By Fad –
I am not a man who easily believes in supernatural things, let alone believe in magic. But the experience I had in Kampung Jerami (not the real name) a few years ago really changed the way I see the world. This is the story of me, Bahar, who saw my small family almost destroyed because of a brother’s revenge.
My wife, Zahrah, and I have just been married for three years. We live a simple but happy life, especially after the arrival of our son, Imran, who complements our happiness. However, that happiness began to be challenged after something strange happened.
DISTURBANCE BEGINS
It all started on one night that I remember clearly. Zahrah startled me from sleep.
“Har! Spring! Did you hear that sound?” he whispered in an anxious tone.
I opened my eyes and heard a sound like something dragging on the roof of our house. Heavy, slow, and scary.
“Is there anyone upstairs?” I asked as I reached for the machete I kept in the corner of the room.
“Don’t go out, Bahar! Don’t look for something like this in the middle of the night!” Zahrah held my arm tightly, but I decided to check as well.
As soon as I opened the door, the noise disappeared immediately. I only saw the night wind shaking the leaves of the trees. There was no one there, but an unpleasant feeling began to envelop my heart.
ZAHRAH’S CHANGE
After that night, Zahrah began to change. He became quiet, often brooding, and his body was getting thinner even though he never lacked food. He also often complains of frightening dreams.
“You know, Bahar, in that dream I saw Suhaila. But he was different… his eyes were red, and he said… he was angry because I had a child,” Zahrah said in a weak voice while sobbing.
Suhaila is my cousin. He has been married for a long time, almost a decade, but has not been blessed with children.
After Imran was born, he rarely came to our house, and when I tried to say hello, he avoided it.
I’m trying to cheer up. “Zahrah, maybe this is all just a bad dream. Don’t think too much.” However, in my little heart, I knew something was wrong.
DISRUPTION IS GETTING WORSE
The next night, I found Zahrah in the kitchen in a shocking state. He sat cross-legged on the floor, holding an egg while shivering. His eyes were empty, and he whispered, “I must… break it… must…”
I immediately pulled him, but he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Don’t stop me, Bahar! Don’t!”
I don’t know what’s going on. The Zahrah I know is getting further away from reality. In a state full of fear, I knew I needed to seek help.
NURSE CALL
I contacted a village nurse named Haji Masri. A respected old man, he came to our house and started reciting holy verses.
“Bahar, this is no ordinary pain. Someone sent magic to Zahrah,” said Haji Masri calmly after examining Zahrah.
“Who did this, Haji?” I asked full of emotion.
Haji Masri looked at me with a serious face. “Magic usually comes from envy. People who are close to your family may…”
I was silent. My thoughts immediately turned to Suhaila, but I didn’t want to accuse without proof.
That night, Haji Masri began ruqyah on Zahrah. Zahrah’s body trembled violently, and she suddenly shouted, “Suhaila! Why?! Why do you do this to me?!”
I was stunned. The name came out of Zahrah’s mouth, and I knew, I had to face my own cousin.
THE END OF REVENGE
With the help of Haji Masri, I went to Suhaila’s house. Suhaila looks like someone who has been carrying a load for a long time.
When pressed with prayer and recitation of holy verses, he finally confessed.
“I can’t wait to see you and Zahrah happy!” he said with a heavy cry. “I tried everything to have a child, but why am I the one who has to be tested like this? Why not you?”
I felt angry, sad, and sympathetic at the same time. Haji Masri advised her gently, “Suhaila, magic is not the solution. By doing this, you are not only harming them, but yourself.
“God is not pleased with this kind of revenge. If you want to live peacefully, repent.”
After a long discussion, Suhaila finally apologized to us. Haji Masri removed the magic that had been planted, and Zahrah began to recover little by little.
NEW LIFE
Six months later, Suhaila and her husband decided to adopt a child.
Their lives change and Suhaila learns to accept the provisions of fate. Zahrah and I went back to life as usual, but that experience left a deep impression on my life.
Revenge never brings victory. I learned that sincerity and forgiveness are the cure for all wounds.
And now, I believe witchcraft and revenge are real, but they will never win against kindness and prayer.