THE CURSE By Lee Su Ann PROLOGUE A boy at the village stumbled upon a dead body one morning at the

rubber plantation he worked at. CHAPTER 1 Azreen Salleh had to leave London and go back to Malaysia due to the death of her sister. She was unwilling to leave as there was an exam. She was hoping not to bump into Julian Ng, but she did anyway. She left in a hurry. CHAPTER 2 Azreen was on her flight back to Malaysia. She winced at the thought of going back home. She thought about her late sister. She hated her because everyone thought she was the better sister prettier, polite and soft-spoken as Azreen was the total opposite of her. She also hated when she was always compared to her sister and the fact she could never be like her. However, she was fond of her and there were happy memories with her sister like cycling together and picking fruits from the neighbours plantation.

Azreen met with her ex-schoolmate, Mohd Asraf for a while. She played hockey with him when they were in school. Later that night when she was in her room, she caught sight of someone who looked like Madhuri. But it disappeared when she tried to look for it again. Meanwhile, Puan Fatihah, Haji Ghanis first wife was feeling bitter about Madhuris existence in her life with her husband. Now that shes dead, her husband would hardly talk to her. CHAPTER 5 Azreen went to the market to buy breakfast for her mother. She bumped into Asraf, and begged him to tell her what happened to her sister. But he didnt know exactly what too. Azreen returned home, talked to her lucid mother, but suddenly she started muttering nonsense. Outside, Saleh was busy chopping wood when he heard something or someone crying in the bushes. He went to pounce on it but there was nothing. Azreen went to visit the Old Lady, a villager who was casted out from her village. The villagers thought her evil and a witch, but Azreen thought otherwise. In fact, she got along just fine with her. She also begged the Old Lady to tell her what exactly happened, and finally it was the Old Lady who revealed to her that Madhuri was actually murdered.

CHAPTER 3 There was a rumour spreading that Madhuri was dead by murder. This rumour was spread by the gossipy Puan Normala and it caused unrest among the villagers. The rumour was that Madhuri bled white blood and she believed that the whole village was cursed. In the meantime, Azreen was greeted and fetched by her aunt and uncle, Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli at the airport in Pulau Langkawi. CHAPTER 4 Azreen returned home, only to be gossiped and judged by her nosy neighbours. In her house with Datin Sharifah, she begged her to tell what actually happened to her sister. Datin Sharifah could only tell her that her sister was found at the rubber plantation. Azreens father kept her from the fact on how she died. Azreen believed her father did that to spite her. Azreen met her mother whose dementia worsened. She had no idea of Madhuris passing. Azreen was about to bring her mother to the funeral, but was ordered to go back home by her father, Saleh Abdullah. He didnt want his wife to know about the death of Madhuri. Azreen was defiant of her fathers orders and a fight almost erupted. Luckily, Haji Ghani, Madhuris husband managed to keep the fight out.

CHAPTER 6 Awang the bomoh believed something terrible was going to fall upon his village. He had seen a Pontianak which looked like Madhuri. He suspected Madhuri had turned into one. The Old Lady explained to Azreen what she saw. That Madhuri was attacked with a knife. There was no investigation though, as she thought it would be better for the village. Puan Fatihah reminisced about the time when Haji Ghani married Madhuri. He fell in love with her beautiful voice, and Puan Fatihahs life changed ever since. She had lost everything. But now that Madhuri was no longer present, she wanted her old life back.

Azreen found Madhuris photographs being torn into pieces. Before she could think who would do it, her father chased her out of the room. Azreen started to reminisced on all the things that happened way back. Azreen reminisced during the time when she took the blame for Asrafs carelessness while working at Encik Mohans. She claimed that she was the one who left the gate open, thus the missing bull. However, her parents were riding on a motorbike when they hit the bull. Her mothers legs was paralysed since then. Still, she kept loyal to Asraf and took the blame, eventhough she was beaten to death by her father. Azreen went to seek comfort at the Old Ladys, and she revealed to her why she was casted out. She murdered her husband because she was abused and unhappy in her marriage. A year later, Azreen received a scholarship to study in UK. CHAPTER 7 Asraf was worried about Nek, her grandmother. Her fever was getting worse. Haji Ghani was mourning for Madhuri at the cemetery. Suddenly, he saw a woman who looked like Madhuri but she ran away. Azreen was scolded by her father for being careless. There was a dead chicken with a broken neck right outside of the coop. Her father blamed her for not shutting it properly. Azreen was shocked and wondered how the chicken could break its neck. When she was about to clean up the mess, the carcass was gone. One day, when Azreen was checking her mail, she saw a letter from Julian. Enclosed in the letter was a letter from Madhuri which was sent before she died. According to her letter, there was secret that she wanted to share with Madhuri. Siti was stopped by Puan Normala with more gossips on how the bad weather was one of the signs of the curse, the spotting of a Pontianak and the huge argument between Haji Ghani and Puan Fatihah. Azreen and Asraf had a chat. He was all bruised. He claimed that he was in a fight. They talked about their old school times and future plans. Out of the blue, Asraf jokingly asked Azreen to marry her and run away together. Azreen was hurt by that joke as she always had feelings for him. She took Madhuris letter and crumpled and threw it

