The Sins of the Father ...An Asya Story

Part 16

Asad gathered Zoya really close; he could not help this sense of dread that was choking his heart...

Sleep evaded both Asad and Zoya. They both knew each was awake but still they didn't want to worry each other with what they were thinking. Asad held Zoya close and Zoya held his hand that was around her and with her other hand she held onto her baby boy. They were up before the alarm went off. Dressed and ready for sehri they made their way to the table. Asad went to help put Aakeer in his feeding chair but Zoya shrugged his hands away. She wanted to do everything for Aakeer herself, Zoya turned to Dilshaad and asked again "Ammi, please can I take my baby with me, please ammi" pleaded Zoya. Dilshaad looked at Asad and Asad shook his head. Dilshaad hated being stuck in between the two of them. "Zoya, beta. You are going there to spend time with your abbu and your sister. You will be introduced to a whole new family" Dilshaad's heart restricted a little and she continued "And Aakeer can be a hand full you won't have enough time with your new family" said Dilshaad sadly. Zoya could sense the mood around the table, she wished away her fear and said loudly "Allah Miya, what wrong with all of you. I am going away for a 3 days only 3 days" she shouted, " You guys are going on like I will never come back home. You can't get rid of me that easily" smiled Zoya. Najma looked her bhai-jaan and ammi's face and knew that they were hurting more than her; "Zoya, I am just afraid that when you go there you will forget about me when you get all the love from your other sister in laws" confessed Najma sadly revealing Asad and Dilshaad's fear as well. Zoya hugged Najma, tightly and said "Tamatar, you are my favourite and best sister in law; you are my sister, my best friend. No one can take your place", Zoya walked over to Dilshaad and hugged her as well "You are my ammi and this is my family. And no one can ever replace you guys" smiled Zoya.

Sehri and prayers was over, it was time for Zoya to leave. Zoya was having a hard time leaving everyone behind. She clung onto Aakeer. Aakeer could sense his ammi's feelings and held onto her as well. Everyone tried to take him away from her but he was holding onto Zoya's tightly. Even Asad tried but Aakeer refused to let go. Eventually Dilshaad removed his hands from around Zoya's neck and took him into her arms. Aakeer started howling and reaching forward for Zoya, Zoya walked to Aakeer but Asad stopped her and shook his head. He took Zoya's hand and started walking towards the door, Zoya's eye were still stuck on Aakeer, she had her hand out as if wanting to touch him and Aakeer's hand was out as well as if trying to reach Zoya. Asad and Zoya were almost at the door, when they heard through Aakeer's sobs "aamm mmiii". Everyone was shocked. Zoya let go of Asad's hand and she ran to Aakeer and gathered him in her arms. "Please say it again, baby boy, please" pleaded Zoya. Asad was now at Zoya and Aakeer's side, he stroked Aakeer hair as if encouraging him. But Aakeer said nothing. Zoya rocked Aakeer, "Asad, I am sure I didn't imagine him saying ammi, your heard him didn't you?" She looked and Asad then Dilshaad "Ammi you heard my baby boy call me ammi right" asked Zoya. Dilshaad nodded and touched Zoya's cheek. Asad kissed Aakeer's forehead, Aakeer was now asleep. Asad knew Zoya will not let go of her baby boy now, so he slowly took him away from Zoya's arms and handed him to Najma. Zoya kissed Aakeer and let Asad lead her to the SUV.

They were seated in the car, Asad put on his aviators to hide if eyes. Zoya always said that his eyes spoke volumes and if she could read his eyes now, she would never go and he could not stop her. He started the SUV and began driving stealing glances at Zoya who was looking out the window trying to hide her tears. The eerie silence was heartbreaking. Zoya put the radio on and continued to look out the window. When there is so much silence you pay attention to words more, be it a song or life...

Kuchh Reshami...
It's a bit silky
Kuchh Khurdura...
And a bit coarse
Abhi Beh Chala...
It's flowing now
Abhi Hai Ruka...
And now it's stopped
Haathon Mein Hai Ret Sa Issaq Tera...
It's like sand in my hands, Your love (for me)