She became much more confident. On one occasion, when she was invited to a wedding, her future husband fell in love with her voice and sent a marriage proposal to her home. Her mother was deeply upset, “Oh Allah! First your father and sister, then your neighbor, and now your husband. I think all of you are crazy!”
“Now that your singing issue is solved, she can sing at her in-laws’ home. What will you do now?”
At these remarks, all laughed loudly.
Hira's father tried to reassure her by saying that it was a good match for her. Shortly afterwards, the parents of her future husband sent a marriage proposal to Hira's home. Her mother was angry, but kept her feelings to herself and stated that it was Allah's will.
My Allah! Hira's in-laws didn't notice her skill at housework and her beautiful looks, but they did notice her sweet voice—and Allah help us, they don’t need the washing up or to look after the children; all they'll ever do is listen to her sing!
Hira’s younger sister tried to comfort her by saying, “Mama, don’t speak bad of anyone, for we already have our fill of that at home; Allah knows best and is looking after her.” As the wedding day drew nearer, her mother began to pray more and more fervently for her daughter, asking Allah to take away her love of singing, to help her find a means of earning a living, and to keep her safe from the troubles and dangers of the outside world. In the end, she had to let her go, and although she was sad and frightened for her daughter, she sent her off to her new life with mixed emotions.
During the Rukhsati (Wedding) ceremony, Hira's elder brother placed his hand on her head and made her promise to take good care of her new home, assuring her that no matter what happened, she would always have his support. Hira nodded in acceptance in reply.
When she entered Faisalabad, her heart was filled with both excitement and fear, as though her mother's harsh remarks were still following her. She decided to reduce her interest in singing and to take better care of the house.
Her new husband told her not to give up on her dreams, saying she had a future before her and that he would do his best to help her. She hoped that he was right, since she had no formal musical education that could not be taught and came from within. Although she had no formal musical education, she had never been trained to sing or play musical instruments from a young age.
To her, their rented house was very different from a real home, and she started to daydream more and more about owning her own house. One day her husband came across an advertisement for Pakistan Idol. The advertisement read: "Send in your voice for consideration." He then suggested that she should have a go at it. She recorded a song and her husband sent it. After waiting for several days, Hira got a call from Pakistan Idol. She was overjoyed and, although she had some doubts, accepted the call.
References
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