hairullah, a slender Afghan with a limited grasp of Urdu, though fluent in Persian and Pashto, emerges from the wintry morning mist clad in a modestly clean white shalwar qamees, topped with an army fatigue jacket and a worn-out orange woollen cap. Over his shoulder, he balances a sizeable basket, woven out of dried date palm leaves, as he navigates through the bustling outdoor Sunday Bazaar. The absence of socks accentuates his stoic determination as he manoeuvres his burden.

Having joined the labour force merely two months ago, Khairullah’s initiation into the ranks of load-bearers was orchestrated by his father. A position was secured for him alongside other youths in their neighbourhood, all labouring to ferry purchases by shoppers to and from the market stalls. Despite initial struggles with the physical demands of the job, Khairullah now wears his responsibilities with a resigned acceptance, acknowledging the necessity dictated by his family’s financial circumstances.

As the eldest among seven siblings, Khairullah shoulders the responsibility of supplementing his father’s income earned from factory labour. While his younger siblings attend the local madrassah, Khairullah splits his time between Quran studies during the week and labour-intensive work on Sundays. Reflecting on his educational aspirations, he harbours a desire to attend a conventional school. He laments the lack of exposure to subjects beyond religious studies.

Navigating the perils of the labour market, Khairullah encounters challenges not only in physical exertion but also in interpersonal dynamics. Negotiating with older, potentially volatile peers, he treads cautiously, choosing peace over conflict. His earnings, dependent on the goodwill of patrons, vary from trip to trip. Some offer generous compensation; others, not quite. Nonetheless, Khairullah manages to save a modest sum each week, contributing to his family’s financial stability.

Khairullah and his companions traverse the early morning streets, arriving at the bustling bazaar by 8am. Amidst the flurry of activity, they break bread together, fortifying themselves for the day ahead. By 9am, as shoppers trickle in, Khairullah’s work day commences in earnest, culminating at 10pm, when he and his fellow labourers embark on the journey back home, crammed into an open van.

Khairullah’s journey, amidst the toil and sacrifice, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young boy shouldering the burdens of adulthood in pursuit of a better tomorrow.

The writer is an author, illustrator and educator. She may be reached at husain.rumana@gmail.com