The bus rumbled on, carrying its lively occupants toward their destination and whatever adventures lay ahead. The closer they got, the scent of the sea grew stronger. The tangy saltiness filled the air, mingling with the warm breeze that crept through the open windows. Ahad, perched on Aman’s lap after insisting he didn’t want to sit anywhere else, wriggled in excitement.
“Big-b! Mujhe pani mein khelna hai! Main shells bhi leke aaunga!” Ahad exclaimed, his tiny fists punching the air enthusiastically.
Aman smiled, smoothing Ahad’s hair.
“Haan meri jaan, sab kuch karenge. Bas ek promise karo, pani ke paas akela mat jaana, samjhe?” Ali said. Ahad puffed out his chest.
“Promise! Main aapka achha baby hoon!” Ahad said cutely.
“Achha toh ho, par thoda zyada naughty bhi ho,” Aman teased, booping Ahad’s nose.
~•~
As the bus finally rolled to a stop, everyone spilled out, eager to stretch their legs. Ahad immediately hopped down, running a few steps before turning to Aman with wide eyes.
“Big-b, dekhein! Kitna bada samundar hai!” he shouted, pointing dramatically at the endless expanse of blue water.
“Yes, baby, samundar hamesha bada hi hota hai,” Aman said, laughing at Ahad’s innocent awe.
“Mujhe jaane dein!” Ahad tried to tug Aman toward the beach, but Aman held him back.
“Arrey, pehle slippers toh pehen lo,” Aman scolded lightly, crouching to adjust Ahad’s sandals.
Nearby, Ali was busy setting up umbrellas and towels with Arham while Fatima directed everyone like a general.
“Woh cooler idhar leke aao! Tum log sabse pehle sunscreen lagao!” she barked.
“Fatima, tum humesha bossy kyun bani rehti ho?” Ali groaned.
“Tum toh bas apna naam ‘Mr. Complain likhwa lo,’” Fatima shot back.
~•~
Ahad, oblivious to the bickering, tugged Aman toward the shore. His tiny feet sank into the soft, warm sand, and he giggled.
“Big-b! Yeh kitna soft hai!” Ahad said, wriggling his toes in the sand.
“Haan, lekin paani mein jaane se pehle sunscreen lagao,” Aman reminded him.
“Nahi chahiye! Mujhe achhi smell nahi lagti!” Ahad whined, scrunching his nose.
“Tumhari soft skin ka kya hoga phir? Main lagata hoon,” Aman said, grabbing the sunscreen. Ahad tried to squirm away, but Aman caught him easily, turning it into a playful wrestling match.
“Big-b, aap cheat karte ho!” Ahad huffed, pouting as Aman applied sunscreen to his face and arms.
“Tumhe toh lagta hai main sab kuch cheating se karta hoon,” Aman teased, booping his nose again.
~•~
Once ready, Ahad ran to the water’s edge, squealing as the cool waves lapped at his feet.
“Big-b, dekhein!” Ahad shouted, holding up a shell he found in the wet sand. It was a small, pearly one, and he cradled it like treasure.
“Wow, meri jaan, yeh toh bohot pyaara hai. Tumhare collection ke liye perfect hai,” Aman said, crouching beside him.
“Main yeh bhaiya ko bhi dikhauga!” Ahad declared, running off to where Arham was setting up chairs.
“Arrey, araam se! Gir jaoge!” Aman called after him, shaking his head fondly.
~•~
The older boys, meanwhile, had started a game of beach volleyball. Anas and Ayaan argued over the rules while Avik tried to mediate.
YOU ARE READING
The Pakistani And The Indians
FanfictionIn a world torn apart by political strife and ideological differences, two sets of brothers find themselves on opposite sides of a bitter divide. Bound by friendship but separated by allegiance, their friendship stands as a beacon of hope amidst the...
