Unexpected Promises

Prologue ✓

Atifa's pov:

It was a pleasant day, the birds were chirping and the sun was shining brightly. I came back running home from my school bus. Today was a big day for me.

Entering my home, I called out a salam. Closing the door with a thud, I rushed to the kitchen, knowing where ammi would be. And as expected, she was making my favourite food, chicken biryani. I hugged her from behind. "Assalamualikum Ammi" I pecked her cheeks.

"Walikumussalam beta, How was your school?" Closing the lid of the pot, she turned to me with a soft smile.

(Son/daughter)

"Alhamdulillah it was good. I am so happy ammi, I won first prize in our Quiz competition! It was so much fun! I got a free period to spend some time with Emaan too! And I even got to play..." I began my ranting.

"Calm down bacche, go and pray first. Your abbu might be coming soon and lunch is almost ready. We can talk afterwards!" She chuckled while handing me a glass of water.

(Child)

"Ammi, Where is Mira?" Amira, my little sister, was a three years old ball of excitement! The house seemed pretty quiet today so it made me suspicious as well as worried about her.

"She is sleeping in my room."

"Oh okay." Sitting down at the kitchen island, I finished my glass of water before heading up to my room to freshen up and pray.

._._._.

I had plenty of homework, but the excitement of telling my parents everything was eating me up. Nevertheless, I started my English homework and got so engrossed in it that I forgot the time. English was my favourite subject. Just as I completed my homework, I heard ammi calling me down for lunch. Abbu was back! "Coming!" I shouted to let her know that I heard her. Closing my book, I ran downstairs.

Abbu was sitting on the table, waiting for us. Our house was not big, but it was not small either. In fact, it was perfect for us. There were four bedrooms attached with washrooms, a living room, a drawing room and a kitchen along with a dining room. The living room faced the kitchen, which was attached to the dining room. As I was standing on the steps, I could see the dining room from here. Three bedrooms were upstairs while the remaining room downstairs.

"Atifa api!" Squealing, Amira ran towards me, leaving her toys behind in the living room. Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Atifa Ahmed. I was thirteen years old at that time and was studying in class eighth. What else could I say about myself? I guess we will get to know as the story proceeds...

"Assalamualikum Mira." I lifted her up.

She squealed as I tickled her before replying with giggles, "Walikumussalam api."

"What were you doing all day princess?" I asked her while walking towards the dining area.

"I played with my dolls and learned Twinkle-twinkle with ammi." She told me excitedly, her arms flailing around.

"Oh really?" I raised a brow.

"Yes and she told me I could go to the park with you today if I would be a good girl." She grinned.

"And were you a good girl?" Abbu asked, faking her curiosity, a small smile threatening to pull his lips.

"Yes, I was. I even helped ammi in cleaning today." She bobbed her head.

"Assalamualikum abbu." I smiled brightly. Sitting Amira on a chair, I stood behind her as ammi returned from the kitchen, carrying a bowl of salad.