"Where is Aneesa? She must have gone to her sister's house again." When Omar entered the house alone, Farahana guessed.
"Yes, she is at Mahenoor's house."
"Alright, I'll prepare dinner. You go ahead and eat."
"No, Mom. I've already eaten."
"Alright then."
"Mom, I'm going to Islamabad tomorrow morning."
"For what reason?"
"I'm going to take Aneesa for a little outing. Zakaria uncle suggested it, and I also have some personal work there."
"Alright, take your sister with you. She'll enjoy the outing too."
"Mom, I'm going there for work."
"Then take Anum with you."
"Mom, please...I know why you're saying all this. ... I'm not a little child. How can I take Mashal or Anum with me everywhere?"
"You can take Aneesa with you, but not Anum and Mashal?"
"Mom, I'm going to rest, and I have to leave early in the morning for Islamabad. Please wake me up early." Ignoring his mother's questions, Umer went into his room.
☆☆☆☆☆
It was seven in the morning. Kabeer, Shayan, and Mahenoor were having breakfast. Kabeer asked Mahenoor about Aneesa; he remembered their conversation from last night.
"Has Aneesa woken up?"
"Yeah, she's awake. She sleeps again after Fajr prayer, it's her habit. She'll be here shortly, don't worry."
"I thought... maybe she was upset about our conversation last night."
"No... no."
"Okay. Doesn't she know that one should not sleep after the Fajr prayer because the brightness fades away from the face? You guys never stopped her?"
"We all used to advise her against it, but it's become a habit for her, and habits are hard to break." Mahenoor was spreading jam on bread for Shayan when Aneesa arrived.
"Good morning everyone."
"Good morning dear", Kabeer smiled.
"Have breakfast quickly; Omar will come to pick you up." Mahenoor handed her some bread.
"Where is she going?" Kabeer asked.
"Aneesa is going to Islamabad. Omar will come to pick her up."
"Not Islamabad... I'm going to Murree..." Aneesa replied while spreading butter on her bread, and her response shocked Mahenoor.
"What... are you out of your mind?" She stood up.
"Do only out of mind people go to Murree? Can't I go?" She continued to eat her bread.
"Kabeer! Are you watching this? Is this a child? She's young? Are you seeing her behavior? Should you tell the family?
"If I had told the family, I might not have been sitting here in Lahore. What's the big deal?"
"Aneesa! Your sister is right; if you don't inform at home, you won't be allowed to go to Murree. If something happens to you there, who will be responsible?"
"Where am I going alone? Omar will be with me. Nothing will happen to me. And Mahenoor! Don't worry; I've talked to Omar; he won't tell Dad anything. Plus, when will I get such an opportunity again? Let it be, please. I'll meet Kashmala there as well. I promise I won't do anything mischievous.
"And should I trust you?"
"Okay, I'll come back soon." She signaled to convince Mahenoor through Kabeer.
"Fine, let her go." Kabeer took Aneesa's side. "Besides, we won't be at home, so what can she do alone?"
"Why are you going?" Aneesa asked, watching them.
"We're going somewhere outside to hang out. My break period is going on." Kabeer informed Aneesa.
"So, all three of you should come with us," Aneesa suggested.
"No, we want to spend some alone time. Thanks," Mahenoor replied, smiling at Kabeer. Now she was satisfied, having made many promises to her sister.
"Oh, Mahenoor, I told you something... my guitar and laptop? You said you would arrange them for me."
"Yes, you'll get them when the results come."
"What? I can't wait that long. Please get them for me soon."
"Okay... okay... I'll get them soon." They heard a car horn from outside.
"Looks like Omar has arrived," Aneesa said happily.
"He won't come inside?" Mahenoor asked.
"No, he won't come inside."
"Just ask him about breakfast."
"He must have had breakfast. Okay, bye."
"Take care of yourself." Mahenoor escorted her to the gate and came back.
"Did you see the happiness on your sister's face." Kabeer said to Mahenoor.
"Yes, what can I do? I can't let her lose her happiness, Her happiness means a lot to me.'" Mahenoor replied. And then they both laughed.
"Okay, listen, Noor, we'll have lunch and dinner outside today."
"Yes, that's fine. After how many days will we spend time together like this... the three of us." Mahenoor looked at her husband and son with loving eyes.
