Slowly Becoming Mine

Slowing Becoming Mine (2)

Waliyah's P.O.V.

The Qureshi home was buzzing with guests for the past two hours,  congratulating Api and Bhai for their fourth anniversary, and giving Dua shagun (Gift consisting of money). Sitting in the corner with Amma and Baba, I admire their full and loving family.  

Baba gently took my hand in his as soon as he saw me and kept it with him as I leaned against him, everything was so perfect at this moment. Of course, if I could share this happiness with Samar it would be a whole other thing, but even if I can share it with my immediate family, it made me happy. "Api looks so happy," I said quietly to Baba, 

Who sighed in return, "I know," He whispered back, "Her small family is so beautiful."

"I know," Getting comfortable against his body, "I am so happy for her."

Baba looked down at me, "Are you happy where you are?" He always asked me this, and answering was becoming harder and harder each time. "Wafa?"

"Baba,"

"Do not lie," He caught up with my plan right away, 

"No," I admitted, "I am not happy," I could not lie anymore, how could I when they obviously saw to what extent Samar when to make my life miserable? "But-"

"Always know that our home's doors are always open for you." Baba cut me off, "You have sacrificed enough Wafa, think about yourself now, I am giving you permission." My body filled with relief, "I do not care about what anyone says, I never have but I know you care about what they say for my sake." I lifted my head off of Baba's chest.  "Wafa," He gently moved the hair away from my cheek, "Please, begin living for yourself."

"I understand Baba," I say, 

Baba pulled me to him closer, almost as if he was trying to protect me from my own self, but there was only so much he could do. "Baba?"

"Mhm?"

"Let me think it over," I have begun to live for myself to an extent, I work, I have my own schedule, I have nothing to do with. Samar other than doing his laundry and essentials. Maybe, I could pull myself away from him more through. Ayra's wedding. Maybe, I could finally stop waiting for something that was never mine. 

. . . 

"Samar abhi tak nahi aaya." (Samar is still not home) Mahira Ammi said pacing around the room, everyone had left, leaving just family members at our home.  "Atif, phone kiya na tumne?"

Bhai nodded, "Mami, he is just not answering." It was almost close to midnight, but this was usual behavior of his, whenever there was a function, he disappeared and came back drunk when he thought. everyone was sleeping. No one knows Samar drinks other than me, it is Haram, he knows, I know. . .and if Adeel Baba finds out, I do not know what he will do. 

Praying to Allah that he does not show up drunk I nervously bit my lip, I had tried making everyone go to sleep, but because of how long no one had contact with him, Ammi was not listening. Slumping back onto the couch, I kept my gaze down worried about what he was going to do next. 

An hour passed and everyone was still  up, until we heard the front doors open roughly and slam shut loudly, "Waliyah!" Samar called my name aggressively, my stomach churned in anticipation.  "Waliyah!"

Swallowing harshly I went to stand up but Ammi sat me back down crossing her arms, obviously not liking the tone he was calling my name in. Soon Samar stumbled his way into the living room, holding a beer bottle. Mahira Ammi gasped covering her mouth, "Yah Allah,"