Warda was emotionally overcome as she and Tahir crossed the border into her native land. Women wore burqas, covering the entire body except the eyes, and there were several armed bearded men with turbans.

In the backseat of the jeep, Tahir held his wife’s hand, sensing her likely emotional state, but he made sure no one was observing.

At multiple checkpoints, they were detained and questioned about their journey. Tahir replied that his wife wanted to see her home and the city where she was raised. Upon their arrival in Kabul, she finally revealed to the authorities at the Interior Ministry the genuine purpose of her travel. It seemed like a high-ranking official was the one they were transported to, who directed them to take a seat as he was on the phone.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

“You have made a long journey. My people will take you to your quarters. We will provide food, and I advise you to stay indoors and rest. We will talk tomorrow.” He addressed Tahir throughout the conversation and seemed considerate.

Under Taliban rule, the head of state was the “Amir”, who held immense legislative and executive power as the leader of a tightly centralised Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He served as the highest authority on matters of law, had the last say in major political and legal disputes, and was the ultimate decision-maker in matters of law’s conformance with Sharia.

Sharia is Islamic jurisprudence based on the teachings of the Quran and “Hadith” (the documented words, deeds, and blessings of the Prophet Muhammad).

While the Amir held absolute authority in the Islamic Emirate of the Taliban, other officials were responsible for day-to-day administrative operations.