Connected Souls

|Chapter 03| Family Issues

As I said, chapter three is here. I hope you all love it.

Azaan
That voice... That sweet as honey voice was imprinted in my head. The delicacy and the politeness in that voice pulled me towards it and I found myself lost in it unintentionally. I've never seen anyone as simple as her. The white dress only adds more to her beauty. It's been three days since that encounter but her voice was just stuck in my mind. I kept hearing her voice everywhere. Right now, I'm sitting in my home's lounge. It was almost dinner time but there was no sign of baba. Mama was getting worried by each time passing. She was literally pacing the hallway and Nazish Phupoo was trying her best to calm her down. At one point, phupoo almost begged her
"Bhabhi Khuda ka wasta ha Beth jayen. You will get ill."
Translation: (for god's sake Farah sit down.)
Finally I stood up from the couch and walked towards her. I lightly grabbed her by the shoulder and comforted her
"Mama, it's ok. He must be in traffic."
But mama paid no heed to my words and spoke, her voice was shaking might be from fear
"But his phone is off and he had told me that he left the office around 3 hours ago. Where he might be, Azaan?"
Phupoo finally made her sit and offered her water. I can't see mama like this. She seems too worried and I almost slammed my phone on the table in anger. Baba was always so inconsiderate in mama's matter. He should have known better that mama can't handle stress. She had high BP problem yet still baba kept making her worried by his reckless ways. Soon, we all heard the door opening and entered Zohaan and Baba. Zohaan sat down on the chair before greeting everyone. Mama instantly grabbed baba by shoulder and asked him in almost cracking voice
"Ap Kahan the? Mae Kitna pareshan thi. "
Translation:(where were you? I was really worried.)
Baba sighed and then explained the situation
"I'm sorry, Farah. My battery died and then the car broke down and the awful traffic only made the situation out of the control."
Mama shook her head and recite Ayat-ul-Kursi on baba. My mother really loves him. Phupoo smiled seeing the bond between them but I saw a sheen of water glistening her eyes. The death of uncle really shook her. They were so in love and that one tragic night end everything for them. Phupoo always tries to conceal her emotions but we all know how much she missed her husband (Bazid). Zohaan noticed it and gently rubbed his mom's shoulder. Phupoo advised baba
"Bhai, you should never do that again. It was really hard to control bhabhi. "
Baba looked guilty and mama just turned her eyes away. To lighten up the mood, I spoke
"Let's eat everyone. I'm really hungry right now."
Then we all made our way to the dining area but Zohaan and Baba went to get fresh first.
****
We were all eating and chattering together. But then Baba cleared his throat and hesitantly informed us
"I got a call from Ahsan. Uhh...he is coming here tomorrow."
Everyone on the table became silent. Why not they? Ahsan Chachu (Uncle) and his family had created very serious situations in the past which turned our relationship sour. It's all family politics. Chachi seemed to have problems all the time which resulted in numerous arguments in this house. And now they're coming back, I'm sure they are up to something. I know I shouldn't speak about them like this but I can't do anything. When baba got no response, he was about to say something when mama spoke up
"It's ok. Let them come. It's his house too anyways. I'll handle them."
Baba smiled at mama and we all resumed eating acting that baba didn't just tell us that his brother and his super dramatic family is landing here tomorrow. Let's just hope that everything goes well. Ameen.
****
Mirha
I was helping mama in the kitchen. Maha was in the lounge doing her homework mostly while mama was busy preparing the dinner. Saman appi had left this morning as Ali Bhai had returned from Leeds and now they both will spend as much time together to make up for the time they lost. I admired their relationship. With this hard job, Ali Bhai still find ways to contact appi and asked about her well being and also he can't forget his junior, his son Izhaan. Izhaan was Ali Bhai's life. Izhaan always cheered up his mood and bhai could do anything to see the smile on his face. I wished I also got someone as supporting and loving as Ali Bhai. My appi was gem and in return she also got a selfless person who I'm sure would never ever mistreat her. As I was lost in my own dreamland I didn't realize that I was about to slit my finger if mama hadn't shouted my name in pure horror. I jerked off from my thoughts and heard mama sighing in relief. She instantly came towards me and took my hands in her. She strated examining it like a doctor making me chuckle. She jerked up to me and glared at me. She shook her head and scolded me
"You were about to get hurt and instead of saying sorry you are laughing, Mirha."
I held her by shoulder and calmed her down
"Mama relax. I wasn't even hurt. Stop worrying so much."
She smiled and kissed my palm. I beamed at her gesture. She is the most loving. Mama cupped my cheek and stated lovingly
"Mirha, you sisters are my everything. I can't imagine any harm on the three of you. I just couldn't bear it but I knew that I can't always be there to protect you all. You should be careful my child. You hadn't even seen the slight worse of this world and I dearly hope that you've never."
Lastly, she kissed my forehead and smiled. Mama got divorced when Maha was only three months old. She handled a toddler and two barely 3 years old daughters alone. Mama did two jobs to feed us and give us a healthy environment. My father did send money but it was not enough to feed our expanses. Mama was always worried and I had even seen her crying while resting her head on the prayer matt. She never cried infront of us but she cried infront of her God. She taught us in the best schools possible and gave us a fabulous upbringing. My father sometimes come to meet us but it was once in the blue moon. It seems like he didn't even care about us as he got his new wife taking care of him now. I never disrespected him as mama always taught us to give him respect as he is our Father. But whatever my mama had to go through because of him, I can only imagine it in my worst nightmare. How could baba possibly left her? She is a real gem.
***
We three were sitting on the dining table. We were eating quietly when Maha chirped
"Mama, I need some money."
Mama eyed her suspiciously and asked her
"But didn't I already give you your monthly money Budget?"
Maha rolled her eyes and answered in a careless tone
"That was not even enough, mama. It was wasted in buying the stationery stuff."
I don't know why but Maha's behavior was ringing something. She had increased her demands. She kept nagging mama about the money issue. She always stayed up the whole night. I don't know but I'm smelling something fishy and tonight I will find my answers from her. Mama didn't say anything and it made her restless and she said in a desperate way
"C'mon mama don't think too much. Just give me some money."
I know our situation right now is tight. But I can't let it show to Maha. She would definitely tell it to baba as she is in contact with him and then he'll find ways to insult mom and I don't ever want that. I hurriedly spoke before mama could reply
"I will give you some. But use it only when necessary."
She rolled her eyes but nodded anyways. After the dinner, Maha was washing the dishes when I came there. As she kept the last plate away, I shoot away my question
"Maha, can we talk? I need to discuss something important with you."
But before she could say something,the doorbell rung. Maha looked towards the gate and then at me. She told me before going to open the door
"First let me see who's there."
I was tapping the countertop waiting for her when I heard her shocking voice from the hallway
"What are you doing here?"
****
Okay guys, here it is. Who do you think is on the door?
If you like the chapter then do tell me in the comment section. Share it with your friends too..
Till then, lots of love
Allah Hafiz
***