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The Sign of Sin
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The Sign of Sin
Introduction Although it was 2100, the capital city Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) still had old-fashion thinking. The Arabs thought the women should not wear sexy clothes. Strict regulation made to ban the wife from approaching another man; otherwise, she would be seriously punished. Rasheeka, a wife of an Arab food restaurant’s boss, broke the rule. So did the man, Alhasan, but he did not dare to admit his fault. This act let his lover and innocent child suffer from the painful situation. A sign of adultery was burned on Rasheeka’s hands. Shame follows in her footsteps, night and day. At the end of the story, Alhasan finally dared to face the problems which he caused, but it was too late. Can Rasheeka finally find herself and rescue women in that unfair society? 2
The Sign of Sin
About the Author Peiwen Wang was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 1990. While still a junior high school student, she was fond of reading classic novels. “My favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice, in which Jane Austen used humorous dialogue to teach us more wisdom,� she usually said. The reason why Peiwen chose sexual discrimination as the theme of this novel is the problem of gender equality will never be solved. It happens on every corner of the world and still is a long-term problem that people should think about deeply. 3
The Sign of Sin
Wenzao Bookworms Library Classics
The Sign of Sin Peiwen Wang
Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages
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Character List Elinor: A backpacker who finds a book and narrates the story. Rasheeka: Ghazi’s wife, who is a traditional Arab woman, but she loves Alhasan. Yatimah: Rasheeka and Alhasan’s child. Ghazi: An old man who is a boss of an Arab food restaurant. Alhasan: A businessman who sells oil, and loves Rasheeka in their childhood. Haddad: A chef of Ghazi’s restaurant, who is Rasheeka’s sworn brother. Miranda Watson: Alhasan’s fiancée, who is a sympathetic and rich English woman. Emarat: Rasheeka’s mother, who is a greedy woman. Falah: Rasheeka’s father, who is a CEO of Saudi Arab Oil Company. Dirar: He is Alhasan’ father. 5
The Sign of Sin
Contents Story Introduction
2
About the Author
3
Character List
5
س
The Unreasonable Rule
8
Chapter I
The Childish Vow
10
Chapter II
A Big Change
16
Chapter III A Nice Brother
22
Chapter IV
A New Life
24
Chapter V
Heart Broken
29
Chapter VI
The Adultery
33
Chapter VII The Punishment
37
Chapter VIII The Hard Times
43
Chapter IX
The Tragedy
51
Chapter X
The Sin of Sin?
56
Appendix
58 6
The Sign of Sin
Glossary
59
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The Sign of Sin
س The Unreasonable Rule Abu Dhabi, the capital city in the UAE, is a city perfectly combines its role as a business and tourist destination. I am Elinor, a backpacker who wants to enjoy the beautiful scenery and gain inspiration through the journey. While
traveling
to
Abu
Dhabi,
I
accidentally found a book with thick dust in my hotel. There was a powerful curiosity urging me to read this book. Thus, I opened this yellowed book and read it aloud. “Abu Dhabi still had old-fashion thinking in the year of 2100. The citizens 8
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made strict laws to ban a married woman from approaching another man; otherwise, she would have the sign “ ”سon her hands. The woman having this sign on her hands was a woman without friends.” These words written in the first page really got my attention. I decided to stay in the hotel all day long reading this book.
