Burqa
Islam brings a sea of change
The moment i was born, the destined rituals were performed and they named me Najma.
From that minute, Islam became my blood
My upbringing, my education, my way of living...
Islam became everything, my life revolved around Islamic laws
The reason I'm alone now is because of my marriage that happened a month and a half ago.
The happiness I felt that day, that smile, its something i have never witnessed before
I am not sure if i will ever witness it again.
That was the last time i saw such a big crowd of people.
Since that day, I have been yearning to meet and talk to someone.
Najma means star
20 years later...a star that will slowly fade away.
[panting]
Water…
Who is it?
Water…
I shouldn't open the door.
No one's home. Get help next door.
I need water…
I'll die.
Please…
I shouldn't come out now. Please leave.
[police siren]
Did an injured person approach you?
No, sir. No one did.
Okay. Keep the door locked.
Don't open it to anyone. Understood?
Allahu Akbar!
Your shirt had blood stains.
That's a fresh one. Wear it.
Thanks, madam.
Who does it belong to?
Okay, I'll leave.
No! Not now.
Leave after sunset, a little later in the night, please.
Why can't I leave now?
A man leaving the house would raise unnecessary suspicion.
But…
I have a doubt.
I am a stranger.
Yet, you ask me to stay.
What if…
I harm you.
I sew you up. You think I won't know to undo it?
Isn't this your house? Why are you wearing a PARDAH?
If you explain it, we'll probably understand.
I'm in IDDAT now.
I'm not supposed to look at a man.
What if you do?
Okay. So, you shouldn't look at men.
But we are allowed to look at you?
Either way it's wrong.
For how long?
Four months.
What does IDDAT mean?
It means the waiting period.
Whom do you wait for?
I'm not waiting for anyone.
We observe this for the one who's departed.
Who died?
My husband.
Please stay here. Don't come inside.
Will you get angry if I ask you something?
What are you achieving by being in seclusion for four months?
You need plenty of rest.
I've treated you to the best of my knowledge.
I suggest you get checked at a hospital after you leave tonight.
Why shouldn't you look at men during this period?
It's okay to ignore my question.
But, try reasoning out to yourself.
Have you lived here by yourself always?
Does nobody live with you?
No.
My in-laws went out on some work.
They couldn't return because of the Strike.
I guess I used that to my advantage.
I have no idea how old you are.
I haven't the faintest idea of how you look.
But, I guess you've seen a lot of struggles.
Why?
Because your husband died.
I don't know.
What do you mean you don't know?
I didn't know him well enough to mourn his death.
I'm confused.
Wasn't he your husband?
Yes.
He was for a week.
Painkillers.
Sorry if I'd asked you something I shouldn't have.
Sorry about what?
Who are you?
Why should you feel sorry for me?
Stop pitying me.
I didn't ask for your pity.
I was just being concerned.
Why harbor so much anger and hatred?
Why did you save me then?
I would've treated even a wounded animal.
That's being human.
Nothing more.
Hello!
I asked you those questions for the same reason.
A little humaneness won't hurt.
You're right.
But I am not in a position to accept your condolences.
Why do you have so many scars on your body?
I don't have to explain that even to the doctor who saved my life.
That's personal.
Okay. Sorry.
I shouldn't have asked your personal details.
Let's start afresh.
My name is Najma.
Surya.
What happens after the four months IDDAT period?
I can remarry if I want to.
Oh, that's good.
All religions will have some reason behind their rituals.
Are you doing this by choice?
Doing what?
Not even looking at men for four months, remaining in seclusion…
I don't know.
This is an Islamic ritual that I must follow.
Neither Islam nor Hinduism mean much to me.
But this practice doesn't seem fair.
How does it help?
Will it help your grief? Or will it bring back your husband?
[Najma's phone rings]
Assalamu alaikum, aunty.
Wa Alaikum salaam.
Najma, Is the situation Still bad there?
No. It's okay.
Did you eat?
I did.
Call me if you need anything.
Be safe, dear.
I'll take care.
WE'LL RETURN TOMORROW AFTER THE FAJR PRAYERS.
Please do.
KHUDA HAFIZ.
Khuda Hafiz.
Who was that?
My mother-in-law.
They're arriving tomorrow morning.
Why do you avoid my eyes while talking?
