Journey of Souls

4. Friendship | دوستی

Badar and I sat in silence for the first few minutes of the ride before he finally spoke.

"How's Bilal? I miss him. The whole family is so proud of him for his hard work. Isn't he almost done with medical school?"

"Yup, he's in his last year. He wishes he could have come but as you know how difficult it is to escape medical studies," I laughed. 

"Haha yes I can imagine. Has he found someone yet?" He asked looking over at me.

"Well, he told Ammi that he wanted to wait until he knew for sure what speciality he was going to do, because his field will require a lot of adjustment and he doesn't want to make the relationship go through that. But now that he's almost done, I think he's ready. I'm sure Ammi will talk to him soon about his likes and dislikes. He hasn't found someone himself yet, but he's open to the option of Ammi finding him someone."

"That's good," Badar expressed. "You know I realized that when we reach our late 20's, its nice having someone be there by your side."

"Hmm I see...so?" I looked at him with a smirk on my face.

"Soooo..." he chuckled.

"Tell me about her. I want to know everything about my sister-in-law."

I could tell Badar was blushing under his serious face.

"Well her name is Qurat-ul-Ain. Her family is the Ahmad Shah family from Multan. Although, they're Multani, they have strong ties to Lahore. The family owns a few properties and Qurat's older brother, Zafar, manages their business in Lahore."

I listened with full intent and Badar expressed so much happiness when speaking about her.

"So we basically met in college. We studied in the same program and were only acquaintances until she coincidentally joined my friend group. And from there it was history. Although the family is highly respected and wealthy, Qurat has a beautiful aura. She's always been humble and friendly with everyone, truly one of the most graceful beings I've come across in life. She is a true representation of her name."

Coolness of the eyes.

"She sounds like a delightful person. I truly can't wait to meet her," I paused for a moment before speaking again. "But I have a question. How did you tell the family?" 

"Well, I obviously spoke to Ammi first. She met her and truly liked her. Then she spoke to Abbu and they decided they would meet the family. To be honest, I'm so grateful that it all worked out well in the end."

"Alhumdulillah, I am so excited to finally have another sister in the family. I hope we can become good friends. When do I get to meet her?"

"InshAllah! So, the wedding is 2 months away. She's going to be coming down here in a few weeks because Ammi wanted to make sure that everything was set for the Walima. Her dress fittings and final jewelry selection will be then. And, I've told her about you of course. She is also ecstatic about meeting you. I'm not sure if her family will come with but you will probably meet them at the wedding anyways." 

"That sounds good. Be ready though, I'm gonna tell her all about your bad qualities."

"You better not," he said while smiling.

"Don't worry Badar, I'm joking. Besides, I think you both are very lucky to have each other. May Allah always keep you two happy, Ameen."

"Ameen!" 

We reached my favorite falooda place in Lahore and my mouth watered at the sight of them being freshly prepared. Badar stepped out to order for the both of us and came back a few minutes later. I took a first bite and closed my eyes to truly bathe in the glory of the sweet dessert. I was very content in that moment. 

Badar began driving towards home and asked "so how have you been?"

"I've been well."

"No Alizey, you know what I mean. Seriously how have you been?"

"I told you, I've been well. Every day still feels hard without Baba Jaan. I miss him a lot. And I miss Bhai Jaan being home. Sometimes when it is just me and Ammi I get very lonely. But we both encourage each other to meet with people and go out during our free time. And our days pass just like that. It sounds boring, but I guess this period of life is necessary for my journey."

"I understand. What about school? You graduated right? What are you plans now?"

"Well, I don't know what exactly I wanted to do. I graduated with my Bachelor's a couple months ago but I think I should pursue another degree. To be honest, I like being in school and having an academic routine. It keeps me sane," I stated with a laugh.

"That's good. I'm proud of you Alizey. You've always been so strong and optimistic and have been a great support to everyone in your life. I hope your success always takes you to further heights. And inshAllah one day someone will also step into your life that will double your happiness."

I laughed nervously. The thought of having a special someone made me nervous. Being at this age, I saw most of my friends getting engaged and married and felt confused. Was it something I wanted or did I just want to follow the norm? I already had friends to keep me company so was another person necessary? Truth be told, I didn't ever feel the need of another person when I had a mother, brother, cousins and extended family members, and also friends. The only thing I felt was missing from my life was a father but he was still with us in spirit. All of his teachings and lessons stuck with me. I wanted to keep all aspects of Baba Jaan alive. 

"I guess you're right Badar. But right now, I'm happy where I'm at in life. And on top of that I'm only 23. That's fairly young. I think I have plenty of time."

"Of course Alizey you definitely do. Everything will always happen according to Allah's plan. But I don't want you to feel hopeless and give up on happiness that will join you in the future. You can't give up. No one will pressure you for anything against your will; it will always happen when you're ready. But Alizey..."

He paused for a bit and looked at me with an earnest expression.

"Alizey, as my younger sister and best friend, I want to see you happy. Whether it is with someone or without. From my own experience, I know that having Qurat has tripled, quadrupled my happiness. So all I'm saying is that maybe it would be the same for you."

"I understand Badar and I appreciate your concern. You're right and as Ammi has instructed me, I always pray that Allah bestows me with whatever is best for me. Don't worry too much about me." 

We both smiled at each other, indicating that we had understood each other. Having Badar give advice and speak to me about issues like these was comforting. I knew I could rely on his experiences. Badar and I were similar in many ways and that's why we were so close. 

We had reached back home just as the sun was about to set. Both of us got out of the car and just as we were about to walk inside, Badar turned towards me.

"Alizey, I truly am so glad that you have come for Nani Jaan and for us. I hope that you will always share your feelings with me. Always remember that there is no burden in this world that you have to endure alone."

"I'm glad too. And of course Badar, I always share everything with you."

"Good."

I turned around to look at the majestic sunset of the Lahore sky before going in. The warmth of sun and artistry of the colors brought peace to my mind and heart. 

Truly, Allah is the greatest Creator and with His Creations comes peace.

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hello everyone!!

thank you again for reading this piece so far, it means a lot. be sure to vote and let me know what you think. I'm really liking the details of Badar and Alizey's friendship so far.I know it has been slow so far but I feel like these are important for the story build up. But don't worry, the rest of the characters that you all are waiting for will be arriving soon.

sincerely,
A <3