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Chapter I
M
The Childish Vow r. Dirar and Mr. Falah, the two richest men in the city, were
neighbors. People respected them very much. The fathers of these two families were business partners exporting oil. Alhasan, an 18 year-old intelligent and handsome young boy, was Mr. Dirar’s only son. Rasheeka, a 15 year-old sympathy and beautiful girl, was Mr. Falah’s only daughter. They grew up together. Both of them loved each other very much and wanted to live together forever and ever. On one February evening,
they
sat
10
together
on
the
The Sign of Sin
penthouse of Alhasan’s villa watching the starlit sky. “Will you still love me when my face burned with shame or I can no longer walk?” little Rasheeka curiously asked. Alhasan kept silent as if he was thinking about something. “You don’t have to say. I don’t mean to make you feel confused. It's okay to choose not to answer my stupid question,” Rasheeka added. “No matter what happens, I will still love you forever and ever, even if it is until the last day of the world!” said little Alhasan with confidence. “I promise you I
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will marry you when I grow up,” Alhasan added. “It’s a deal,” said Rasheeka. *
*
*
“Saudi Arabian Oil Company, one of the biggest companies in United Arab Emirates, is dangerously close to bankrupt because the CEO, Falah, has made an investment abroad and did not have enough money to support his company,” the reporter said. Alhasan’s father did nothing to save Rasheeka’s father from bankruptcy. One day, Rasheeka’s father came to Alhasan’s father’s office and asked: “My friend, please lend me just one
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billion dollars. If you help me solve my problem, I will appreciate your kindness very much,” said Mr. Falah anxiously. “Mr. Falah, since your company has closed down, we are not friends anymore. I won’t lend you money. No matter how much you beg me, I won’t help you. It’s none of my business, just go!” Mr. Dirar said cruelly. After the economic crisis, Rasheeka’s cozy and rich family became poor. Nobody cared about nor looked up to Mr. Falah or his family anymore. *
*
*
On once February morning in 2103, the airport was full of busy people. Their
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grave faces let Alhasan and Rasheeka feel as if they were people in grave. “I know it’s your father’s decision. Mr. Dirar has moved his company to London for more business. This economic crisis has influenced a lot of people. I think you should go there, have a better education and find a nice job. Try to be your father’s assistance,” said Rasheeka with a sound full of encouragement; in fact, she was very unhappy about the possibility of Alhasan’s leaving. “I hope you won’t forget me after you come back,” Rasheeka said again. “I won’t forget you. After I come back, you will be my bride,” Alhasan said
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quickly. “Passengers taking flight number 4206 from Abu Dhabi to London, please prepare for boarding,” announced the flight attendant. “Remember to send me e-mail after you arrive in London and take care!” cried Rasheeka. “Ok,
I
will.
Farewell!”
replied
Alhasan. “When I come back to the United Arab Emirates, I will marry you as soon as possible,” Alhasan said again. They hugged each other and Alhasan left. I found this story was quite interesting, so I continued reading it.
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Chapter II A Big Change
A
fter one year of bankruptcy, Falah committed suicide by hanging.
Rasheeka and her mother lived with no hope and money. The worse thing was they had to pay the debt that Falah had left. Emarat, Rasheeka’s mother, could not bear the high expense and debt with her own income any longer. Thus, she decided to let Rasheeka drop out of school and find a full-time job. “I don’t want to drop out of school. Studying is my life. If I am expected to live without knowledge, I would rather die,” cried Rasheeka.
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“Honey, calm down and please listen to me. We can’t live without money. Only a lack of food will let you die, not useless knowledge,” shouted Emarat. “Moreover, please remember YOU ARE FEMALE. Women do not need to be a professor or diplomat; their duty is to be a good wife and mother. That’s it,” Emarat said again. At first, Rasheeka could not accept this unreasonable decision, but after a period of long thinking, she unwillingly agreed to the brutal decision. The next day of their argument, Rasheeka had a job interview in Arab restaurant. The restaurant was large and there was a natural stream passing by the
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building. Inside the restaurant, everything was decorated in excellent taste. People could
eat
delicious
cuisine
in
a
comfortable place. Rasheeka was attracted by the cozy workplace. “Good morning ma’am, may I help you?” the handsome waiter politely said. “I am here for a job interview,” replied Rasheeka. “So you are Ms. Rasheeka, right?” said the young chef. “Come with me, I will take you to meet our boss.” “Thank
you
very
much,”
said
Rasheeka feeling a bit nervous. Being attracted by the comfortable atmosphere in this restaurant, she hoped
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she could work in it. Upon entering with the young waiter in the boss’ office, the cozy feeling changed into strange and mysterious. She started feeling scared to meet the boss and work here. “What are you doing here,” said an old man about forty years-old with sudden cold voice. “I bring this girl here for a job interview. She is an applicant for the waitress,” said the young chef. “Come here, little girl,” said the old man again. In Rasheeka’s mind, she thought the restaurant was warm and good-looking
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outside, but it actually was cold and mysterious inside. *
*
*
“The boss said you can work here. This is your uniform,” said the young chef. “Let me introduce myself to you, I’m Haddad, it’s nice to meet you. Welcome to the Ghazi’s restaurant! ” Haddad said again. “Our boss is Ghazi, and let me warn you he is a little strange.” whispered Haddad. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Rasheeka,” replied Rasheeka. “Falah, the CEO of Saudi Arabian Oil Company, is your father?” asked Haddad curiously.
