Threads of Destiny

Chapter 6

Author's POV

The clock stuck at one pm, the group converged at the picnic spot where their parents lounged comfortably. They had spent the past three hours mesmerized by Kempty Falls.

Now, hungry and excited, they planned to dine at a nearby restaurant before heading to their next destination: Camel's Back Road.

This three-kilometre-long road offers a scenic walk with views of the Doon Valley and the surrounding mountains. The road gets its name from the natural layout of the rocks which resemble a camel's hump. It's a serene spot for a leisurely stroll or a horse ride.

Fifty minutes later, they stopped at a restaurant to fill their appetite. The restaurant is known for its local Chinese and Indian cuisine. Following the tiring day, they are very exhausted but excited about the trip as well.

Each person chose their meal from the menu, savouring a variety of flavours as they prepared for a leisurely horse ride along the winding Camel Back roads. The panoramic views unfolded before them, offering a serene backdrop of rolling hills and distant valleys under the clear blue sky.

"Ibrahim and Amir I want you guys to take care of everyone and don't get in any trouble while horse riding," Liyakat ordered his son and nephew after they came out of the restaurant.

"Yes, papa,"

"Ji, bade papa,"

Both young men nodded in assurance.

"Don't let the girls wander around alone, one of you should always stay with them," Dada Jaan instructed all of them.

"Dada Jaan, we are not going to war; we are just going horse riding; you people are worrying so much for no reason," Qirat went towards her Dada Jaan and hugged him, making him smile.

"Meri etni pyari pyari potiya aur nawasiyan hai chinta kaisa nhi hoga," he kissed her forehead and all the girls hugged her dada Jaan and Nanu.

"Ab agar ye bharat milav ho gaya ho to chale hum sab ya fir yahi pura din nikal Dena hai," Ismail asked creating a joyful atmosphere easing the tension of their parents.

"Jokes apart, Ismail, I think you should go and enjoy with your cousins; I will be fine enjoying with mumma and choti mumma," Aiza concerned about her husband not rejoicing with his cousin because of her. Aiza is scared of horses, so she doesn't want to go horse riding, and for the same reason, Ismail also wants to stay with his wife and isn't joining the others for horse riding.

"Mattha kharab hai mera main apni biwi nu chhad ke inn paglaan naal ghooman, te apni shareek-e-hayat naal akela waqt bitaan da mauka chhad du?" Ismail dramatically placed his hand on his heart, showing how hurt he is at the thought of this. ("Am I out of my mind to leave my wife and roam around with these crazies, and to let go of the chance to spend alone time with my life partner?")

"Bhai, your Punjabi accent was so good," Iqra gushed, looking impressed by her brother.

"Oye stupid, you notice the Punjabi accent, not the insult he threw at us, calling us mad people," Inaya hit her on the head, making everyone laugh at Iqra.

"Really? Bhai you call us mad," Iqra looked at his brother with accusing eyes.

"You just proved to me what I said was right, Meri Bahen," Ismail patted her shoulder with sympathy and left to where the bus was standing with his wife, who was giggling at her husband's antics.

"Don't worry, you will learn with time," Ibrahim looked at his sister with a teasing smile and left from there to attend a call.

"What will I learn with time? Punjabi?" She questions looking at her parents.