Light Upon Light

#52 What A Cute Family!

Assalamu alaikum readers!

Extremely sorry for the delay. Same old excuses, not repeating them. Go ahead and enjoy, and lemme know what you think.

#52 What A Cute Family!

The ivory beauty that was home never failed to catch my breath. The wrought iron gates were thrown wide open for us, even they exuded the most warm feeling of welcome. The mansion looked splendid as we drew closer, through the driveway lined by the impressive foliage that was still well maintained by Hari Kaka. It was a fine day, no trace of the heavy cumulus clouds that were obligatorily present during monsoon. Instead we had a clear blue sky with a few puffs of cotton like clouds.

All four cars stopped right by the marble stairs that led to the entryway of dear old Ashiana. I stepped out, took a wholesome whiff of the air and exhaled in contentment. Home.

I walked around the car quickly and ran right up the stairs to the arms thrown out in welcome for me, for all of us. She couldn’t stand for a long time anymore as her knees were weak. Yet there she stood for who knows how long with her wooden walking stick in hand. I nearly fell on my way up as my abaya got in the way and almost toppled the two of us to the ground with the ferocity of my hug.

“Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu Dadi jaan!” I squealed.

“Wa alaikumassalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu my dearest Juni,” she said, and I could feel the smile and warmth in her voice. She patted my back as I held on to her. It’s been more than two years since I’ve last seen her in person.

“I missed you so much!” I gushed as I pulled back, my eyes starting to get moist.

Dadi looked so gracious in old age. Her hair had gone snowy in the front and she looked paler, her cheeks looking more flushed. Her hazel eyes retained their spark of wisdom and youth. She had become a bit thinner and felt fragile to me, yet her smile made me forget everything else.

“You’re here now,” Dadi said giving me a meaningful look. Chuckling I blinked the tears away.

“Save some of the love for us as well,” Di grinned the same time as Shoaib Bhai interrupted us, “Arey move pagli and let me greet my Dadi as well!”

Giggling I stepped aside and embraced Di and said my salaam to both her and my little nephew or niece in her belly. Di was glowing. She placed one hand lovingly on her belly. Unlike Iqra Bhabhi, Di had lost weight after giving birth to Abid. He was a naughty kid who loved running all around the house and getting up to all kinds of little mischief. She looked lovely however and I was so glad she’d be here in Ashiana for the next few months. She would only be leaving after Baby No. 2 would be a couple of months old.

“How are you Di? Jiju at work today? And where’s my darling Abid?”

“I am fine Alhamdulilah. Yes, Abrar will be home in time for tea and Abid the naughty little man is at school. Any more questions?” she asked smiling, her dimples popping out.

I pinched her cheeks and then moved to greet Phuppi and Annu. The latter had grown into a lovely young girl. It was depressing to think that she may leave Ashiana anytime now since her mom was in search of a groom for her.

Dadi and Phuppi ushered us all inside as Phuppa gave instructions to the manservants to get our luggage and to park all the cars in the garage. It was time for Zuhr so the men and boys excused themselves to go to the masjid. I helped Dadi settle in the living hall, then took a sleeping Ihsan from Chachi so she could go freshen up. With Iqra Bhabhi and Di in tow I climbed up the spiral stairs. Bhai had put Kashaf in his parents' room downstairs before he left.