Forbidden ✓

Family and Bonds

                 Six (6) Years Later

Mastoorah

I was so tired right now.

When we finally made our way to the car, I realized I hadn't even caught my breath for a while now. I was sweating, breathless, and completely exhausted. But the girls sitting next to me didn't show one bit of what I was feeling. They seemed happy, still fresh and jovial.

Well, shopping made some girls pleased. Eizal and Aliha were among them. As far as I was concerned, being in crowded places was something I absolutely hated. However, the event for which this trouble was happening was auspicious and this made the remaining bit of fatigue in me to rub off me.

In just a month, Eizal's nikkah was about to happen. And she was very much satisfied and delighted about it. Balaj Bhai was a software engineer and three years senior to her as well. In this way, it was like a love marriage. When Balaj Bhai had proposed to her, she had clearly told him that she was in no way in favor of dating and that if he was really serious about her, then he should bring his proposal in front of her parents. And she would only accept him if her parents agreed.

I sometimes felt this so beautiful. Eizal was way more bolder, extroverted, outspoken. but she had values taught to her by her own parents and she didn't leave them. The nice, good-looking, and cheerful Balaj Bhai wasn't something one wouldn't like. Hence Aunt Ajwa and Uncle Faris conceded.

It had been four years I had been living among them. When I got admission into a medical college, I had to come to Uncle Faris's parents' house because my college was near to it. And if I wouldn't, then the last option was the hostel.

There I spent more time with Uncle Faraan. And I wouldn't deny; he had a mind-blowing presence and he possessed a sea of knowledge and wisdom. Maybe becoming a doctor became my passion because of Uncle Faris, but learning more about my religion was something I got a liking for because of my own curiosity and Faraan Uncle.

I didn't know why he didn't have a family. And why did he live away from all others? As far as I knew, he was doing some work before coming back to his house. He remained alone mostly; quiet and often busy with prayers. There was no single instant when I didn't find his lips moving as he mostly was praying supplications. And that was a blessing I truly enjoyed. He had taught me so many good things. I had completed the translated version of the Holy Quran under his supervision. His notes which he had made were so brilliantly written and they showed his intellect.

Uncle Faraan wasn't anyone less nice than his brother. And the same way he gave me fatherly feelings. Even sometimes I found that affection in his eyes for me which I saw in Uncle Faris' eyes for Ajwa, for Nayab, and Aliha in the eyes of their father.

As far as Uncle Faris' family was concerned, then Eizal's interest was also different and unique as she herself was. She had chosen an engineering degree because she loved mathematics and physics. Imad was also following his sister's footsteps. While Iyad had a liking for the military. In fact, he had joined the Pakistan Military Academy two years ago.

Today was a very charming day. The preparation of Eizal's nikah was in full swing. Friday of the next week, the elders had decided on this blessed occasion. And we were just doing some last-minute shopping now. Eizal had to choose her nikkah dress and matching accessories. Even though she was just twenty-two years old and was still studying, but Balaj Bhai's family was in favor of early marriages. Hence now the nikkah was going to happen and their official marriage would only be when Eizal would complete her studies.

                      ________________

The blue sea with charring sun rays was again filling thunders of fear in my heart. I couldn't even find my voice to make some noise. It was so disturbing that I shut my eyes but my feet didn't stop their journey towards the water.  Suddenly, I remembered my mother's advice. I tried to recite Ayat Al Kursi but suddenly, my mind turned blank. I completely forgot the words and it increased my terror more. I tried to get hold of my necklace but found nothing on my throat.