Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Thirty One

Today was one of the days when I was exhilarated. Chhavi paid me for babysitting Gaurav. Even though it's not much but I'm contented and thankful for it.
Looking at the packet, I realised how good I felt to hold it. I can fulfil some of my child's wishes now.

My joy had no bounds especially when it brought this change to my life where I could do something that I absolutely love.
Gaurav was anything but handy. He was a happy child and taking care of him made me delighted. Those few hours were untroubled. They tranquilized me. At times, when Bushra had a holiday, she played with him.

I know, how much she adores him. My heart constricted with a pang knowing how much she wanted a sibling.
I want to give world to my daughter but I can't fulfil this particular wish.

Nevertheless, this Saturday is Bushra's birthday.
My baby turns a year older.
We never celebrated her special day or any other day let alone Eid because of our monetary problems but this time I want to.

Last week, one of her friends from school had her birthday party organised and my daughter was elated just to be invited.

This time, I'll leave no stones unturned to make her buoyant.
Now that I have this cash with me, I can atleast buy her a dress that she yearns. Every year, I made dresses out of my old sarees and she never complained but this time, I'll purchase something beautiful for her to wear.
I'll ask for Nida's help to bake a cake and prepare some of her favourite food.

She's going to be surprised.
As I thought about it, I forgot that I had so much to do.

I carefully placed the packet of the money in the drawer and got started with my. chores.

That day, I told Nida about my plan when I went to pick Bushra from school. Thankfully, my daughter was busy with her friends.

"This is exciting! I'll definitely help you with it." Nida clapped her hand.

"Will you be able to bake a cake?" I asked her.

"Obviously! It's no big deal, Rabia."

"Thank you." I squeezed her hand.

"You're thanking me for nothing. This is the least I can do for her. She's my niece but outside the school."

I smiled gratefully while my daughter ran to me and hugged me.

"Ammi!" She squealed. I pecked her head.

"How was your day?"

"Great! Today we had our first art class. We made paper boats. See I made this little one." She stretched her hand high for me to notice.

"It's lovely, my dear." I patted her arm and she beamed at me.

"Come, let's go home."

We bid goodbyes to her friends and Nida before we walked back home.

Aslam was back home and was reading something which I didn't bother to notice.
Bushra sat next to him with her paper boat, pinning for her father's attention to show him her achievement.

Aslam didn't acknowledge her presence. My heart broke at the sight. My daughter didn't share with Aslam even the quarter of the bond that I had with my father.

She tried her best but Aslam lacked on being what he was supposed to be.
I knew somewhere he loved her like any parent would do but he failed majority of the time, letting his it out.
Earlier, I used to intervene but it was useless.
He was a stone-hearted man with no emotions. The only thing that reeked from him was rage.

It was pointless to even remind him about our daughter's birthday. He never wished us on any occasions. His memory was as bad as his attitude.

I brushed off my thoughts and started preparing tea for him.

Bushra was tired so she fell asleep on the couch. I picked her up and placed her on the bed.
This was the perfect opportunity for me to sneak out and purchase her birthday present.

I tip-toed to the drawer where I had kept the money.
To my astonishment, the packet was missing.

Where's the brown envelope?

I remember, keeping it here. Bushra can't open this drawer, she can't even reach it.

I turned to Aslam. He was sipping his tea.

"Did you see the brown envelope in the drawer?" I asked him.

He didn't answer me.

"Aslam!" I softly muttered his name.

He finally looked up but still didn't respond.

"Did you see the packet I had kept here?"

His mouth twitched, "If you're talking about the money then I took it for my own thing."

I curled my fist in anger.

"It was my salary." I told him.

"Which I used for my expense." He replied.

I inhaled sharply.

"You could have simply told me that you needed money before taking it."

He banged his fist on the table.

"Do I have to ask you for every little thing, bitch?" His voice got louder.

"I had intended to buy Bushra a present for her birthday." I said as tears brimmed in my eyes.

"Don't forget Rabia, you're allowing that kid here because I let you do it and what is this birthday nonsense? Simply money wasting hobby." He gritted his teeth and banged the cup on the table, shattering the glass pieces on the floor.

I flinched.

"You live under my roof, I've spent alot on you and your daughter. Every penny is mine and I can spend it without asking for your permission. Next time, you raise your voice on this topic and I'll throw that baby out. No need to babysit that bastard." He spat and stormed to his room.

I closed my eyes. I felt suffocated and needed some air to breathe.

Without thinking much, I walked out to calm myself.

I didn't care where I was going. I just needed to liberate myself at the moment.

I had so much of the things planned in my head but now, Aslam had ruined everything again.

It was my money that I kept for my daughter. I had never touched his money ever. He was the one who gave me for running the household and it was never sufficient enough. Yet, I was grateful for the hardwork he did.
If he wanted it so urgently then atleast, he could have told me that he was taking it for whichever reason he needed for.

Was this just for today?

Will I ever get to keep the money I earn or do I have to simply give it to him?

I cupped my face.
When I thought that I had something to offer to my daughter, I felt helpless again.

My feet were hurting and I stopped.
I found myself in the park, sitting on the bench.

My breath was heavier from running.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching.

"Rabia, is that you?"

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Hello everyone!

Another update.

I know the updates are slow but
I feel very low these days.
Especially with so much negativity around us.

Anyway, I hope you like the chapter.

Keep supporting me.
I really need it.

Please vote and comment.

Until next time.
❤️❤️❤️