Am I that horrible a person…
or do you feel afraid?
Why should I feel afraid?
You are not a ghost.
Do you have a problem?
You ask me to speak.
When I speak you become furious.
I decide to leave. You insist I stay.
I can never make you understand.
Understand what?
My situation.
Try me, I might.
But why should I tell you?
I'm leaving tomorrow morning.
I doubt we'll ever meet or speak again.
We just have today.
Go on. Talk to me like you would to a wall.
That's it about me. Nothing more.
Tell me about you.
Why did you take part in the riots yesterday?
You want to know 'why'?
Just for the money.
Made the money and paid the price for it!
I'm worked up already. I still haven't got paid for it.
Literally a waste of blood, I guess.
This is such a big thing. But you're taking it so lightly.
Big? What do you mean?
Your life.
My life has always been a bed of thorns.
This is nothing new to me.
Your parents?
I don't have anyone.
We seem to have a few things in common.
Oh, good!
At least a few things seem to unite us.
Not exactly.
I've lost someone who came into my life recently.
But you've lost the very ones who gave you life.
Where are you going?
Please sit down.
Feel at home. Sit down.
On this day a month ago
the house looked different.
A house full of relatives.
Wailing and mourning.
That's normal at a funeral.
A funeral is supposed to be like that.
Anwar never forced me to do anything.
He was a gem.
I didn't get a chance to get to know him better.
The day after our wedding
he left to take care of the business at the bazaar.
Anwar sounds like a good person.
Unlike me.
You got it right!
Listen…
For the sake of conversation…
you could've lied that I am a good person too.
Why?
I would've felt a moment of happiness.
But, why?
Is it really necessary for us to keep everyone around us happy?
Not always.
But, occasionally.
But, I find no happiness in that.
Not even a bit?
No.
[Surya's phone rings]
Could be an important call.
Attend to it.
It's nothing important.
I can talk later.
Is that Arabic?
Do you understand the language?
What's the point in reading something that you don't understand?
What is that? Is it money?
Why is there money inside The Quran? Is it for God?
Why would God want money?
This isn't business.
But, many have made it a business.
God favours only those who bribe him.
What do you mean?
How do I put it across to you?
At our place of worship for me to get a glance of God…
if I pay Rs 50 I'll get my turn in an hour.
If I give Rs 100 my waiting time is only 30 minutes.
If I can afford Rs 500 to Rs 1000 I can see God in two minutes.
This isn't a bribe.
This is ZAKAT.
When we have enough wealth we have an obligation to help the needy.
This is one of the teachings of Islam.
After completing my training in nursing, I worked for six months.
I wasn't allowed to work after that.
This money is what I saved back then.
Being humane and compassionate…
are teachings of Islam.
But, the same religion forces you to observe seclusion.
Everything doesn't require logical reasoning.
That's just to console yourself.
I don't see a way out of this.
No matter what nobody would understand.
They don't have to understand.
But, try expressing your thoughts. Give it a shot.
What if your mother or sister were in the same situation?
Honestly…
I would be happy.
Four months of peace, no contact with humans…
Doing things that we love with no interference.
Peace?
Each passing night is hell for me.
Sleepless nights.
Innumerable thoughts cloud my mind.
In the dark of night a minute feels like a year.
Do you get it?
I doubt a goon like you would understand all this.
C'mon!
You asked a question.
I gave you a reply based on my life experiences.
Give me a direct answer now.
Where were you yesterday?
Yesterday…
I took part in the riots.
The day before yesterday?
I was hanging out with friends.
The day before that?
Okay.
I was running a fever. So I was home.
Why do you want to know?
If I go on with the questions I'm sure you won't have answers…
Because…you don't do the same thing every day.
But ask me and I know exactly what I did at this hour 27 days ago.
Because I've been doing the same thing over and over again.
Today, after about a month and a half…
Do you think it's right of this world to force a woman to live in seclusion?
When I criticised your religion a while ago you got angry.
I don't think this question is addressed to me.
Contrary to what you think this world shows no pity.
But, if we are good this world would do no harm.
C'mon!
What do you know…
beyond this house, your religion and family?
I agree. I don't know anything.
Enlighten me!
All her life, my mother kept everyone around her happy.
She suppressed all her pain and suffering.
Baffling, right?
I'll explain. But, you shouldn't despise me after that.