away. When she went back to pick it up, it was already gone.

CHAPTER 8 Azreens mother passed away peacefully. She mourned her dead mother and sister in her sisters room. Suddenly, she saw someone outside the window. She went outside the house and called out to that person but it was in vain. At the same moment, she smelt smoke coming from Madhuris room. Fortunately, her father appeared in time to put out the fire. Puan Fatihah was about to go see the village witchdoctor for a charm for Haji Ghani when suddenly she saw someone looking like Madhuri reaching out to her. She passed out as soon as the woman touched her. Saleh Abdullah found a yellow cord where part of the house was burned. He charged straightaway to Awangs house to have a word with him. Azreen went to the Old Ladys house for comfort. Asrafs grandmothers condition was getting worse. When he ran out of options, he sought out the Old Lady. He begged the Old Lady to go see his grandmother.

CHAPTER 9 Siti looked over Asrafs grandmother while he went out to see the Old Lady. He finally came back with the Old Lady. The Old Lady examined Asrafs grandmother and went out to get herbs for her. Meanwhile, the nosy neighbours Puan Kamsiah and Puan Normala who saw her planned to get rid of her. The Old Lady came back, made a mixture of herbs and gave it to Asrafs grandmother. The condition of Asrafs grandmother improved, to the surprise of the Old Lady, in which she felt peculiar of. Azreen went home to get some eggs. Suddenly, she saw an intruder. But it was just Awang. He came to tell her that there was a big crowd on the way to Asrafs house. Azreen hurriedly went to his house and saw the angry crowd headed by Puan Normala. They were angry at her for bringing back the Old Lady into the village. A fight between Azreen and Puan Normala was about to ensue but it was stopped by Azreens father. Azreen then made her way to Asrafs house, only to be told of the good news that his grandmother had recovered.

CHAPTER 10 Siti ran over to Azreens house to tell her that Asrafs grandmother passed away suddenly. When the neighbours came to visit him, they convinced him that the Old Lady had poisoned her. Fuelled with anger and loss, he and the mob of people went over to the Old Ladys with torches. As Azreen tried to stop him, his torch fell and it set the house on fire. Azreen ran inside to try to save the Old Lady but she was trapped under a pillar. Her last words to Azreen were just to learn to forgive. Then Azreen was pulled away by her father from her right before the house collapsed. Asraf came to apologise to Azreen. He was distraught about his grandmother and Madhuris death. He revealed to Azreen that they were in love and they were supposed to run away together. Azreen couldnt stomach the revelation so she ran to a cliff. Then she decided to go to the rubber estate where her sister died. She bumped into Awang. Awang thought that she was Madhuris mother. Azreen was puzzled, hence he revealed that Madhuri was not her sister. He told her that Madhuris mother had gone mad when her husband left her. She was left in the paddy field for hours when her mother was looking for scraps. Thats when Saleh found Madhuri, nursed her back to health and raised her as his own. Her mother left the village, but came back after Madhuris death. Awang warned her that Madhuris mother was dangerous. She was the one broke the chickens neck and started the fire at her house. Meanwhile, Haji Ghani was thinking about Madhuri. He remembered the day he was told of Madhuris death. He knew about her affair with Asraf and he wouldve killed him if he caught them at the rubber estate. But all there was left was her slashed body. He decided to make the murder looked like an accident to avoid more truth to be revealed that would bring shame to him and Madhuris innocence. CHAPTER 11 Azreen was on her way back home when she heard footsteps following her behind. She quickly ran towards her house. She peered through her window and saw the woman whom Awang said was Madhuris mother. She pointed at something near the woodpile. At the same moment, Saleh appeared. Azreen told him everything she knew. Her father went to the woodpile and picked up a

