arrest, Shamima spent all their savings, sold their belongings including her wedding jewellery and borrowed from relatives to fight the court case.
One year ago
Finally, Firdaus was acquitted by the court. Shamima shed happy tears hoping that finally their difficult time was over. But life was not the same. Firdaus was unable to find a job or restart his business since his release. Everybody gave him a wide berth. Neighbours and friends kept their distance. Everyday he sank deeper into the abyss of depression. So Shamima had no other way but to look after his business. But the business was no more a profitable venture as it used to be.
Present day
Irfan Chacha, the neighbouring shop-keeper came in Shamima’s shop with the day’s newspaper in hand.
“Look! The men who were found guilty in the arms haul case have been released yesterday. They were sentenced to ten years imprisonment. They completed their term yesterday.”
Shamima stared in astonishment at the news. What an irony of justice! In the eyes of the law, the difference between the innocent and the culprit was just one year!
(Note: Anti-terror laws are distinct from others because the burden of proof shifts to the accused. Consequently, those accused under stringent anti-terror laws – such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) – often spend years behind bars, before justice is finally served.)
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