Amir Nisha

Congested footpaths slowed us down that day.

The sun, imperious, laughed during noon

And mocked our plodding as we made our way

To your most-stopped-by marketplace that June.

Our bottles had run out of fluid, and though

Your lips became deserts, you acted nice

To prove “no thirst” (and thought I wouldn’t know).

But then, a glass of cane juice helped your lips

Like rainfall helps a dry farm, and your eyes

Said, “You’ve relieved me” as you took those sips.

We reached there. Oh, the bee-like crowd! Its buzz!

We muscled through it, feeling every shove.

Your right hand was latched to my left. It was

Just like a journey through some shrubby grove.

Alluring marts and outlets cast their shine

Upon your heart whose throbs of boundless glee

United with the joyfulness of mine.

Taking me to some common trinket store,

You browsed through every earring, while in me,

The bliss of buying some for you grew more.

Located nearby was a small boutique

With fair abayas, but your modesty

Held your desires. I used that old technique

Of drawing your stiff body tenderly

Towards the shop (your white cheeks made their change

into light claret red). Your action of

Examining a cloth, its colours’ range,

The fabric’s quality, designs, and prints

Appeared as if some craftswoman of love

Was painting me with golden-yellow tints.

At five, precisely, being too fatigued,

We found a seat within the public square.

Iced cane juice (once again!); we were relieved!

The sky’s expanding ochre touched your hair.

Thievishly, as I tried to hold your hand,

You hawed and said, “What would the public think?”

A pause, and then I said, “I understand.”

Your manners! Oh, so Indian and plain

That all I did was watch your eyes unblink-

ingly, then turn aside and watch again.

Sundown. It was your maghrib time. We found

A mosque. I stayed outside—my faith did not

Permit me in. You entered, sat upon the ground,

Postured yourself, and gently checked the knot

Of your hijab. Outside the gate, I prayed

Too (to your God, but with a different name),

“O’ Lord, will You not grace our souls and aid

Our clashing fates? Remove religion’s pall?”

Then you arrived. “Did she, too, pray the same?”

I wondered, but your long hug answered all.

Word Meanings

Amir Nisha: A marketplace in the region of Aligarh (a place in North India).

Maghrib: The sunset Islamic prayer.

Abaya: A loose-fitting full-length robe worn by some Muslim women.

Hijab: A traditional headscarf covering the hair and neck worn by Muslim women.