Hyderabadi family in Chicago provides shelter to Lulu Minhaj Zaidi, starving on US streets
Hyderabad: In a heart-wrenching tale, Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi, a woman from Hyderabad who had ventured to the US to pursue a master’s degree, found herself in dire circumstances. She was discovered disheveled, homeless, and malnourished on the streets of Chicago. After suffering critical injuries to her leg and shoulders, as well as acute menstrual bleeding, she sought refuge with a compassionate Hyderabadi family residing in Chicago.
Despite intermittent periods of confusion and memory loss, glimpses of clarity occasionally shine through her thoughts. She remains cautious, refraining from allowing anyone too close, and cautiously accepts food from a distance.
This brave woman, yearning for comfort and familiarity, expressed a desire for “dahi” and “palak” and has temporarily taken shelter with a fellow Hyderabadi, Sajida Begum, as her condition worsened.
In the midst of her struggles, a Hyderabadi community member, Syed Mukaram, shared that Lulu has thus far declined a permanent move to a shelter or the embassy. While the details surrounding her injuries remain uncertain, she’s often seen moving around with the aid of a walker, near notable landmarks like the Weston Grand Avenue police station, St Francis Evanston Hospital, and a nearby church.
Her mother, Syeda Wahaj Fatima, painfully recounts her daughter’s journey, recounting a past marked by divorce and a determination to escape painful memories through academic pursuits. Lulu’s mother reflects on her resilience and the agonizing uncertainty of her current situation, lamenting how her daughter now faces the darkness of the streets alone in a foreign land.
In an unexpected turn of events, MBT spokesperson Amjad Ullah Khan played a pivotal role by sharing a video that caught the attention of authorities in both Delhi and the US, prompting a swift response. Syeda Wahaj Fatima expresses her gratitude for Khan’s assistance and seeks to expedite her own visa to bring Lulu back home. Struggling with health issues and the weight of recent events, Syeda hopes her other daughter, Mubashira Fatima, will accompany her to the US.
Amidst this ordeal, questions arise about the triggers of Lulu’s emotional turmoil. Was it the mugging incident that robbed her of her certificates and cellphone on the streets of Chicago, or did a more traumatic assault occur? Her mother believes that Lulu’s American dream shattered after the mugging, as she had been diligently working towards completing her master’s program. A video call with her mother brought forth tears and confusion, showcasing the deep emotional toll of her experiences.
Despite the challenges, the Hyderabadi community in Chicago rallies behind Syeda Wahaj Fatima, offering support for her travel expenses and stay in the US. However, the daunting task of arranging a long flight to bring Lulu home remains. In moments of questioning, Lulu’s responses are often filled with hesitation and incoherence, underscoring the complex emotional journey she is navigating as she contemplates the possibility of returning to Hyderabad.
