Aira, now 19, unexpectedly crossed paths with her childhood playmate, Ayaan Sikandar, after years of separation. Their families had lost contact when Aira's father faced business losses, forcing them to move back to their home country. As a 4-year-o...
The next morning, I woke up with a sense of anticipation fluttering in my chest. Aira's words from last night had replayed in my mind over and over. Fatima Sikandar. My dearest friend from college-someone I had shared countless laughs, tears, and dreams with. I couldn't believe Aira had run into her, and I now had her number in my phone.
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As I sat down with my morning tea, I took a deep breath and decided it was time. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, I dialed the number Aira had given me. The phone rang a few times, and then a familiar voice picked up.
"Hello? Fatima Sikandar speaking."
For a moment, I was speechless. Hearing her voice brought back a rush of memories. I cleared my throat, feeling a lump of emotion rise. "Fatima... it's Saima. Saima Khan."
There was a brief pause on the other end, and then a sharp intake of breath. "Saima?! Oh my God, Saima! Is it really you?" Fatima's voice was filled with disbelief and joy.
Tears pricked my eyes as I laughed softly. "Yes, it's really me. I can't believe we're talking after all these years."
"Neither can I!" Fatima exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly. "Aira told me she was your daughter, but hearing your voice now... it's like no time has passed. Oh, Saima, how have you been? I've thought about you so often."
"I've missed you so much, Fatima. Life just got so busy, and we lost touch. But I've thought about you too, more times than I can count. When Aira told me she met you, I couldn't believe it!"
Fatima laughed, the same warm laugh I remembered from our college days. "I couldn't believe it either! Seeing Aira-she's the spitting image of you, Saima. It was like a piece of the past came rushing back."
"I heard she caused a bit of a scene with her dress," I said, chuckling. "That's so typical of Aira, always finding herself in the middle of things."
Fatima laughed again. "It was quite the moment! But she's lovely, Saima. You've raised a wonderful daughter."
"Thank you," I said, smiling at the compliment. "And I hear you've done well for yourself too."
"Yes, What about you? How's life been treating you?"
"We've been good," I replied. "The kids are grown now, and they're all doing their own things. Subhan's running his business in Canada, and Inaya just started university. Aira, as you know, is passionate about fashion design. Life's been busy, but fulfilling."
"I'm so happy for you, Saima," Fatima said warmly. "I knew you'd build a beautiful life for yourself."
"I've been blessed," I said, feeling the weight of the years between us, but also the deep connection that remained. "And now, I'd love to see you again, Fatima. It's been far too long. Why don't you come over to our house this weekend? We can catch up, and our families can finally meet."
