ZAWARCI

About this Novel

*K* lay in the center of the room, her stomach grumbling with hunger. Flies buzzed around the space like uninvited guests at a neglected gathering. Tears streamed down her face as she lamented her misfortune. "If I were there, it wouldn't be like this. I could endure the hunger and the filth," she muttered, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Her mother's voice calling her name interrupted her thoughts. "R*aihana, did you not hear me?" her mother asked, stepping into the yard. *Raihana adjusted her clothing and replied, "Umma, I will do it." Umma laughed and patted her hand. "You always say that," she remarked, gesturing towards the boy. "He charges one hundred and fifty for the laundry." The boy nodded in agreement, and Umma handed over the money. "Before you begin, wash your father's clothes first," Umma instructed. *Raihana washed her father's garments in two different shades before proceeding with the rest of the laundry. After finishing, she hung her hijab to dry and left the house. As she walked, the community members jeered at her. "A pious widow, managing the household," they mocked.