Melody of his heart

NAIRA

I was in the class sitting in the middle. Beside me, Reem and Samar were talking about something, but their words went in one ear and out the other. They fight all the time like children, and I resolve their fights like their mom.

The professor came in and started the class. I tried to focus on the teacher's lectures, but I couldn't. My mind was not in my control; it was thinking about all the bad things that could happen to me and my family.

As you guys know, my father is not well. He is in the hospital and has been in a coma for about 1 year. And yesterday, his health became more serious. The doctor said this time he may not live.

I was so shocked when I heard this. The pain I felt in my heart was killing me. And when I saw my mom and dadi breaking, I felt like my whole world was collapsing.

When I didn't reply to any of their silly talks, Reem and Samar asked me, "Hey Naira, are you alright?" "Today you look tensed. Is everything alright? You can talk to us."

"Yes, I'm alright. I am just a little tired. That's all," I replied.

"I think you are hiding something," Reem said. "Tell us, Naira. We are your friends," Samar said.

"Guys, I'm all okay. There's nothing..."

"Don't you think of us as your friends? We are with you, and we'll help you, so please tell us," Reem said hastily.

"Yes, Naira, we are here. So you can tell us. We can't see our energetic, talkative girl be so quiet and sad," Samar said.

When I heard their words, I couldn't stop my tears. They started falling like rain. I am not alone in my hard time. Someone is there who can console me.

I was so grateful that they are my friends. I told them everything... And they listened to my words carefully. After finishing talking, they both hugged me.

I felt so good that they cared for me so much. "Don't worry, Naira, everything's going to be okay. We're here with you," they said. "If you want to say anything, then say it to us. Don't put it to yourself." "We are your best friends, okay."

I love them so much; they understand me; they cheered me.

After the class, Reem and Samar went to the canteen, but I was not in the mood to eat, so I said I'll be back after a few minutes.

They didn't protest, as they know I need some time alone.

I went to the university terrace and sat on the bench that was there.

I looked at the sky, and tears started rolling down.

I took out my phone and called my mom.

When I got the news, I was numb. My mind went blank as fear wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket. I was terrified. My tears, uncontrollable and relentless, spilled from my eyes, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop them. I felt so helpless, so small. I couldn’t do anything but pray, desperately clinging to hope.

“Papa... please, please be strong. Stay with us, we need you. Please, your princess can’t live without you,” I whispered, my voice shaking. I pleaded with every fiber of my being, praying to God like never before. “Please save my papa…”

With trembling hands, I dialed my mom’s number. After two or three rings, she picked up. Her voice was fragile, as if she, too, was barely holding it together. Through my sobs, I begged her, “Mummy, please take this phone to papa... convince the doctor... I need to talk to him.” I heard her crying on the other end. “I’ll try,” she said softly.

Minutes felt like hours. Then, finally, the doctor allowed it. He brought the phone to Papa, and I heard his voice faint and tired. The doctor said, “You can talk to him now.”