The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Shekiba and Gulnaz grow closer to each other as Aasif’s frustration increases. Gulnaz becomes pregnant, giving them some respite. Aasif’s family “quieted, their whisperings that he should take a third wife silenced temporarily” (362). When Gulnaz goes into labor, Shekiba fetches the midwife. The child is a girl. Aasif is furious: Having a girl adds to his humiliation. Shekiba hears the baby cry and thinks, “Even a newborn can tell she is not wanted” (363). Shekiba, who helped many new mothers in the Harem, takes care of Gulnaz and the baby, who Gulnaz names Shabnam, “Morning dewdrops” (364). Gulnaz tells Shekiba she is glad she is here; this shocks Shekiba, who has never been praised by her. Aasif does not want to hold the baby. He wanted to name her Benafsha. Gulnaz refused. A year passes. Shabnam has two mothers. The Baraan family is disgusted with Aasif and his wives. Shekiba and Gulnaz’s mother-in-law is spiteful. She finds Shekiba’s countenance repugnant. 

Shekiba is pregnant. She is now firmly anchored in her role as a woman. Aasif secretly loves his daughter, but he only shows it when he thinks nobody is looking. Shekiba explains to Gulnaz, “A girl doesn’t belong to her parents.