That day at the sea view had found its way in the fondest memories of all five of them. From there on a bond had started forming and unbeknownst to them this bond was for life, spanning on years to come.

The students of IST had gotten the next event to look forward to just a week after the mids. The annual fiesta was here. It was a sports gala and cultural celebration of the university and the closing night concert had always been an attraction. The cabinet had been formed along with the management team and today was the introductory seminar to let them all know what to expect.

"I'm already tired."

Hesham grumbled resting his head on the back of his chair. They were sitting in the main auditorium. The Fiesta officials were on the stage announcing the teams covering the event on different fronts, the marketing team, the social media team, the finance squad, the human resources team along with others. Hesham, Safwa and Sarim had all been selected to their group of interest as they had worked on previous two fiestas as well.

"And it's just the beginning."

Sarim commented casually draping his arm around Hesham's shoulder.

"Your arm is adding to my ongoing suffering."

"Your existence is doing the same for years but I've never complained."

"My existence is the lucky charm of our group. I thought this was established. We voted!"

"And there was only one vote in your favour, your own."

"That's beside the point!"

"That is the whole point, Hesham."

Safwa looked towards the stage and then around. Everyone was so engrossed in the informative session and then there were these two.

"Okay! Stop it!"

She pushed Sarim's arm away from Hesham glaring at both of them.

"Wow, you're possessive."

Sarim smirked but she ignored him.

"You know who used to bicker like this?"

"Two very handsome lads?"

Hesham was hopeful.

"The puppies my neighbor had adopted and you know what happened to them?"

Hesham was uncertain. Sarim was curious.

"She gave one of them to her cousin just to ensue peace. Want me to do that to one of you?"

She raised an eyebrow. Both the guys looked mildly intimidated. Safwa was brutal when she was riled up. It was no news.

"We aren't yours to give up!"

"Izaan is putting up with us for almost a decade but he has never complained. It's his call to make!"

Trust them to pull Izaan into this when she was just trying to shut them up. Safwa wanted to cry out loud.

"And we are still not asking how you know if puppies are bickering. We don't want to know."

The others sitting around had started noticing and were laughing now. Safwa shook her head. She turned away from them focusing back on what was happening on the stage.

"You shouldn't be fretting over anything, Safwa. Your work is easy peasy."

Shayan, a fellow said from the row behind them.

"Exactly, last year it was Fahad Junaid to give you a tough time on the poetry team but it's not the case this time around."

"Don't even remind me."

Safwa groaned. Fahad was from the literacy society and also the head of the team arranging for Mushaira. He was a typical chauvinist and a narcissist. Needless to say Safwa was the happiest when he graduated because this meant no Fahad Junaid for this year's Fiesta.

"But that doesn't mean the workload has lessened."

"Oh, you're a poetry magnet. Good ghazals find you anyway so you'll do fine."

Ammara assured her earning a nod from Shayan. Safwa wanted to believe it but she was still not sure. It was the first time she was handling something all on her own. She had some ideas of the theme and introductory poems which would be presented but she'd do better if she could share those with someone, someone with good taste in poetry.

She leaned into her chair when a chocolate bar was slipped to her side. Peace offering. She couldn't help smiling. Who would say no to this?

"Now that's like it."

Hesham exclaimed relieved. They all had gone back to concentrating towards the ongoing event when Safwa's eyes went to the far end of the auditorium where the Dramatics club was sitting.

"Elaf hasn't arrived yet."

She mumbled checking the time on her phone.

"Her whole team is here then why she isn't?"

Sarim craned his neck to the side. Not that he hadn't looked that way earlier. He, before anyone else knew Elaf hadn't come to the auditorium.

Elaf Daud had become a part of their small group in the span of these two weeks so effortlessly. It was easy falling into this routine of sorts. Safwa was already excited to befriend her and Hesham needed to someone to rile up and share his energy. Elaf did both of these things pretty remarkably so here they were.

And Sarim? He didn't know why he needed her hanging out with him and his friends but it had formed into a habit he didn't want to ever fade away.

"Have you texted her?"

"I did. She hasn't replied. Must be stuck somewhere."

Sarim had the urge to call her right there but that'd be an overreaction. She'd be here anytime now anyway.

And she was. When the event was finally wrapping up she stumbled through the double doors looking visibly annoyed. Safwa raised an eyebrow so did Sarim. Hesham looked excited.

"How to get away with a murder?"

She asked taking her seat next to Sarim instead of going towards her team.

"The TV show?"

Hesham asked.

