Layeba scratched her nose as something tickled her. Her mind blew sirens as she felt something cold and sticky on her hand but sleep clouded her logic. She kind of knew what was gonna happen next but she still yelled when her nose was tickled again and cream splattered all over her face.

"ABEERAH!"

She sat up on the bed, trying not to make a mess on the bedsheets and blanket. There stood all the culprits in a line, around her bed, laughing their asses off not caring about the glares she was sending their way.

"Bhabhi, maine kuch nai kiya. Wo - ap ke Faiz ne kaha tha."

(I didn't do anything. It was your Faiz's idea.)

She would have believed her if not for the mischievousness in Abeerah's eyes and the big smile she was trying to conceal. Well, it was kind of hard to not believe her 'cause the little munchkins were standing there with the same expressions, except for the fact that they weren't trying to hide their toothed grins.

"Sharam to nai aati chote se bache per ilzam lagate huey", she tsked, shaking her head. These jokes were a constant for the past one month. These kids practically saved Layeba from falling into depression. And even though she loved these kids all too much, anyone would be irritated to be splattered in cream first thing in the morning.  "Give me some tissues."

Abeerah passed her the box and she started cleaning some of the sticky mess. Well, tried.

"Ugh! Thori cream se bhi kaam ho jana tha." She wiped some more and made a face, "You got it in my hair!"

(You could've done it with less cream as well.)

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Doctor Layeba Hussein in bed till eleven a.m. in the morning", Sanem chirped, coming in the room. She started laughing once she noticed the state she was in.

"Sanem Aunty, Mami looks like a Santa Claus!", seven year old Anaya chirped from the edge of Layeba's bed.

"No, no Annie. Your mami looks like Grumpy, the dwarf. Look how she's looking at you. As if she's gonna eat you!"

"I'll show you all grumpy!" she growled, but well, no one took it seriously. "I'll see to it that no one gets any chocolates today."

All the kids gasped and Layeba smirked evilly. Abeerah being Abeerah kept quiet. And Sanem had the kids' backs. "Layeba, i'll tell them where you keep your stock if you threatened my babies!"

It was Layeba's turn to gasp now. "You're supposed to be MY friend!" She threw the sticky tissue at Sanem, which fell a foot before it reached its target.

"Correction. I'm supposed to be your BEST friend. And that's what i'm being." Pointing at the mess on the floor, she said knowing how much Layeba hated cleaning, "you're going to clean that btw."

"I'm supposed to have rest. I took a bullet. Mazaaq hai kya!", she threw Sanem's words, which she had been using in the first week of her injury, back at her.

(Is it a joke!)

"Aik disprin ki goli se ziada chot lag jani thi tumhein. Aik mahine se bethi ghar main veliyan maar rahi ho."

(One tablet of disprin could've given a much serious injury to you. You've been sitting idly for one month now.)

"No. No, Sanem Api. Chot to lagi thi", Layeba pointed at Abeerah while looking at Sanem as if saying, listen to her. But was speechless when Abeerah continued. "Lala ke dil ko."

(There was a wound . . . to my brother's heart.)

Sanem snorted and high-fived Abeerah.

"I see you both've ganged up against me."

"You're too grumpy of a person to gang up with", Sanem retorted. "Anyway, utho. Lunch or dinner bhi tumne banana hai aj."

(Get up! You have to prepare lunch and dinner today too.)

"Says who?"

"Says your mother. Shiza Aunty have officially declared your bed rest over and as your doctor, i gave her permission."

She pulled a face at her, causing the kids to giggle who were enjoying their banter all too much. "Ammi hain kahan? And why are you here on a working day eating my head off?"

(Where's mother?)

"I have a big surgery in the night. So cleared my schedule for the day. Hence, here i am performing my holy duty of making you mad." Sanem grinned, opening her arms. "And well, Aunty. She's gone to your Hassaan bhai's house for an important matter, i suppose."

Sanem blushed slightly at the end making Layeba narrow her eyes at her. This was so not like Sanem. This girl never blushed. Never! Atleast not for the reason she was suspecting.

She was about to say something when something crashed downstairs.

"Inna lillah! What happened?", she gasped.

"Probably Isha and Iman. Must've broken something 'cause when i came up, they were trying to cook something", Sanem replied non-chalantly.

