FICTION

I was slain in the battle of behaviors. I dragged my corpse onto the Constitution Avenue. At the square, my body remained unclaimed, untouched. However, the municipality authorities were informed.

From a rat hole close to my cadaver a rat emerged, “Listen! We need to nibble your garb, grant us permission,” he said, peering into my eyes.

I consented. The rats shorn my garments and left me naked.

Then, came the insects and sought my permission, “You’re dead. Let us sate our hunger with your flesh.”

And, the insects began their feast on my body.

Decay started to permeate my remains.

But, passersby moved swiftly, covering their nose and mouth with their hands. Before the municipal workers could come to retrieve my corpse, my body’s components scattered. Eyes, ears, arms, legs, tongue, and nose— the insects had severed and isolated them all.

My scattered limbs garnered renewed curiosity of the onlookers.

Someone needed my eyes, other picked up my arms.

Finally, my legs, nose, ears, all were taken away. My corpse’s crumbled pieces entered the homes of people.

Hence, now I have been wandering in the hunt for my fractionated corpse shared among rats, insects and all other reptilians. If a piece has found its way to your home, then please! Return it to me!”

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(Translated from Urdu by Abdul Ghani)

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