Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Thirteen

I couldn't keep my ecstasy at bay. I felt like this after a very long time. These past few days had been stressful and everything was overwhelming.

The people I loved were in front of my eyes. Smiles beautifying their faces.

At the same time, my old man had tears in his eyes.
I quickly ran in his arms.
Abba cried, holding me, "My little Rabia." He whispered.

"I'm not little." I whined. Everyone around us laughed.

"You are to me. You will always be my little girl. This house felt so emptied since you left."

"Then why did you get me married?" I grinned.

"You had to leave me some day." Tears gushed down his cheeks.

"Don't say that. I'm always with you." I wiped his face.

"Oh Chacha! Give us also a chance to meet the bride." Rumana told Abba and everyone laughed.

I hugged her tightly.

"How are you?" Chachi asked me.

"I'm fine." I replied as she held my hand.

"Rabia, where is Aslam?" Chacha asked me.

"He couldn't come." I murmured.

"He has to pack and arrange things, Rehmaan. Anyway, we'll see him at Maulana Saab's house." Abba said.

I nodded.

"Come on. Let's not keep our daughter at the door. She needs to rest. Come in dear." Chachi led me inside my house.

I missed the warmth of my home even though it had only been hours since I left this place.

I remembered my Ammi who would run around the house to feed me. I was very mischievous and a trouble maker as a kid. Abba always saved me from my mother's anger. The only time I recall him being angry at me was when I back answered to Ammi. He hadn't talked to me for an entire week. As an apology I had helped Ammi to earn his forgiveness.

There were too many memories associated with the house, with my parents.

I'm going to leave them today.

My room, my bed and my belongings. It's hard to even think that I might not be coming back here anytime soon.

I don't know what is Aslam upto?
I thought that I was being delusional earlier but my doubts were confirmed by spending just few hours with him.

I lied on my pillow.

"Hey." Rumana smiled when I looked at the door.

"Come inside." I said and she entered my room with a plate of eatables.

"I brought snacks. You must be hungry." She placed the plate on the table.

"Yes. Car rides does make me crave for food." I replied. She sat by my side.

"How was it?" She asked me.

I quizzically gaped at her. "I've not eaten it yet but it looks delicious."

She sighed, "Rabia, I'm not talking about food. How was it. Are you okay?"

"I guess, I am fine." I replied nonchalantly.

She exhaled loudly. "Thank god. We were so worried about you. Ammi and I."

I averted my eyes.
"I think there's nothing to worry much. I'm just nervous about shifting to another city so soon." I spoke and she nodded.

"We are leaving for Hyderabad tomorrow. We're taking Chacha with us."

"What about this place?" I queried.