-DARYA-

“LET ME BE FREE, FORGIVE...”

The small Iranian town had a story that left a lingering sorrow in the hearts of those who heard it. This story was the tragic tale of Darya, a withdrawn woman. Darya was the quietest woman in town, her past filled with pain that had turned her into an introverted and timid soul. She had suffered at the hands of her brothers in the past, and now, she loved someone her brothers would never approve of. However, her own timidity was a barrier to expressing her feelings.

Darya's heart was burdened with secrets, and she could no longer bear to remain silent. One day, she learned that her brothers intended to marry her off to someone she did not love. This was a turning point in Darya's life. For the first time, she found the courage to stand up to her brothers. However, their reaction was far more ruthless than she had anticipated. Threats, prohibitions, and pressure rained down upon her.

One fateful night, in a desperate attempt to escape, she disguised herself and fled. For someone who had never said no to anything in her life, this escape was a remarkably brave move. Unfortunately, her plan was far from foolproof, as she lacked the cunning to think through such a scheme. She was apprehended, seemingly with ease, in the very place she had sought refuge.

Tragically, her escape attempt didn't end with threats and prohibitions. Her merciless brothers paraded her in the town square, intending to make an example of her. With a gun pressed against her forehead, her brother showed no remorse. Tears welled up in Darya's eyes, and she uttered, "Let me be free, forgive." Her brother's expression remained unmoved as he pulled the trigger, ending her life.

The townspeople, just as they had ignored the past cruelties inflicted upon Darya, turned a blind eye to her and her death. To them, Darya was a character too feeble to matter. Her demise, a tragic consequence of an honor killing, did not concern them. In fact, it brought some a twisted satisfaction to see someone who had created discomfort in their own circles suffer in such a way.

Darya's life had left an indelible mark on her soul. She was trapped by fear, even in death. The once quiet and timid Darya of the town had become a fearful and tearful ghost. Everyone was terrified of her, but she was an unusual kind of apparition. Darya's soul was afraid of the ruthless and wicked hearts of the people, yearning to move on. No one had seen or cared for her meek character when she was alive, but in death, she became a terrifying plague for all. The town had only glimpsed her suffering and timidity through her death. Everyone was haunted by a guilty conscience.

Darya's introversion and fears had been shaped by her brothers' cruelty. Those who believed they were doing something beneficial by oppressing others had never considered that one day, these malevolent deeds might become their own afflictions.