Zahra speaks

 2020 was a very baffling year. Like everyone, I was also taken aback by the quick spread of coronavirus and the extensive lockdown. Who could have imagined that a pandemic would change the way this world works? The virus did not spare the rich, powerful, or the rulers. Everyone was and still is equally likely to contract coronavirus (not if you follow the SOP's).  The lockdown happened in March 2020, exactly a year ago. Things do not look pretty different. As we all know that the virus is again spreading very quickly and we are experiencing a surge in daily infections. The third wave is proving to be very strong and dangerous. Initially, we all used to hear stories that Corona infected one of the people in another city or town. Then came the second wave where people from our circle started getting infected and now with the third wave in full action, it has reached our homes. Nearly 5 to 6 people from my close-knit circle including my sister are infected with the coronavirus. ...

Image courtesy: GOOGLE IMAGES Versailles is a fictional show based on French history. It highlights the life of Louis the fourteenth. There are a lot of plots that entwine throughout the three seasons of the show. It perfectly describes the monarchy through different events and dialogues. At one event when someone questions Louis's justice, he justifies his brutalities by saying: 'I am Justice'. This is just one of the powerful dialogues that you will experience in this series! The dialogues are simply mindblowing. Simple fact stating sounds fancy and splendid.  The storyline is complex but you get hooked once you start watching the season. It's one of those shows where I was taken back to 1667, Louis the fourteenth had just taken command over France. He develops Versailles as his center and strives to make it a glorious manifestation of the French monarchy. The love life of the king is not hidden to anyone as he is always surrounded by ladies despite being married to M...

 As we bid adieu to the year 2020, I would like to take this opportunity and thank The Almighty for all His blessings despite the odd circumstances that prevailed all over the world this year. This year was a jolting reminder of who is in charge. The world had to amend their plans according to His will. A virus that cannot be discerned by the naked eye locked everyone in their homes and established the vulnerability of human beings before the divine decree. This year has changed many things including the mindset of some people that they can control everything, plan perfectly, and mold everything according to their wishes. The truth has always been contrary and the coronavirus pandemic has proved it. Despite everything, this year has taught me a lot. This year has been nothing short of a bumpy ride, from the passing of my grandmother to giving away 100 copies of my book within 2 months, I have a lot of memories is associated with the year 2020. In February, my grandmother passed awa...

Have you ever been to a village wedding? I hadn't but the experience of attending a village wedding, after all, was extraordinary. Every every region has distinct matrimonial customs and I was attending a wedding in Kasur that can be named as the heart of Punjab. Therefore, there were some interesting traditions that I would like to share with my readers. The caterers who are usually called 'Nayi' have a lot to do more than cooking at the wedding. There was an interesting  rasam  called 'Warri Dikhai'. Warri is a set of commodities prepared by the groom's side of the family for the bride. Interestingly, I was aware of this custom but the unusual thing was that they literally showcased every item to the attendees of the wedding. Some people gathered around a trunk which was replenished with the Warri items. Ladies from the groom's family showcased every item one by one and as a matter of fact, every item was showcased by a different lady. Another funny addit...

When I wrote my first book, I never imagined that it would reach so many people, and I would be able to get it printed within a year of getting it self-published. It is a huge achievement, and I owe everything to the Almighty. He grabbed my hand while I was stumbling in life. When everything apparently seemed dark, He showed me the light of faith which never fades. Whatever other people perceived about me was proven wrong by His mercy and I cannot put my gratitude in words. Many people thought that my disability was a curse upon my parents and family, some even said that to our faces but when He paves the way, nothing can stop you. My disability became my force. I wanted to do something to prove them wrong, they could not just 'tch tch' and move away. They passed awkward stares and looked let me in a belittling way but God proved them wrong. I am not nothing, I am not useless, I have a voice and the power of the pen that has the potential to move hearts and that's my victor...

Podcast has been in my pipeline for a very long time. I am very opinionated, I love to talk and that is the perfect combination to embark on this journey. Audio entertainment has lately lost its value and former glory to YouTube and audio-visual entertainment. 10 to 12 years ago, I remember listening to FM at night and I had a favorite RJ as well, I think his name was Hadi but with time, audio entertainment became regressive. However, I always wanted to be an RJ and talk about things that I like but things don't always go the way you want. Recently, I noticed that globally audio entertainment started gaining popularity again through podcasts. Some of my favorite influencers, who I actually consider to be compelling personalities, started conducting podcasts. It is very difficult to create video content and I feel it should be left to the ones who truly hold the talent and skill. Moreover, I am a writer (with a very opinionated mind) and I don't think I should be bound to come o...

  Arzoo Raja, a 14-year-old, Christian girl was abducted from Karachi. She forcefully converted her religion to Islam by a 44-year-old man who later married her without consent. This is one of the many occurrences where the minority group has been forced to convert to Islam. It is wrong on so many levels but mainly, this heinous crime is against the values of Islam and the law of Pakistan. The girl in question is only 13 years old and forged documentation was presented in the court to prove that she was 18 years old which made the court uphold the forced marriage. The latest update is that the girl is forced to live with the kidnapper and the parents are seeking justice for their daughter. I have seen a lot of posts related to this case and I truly believe that social media has the power to bring real change. One of the posts that garnered my attention was this: I am not an expert on explaining Islam but I have read the Quran with translation a few times and I yearn to learn more a...