Adam clutched the window bars with a childlike fervor, as if he could ascend into the sky, much like a kid gripping a kite string. His gaze remained fixed on the heavens. As Qatar Airways soared from the runway and pierced the vast expanse of the matte-black sky, his eyes bulged wide, akin to a newborn witnessing the world beyond home for the first time.
Tonight, the moon chose to stay distant, casting its silvery glow into someone else's darkness, tracing fate with ethereal footprints. Earth engaged in a celestial quarrel, veiling the stars behind clouds. Moonflowers withheld their bloom, and the city embraced an early slumber.
Yet, silence found no sanctuary in Adam's world. His phone clamored with a symphony of beeps, whistles, and countless messages. Even Muezza, wearied, scrutinized her whiskers, paws, and a slightly burdensome belly. Contrary to the subdued atmosphere, Adam stood on the pinnacle of elation, akin to a mountaineer on the brink of conquering Everest. Goosebumps adorned him as he pondered solely on tomorrow, his excitement erupting into ecstatic yells that resonated with the sky.
Today wasn't supposed to unfold like this. "You should have orchestrated the stars and moon, instructed the flowers to bloom, dear sky," he mused. Strange occurrences often accompany moments of profound significance, a narrative crafted by nature itself.
Phone Ringing
Adam seized the call with infectious enthusiasm, and Kaushik's voice echoed, "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?"
"Mr. Kaushik Kumar, sleep eludes me. Tomorrow's possibilities dance in my thoughts!"
"You've weathered seven years, achieved unprecedented success, and now you're apprehensive about tomorrow?"
"Not apprehensive, just surreal. It all feels like a dream. How can everything align so perfectly? I feel like I'm soaring."
"That you are!"
"Why are you calling when I should be sleeping, you nincompoop?"
"I can't sleep either. It's your big day. I took the week off; I'm stressed for you!"
"Don't play dad. Tell me about Aladdin! Did he find the lamp (chuckles)?"
"Heard he's hitchhiking for rare tiger photos. His phone's off; he won't know about you for a week."
"Don't miss you guys!"
"We don't miss you either. In fact, we hate you, dude!"
"Okay, wish me bad luck, and let me sleep. I have to fly 300 humans across oceans, meet my family, and endure Mom's chappal beatings after seven years!"
"Well then, best of luck, dude. Did Laila call Majnun?"
"Nope! We vowed not to talk today."
"Beautiful couples. Duh!"
"Okay, Bye!"
"Assalaamu Alaikum!"
"Wa alaikum!"
Adam tossed the phone (gracefully onto the couch), took a deep breath, and leaped into bed. A hundred thoughts swirled. Adam firmly believed our pre-sleep musings materialize in dreams. He had envisioned this moment and every beautiful facet of tomorrow countless times. Such moments, anticipated with every heartbeat, transformed into magical reality within hours. Behind these moments lay a tapestry of a hundred stories and precise lessons. People materializing from nowhere to alter life's course, a coward extracting courage to endure—Adam vividly recalled these instances.
Seven years had passed without glimpsing his mother's face, the most joyous countenance in his life. "Among billions alive, I love you the most, Ma!" were his parting words. In his darkest hours, she propelled him forward with her light. Tomorrow, as he announced, "This is your Captain Adam Ali," envision the celebrations echoing in her heart. Tears of years past would sink into her heart, replaced by vibrations of joy coursing through her entire being. Imagine her pride, as her son, who had fled, returned having conquered his every dream.
Tears, whether of joy or sorrow, traced rivulets down his cheeks. What would he do when they met? What would they discuss first? Leaving home on a Friday night and returning as the pilot of her aircraft, countless stories unfolded. A million moments he wished his mother could savor.
Then— the girl who had stolen a piece of his heart. Poets had written about her for centuries, a girl capable of melting mountains with love, a girl with a childlike, innocent smile. Tomorrow, she would officially be his. Unofficially married.
As he landed in Hamad International Airport, hand in hand with his mother, his father, brother, sister, Baba, wife, and both their families awaited outside Arrivals, radiating joy. Wedding celebrations, parties, and finally, bringing his wife home after four years of marriage unfolded like the climax of a movie. The sheer happiness he felt was unparalleled.
Friends made along the journey, like the first rose above others in the garden, touched and embraced Adam and his stories. Their love, unconditional and without reason, became a sanctuary in his prayers. Messages flooded his phone.
With a broad smile and radiant face, sleep crept upon Adam, his eyes fading into darkness. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Because tomorrow, every fiber of his being would wake up to the happiest day of his life.
Muezza, the snow cat, leaped onto the bed and settled down near Adam's face.
