The Space Between Us

Four years into her marriage, Sera woke up full of hatred. She took young Dinaz and leaves, despite Banu’s protests. She decided to visit her own parents. Their taxi was swarmed by “beggars” at traffic light stops on the way, and Dinaz insisted they give the “beggars” a few coins. When Sera arrived at her parents’ home, she decided to stay. She called Feroz to inform him of where she and his daughter were. Feroz hung up on her, declaring he would not be manipulated into begging her to return.

Two weeks passed without any communication from Feroz. Jehroo noticed that things had not been okay for the past couple of years with Sera; she could clearly see that Sera was miserable, and asked her about her marriage. Sera almost confessed the truth, but didn’t want to burden her mother and could not predict her father’s reaction. She talked instead about Banu’s interfering ways, leading Jehroo to commiserate about in-laws. Jehroo asked Sera to tolerate Banu, as she had made the choice to marry into Baun’s family. Sera realized her mother would never understand, as she had never suffered.

Three weeks later, Freddy visited Sera. He was hurt that she left without saying goodbye.