Caged Crown

◇4

Ibn Abbaas (RAA) said: There is no major sin if one asks for forgiveness, and there is no minor sin if one persists in repeating it.

“Hi, aunty,” I waved at her. She waved back and dropped the watering can. Massive glint of warmth, evening sun showered the adorable plants with kisses. Amidst the beautiful leaves, lay a tiny white rose, peeking out. At its sight, I giggled at the cuteness of roses and snapped back to reality.

“Pardon me, aunt Aysha. Did you say something?”

“I was asking what took you so long to come? Why didn't you take an uber?” I chuckled at her, knowing she was teasing me for coming late though I live next to her home.

“I thought not to waste my money over uber ride.” I winked as she laughed aloud. I didn't know that she was this friendly and now I regret for not meeting her before. Despite giving birth to Mr Annoying Gentleman, she deserves a gold medal for her welcoming character.

“Meet my daughters, Hiba and Ziya.” She lead me inside her beautiful house. A modest one. The yellow interior with it's homely atmosphere welcomed me. The indoor plants waved at me with their long leaves. “Hiba,” Aunty yelled.

“She's showering.” Came a sweet voice. I lifted my head towards the source and spotted a roly-poly girl. “How many times do I have to repeat to her not to get lost inside the bathroom when dusk hour approaches?” Aunt Aysha said using a carefully controlled tone concluding it with a sigh. Then she walked into the kitchen, mumbling Hiba's carelessness.

“Assalamualaikum, I'm Ziya.” I snapped at her and replied to her salam. “I'm Laiha.”

“Yes, brother had mentioned about you.”

“Did he?” I chuckled and continued, “What did he say about me?”

“He had mention of your tiny, hazel eyes. He said that he was about to pass out seeing you because you looked scary when you threatened him.” She chuckled and I mirrored her. “I didn't threaten him. It was he, who annoyed me. He spille-”

“Look who's here.” I lifted my head up to the stairs. “Hello Hiba.” I waved at her. She ran to me like a kid who lost her old, childhood friend. They all treated me like their long lost mate and I was happy being around them. Hiba was at my side, touching my shoulder in her arm, as if checking my height that is an inch taller than her.

“I always wanted an older sister and I'm delighted. Come, I'll show you some of my paintings.” She dragged me along like a crazy kid. “Kids at my school admire my paintings.” She paused and blinked, as if remembering something.

“This art is a collaboration of Jasmine and I. She told me that she would someday gift me one of the paintings of her favourite artist. I didn't know that she would leave us this soon.” She whimpered the last part. I wanted to console but seeing her, it told me that she was so close to Jasmine.

“I didn't know Jasmine painted.” I broke the silence.

“She painted like she's going to kill someone. She only paint when she gets angry. Our collaborated work is my favourite one because that was the only time she had painted in calm.” She heaved a sigh and plastered a  smile.

“Let's head downstairs. The smell of mum's crispy pakoras won't let me stand here for another minute.” I giggled at her childishness. No wonder she's Mr Annoying Gentleman's sister. Unlike Ziya, she's talkative. Ziya's actions speak more than her words. She speaks less and acts mature. While, Hiba is a silly girl.

“What's the age difference between you and Ziya?”

“Ziya is two years younger than me. I'm in grade 10 and she's in grade 8.” She grabbed some pakoras from the plate and handed it to me. “What about you?”