Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Twenty Three

Nothing is permanent in life.
Things change, people change and so does circumstances.

My life had been in a rollercoaster of such unpredictable events that the only thing which remained constant was my will to live for my daughter.

I didn't feel bored any longer.
With Aslam or without Aslam, it didn't make a difference because I always had my daughter to hold, to care and to love. Her mere smile could brighten up my entire day.

As far as Aslam was concerned, he didn't change for me atleast.
He did for our daughter though and I was just happy that she was growing in an atmosphere where her parents loved her so much even though they didn't love each other.

Rumana got married to Junaid and shifted to Riyadh, recently.
I couldn't attend her wedding but did receive photographs, last month from Chachi.

Today is the death anniversary of my father and I prepared some halwa for the fatiha.
I couldn't do anything else except pray for his soul but I do believe, he is watching me like a guardian angel would do.
Showering his love and blessing on us. I also remembered my mother. I would often ask her why did she stress so much about me.
Her words still rings in my ears.

"You'll realise when you'd become a mother one day."

The day finally came but they are not here to see it.

I want to raise my daughter in the same way, my parents raised me.
I'll make her strong unlike me.
I have failed myself miserably but my daughter won't be like me when she'll be a grown-up.

For now, she just needs to eat and poop while I have to do a quick change of the diaper and her clothes.

I sighed and quickly dressed her in fresh pair of clothes. Her big eyes were craving my attention. I smiled and scooped her in my arms.

"My prettiest little girl." I cooed and nuzzled my nose against her.

She giggled, making my heart flutter.

"Ammi loves you so much, my baby." She moved and blinked at me. Her big eyes staring at me. She raised her hand up in the air.

"Yes sugar. I'm here with you." I kissed her forehead and placed her in the crib.

Nida was at the door.

"Is she asleep?" She asked.

I smiled, "I don't think so. She just wants to play now and sleep later."

She grinned, "Then I'm at your service."

I laughed, "Sure. By the way,  how were your exams?"

She clicked her tongue, "Better than I thought I would do."

"I think you'll ace this one as well."

She nodded and sat by the crib.

I got on my feet, "Since you're here. I can go and complete my chores. Would you like to have some custard?"

"Yes, please." She smiled before she started playing with Bushra.

I trudged to the kitchen and poured some custard in two bowls.

I looked at the window, the sky looked dark. It's about to rain.

The clock on the wall grabbed by notice.
It was way past the time, why wasn't Aslam back from work?

This never happened to him.
Maybe he's working overtime.
I shrugged and got back to cooking dinner.

It was only after half past ten when he hadn't returned, I felt myself growing concerned about him. The weather made it worse. It was raining very heavily that the sky looked hazy.