"It's been 2 years since you came to visit us! Safwan." I can hear her plead through the smartphone.
4 years ago I came to Mumbai, For further studies. Since then I visited them once a year. But this time it has been 2 years.
"Amma! You say this everyday! I will come. I have been a little bit busy." I assured her.
She and her husband, are the caretakers of the Orphanage in Lucknow, where I grew up. She is like a mother to me. They didn't have a child of their own. So, Allah gave them hundreds of children, I didn't say it they said it. And every child who grew up at orphanage called them AMMA and BABA.
"There is something I wanted to tell you!" I don't know why I'm nervous.
"Hmm, Bolo beta kya baat hai?" She said. With them it didn't feel like I have no one.
(Hmm, Tell me what it is son?)
"You know Shoaib Sir, My professor, He asked me to marry his daughter!" I said on the phone.
"Masha Allah!" I heard her voice after a few seconds. I think she might start crying.
"What happened? Why are you crying?" I heard Baba's worried voice.
Told you!
"Why are you crying?" I asked her.
"She might be missing you Safwan! It's been 2 yea-"
"Yeah! yeah!! It's been 2 years since I have visited you! I know!" I completed his sentence.
"Give her phone I will talk to her." I said
"You're on speaker." Baba told me.
"Amma! Why are you crying? it's not like I'm your daughter, and will leave you after marriage. And I'm coming next week, i thought I would give you a surprise but you ruined my surprise!" I tried to sound angry.
"Married! Who's getting married?" I can hear the shock in his voice.
"Our Safwan has grown up, and he is getting married." Amma informed him.
"It's not like I'm crying, it's just that I'm so happy. . . . I still remember the day when I found you at our doorstep you were just a baby! And now you have grown up to be married. You're my son and always be. Allah tujhe dono jahan ki khushiyan ata kare beta!" She blessed me.
(May Allah give you all the happiness of both worlds.)
Sometimes I think it's her prayer that keeps me alive. Because I wouldn't be able to survive in this world alone.
"Masha Allah! Phir kab hai mere bete ki shaadi?" Baba asked me.
(Masha Allah! When is my son's wedding?)
Why do they seem so excited about my marriage?
"Not now! After 2 or 3 years! When I completed my studies and settled down properly." I said.
"You know what we had in today's dinner?" He teased. "Shami kababs!!"
And mouth started watering. Shami kababs are my favourite.
We talked for few minutes then I hung up the call. And I threw myself on my bed.
I miss them. I miss being there. Life is so hard without parents. But they made it less hard for me. I was smart student. They insisted that I should go to Mumbai for further studies. It would be great for my future. They even paid my travelling expenses and even university fees for graduation. And I got a scholarship for my Master's. I have nothing to give them back, except being successful in life so I don't become disappointment for them.
And I wouldn't have survived 1 day at Mumbai if it had not been Maheer's parents. Danish uncle, Maheer's father, and Baba are associates, I don't know if it's the right word. They know each other.
I still remember the first day I came to Mumbai. Danish uncle picked me up from the airport. And I come to their house. They are such a kind person. They made me stay with them for a year. Actually, Zeenat khala, (I used to call her aunty but she insisted I should call her khala.) Maheer's Mother made me stay. She is a kind hearted woman, she has that aura you know, like . . . I mean you can't say no to her. I mean you can never say no to your mother.
And Maheer, He loves to annoy everyone. A prime example is Mahira, her sister, he annoyed her so much. But he is a good son.
Mahira is just like her mother. Kind hearted, sweet and little bit of crazy. What do you expect, she is Maheer's sister.
They have become my family in this span of 5 years.
Just then they both entered my room.
"Bhaiiiii!! YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN TELL ME!"
Mahira said loudly.
"Mahira we are in the same room.-" I was saying when Maheer hugged me.
"My brother! I will miss you." Maheer said in a high pitched voice. As i told you, He is annoying.
"Shut up! Maheer!"
"Shut up! drama queen!
"Don't call me that! Stupid doctor!" Maheer broke the hug, and hit lightly on Mahira's forehead.
"AMMIIIIIIIIII!" She screamed
Here we go! Again!
I still remember the first time I met them.
• • • • • • •
"AMMMIIIIIIIII.....!!!!"
"Ya Allah !! They both started again" Zeenat said irritated.
There comes a fair, tall and skinny teenage boy, wearing a girly head scarf in a very funny way. He's looking very funny, Safwan tried to control his laughter. And a girl she's a short, healthy, chubby girl with long hair, wearing trousers and an oversize hoodie. They must be their children.
"Kya hai ???" Zeenat asked.
(Now what ?)
"Ammi....see bhai is wearing my favorite scarf." the girl said with almost fake crying, she must be 14 or 15.