Isha and Iman were Yazaan's sixteen years old twin cousins and were the clumsiest girls Layeba had ever seen. And they loved cooking. And baking. But the only things they were ever able to accomplish were broken dishes and burnt pots.

"Haye Allah! Meri ammi ke jahez ke bartan poore karein gi ye donon!"

(These two will finish off dishes of my mother's dowry!)

"Thanks to you, Aunty ke jahez ke barten bache hi nai thay", it seemed as if Layeba's influence on Sanem was all coming out today.

(Aunty's dowry's dishes weren't even left.)

"Chal oye!" Turning to Abeerah, she said, "Is se pehle ke wo donon poora ghar jala dein, jaa kar dekho unhein please!"

(Please, look what they're upto before they burn the whole house down!)

Abeerah left with a grin taking the bacha party with her.

"Uth bhi ja ab yaar! I have something to tell you."

(Get up now dude!)

"Tell me now."

"Go and freshen up. Then i'll tell you."

Layeba looked at her with narrowed eyes. She hated when Sanem did that. And Sanem knew that too.

"Mjhe pata hai tum andhi ho. Aise choti ankhein kar ke dekhna band karo or jao jaa kar fresh ho."

(I know you're blind. Don't look at me with squinted eyes. Go and freshen up.)

Who was Layeba to disobey her?

She removed the blanket careful, gripping one cream laden tissue in one hand and got up, wearing her slippers in the process. Without being too obvious, she stepped slightly closer to Sanem and rubbed the dirty tissue on her face.

She sprinted and locked herself in the en-suite before Sanem could yell;

"LAYEBA!!!"

•~•

"Spit it out!"

Sanem stopped the grinder which had green chillis in it and looked at Layeba with a Cheshire grin on her face, making her even more curious.

The kids and her nands had left them to figure out what to cook alone in the kitchen and had played Maleficent in the lounge. So, here they were, preparing to make Pulao. It was Shiza's most favorite dish in the world and Layeba had decided to please her mother.

"Bol bhi paro ab!"

(Just speak already!)

"Finally!" Sanem sighed.

"What finally?"

"The shy ones conjured their inner courage!"

"Speak. Clearly. Doctor Sanem", she gritted out, gripping the knife tighter.

"And the wishes of the awaiting one's were fulfilled!"

"Yes?"

Sanem opened her mouth wide, preparing to tell whatever the good news was. But closed it again and turned the grinder on saying, "Guess."

"Maine jooti utaar leni hai ab Sanem. Jaldi batao!" She turned it back off.

(I'll take of my slipper now to smack you. Say it!)

"Okay. Okay. Fine!" Sanem dragged the 'fine.' Layeba leaned forward with her eyes wide. "Your cousin finally proposed!"

"WHAT?!", she squealed happily. Leaving the knife and the undone salad, she hugged the life out of Sanem. "I'M SOOO HAPPY FOR YOU! FREAKING FINALLY!" They broke the hug and she slapped Sanem's arm.

"You didn't tell me!" She looked at Sanem accusingly while she just smiled sheepishly. "Acha choro ye sab. Tell me, what did Hassaan bhai say? How did he propose?" No one could've guessed that Layeba was thirty and not thirteen with how she was jumping excitedly.

(Okay, leave all this.)

Sanem frowned moodily and turned the grinder back on. "Do you even think that that cousin of yours could do anything? Sanem, i like you. If you also feel the same, i'd like to send my mother over to yours for a rishta. It took him THREE whole years to say THIS!"

Layeba laughed out loud and side hugged the grumpy Sanem. "Its okay, yaar. Atleast he said it. Else you could've been waiting for fifty years."

"Whatever."

Layeba squealed again and took in Sanem for a bear hug. "YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!"

They shared a laugh when Abeerah came in. "Bhabhi, i heard your voice. Are you alright?"

"Arre! I'm perfectly fine. She's getting married!" She pointed at Sanem.

"Oh! MashaAllah! Congratulations, Api!" Abeerah hugged Sanem.

After the excitement subsided a bit, Sanem decided to reveal something else to her.

"Layeba?"

"Hhmmm?"

"Yasir resigned."

Silence. Her knife stopped moving. From the looks of it, she wasn't even breathing. Then;

"What?" She asked slowly as if testing the word out.

Sanem didn't say anything. Abeerah didn't say anything, well, because she didn't know what to say.