parang and threw it near her feet. Madhuris mother was actually pointing at the parang. The parang was stained with something white and sticky. Then Azreen figured everything out. The white blood that the neighbours claimed to see was actually latex that spilt on her when she was killed. She then realised that it was her father who had killed her. Saleh was going to the jungle to get woods. Then he saw Madhuri hugging a man who wasnt her husband at the rubber estate. He ran towards them but the man had already left. He was so consumed with anger, he slashed his daughter when she told him she loved him. Madhuri fell and knocked over a cup of rubber latex. Azreen left immediately, feeling a terrible loss. Saleh realised he had lost both his daughters. Suddenly, he saw Madhuris mother coming towards him with the parang. She killed him in an instance. CHAPTER 12 Azreen visited the grave of her family, including the Old Lady. From a distance, she saw Madhuris mother smiled at her. Epilogue Azreen is now back in London. She received a letter from Asraf, telling her that he had taken up the teaching course in KL. From her heart, she wished him the best. She has forgiven him for the wrongs he did towards her. Julian was there to accompany her. She soon saw him in a different light. It was going to be a new beginning. CHARACTERS

Azreen Saleh Azreen Saleh is the daughter Saleh Abdullah. She is the total opposite of her sister, Madhuri who is pretty, sweet, polite and obedient. Hence, she was always compared to her and she hates it. She was a tomboy when in school, and she often got into trouble. Her bestfriend in school was Asraf. She would do anything to help him, even if it meant taking the blame for his faults. She did had feelings for him, but Asraf was in love with someone else. She seems not to get along with her father. She joined a foster programme and met her foster parents, Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli, and they remain close even when the programme

ended. She was offered a scholarship to study in UK, and she hadnt gone home for a long time not until Madhuris death. Jealous of Madhuri And oh, how Azreen had despised her! Madhuri was always the pretty one. (pg. 8) Short, wears glasses, fiery tempered and outspoken Who would want anything to do with a short, bespectacled and fiery-tempered girl who always spoke her mind, no matter how improper the ideas were? (pg. 8) Obstinate Who would love an obstinate child who was such a contrast to her beautiful and soft-spoken sister? (pg. 8) Hates being compared with her sister She could not stand it when her parents and friends compared her to her sister. (pg. 8) Fond of her sister anyway Perhaps she had not always despised her sister. (pg. 8) Independent If she can find her way around London by herself, Im sure she can find her way around the airport. (pg. 15) Prejudiced Azreen, according to them, was a troublemaker. (pg. 26) Outcast Socially accepted, I mean. Look at me. Everyone hates me. (pg. 38) Determined She must gather her strength and face this.(pg. 39) Stubborn Why must you be so stubborn? (pg. 88)

She was fearless. (pg. 163) Aggressive Like how youd beat up the bunch of kids who threw stones into her home and burnt her crops? (pg. 173) Madhuri Saleh Madhuri Saleh is the adopted daughter of Saleh Abdullah who has kept it a secret. He found her seemingly abandoned at a paddy field. He fell in love with her immediately and raised her as his own. She married Haji Ghani, the village headman and was his second wife. She had an affair with Asraf though, and they planned to get married and run away together. But she was murdered by Saleh when he caught them together at the rubber estate. Pretty, charming and filial Madhuri was always the pretty one. The charming one. The filial one. (pg. 8) Beautiful, soft-spoken Who would love an obstinate child who was such a contrast to her beautiful and soft-spoken sister? (pg. 8) Well-liked Madhuri was so well-liked by everyone. (pg. 8)

Protective She stuck by you and even tried to shield you from your father. (pg. 50) Saleh Abdullah Saleh Abdullah is the father of Azreen and Madhuri. He seemed to love Madhuri more than Azreen. But he knew that Azreens characteristic is very much like him, and that is why they dont really get along. He blames Azreen for his wifes accident that caused her feet to be paralyzed a fault that Azreen claimed to do but actually didnt. He caught Madhuri with another man and killed her out of rage.

