Aafreen was in her own world. But that wasn't for long when the thump sound of something fall struck her. She ran towards the hall as if something stung her. She saw her uncle Mohi -ud-deen in worst state ever. Fumes of fury was flowing out of his eyes and ears. She had never seen her calm uncle lose temper so easily. “ What happened, tre ( uncle in Pashto language)?” , she asked.
Mohi-ud-deen looked at his niece. His heart melted in a minute. Her soft eyes were more than enough to calm down his anger. He held her tight in his arm and kissed her forehead. “ Nothing, my child.”, he said, gently brushing her silky black hair. He had learnt to shield his emotions perfectly in front of his family. They never doubted his other side.
Aafreen got convinced from the warmth of her uncle’s words and touch. She was simply imagining. Her uncle’s calm personality was known amongst the people in whole town of Pahalgam. Unlike any of her other uncles or father, he had made his name in the world with sheer hard work and goodness. And Aafreen wanted to follow the footstep of her uncle. She would seek his advises on life and studies. She could pursue education only because of her uncle.
She released from his embrace and walked into kitchen to help her aunt to prepare snacks for the evening. It wasn't even three. But punctuality was something her uncle wouldn't sacrifice for anything. This was the sole reason the household of Abdullah was known all over the town. People flocked from smallest and unknown places in the town to his house for his advises. It had become a part of routine to visit her uncle. And this year her visits had become frequent like twice in a day.
She was back to her imagination again. Her aunt had asked her to wash few utensils. Half an hour had passed. The water was flowing and she was standing in front of wash basin without scrubbing the vessels. She didn't even realize her aunt calling her name out. How could she when her mind was consumed by thoughts of him?
A series of past moments were replaying in her mind. But this wasn't long when she felt someone hit her head. It was aunt Khadijah. "What are you day dreaming about? How many times should I call? ", her aunt scolded her. Khadijah turned the tap off and continued belittling her for spending large quantities of water, "Water is not in abundance now. It has become scanty now because of people like you. Now instead of using it carefully , you are wasting Allah's precious resources. Now tell me what is bothering you?" Aafreen lied, " No! Nothing! It's just some class assignment I was thinking about." However the truth was something else.
(To be continued)
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