Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Twenty Eight

I felt betrayed.
How could he do this to me?
He had hidden the letters that my uncle had written to me.
All this while, I thought that Chacha had forgotten about my existence.

I wrote few letters to him but never received any replies from him or from anyone.

Obviously he hid them but those letters which I sent. Aslam had asked someone to mail them, didn't he? Did he even got my letters posted?

I had stopped writing when I didn't receive any response from my family in Hyderabad only because I thought I might be bothering them too much.

But I was so wrong to misinterpret my Chacha.

All this while, he cared. He always did. He didn't forget me or my daughter.

My hands were sweaty as my fingers had clutched the envelope tightly.

"Rabia, I had no idea that you didn't get any mails. I thought Master gave it to you."

"I didn't know." I was overwhelmed.

She tightened her grip on my hand.

"Do you need me to get you some water?"

I nodded. She blinked and went to the counter.

I slowly opened the letter. I felt tears cloud my eyes. I gently wiped them with the help of a tissue.

"Dear Rabia,
Assalam alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
It's been long since I heard from you. I hope you're doing well. I had no contact of you. Aslam's phone is most of the time unreachable. It's been long since I heard from you. I had so much to ask you. First of all, how is my grand daughter? She must be all grown up. Does she know about us? I think you're upset with us for not coming to see you after we last visited and maybe that's the reason that you've stopped writing. I spoke to Aslam some time back when I got tensed. He assured me of your well being. I know, I should've come there when you needed me the most and see how you were but things here had been different. I'm not sure whether Aslam has already told you but I felt the need to tell you this directly. We are going to settle in Saudi Arabia. Rumana needs us to be there with her. It's nothing to worry about. She's very happy at her in-laws place but she needs us to be close. Especially now, it's a good news. You're going to be a Khala soon. Your Chachi and I wanted to visit you before we leave but we just couldn't manage due to some personal issues. By the time, you get this letter we would've already boarded the plane. I feel very guilty.  Remember, we might be far away from you but you can always reach out to us. Fahad and Arsheen won't be joining us and they'll be in Hyderabad. I'll be sending our international number next time when you find my letter. Just take care, my child. Keep us in your prayers and give lots of our love to Bushra.

Best regards,
Rehmaan Chacha."

My tears had stained the address on the envelope.

I wiped it.

Nida was looking at me, very intently. I didn't even realise when she returned to the table.

"Are you okay?" She pushed the glass of water in my direction.

I nodded, "I just forgot few people who still cared about me."

She cracked a smile, "We forgive you."

I chuckled before we fell silent.

I looked at Bushra who had her focus only on her last scoop of icecream.

"What are you going to do now?" Nida voiced out.

"I need few answers, even explanations but first let's have our order. I really need this milkshake to boost my confidence and calm me."