Assalam Alaikum, my dear readers! Shabana Mukhtar here, and today’s Daily Prompt got me reflecting on my nickname. So, gather ’round as I take you on a little trip down memory lane.
What’s the story behind my nickname?
Ah, it’s not exactly a thrilling tale, but hey, there’s a story nonetheless. My dad, bless his heart, was never too keen on nicknames. My older sisters had all sorts of adorable nicknames – Noori, Bhoori, Guddi, and the list goes on. Each name lovingly given by different family members, be it my phupho, dada, khala, nani, and whatnot. But when it came to his own kids, my dad put his foot down. No nicknames for my children, he declared with unwavering conviction.
But… You can’t really control people, can you?
As life would have it, there were people who didn’t take my dad’s instruction to heart. Besides, there’s something about nicknames that just naturally stick. So, despite my father’s firm instructions against nicknames, fate had other plans for me.
You see, my name is Shabana (doh), and here’s a little secret – back in my day, it was quite a common name. Not that I mind, but I must admit, I wasn’t particularly fond of my name when I was younger. So, when people heard “Shabana,” they couldn’t help but translate it into the oh-so-popular nickname “Shabbo.”
My chachi, may Allah bless her, would always address me as “Shabbo”. Let me in on a secret. It had a certain charm to it, something that made me feel special and endearing.
I suppose that’s the funny thing about nicknames – they have a way of worming their way into your heart, whether you’re ready for them or not. And even though my dad had put his foot down on nicknames, “Shabbo” found its way into my life, and I couldn’t help but embrace it.
As I look back on those days, I can’t help but smile at the innocent girl who preferred “Shabbo” over her given name. But as I grew older, I learned to appreciate the beauty of my real name, Shabana. It’s a name with a rich history of my own because I’m such a legend in my town, one that holds a special place in my heart.
There you have it. It may not be the most thrilling or dramatic tale, but it’s mine, and I cherish every part of it. Names, whether given or nicknames, hold a special power – they shape our identity, evoke emotions, and connect us to our roots.
So, that’s the story behind my not-so-much-of-a-nickname,
What’s your nickname?
Do you like nicknames?
What nicknames have you given others?
My dear readers, I now bid you farewell for now. Until next time, embrace the names that define you and remember to cherish the stories that make you who you are. Take care, and happy reading!
Assalam Alaikum and Allah Hafiz!
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Shabana Mukhtar