Re: the “black eye”
This has actually happened to me…I had been given a package in Karachi to bring back to Toronto for this family. When we went to see them we found the girl living in the basement apartment of her in-law’s house. We waited in the upstairs living room. We were served chai etc but didn’t see the girl.
The MIL/FIL took the package and said thank you very much. Meanwhile, no girl.
Ammi whispered to me that things didn’t seem right and she didn’t want to leave without seeing her.
I asked the MIL where “Sadia” was. She said, “Neechay hogi. Aap chali ja’o milnay.”
Off I went…down the stairs.
Found her in her kitchen…and when she looked up at me…BOOM…the black eye and the bruises were undeniable.
I asked her what happened because I was too naive. She said she walked into the kitchen cabinet corner. Yeah right.
She never did come upstairs to see ammi. Claimed, “Mera salam kar dain aunty ko. Main FIL kay saamnay nahin jaati, sharam aati hai.” (yeah right again!)
When I relayed the story to ammi she was very worried and made efforts to follow up on the phone with the MIL. Got totally blocked.
Wonder what happened to her…
Did ur mom try to inform her family back home?
That’s sad.
Southie
September 11, 2012, 12:57am
23
Re: the “black eye”
That reminded me of a funny incident. We were a year into our marriage and we bought some tall halogene lamps that you need to assemble. When assembling, one rod accidentally hit my eye and gave me a huge black eye. Next day at work, people refused to believe my story and kept thinking that I probably had fight with my wife and she punched me
And that is your story and you are sticking to it!
Southie
September 11, 2012, 1:02am
24
Re: the “black eye”
Anyway tough situation OP. we have to weigh safety of abused vs consequences of reporting. May not be a bad idea to go unannounced a few times. Drop hints you are there if she needs someone to lean on.