Shahid passed his right hand over Malik's forehead, rubbed it past the tip of his nose and ended at the indentation in his chin. He stared directly into his son's eyes.

“For me all the freedom and happiness our family has in South Africa is because of you,” Shahid told Malik. “When I think of South Africa,” he continued “there is a warmth over my heart, a comfort. It is the place where God blessed me with you. You are the warmth over my heart – that comfort.”

“Dad, I don't understand? What do you mean?” Malik asked with concern as he covered his father's hand with his own.

“South Africa is a country full of possibilities. It needs you, like you need it. My struggles were black and white. It was simple. My land was taken away and my people were killed. The struggles here are seemingly less clear-cut, but visible only to those who want to see them. The fall of Apartheid was inevitable, but with the transition comes a responsibility,” Shahid answered.

From House of Peace