Rewrite the Stars

Chapter13: Mulaqat

"Behind her smile
Is a hurting heart
Behind her laugh
She's falling apart"
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Hareem:
My alarm disturbed my sleep for the third time. Groaning I finally decided to put a stop on this snoozing game and just get up. Glancing at the time it was near ten in the morning. Rubbing my eyes I went to the washroom not before noticing that Sohail was not in the room. He must have gone downstairs was my obvious thought. I quickly freshened up and tied my hairs in a ponytail. Grabbing my dupatta I too headed downstairs. As I came to the living room I saw Naila, Sohail, Ammi and Abbu at the breakfast table. I entered inside and greeted everyone. Ammi smiled at me and said
"Walaikum usalam. Come beta have your breakfast". I shook my head and said
"I'll go in the kitchen and help Beenish". She nodded her head at me and I went to the kitchen. As I entered I saw Beenish making tea for everyone. I started to take out the cups for the tea so she could pour into it. As I settled the cups in the tray I heard her mutter
"You don't have to do it. I can do it". I clicked my tongue and said to her
"It's okay let me help you". I didn't know if it was true or not, but I think I heard her say
"You should've woken up earlier". I chose to stay quiet. I don't know why she always tries to find faults in me. I know it's my mistake that I woke up late but I'm trying to help her here, so she should be at least....be not rude. I took the tray to the table and sat down for breakfast. After eating I quickly cleaned the table and washed the dishes. Naila went to university and Ammi went to her room. After I completed all my work I went to my room. Surprisingly Sohail was still in causal. He often leave at eleven but it's past eleven thirty so I asked him
"You're not going to office?". He looked at me and said
"No". I nodded my head and started to clean the room. I heard him say
"Are you going to your Ammi's today?". I looked at him and said
"Phupho called and said that we have to go for shopping. Can I go?" I asked him. He nodded his head and I continued with my work.

It was noon now and I was done with all my work. Looking at the clock I decided to get ready otherwise I'll get late. I headed for my room and changed into a nice dress. Getting ready I took my phone and put it in my purse. I headed downstairs and saw Sohail coming in the living room. I walked to him and said
"Can you give me some money?". Nodding his head he took some money and handed to me. As we both were heading out Beenish came to us and said
"Bhai I have some work can you drop me too?". Of course he agreed and we all walked outside to the car. Before I could sit at the front seat Beenish caught up to me and settled down first. I looked at her surprised. She is acting way too weird, but before I could say something to her Sohail said
"Get in Hareem we're getting late". I quietly settled at the back as I know it would be no use to argue with her. He started the engine and started to drive.
Finally after dropping Beenish to her friend's house he dropped me at Mama's. I asked him
"Won't you come inside?" He clicked his tongue and said
"Just go already". His behavior was seriously worrying me but I decided to talk to him later when he's a bit calm. Muttering a small Allah Hafiz I walked to my house. Mama opened the door and engulfed me in a hug. I sighed and heard her ask
"Sohail didn't come inside?". I shook my head and she just nodded. I know she is worried deep down about me. Right now I don't have any words of assurance to her neither for me. She patted my head lovingly and asked
"Beta kuch khouge. I have made chicken qorma for you".
(Dear you want to eat something).
Chicken Qorma: it's a very delicious Pakistani dish. It's chicken curry with all five spices and it tastes heavenly.
I cheekily looked at Mama and she chuckled and went in the kitchen. I sighed and lay down on the sofa as I suddenly felt sleepy. I heard faint footsteps of Mama reaching me and I looked up slightly. She ran her hands to my hair and said
"Uth jou Hareem Khana kha lo. Phir so Jana".
(Wake up Hareem. Let's have some food then you can sleep).
I groggily sat up and took a bite. My taste buds just exploded as the chicken tasted so heavenly with the curry. I smiled at Mama and said
"Your dishes are just amazing Mama". She patted my head and I devoured my food to the fullest. After eating to my heart's content I decided to take a short nap before going for the shopping.