What I think about you shouldn't matter.
Why should you be concerned?
My mother was a prostitute.
I knew you'll be too shocked to say anything.
This is why I didn't want to talk about it.
No…I just got lost in my thoughts. That's it.
What were you thinking?
I was thinking about you.
Okay.
I'll explain it clearly.
I have no idea who my father is.
People called me a bastard.
Heard enough?
ASTAGFIRU -LLAH (act of seeking forgiveness from Allah)
No.
That's not what I meant.
What could it be then?
I can sense it from your silence.
I know you think of me as a worthless person now.
But, I'm proud to be my mother's son.
I've never felt ashamed of my birth or about how I've been raised.
My mother taught me well.
She taught me to hold my head up high in this society.
She taught me to respect women.
She taught me to live a life of truth and courage.
I'm not like you living a life of pretence.
Surya, you can't speak as you wish.
Don't lash out in anger.
I never mistook you or your mother. Not even for a moment.
Now, the answer to your question.
Forcing a woman into seclusion and refraining her from looking at a man is wrong.
Forcing a woman into a life of satisfying men is also wrong.
Your mother…
What is it?
Go on.
Forget it.
Go on.
Can I come in?
Yes.
Go on.
Didn't your mother ever wish to get out and start all over?
If her wish alone would really count!
The society has to accept it too, right?
The brothel was a better place than the world outside.
In her world she felt wanted by her customers.
But in the world outside she was treated like trash.
She was kicked around.
Deep down, your mother is like me.
How so?
Neither of us could decide our lives.
My mother was denied that basic right.
It's not the same for you.
Stop your lame excuses.
What do you expect of me?
When a man is widowed is he forced to seclusion?
No.
Why?
Because a man can't get pregnant.
Why the gender disparity in rituals and traditional practices?
This has no relevance to one getting pregnant.
Before his death…
if we'd consummated our relationship…
This seclusion for four months will help determine who the father is.
Did you really study nursing?
You are fine and fit. Isn't that proof enough?
C'mon!
Determining the paternity isn't complicated nowadays.
About 1500 years back we had far less knowledge.
Why hold on to outdated practices?
My husband and I weren't together even for a week.
He has not even touched me.
Najma.
I'm seeing your face for the first time.
You look beautiful in this silk saree.
Before our wedding…
I wanted to talk you at least once. I pleaded with my mother.
But she refused.
Now that we've met...
do you like me?
Don't you like me?
I need some time.
We've just got acquainted.
I'm sure you feel the same.
We hardly know anything about each other.
Then how can we…
Sorry.
Don't mistake me.
It's okay.
I understand.
Can you give me a week please?
After I get to know you…
You tell me when you are ready. I'll wait. Okay?
I feel tired.
Can we sleep?
Lie down.
So, nothing happened.
It's not like you were in love with him.
Like me he was a stranger to you.
I doubt he got to know you the way even I do.
Why follow these customs then?
I don't know.
You are educated. You shouldn't blindly follow such customs.
Education…you think that transforms people?
Impossible.
I agree. Nothing will ever change.
Continue to whine and mope your whole life.
Shut up.
Women are all the same.
Why won't you put your needs first?
Living your life based on others opinion and judgment.
Live in constant worry and take it all with you to death.
This includes my mother.
That's how we've been raised.
Then stop complaining about others.
You think I've been complaining to you all along?
Of course!
Okay. Let it be so.
That's all I know to do.
You aren't a bird confined in a cage…
waiting to be let out to fly free.
You should break free from all of this.
It's good you've opened up now.
Don't worry about whether it's good or bad.
Think about what you intend to do next.
I'm furious.
Why should religion and caste take control of our lives?
A custom that was prevalent in ancient times can't be enforced now.
Najma…
Listen.
Religion is not the problem.
It's the people.
Islam is not to be blamed for the situation you are in.
The people who misinterpret the principles of the religion are to be blamed.
If someone had cared to speak to you for a few minutes…
this custom of seclusion wouldn't have been imposed.
Najma…
A bad dream?
No.
What is it, buddy?
Where are you, Buddy!
Your mobile is not reachable From yesterday.
I got stabbed in the riots.
Oh,No!
Where are you now?
I'm alive and I owe it to a girl.
Really! what happened?