"Why?"

He was supposed to pay for what he had done! He owed me atleast an apology!

"He said since you were probably rejoining, he couldn't face you. He's probably returning to Quetta."

"Is baat ka khayal us ko tab nahi aya jab wo aik jeeti jaagti masoom bachi ko maut ke ghaat utaar raha tha?" Her anger returned in full force. And so did her grief. But she held onto her anger, even as tears stained her cheeks. "Khabees insaan! Jab usko pata chal gaya hai ke ab main uske khilaaf action lun gi to bhaag raha hai?"

(He didn't think of it when he was putting a death toll to live, innocent child? Bastard! Now when he knows i'll take an action against him, he's running away?)

Sanem grasped her fist tightly, offering her support. She knew exactly how Layeba felt. She had believed Meerab to be a miracle. Her miracle. Her support after her grandmother's death. She loved her like her own child. Maybe she would've accepted her death easily if she had died naturally. But knowing that she could've lived if not for that Yasir and the money-hungry manager, she couldn't live with it.

"Let it go, Layeba. It was Qadr. It was Allah's will. Nobody is to blame here."

"Who are you trying to fool? Me or yourself? You know exactly who's at fault here! You were here!"

"It's futile trying to prove anything here. There is no law that goes against him. He was her doctor after you resigned. Her legal guardians agreed. The hospital board signed. There's nothing we can do."

"It all comes back to me resigning, right? Why did i do it?! She could've been alive right now!"

And here was the blame she had promised she wouldn't put on herself.  She gripped her forhead, putting her elbows on the countertop. Sanem didn't say anything to her because she knew Layeba tended to shut herself in when she was sad and she'll open up when she wants to.

Her shoulders shook with the intensity of her sobs. Why couldn't she have peace for once? Why was everything coming down at her at the same time?

She wiped her tears and went to her room, not caring if Faiz, Anaya, Anabia or Omer saw her in this state. Since she didn't had to pray, she laid on the bed, curled into a ball and let the emotions which seemed to bleed out of her in form of hot tears, flow out.

She didn't know when sleep took over her senses. Or maybe she just passed out from the emotional stress. Who knows?

•~•

She woke up after about two hourse with the gentle fingers running through her hair. She looked into her mother's concerned filled eyes and wanted to cry all over again.   She turned and placed her head in Shiza's lap wanting to hide in the peace and solace that warm place provided.

Shiza kissed her daughter's head and continued massaging it for a few moments.

"It was fate, you know that, right?"

Layeba hummed.

"It was meant to be."

She nodded.

"There was nothing any of us could do."

Her tears fell again but she still nodded.

"Then get yourself together, wipe your tears and pray for her. That's the only thing we can do. Okay?"

She swallowed and straightened. Rubbing her face, she took in a long breath and nodded several times. Shiza left after kissing her forehead and saying;

"We're waiting for you downstairs. Come and have lunch."

She went into the bathroom and splashed water on her face. She hadn't yet come to terms with the situation. But she knew she had to. She had to accept that not all souls were avenged.

•~•

On the dining table, she was trying her best to engage herself in the conversation that was going on but it was a bit hard. She couldn't get in her element even after the twins' silly antics.

Sanem asked Abeerah about her studies. She watched as gloom spread on her face, her lips forming a pout, her cheeks puffing out and a light frown marring her forehead.

It wasn't hard for her to take interest in the conversation then. She genuinely wanted to know what the reason was for this sadness. Because this was not the misery common to all students owing to the load of study.

"Lala and Bi Jaan aren't allowing me to return to Islamabad to complete my studies. And the universities back aren't accepting me in the sixth semester."

Sanem nodded understandably. But then spoke out, "You're studying Surgical Technology, right?"

"Yes."

"So, why don't you study here?"

"H-how?" Abeerah asked hesitantly.

"Look. You're living here now, so your grandmother trusts this place to be safe. That won't be a problem. You're a bright student if you got admission in a medical field despite our incompetent system. So your grades won't be a problem eiher." Abeerah nodded and Layeba sighed when Sanem looked at her, already knowing what she was gonna say.

"And as for admission, Layeba can refer you to the university and the rest is smooth as butter."

"That's possible?"

She opened her mouth but Sanem beat her to it.

