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From the time Sanna could walk, her favorite spot was the entrance door of her home.
She often used to stand there, keeping the door ajar and looking outside. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle outside. During her whole day of activities, she would come now and then and stand by the door. She enjoyed looking at people passing by, kids playing, dogs chasing each other. These activities brought a smile to her face.

After the morning namaz/prayer, she will open the door.The door will close only in the evening, when her Abbu/father would return from his shop. Passersby always admired this beautiful cute little girl standing by the door.

One day when Sanna was standing at her favorite spot, she noticed a new kid, in the group, playing cricket outside. All the other kids called him “Nick”. He must be someone new to the neighborhood thought Sanna. Soon the ball came to Sanna’s door steps and Nick came to fetch it. He saw Sanna and smiled.

“Hi, I am Niket. My parents and friends call me Nick.What’s your name?”asked Nick.
“Why don’t you come and join us in the game” Nick continued.
Sanna just smiled in response. She liked the boy’s colorful shirt.

From that time onwards, it became a routine, whenever Nick came to fetch the ball, he made small conversations with Sanna. Nick had so much to talk. Sanna learned a lot about him. His parents, school, his class courses and all. Sanna always smiled, when Nick asked her any questions.

Days passed and so did the years.
Sanna noticed that Nick had become tall and got a little funny looking beard. Now the Cricket ball came to Sanna’s door steps more often. It was always Nick who would come to get the ball. Nick always talked about big things, for Sanna to even comprehend.

Sanna’s father got upset many times –“why Sanna stands at the door so much”.
Ammy always defended her “that’s fine, if the girl likes to stand at the door.The door is half shut anyways, so no problem. When Sanna will realize it’s time to close the door, she will do it herself”.
Mother instructed Sanna “Wear hizab around your neck. Hizab is like a jewelry to younger girls”.

The door was always open, even when Sanna’s brother was sent to prison on a murder charge. He killed a man during a gambling argument.

One day Nick came for the ball and told Sanna
“I want to become an engineer. I will go to college and may be one day I will go to the Americas.”
He implored, “What do you want to do Sanna?”
Sanna just smiled. And when Nick turned his back, she silently prayed “God please grant all of Nick’s wishes.”

Soon Nick was on the way to his college. Before going he came and spoke to Sanna
“Sanna, it’s time for me to go and achieve things in life. I will always miss my neighborhood games and will miss conversations with you.” Sanna just smiled and glanced sideways.
Ammy’s voice came from inside.
“Who is there”.
Nick stammered “Ammy it’s me – Nick, Mr. Sharma’s son. I am going off to my college. Thought of taking your blessings.”
“All the best Son” Ammy’s voice came.
Nick was gone.

Now Sanna found herself waiting for Nick. She always peeped outside to see if he had come. When kids played outside, she imagined Nick in between them. She was sure that he will come on his college vacations.

Nick did come to the town whenever his college was closed. He gathered kids and played cricket. Sanna was there appreciating at her door. As usual he came to fetch the ball. Over these trips Sanna learned a lot about the college life, hostel life, about computer science… everything sounded so fascinating to her.  But she never spoke about herself.

Nick inquired now and then
“Sanna do you like anything or anyone?. Do you ever go out? What are your likes and dislikes?” She never responded but just smiled.

One day Nick came and spoke with purpose,
“Sanna, my college is completed. I am going for a job now. I cannot come here more often. I cannot make a fool of myself any more, playing with small kids, just to talk to you. Soon my parents will get me married. “
Nick continued. “You know very well that I like you a lot. Do you like me? You know there is so much difference between our religion and culture. I will fight for you. But you have to say something Sanna. You have to tell me if I should fight for you. Do you care for me? Are you with me?”
Nick stood there for the longest time but Sanna didn’t reply.
She just stood there …between the doors… not willing to go inside but not daring to cross the doors and go out. Her response was only her usual smile.
“Sanna, please say something” Nick pleaded.

The day of Nick’s wedding approached. People found him playing with the kids.
Neighbors laughed at him ”this boy’s heart is of gold, never changed. Still playing with the kids.”
Sanna was still standing at her door. Nick made a final attempt.
“Sanna for god’s sake, say something. Things can still change.”

There was no response.

On the day of the wedding, Nick mounted the wedding horse as music bands played trumpets.
Sanna stood at her usual spot. Nick’s face was solemn.
As the marriage procession went past…
Sanna shut the door.