In the heart of Wales, behind the walls of the grandest estate in the city, lies a hidden gem: sixteen-year-old Anna Hussain. With her mother as serene as the morning mist and her father a vibrant burst of color, Anna grapples with her identity-caug...
Dear folks, Its been such a busy work week at home. I finished a crochet project. Its a hexagon polo shirt. Ramadan is around the corner so is the festivity and I spent the entire day today making samosas and freezing them for coming days. For those of you who observe fast, Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙 Do not forget to feed the less fortunate around you.
Enjoy or hold tight for today's episode.
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"Appi?"
Startled, I sat up. My breath ragged, my body trembling.
"Appi?"
My gaze met hers, relief flooding through me. She was here, my little ray of sunshine in a world gone dark.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her concern palpable.
"Yes, love, I'm... fine."
I reassured her, though the tremor in my voice betrayed me.
"What was it? A bad dream?" She inquired innocently.
"Very bad."
I admitted before pulling her into a hug. Amidst the chaos, she was my anchor, my constant.
"Do you want to sleep?"
"No, sweetheart. What time is it?"
"Tenth a.m. want breakfast? Mommy made me French toast." She offered.
"Tenth a.m.?" I echoed in disbelief. "No, nothing. I thought it was still... night."
She giggled before darting off.
Alone once more, I sighed, steeling myself for the day ahead.
Rim was born at Children's hospital in New York, a bittersweet arrival amidst the tumult of her parents' crumbling marriage. From there, she was brought to our home with her mother; becoming a constant presence in my life. I remember babysitting her, changing her diapers, and preparing her mashed bananas for breakfast. However, when her mother brought her to Pakistan to raise her at our Gramps house, forcing Rim and me to bid our farewells. Though I visited her often during vacations, our bond began to fray as the storms in my parents' marriage intensified.
We stopped visiting Pakistan four years ago, concealing the turmoil from Mom's family, especially her eldest brother, who had settled here. My relationship with Rim dwindled, and our communication ceased entirely.
I missed watching her grow up, and perhaps that's why I still see her as the toddler she once was, small and chubby. But what I cherish most is the resemblance she bears to me. It's a comforting reminder of the connection we share.
****
As I rested my head in the cold water of the tub, seeking solace in its embrace, my mind became a whirlwind of memories and fears.
Each time I closed my eyes, flashes of the accident, the sight of Dad, and the pain of being slapped reverberated through my mind like a relentless storm.
Submerged in the water, I heard a cacophony of voices calling out to me, their urgency pulling me from the depths of my thoughts.
"Anna! Anna!? Are you okay?!" The voices echoed in the confined space, their tones shifting from concern to accusation. "You killed me!" One voice whispered, followed by a plea for help.
Panic seized me as I struggled to the surface, my hands flailing in desperation. But as I broke through the water's surface, a horrifying realization dawned on me- the water was red.
What ya think is happening to Anna? In all honesty this episode and onwards are very close to my heart.