"No, the tragic reality my life is at this point."

"Damn, you're the member of dramatics club for a reason, shorty."

Safwa looked at Sarim and both laughed lightly.

"But at least tell us what's happened?"

"Narmeen happened of course."

"Narmeen the one you have a beef with?"

Elaf made a face.

"Your slang terrifies me sometimes."

"Ignore Hesham. Tell us what has happened."

"Argh! Remember I told you guys about how Professor Kaleem literally handed me Narmeen's last play to point out the mistakes but somehow she got offended and we had to come up with something new at the last moment? She's again being a pain and wants to have the Fiesta play written by her. I told her that a unanimous vote is needed before going on with anything but she started going off about how I was Professor Kaleem's favorite and how this is favoritism and this and that and blah and shit."

"Petty!"

Safwa commented.

"I'm so tired of her!"

Elaf huffed massaging her temples. Hesham took out another chocolate bar from his bag. This stash was coming in handy.

"Here, shorty. Feel better."

Elaf took it and started munching on it silently. The auditorium was almost empty by now. They were among the very few who lingered behind.

"You should tell her that it's not your fault that she isn't that good at this stuff."

This was the first time Sarim had said something about this.

"He's being polite. Tell her she sucks."

Hesham shrugged his shoulders. Both Elaf and Safwa wanted to face palm at his casual approach.

"Being subtle is a thing, Hesham."

"Never tried so don't know."

"I've told her to do whatever she wants to. I don't want any drama."

"You are the star of dramatics club, so fitting."

Hesham picked his bag and all of them started walking towards the double doors.

"But if you want to still go on with your initial plans I sure as hell will help you hiding the body."

"Don't put ideas in her head!"

Sarim pushed Hesham who was looking expectantly at Elaf. She stopped regarding his ready to act form seriously.

"Which line you're opting for after you get done from here?"

Hesham scratched his neck sheepishly.

"Criminal law."

"So fitting."

Sarim and Safwa were almost habitual this kind of exchange between them.

"Hey shorty! That was uncalled for!"

Hesham was right behind them and Elaf was shaking her head. The doors of the auditorium shut behind them while echoes of their voices collided with the walls leaving an imprint behind of their bonding.

________

Izaan handed his helmet to Kumail and balancing his bag took out the house key from his pocket. They were coming back from the tuition center Izaan was working in these days. He had promised Kumail to go through the syllabus of their upcoming test together and keeping that in mind, Kumail was there at the academy even before Izaan's work hours had gotten completed.

"You're one persistent jerk."

Izaan said opening the door and letting Kumail in. It was late evening and Izaan knew both his brothers and father would be out. Only Memoona and Abba would be home in their rooms.

"That I'm. Your being topper of this shithole should be of any benefit to me at least."

Izaan didn't comment. Kumail was just bluffing otherwise both of them knew their friendship was deeper than any help in study Izaan used to give Kumail.

"Izzu?"

Memoona had come out of her room hearing the commotion. Her lips had stretched into a smile seeing Kumail there as well.

"Assalam Alaikum, auntie."

"Wa Alaikum Assalam! It's been so long, Kumail! Where have you been?"

Izaan rolled his eyes looking between the two of them.

"He visited just last week."

"And you are just jealous."

"Yeah. Whatever."

Izaan hung the keys to the stand and sat down on the sofa taking off his shoes. Memoona had gone to the kitchen but her chitchat with Kumail was going on from there as well.

"Mama is fine, auntie. She did try the recipe as well."

"And?"

"The usual."

"Oh."

Kumail's mother, Faryal wasn't the best cook in the world but she loved trying on different and new recipes much for Kumail and his father's horror. This had led to Kumail learning cooking early on in his life as he was the only child.

"Baba is really grumpy these days. He hates take out and since I'm busier than ever so he has to make do with Mama's cooking. Poor lad."

"Busy you guys are. Even this Izzu seems so lost in his studies."

"Oh, he's doing the double effort here so that's a given."

Kumail said casually but Izaan had immediately held his arm.

"Hun?"

He was about to ask what happened but seeing Izaan's expressions he knew he needed to shut up.

"Double effort?"

Memoona inquired placing the glasses of lemonade on the table.

"He studies and then explains the points to both me and Roshna. Double efforts here you see."

Memoona shook her head smilingly but Kumail could see the proud glint in her eyes.

"What are friends for then?"

"Exactly."

Kumail took a sip of his lemonade and got up.

"I just go and greet Abba. He's up right?"

"Yeah, it's almost dinner time so he must be reading right now. He spends all his evening in that only."