[TEXT] Who is he? Why is he in the house?
[TEXT] I will tell you when we meet. It was an emergency.
[TEXT] What kind of an emergency?
[TEXT] If your mother-in-law comes to know that's the end of you.
[TEXT] But I know I haven't done anything wrong.
[TEXT] They won't understand.
Her name is Najma.
I have no idea how she looks.
I've seen only her eyes.
But we've spoken a lot to each other.
Sounds like a movie dialogue.
Hang on. I'll send you a photo.
A Photo?
I just sent a photo. Check it out.
Okay.
Why is she wearing A Pardah in the house?
Poor thing…
Her husband died last month.
What?
She must be observing Iddat then.
Are you alone with her?
If people get to know It'll turn a Big issue.
[TEXT] Send him out first. This is wrong. ASTAG FIRULLAAH! This is a grave sin.
[TEXT] If saving a life is a sin, so be it. I'll remain a sinner.
Tell me which religion stops you from saving a dying person?
Don't turn philosophical now.
If someone gets to know
You are with her alone Both of you will be in trouble.
[TEXT] Humanity is more important to me than religious beliefs.
[TEXT] Don't talk nonsense. What if you lose control with that man?
Hey, Rafiq!
Stop talking nonsense.
She's not that type.
She won't even look at my face while talking.
Don't say stupid things.
There's no one in the house But the two of you.
Careful !
Don't yield to temptation.
[TEXT] He's gentle. He hasn't misbehaved or uttered anything wrong.
[TEXT] What if he does? No one can come to help.
She is strong-minded.
One wrong thought and…
I'll leave that very moment.
You better listen to me.
I think it's best if you leave now.
[TEXT] He will leave early tomorrow.
[TEXT] YA ALLAH! Together tonight?
[TEXT] I really don't know what to say. Just take care. KHUDA HAFIZ.
Shall i come now, buddy?
Not now.
I'll send you the address. Come before dawn.
Okay. Be safe.
Please know your limit.
She's young and naive. Don't take advantage of that.
She's not that young.
Maybe young by age.
But she is strong-minded.
A stranger who's been stabbed turns up at her door…
she took me in, treated me, was unperturbed even when the police came.
She is a brave girl. Braver than us.
More humane than us.
Poor thing. She's shattered because of the situation she's in.
I Get it!
She has taken a big risk to save my life.
I would never think of misbehaving with her.
Idiot.
Buddy…
You know I'm not a Believer.
But now, I think of her as God. The one who saved my life.
Got it?
Okay. Talk to you later.
Would you like to have some tea?
Why not?
Is this how you are always?
You never give a direct answer.
Not always.
I don't like to trouble anyone. That's all.
The thought of not wanting to trouble others doesn't work always.
We can't lead a life without depending on others.
Who are you dependent on?
I'm dependent on you today.
I've been alone for a month.
I already feel suffocated.
Thank God, you are here.
So, I'm your temporary solution.
No...You're here as a visitor to give me a permanent solution.
That's surprising!
I hear good things about me!
That's nothing short of a miracle.
Stop gloating. I'll take it back when it suits me.
You almost fooled me!
For a moment, I thought you've become another person altogether.
You think that's possible?
To change into a new person altogether?
I don't think people can change.
But, we could break free from a life thrust upon us.
But, you and I are here now because of the life thrust upon us.
If I'd known I'd get a whole day with Najma
I would have endured a few more stabs.
What are you trying to convey, Mr Surya?
No, let's not delve into that.
It's okay. Let's have a chat.
Okay. I'll be direct.
What are your thoughts?
About what?
About the chit-chat the we are having.
I don't know.
I'm sure you do.
But you don't want to say it.
Surya…
Your coming home, the chance to meet you and talk to you…
I like it all.
I felt like I was in a prison all along.
I don't feel like that anymore.
What if Anwar's family come to know about me?
I'll be forced to live in seclusion for another four months.
Is this a school?
To hand out punishments like this?
This is not a punishment. This is a religious custom.
A custom that nobody can defy.
Why can't it be defied?
They expect me to grieve and I go along with it. That's it!
It was all over in the blink of an eye.
I didn't anticipate this. I wasn't prepared for this.
I woke up next to him one morning…
And the next evening, he met with an accident...
...and was buried.
