قلبي جان (My heart)

A window into the past

(Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true in Faith.)

[03:139]

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                            The sun's final rays disappear beyond the horizon, the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of soft, pastel hues. The colours of the sunset linger, gradually deepening into shades of pink, peach, and lavender marking the dusk before night when he reaches the doorstep of Sarah's apartment.

The door was opened by Amal, his cousin. Upon seeing him, her face bright up. She pushed open the door for him, did a hand gesture asking him to come inside, with a warm smile so innocent yet tempting for him to smile back at her, a warm light spilling out into the hallway as he stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the cosy atmosphere of his aunt's apartment. The scent of fresh baking and simmering spices enveloped him, making his stomach growl with hunger.

Sarah for sure is baking/cooking something delicious.

For him.

"Ammiiii, Saadi bhai aayein hain —" (mummy, Saadi brother is here) his cousin shrieked from behind making his bubbles of thoughts burst up. "— Oh no, Saadi bhai aayein na, waha khade kyu hain aap, andar aayein."  (Saadi bhai, please come inside, why are you standing there)

As he entered, his aunt looked up from the kitchen, a flour-dusted smile on her face. "Aao bachhe! Come in!" she proclaimed, wiping her hands on a towel. (come son!)

Her living room is a snug retreat, with a oversized couch and armchair nestled around a crackling fireplace. The walls are adorned with warm-toned artwork and shelves filled with beloved books and trinkets. A soft area rug underfoot adds warmth and texture to the space.

"Asslamualaikum" Saadi said meekly feeling embarrassed, upon seeing her smiling face even though he is ignoring her for days now.

"Walekum assalam, Mujhe toh laga tha aaj bhi koi bahana taiyaar hoga tumhare paas. I thought you again are going to rain check on us." She laughs and pats his shoulder making him wince because of the force she exerts. As if punishing him for ghosting her. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. (I thought you again are going to make excuse today)

"Na- nahi, Mai yaha— adjust hone me time lag raha tha. Isiliye nahi aa paaya. Ab free hu toh aaya hu na.. Aap bhi khala, bas sharminda karti hain mujhe." Saadi chuckles while settling himself onto the couch, feeling the softness envelop him at the care of his aunt. (N-no, I was busy in  trying —to adjust here and that's why it took me time to visit you.)

Sarah tsked, "achha achha ho gya ab bahane na banao. Btao kaise ho aaj kal. Pakistan se aane ke baad baat hi nahi ho paye tumse." She tucked a lock of hair and took a seat across the table facing him. (Okay-okay don't make more excuses now. Tell me how are you doing these days. we didn't get time to reach out after coming back from Pakistan.)

He felt a sense of comfort and security wash over him, like a warm hug. It is a relaxing visit, surrounded by the love and warmth of his aunt and cousins. Noor hopped besides him with a coffee in her hands.

The apartment felt like a haven, a place where he could be himself and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

"Thik hu, ab free ho gya hu settlement se. I will join you from tomorrow." (I am good, now I have settled here.)

"Han I am waiting for you to start this new project. I need my senior engineer with me." She playfully smacked his biceps, making him a chuckle. (Yes)

He let his gaze wandered around the familiar space, taking in the comfortable furnishings and the vibrant colors that seemed to dance on the walls.

"How was your lunch, wait did you eat?" She glowers at him suspiciously, knowing very well, he would have skipped it again.