Love? A Disaster

♪ 39 (a): Bereft ♪

Rameen stepped inside the room and closed the door behind. She had been here several times before but never felt the acute hollowness as this.

Sila stood next to her bed, rummaging through her closet. Her suitcase was opened before her. She deposited the clothes inside. Her movements were quick.

That was the most charged-up Rameen had seen her in a week.

Since Nabiha Auntie's death.

Sila looked at her and gave her a slight smile. "Come, Reen."

Rameen reached her side and the extent of Sila's preparations was before her in its entirety. Three packed bundles were lying on the floor. Rameen gave her a questioning look. "What's going on?"

Sila tucked her hair behind her ear busily and didn't stop her work. "Abu and Ammi are leaving today."

Rameen was surprised. "Are you really going with them?"

Sila gave her an incredulous look. "Of course I am, Reen. That's where I'm supposed to be. Nothing's left in this house for me anymore.'

She stopped and slowly sat down on the bed. Rameen joined her, providing her with the solace.

"Murree is the only place for me now. I have Ammi there and Muaz Bhai. Abu...well, we can learn to ignore each other. But after Mama, that's the only place I will be somewhat welcomed at."

She intertwined her fingers nervously. "Mamu is fine but you know he won't do anything to evoke Mami's disapproval. And I, for a fact know that keeping me here now that my mother is gone and so is the share of income she brought to the table, is Ambreen Mami's least favorite prospect. I won't ever be accepted here, Reen. But there in Murree, I will be treated nothing less than a family member. I can't stay where I'm not welcomed. And Dak Bangla is my Baba's home. I don't need to go anywhere else."

Rameen placed her hand over hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "You can always come and live with me and my family."

Sila rested her head on her shoulder. "You don't plan to stay there for long yourself."

"At least, I'll have you by my side when after graduation, I drop the bomb on my family that I'm moving out."

"I'm always by your side, Reen. It's not like I'm dropping out. I'll probably opt for dorm accommodation. But Murree is where I'll reside until graduation."

She sounded hopeful in days. Rameen hoped it'd stay the same way.

They resumed Sila's packing when Nisha appeared in the doorway. She peeked inside curiously.

"Sila Aapi. Mama is calling you downstairs."

Sila gave her a questioning look. Ambreen was playing the role of the perfect host to the t these days. The relatives and acquaintances who came for condolences, she was more than happy to attend to them but she was consciously ignorant toward the person whom this tragedy had snatched the most from.

"Your Abu and Ammi are leaving, that's why."

The hanger fell from Sila's hand and landed unceremoniously on the bed. She looked at Nisha and when her reply made sense, she wasted no time rushing out of the room. Rameen followed suit but she had no good feeling about this.

When they reached the lounge, Sila's confusion was replaced with a painful understanding when she saw Abu and Ammi ready to leave.

Naheed wiped her tears and came close to her. "Take care of yourself, Bachay. I'll visit again very soon."