Among those hundreds of families, there was Maryam's family. This family had three members- Maryam Farooqui who was studying in 10th grade, her Amma, Saima Farooqui and her Abba, Irfan Shah. They had travelled from Lucknow, India. Her Abba was a determined constable and Amma was a babysitter. Abba was a strict head of the family. Only Maryam could speak English that she learned on YouTube on the smartphone that Abba bought her once. 'English will take me wherever I want. ', she always said this to Amma.
Maryam had cried a lot alone. She didn't say a word about the disaster throughout their journey from India to Indonesia where they were transferred. When they reached their camp, it was actually better than the ones in India. There were not tents, but small cottages. Their city's name was Kaur. DCs were named after their cities. The camp Maryam was living in was hence called, the Kaur.
Maryam was the kindest person you'd ever see. Patient and hard working, she was full of potential. She was a smiley person, so sometimes people mistook her as a weirdo, but she was confident and kind when approached. Talking of her personality, God had given a lot to her. She was really pretty and cute. Tall enough not to tiptoe while hugging someone. She had gorgeous brown hazel eyes(the only one in her locality), cute heart shaped lips, hair like thick caramel. But, she never bragged about it, hence was humble and a symbol of contentment.
There in Indonesia, each district administered one DC each. Each DC covered 20 families. Administration followed the number of families,not the number of people which was an advantage for the families, otherwise they'd have been separated once again. The Greater Ones were more heartful than technical, so they understood the immigrants dilemma. The Indonesian Government had provided the immigrants with wide shelters and good food. DCs were alongside the normal citizen societies, so that they didn't feel any inferiority. The Government implemented laws settling the Indians and giving them complete respect. It appealed to the natives to co-operate with the new ones.
Maryam had been dull and silent since her arrival in Indonesia. She just answered by nodding or shaking her head. She had been missing her home, friends, relatives, studies and her country. It was really hard for every citizen or former citizen of India to forget what disaster just struck their lives. It was like an earthquake of a really strong tremble that cracked the Earth, destructed houses, broke glasses, crushed people, blasted nature and left the whole world shook!
It was the fifth day in the Kaur. They used to get food provided at food centers. Abba and Amma were getting well with neighbours. Maryam was spending time alone, being quiet all the time.
'Maryam, what happened? You've been so silent. Say something. It's killing me inside out. If you want to cry it out, you can. Don't hold your sorrows. Tell it to me. Don't you miss home! ', Amma expressed while crying, while Maryam sat on the floor silently.
'Huh? Say something. I miss everything there. I want to go back home, don't y...? '
'What home? ', she asked with teary eyes and walked away.
'This is our home now. ', Amma sadly said.
She didn't stop. Amma was calling,'Where are you going, Maryam? Don't go outside. Come back, Maryam! '
Maryam walked out of her cottage. She wanted to cry, but there were people around as the sun was setting and everybody was getting ready to receive their dinner package. She ran further, though she was afraid of this new wide world. She could find no peace. Those people were walking past her, chattering indistinctly. She felt so suffocated that she felt shutting of her eyes uncontrollably, and experienced getting buried alive as she fainted. Luckily, an acquainted boy saw her and took her to her house. He called the medical help. He was her neighbour, and his name was Raza.
'What happened to her? Where did this happen? How? ', Mr. Shah asked worriedly.
'I saw her coming out of the house and she was looking traumatized. As I watched her, she fell on the ground, flat. I didn't know what to do so I carried her... '
'Thank you very much, but how? ', Mr. Shah asked with a rather stern look. 'How did you carry her back? '
Raza was a bit frightened already. He answered, 'I carried her on um, arms. '
'Oh! Okay. Thank you so much for help and now, would you kindly leave, dear? '
'Alright. '
Raza vanished as quickly as he could. He heard Mrs. Shah saying, 'You don't need to do that always, Maryam's Abba. '
In a few moments, a doctor came who could speak Hindi. The Doctor treated Maryam and after sometime, she opened her eyes. She was feeling tired. Dr. Malik told her to take rest and not to think about the recent activities which seemed quite impossible.
'She's exhausted. Keep her distracted. She's deeply traumatized. Tell her to focus on her interests. She's a young girl so has to understand the world better. For that, which grade is she in? '
'In 10th grade. I mean, it was just after her boards that the problem rose. She'd be in 11th grade if she's properly educated. She's a really good student. ', Amma clarified.
'There's a new school scheme reformed for the Indian students who want to learn. The children can study in a school free of cost. '
'Oh! That's great. We were worried about this only. ', Abba said a bright smile.
'Don't worry. She'll be studying in a good school. She'll get the chance to rise. You all are our responsibility. Now, allow me to leave. This is my card. Call me in need. '
Before he left, Dr. Malik said with a calm smile, 'Do remember: The world's with you. '