For the Love of a Son: One Afghan Woman's Quest for Her Stolen Child

others were determined to make the best of the
situation. After all, one of their own would now belong to the most
influential family in the district. Perhaps there would be some
financial benefits for them all.
    The tribal ruler’s home was in reality a
self-contained fortified village. The fort, or galah, was
purposefully isolated, located on high ground for safety from
surprise military attacks. Rival tribesmen from adjacent provinces
could pose a threat at any time. The galah was self-sufficient,
encircled by nearly a thousand acres of grazing land, for a rich
man like the Khan owned many horses, sheep and goats. There was
also land reserved for his fields of corn, wheat and other
produce.
    On top of its hill, the galah had been built
on a foundation of Afghanistan’s grey-shaded native stone. Above
the stone, thick mortared bricks reached a height of more than
fifty feet. Tall battle-ready parapets were constructed at each of
the four corners. The fort’s windows were specifically built for
observation and defense, with slits through which the warriors
could fire their arrows or guns.
    Coming from the home of a simple peasant, all
the women in the bride’s party would have been intimidated at such
a sight. They rarely travelled far from their homes and seldom if
ever saw such displays of wealth and power as the massive fort the
beautiful Mayana would now call her home.
    A group of strong men were waiting to open
the huge wooden gate to the galah. Once inside the gate, the
wedding party arrived at the large central courtyard, which was
enclosed by yet another protective wall. Tall apartments rose above
the outer walls, specifically designed for the male guests who
would never be allowed entrance into Ahmed Khail’s main inner
dwelling, where his wives lived.
    My grandmother and her female relatives were
then escorted to the Khan’s private quarters. The Khan’s personal
wing was built behind large windows, so he could watch the daily
activities of those who worked for him. His wives and children
lived in a separate, restricted wing, their quarters isolated and
their windows covered with the traditional Islamic dressing of
latticed wood. Fresh breezes would flow through the open trellis,
allowing the wives and children to gaze out on the life they are
not allowed to take part in, while thwarting curious strangers who
wanted to peek into the interior.
    House servants and some of the livestock were
accommodated near the family section, as well as the galah’s main
water supply, a deep well that provided clean water, something rare
in Afghanistan unless one lived by a fast-flowing stream.
    No one remembers exactly what happened next,
but it is thought that the wedding was held almost as soon as
Mayana entered the home of the Khan. The Khan was very traditional,
so men and women were separated for the actual ceremony.
    Grandmother Mayana would have met the Khan’s
three senior wives at her wedding, women who felt their pride had
been pricked by the inclusion of such an unsophisticated girl in
their restricted circle. Although Mayana was reviled prior to her
arrival, the hatred increased when her beauty was exposed. One look
at Mayana’s lovely face told the older wives why their husband
sought to add the young girl to his harem. Little could Mayana know
that she had landed in the middle of such venomous resentment. She
was accustomed to a degree of camaraderie between the women in her
family. Only Ahmed Khail Khan looked forward to Mayana’s
appearance, a man energized by lusts, dreaming of enjoying sexual
pleasures with a young, beautiful, and obedient bride.
    Hopelessly smitten by Mayana’s combination of
beauty and sweetness, the Khan soon publicly acknowledged Mayana as
his most favored wife. Although the Khan had never been the sort of
man to concern himself with the feelings of his wives, he nurtured
his young bride. And so their union was happy.
    The Khan was so pleased with his young bride
that when he heard that the jealousy of his three older wives was
causing Mayana such misery, he paid his harem an angry visit. He
warned them all that he would not tolerate their behavior. ‘If you
are seeking punishment, then you will soon receive your reward,’ he
threatened. ‘All living in my household are commanded to regard my
wife Mayana as the lady of the galah. Grant her every wish.’ He
stomped off, his fury expressed in every movement.
    Knowing the Khan was not a man to make empty
threats, the