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“Yes, indeed, he’s my father,” Rasheeka answered sadly. “Oh, I didn’t mean to let you feel so uncomfortable and upset,” said Haddad. “It’s ok, I’m fine. It was a long time ago,” said Rasheeka. “I was an employee in the company before, and Falah was very nice and treated everybody well.” “This is his personality, facing people with positive thinking, and keeping the pessimistic aspect in his mind,” said Rasheeka.
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Chapter III
T
A Nice Brother
ime really flied, as it had been five years since Alhasan went aboard,
but Rasheeka did not receive any news from him. She was very worry about Alhasan although he lived with his father. “I’m afraid that Alhasan would forget me when he comes back from London. I’m worried that he will break his promise of our marriage,” said the depressed Rasheeka. *
*
*
It had been three years since Rasheeka worked in the Arab food
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restaurant. One day, Haddad and Rasheeka were sitting with each other. “How can you live without your father?” asked Haddad. “My motto is ‘Never say die!’” said Rasheeka with confidence. “You are a brave little girl, but you still need an elder man to protect you. Believe it or not, I want to be your brother, a sworn brother,” said Haddad. “No kidding,” said Rasheeka. “I’m serious,” replied Haddad. “I’m so happy. I have a brother, a handsome and nice brother,” Rasheeka said happily as collecting the dishes.
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Chapter IV
O
A New Life ne Sunday morning, Ghazi came to Rasheeka’s house and talked
with Emarat, Rasheeka’s mother. “Good morning, Mr. Ghazi. Is something wrong with Rasheeka?” asked Emarat. “No, I come here not for public affairs. Actually, I come here for the personal matter,” said Ghazi. “What personal matter with Rasheeka?” asked Emarat. “I want to marry Rasheeka,” replied Ghazi. “This old man is so strange. He is my
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age. How can I let my daughter marry that kind of person?” murmured Emarat. “I know you won’t agree to the marriage if I don’t give you any benefit,” said Ghazi. “If Rasheeka agrees to my proposal, I promise to pay all the debt that Rasheeka’s father left.” “Ok, I’ll think for a while,” said Emarat. “Sometimes it’s not easy to let Rasheeka do something she doesn’t want to do.” “If Rasheeka agrees to the marriage, I’ll give you a lot of money,” said Ghazi. “Oh, my dear Ghazi,” said Emarat. “I hope you can be Rasheeka’s husband.” “Please give me Rasheeka’s response
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as soon as possible,” said Ghazi. “Ok, no problem,” said Emarat. *
*
*
“I don’t want to marry Ghazi. He is very old,” cried Rasheeka. “Moreover, Alhasan promised me that he will marry me when he comes back from London.” “Alhasan? He is just a liar. Did he send any e-mail to you?” shouted Emarat. “He is anything but a liar. I believe him. He is just too busy to send me mail,” said Rasheeka. “Don’t be silly. Forget Alhasan! Our great Ghazi promised to pay all the debt your father left when you marry him,” said Emarat. “Please think of yourself and
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me. I’m getting old and you are not a young lady any more. A marriage with a rich man is your only choice.” “Just leave me alone!” cried Rasheeka. *
*
*
Rasheeka went to Haddad’s home asking for help and advice. “Do you still love Alhasan?” asked Haddad. “Yes, I love him. We mad a promise in our childhood,” replied Rasheeka. “My dear sister, you are already twenty five years-old and have neither fortune nor education. The only safe way is to marry our boss, Ghazi, for a
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comfortable home,” said Haddad. “I won’t be happy if I am forced to accept this marriage proposal,” said Rasheeka. “Only no money will make you unhappy,” said Haddad. “This is my suggestion.” Finally, Rasheeka decided to accept Ghazi’s marriage proposal after thinking about her aged mother and the unaffordable debt. I believed Rasheeka may think she could live with no money and education, but could not live without love, which is Alhasan’s love. However, this is an unpredictable life.