The wedding, a new house, a new family, Anwar…
his death…
everything came to an end when it just began.
He died and I don't feel a thing. I'm numb.
I haven't the faintest idea between right and wrong.
What about your family?
My family is my parents and brother.
My father died when I was in school.
I loved him dearly.
I haven't seen a Muslim like him.
He was a staunch believer.
But he wasn't orthodox.
Pullamma…
Come here.
I'm coming, father.
Sit down.
What do you want to do after completing school?
Her opinion doesn't matter.
Get her married as soon as she completes school.
Did I ask for your opinion? Keep quiet.
Go on, dear.
I want to study nursing, father.
Okay. Go ahead.
Your mother and I are illiterate.
I studied in a MADRASAH (Islamic religious school).
I could recite THE QURAN fluently when I was 10 years old.
Everyone was pleased.
I thought it was a great accomplishment.
I regret, I didn't go to school like other children.
Our religion will be respected when we integrate with mainstream schools.
Study whatever you want.
I'll take care of your education till I'm around.
That's irresponsible talk.
She is 17 years old. We better get her married next year.
Won't you shut up!
You blindly obey your relatives.
That's because you are illiterate.
You've turned out to be the person your father didn't want you to become.
I had many dreams.
But all my dreams died.
Najma…
We have to accept change with an open mind.
There are times when we also have to resist.
We might lose a few in the process.
We have to be prepared for that too.
I want to put all this behind me and go back to work.
I want to follow my dreams.
Did you tell your mother?
I did.
She had no say in it.
I belong to my in-laws after marriage.
They are the ones with the authority to decide my life and how I live it.
Najma…
You have an inner fear.
The fear of being ridiculed.
Lack of confidence, self-belief and fear of failure.
But, I envision a possibility.
If you overcome this, this win is not yours alone.
There's no power. We didn't take notice.
Guess you're never going to reveal your face!
With the time we've spent together, I know one thing for sure.
Your husband, Anwar was unlucky.
I'm the unlucky one. That's what everyone says.
Losing your husband soon after the wedding is a curse.
People always talk one thing or the other.
They know nothing about you.
I know you.
I've never seen a girl like you.
But, you've seen only my eyes till now.
The crooked nose, protruding teeth and the sunken cheeks…
You haven't seen it all.
This is not meant to flatter you.
But I'll say it.
Your eyes give away your inner thoughts and feelings.
You've turned a poet now.
I wish I was one.
It won't suit you.
Rowdy behaviour, knife wounds, smashing bottles, fights suit you right.
I've been wanting to ask you something.
Why aren't you married?
Hello…
How can you conclude that I'm not married.
Sorry.
It's my mistake.
Why have you become silent?
Do you look sad?
Why should I be sad if you're married?
Okay. Calm down.
I'm not married.
My bad luck, girls don't like me.
That's obvious.
Okay…
Tell me about Anwar.
When did you first meet him?
When Anwar came home I looked only at his reflection.
We were a handsome couple.
I thought life will get better after marriage.
He gave me hope. We hadn't spoken, yet I felt it.
We thought we will live together forever.
I thought we had about 40 years to understand and like each other.
But he was gone in a week.
Najma.
What is it? Tell me.
Are you going to be busy the next two days?
Busy? I'm no District Collector. I'm always home.
My boss couldn't come for our wedding.
He's sent us a gift.
Flight tickets to Coimbatore.
Then the train to Ooty.
Hotel accommodation at Ooty for three days.
Take the train back.
Then the return flight.
Shall we go?
You can't be yourself in this house.
Neither can I be myself.
Pack our bags.
You were asking about wearing a T-shirt…
Didn't you say you wanted to wear a T-shirt?
Pack one.
Nobody to question us out there.
It's just the two of us.
Okay?
I'll be back in the evening.
Be ready.
Okay.
Najma…
I love you.
Okay.
Najma.
Yes, aunty. I'm coming.
I have to go.
That was our last conversation.
It's all over now.
Najma…
You are just 21 years old.
You can't give up like this.
You have your whole life right in front of you.
I sit here alone replaying the past in my head, blaming myself.
Loneliness hurts. You won't know, Surya.
I get it. You are alone.
You've been forced into four months of seclusion.
I know how painful it is to wait in loneliness.
I was raised in a brothel house.
When I was a school kid I used to wait for my mother every day.
