Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Two

The terrible night descended eventually.
I'm lying on my pillow, unable to erase yesterday's events ...
It pained me more as I realise that I am the reason for a rift between the two brothers.

I know, Abba is stubborn. It's very hard for him to forget and let things go off but he's his only brother.

Suddenly, I miss Ammi a lot.
If she would've been here then maybe things had been better than what it is currently.

It was almost the time for morning prayers when I got up.

I quickly tied my hair into a messy bun and picked up my dupatta.

I stormed to the bathroom to perform wudu.

As I rinsed my face, Rehmaan Chacha's broken face flashed in my mind once again.

I sighed out loud and quickly stepped out to offer prayers before it's late.

After prayers when I walk outside, I find Abba asleep on the armchair itself.

My heart churned to see my old man in grief. I know, he hasn't slept for the entire night.

He stirred and swiftly opened his eyes.

"Rabia." My name popped out of his mouth.

He rubbed his eyes and I quickly discarded my tears.

"Assalam Alaikum Abba!" I greeted him, cheerfully.

"Walaikum assalam." He softly replied and got up from the armchair.

"Why did you sleep here?" I asked him.

"I don't know when I dozed off."

Abba! I know you. Stop torturing yourself.

He wore his glasses and avoided to meet my eyes

"As I've overslept, I won't be able to make it to the mosque. I'll offer prayers at home today." He sighed before hurrying towards the washroom.

I exhaled sharply.

No matter, how hard he tried to hide it, I know he is restless.
I glanced at the clock and it dawned on me that Rehmaan Chacha must have reached by now.

Did he?

Should I call? My concern for him didn't stop me from calling him and I dialed his number swiftly.

With each ring, I feel trepidation increasing.

Is he okay?

I silently prayed for his well-being.

Please be okay!

The call eventually got answered at the sixth ring.

"Hello!" And my world came crashing down.

Fahad!

"Hello!" He spoke again.

"Assalam alaikum." I gather my voice.

"Walaikum assalam!" He responded.

"Who is this?" He asked.

I gulp, "It's me... Rabia." I whispered.

"Oh! Rabia, how are you?" I hear cheerfulness in his voice.

"I'm fine." I replied contrary to the truth, "Rehmaan Chacha.... did he reach?" I queried and waited for his reply.

"Yes.. Actually I was about to call you to inform. He did reach home safely." He answered sweetly.

Thank Allah!