Your Little Sister,Mishi!

6

Sahur entered the house to witness a NOW common scene. Misha was quietly watching TV . No one is able to understand the reason behind Misha's change. She used to be a fun loving kid but her enthusiasm has started getting down slowly slowly. She wasn't a kid to sit in front of TV. Sahur has been busy with his semester exam so he had not had much time to do something extraordinary to cheer up Misha. But today he had his last exam for the semester and is free for few days. He decided to spend quality time with his baby sister just like they used to. Just the 2 of them. While thinking that he realised it's been so long since that happened. He berated himself for getting so busy with his new life that he unknowingly neglected his sister.
He shook his head and made his way to Misha enthusiastically. He sat beside her gaining her attention. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said salam.
" Walykumassalam bhayyu. How was your exam?" Misha asked thoughtfully.
Sahur smiled replying "alhamdulillah it was good."
Misha asked if he wanted water. Sahur shook his head. So Misha again asked if he needed her help with something. Sahur shook his head again and asked
" Mishi , let's spend the day like we used to. Just the 2 of us. What say?"
Misha frowned at that question. Her brother had suggested this for the first time after Noor's arrival in their life. He mostly spends his time with Noor. Their life was no longer the same. Or to say HER life is going through a major change.
Seeing Misha engrossed in her thoughts, Sahur shook Misha a little.
She looked at him and smiled. She has learnt not to get excited on such things anymore. Sahur got up and grabbed her arm.
And after so long the brother sister had so much fun. Both of them were so happy doing what was their every other day activities. They painted on the big canvas, played chess and badminton, baked cookies and made beautiful memories. They were now having the take away Sahur ordered with funny talks.
That's how their mother, father and Noor found them . While their parents were happy seeing them and relieved after seeing Misha like that, Noor made a disappointed sound grabbing the brother sister attention.
" You guys had so much fun without me. You are so bad. " Noor said looking at the canvas, some freshly baked cookies along with other things spread across the living room.
Everyone except Misha smiled at her. As they came closer, Sahur grabbed Noor closer to himself and side hugging her started reassuring her to do whatever she wants to do. After a little coaxing Noor nodded and started making plans excitedly. While Misha continued focusing on her food after greeting her parents.

The set of parents gave Misha a chocolate which she refused. Rukhsar asked her why she didn't want it to which she replied she doesn't like that flavour of chocolate. Rukhsar hit her forehead lightly saying "how could I not notice."
Her father immediately added " I will get your favourite tomorrow. Okay beta?"
Misha shook her head smiling lightly "  it's not needed. It's ok. Chachi had brought lots of them when she visited last week."
She smiled fondly remembering her Chachi who is the only person who has not made her feel any strange feelings like her parents and brother after Noor's arrival.
Her father smiled caressing her hairs. His 8 year old daughter seems to be growing up faster than her age.

...........

"Asad , earlier I couldn't point out what exactly is different in Misha but now I can clearly see it all. She doesn't play with her friends anymore while earlier she used to finish her chores in jet speed just to meet them. Earlier she used to demand things from us now she doesn't even complain about anything. Do you remember how she used to do so much drama to get her wishes fulfilled? She hasn't even requested me to prepare her favourite food. It feels like she is being distant from us intentionally but an 8 year old child can't even understand such things. I am not understanding how to get our lively daughter back. " Rukhsar was saying with tears in her eyes. Her husband hugged her trying to comfort her but he himself was conflicted. He was not even able to understand if this change is due to some unpleasant situation or she's just growing up into a mature girl.
He too is worried for his daughter. He wants all his 3 children to be safe and happy.
" Let's spend more time with her. Just keep her engaged. Keep her with you when you are making food or whatever you are doing, take her with you. Make her feel included. " Asad suggested. Rukhsar nodded nuzzling  her face on her husband's chest .

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