Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Forty Six

"Hamza, what are you doing here?"

I lifted my head to look at the man who has been my huge support system and my partner in the corporate world.

"I'm working." I stated the obvious and started reading the file again.

"Oh Come On. Now! It's almost eleven." He told me and my eyes moved to the clock on the wall.

It was eleven already.
I really need to keep a track of my time.

"Anyway, now stop it. It's Friday today. You're coming with me to my house." He pulled me up by his arm and shut my laptop with the other one.

"Why?"

"Hamza, which planet are you living on?" He rolled his eyes.

"As far as I know, this is Earth or am I on Mars?" I tried to humor him but he shook his head at my lame attempt.

"Seriously, you need a life or a wife for that matter. Anyway, Nidhi and I are inviting you for dinner so that we could also celebrate your birthday at midnight." He reminded me.

I smiled at him at his gesture. He knew my family was away and he didn't want me to be alone on birthday.

Advait and Nidhi were one of the nicest people I knew. They were practically my family after the one that I already have.

"Thanks for inviting me but I have to postpone this invitation for next time. I have to offer prayers then you know, Sana would be calling me and then I have to visit Rabia tomorrow early." I said and stopped to see his lips twitched in amusement.

"What?" I asked and he raised his hands in the air.

"Nothing. Atleast I'm glad that you're not thinking about work now."

"Shut up." And he laughed.

"Apologize to Nidhi on my behalf."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because that's a routine for you." I joked before the shutting the door on him and hearing him hurl few curses.

Irritating him was something I thoroughly enjoyed.

I rushed home to quickly offer my Ishaa prayer.

After I was done, I waited to hear the usual Skype ringtone and it eventually did.
I quickly answered to see two of my favourite people in one frame.

"Happy Birthday Mamu." Sana wished me and I heard Iqra admonishing my little niece, her daughter.

"Volume Sana, you would wake your Abba."

I pursed my lips. Yasir always slept early and this was expected of him. I knew, he would wish me early tomorrow at six which would be seven thirty as per my Indian Standard Time.

"Assalam alaikum Bhai, Happy Birthday." It was Iqra this time.

"Walaikum assalam. Thank you Iqra. How are you all?"

"What's there to complain in Dubai. I'm happy and healthy." She pointed toward her stomach.

Yes, I am going to be a Mamu again.

"How's Ammi?"

"She would be here any moment. Well to answer your question, she's disappointed that she's not with you today." She replied.

"It's okay. It's just a matter of few days then I would definitely visit you."

"You're never keep your promises. You said the same thing when we were in Chicago yet you never came to meet us."