We Run for Love

Chapter 32

کوئی چاند رکھ میری شام پر
میری رات کو مہکا گلاب کر
کسی سایہ دار سے لفظ کو
میرے جلتے دل کا حجاب کر

Afaaf

Grabbing the towel from the nearby stand, I wiped away the water droplets before flickering my eyes to the reflection before me.

My swollen eyes traced my features as I stood like a dead corpse with absolutely blank face. My pale skin standing out against my bloodshot eyes. And my lips dry and wrinkled. My nose slightly pinkish with all the rubbing I had done on it. The brown of my hair cascading down my back, the strands wet with the shower I had taken only a few minutes ago.

What had I done to myself!

Placing the towel away, I turned around and opened the washroom door.

Shaya hurried around the room, gathering her things. I walked to my bed and sat on the corner. My sister smiled my way, coming over to me she cupped my face and placed a kiss on the crown of my head.

" I can take the day off, if you want!"

She suggested as I interlaced my fingers with her. Shaking my head slowly at her. Shaya tilted my chin up. Before she traced her fingers softly under my eyes.

" Say something Afaaf, you haven't spoken since you woke up!" She sighed. Making me avert my eyes.

My gaze falling on the small table clock she had on her side of the bed, seeing it strike past ten in the morning. It was the time, Dadi Gul Jan would sweetly ask me for a cup of tea. And I'd smile at her and ask Khan Dada if he'd want one as well. The older man would nod before returning his eyes to the magazine he read. And then I'll-

" Afaaf, I am talking to you!" My shoulders were shaken softly and I looked at my sister seeing her give me a worried look.

" Why aren't you speaking, say something." She knelt before me. Taking my hands in her.

And I stared blankly at her. I had no words to utter. My mind was blank about everything and anything. What did I have to say, nothing.

Shaya urged me to speak but we're attempts failed. And I felt bad when her lips dipped a low bow and she lowered her head. But I was helpless, I couldn't speak. My tongue was tied and my lips sewed.

Running a hand through my hair, I stood up from my place and Shaya sighed loudly.

" Afaaf, I am sorry for whatever is happening with you." She wrapped her arms around my curled shoulders and I accepted her embrace. Placing my head against her shoulder.

We heard our mother call Shaya from down the stairs, and we pulled apart.

" I am getting late. I'll see you in the evening!" I nodded at her silently. Watching as she grabbed her bag and walked out of the room. A minute later, she peeped inside the room.

" Hurry up, come downstairs for breakfast." She held my hand and I let her as she pulled me along with her.

Mama smiled my way as she saw me drag a chair and sit down. My father was already on the table, eating his breakfast. His eyes shot up when I sat down, before he turned his gaze away. I stared at the brown wood of the table until my mother placed breakfast before me.

" Allah Hafiz!" Shaya said loudly before she walked out to the main gate.

Silence filled every corner after that. And I stared oddly at my plate. Everything was becoming unfamiliar to me. This wasn't my life. I didn't like any of this. This wasn't how my mornings started. This all was of no familiarity.