Irreversible

⚜♚31. Father ♚⚜

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*

Arsalan

When I was seven, I won my first writing competition at school. The topic was 'My Hero'. I wrote it on Papa.

I wrote about how strong he was as he was able to take care of, and protect, all of us. And he also treated all of us fairly.

He is strength.

He is our support.

He is our protector.

He is the head of the family, and we all look up to him.

And in my love for my wife, I had ended up making such a horrid accusation against him in front of Mama. My family, especially Papa, had never given me a reason to make such accusations, and I had. And now Mama was hurt, and I was guilty.

Papa doesn't even know what happened, but I need to make it up to him. I had no right to say such things about my father, the most fair person I know.

*

Rehan

I sat down, wincing, massaging my temples. This is such a bad timing for a headache.

"Uncle, are you okay?" A soft voice made me look up. Tahira looked concerned as she entered the room. 

"I'm okay, beta. Just a little headache." I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Are you okay to travel though?" She sat down beside me. "Anabia Aunty would understand if you postpone." 

"She needs me, bachay. I can't postpone." I muttered.

"Rohaan Bhai and Yamna are there, Saim Mamu is there, Saba Chachi is there, and Kamran Nana. She's not alone, Uncle. But travelling might make you feel worse." 

"I'll have a painkiller, Tahira. Don't worry." I stood up. "And besides, even with all those people around, I know that Anabia won't fully open up to anyone the way she does with me." 

"Ma Sha Allah." She smiled, also standing up. 

"Is Arsal not up yet?" I asked her.

"No, I think he's still jet lagged." She pursed her lips thoughtfully for a few moments. "Can I drive you to the airport?" 

"Sure, that would be nice." I headed to the back room to say goodbye to my parents. 

As I entered the room, I instantly spotted my favourite photo: I was sitting with six-year-old Hoor and Haya on my lap, while three-year-old Ro and two-year-old Arsal, stood beside me with their arms around my neck. My little monkeys. 

"Kids grow up so fast." Mum's voice made me turn. She was smiling at me. "Look at you, Ma Sha Allah." 

I went to sit down beside her. "Yes, Mum. Time flies. Look at Yas. Even has been like a kid to me, and now..." I winced as another pang of pain shot through my head.

"Headache?" She asked.

"Just a bit. I had been up the last two nights." 

"Why? Writing?" 

"No. Just sorting through the bills and stuff. Anabia and I might have moved out, but I still need to sort things out when it comes to the house. Plus, Arsal wanted to convert the loft into a writing space, so I was trying to find a good company to do loft conversions."