Madiha Masood
Bio
Dealing with a profound burden and enduring agony in search of solace, I made the choice to document my experiences and paint the world with my vibrant thoughts, hoping to receive recognition and understanding for my efforts.
Stories (41/0)
Cinderella: Her Own Fairytale
The lessons we were taught seemed to be proven wrong when we infused our minds by watching Rapunzel escape the tower with the hero and Prince's quest to find Cinderella. When a prince broke the death curse of Sleeping Beauty, all those messages didn't seem to hold true. We were brought up watching these TV shows that polluted our minds with the idea that a Prince Charming would come to our rescue. But we forgot that nobody can truly rescue us from that deep hole; only we have the power to navigate the darkness, seek the light, and illuminate our lives. I feel concerned for all those young minds who fantasize about these heroes and fall into the trap of wrong people, who can give you butterflies but can't provide a roof. These toxic ideals have tarnished the reputation of goodness and heroism. Young girls who believe there's a prince waiting for them are utterly mistaken. The prince they think is waiting for them is out there pursuing his own interests. So, girls, it's time to move past the unrealistic heroism we've craved from men because no man is truly capable of being your hero. In fact, men often lack qualities, depending on women for their every need. What do real heroes do? They save the girl from bad situations and then make her a slave for the rest of her life by creating a home that she can't truly call 'ours.' You might consider me a feminist, but I believe there's no such thing as heroes and princes. We have ordinary boys with their below-average needs and demands, which women are obliged to fulfill under the threat of traditional roles or misuse in the name of love.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Critique
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day provides a crucial platform to highlight the global demand for literacy education. It underscores the significance of equipping individuals with the essential knowledge and abilities through literacy, enabling them to enhance their quality of life.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in FYI
Women's Struggles in an Alien Landscape
Being an alien, despite being a part of it for more than a decade, we still labeled as an outsider. Women are confronting the harsh realities of survival in an environment where men are considered superior and assigned dominant roles. My piece aims to highlight the challenges that women have had to endure due to their involvement in call center agencies, particularly as night shift workers. In addition to contending with the predominant male presence in the field, these women also face invasion into their personal spaces. They are often subjected to cultural threats, as their presence is perceived as a challenge to the male-dominated milieu. This situation has led to a degradation of their dignity, with some taking advantage of their vulnerabilities. I will delve into the problems these women encounter while working in call centers and shed light on the issues they endure.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Critique
Black Heart
On a Sunday morning, Karim made the decision to visit Kaan's home. Welcomed with warmth, Kaan extended an offer of coffee. The spacious bungalow that Kaan inhabited, alongside his staff, caught Karim's attention. A peek into Kaan's family history revealed that his mother's passing occurred during his early years. This led to his father's remarriage and departure with his new wife, leaving Kaan under his grandmother's care. Sadly, Kaan's grandmother had passed away two years ago. Karim's visit had a significant purpose, as he openly discussed their thoughts on Zabel's marriage to mitigate societal rumors. He explained that, due to the critical situation, they saw marriage as the best solution for Zabel's protection. Karim believed Kaan was the best choice for this commitment. Kaan was taken aback by the proposal, and Karim emphasized that the ultimate decision was his to make. He reassured Kaan that their friendship would remain strong, regardless of his choice. Curious about Zabel's stance, Kaan asked about her opinion. Karim admitted they hadn't approached her yet but wanted to know Kaan's feelings first. Kaan stated that he didn't need to know the details of Zabel's past. He firmly believed that whatever had happened wasn't her fault. If Zabel agreed, he had no objections.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Chapters
Black Heart
After her devastating encounter with Hydr and his family, Zabel was utterly shattered and broken. She made the unexpected decision to end the relationship not only because Hydr was involved with someone else, but also due to the inescapable grip he had on her. Despite his disloyalty, she didn't want him to fall into the clutches of his abductor's torment. Zabel was aware that Hydr's proximity to her would put him in danger, and she was lost in her thoughts when Jamal and Herál entered the room. They offered their unwavering support, and Jamal mentioned their plans for a vacation, which Herál enthusiastically supported. However, Zabel refused, fearing she couldn't leave the house due to the constant threat she felt. Jamal reassured her that they would find the abductor and encouraged her to take a break. Zabel remained resolute, convinced that Hydr's watchful eyes were still on her. Jamal tried to comfort her, but she was determined not to return to the hellish past.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Chapters
Black Heart
