ONE in a Billion

Nine

I sat in class thinking about my career in Pakistan.

I always wanted to live in America, I don't know why, but I just did. And now I experienced that too.

And Europe. I'm not going back there. Its not like I don't like Europe. I lived in Ireland for 7 years, and I think I'm over Europe.

My plan was to live in America after getting married but I don't want that anymore.

I want to go to Pakistan. And I want to live there until my last breath.

I always had this connection with Pakistan that none of my other Pakistani friends had. Its like, I was in absolute love with Pakistan. My heart always craved for going back.

But one thing always scared me. This one cousin of mine. I didn't like him but I was engaged to him. I'm pretty sure I was like four years old when this happened. It wasn't anything official but my Tayi Ammi always said that one day I'll be her son's bride.

But that wouldn't be a problem if I joined the army.

School flew by. I was actually waiting for Geography class, but it ended up that Mr. Blake was sick. I really wanted to talk to him about Aria, and wanted to make sure that he nows all the terms of the deal I had with him.

Not any serious terms, like frades or anything. I just want to make sure that my name doesn't come in this.

I take the bus home and reach there as soon as I can. I really want to talk to my dad about joining the Pakistani Army and make sure no one I the family have any problem with it.

That includes, my brother and sister and my parents.

I enter the living room and everyone is sitting there already.

"I was going to talk to you all but it seems like you have something to day to me too." I break the awkward silence.

"We all ate totally fine with you joining the army." My mum starts, "But..."

"But what?" I ask.

"We should just ask your Tayi Ammi and Taya Abbu once before we apply." My dad finishes.

"Baba, no one is asking them foe there opinion. I don't care if they are okay with it or not. I am not marrying Sufyaan Bhai anyways. Enf of story."

"Have some manners, they're your Taya Abbu and Tayi Ammi."

"Mama, manners are on one side and this is on the other. You can't ask  them to decide my life. Every girl builds her own career before getting married and her husband and his family have to accept the girl with what her career is. And who said I am marrying their son. Meri toh jooti bhi os se shaadi na kere."

With that said I leave the room telling them that I'm going for a walk at the park.

Tears streaming down my cheeks and with puffy eyes, I take out my phone and ring Aria, but it goes straight to voicemail.

Without thinking, I pressed the next contact in my recents and I called it.

Someone answered the call but stayed quite.

I started sniffling.

"Hoorain?"

And that's where it ended. His voice. I heard it. I knew who I called. And he heard me cry. I quickly ended the call.

He called again.

I declined the call.

He called again.

And I declined.

He called for the third time.

My heart and my brain started fighting. World War 3 started between them. I didn't now what to do.

I answered the call.

"Hoorain."

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

His voice was beautiful. Aria would be very unlucky to lose him.

"Hmm."

"Where are you?"

"At the park."

"What park?"

"The one close to my house."

"What's the name of the park?"

"I don't know."

"Ask someone."

"Daniel?"

"Why am I talking to you?"

"Because you want someone to talk to."

"Why are you talking to me?"

"Because.."

"Because?"

"Because I want to talk to you."

"Daniel?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm so done with my life. I don't want to live like this."

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Hoorain, come one, you have to tell me."

"Bye Daniel."

"Hoorain, wait."

"What?"

"I need you."

"Wha-?"

"I do."

"Daniel, I have to go."

"Meet me once. Just once. I just have to see what you look like in person. I promise it won't take long, only 5 minutes, I promise."

"I'm getting on the bus for Rosswood and I'll be there in 20 minutes. I'm taking the same bus back. I can only see you on the one on the way back."

"You have no idea how happy I am."

"Bye."

Dm- Dad

8 April 17:32

I'm talking the bus to Rosswood
I'll be home in an hour

Ok, that's fine
Be safe.

I'm gonna take a quick
look at the house,
Take pictures and come back

Perfect.
Send me the pictures

Ok 👍👍👍

***

I reach Rosswood, get of the bus, go into the estate, near our new house and take some photos.

I come back just in time for the next bus and jump aboard.

I was about to meet the stranger I've been talking to for a whole week.

Was he as nice in person?

I climb the double decker and grab a seat in the back.

I check my phone for messages.

No New Messages

The bus starts.

He didn't come.

Tears start rolling down my cheeks again.

"You really have to stop crying." I hear a voice from behind.