Lost In An Arid Land

Chapter Six

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The ride home was an awkwardly silent one, as they both were speechless, processing their thoughts over what happened earlier. They were filled with feelings of shock and disbelief, with their thoughts waging war in their brains.

They all entered the house without uttering a word. Coming in contact with their mum and their little brother in the living room, the little boy jumped to his feet, giving them a warm welcome with his smile.
Ashraf, Ya Ibrahim said as he picked the little boy up, with the boy’s smile lifting up their moods, making them feel a bit relieved. When will you take me to the park? He asked almost at the same time making them remember their encounter once again.
Anytime I am free, I will take you out, it might be tomorrow or next week. And with this, the boy squeaked before he was dropped on the couch. We will not take you anywhere, Sumayyah said, clearly teasing him but the glare she got from her mother made her keep her antics to herself, laughing quietly.

They had both joined their mother, but this time in silence. Mum, Sumayyah called breaking the silence. Hajiya Rabi wanted to reprimand her for calling her that, as she always claimed ‘mama’ was a better name, but the seriousness she saw on her daughter’s face made her to let the sleeping dog lie.

What is it? She asked her, clearly concerned but it was silence that ensued as both of them did not know how to break the news to her. Would they tell her they have seen Khadeejah, to arouse her excitement only for it to die down after telling her the whole story?

You know I hate being kept in suspense right? She declared, clearly getting fed up with the silence. Sumayyah looked over to her brother, pleading with her eyes for him to come to her aid.
Ibrahim, What is this all about? Or did she land herself in a trouble bigger than she could take? She asked, this time her voice as stern as it could get.
Uhm, the thing is that, I think we saw Khadeejah. And immediately she heard this, her eyes widened in excitement, but stopped halfway as she was hit by a realisation. You think? You are not sure who you saw or what? And what is with the uneasiness I am getting from you both?
The thing is that, we saw a replica of her, but totally different at the same time, and she does not seem to recognise us, I guess. Ibrahim explained.

Did you see her or you did not see her? And if you saw her like you said, are you sure you saw the right person? Because it is unlike her to not recognise you, I mean there are photos right? She attacked them with array of questions.

Well, to cut the story short, Sumayyah added. She walked out on us. That having said, Hajiya Rabi stared at them both, mouth agape for few seconds. You know what? I am sure she was not the one you saw, probably a look alike. You know you both have not seen her for a while now, you might have started forgetting how she looked. She said, trying to sound convincing to even herself, as they both had raised her hopes of seeing her little girl once again.

Hmm I am sure she is the one, no doubt about it. Sumayyah added, with much emphasis. I just do not know what happened along the way, maybe she is sick or something, or maybe she has forgotten who we are, but the resemblance is too striking to be untrue.

Describe the lady you saw today, because your statements are contradictory. Her mum said, trying to clear her confused mind. She is slim, slender, dark in complexion, and her eyes hold much coldness in them. A look from her would send shivers down the spine of people, I, excluded though. I know her too well to be moved. Sumayyah said, with her usual dramatic approach.

Save us that Sumayyah. You talk as if you were not the one that was rendered speechless moments ago. When she walked out on us, what did you do but stare in awe and defeat. Ya Ibrahim added laughing and their mum joined too.
Interesting, tell me more. Hajiya Rabi said completely taken aback by the news. So there is someone who could render a parrot speechless? I would like to meet her, to know what kind of person she is because this is hilarious. She concluded, laughing her heart out, leaving Sumayyah with a frown on her face.