Over again

Chapter XXXIX

The rain woke Aaliya up next day. It was the day when Aayat wanted to meet her parents. Aaliya was lying on her bed when Zain walked in her room. They decided to not sleep together until they get used to each other. He had a plate full of food for her. She stood up slowly and went to the bathroom to shower. Meanwhile, Zain went to see if Zaid is still sleeping.

After a half an hour, Aaliya finally walked out fully dressed. She quickly ate some eggs and they went to pick up Aayat. Aaliya called her parents to come to the nearest restaurant. She didn't want to tell them why.

It was almost noon when her parents reached the restaurant. Aayat was nervous. Ghulam and Sabana walked in. When Aaliya saw them, she stood up from her chair and walked to her parents. They both hugged her and Ghulam kissed her forehead. He was worried about her as she left the house that night without telling them and she didn't come back home anymore. He saw Zain sitting there talking with Zaid and some girl.

Ghulam's attention was on Zain and Zaid only. He still didn't like Zain, especially since he took Zaid away with him. He still feared that Zain can make some mistake and hurt his daughter again. Ghulam could never see her in pain again. He approached Zain. Zaid stretched his arms to his grandfather and the moment he was in Ghulam's arms, he began to play with his beard.

Aaliya was smiling looking at her father and son but when she turned to see her mother, she was in shock. Shabana was standing still, looking at Aayat and crying. Aaliya walked to her mother and touched her cheek. Shabana looked at her:

'That's what would Aayat look like if she's here now.'-she whispered to her daughter. 'Just like that girl.'

Aaliya looked at Aayat whos attention was on them. Aaliya nodded a bit to Aayat and she approached Shabana. She stood right in front of her. Shabana brought her hand to Aayats cheek and slowly touched her.

Aaliya was just standing there, looking at them. She didn't want to hide her happiness and tears. Why would she. Her mother was looking at her long time lost daughter and Aaliya wasn't sure if it's right moment to tell them. Before she could say anything, Aayat hugged Shabana and began to cry.

'Ammi..'-she called Shabana. 'Ammi, it's me, Aayat. I'm back.'

Before Aaliya could react, Shabana was lying on the floor. Ghulam handed Zaid to Zain and run to his wife. People around them gave them some water and they helped Ghulam to take her outside. Zain didn't wait one second and he was searching for their family doctor phone number.

After a few minutes, Shabana finally woke up. She opened her eyes and started to cry. She stretched her arms to Aayat who sat down next to her. Ghulam was confused. He didn't know who this girl is but because of her his wife was in such condition.

He pulled Aayat away from Shabana and pushed her.
'Look girl, I don't know who you are nor I care about it. But you should stay away from my wife and family. Look what have you done to her. Because of you, she's in such condition.'
'Dad please don't. Listen to me.'-Aaliya tried to calm him down but Ghulam didn't want to listen
'Don't try to justify her Aaliya. Look what she has done to your mother. You should do the same.'
'Dad, please. You don't know..'
'I want to know nothing!'
'Ghulam Sahab, please listen what Aaliya wants to say.'
'Shabana, don't tell me what to do!'

'Bas!'-Aayat finally spoke. 'Enough. I didn't come here to make any problems. I didn't come here to listen your hateful words. I didn't come here to be called a names. I came here to meet my parents. To meet two people who didn't want to know about me. Two people who didn't search for me. Two people who thought I'm dead. I came here to tell them that I'm fine. I'm alive and happy and I need nothing from them. I came here to hug my mother and my father. To tell them that I forgave them and I still want them in my life. I came here to say "Dad, it's me. Aayat" But I see that only my mother was ready to accept me.'

Aayat turned her back to Ghulam who was in shock and walked out. Aaliya looked at her father and run to stop Aayat. Ghulam was standing there, without any strength to move. He slowly sat down on the floor and began to cry. Zain came closer to him and touced his shoulder.

'Aaliya found out yesterday that Aayat is alive. I've told her and Aayat decided to meet you two. Aaliya wasn't sure about this but Aayat insisted. Aaliya didn't want to tell you over the phone so she called you to come here. She thought you'll be happy to see Aayat. But I think she doesn't think so anymore. I know you couldn't know it's Aayat. Please talk to her again. She's a nice girl. She will understand you.'

Ghulam looked at Zain and nodded. Zain helped him to walk outside in garden where were Aayat and Aaliya sitting. He slowly walked to his daughters and kneeled down before them. Ghulam took Aayats and Aaliya's hands in his and kissed it. Without a word, the two beautiful sisters hugged their father and they cried together.

The rest of the day was perfect for this small family. They spent the day together, walking, talking, crying. But they didn't mind the tears. These were the tears of happiness. The family is finally together again.

It was quite late when they decided to go home. Shabana and Ghulam couldn't separate from Aayat so she decided to go with them.

Aaliya, Zain and Zaid went home. Zain and Aaliya put their son in his bed to sleep and they went to sit to the terrace. The night was beautiful. Who could ever imagine that after such rain in the morning, the night will be this beautiful. The stars where shinning on the sky and the moon was flirting with them.

Zain brought a bottle of red wine and two glasses outside. Aaliya was standing there, looking at the sky. On the radio was playing 'When you say you love me'.

Zain left the wine on the table and pulled Aaliya in his arms. Her arms were around his neck and his around her waist. They were slowly dancing listening to the song and looking at each other.

'Do you remember?'-he whispered
'What?'-she whispered back
'This is the same song we were dancing at when you got drunk.'
'I wasn't drunk. But I do remember.'
'You do?'
'Yes I do.'
'Then, this is our song?'

Aaliya nodded to this and smiled. Zain rubbed his nose against hers and kissed her forehead.

'What was that, Zain?'-she playfully asked.
'A kiss.'-he answered.
'You call that "kiss"?'

Zain looked at her and nodded.

'Well, this is what I call a kiss.'

Aaliya pulled him closer and slowly touched his lips with hers. She moved away. Zain smiled. She did the same, again.

The night was long. That was the night of their lives.