Over again

Chapter XXIV

Usmaan was standing between Aaliya and Zain and was looking at her. Her gaze was on the floor and she let her tears fell on her lap. Even if she wanted to wipe them, she couldn't. Zain was watching her in silence. He wanted to say something but he was just too afraid to open his mouth.

Usmaan took the chair and sat on it.

"I see you are confused, Aaliya, and you don't understand why I called you my bhanji, but it's time for the truth. I know your parents never told you anything about me. I don't blame them. Even I never told anything about you and your family to my son. Zain didn't really know who you are.

We lived in the same city, Shabana, Ghulam, Suraiya and I. We were like best friends. Since childhood we always were next to each other at our hardest and worst times. When your moms' parents died, my father decided to take her home. So she became my little sister that I never had. Your mom and dad were in love from forever and I was overprotective so we always had fight just like brother and sister.

When I got married, Shabana was so happy for us but Suraiya didn't like the fact that she still lived there abd she wasn't even the part of our family. My mom asked Shabana to leave the house and Shabana did. She never was mad at my mom or wife. She understood the situation but I still cared for my sister.

When Suraiya gave birth to Fahaad, your parents were there to look after us. I had to work and your mom was with Suraiya when she needed the help. When Fahaad was one year old, Shabana and Ghulam came to us and told us that they want to marry. We were so happy for them. One month later they got married and lived in the house next to ours. Suraiya got pregnant when Fahaad was three years old. That same day Shabana cane to us and said she's also pregnant.

Suraiya gave birth to Zain a week before Shabana gave birth to you, Aaliya. We were so happy that out kids will rise and live together. You two always fought and since your mom always called me bhai you started to call me maamu. Zain hated it so he called u maamu ki bhanji. You were and still are my favorite bhanji. I loved you as much as I loved my daughter.

When you two were three, Shabana and Suraiya were pregnant again. This time Aayat was born a month before Barkaat. After that things started to change. Nothing was as before. Only you two were still together. Even when you fought, you always protected each other. There was always something special about you.

When Barkaat was four, one day she disappeared. We were looking for her everywhere but there was no way to find her. And then your fathers' brother called us and said that Barkaat was with him and he will never bring her back home. We lost our daughter. Suraiya was mad. She blamed your parents for everything and I knew the truth. Meer always wanted to take revenge on me, because he loved Suraiya.

When your parents couldn't explain her that it wasn't their fault, one day they just left the house. We didn't know where they were but Suraiya couldn't let them live in peace. Soon enough she found your family and took the revenge the only way she knew. She gave the same pain to your mom which she felt. Our daughter came back to us. But your sister never will.

I didn't want my wife to go to jail so I took her blame on me. My son hates me because he didn't know the truth. Now he knows.

I can't let you destroyed my family, Aaliya. So I have to take this step. I will separate you from my son and you'll never come back here again. I can't say I'm sorry, but as much as I love you, the much more I love my son and my family."-he finished and looked first at Zain and then at Aaliya.

Aaliya still was looking at her lap but she didn't cry. Finally she looked at Usmaan

"Before you do what you have to, can you please leave me with Zain alone? It won't take long."

"Sure I can."

He looked at the man who was in the room with them and they walked out. He let them talk. After all, there is no more way back. This was the end of the road for Zain and Aaliya