Journey Home - Story

"Ammi, it's so scary in the dark. Will Allah watch over us and protect us?"
"Yes, Nazo. Remember what the Maulana Sahib said Allah is always present everywhere, to help his followers and when you need his protection, call out His name. Better still, do what I do."
"What's that Ammi?"
"Well," Jameela said, stroking her daughter's hair," I recite a simple but powerful dua."

While contemplating her mother's advice, Nazia was distracted by a sound. The sound came from the direction they had traveled from, and the girl's eyes peered into the ink like darkness. It was very faint, but unlike the other noises she had grown used to along the way. The slow methodic sound was someone walking, and coming in their direction.

"Ammi, do you hear that?"
"Hear what Nazo?"
Naiza moved closer to her mother and said, "It's somebody else coming!"

Jameela gave her daughter a comforting hug and replied," You're just imagining things Nazo. We've walked slowly enough. Let's hurry up now. Your Abba will be worried."
Jameela picked up the lantern, took Nazia's hand, and the two resumed their journey at a brisk pace. Two Indian females with a age gap of twenty years traveling on a less traveled Indian jungle road to their village.

After a while, the sound that had unnerved the little girl began again. This time the steps were more distinct, and definitely closer. The distant ringing of heavy boots echoed in the dark.

"Ammi, I hear it again!"
"Shut up Nazo and walk faster."
"See, there's nothing there." Jameela swung the lantern around quickly and then resumed her fast pace.

Nazia secured the grip on her mother's hand and clutched her rag doll tightly. The hoot owl continued its call in the distance, and the night breeze rustled the leaves in the trees.

"The air sure smells like rain," said Jameela. "The wind is picking up too. We'll be home soon, Nazo. That’s the last bend. Let’s walk faster"
Naiza found comfort in her mother's voice, but in the darkness behind them, the steps rang louder. It was the sound of boots and heavy breathing of someone panting.

"Ammi, it's getting closer!" Said Nazia now scared to look back.
Jameela swung the lantern around again and said loudly, "Nazo, there's nothing out there. Tell you what; let's pray together loudly.

Nazia joined in with her mother, but her voice quivered with fear as the heavy steps came closer and closer. She couldn't understand why her mother seemed oblivious to the sound.

Jameela's singing grew louder, and up ahead the warm glow of light from their own home glimmered down the side and through the trees. A dog barking in the distance brought the singing to an abrupt end.

"See Nazo, we're almost home. Tommy will be running up to meet us. Big old Tommy. He's chased panthers and many robbers before. He'll see us safely home."
"Let's hurry then Ammi. Can't you hear? It's closer and I'm scared. Let's run!"
"All right Nazo, but see, I'm telling you there's nothing there."
Ellen made another sweep around with the lantern and as they proceeded she cried out, “Tommy come! Tommy Come!!!"

The dog raced up the path leading to the track and the two nearly collided with him as they stepped down on the familiar trail to home.
"Jameela, is that you?"
Nazia's heart filled with joy as her father's voice rang out of the darkness.
"Yes Abdul. I'm sorry we're so late. I'm afraid I walked a bit fast for this child. She's worn out."

Abdul picked up his daughter and carried her the rest of the way home. Once inside of the hut, Jameela helped Nazia undress and gently tucked her in bed.

The comforting sounds of her parents' voices drifted from the kitchen. Even the snores of her brothers in the back made her smile and be thankful that she and her mother were safe and sound. Before closing her eyes, her mother's voice rang in her ears.

"Abdul, I heard the steps as soon as we entered the jungle road. I didn't want to frighten Nazo. I kept praying and swinging the lantern around and telling her there was nothing to be afraid of. But Abdul, just before we got off the tracks, I turned the lantern around one last time. That's when I saw what was following us. Not ten feets away I saw the figure of a man.
A man without a head!"