Double Stranded

Final Chapter

4th August 2013
Sunday Evening, 8:15 pm

Unable to foresee, she could not name what she was going through, why her chest weighted heavier. With pounding heart she stepped out of the car, carrying Arsalan's gift in one hand and her shawl in other. Coincidently she was dressed in black again, a full sleeved, ankle length

Cotton made, that gracefully covered her entire being.

Uncertain of her stormy condition, Harris escorted kids to walk by her side. Just before entering, he stopped her taking gifts from her hand. She looked pale and blank, "Are you alright Esha?", he was genuinely concern.

Watching her kids entering the premises already she had no option but to follow, "I am fine Harris. Let's get inside."

They were greeted by a colorful outdoor birthday arrangement set in the lawn, with Ayfa and Zayn cheering Arsalan and other kids, wearing cony caps. They were on time.

She cautiously took a detailed look all around the hall, unfamiliar faces of guests, unaware that Harris was keenly observing her. Relieved that her fears were baseless, no other familiar faces were seen there, she grinned on her absurd unnecessary discomfort. Trying her best to appear unaffected, she led her kids to the table where Arsalan was ready to cut the cake.

Arsalan cut the cake, with his adult parents cheering more like kiddos. Esha noted, Asfand and Maryum were drooling over the tempting cake. She thought they looked like small naughty kittens, ready to grab their favorite food with their tiny paws. Over all it was quite funny, leaving her charmed. She was now glad she came.

Done with the dinner, most guests left already. Ayfa, Zayn and all kids surrounded in a corner, playing with Arsalan's new toys and gifts. Esha was watching them happily, Harris sitting just by her side, watching her smile warmly. She had so much peace on that beautiful face of her, he thought.

"Happy birthday champ",that voice came from her back, the main entrance of the house just aligned to the lawn, "Sorry for being late. Seems like the party is already over!!!"

Aanan's familiar voice, seemed to be coming from a well. He walked to where Ayfa and Zayn were playing with kids, completely unaware of two very familiar eyes staring at him in distress. Thecouple went directly to where Ayfa and Zayn were playing with kids.

By that moment Harris was looking at Esha's face, it changed its color from radiant bright to pale lifeless in less than a split second, he knew whose voice was that, despite never meeting him before.

He didn't turn, nor did Esha who was shock-still, lifeless for a mere moment. Harris touched her elbow gently, not to startle her but more to embrace her. He knew something terrible was about to happen. His instincts were all high alert.

Esha turned her head backwards, looked at Aanan his wife standing beside holding their gifts, turned again, reluctantly hesitantly she looked at Harris, it was her eyes that spoke even before her lips parted, pleading him, 'Take me home', he waited a second, letting her say it, "I am not feeling good. Can we just leave now?"

That was all he needed. Firmly rising to his feet he went straight to Ayfa and Zayn, talked to them completely ignoring the approaching couple,  to fetch the kids, politely not alerting guests that were still present at the venue. He kept viewing Esha from the corner of his eye, who was sitting absolutely still head down, her gaze blankly locked at her lap.

Harris returned, with kids on both his sides, leaning down he whispered in Maryum's ear, "Mom's not feeling good. We need to leave now. Go get to the car and wait for me", he watched as