After leaving the doctor's cabin, Jamal was deeply perplexed about the motives behind the kidnapping. His mind raced, searching for answers. He entered the room where Zabel was admitted, finding her mother and Heral there. They inquired about the reports, and he quickly assured them that everything was fine. Gently kissing Zabel, who was still sleeping, he observed her peaceful slumber. Suddenly, the room's tranquility was disrupted by murmurs, and Zabel opened her eyes to see her father talking to a police officer who wanted her statement. Anxious, she asked Jamal what was happening. The police officer explained that he needed to ask questions to help find her abductor. Jamal reassured her and pledged to find the person responsible. She agreed to answer the questions. With the recorder on, Zabel began recounting her ordeal of being confined and drugged, describing the person who terrorized her using her weaknesses. Tearfully, she shared how he knew her vulnerabilities, including her fear of dogs and her poor eyesight. She revealed he forced her to eat crab, causing her to lose consciousness, during which he assaulted her. When the police officer referred to her medical report, stating she was not raped and still a virgin, Zabel was shocked. The officer explained that the abductor used psychological tactics to torment her. Asked about the second location, Zabel denied being moved, describing the elaborate illusions created to mislead the police. She detailed her attempts to escape and her captor's methods, including wearing grotesque masks and involving three unidentified individuals. Expressing her confusion over the abductor's motives, Zabel admitted feeling stripped of everything, including her dignity, hope, and love. The officer's question about her feelings towards her captor remained unanswered. Zabel recounted how, on the eighth day, she stopped eating and responding, almost giving up on life. She revealed the breaking point – seeing a picture of her fiancé with another girl. The officer decided to continue the conversation later and left the room, after which Jamal comforted Zabel, assuring her of her strength and his support. As she tearfully expressed her desire to find the abductor, Jamal shed a tear, feeling helpless.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Chapters
Black Heart
The call that ignited a spark of hope in Jamal's heart, leading him to believe he could find his missing daughter, ultimately ended in disappointment. Following the location traces, Jamal accompanied the police to an abandoned factory. The vast two-story building was divided into sections for the search. Jamal, alongside his son Karim, joined the officer in charge, armed and cautious. As they explored, they reached a stairwell leading to the basement. Jamal's heart raced, thinking this might be the place where his beloved daughter was held captive. The anticipation was palpable as they descended the stairs, unlocked the door, and entered the room. However, what they found shocked them – an empty room, meticulously cleaned but with traces of ropes and a chair, hinting at confinement. The police confirmed Zabel had been there, yet the abductor had moved her elsewhere. Heartbroken, Jamal cried, and his son consoled him, assuring him they would persevere.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Chapters
Black Heart
Caught in her wretched state, she grapples with the feeling that time is either stagnant or moving at a tortoise's pace. Every day, 24 hours seem to usher in a new life, only to fade away at day's end. Despite her relentless attempts to escape this distressing existence, she remains trapped within its suffocating confines. The previous night, however, provided a rare moment of solace through a conversation with her father, a reminder that she still holds a place in the world's consciousness. Yet, with each passing day, an ever-deepening void and emptiness settle into her soulless existence.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Chapters
Black Heart
The atmosphere in Jamal's house was somber, fraught with concern over his daughter's abduction. Heral, a witness to the incident who had tried to intervene, recounted the distressing sequence of events. As Jamal's unease escalated, seizures began to afflict him, and his residence transformed into an impromptu police hub, frequented by undercover officers. The family held their breath, awaiting a ransom demand. However, as the fifth day approached without any word from the kidnappers, the situation took on a more ominous tone. It was clear that this was not your typical abduction. Preferring discretion, they refrained from broadcasting the issue. Only Jamal, Hydr's family, and their inner circle were privy to the abduction details. In the living room, the group's anxiety was palpable, heightened by Hydr's presence. Amid deliberations, Kareem, Zabel's brother, suggested involving Kaan, a seasoned businessman with expertise in import and export, and a significant presence in port operations. Despite initial reservations, the gravity of the situation swayed Jamal to embrace any potential solution. Kaan's participation ensued, and during discussions, a chilling realization set in – the abduction ran deeper than ransom. With law enforcement assistance, it was confirmed that Zabel hadn't left the country. Suspicion turned to a disturbing conclusion: the captor was intimately acquainted with Zabel. Heral shared a troubling insight – this abduction was premeditated, specifically targeting Zabel. Jamal spearheaded investigations into her connections, peers, and activities. The mystery deepened, leaving him grappling with uncertainty about the kidnapper's identity and motives. Heral retrieved Zabel's laptop, yet initial searches yielded no pertinent clues. Despite the setbacks, the family remained steadfast. Heral vowed to probe further among Zabel's contacts. Jamal, torn between anxiety and confusion, found solace in his daughter's resolute spirit. United by their determination, they pledged to unveil the truth behind Zabel's abduction, determined to bring her back home.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Chapters