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Chapter V
E
Heart Broken
mployees in the Ghazi’s Restaurant were busy decorating for the
wedding of Ghazi and Rasheeka. There was a tall, handsome man which walked into the restaurant with a young, beautiful woman. “Good afternoon, may I help you?” said Rasheeka politely. “I want a private place to have our lunch,” said the handsome gentleman. “Alhasan, is that you? When did you come back? Why didn’t you send me an e-mail or telephone call?” asked Rasheeka eagerly.
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“Who are you? How do you know my name?” asked Alhasan. “I’m Rasheeka, don’t you remember me any more?” said Rasheeka. “You are Rasheeka? Why do you work in this restaurant?” asked Alhasan. At the same time, he asked the young woman went outside and waited for him while he spoke to this “friend”. As reading here, I felt angry about Alhasan’s strange reaction. “After you went abroad, I dropped out of school and found a full-time job in this restaurant,” replied Rasheeka. “I came back from London two days ago to take over my father’s company,”
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said Alhasan. “I met Miranda Watson at London University. She is my fiancée. We will have our wedding in the United Arab Emirates.” “So…do I need to talk with her?” asked Rasheeka. “She is a very kind and sympathetic person, just like you,” said Alhasan. “I will get married soon, with my boss, the boss of this restaurant,” said Rasheeka. “I need to serve other customers right now, good-bye.” Rasheeka immediately went to the kitchen. “Why do you look so unhappy, my dear Rasheeka?” asked Ghazi.
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“I am fine. Thank you,” replied Rasheeka with tears in her eyes. *
*
*
Ghazi and Rasheeka’s wedding for at least a week.
It
is
the
Arab
tradition; a wedding needs to last more than three days. In addition, the more lavish the wedding, the richer the groom, and greater people would respect the couple. I could understand as if I was personally involved in this story. Despite the lavish wedding, there was no smile on Rasheeka’s face.
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Chapter VI The Adultery
A
fter the wedding, Alhasan came to the restaurant and gave Rasheeka a
piece of paper.
Tonight at eight o’clock, in the park where we used to ride the carousel. I have something to tell you. Alhasan “Where are you going? It’s time to have dinner,” asked Ghazi. Holding this letter, Rasheeka went 33
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outside and used going to the market as an excuse. *
*
*
“Alhasan! Alhasan! It’s Rasheeka,” Rasheeka went to the park and shouted Alhasan’s name aloud in the dark. “Rasheeka, I love you,” said Alhasan and hugged Rasheeka tightly. “I find myself again. I love you. Do you still remember our vow?” “It’s too late. I’m Ghazi’s wife now and you have your fiancée,” cried Rasheeka, “We no longer belong to the same world.” “I canceled the engagement. I love you. I just want you to know how I feel,”
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replied Alhasan kissing Rasheeka eagerly. Rasheeka and Alhasan passed their night in a private park. *
*
*
“Why didn’t you come home last night?” asked Ghazi. “I met a classmate from senior high school and we talked in a coffee shop,” replied Rasheeka. “Really?” said Ghazi doubting Rasheeka’s explanation. “It’s up to you. I don’t care,” said Rasheeka. “I have to travel on business for two months. There is a new branch restaurant opening in New York. I’m sorry for we
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can’t have a honeymoon,” said Ghazi. One month after that night with Alhasan, Rasheeka found herself pregnant. She thought after Ghazi came back to the UAE, she would get in trouble. Maybe there was a divorce waiting for her. “Whatever,” said Rasheeka. “No matter what happened, Alhasan will stay with me. After the divorce with Ghazi, I can live with my dear Alhasan forever and ever.” However, poor Rasheeka did not know Alhasan and Miranda got married two days ago.
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Chapter VII The Punishment
I
t was a soft summer. The warm wind was blowing slowly and the happy
birds were singing in the trees. This was the calm before the storm. After arriving at home, Ghazi saw Rasheeka was pregnant. He knew Rasheeka betrayed him. With fire burning in his eyes, his heart and brain raged with jealousy. “I will revenge the insult which you caused me,” whispered Ghazi. “I don’t want to live with you any more; you are a crazy old man!” shouted Rasheeka.
