20 March 2015
Today is a rather normal day for me but I miss you all of a sudden. I remember how gloomy you were after your grandfather's death. I don't know why I'm thinking of that right now but it has come to my mind suddenly.
Now I've left our homeland to join my husband in UAE. My little boy has turned an year old. He befriended old ladies at the masjid during today's jumua prayer. I've lied down for a bit because of a bad headache, and suddenly I realize that this is the tenth year without you.
Ten years sound like a long time. Have you been gone that long, Wafa? I somehow can't believe it. It seems like it was just yesterday that we had all those girly talks about periods and crushes. I remember especially the time I fed you some medicinal dates that were brought specially for you... The dull ache that a walk down the memory lane brings on...
I have gone to your house before leaving India. I went to your new house to bid your parents farewell. I even had a quick dinner there because your mother insisted. Reminded me of all the times I've had food with you when I came over to visit you. Then I went to your old house to see your grandmother. I haven't been there in a long time, Wafa. How the house brought back the memories! And your little cousin Yusra-- I can't look at her without thinking of all the times we played with her when she was a baby. Your grandmother looks so tired, worn out. And Yusra is much mature now, the big sister of three young boys.
Things have changed a lot, Wafa.
In spite of everything, life moves on. And I miss our childhood, and wish I could have it back again.
YOU ARE READING
Dear Wafa...
Non-FictionMy letters to my best friend whom I lost to cancer when we were thirteen. #3 in Non-fiction as on 25 July 2016
