Medical services were poor throughout the country. In Kabul, a hospital had working obstetric and gynaecological services. Warda visited it for her antenatal checkups.

She often spoke to her parents on the telephone, and they were thrilled to learn that she was expecting a baby. They wanted her to come to Pakistan. But her doctor advised against travel. She assured her that she could get care in Kabul.

Her parents travelled to Kabul. They missed their daughter and wanted to surprise her with a visit. Banou wished to be present to look after her and help her care for the baby.

The parents visited their relatives and old friends in the capital. Saifullah enjoyed Banou’s grumbling about the burqa she had to wear to go out. To their dismay, the two visited their university and found not much left. During the civil war between rival Mujahideen groups, vandals damaged the institution. Its building bore the scars of bloody battles for power. Yet, the two found solace in the company of their darling Warda.

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One day, after dinner, as the family sat down in the living room to relax, Saifullah made a humorous remark: “Tahir, I don’t know your view. I am happy the Taliban enforced the burqa. Now, I don’t have to worry about wandering eyes on my beautiful wife. Nor do I have to feel jealous if she looks back at some handsome men.”

“You men are all alike! Selfish and sadist. I want to meet the Amir. I want him to enforce the burqa for men. It would prevent you from seeing other women. The sweat would pour into your eyes under these hot parachutes.” Everybody erupted in laughter at her description of the burqa.