Letters From The Known | ✔

Epilogue

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she read the next letter. Perhaps the last one. Waleed indeed had truly loved her and when Haneen passed away, his heart went with her.

Wiping her tears, she held the table for the support. She never hated Haneen. She kind of blamed herself  for not trying harder to look for her sister despite the fact that they lived in the same country. Taking a deep breathe, she took feeble steps and stopped until she saw Hana.

"Aunty? Did Mama go to Allah?" the little five year old girl asked her. When she didn't reply, she tugged her dress.

"Does it mean I am all alone in this world?" Hiba kneeled down,reaching to her height. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ears, she wiped her tears.

"No my baby. You aren't alone. You have your Baba, your both grandmother. You have me, you have your Mama." Pointing to her heart. "Your Mama did leave the world, but she didn't leave you. She is there in your heart baby. "

"When will I meet my Mama- Where did Mama go?"

"She went to God"

"Was I a bad kid?" her innocence had once again brimmed Hiba's eyes. Such a young age and such an innocent question.

"You weren't a bad kid. You never was a bad kid my princess. Just pray for your Mama okay? "

"I miss Mama!"

"Keep your hand to your chest and close your eye. Imagine your mother." Little Hana did was she was told to do. "Do you see your Mama?"

"Yes I see, but I can't hug her." Her brown eyes shined with tears. "Will you give me hugs like Mama?" that alone question had taken her back.

"When I miss Mama, can I call you Mama since Mama loved you a lot. I love you also."

"Yes..you can hug me also...but..." 

" Mama would be upset if I call you Mama, so can you give me hugs like Mama?" she nodded her head as tears streamed down her face. Taking her in a big hug, she whispered to her.

"Hana, you're strong girl. Baba needs you and you need Baba. Never leave your Baba's side!"

●●●

Hiba slowly opened the door where Waleed was staying. An IV drop was attached on his hand.He looked outside, looking at the birds whispering to themselves.

After the funeral, Waleed had another attack. This time it was due to over dosage of medicine.He wasn't aware that someone had entered his room.His face devoid of any emotion.

"Waleed, it's me Hiba." his black eyes landed upon her, emotions were displayed but he controlled.

"She told me not to cry."

"It's okay Waleed. You can cry"

"I would break the promise then"

"You wouldn't. She must have told you not to cry at small things."

"She told me to be strong-"

"It doesn't mean that strong people don't cry. Waleed it has been two days. Just let your emotion out. If Haneen was in your place, I would say the same thing. It's okay "

"She left me. She left me by saving those peoples..."

"And they would be forever indebted to her. Waleed I know your pain. I know what you are feelings. Death is a vicious cycle. God had created us. He had send us to this world and there is a time when we would return back to God. That's how life works. It's transient. Haneen's time had come."

A silence had resonated in the room. After a brief pause, Waleed spoke up.

" I feel guilty Hiba...I did't mean to. I never intended even to do so. I-I had pain my chest, so I took one pain killer but the pain increased so as my dosage of medicine increased. It was a matter of time when I realized that the pain was from loosing someone close but it was too late." He buried his face in his hands, guilt eating him up that he thought he was about to end his life.

" Waleed, I know what pain are you going through-"

" A pain where you don't have your loved one. Please, this life would be hell-"

" You are wrong Waleed. You have two eyes which can see the world which a blind person wants. You have ears so that you could hear which a deaf person wants. You can speak which a mute person wants. You have two legs and two hand and a well beating heart. How can you call this life hell? Many people don't have this yet they live happily. I am not saying that you are exaggering your pain but as a father, think about your daughter. "

Waleed did not speak, as tears brimmed his eyes.

" Many people want this life Waleed. You have roof on your head. Haneen's is in better place. Your only duty is the task you are assigned in this world as you keep praying that you and Haneen would be reunited in Heaven once again. "

" I will try not to cause pain to others."

Hiba smiled at him as her heart healed a bit. Perhaps it took a bit time for healing her heart but it wasn't completely healed. It would take further time to heal completely but the scar would remain forever.

As she got up, she stopped in her track as Waleed called her.

" Hiba, forgive me if I had unintentionally hurted you in any manner. I never intended to do it." Biting her lips, she gave him a smile, stating that all okay while giving his a small wave to bid bye.

She wanted to give those letters but decided not to give. Perhaps something are meant to remain mystery. Giving him would cause him pain indirectly and she doesn't want to.

A soft hand caressed his cheeks. Waleed looked up to see the soft brown eyes looking at him with same shine which Haneen used to.

Without thinking, he hugged her and as she reciprocated her father's hug she whispered the sentence which melted his heart.

" As long as I am a good daughter and a strong girl, its my duty to not make you cry but to make you smile."

The end