She raises a confused brow and I explain to her. "Oh! MashaAllah is Arabic for God has willed it, and we say that so God protects the person from the evil eye.""Oh, thank you" she offers a wistful smile and her gaze adjusts to the portrait. "God wills it huh? Well, God willed my parents to depart this world..."Momentarily, I stare at her dumbfounded before what she says registers in my brain. "Oh my God, you mean they have passed away?"She nods slowly. "Not long after this picture was taken.""I'm truly sorry for your loss." I apologize earnestly. Before I could prevent myself, I ask. "What happened to them?"Her throat bobs as she gulps, and a melancholic glint appears in her eyes. She adjusts her gaze on me, that wistful smile lingering on her face, and answers. "Don't mind dear, but I prefer we not discuss that.""I'm so sorry!" I face-palm myself. "That was so very rude of me.""No need to apologize, you did no wrong in asking." She reaches out and gives my upper arm a gentle re
Last Updated : 2022-10-25 Read more