Journey of Souls

2. Arrival | آمد

The journey was surely exhausting. One 16 hour flight, a 4 hour connection, and another 4 hour flight. Just 1 hour shy from landing in Lahore, I felt the inescapable grip of drowsiness and exhaustion throughout my body. I was ready to be in bed.

Ammi quietly slept, with her head relaxed on my shoulder. I looked down and planted a tiny kiss on top of my mother's head. Ammi sacrificed so much for her family. And she was alone. Baba Jaan and Ammi made the perfect couple. They rarely fought and raised me and Bhai Jaan with so much love that we never felt the absence of anything. Our family was perfect. Baba Jaan's demise made everything seem quieter. We were truly on our own.

I looked out the window of the plane to find miles and miles of darkness with the occasional lights in bigger cities, as I assumed. How different it is from home.

The hour passed and I slightly nudged Ammi awake, informing her of our arrival. She sat up and cleared the sleep from her eyes.

She looked over at me and quietly said, "Alizey, Pakistan is going to be a whole different experience for you now that you're older. I'm grateful you came with me but I should warn you that sometimes you will be uncomfortable because this country, this place and it's people are new to you. But, don't be afraid, your mamoo's adore you very much and are so excited to see you. And I will of course always be with you."

"I know Ammi, I know. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. I hope Nani Jaan gets better soon."

"She will Alizey beta, InshAllah."
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We disembarked the plane and I immediately smelled the the distinct scent of Pakistan intertwined with jet fuel. Most of the passengers near the gate and in the terminal were people like us, Pakistani's residing in foreign countries.

We walked through the airport and entered the immigration lines. Half an hour later we had made it to the baggage area. Ammi insisted on paying for a porter to handle our luggage but I assured her that we would be able to do it just fine. We only had 3 checked bags anyways.

Stepping out of the airport was uncomfortable. Hoards of people staring at all travelers arriving, families waiting to reunite with their loved ones. I scanned the crown for familiar faces. I didn't see anyone.

"Woh dekho, Mamoo wahan hain," Ammi exclaimed.
[Look! Uncle is over there.]

I immediately turned into the direction she pointed in and found my mamoo standing there, all wide-eyed, grinning ear to ear. We rushed over to him as he took Ammi into a warm embrace.

"I'm so happy to see you Baji," Iqbal Mamoo expressed.

After he let go of Ammi, he turned his attention towards me and with happiness exclaimed, "Alizey beta! You have grown up so much!"

Mamoo's hug was comforting and I was glad to be reunited with him. He took our luggage from us and instructed the driver to put it in the car.

As we drove home, my eyes were glued to the window looking at every sight in amazement. It was quite deep into the night yet Lahore seemed alive. I was looking forward to seeing it in the daylight. I rested my head against the seat for the rest of the journey slightly closing my eyes as I took a deep breath in.

Moments later, we were parked in front of the house. It was in true words, a mansion. Both Iqbal Mamoo and Bilal Mamoo lived here with Nani Jaan, their wives, and kids. The entrance to the house was hidden by a beautifully intricate, yet heavy iron gate. The gates opened and the driver pulled the car into the driveway.

I hopped out of the car and helped Ammi while the driver and Iqbal Mamoo unloaded the luggage.

"Go ahead and go inside. We will bring everything with us. Oh and everyone is asleep so you two get also go to sleep and you can meet everyone in the morning."

I was glad I would get the chance to sleep and freshen up before meeting everyone. I wanted to give the best impression and I certainly couldn't do that after a long journey.

Ammi and I walked outside and Mamoo followed. He directed us to our room and gave us anything we needed. He bid us goodnight and left for bed. Ammi and I retreated into our bed and were fast asleep.
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hey everyone!!
I hope the story isn't too slow right now. I wanted to make sure the build up was going well. I hope you guys enjoyed reading this. Stay tuned for the next chapter where Alizey meets everyone.

-A <3