Hijab Novel by Amina Khan

Summary

In the heart of Mansehra, a young girl named Zarmeena, fondly called Zari, navigates the complexities of family expectations and personal dreams. Zari, a vibrant and intelligent girl from a traditional Pashtun family, yearns to pursue higher education at the university level. However, her dreams clash with the deeply ingrained customs of her family and community, where girls are often expected to marry and settle down after completing their basic education.

Zari’s father, Abrahim, a respected businessman, and her brothers, Shahab and Sultan, are staunchly against the idea of her attending university, fearing the exposure to a co-educational environment. Zari’s mother, Roqia, though supportive of her daughter’s aspirations, feels powerless against the patriarchal norms of the household.

Amidst these tensions, a marriage proposal arrives for Zari from a family friend, further complicating her situation. Zari, determined to pursue her education, makes a bold decision. She agrees to the marriage proposal on the condition that she is allowed to attend university. This sparks a heated debate within the family, with Zari’s father and brothers vehemently opposing her demand.

Zari’s grandmother, however, becomes her unexpected ally. She recognizes Zari’s potential and understands her desire for education. With her grandmother’s support, Zari manages to convince her father to allow her to attend university, promising to uphold the family’s honor and traditions.

As Zari embarks on this new chapter of her life, she faces numerous challenges. She must navigate the unfamiliar terrain of a co-educational institution, deal with the prejudices of her classmates, and balance her academic pursuits with her family responsibilities. Through it all, Zari remains steadfast in her determination to succeed, becoming an inspiration for other girls in her community who dare to dream.

Characters

The characters in this novel include:

• Zarmeena (Zari): A young, intelligent girl from a traditional Pashtun family who dreams of attending university.
• Abrahim: Zari’s father, a respected businessman who initially opposes her desire for higher education.
• Roqia: Zari’s mother, who supports her daughter’s aspirations but feels limited by the family’s patriarchal norms.
• Shahab: Zari’s older brother, who is against her attending university due to concerns about the co-educational environment.
• Sultan: Zari’s other brother, who also opposes her university plans.
• Zari’s grandmother: A supportive figure who recognizes Zari’s potential and helps convince her father to allow her to attend university.
• Fazah (Fazu): Zari’s closest friend, who plans to attend university and encourages Zari to do the same.
• Rajeeb Khan: A family friend who proposes to Zari.
• Nazia Begum: Rajeeb’s mother, who prefers another girl for her son and tries to sabotage the marriage proposal.
• Feroz: Abrahim’s brother and Rajeeb’s father.
• Hamid: A young boy who rides in the same van as Zari to college.
• Mano: Zari’s beloved cat.