Page 175 - And the Mountains Echoed (novel)

solemn duty now. To learn, to apply yourselves, to excel at your studies, to make

proud not only your own fathers and mothers but the mother who is common to
us all. Her future is in your hands, not mine. I ask that you not think of this
school as a gift from me to you. It is merely a building that houses the true gift
inside, and that is you. You are the gift, young sisters, not only to me and to the
community of Shadbagh-e-Nau but, most importantly, to Afghanistan herself!
God bless you.”
More applause broke out. Several people shouted, “God bless you,
Commander Sahib!” Baba jan raised a fist, grinning broadly. Adel’s eyes nearly
watered with pride.
The teacher Malalai handed Baba jan a pair of scissors. A red ribbon had been
tied across the entryway to the classroom. The crowd inched closer to get a

better view, and Kabir motioned a few people back, shoved a couple of them in
the chest. Hands rose from the crowd, holding cell phones to video the ribbon
cutting. Baba jan took the scissors, paused, turned to Adel and said, “Here, son,
you do the honors.” He handed the scissors to Adel.
Adel blinked. “Me?”
“Go ahead,” Baba jan said, dropping him a wink.

Adel cut the ribbon. Long applause broke out. Adel heard the clicking of a
few cameras, voices crying out “Allah-u-akbar!”
Baba jan then stood at the doorway as the students made a queue and entered
the classroom one by one. They were young girls, aged between eight and
fifteen, all of them wearing white scarves and the pin-striped uniforms of black
and gray that Baba jan had given them. Adel watched as each student shyly
introduced herself to Baba jan on her way in. Baba jan smiled warmly, patted
their heads, and offered an encouraging word or two. “I wish you success, Bibi
Mariam. Study hard, Bibi Homaira. Make us proud, Bibi Ilham.”
Later, by the black Land Cruiser, Adel stood by his father, sweating now in

the heat, and watched him shake hands with the locals. Baba jan fingered a
prayer bead in his free hand and listened patiently, leaning in a bit, his brow
furrowed, nodding, attentive to each person as he or she came to say thanks,
offer prayers, pay respects, many of them taking the opportunity to ask for a
favor. A mother whose sick child needed to see a surgeon in Kabul, a man in
need of a loan to start a shoe-repair shop, a mechanic asking for a new set of
tools.
Commander Sahib, if you could find it in your heart …

I have nowhere else to turn, Commander Sahib …
Adel had never heard anyone outside immediate family address Baba jan by