A Walk Through Eternity.

AWTE : 04

~Amrah

“...........Without the wonderful support from all of you, we would have never been close to where we are today. It has been four amazing years. Once again, thank you all for coming.” Mrs Lotfi concluded her 10 minutes' speech which was followed by a sounding applause from the crowd.

I really did not bother to hear her speech. My attention was not even the nearest bit close at that moment.

Absolutely not.

In case you were wondering, I haven’t seen a glimpse of him after our encounter earlier that night. I found that quite appreciable though because if other wise, It would have been awkwardly weird. If you get what I mean that is.

“I think I should go now.” Layla announced rising from her seat,“Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”

“So soon? Are you sure you wouldn’t stay a bit longer? The feast is almost commencing.” Aneesa asked all smiles. She clearly didn’t like the fact that Layla was already leaving.

“I really have to go. Besides, I don’t have my phone with me and I’m expecting a call from someone.” she clarified. Aneesa nodded understandingly

“It's okay, really. I am already looking forward to meeting you again.” Aneesa rose from her seat
and so did  I.

Our table was at the foremost end of the gathering. We walked to see Layla off, engaging ourselves in little conversations on the way.

“Really you guys should go back. I'll take my leave from here.” Layla stated as we reached the large compound gate.

Aneesa engulfed Layla in a warm hug.“Thank you for coming."

“The pleasure is mine Aneesa. See you some other time."

We further exchanged words with her and she went off. At that moment the realization clicked in me.

I knew that Layla owned a mobile phone, which I saw her with back at car when we were coming here. If that is so, then which phone is she claiming to be at Maryam's place. How sure am I that's where she's going.

Is she hiding something?

Nevertheless, you never know. Maybe she does have another phone. And here I am, having silly thoughts.

I shrugged the thought off my mind while we were walking. back to our seats and the feast was commencing.

At quarter past ten, I was seated on the couch in Aneesa's room, tapping on my phone. I called Ammi to reassure her that the event was over and that I would be home in no time.

We just returned from her Aneesa's mother's room, whom they call Maama(pronounced marh marh). The woman is so gentle and welcoming, all smiles and with a kind heart. She received me almost like she would to her own daughter.

Aneesa was out to see off some of her friends and relations while I was here waiting for the driver to arrive.

“Hey.”

I looked up from the phone and Aneesa was already in the room. She held a tray in her hand with two glass cups and a plate containing cookies.

“I brought us something to gobble before you go back home. We need some chilled drinks as we gist you know.” she said with a soft laugh.

“Really you shouldn't have bothered. You've overfed me already.” I returned with a graceful smile.

She placed the tray on the center table and found a spot to seat. She ushered me to come seat close to her which I did without thinking twice.