"Of course, its possible! Doctor Layeba Hussein agar tumhara naam refer karein gi to aisa ho hi nai sakta k koi bhi medical university tumhein inkaar kare. They'll welcome you with open arms."

(If Dr. Layeba Hussein refers your name, its not even possible for a med university to reject you.)

"Its a bit too much", she said bored.

"Arre no, bhabhi! Even i've read your reports and the numerous times you've been in news worldwide. And i have no relation with neurosurgery. BTW bhabhi, why don't you give out interviews? I mean, okay. You don't want your face to be in television, but written interviews should be okay, right?"

"Because there won't an end to it. Once you're in spotlight, there's not exit."

"True. Waise bhabhi?"

"Hhmm?"

"You can atleast tell me when you became global news."

"Mera koi kamaal nai tha is main," she began.

(i had to role in it.)

"Yeah yeah, don't start your humility now. I'LL tell you."

Sanem had the kid's attention as well, even though they had no idea what it was about.

"So she was in third year of her residency. You know, the best resident of her batch. Professor Deniz's favorite student!"

She chuckled and shook her head. "Bus kar do ab." (Enough, now.)

"Why? You worked hard for it. Why wouldn't we boast about it?" Sanem winked at Shiza who smiled and let them be.

"So! Professor Deniz had a patient with a condition .  .  . that's irrelevant here. All the neurosurgeons in the hospital were gone to an international conference, leaving almost no serious patient behind. BUT the patient i told you about before. His condition worsened because of . . . you could say the staff's incompetency. And immediate medical intervention was required. Now! as you know, there was no neurosurgeon present there. We talked to Professor. He agreed that a surgery was to be conducted in the next five hours. There was only one Trauma Surgeon in the ER who could've taken the lead. But he was busy in another surgery. So guess who came forward?"

Sanem stopped for a dramatic pause.

"Oh come on! Of course, Dr. Layeba Hussein."

"I didn't come forward. I was pushed forward", she corrected Sanem.

"Whatever, same result", Sanem waved it off. "So, according to rules. Third year residents couldn't perform their own surgery. It wasn't unheard of. But it was against the rules. So, of course if she had succeeded, she would've been the news in the hospital. Which she did."

"But she was only-", Abeerah was cut off.

"Shh. Don't disturb! Now the most important detail of the story. That patient was VIP and kept confidential. Who was he? The French Ambassador himself."

The ones hearing for the first time went "Ooohhh." And the ones already knowing it shook their heads.

"So technically, she actually didn't do anything extraordinary. Hey! Why do i tell this as your life-changing story then?"

"Tumhein hi pata ho", Layeba replied boredly.

(Only you know this.)

"Yes! I remember. Don't interrupt me! I'll miss the details then. So, when Professor came back, he gave all the credit to her. And Prof. Doctor. Deniz is THE news. So, it was in the news and Ta Da! She's famous!" She sweeped her hands towards Layeba at the end. Seeing her bored expression, Sanem added dismissively; "And she wrote a few reports which were published and she was globally recognized."

Layeba clapped mockingly, which didn't even faze Sanem. "Remind me how you became a surgeon, again?"

"Because i'm a genius", she flicked her hair. "Kitna bolti ho tum Layeba! Look how far we've strayed from the point. We were talking about Abeerah."

(how much you talk!)

Layeba didn't say anything on the blame Sanem put on her because she was used to it by now. Didn't mean that she didn't wonder sometimes how Sanem was one of the best in her field.

"Yes, please Bhabhi. Will you do it?"

Abeerah was looking at her with so much hope in her eyes that she didn't have the heart to decline, even though she didn't usually do anything of sort.

"Okay -", Sanem and Abeerha squealed in joy without letting her complete. "BUT!"

"And here comes the killjoy."

She glowered at Sanem and said,

"I will talk to the deans of the universities. But i will also ask them to take an admission test. You pass it, and you're in. Sounds good?"

"Okay. Okay. Deal!"

"Alright then, i'll speak to your Bi Jaan about letting you stay here", Shiza offered. "You shouldn't waste anymore time."

"Ofcourse. Thank you so much!"

"Okay now eat. The food is already cold."

•~•

"Bhabhi, let's watch a movie together."

It was seven in the evening and she was reading a book on the couch when Isha came in with her innocent request.

"You watched a movie before lunch!"