''Ohh really !!!!! Who comes into my room and says 'see Bhai I'm wearing your favorite hoodie' !?" The boy said with a girly voice.
"look who's talking!! What about my bracelet, you throw it away?" The girl asked.
"And what about my watc- "
They were arguing but their Father scold them they calmed down.
• • • • • • •
"WHATTT?" We heard khala's voice.
"Nothing khala." Before they could answer I yelled.
Maheer smirks looking at Mahira.
"You always save him from all trouble!" She pouted.
I hit him. Her pout replaced with smile.
"Safwan bhai! You're my favourite!" She danced.
I can't believe that they both disliked me when I arrived here. Well, that lasted only for few days.
"So tell me who's my bhabi?" She asked me, sitting on the bed
"Ayezah! Danish uncle's daughter!" Maheer replied.
"Ayezah!" She stands up. "We used to be friends when we were younger. I Miss her sometimes." She said.
"I didn't ask you! Why are you answering?" She glared at her brother.
"Ayezah! That's her real name?" It came out as a question.
"You don't know her real name!" Mahira exclaimed.
"No! Yes! I mean Shoaib Sir told me, but he always calls her Ziya . . . . " Actually I forgot her name, so I came up with an excuse.
"Mahira!" Zeenat khala shouted probably from kitchen.
"Maine to bartan dho kar ache se rakh diye the! Or kya karna tha? Ab kya kal ka khana bhi aaj raat hi banayegi ammi?" She blabbered thinking.
(I have washed the dishes and put them in their place! What to do now? Is she cooking tomorrow's food tonight?)
Maheer laughed at her.
"Comiinggggg!" She sang and leave.
"So, how did this happen? Care to explain? isn't your plan to complete your studies, find a job or start your own business, settle down, become financially stable, then get married!" He asked.
"That's the plan!" I agreed.
He looked at me.
"We are not getting married now." I explained.
"That's nice! And what did you do that he is ready to give you his only daughter." He asked curiously.
"that's a mystery. . . . And suspicious!?" I said frankly.
"Why suspicious?" His eyebrow furrows.
"I have nothing! Literally nothing! And he is ready to accept me as his son in law! I mean who does that?"
"Who said you have nothing!You have a great personality, you're kind, you respect everyone, you're handsome, not more than me, you have a great physique, You're such brilliant student! And let's be honest you're his favourite student!" He was offended.
"Yeah! yeah! Got it!" I nodded.
"I heard girls even call you hot sometimes!" He seems in a good mood today.
"Yeah! And they call you stupid!" I joked.
"Nah! They call me sexy!" He said and we both laughed.
"I'm leaving now! You're coming?" I asked him.
It's been 4 years since I have moved out of the house. But still, I eat most of the time at Maheer's house, and he spent most of the nights at my apartment.
"I'm coming with you!" He replied taking his keys and helmet. And we left for my apartment.
We both sat on our respective bikes, and start the engine. We both looked at each other, Through our helmet. Some kind of agreement passed between us. We drove away.
We sped past the cars, as it was late at night there were only a few vehicles on the road.
The chills I feel are absolutely stunning. The things I have experienced while riding is beyond description, I can't describe in words, and you will never understand.
Riding bikes gives me some kind of adventure and peace at the same time. I'm fast but frightened at the same time. I'm in control of my bike, myself and my life, but I'm not in control at the same time. I can sacrifice my self or save my self at the same time.
I smirked as I reached the building 2 seconds before Maheer.
"Accept it Maheer! You can never win against me!" I said proudly.
"I will accept it, the day you accept that you can't beat me when it comes to 100 push up in a minute." He smirked remembering his victory.
Him and his obsessions with gym and workout. I rarely go to the gym. But one time he fainted in the gym doing an over workout, that's the another story for another time. So I started going regularly with him.
"What the hell! Maheer!" I yelled as we entered the apartment and it was a mess. The laptop was open, There are some files and folders beside the laptop on the table. And there were many papers on the floor.
"Oh! I forgot about this! As we are going to Lucknow next week. And our last year starts next month. So I was thinking of completing my secret project, and give it dad. I feel like this project can't wait a year I need to complete it now! sorry for the mess!" Walking carefully as to not to lay foot on any paper.
As it was our vacation going on. Maheer helps Danish uncle in his business. As he will be taking over the company after studies.
"Can you complete this in a week?" I objected.
"I don't know! I can try though." He admitted.
"Need any help?" I asked as he already started typing on the laptop.
"Not now! I will wake you up if I need any help!" He gave me devilish smile.
"Okay! I'm going to sleep and will put cotton in my ears." I said and went to my room.
I freshen up change into sweat pants and slept.
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