Fizah

گھر|Ghar

"کیوں چلتی چلتی رکھ گئی ویران راستوں
تنہا ہون آج بھی، ذرا گھر تک تو ساتھ دو"

The car halted in front of a majestic building that stood high in glory and pride. One sight of it had Fizah sigh for umpteenth time as she thought of the last time she visited. Time really passed fast. The moments she had got to spend here came in waves– mostly the good ones. She remembered how everyone was careful about her and took care of her. The people in the orphanage played a big role in the process of healing. She was happy she could make it this time too. The place that had become her home ever since she accepted her fate.

On the other hand, Zahid was flabbergasted by the sight of it. At the mention of orphanage, he really did imagine something old and average but god this was not average. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he watched her get off the car and walk to the other side.

"You really didn't have to do this but thank you." She gave him a smile and stepped back, turning on her heels and walking away. This so was not it. He didn't come all the way here only to drop her and drive off.

Masking his amusement, he spoke in the most flat tone possible, "I want to go in with you." Fizah stared at him for a second before she nodded at him, sending him her approval. Zahid came out of his car so he could take in the beauty of the building but stood dumbfounded. He couldn't speak. He couldn't form sentences, so it was hard for him to comment on her home. It was totally opposite to his imagination.

"S-" Her words stopped midway when her eyes settled on the man beside her and she sighed as if she could hear his thoughts, "This used to be a British general's residence. I hope that answers your question." She explained with a small smile of adoration. This was her home. A place that taught her everything. However, Zahid bothered not to say a word as he stood, leaning against the car. He could vouch that this place could house atleast a fifty. It was that majestic.

Considering his bewilderment, Fizah decided to play with him for a moment, "I know that feeling, I felt the same thing not so long ago." She fluttered her eyelashes, smiling a fake apologetic smile before running away from him.

Taking small steps, Fizah walked through the door, wanting to bask in the moment for a while. It had come to where the orphanage was more homely than her home itself. It had the warmth of people who cared just enough for her to grow into a woman of independence– where she didn't have to be dependent on any walking creations. It had the warmth of love of his sister and brother– Ayda and Hamza.

The hallways gave out the presence of no one. She could hear the rustling of leaves on the trees and crumbling of dried leaves as she started to walk in the lawn. The lawn used to be her favourite hangout. She used to study and eat there.

"Hamza?" She called as she saw a familiar figure sit by the trunk of the tree. Hamza turned to her direction and his face lit up in happiness. He was sad after she told him that she might not make it to the orphanage this eid because of the hearing. It was not only eid the next day, it was his birthday too and he wanted her to be with him on his birthday.

"I thought you would be out as dead today? How come are up on a day before eid?" Although he loved her, he could not let her have the satisfaction of making him happy. That's what brothers did. Fizah scowled before she sat on the ground, next to him.

"Forget it." She yawned at the mention of sleep. Hamza sat next to her and continued what he was doing, "Where is everyone?"

"In the backyard." Hamza replied, closing his eyes and rested his head on the tree trunk.

"Why are you here alone?"

"Because being a birthday boy can be tough at times. They are trying to do something for me since I'll be leaving in a few months." There was a glint of sadness in his voice. It was small but it was there. She knew how it felt.