That's Just How Life Goes!!

Chapter 9

I sighed thinking how fast these 4 years have passed. My babies are grown up so beautifully. I have such nice people who love me and my kids unconditionally. After my outburst 4 years ago when I shifted here, I truly accepted them as family. I am still grateful to them and will always be but now they are my family. Khala ammi is just like my mother and I found a friend in Zayn and a brother in Zaroon bhai. I still miss my parents and Ali. I haven't contacted them and feel guilty about it. After I sorted out my thoughts, I realized how selfish I had been to leave them. They stood with me and I just left them. I want to contact them but then I get scared thinking what if HE traces me. I have come to terms with the reality of my life. He did what he felt right. I don't blame him anymore. I have a soft corner for him but i don't love him anymore not at least the way I did before. I am content with my life just feel guilty for not contacting my parents. I will soon though. I am not the same vulnerable immature Maham now. I am a mother and much stronger than before. I have my strength, my kids with me.
"Don't think too much and just call them." I heard khala ammi say. I hummed.
.........
We entered inside the restaurant and kids ran to the play area. They are already familiar with this restaurant as it's Zayn's and he brings them over alot of times. All the staff members love them. I thank Allah for all the love my children are getting from people here.
Me and khala ammi sat on the table talking while Zayn went behind kids asking us to order.
I felt someone's intense gaze on me and looked around but didn't find anyone. Soon Zayn came back with kids on each of his arms. Zayn was making funny faces while kids were giggling. I smiled at them. We ate dinner then had ice-cream on children's request and then left for home.
.........

"Mamma when will we go to beach?" Zayan asked while having lunch. They just came back from Play school and since then they have been pestering me to take them to beach. We were supposed to go today but Zayn got a call from office so he had to leave. I had taken a day off today so I can take them but I can't manage them alone.
"Baby we will go next time." I replied.
"But you said we will go today." Hania said.
"I know. But-" I was cut off by Zayn's voice.
"Princess. Buddy." I sighed.
Hearing his voice Hania and Zayan started wiggling in their high chairs asking me to put them down but I shook my head.
"Zayn, they are having food." I replied with a loud voice because he won't come inside when I am alone.
"Finish your food and then you can go." I instructed kids and they started eating fast.
"Hey slow down. He is waiting. Eat slowly. You will choke." My words went on deaf ears as they finished their food as fast as 4 years old can and asked me to put them down. I shook my head.
"Dadda" they ran out as soon as I put them down. I cleaned up the table and kitchen when Khala ammi along with Zayn and Kids came inside the house. I looked at kids who were all dressed up in beach clothes looking very cute.
"Get ready. We will leave soon. I have already packed kid's bags." khala ammi said. I nodded. Kids have everything in that house Infact more things then they have here. It's like these two houses are one even if their doors are different.
..........
"Gul jaani, see river." Hania said excitedly clapping her hands. We chuckled at her.
"Hani it's not river. It's beach." Zayan said.
"But water comes from river na so it's river." Hania said using her own logic.
We just watched them discussing so seriously as if it's the world's most difficult thing to find out.
We reached soon.
We took out everything from car and walked to set up the mat and everything. I and khala ammi sat on the mat while Zayn and kids ran to water. We watched them playing and laughing.
After complete 2 hours they came back all drained. Kids came to me and rested their heads on my lap while Zayn did the same with Khala ammi. They rested for few minutes then I started changing kid's clothes while Zayn went somewhere I guess to change. I was changing Hania's clothes. She always has problems with clothes. She only wears what Zayn buys her. I didn't realize when Zayan slipped away. I saw Zayn run towards the water and saw Zayan was swaying with water. He was not into deep water but for a 4 years old it was not safe. We ran towards them and quickly took him from Zayn's arms. I kissed all over his face and hugged him.
"Can't you guys be careful. What if I had not seen him on time." Zayn shouted making me and khala ammi flinch. He took a deep breath and walked away taking both kids along with him. Me and khala ammi looked at each other. She patted my shoulder and assured me that everything is fine. We went towards the mat to see Zayn changing Zayan's clothes with Hania still on his leg snuggling into him. I wonder how he manages to do that.
"Sorry." I and khala ammi said at the same time.
"You said like us." Zayan and Hania exclaimed clapping excitedly making us chuckle.
"It's okay. But be careful henceforth." Zayn said.
We nodded.
Sometimes I wonder who their real parent is. But nonetheless he surely loves them as his own. Then we spent some quality time there. Also roamed around the area for a while shopping then went back.
............

I heard the door bell and frowned. Who might it be? Khala ammi doesn't come from that door. She always comes from the other door which connects to the garden. And she would just enter inside. Zayn also never rings bell. He shouts from outside the door. Maybe Manal appi. I haven't met her since so many days. I walked to the door excited and opened the door "Appi it's been so long si-" my words died down seeing the person in front of me. My eyes went wide in shock.
"Arsalan" I whispered.
I couldn't say anything even he kept looking at me.