As Ouahib arrives in town , carrying the weight of a family that has weathered hardships, including parental separation, and the lingering echoes of a once vibrant home, he embarks on a new beginning, yearning for a different chapter.
In contrast...
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'Go to Aaliyah's bedroom, Hurry!!!' Says the text message, which I have received from Khti Ekram. (Sister)
Fear and panick engulfs me and I quickly excuse myself from the kitchen and nearly sprint towards her room.
When she arrived, I peaked from the kitchen and noticed her state. She was smiling but it wasn't her usual bright genuine smile. Her eyes were a little swollen and her body language screamed, that she is not at her best.
I went back into the kitchen and decided not to face her right now. She needs time. I do not want to make it awkward in front of the family.
I engrossed myself into cutting the vegetables, again and tried to suppress the feelings that are trying to eat me alive. I can't. I need to talk to her soon.
I can't stay like this. It hurts to see her like that. It hurts to see her hurt and not being able to do anything, because I'm partially the reason for it.
Arrived in front of her room, the door is closed. I knock softly, and I hear her voice, "come in," I slowly open the door and I'm greeted by her back facing me. She is wearing some traditional pakistani outfit and her hair is in a braid.
She turns around and notices me. The bottle in her hand falls down and her face shows shock and disbelief. "Liyati," I call out softly and walk towards her.
I can't bear the distance anymore. She is looking so beautiful. She is enhancing the beauty of the maroon shalwar kameez she is wearing and is looking like a heaven sent angel.
"Ouahib," she whispers, her voice quivering with emotion. I can't do this anymore. I really can't. I stride the remaining steps towards her and engulf her petite frame in my arms.
My hands go around her waist, grabbing her securely, while her hands lock around my neck. My head drops to her shoulder and I inhale her flowery scent. I have missed her so damn much.
"I- I'm so-sorry!" I whisper, chocking on my own breath. The relief which washed over me as soon as I hugged her is making me thank Allah for everything.
She pulls back after a few serene minutes and her eyes are shedding tears. I gently wipe them away while she is searching my face for something. "Why are you apologising?" She whispers, tilting her head slightly.
"I'm sorry for using that annoyed tone with you. I swear, I didn't mean-" I start but she cuts me off. "I'm the one to apologise. I overreacted!" She retorts and I shake my head slightly.
"I'm sorry, please forgive me?" she adds and my heart clenches at her apology. I'm in the wrong and she is apologizing.
"There is nothing to forgive you for," I counter her and she pouts, now stopping to caress my cheeks as she is holding my face in her little hands. Mine are around her waist, keeping her frame close to me, like my life depended on it. "So you didn't forgive me?" She pouts and I shake my head.
