The Colours of Dawn

Chap-1: The Freedom

"Don't forget to take your medicines in time, Nanu,"

I said while arranging the medicines in the box,

"I've instructed everything to Jasim mama (uncle) and Rahima khala (aunt). But you should be also careful not to skip any meal OR I won't talk to you, understood?"

I paused for a response, but nothing came up. So I looked around anxiously to find my grandfather looking through the window.

I went near him to catch a glimpse of the view. The quiet autumn breeze blew the strands off my forehead.

Flowers in the garden were in full bloom, especially those red china roses, I still remembered planting them with Nanu.

It's been quite some time.
That plant has now grown taller than Me!!! Much Taller.

Some of the butterflies are playing in the garden along with the dragonflies, They look so beautiful hopping and flying around the garden. I could hear the chirping of the birds having their breakfast delightfully in the shade that I had put for them earlier. Their tricks around it always made me smile.

"Who will feed the birds when you will be away my dear?" I looked at Nanu gazing blankly out at the backyard.

Now to think of it, I realized that I won't be able to do that anymore. It hurt for sure.

I knew I will not be able to see this garden, I'll miss this house, the river, the trees, and most importantly my grandfather, who always had been my guardian, my best friend, advisor, teacher, and whatnot ever since I came here.

I was brought up by him from my very childhood to grow up this big. I could still remember the days playing dolls with him, then we shifted to board games, then as we grew up with age everything I learned was taught by him, as my whole life revolved around him my Nanu.

And he was the only one who always supported me to get this far, he was the courage of my dream. So I would never bear to disappoint him.

"Hmm... that's surely a concern but you don't need to worry about it," I tossed my index finger on the cheek, "I have a full-time caregiver you know, to take care of my daily routine." I winked pointing my thumb at Nanu.

"Oh really?" He put his arms on the hip raising an eyebrow. But he couldn't keep on with the act as I chuckled over his posture and then both of us began laughing.

I gave him a bear hug when we both started laughing, oh I don't know when will I be able to see him again like this, "I'll miss you, Nanu." Tears threatened to come out of my eyes.

"I'll miss you too my princess." I could also feel his voice breaking.

"Aww. Ok now give me a sweet smile for a nice farewell, Chief," I giggled blinking my tears off using our code name from when we went on imaginary missions.

"Ok, Captain." He returned the smile giving a salute.

I also put a salute and was about to hustle on, as he put his hand on my head,

"Don't be disappointed by your father's words dear. You know, he loves you more than anything in the world. He just wants to protect you with everything he can."

That reminded me of the conversation with Baba (father) this morning.

***

"Reeti, you won't be able to make it there alone. Why don't you just listen to me?"
My dad uttered in a strong voice over the phone.