“Meen, run along and call Ashraf chacha to take out the things from the car. I am going to take mother inside.” Aida said as she parked the car in the driveway and opened her mother’s passenger door. Rameen hopped out and ran towards the back of the house to call their man-servant, Ashraf. Helping her mother inside, she settled her in her favorite rocking chair and went into the kitchen to make her a cup of steaming coffee.
Although the doctors had assured her that her mother was alright and she just needed rest, Aida was being cautious and her mother was still bandaged. Therefore, Aida did not let her move from her chair or walk around. She was very protective of her mother and younger sisters, as after her father’s death she had taken it upon her to take care of what family she had left. She had been really close to her father and his loss was what she still felt.
As she stood at the kitchen window, gazing out while the water boiled, she looked at the neighbor’s house which had been empty for as long as she remembered. As a young girl, she had a best friend living there. She and Haashir used to get into mischiefs daily which would result in getting scolded by her mother but she had loved that carefree time. She was absorbed in her musings when her eye caught something there. There was commotion going there as the family had moved in and workers could be seen hauling in furniture and other necessary stuff inside the house. As she was about to turn away from the window, her eyes met a pair of hazel eyes that were looking directly at her with an amused expression. Self-consciously, she looked away and turned to the stove where the water was boiling.
She was rattled by the intense stare. While pouring the coffee into a mug, she stole another glance out the window and saw him watching her with interest. Spreading the curtains over the window, she picked up the coffee mug and walked into the lounge where her mother was sitting and now Rameen had also joined her. Handing the mug to her mother, she slumped down at her feet, putting her head on her knees which was her childhood habit as she always did when the family was together.
“Where is my coffee, big sis?” Rameen asked her, knowing pretty well that Aida got offended at her calling her like that. Although they were only two years apart, Rameen and Aida were different as day and night. Her mother smiled as she noticed the annoyed look in her eyes but she had patience with her younger sister. Spreading her fingers through Aida’s hair, her mother smiled and told her a story.
“You know Aida, when I was your age, I always wanted to have a sister who would tease me, irritate me, love me and fight with me just like you both are and when I see you together, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had.”
“I know, mother. I love this brat too much.” Aida said as she saw Rameen stand up to get her mug of coffee. She made a face to Aida which resulted in laughter from both of them. She was the kid of the family therefore, spoiled and pampered by everyone.
The bell rang at that moment, disturbing their private family moment. Aida stood up as Rameen had gone to the kitchen to see who it was at the door. Putting on her rabbit-skinned carpet slippers which were her favorite for a long time, she tied her loose hair and walked to the door. Hazel eyes stood there, looking at her and instinctively she took a step back, her heart in her throat. She looked at him stupidly as he stood in front of her, his lips curved into a knowing smile and his hazel eyes shining.
“Assalam-o-Alaikum. How can I help you?” She asked, looking anywhere but him.
“Walaikumsalam. Does Salma aunty live here?” he asked, knowing full well that she indeed lived here. He liked to see her reaction when she became uncomfortable. They were childhood companions, only she didn’t recognize him after fifteen years. He had recognized her in one look for those watery, brown eyes were etched in his mind.
