The Remaining Story

《Chapter 16》

'Abode of Hope', Wardah read the name of the orphanage as they reached a quaint and cosy looking structure after a fifteen minutes drive during which neither of them spoke a word for they were too busy admiring the things they fancied. Wardah gazed at the passing city and the scanty greenery and Shehzad gazed at her.

As soon as the car halted, a thin, lanky boy of about eighteen jogged out and waved to Shehzad casually. Shehzad rolled down the window and spoke to the boy in fluent Hindi, Wardah understood nothing other than the Salam that was exchanged at the beginning since it was a customary greeting for Muslims. The boy nodded at the end of Shehzad's instructions and opened the door for him to climb out. Seating himself at the wheel, he started the engine before Wardah had a chance to ask anything. She found Shehzad heading inside the building and the boy driving them towards the backyard. Shehzad raced through the corridor and reached the backdoor just as the car stopped. Rushing towards Wardah's door, he opened it and held out his palm hoping desperately that she would hold it and then laughing silently at his own stupidity when she smiled and proceded to climb out on her own.

"Shehzad!" A voice called out from inside causing Wardah and Shehzad to turn.

"Amma!" Shehzad beamed as a middle aged woman clad in a white shalwar kameez appeared at the door. One look at her kind face, warm eyes and a gratifying  smile was enough for Wardah to know why Shehzad was so delighted at the sight of her.

"Why did you run like that? What happened?" Amma's face was scrunched up with worry.

"Nothing. Meet Wardah," he stepped aside to reveal Wradah who was hidden by his frame and noticed Amma's lips curl into a smile as soon as she spotted Wardah. She walked towards them and Shehzad bowed his head to which she gave a pat. Wardah felt her heart swell with happiness at the display of affection.

"So you saved this princess from the paparazzi and brought her here," Amma commented as she patted Wardah's head lovingly. Shehzad couldn't have agreed more with her on calling Wardah a princess, for she was way better than any princess. Wardah smiled at the lady, relishing the feel of motherly love that she exuded.

"That's what heroes do," Shehzad smirked and held Amma's hand leading her inside. She stopped and turned to Wardah,

"Come beta," she urged her to follow them.

Wardah nodded and followed them.

"You are beautiful, beta," Amma looked at Wardah, admiring her beauty.

"Not more than you," she replied admiring the kindness that shone through Amma's face, the twinkle in her eye and the sweetest, lovliest smile that one could ever have. Her beauty was the kind that only increased with time.

"No beta," she shook her head as Shehzad smiled to himself. In a world where people were incarnations of devils, he knew two women who could put angels to shame.

"My name is Wardah. Not beta, I think you misheard," Wardah corrected Amma only to earn a hearty laugh from her and Shehzad.

"She's Arab," Shehzad explained and Amma chuckled.

"'Beta' means child, my dear. You have a beautiful name but I'll call you beta," she winked and Wardah felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment. She mentally swore to start learning Hindi as soon as possible.

"Bhaiya!" A bunch of kids ran into the corridor shouting and hooting, jumping and rushing to hug Shehzad. Wardah stood and watched the mob of children engulf Shehzad in a hug. A few holding his legs, two in his arms and the rest jostling to be near him. What she was seeing was not the love of a fan but the love of someone closer. Shehzad kissed and ruffled their hair, sporting a wide smile. Wardah stood stunned, unable to believe the existence of this gentle, loving and playful side of Shehzad.