I'd wait outside her room.
She'd come out only after all her customers leave…
At 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. every day.
I used to wait for her wide awake.
She'll be exhausted.
But she'll never show it.
However late it was, she'll go to sleep only after telling me a story.
Not for a year or two. But 12 years of waiting.
I'd wish she came back early like other mothers and sleep with me.
I used to yearn for that. The longing…
It remained a dream for me.
You are not the reason for the situation you are in.
But, I feel guilty.
Why?
After Anwar's death nobody has eaten or slept well.
They've been crying nonstop.
But, look at me.
I'm being selfish thinking about my life.
I'm disgusted with myself.
Anwar is dead.
That doesn't mean you have to stop living your life.
Everybody mourns in their own way.
Stop doubting yourself.
You can choose to look at this situation the way you want.
I don't want to be alone like this. I can't take it anymore.
It's been a month and a half.
Three months to go.
As days go by I think I'm going crazy.
Call over your family and talk to them.
It's not as simple as you think it is.
They might think I lack a conscience.
How can one doubt your conscience…
If not for it, someone like me wouldn't be alive now.
It's late.
I have to cook.
Do you need any help?
You are the one who needs help. Take rest now.
Please hurry up.
I told you to rest. Why are you here now?
I'm starving.
What's your favourite food?
I have no favourites. I'm not a fussy eater.
Any one dish you like more?
Having one meal a day is a luxury for me.
And I get to pick what I want to eat today!
Biriyani?
Who doesn't like biriyani?
There's no meat, just the rice. Okay?
I'm okay with whatever you give me.
Have you ever been in love?
I'm in love with your biriyani now.
Give me an answer.
I don't know what to say.
How come?
Because…
I myself don't know the answers to questions about my life.
Enough about me.
What about you?
Did you love Anwar?
What little I knew about him, I liked him a lot.
I looked up to him.
But, did I love him?
I don't know.
Can I ask you something?
We've spent a day together.
Do you like me?
Why do you want to know?
Please tell me.
Do you like me or not?
I like you.
Just a little.
A girl like you liking me even a little is exhilarating.
I've never had this long a conversation with any girl till now.
And we've come as far as having biriyani together.
You are the first.
This is hard to believe.
You'd make a joke of anything just to make me laugh?
What is your problem?
You always find fault.
You said you like me. What did you mean?
Like means like. What else can it mean?
I like talking to you. That's what I meant. Is that wrong?
You just like talking to me.
I thought you liked me.
Do I have to spell it out?
Are we playing word games?
You don't have the guts to tell me that you like me?
Why are you confusing things?
I'm not confused.
You seem to be confused.
This kind of talk will confuse anybody.
This is you.
Making decisions based on wrong assumptions and denial of the obvious.
I spent a whole day with you. I truly deserve this.
Surya, wait.
I lost my husband about a month ago.
Here I am cooking biriyani for a stranger who got hurt in a riots.
I truly deserve this.
So, what's wrong?
Everything is wrong.
Najma…
You are punishing yourself with unnecessary thoughts.
And hurting me in the process.
I don't have such thoughts.
Okay.
If that's what you think…
I'll leave right now.
I'll leave right now if that will make it all right.
Will you be at peace if I leave?
Who are you running away from, Najma?
All these days, you were living a lie.
You've just begun expressing yourself.
I'll leave in a few hours.
And then on…
The way you hide your face behind that veil…
you'll live your whole life hiding behind it.
I fear exactly that.
You are nothing like I've ever imagined.
But your presence…
your company that made me forget everything else…
will come to an end in some time.
What should I do now?
Leave at dawn tomorrow.
Be with me until then.
Please.
"Countless words racing through my mind, Nonetheless"
"Amidst my endeavours to enounce them, love falters me"
"You are my dream..."
"You are my sprinkle of rain...An array of sunshine?"
"And a chattering cluster of stars?"
"You're an incessantly cooing cuckoo?"
"Through the dusk and dawn of my Life?"
"Casting my beloved mother's shadow?"
"You are my dream..."
"Countless words racing through my mind, Nonetheless"
"Amidst my endeavours to enounce them, love falters me"
"You are my dream."
I'll leave now.
Thanks, Najma…
For saving my life.
I thank you too…
Surya…
"You are my dream..."