"We have nothing to do here . . . Or let's cook something together."

"Which movie do you wanna watch?" Layeba asked hurriedly, lest they decided to go with the second choice.

"Lion King."

"Play the cartoon version then." What? Yes, she was an adult and yes, she still watched cartoons and yes, such people exist. She placed the book on the shelf.

"Bhabhi, you stole the words from my tongue! I'll set the movie. Do you want me to make some popcorn?"

"No need. I'll make them. Thanks."

"Okay!" And Isha was out the door.

She was in the kitchen waiting for popcorn to be ready when Sanem came in, awake from her nap.

"When are you leaving?"

"Buss. . . I'll leave in an hour or so."

"Won't it be too late? Why did you have to schedule it for nine p.m.?"

Sanem shrugged. "You tell me. What's your plan?"

"About what?"

Sanem leaned against the counter and folded her arms. "Your job. When are you rejoining?"

"I'm not joining that hospital again until Javed is there." Javed was the manager she held partly responsible for Meerab's death.

"You speak to the hospital's director then. He'll do anything to get you back in his staff."

"I don't want him to fire someone because of me."

"Then, accept that he's a part of hospital management and return."

"I don't want to do that either. I've applied in some other hospitals."

"But this is your dream hospital! You aspired to work here!" Layeba emptied the popcorn in a four bowls and handed two to her.

"And i've already worked here. Maybe its time for a change."

"Change is always good. Yes. But you're just not going back because of one person! Do you think i'm going to allow you to do that?"

"Acha yar. We'll discuss this later. Let's go watch the movie."

"This conversation isn't over", Sanem showed her pointer finger to her.

"Yes, it isn't. Let's go now."

Abeerah was sitting on couch while the kids were all sitting on the floor. They both occupied the seats beside Abeerah, passed the popcorn and made themselves comfortable.

"Start."

"Isha's coming in a while. She'll kill us if she missed the starting song", Iman told them.

They chuckled and waited.

"Oi, speaking of hospital. How's that devar of yours?", Sanem asked randomly.

"I have no idea. Abeerah?"

They both looked at Abeerah.

"Ozhan lala is better now. He was out the hospital a week ago and he can move with the help of clutches now."

They both nodded. But Sanem was also having a hard time controlling her laugh on hearing Abeerah address Ozhan as brother. Layeba shut her up by hitting a cushion on her face.

•~•

The scenes just before Mufasa's death were playing when Sanem stood up and announced, "I gotta go now."

Layeba smirked, knowing Sanem couldn't control herself in these scenes and always teared up. Well, she was no better but atleast she wasn't running away.

The bell rang and Sanem went to open it, saying 'Allah hafiz' in the way. Layeba placed a dupatta on her head, having no idea who was at the door.

She was so engrossed in the movie, her lips turned down and her eyes watering as Simba was pleading his father to wake up, when a voice startled her.

"Bhabhi, itna to meri saggi maa mjhe is haalat main dekh kar nai royi thi jitna aap ro rahi hain."

(My own mother didn't cry as much as you are on seeing me in this state.)

She swirled around and saw two equally tall men standing there. One looking extremely battered in all black except for the plaster in his arm and leg and the clutches under his armpits, still bruised and tired looking face. And the other looking extremely handsome in white t-shirt, blue jeans and a leather jacket. It was the first time she was seeing him in something so casual and even she admitted, he looked good.

"What are you guys doing here?!"

•~•

Assalam o alaikum peeps!

Finally after an eternity of waiting and two flukes, i'm here with a new chapter.

My failed attempt at humor😂 but bear with it please.

How did you like the chapter?

I wasn't in mood to write something heavy so decided to give closure to a few topics like Meerab's death.(have i told you all that it was all spontaneous? I had no idea where i was going to go with it in the first place😁)

Also, i have no idea what legalities actually are in cases like Meerab OR i don't know how resideny works, its rules and all. So forgive me if i offended someone with wrong procedures. It all happened like this, cuz well, it's my story and i get to make the rules.

Anyway! Do tell me what you think of it in the comments.

And let me tell you, you should be waiting for the next chapter eagerly because - Hehe😸 Main nai bataoon ga!

But i promise i won't make y'all wait for too long.

Please vote⭐ comment🖋 share📧 and follow😊

Until next time!

Lots of love❤❤❤
Javeria