Confident She was confident she could beat half of those scrawny boys. (pg. 88) Loyal But her loyalty to her friend was greater than her selfpreservation and so she took the blame calmly and bravely. (pg. 95) Brave

Authoritative I said, take her home. Now. (pg. 31) Cold Then he returned to his position and paid no further attention to his daughter. (pg. 32) Proud We dont need charities. (pg. 109)

their

sympathies,

or

their

Mak Azreen and Madhuris mother. Her feet were paralysed in an accident. Her Alzheimer was getting worse, so Saleh didnt want to tell her about Madhuris death. She died not too soon. Mohd Asraf Mohd Asraf is Azreens bestfriend since school. He works as a teacher. He had feelings for Madhuri since the first time he met her, and so did Madhuri, eventhough she was married. They planned to get married and run away, but she was murdered before they could. He was even more devastated with the death of his grandmother and he was convinced it was the doing of the Old Lady. He went there with an angry mob and set her house on fire. Smart, handsome, friendly He was smart and handsome and would always give her a big friendly smile each time they met in their editorial club meetings. (pg. 34) Well-liked But youre well-liked. People swarm around you like flies to a garbage can. (pg. 38) Handsome He was a tall man with thick curly hair, very dashing and charming (pg. 41)

Old but wise Her wrinkles were deep but spoke more of strength and wisdom rather than age and frailty. (pg. 62) Prejudiced All the other villagers think otherwise. (pg. 71) Caring I dont want you to fall sick from this bad weather. (pg. 156) Sarcastic So have you brought me anything? Like human liver? Lizards blood? (pg. 164) Datin Sharifah & Datuk Zulkifli Azreens foster parents during her foster programme. But their relationship continued after the programme. They treat her like their own daughter, and even sponsored her to study in UK.

Caring In fact, they treated the girl very much like their own daughter. (pg. 27) Kind and generous youll see that theyre the kindest and most generous people youve ever met. (pg. 109) Datin Sharifah Tall, heavily built but efficient Datin Sharifah was a tall, heavily built woman but her actions were always very quick, very efficient. (pg. 15) Restless her husband Zul could not help thinking that his wife was like a lipas kudung, or a maimed roach as the Malay saying went; forever on the move, never still. (pg. 15) Talkative He helped her with her suitcase, and hoped that when they got into the rented Proton, his wife would stop talking. (pg. 16)

Superstitious Superstition gripped him by the throat. (pg. 163) Easily influenced Somehow Cikgu Asraf is convinced that it is true. (pg. 197) The Old Lady The Old Lady was casted out from the village because she murdered her husband when she was younger. She was abused, so she could not take it any longer. She now lives in the middle of the jungle and is very good in mixing herbs to make medicine therefore, she is rumoured to be an evil witch and knows how to cast spells. People are afraid of her, except for Azreen. She helped heal Asrafs grandmother, but she died a few days later. The villagers convinced Asraf that the Old Lady murdered his grandmother, and so he torched her house and she died before Azreen could save her. Tall with greyish hair She was a tall woman with greyish hair. (pg. 62)

Datuk Zulkifli Workaholic Pak Cik insists working through the night.(pg. 121) Haji Ghani Haji Ghani is the village head. He took Madhuri as his second wife. Knowing Madhuri had an affair and was murdered, he decided to cover up the murder and make it look like an accident.

 Puan Fatihah Puan Fatihah is Haji Ghanis first wife. Her life changed since Madhuri entered their lives. She felt bitter then, and she even feels bitter now that Haji Ghani is mourning the death of Madhuri and always angry at her. She plans to get a charm from the village witchdoctor to get her husband back but didnt when she bumped into Madhuris mother who looks like a ghost. Bitter Puan Fatihah detested that girl, hated her husband for his weakness. And she despised herself for giving in to him when he asked for her permission to take Madhuri as his second wife. (pg. 43) Awang Awang is the well-known bomoh of the village. He is a rather strange man, but people do look for him for cures and charms. His actions seem suspicious, but he does it all for good, and he always mean to return the things that he took from the neighbours. He was the one who revealed to Azreen that Madhuri was not her sister. He is indebted to Azreens brave deed, that is taking the blame of not closing the buffalos gate which caused the accident of her mother, as he was the one who did it. So, he would help Azreen in any way he can since then. Stubby He was a stubby little man whose left leg was shorter than his right and so he walked with an unsteady gait. (pg. 54) Prejudiced If you ask me, I think hes up to no good. (pg. 57) Helpful Whenever I could, I would try to help you out.(pg. 212) Insensitive I am so sorry to remind you of that terrible memory. (pg. 214) Siti Siti is Puan Kamsiahs daughter. She is Asrafs student. Although people keep telling her that Azreen is a bad influence and that the Old Lady is evil, she thought the opposite of them when she met them. She is probably the only in the village who holds no prejudice against people.

