The lanes of the Shiv Vihar seemed calm; the building, standing cheek by jowl, sharing common walls, appeared normal when we entered the area after five years of riots that erupted in February 2020. But each brick of the buildings and each door of the houses reminded us of the communal violence.
The violence was marked by widespread bloodshed, arson, and destruction. It claimed between 53 and 54 lives. The hearts of the family of these people still burn. Aakil’s family is one among them. Aakil lost his life in the violence, and his dead body was identified a week after his death. He was the sole breadwinner of the family of five. His death left a permanent wound on the hearts of his family. Five long years have passed, but their wounds still seem fresh.
Poverty has occupied a permanent place in their house. “Every single day of these five years has been tough for us. Every single moment has been heavy. My children still haven’t been able to move on. Even today, they cry,” said Aakil’s wife, Zahira, on chronicling the horror of their five-year journey.
She further revealed that his younger son, Umar, encounters seizures and needs medical assistance. Unfortunately, the family does not have the financial stability to seek medical assistance.
“We can’t afford the treatment, which is why it doesn’t happen. The doctor said my child could go into a coma if not treated. But what can I do? We just don’t have the money,” Zahira added.
“And my daughter doesn’t even go in front of guests out of fear that someone might mention her father. She still cries and remembers him,” she further revealed.
Filling Broken Hearts with Hope
Zahira, on our previous visit, demonstrated a need for a sewing machine. We gave her the same. Her happiness on seeing the machine can never be defined in words. “I will sew clothes with this, and some money will come into the house,” she happily said.
At Miles2Smile, our support never ends: we assist people throughout their journey and provide help at every step of their lives. Our goal is not just to restore a smile but to ensure it lasts throughout the lives of people.
To provide further support, we asked Zahira about all the problems that she faces as a widow. “There are so many troubles; I don’t even know where to begin,” she said.
After listening to her story, we realize that a sewing machine would not be enough to erode the financial constraints of the family. On being asked what more we can do to make her ends meet. Zahira said, “I have a small ration shop inside my house, but it has no stock. If I can fill it with goods, it will help—so when sewing work slows down, the shop can still bring in some money.”
We promised Zahira that we would help her restock her shop and help her in establishing it again. On bearing this, her eyes welled up with tears of happiness. “Thank you so much for your help,” she said.