Knitted By Time

Big decisions made

As Inaya completed her class on the zoom meet, she quickly went to the washroom to take a quick shower and dressed herself with black kurti and matched it with white Palazzo. After a while she joined her mother and helped her in making breakfast. She opened the fridge to take two eggs and quickly grabbed the pan to fry the egg. She then toasted her bread and applied butter on it. After making breakfast, she and her mother sat together and ate in silence. Inaya's father had gone to a conference meeting in Delhi two days ago and would only be returning this evening.

"Am going out to meet Leeza and would return before one , In sha Allah! " Inaya completed her sentence in one breath.

"Okay!!! Take care then...and yea! I have an evening shift today, so most probably I won't be having dinner with you. So sleep early before me and do not forget to lock the door," said her mother with wrinkles all around her face. Fathima was already tired, because she just returned home yesterday after a 12 hour flight and now she already has another shift. Inaya knew nothing could stop her mom from taking rest. Ever since Inaya was small, both her parents usually leave her and her brother home. So it was not new for Inaya to stay alone.

"Okay! Don't stress yourself too much and also do not forget to take your medicines on time. I'll give you a call once I reach home,"  Inaya warned her mother. The last time she forgot to take her pills, she had experienced dizziness and Inaya didn't want her pressure to be triggered again.

Rolling her eyes, Fathima scoffed, " You care way too much for someone who...," Inaya interrupted even before her mother could complete her sentence.

"Don't be ummu, it's Qadr of Allah....what should have happened has happened and there's no use of worrying over something which you don't have control of," explained Inaya, although she herself can't forgive her mother for what she had done but on the other hand Inaya also knew, that her mother regrets a lot for her past sins. After a moment of awkwardness, Inaya gave her mom a quick hug and went back to her room.

On her way back, she started having wild thoughts again, and an ounce of regret seeped into her heart but she was quick enough to cover her thoughts.

****

The remorse which grows deep within
Can never be demolished with wide grin

Just once, just once had he mentioned
I wouldn't have left him abandoned

What a mere human like me can do
For what has happened is so true

Later that morning , Inaya sprang the door open and covered her dark circles with a bit of foundation just like how she covered her miseries with a big wide smile. After wearing her Abaya , she wrapped herself with a beige chiffon hijab and went all the way downstairs.

"I am leaving ummu," she called out as her mother was busy packing her bag with all the necessities that would be needed for her evening shift.

"Inaya, wait...I've prepared lunch and have kept it in the fridge. Make sure to heat it when you eat," her mother said but she was already out of the door. So her mother thought of calling her to inform about the lunch but by then.." I heard you! Okay ummu," shouted Inaya as she took her scooter out of the garage.

Upon entering the cafe she was welcomed by a warm hug which almost melted her tears, making its way out of her eyes, but Inaya was quick enough to wipe it off even before Leeza could notice it.

"What's up with all the foundation? Don't tell me that you didn't sleep again?" Was the first question Leeza asked after saying salam.

Inaya was quick enough to nudge her question by ordering some of her delicacies. Although Leeza was her close friend there are some things which can't be told to anyone. Especially if that news would only worry them more and Inaya was someone who would rather bleed instead of using others as her bandage.