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I think it is good for Rasheeka to express herself after repressing her feeling for a long time. Rasheeka went to her parents’ house for protection. However, upon hearing the scandal that Rasheeka had created, Emarat disowned and chased Rasheeka from her house. Rasheeka passed her night in the park, with no hope. “I can find Alhasan to help me,” whispered Rasheeka. “He said he would protect me no matter what happens.” *
*
*
After the day of discovering the scandal, Ghazi accused Rasheeka of
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committing adultery with another man. Rasheeka ran to Alhasan’s house. “Alhasan, please open the door. Ghazi discovered I am pregnant and the baby is not his child,” said Rasheeka in front of Alhasan’s house. “Who is at the door?” said Miranda. “Excuse me, who are you?” asked Rasheeka. “I’m this house’s hostess,” replied Miranda. “My husband goes to work,” Miranda said again. “He has a wife,” murmured depressed Rasheeka. “He is a liar. No wonder it has been so long time since Alhasan has come to see me,” Rasheeka added. “I am the
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third party right now.” “I remember you. You are Alhasan’s friend, right?” asked Miranda with a considerate face. “Is something wrong?” “I knock at the wrong door, sorry” said Rasheeka. “Have a nice day.” Rasheeka slowly walked on the street and kept thinking about the “promise” which Alhasan used to say. It became a LIE right now. With thinking about all the lies that Alhasan had said, Rasheeka did not know there was danger ahead of her. “Got you,” said the police. *
*
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Rasheeka was brought to trial on charging of adultery. Rasheeka felt very curious about that instead of wanting to know the man’s name, the judge and citizens just kept saying bad words to her. “Why do you burn this sign only on my hands? It is not only me, but also another man who caused this scandal,” shouted Rasheeka with anger. “It’s not the man’s fault. You are a married woman, which means you need to control yourself,” said the judge. “It’s pretty unfair,” cried Rasheeka. “Shut up!” said the judge. “Simply put, you are a woman with no moral and
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self-discipline.” Rasheeka was taken to prison and was branded the word “adulteress” on her hands.
A woman who was burned with the sign “adulteress” on her hands was a woman without friends, a woman who had sinned. Fingers pointed at her, respectable people turned their faces away from her. Shame followed in her footsteps, night and day.
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Chapter VIII The Hard Times
“Y
ou are an unclean woman,” shouted the young fishmonger.
“My fish won’t be sold to that kind of person.” “Mom said I can’t talk with a woman who has a sign on her hands,” said a child with innocent eyes. Alhasan still didn’t come to see Rasheeka. She was totally heart broken. The vow and the promise seemed ridiculous for her. All the citizens hated Rasheeka very much, except for one person, Haddad, her sworn brother, which had kept his promise
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to support her. Six months after the punishment, Rasheeka was ranging the room.. “Haddad, my belly feels uncomfortable right now,” said Rasheeka. “Hold on, it seems you may be going into labor,” said Haddad nervously. “I am going to call the midwife immediately.” *
*
*
“Look! Mom, there are butterflies in the sky,” laughed, Rasheeka’s daughter She was very beautiful and smart, just like her mother. “Don’t run so fast and take care about yourself. Be careful,” said Rasheeka. “Time really flies,” said Haddad.
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“Yatimah is five years old right now.” “Yes, indeed,” replied Rasheeka. “The past seems a nightmare for me.” “At least we passed the crisis in our lives,” said Haddad. “I am very thankful for your help,” said Rasheeka. “If I didn’t have your help, Yatimah and I would have died.” “Oh, come on, silly girl,” said Haddad. “Don’t forget I am your brother.” “It’s nice to have you here,” said Rasheeka full of gratitude. *
*
*
There was a cold winter. It was also a cruel time for Rasheeka as Haddad died for lung cancer. They were too poor to see
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the doctor and get appropriate treatment. Rasheeka had to find a job to earn money; otherwise, she and her child would die. “Mom, are you going to find a job?” asked Yatimah. “Yes, I am looking for the classified ads to find a job,” replied Rasheeka. “I will work hard on my homework,” said Yatimah. “Don’t worry about me.” When citizens saw the word on Rasheeka’s hands, they did not want to hire her. All of them wanted to chase her and her child of sin out of their store. It was very hard for Rasheeka to find a job. Rasheeka became a beggar because
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no one wanted to hire her. *
*
*
After many years, Alhasan became a big company’s CEO and donated much of his money to the orphanage. All the people in the city thought he was a very kind and generous businessman. However, no one knew he was compensating for his fault, especially for three people, Rasheeka, Miranda, and Ghazi. *
*
*
Alhasan felt great regret for his wrong-doings. One day, he saw a woman and a girl playing together in the park where Rasheeka and he used to play. “Is that you, Rasheeka?” asked
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Alhasan. Rasheeka kept silent. “I am sorry for lying you and not rescuing you from being arrested,” added Alhasan. “Alhasan!” cried Rasheeka. “How could you be so heartless?” As reading this, I think after suffering from these miserable things, Rasheeka has changed a lot. It was impossible for her to yell to Alhasan before, but now, she spoke for the truth. “I am so sorry,” said Alhasan. “It’s my fault, but I tried to find and compensate both of you.” “It’s all in vain,” said Rasheeka.