Good-hearted Lets not call someone mean names. He never did anything to you. (pg. 58) Pure-hearted Im sure the Old Lady wouldnt have done anything to hurt Nek. (pg. 197) Nek Asrafs ailing grandmother. She raised Asraf after the death of his parents. She was cured by the Old Lady, but died a few days later.

Caring But come back fast because it looks like its going to rain very heavily, and I dont want you falling sick too. (pg. 117) Puan Kamsiah Sitis mother. She is influenced by every rumour that she is told, and wanted Siti to stay away from Azreen and the Old Lady.

Judgemental / Superstitious Her daughter had been in the same house as the cursed woman. Nothing good could come out of that. (pg. 171) Puan Normala The villages biggest gossiper. She is very superstitious too. She claimed to see Madhuri bled with blood, and she believed that the whole island is cursed. The bad weather, people quarrelling and the appearance of the Old Lady in the village were bad signs for her. When she saw the Old Lady in Asrafs house, she led a pack of people to get rid of her. However, they were stopped by Saleh.

Gossip-monger That Normala! Spreading nonsense again.(pg.11) Superstitious We have all been cursed! (pg. 14) Judgemental Why must you pollute our peaceful village with a pariah who does not belong here? (pg. 187) Noor Puan Normalas daughter. She is as gossipy and mean as her mother.

Mean Cant you respect the dead, Noor, by not speaking ill of them? (pg. 60)

Gossiper If youd spend more time studying rather than gossiping, youd probably get better grades in your trials. (pg. 61) Encik Mohan Asrafs boss where he worked part time. It was his buffalo that escaped that caused the accident. Pak Huzaimi A vegetable seller who suggested Asraf to get herbs from the Old Lady for her ailing grandmother. Mr Costa A Filipino working at Azreens university.

o Patriarchal The men of the family makes the ultimate decision i.e. represented by Saleh Abdullah The women are subordinates to the men i.e. represented by Haji Ghani and Puan Fatihah o Behaviour Women are expected to be polite and soft-spoken i.e. represented by Madhuri The village folks love to gossip i.e. represented by Puan Normala o Womens role Women are expected to marry after school and become caregivers i.e. represented by Siti 2. Modern Way of life Education, working in the big city i.e. represented by Azreen, Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli Way of thinking Outspoken, individualistic i.e. represented by Azreen daring,

Fatherly Rather early today, love, he commented, flashing his fatherly smile, his accent more of a Londoners than an Asians. (pg. 1) Julian Ng Azreens coursemate in her university.

Tall, amicable young man in his place was a tall amicable-looking young man. (pg. 3) Likeable, agreeable Julian Ng was very likeable even to the meanest student in the residential hall, he was always exceedingly agreeable. (pg. 3) Mr Goldman Azreens boss where she worked part time in her university.

3.

Polygamous Men taking more than one wife i.e. represented by Haji Ghani Superstitious Believe in curses and witches i.e. represented by most of the villagers

4.

Setting PLACE London where Azreen studies A village in Langkawi Island TIME Modern day Flashbacks of the past SOCIETY Traditional Way of life Tough life to make ends meet, depend on the weather for good crops i.e. represented by Pak Cik Huzaimi Way of thinking Backward

Themes JEALOUSY The jealousy that occurs when one is favoured than the other. Azreen is jealous of Madhuri. She is always being compared to her, especially for the things that she is not, or does not have. She doesnt have her sisters grace and beauty, and it seems like her parents favour her sister more. She could not stand it when her parents and friends compared her to her sister. No matter what she did, no matter how hard she tried, she could never match up to Madhuri. Pg. 8 It was that particular sentence that her mother had uttered in her frustrationShe was not Madhuri. She was

1. 2. 1. 2.

