Does Magic Still Exist? Exploring the Fantastical Realism of Fatima Taqvi’s “It Might Be He Returns”
Imagine a world where a cracked mirror isn’t just a reflection of your image, but a portal to an alternate reality. In Fatima Taqvi’s “It Might Be He Returns,” published in Lightspeed Magazine and presented by io9, readers are plunged into a Karachi brimming with fantastical realism, where poverty and magic intertwine. This captivating short story follows Fawad, a street boy, as he navigates a city both familiar and strange, forcing us to consider the cost of fulfilling desires and the potential for change, even within the most dire circumstances. The enduring power of hope and the potential for a single individual to effect meaningful change resonate strongly in this narrative, making it a compelling read in today’s world.
Fawad’s Journey: A Descent into the Mirror World
The story centers around Fawad, an orphaned boy struggling to survive on the streets of Karachi. His life is marked by poverty, hunger, and the crushing weight of lost opportunities. This backdrop of urban hardship is essential to understanding the significance of the magical elements that begin to intrude on his reality.
The Mirror’s Allure and the Promise of Escape
Fawad’s life takes a dramatic turn when he notices strange occurrences within the mirror of a tailor’s shop. The tailor’s reflection seems to possess a life of its own, peering out and even pointing at Fawad. This initial fear soon gives way to curiosity, then to a desperate hope, as a voice calls to him from within the mirror. The promise of education, a dream cruelly snatched away from him, proves too strong to resist, and he steps through the glass and into the Other Tailor’s shop.
The “Other” Karachi: A Reflection of Reality
The world on the other side of the mirror is both familiar and alien. It mirrors Karachi but with unsettling differences: a sunless land with incomplete buildings and bizarre creatures fashioned from discarded materials. This “Other” Karachi serves as a distorted reflection of the real city, highlighting its problems and suggesting the possibility of something more. The paper horse, blinkered by old newspapers, represents the weight of history and perhaps the limitations of societal narratives.
The Role of the Other Tailor: A Mysterious Mentor
The Other Tailor is a central figure in this mirrored world. He is an enigmatic character, always hunched over his work, his face hidden, radiating “lack” rather than presence. He tasks Fawad with collecting discarded items from the real world, which are then transformed into magical fabrics. The tailor’s focus on contracts and promises emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability, concepts often absent in Fawad’s harsh reality. He offers education in exchange for Fawad’s work, promising him the opportunity to “change the world.”
The Price of Magic and the Cycle of Exploitation
As Fawad becomes more involved with the Other Tailor’s work, the story delves into the ethical complexities of magic and the exploitation inherent in the process.
Transformations and Their Cost
The items Fawad collects are not merely objects; they represent the lives and experiences of the people who discarded them. Scratch cards transform into silver chiffon, a schoolgirl’s dupatta becomes cobalt ink threads, and even a gunny bag used to transport a mutilated body becomes a shroud. The transformations highlight the cyclical nature of life and death and the interconnectedness of all things.
| Item Collected | Transformed Into | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Used Scratch Cards | Silver Chiffon | Lost hopes, dreams of a better future |
| Schoolgirl’s Dupatta | Cobalt Ink Threads | Loss of education, limited opportunities for women |
| Butcher’s Stained Clothes | Pink Rosettes | Reminder that death funds beauty |
| Gunny Bag | Shroud Colored Sheet | Death, violence, the disposable nature of human life |
However, this process also raises questions about the source of the magic. Is it drawing on the essence of these discarded lives, further marginalizing those already vulnerable?
The Arrival of Karachi: A City Personified
The ultimate client for the Other Tailor’s creations is Karachi itself, personified as a powerful and ancient being. She embodies the city’s beauty, its struggles, and its contradictions. Karachi is both captivating and indifferent, acknowledging the suffering of her inhabitants but ultimately prioritizing her own desires. Her offer to switch the fates of the rich and poor, while seemingly equitable, ultimately perpetuates a cycle of suffering where everyone eventually experiences misfortune.
Challenging Karachi and the Demand for Accountability
Fawad, despite his poverty and vulnerability, stands up to Karachi. He challenges her to give back to the people from whom she takes, demanding improvements in infrastructure, education, and basic services. This act of defiance represents a shift in Fawad’s character, from a passive victim of circumstance to an active agent of change. He recognizes that true progress requires systemic solutions, not just superficial transformations.
Will Fawad Return? The Enduring Power of Choice
The story concludes with Fawad returning to his newly altered life, a life of privilege and comfort. He is given a broken blade by the Other Tailor – a stark reminder to not forget what he has learned. He is left with a choice: to embrace his newfound comfort or to return to the Other Karachi and fight for a better future.
The Temptation of Amnesia and the Allure of Privilege
Karachi predicts that Fawad will succumb to the temptations of his privileged life, forgetting the suffering he once knew. She suggests that the comforts of wealth will blind him to the needs of others, perpetuating the cycle of inequality. This reflects a common critique of societal structures, where those in positions of power often become detached from the struggles of the marginalized.
The Broken Blade: A Reminder of the Past and a Catalyst for Change
The broken blade serves as a powerful symbol of Fawad’s past and a reminder of his commitment to change. It is the one item that retains its original form when crossing between worlds, signifying its enduring relevance. The blade represents the harsh realities of Karachi, the violence, and the injustices that Fawad has witnessed. It is a call to action, urging him not to forget his experiences and to use his newfound power to create a better future.
The Open Ending: Hope and Uncertainty
The story’s open ending leaves the reader with a sense of hope and uncertainty. Will Fawad return to the Other Karachi? Will he use his education and newfound power to make a difference? The answer remains ambiguous, suggesting that the future is not predetermined and that Fawad’s choices will ultimately shape his destiny and the fate of his city. This uncertainty emphasizes the importance of individual agency and the potential for change, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Conclusion: The Mirrors of Reality and Fantasy
Fatima Taqvi’s “It Might Be He Returns” is a thought-provoking exploration of poverty, magic, and the power of choice. Through Fawad’s journey, the story challenges us to examine the ethical complexities of magical transformations and the responsibility of individuals to challenge systemic inequality. The story’s setting in Karachi adds a layer of cultural richness and realism, making the fantastical elements all the more compelling. The enduring message of the story is that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope and the potential for change remain.
What do you think? Will Fawad return to the Other Karachi, or will he succumb to the allure of his new privileged life? Comment below and share your thoughts on this captivating story.
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Original article at gizmodo.com