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“Never say it’s too late, Rasheeka,” said Alhasan. “Please trust me one more time.” “Mom, I am so hungry,” interrupted Yatimah. “Let’s go to have dinner.” “Is that my daughter?” asked Alhasan. Rasheeka nodded her head. “What’s your name, little girl?” asked Alhasan eagerly. “My name is Yatimah. Y-a-t-i-m-a-h.” replied Yatimah. “I see, you are so cute, Yatimah” said Alhasan. “Can I give you a hug?” “You are so strange,” said Yatimah. “People hated and insulted us when they saw me and mom, but only you will hug
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me and talk to mom.” There was a long silence between Rasheeka and Alhasan. “No matter what happened in the past, at least we are all together,” said Alhasan to Yatimah. “I will deal with my divorce as soon as possible,” Alhasan said to Rasheeka. “Believe me, I won’t let you down.”
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Chapter IX The Tragedy
A
s coming back to his home, Alhasan confessed all the wrong
doings he did to Miranda and he wanted to divorce Miranda to compensate Rasheeka and Yatimah. “It’s hard for you to make this decision, right?” said Miranda kindly. “Yes, I am very sorry for both of you and Rasheeka, especially you, Miranda,” said Alhasan sadly. “It doesn’t matter,” said Miranda. “At least you are happy right now, right?” “Yes, indeed, after confessing all the wrong doings, I feel much better right
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now,” said Alhasan. Alhasan and Miranda got divorced but peaceful. *
*
*
Alhasan brought Rasheeka and Yatimah to his home, living happily altogether. However, they did not know danger was ahead of them. “I want to go to the park, can we?” asked little Yatimah with innocent eyes. “Ok, we can go on a picnic!” replied Rasheeka. “The problem is. You have to finish your homework first”. “No sweat!” said Yatimah. Suddenly, the door bell rang and someone was knocking at the door
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violently. “I will answer the door,” said Alhasan. When Alhasan opened the door, there was an old man standing in front of the door, with a gun in his right hand. It was Ghazi. “Drop dead! I never want to see you again!” shouted Ghazi. “Bang!” there was a sound of gunshot and Alhasan fell to the ground, with bleeding head. “Mom, Dad was injured, almost dead” screamed Yatimah touching her father. “Ghazi, what on earth are you doing?” cried Rasheeka. “You killed Alhasan. The
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capital punishment is ahead waiting for you.” “I don’t care, as long as you and Alhasan die,” said Ghazi holding the gun to Rasheeka’s head. “I won’t be afraid,” said Rasheeka calmly. “Allah already decided who will enter Paradise and Hell.” “If you kill me, Allah won’t forgive you.” I believed that Rasheeka was not afraid of Ghazi’s threaten. At first, her world revolved around Alhasan, but now, she lived for herself and Yatimah. “May Allah bless you,” said Ghazi putting the gun down and going away. After that day of tragedy, Ghazi went to
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the police station to confess his crime and was given the death penalty. Before the end of a year, he was dead.
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Chapter X
Y
A Sign of Sin? olanda inherited Alhasan’s money, so Rasheeka and Yatimah became
one of the richest people of those days in Abu Dhabi. This, of course, changed the way people behaved towards Rasheeka and Yatimah. Rasheeka used the money to found the Arab Women’s Association (AWA). She also did her best to petition the Arab Government to enact gender equality laws. People would no longer be frightened by the sign on Rasheeka’s hands nor looking down on Rasheeka anymore. In contrast, they respected her very much.
