Growing up in Lahore, we had two large mango trees and one huge mulberry tree in our gardens. In summer, we would hang swings around those trees and also enjoy the endless supply of fruits. It was quite a ritual to pluck fruits from the trees. Our team of housekeepers would get to it as soon as summer began, and we would enjoy mangoes through late September.
Although my mother is not a superstitious person, she somehow believed very strongly in the presence of Jinns (unseen beings) in the mango trees. Not only did she believe that they resided in the trees, but that they liked to capture the minds and hearts of young girls, particularly virgins. For this reason, my sisters and I were not allowed to sit under the trees after sunset. This was also confirmed by my housekeeper and several other women. “Don’t ever sit or go near the mango tree after sunset, a Jinn will fall in love with you and never leave you”.
After several hundred days in New York, today I spent the day freely with the most important person in my life: myself. Having spoken to several security advisors and having received multiple confirmations that my location, devices, and internet are now completely safe. I still find myself living in extreme agony and fear of being chased. The Jinn who did not capture my heart in our Lahore residence's mango tree has now fully embraced me. As I moved from one location to another, I tried not to touch Google Maps or call anyone, thinking that perhaps some strange evil force might pop out or another phone call might be taped. However, like a hungry person who has not been fed for years, my newfound freedom kept me going, and I ended up walking seven hours straight from Union Square to Brooklyn and back to Manhattan. As the day was concluding, I remembered that since Ezra may be coming into plenty of wealth by Wednesday, it’s now time to shop for my dowry as well. I did exactly that, and got myself a pre-wedding facial. I now look forward to my happily ever after, without my Jinns- of course.
Welcome to America: The Land of the Free !!!