I spent crores on Shoaib: Ayesha

In an exclusive interview, Ayesha says she loved and helped Shoaib immensely in his days of struggle, only to be insulted and cast aside when he became a star

In an exclusive interview, Ayesha says she loved and helped Shoaib immensely in his days of struggle, only to be insulted and cast aside when he became a star

In a telephonic interview with MiD DAY, Ayesha Siddiqui said that her blind love for Shoaib Malik made her spend crores on him when he was struggling financially. However, she says, once Shoaib attained stardom, he turned ungrateful, mocked her obesity and even 'hurled abuses' at her.

Where's the money, honey? Shoaib Malik and Ayesha's mother Fareesa Siddiqui in happier times. Ayesha Siddiqui. File pics

"I was teaching in Hala International School in Jeddah when I met Shoaib in 2002. He sought financial support from me when we began interacting with each other. He was not a star then but I loved him and it gave me pleasure to spend on him."

While it was love at first sight for her, Shoaib told her that he was impressed with her grace. In 2005, when her parents insisted they get married, Shoaib reportedly sent her a signed nikahnama and began visiting her in Hyderabad.

"He used to tell me that he was not as well off as I was, but felt fortunate to be my life partner," said Ayesha, who said she never maintained an account of the money she helped him with, but said it was easily over Rs 10 crore.

Volte face

"We were happily married for some time. Then, Shoaib became a star and began complaining about my weight. He said he was not attracted to me anymore," she said. She added that she even underwent silicon binding to lose weight.

"Shoaib started ignoring me and began hurling insults. It was around this time that I suffered a miscarriage," she said. Depressed, she began neglecting her diet and turned diabetic. Her hypothyroidism also contributed to her weight. "I was hurt that a man I loved so much turned inhuman when he won fame and wealth. Anyway, it is all a closed chapter now. I wish him and Sania all the best," she concluded.

Shoaib's letter

Shoaib Malik sent a letter to some journalists yesterday. The text follows: Dear Friends, I would like to firstly thanku00a0Allah almighty and all of you in the media and the entire nation of Pakistan for supporting me and giving me the strength to face all that has been witnessed. I'm no one to judge what is wrong or what is right as the one above knows the truth. I have done what was the most amicable thing to do as it was getting beyond reasoning as each day unfolded. I have realised that the media is part of my family, and request all of you to pray for me and Sania as we are embarking on a beautiful journey of marriage. I'm proud to be a Pakistani and Sania and I are overwhelmed to see the response in welcoming Sania to Pakistan. Inshallah Sania and I will soon meet everyone personally to thank you all for all the support. If, knowingly or unknowingly, I may have hurt someone, please forgive me as your younger brother. --Shoaib Malik