The Orphans Of Karachi

CHAPTER 5

It had been a week since that incident. The sun was going down and so was Zarwish's patience for this place and its people. On days, she would spend most of her time with bhondu, Amir and Yahya, who now had become a really good friend of hers. His geekiness and silly disposition lightened up her days. Most of their time after school was consumed by playing board games after school. Laughing and making memories.

She would occasionally speak to Mr. and Mrs. Kamal , but things got awkward when Zarwish shared her question with Mr. Kamal about how he earned money and fed so many people because she never saw him going for work.

He never replied.

Zarwish was not sure whether it was her avoiding Anousha, or was Anousha staying out of her way. At night, Zarwish would double check her lock on the door and recite some duas. Some nights she wouldn't be able to sleep and at 12 am sharp , she would see footsteps and robes under the door. Other nights, she would be woken up by bhondu's loud barks towards the door. She seeked peace but was never given.

That evening, as the sun was dissolving in the horizon, Zarwish cried in her maghrib prayer, missing her parents, her house, room everything. She wished for a break where she can breathe freely.

ANOUSHA

I didn't want to do this. I didn't want Zarwish to get involved in this beautiful mess. Instead of helping myself out, I was going to drag my best friend in to this.

"You're panicking again, aren't you?" Mrs. Kamal loud voice broke the distressed silence.

"I don't want her in to this thing" Anousha got up from her bed and held Mrs. Kamal's shoulders.

"Why? What are you so scared of? There is nothing wrong with our secret. She will be so happy and thankful. I don't understand why aren't you? Isn't this your dream come true?" Mrs. Kamal was tired from her pointless worries.

"Not the dreams that i am having lately. Nevermind. I am. I am deeply sorry. " Anousha sighed.

"Now, go get her ready. Tonight all secrets will be revealed to her." Mrs. Kamal's eyes were glistening with curiosity.

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Zarwish was told to take a shower as some special guests were about to visit the place. Zarwish got herself cleaned and wore neat ironed clothes given to her. As she was staring at herself in the mirror, wondering what made people think she was pretty, Anousha came in. Surprised to see her come meet Zarwish in her room, Zarwish was more astonished with what she saw Anousha was carrying.

She was holding the same golden robe. The silk robe was shining like a golden light.

"What is going on?" Zarwish took a step back, scared, holding back her tears. The last thing she wanted was to be a part of their sick rituals.

"I don't want this, keep it away from me!" Zarwish screamed.

Anousha had sadness in her eyes. She smiled.

"Zarwish. Don't be scared. Trust me I am our best friend. Don't ask any more questions. All of your questions will be answered soon" 

She forced Zarwish to wear the most beautiful gown Zarwish had ever seen. It was soft like flowing silky liquid. With her white hair falling behind her back, Zarwish was looking like an angel.

"Come with us, it's time for our secret to be revealed to you" A strange eerie voice spoke from her door.