Chapter 2 Heavy Hearts

Abrar sat in the bedroom, gazing lovingly at his wife who was absorbed into gathering all his necessities in a suitcase. She made sure that there was the same amount of dress shirts and pants with an assorted choice of few jeans and casual t-shirts. She applied pressure on the neatly arranged clothes to make place for an extra towel. Her pursed lips and slight frown gave her the look of a confused youngster.

Marrying him at fifteen and gifting him a healthy baby at the age of seventeen, Abrar could say that Manha had practically grown up with him. She carried on with patience, conquering ominous obstacles and demeaning challenges. She did not leave his side. Despite being granted the chance to. Despite the engulfing conditions. And now at thirty one, she had turned into a graceful lady with her radiant face and pleasant smile. Abrar was finally living the tranquil life he dreamed with Manha and their two growing children. And for that he was deeply beholden.

He sighed contentedly. His mind drifted to Hayat. She was at school and was not the one packing his stuff like she usually did. Not that he was complaining that his wife was doing the said task but he wished his daughter was present. He remembered the look she gave him before leaving in the morning.

Although she was not much vocal about it, she had always wanted him to return home as soon as he left the country. He felt the sudden urge to visit her at school. That seemed strange as he was used to not seeing his family before leaving. Going abroad abruptly was part of his routine. That was his call of duty.

Just then, the cries of his little boy Tahmid, disrupted his thoughts. He discarded his feelings and rushed to the adjacent room. He turned the grumpy

baby into a smiling child by peppering his face with kisses. Manha who had followed behind, looked at the scene with tenderness.

Sarah nodded at Hayder. She hugged a very silent Hayat who glanced at her confusingly. She began skipping to the street where she lived. Hayat waved at her with the hint of a smile. The siblings watched their friend going until she was no longer in sight. They started walking towards their abodes in silence. Soon, Hayat opened the gate at her place and was not surprised when Hayder followed her inside. She noted that he had wanted to speak since long.

''Hayu!.''

Hayat turned to look at him with a warm feeling spreading in her bosom. It has been long since they last used their nicknames.

''Hayu.'', she acknowledged in anticipation of his words.

'' Its alright. Uncle will be here in a couple of days. Isn't it the same every time?''

She nodded in reply. He slowly wrapped his arms around his sister and brought her head to his chest.

'' Be strong.'', he murmured while kissing the top of her head.

Hayat reveled in the safety of his hug. She felt blessed and her eyes glossed. She blinked a few times. Hayder released her with a few pats on her shoulder. He gave her his full blown smile for which he was famous. He had the charms and his smile was gorgeous. It immediately sent positive vibes towards its receptor. And it was working perfectly at that moment. She grinned back and Hayder nodded signaling her to head inside.

She rolled her eyes at that but obeyed nonetheless. Trust Hayder to be protective even within her grounds. He then walked leisurely to the house next door and got inside. ''All is well.'' He whispered, trying to assure himself. But even his heart was not at ease. He couldn't comprehend what was going on. He chose to keep it aside and strolled towards the kitchen in time to see his mother taking out grilled sandwiches.

Food! Perfect distraction!

Hayat pecked Tahmid on the cheeks and glanced at her mother who was already looking at her. Coming home to the gentle face of her mother was a bliss she never failed to thank Allah SWT for. She looked at her in silence, simply relishing her presence. She then tiptoed to the door and closed it with as less noise as possible. They had spoken to her dad some half an hour ago. While Tahmid made demands of toys and Kinetic Sand, his recent obsession, she wanted to ask him to come back.

But one look from her mother shushed her. Manha didn't want any additional stress on her husband. His work was already loaded as he had to travel various places to obtain his desired products and the manufacturers he deemed fit. And Hayat knew that her mother was correct thus she decided to choose the ultimate option to calm herself.

She made ablution and stood on the prayer mat. She planned to pray voluntary prayers until she would be soothed. Until she would be able to close her eyes with peace and head to dream lands without worry.

What she was not aware of was that a few feet away, Hayder was carrying out the exact feat. He was struggling to fall asleep despite the house being quiet with his parents and younger siblings tucked in the comfort of their beds. So he prayed and prayed until the raging turmoils finally left him at the peep of the day. He did a last prostration of gratitude when sleep was ready to enshroud him.