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Women came to her for her wise words, for comfort in their times of suffering from their husbands’ domestic violence. “The sin represents sexual discrimination, not the shame of adultery,” said Rasheeka in Time Magazine. After reading this meaningful story, I believe the sign of her hands was not a sign of sin or sham; instead, it was a sign of intelligence and sexual equality. I think that was the reason why people told the story of Rasheeka to their children, and their grandchildren.
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Appendix 1.
2.
3.
p. 30 http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/35735532 4_f3476495f0.jpg p. 32 http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Up3XnMVUZbU/ SIXYiqfDFRI/AAAAAAAAAdc/QXXYayv l3MM/s320/saudi+arabia+wedding+picture2 .jpg p.15.40 Microsoft Clip Art-Free Images, Photos http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/FX 101321031033.aspx?pid=CL100570201033
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Glossary 1.
accuse to say that someone has done something bad
2.
adultery sex between a married person and someone who is not their husband or wife
3.
aid money or food that is given to help a country or group of people
4.
bankrupt unable to continue in business because you cannot pay your debts
5.
benefit something that gives you an advantage
6.
betray to behave in a cruel way to someone who trusts you
7.
branch one of several shops that are part of a company or organization
8.
brand to burn a mark on a person to show special meaning
9.
carousel a machine that goes round and round and has toy animals or cars for children to ride on
10. clang If some metal clangs, it makes a loud ringing sound 11. charge
a formal police statement saying 59
The Sign of Sin
that someone is accused of a crime 12. compensate to reduce the bad effect of something 13. confession admit that you have done something wrong or illegal 14. crisis a situation or time that is extremely dangerous or difficult 15. cruel causing people or animals to suffer 16. cuisine a style of cooking 17. customer a person that buys goods or services from a shop or business 18. decorate to make something look more attractive by putting things on it or around it 19. deliver to help take a baby out of its mother when it is being born 20. depressed time
very unhappy, often for a long
21. disown to say that you do not want to have any connection with someone 22. domestic violence behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other 23. drop out to stop doing something before you have completely finished 24. eagerly wanting to have something very much 60
The Sign of Sin
25. enact make law 26. fiancĂŠe a man's fiancĂŠe is the woman that he has promised to marry. 27. fishmonger someone who sells fish 28. fortune a lot of money 29. full-time job working for the whole of the working week and not only part of it 30. honeymoon a holiday taken by two people who have just got married 31. immediately now or without waiting or thinking about something 32. income money that you earn by working 33. insult to say or do something to someone that is rude 34. jealousy a feeling of anger because someone has someone or something that you want 35. lavish more than enough 36. magnificent very good, beautiful 37. midwife a woman who is trained to help women when they are giving birth 38. motto a short sentence or phrase that expresses a belief 39. murmur to speak or say very quietly 40. proposal an offer of marriage 61
The Sign of Sin
41. relative a member of your family 42. revenge something that you do to punish someone who has done something bad to you 43. ridiculous very silly 44. scandal something that shocks people because they think it is morally wrong 45. sentiment emotional feelings 46. self-discipline the ability to make yourself do things that you do not want to do 47. sin a very bad thing that your religion says you should not do 48. sworn brother companions in arms who share together good and bad fortune 49. take over to get control of or responsibility for something 50. tightly difficult to move 51. trial a legal process to decide if someone is guilty of a crime 52. unaffordable can’t afford anymore 53. unpredictable changing so much that you do not know what will happen next 54. unwillingly not wanting to do something 55. vain without any success 56. vow a serious promise 62
The Sign of Sin
The Sign of Sin “This story took place in 2100 in a city in the United Arab Emirates. The residents of this town still had old-fashion thinking. Love was allowed only between a husband and a wife. The society did not have gender equality. They had a very strict law for woman who betrayed her husband must be branded with a sign “”س. This is “S” in Arabic and it represents “sin”.” While traveling to Abu Dhabi, a backpacker, Elinor, accidentally found an old book in the hotel. She gained inspiration in the end from reading this book. Was “ ”سreally a sign of sin? Or, it has another meaning…
www.wtuc.edu.tw 63