1.

different. Why couldnt they accept that? It was always Madhuri this, Madhuri that. Pg. 107 Puan Fatihah is jealous of Madhuris existence in her marriage with Haji Ghani. Even after her death, she still cannot get her husbands attention, what more his care. Shes very pretty, and very sweet-tempered and respectful to her elders. And very young. She added the last sentence with a trace of jealousy which escaped her husbands eas. Pg. 79 She had lost everything to Madhuri. Her silk, her husband and her life her sanity! Pg. 80 Asraf is jealous of Haji Ghani as he married his love, Madhuri. He couldnt do anything though because he had nothing at that time. Ive loved her ever since I met her. Then that Haji Ghani came and took her away. Pg. 204 PREJUDICE People are prejudiced when they are different from what others expect of them, or when they made past mistakes. Azreen behaves like none of what is expected of her. She is outspoken, aggressive and daring. She does things that make people think negatively of her. For example, being friends with the Old Lady. Dont touch me. Youre cursed. Youve been affected ever since you made friends with the witch. But you refuse to let that rest. Instead you have brought her here and now the curse is spreading all over the village. Pg. 186 The Old Lady had killed her husband years ago. Because of that, the villagers deemed her evil, and even think she is witch. Im sure your witch friend has never told you that she stabbed her husband to death. Do you wished to be murdered along with the rest of us in our beds? Pg. 187 IRRATIONALITY Irrationality due to rage can cause people to take extreme actions that can endanger the lives of others. Saleh Abdullah murdered Madhuri out of rage, upon seeing her in a private place with a man who is not her husband.

Insolent, ungrateful child. He saw red. The blade flashed in a flurry before his eyes. A cry escaped Madhuri as she fell, knocking over the latex-filled container. Saleh pulled away the parang. But it was too late. Pg. 225 Asraf, enraged with the Old Lady for thinking she had poisoned his grandmother to death, led a mob of people with torches to kill her. Azreen tried to stop him, but eventually the house was caught in fire and the Old Lady was trapped in the burning house. He, too, held a torch in his hand. In the other, he held a hoe. He was much nearer to the house than the other men And most importantly, loss and anguish fuelled his action. His eyes burned wildly like the fire of his torch. Pg. 198 The Old Lady murdered her husband as she could not tolerate any longer his abusive ways. He was holding her by the shoulder, shaking her hard and yelling curses at her. He called her all sorts of names. He kneed her in the stomach, and kicked her when she went down... As he started to force herself on her, her hands reached for the knife and she struck. Pg. 103 SUPERSTITIONS Belief in the supernatural is still prevalent in small villages. Almost all the villagers believe in the supernatural. Puan Normala especially, believed that Madhuri bled white blood and thought that the whole village is cursed. I saw it. It was white. Her grip tightened. Did you hear me? She had white blood. We have all been cursed! Pg. 13 Most of the villagers believed that the Old Lady is a witch. They do not dare to enter her compound in fear of being cast a spell. Azreen realised they had not dared to move closer to the house. Superstition and fear of the supernatural prevented them from physically hurting the Old Lady. Pg. 198 People of the village seek help from bomohs or witchdoctors to cure sickness or for charms to get what they want.

Was it a bad thing to want to win back her husbands affections? What was a little charm from the bomoh to push things in the right direction? Pg. 148 SOCIAL OUTCASTING People tend to be cast out when they dont follow certain norms of a society. Due to Azreens outspoken, unlady-like behaviour, the people in the village tend to dislike, as she is not the type of girl who is supposed to act like one. Its not easy to be like that. Socially accepted, I mean. Look at me. Everyone hates me. Pg. 38 The Old Lady was casted out from the village after they found out that she killed her husband. Its true. Thats why Im here. Because the villagers cast me out after they found out what happened. Pg.101 Bomoh Awang would have been cast out from the village if Azreen didnt pretend to be responsible for the incident that caused her mothers accident. But Cik Adik, if it hadnt been for you, the villagers would have cast me out long ago.Pg.211 UNCONDITIONAL LOVE A persons background, or what people think of them does not matter when it comes to unconditional love. Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zul treats Azreen like their own daughter, not caring what the other villagers think about her. In fact, they treated the girl very much like their own daughter. (pg. 27) Saleh Abdullah and his wife loved Madhuri like she was their own child the moment they found her crying alone in paddy field. All they cared was to keep the baby as their own. And they had loved her like their own.Pg. 224 FORGIVENESS Forgiving is an act that can free a person from burden and achieve peace. The Old Lady was abused and badly treated in her marriage, which drove her to kill his husband. But in the end, she forgave him.

Once youve forgiven sincerely forgiven the weight is lifted from your chest, and youre finally free. Pg. 161 Azreen had always feelings for Asraf, but Asraf loved Madhuri instead. Asraf has also caused the death of her dear friend, the Old Lady. The Old Ladys last words to Azreen were that she learns to forgive. Eventually, she did. From her heart, Azreen wished him all the best. She smiled. Had she learnt to forgive? The Old Lady would be so proud if she knew.Pg. 231