Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Thirty

At times or most of the time in my case, I have been dumbfounded by this man, my husband!

While I was fretting of disclosing my babysitting commitment to him, Aslam had apparently heard everything.

I found him at the door when I returned. He was holding his stick for support. I felt a tight knot in my stomach.
From the look on his face, I knew that he knew. He had eavesdropped on our conversation.

I was frozen to my spot for a minute but quickly turned away from his scrutinizing gaze.

I was not ready to back down from my promise given to Chhavi.
I owe her that much.
She stayed behind with Bushra at the time when I had miscarried. I can never forget that day.
The images of that day flood my brain. I don't want to go on that road again.
It's too painful to even think about that.

Aslam is still near the door, eyeing my movements.

I ignore him and keep the bucket in the bathroom.

By the time I returned, he was seated on the couch, watching Bushra play with her toys.

I eyed the empty plates on the table which were there to be picked up and washed.

I sighed and dumped them in the kitchen sink before wiping the table.

"That woman, how much will she pay you for babysitting?" He cleared his throat.

I gulped but answered eventually, "I don't know but I'll take whatever she gives me."

He didn't utter anything after that and I was glad. He left shortly for his work while I helped my daughter get ready for her school.

"Ammi, the red one." Bushra pointed to the hairclip lying on the bed.

"Yes, one minute." I replied and applied it.

"From next year, you'll have a proper uniform then you can't wear it." I teased her.

"I love that uniform." She clapped her hand, enthusiastically.

I grinned, "For that you have to study and get promoted."

"Ammi! Is a baby going to stay here?"

"Yes but only for few hours." I replied while tying her shoes laces.

"When will that baby come here?" She asked.

"After I drop you to school, I'll go and get him. He'll stay here with me for few hours. By the time, I'd come to fetch you, I'll hand the baby to his mother on my way." I explained.

Her face fell, "I want to play with the baby."

I packed her bag, "But you have to go to school."

"But?"

"Weren't you excited to get promoted and wear an uniform. For that, you have to attend school and as far as the baby is concerned. He lives next door. I'm sure, Aunt Chhavi won't mind if you want to spend some time with the baby."

She beamed, "Really?"

"Yes, let's go otherwise Miss Nida would scold us for being late." I made her wear the bag on her shoulders.

She giggled and we left.

I returned home to find Chhavi at the door with her little toddler in her arms.

"I was just about to come at your doorstep." I told her.

She smiled, "It's alright. I got my errands completed before time. Being my first day, I want to create good impression at the company. Please hold him." She passed her baby in my arms.