On April 7, 2020, pain echoed in the air of Asif’s life. Cries were muffled while bulldozers roared high—three shops and a house built by sweat and blood in 11 years were obliterated. Shattered window glasses, debris, bricks, and broken woods were left with Asif’s family, who were convulsing in anguish. The crime for this punishment was love. The love that knew no society’s boundaries.
When Asif married Sakshi, he chose a path of tranquility with Sakshi willingly becoming Afreen. Together they built a decent life, but winds changed, and happiness was crushed. The couple was targeted for their interfaith marriage. Soon the attack unfolded on their shelter and livelihood.
“Our home was built with 11 years of hard work, but it was torn down. Three of our shops were demolished as well. Where will we go now? What will we do? “What will we eat?” Asif’s father, Haleem, said, talking to Miles2Smile. His voice was lamenting the loss of more than brick and mortar. It was one of his life’s sacrifices.
“We went from one relative to another, seeking help from everyone, but no one came to protect us. No one came forward to stop it.” Asif’s mother added.
The grief of the family was not healed when another wound surfaced. The threats. According to the family, Asif and Afreen were grappling, surviving, following the threats by the society. While facing many a fray, Asif and Afreen took a bold step and fled the area.
With the heart of love and soul of conviction, they reached the doorstep of Miles2Smile.
The organization not only provided words of warmth but also arranged for a safe space for them. The space, which was occupied for twelve long months. Asif was without a source of income; he took the decision of relinquishing studies. However, Miles2Smile encouraged him to continue his BA degree. The onus of fee payment and expenses of running the house was embraced by Miles2Smile.
Months later, Asif decided to move back to his village, Dindoli, Madhya Pradesh, and start a shop for livelihood. Meanwhile, Miles2Smile urged him to continue his degree without worrying about the fee payment.
Two years after his BA degree, Asif walked for the quest of a better livelihood. The quest made him reach the doorstep of a civil judge who, impressed by his skills and degree, offered him the role of chauffeur.
Enveloped in happiness, Asif informed his family. Tears flowed down from their eyes. But this time it was of happiness, of relief. The house that was shattered is now ready to gather again. Each brick, which was demolished, is ready to stand again.
“Today, I am very happy. Asif has secured a job. If Miles2Smile had not helped him complete his degree, he would not have received this opportunity. He got this job on the strength of his degree,” Asif’s father Haleem said, talking to Miles2Smile.
The same father who once came, crying an ocean of tears, is jubilant today.
