Home At Last

Chapter 7

Aaira's POV

I look outside the window of my room, wandering what I did wrong.

Why my whole life is tearing apart in just a blink of an eye. Don't get me wrong, I know everything happens for a reason.

I have learnt never to give up as ALLAH will always be with me. But I still can't stop thinking of the promise I made to Abii.

I don't know what to do next, how am I suppose to pay for my college fees. All these thoughts keep rushing to my mind.

"Aaira", Mamii shouts interrupting my thoughts.

I wipe my tears, and immediately rush downstairs.

"Yes, Mamii", I say trying to force a smile.

"Why are you in your room at this time, can't you see it's already 6:30am", Mamii shouts.

"I am sorry Mamii", I say to her.

"Shut it, haven't I told you am tired of your sorry. Go and start making breakfast, afterwards I'll tell you what to make for lunch as Nasreen's fiance's family are coming today", Mamii demands.

I walk into the kitchen with tears rushing down my eyes. I just wish I could have a perfect mother and daughter relationship with Mamii.

As I look up, am surprised to see Maaya in the kitchen wearing an apron and gloves.

"Maaya! you're awake at this time", I question.

"I just wanted to learn how to make pancakes that's why I woke up early, but see I have flour all over me and the kitchen is a mess", Maaya says frowning her face.

I laugh and say "You should have told me you wanted to make pancakes. Come let me teach you, it's very easy."

"Really! thank you so much sister", Maaya says and hugs me tightly.

I hug her back and smile, wondering why Nasreen and Salim won't give me a chance to prove my innocence. Even 7 years old Maaya can understand, why can't they.

Me and Maaya start making the pancakes, she helps me with the batter and puts the ingredients into it.

I find myself admiring this little girl. I know she's rude and all, but deep down she's really loving and caring. One thing I love about her is how she always support the truth.

"Ya Halima forget about whatever happened yesterday. I don't know what happened to you but am sure it's something serious. Right now my only advice to you is to stand up for yourself, for your rights. Don't let anyone pull you down, and stop allowing every one to disrespect you. That's one thing I don't like about you, you're too calm. Self respect is something", Maaya advices.

I look at Maaya and nod my head. This girl is actually right, she's still young but knows the difference between right and wrong.

As I bend to pick the spatula, my chain accidentally slips out from my neck and falls.

Maaya picks the chain and looks at it suspiciously,"What is this Ya Halima".

"Oh this, it was a gift from Abii. He told me to always hold on to it and never let it go", I reply.

Maaya opens it and sees a small piece of paper,"What is this", she questions.

"This paper was given to me by Grandma, she also said I should hold on to it tightly as my faith lies on this single piece of paper", I say.

Wait, how am I able to tell this little girl what's going on in my life. I don't know why I just feel free with her.

"Abii really loved you huhh", Maaya says in a low tone. It felt as if she was trying to prevent tears from rushing down her eyes.