Kumail walked towards Kamran Ansari's room. The grandpa with words of wisdom and wit. Kumail had always told Izaan he was so jealous that Izaan had such a cool grandfather.

When he had come back Izaan was not there in the lounge. Kumail found the door to his room open and knocking went inside.

Izaan was going through his notes standing close to the table while sipping his lemonade when Kumail sat down on the couch to the side.

"You haven't told them about your teaching job."

"No, I haven't."

Kumail sighed.

"Why?"

"They'll worry unnecessarily."

His tone was casual and he was totally focused towards his notes which he had to explain to Kumail, the thing for which Kumail was here in the first place.

"You shouldn't have given Ibsam your pocket money."

"I'm his brother. If I hadn't who would've?"

Kumail chuckled lightly.

"The responsible elder brother and son, Izaan Shoaib."

"Don't forget a helpful friend as well."

Izaan reminded him smiling. He had gone back to the notes but Kumail kept on looking at him.

"It's not right to live like you've the responsibility of every person related to you on your back, Izaan. Take it easy sometimes."

"Act selfish, you mean."

"Taking care of yourself, your own peace and comfort isn't being selfish. When was the last time you were totally at peace with your life? It's one struggle then the other and then another. When will you live for yourself? For how long you'd be the one taking care of everything?"

"I don't mind taking care of my family and friends, Kumail."

Kumail smiled patting his shoulder.

"That's good on you but try being taken care of sometimes. It wouldn't hurt."

"Okay, sir. If you're done with your lecture can we get to the real deal here?"

Izaan pointed towards scattered papers on the table. Kumail narrowed his eyes at Izaan but sat down nonetheless.

As discussion regarding the structure and anomalies of human organs flew into the room, the neglected poetry book to the corner pile didn't make it presence known. Or it was doing just that but the owner of this room didn't pay any heed.

_____

Running a law firm has its own pros and cons. Contacts and a name is among the pros. And cons, well for that the list is long and being immersed in work 24/7 is on top. Atif Baig had a love hate relation with his work and whatever came with it. But he won't ever downplay the efforts it had taken him to give this firm the reputation it had received over the years. His family line was filled with lawyers and he intended to keep it going. But would he be able to?

He was tracing the file of a new case deep in thoughts when the door to his cabin was pushed open without any prior warning. He knew who it must be. Only one person had never bothered with the mundane things like knocking and asking for permission when it came to his cabin.

"You could at least let me know you were coming."

Atif rebuked but it had no effect on Hesham.

"I didn't catch you in any compromising position, right? So we good."

He had sat down in front of him and had started checking the case files kept to the side of the table.

"Give that back to me! You mustn't touch things when you're in a professional setting. Stop making me question my upbringing."

Hesham feigned hurt.

"So this is how it's going to be hun, dad? You're so dramatic!"

"I'm dramatic?"

"Yes! You haven't talked to me properly for days, you're spending most of your time here in this bachelor pad of yours and today you did this,"

He pushed the pack of Atif's blood pressure medicine in front of him.

"You forgot to take your medicine."

Atif opened his mind to deny but Hesham was already giving him a challenging look. Needless to say Atif couldn't lie. Bloody lawyer genes.

On finding his father rather speechless and lost, Hesham filled the glass with water and placed it in front of Atif along with his medicine which he took without any further ado. That was easy, Hesham concluded. But it wasn't supposed to. Hesham was expecting an angry Atif who'd show him his famous angry Dad attitude but nothing of that short had happened. Atif was looking lost instead, as if deep in thoughts.

"Dad, are you okay? Look, about the other day, I'm sorry and I'm ready to do anything to make things okay."

There hadn't been many occasions for the father son duo to be awkward around each other. They were more on the lines of talk it out and sort it and Hesham was trying to do that only. It had been weeks since the day he had told his father about his future plans and had gotten his own confusions regarding Safwa and his relation in return. This was not easy for him to figure things out and with Atif being angry with him it was feeling worse.

Atif looked at his son's expectant eyes. So like his mother's.

"Hesham, I was acting aloof all these days. Yeah the way our conversation ended that day might have given you that impression but I was just giving both of us some time to think things through."

Hesham shook his head. He knew this tone.

"Dad, I was being my usual self. You know talk before think latter. It's too early to think about all that bullshit I said to you. This firm is our family legacy and I'd never want to mar any of it with my foolishness and irrational thinking."

"Okay, I heard you. Now you hear me. I don't know if you're going to say this to my face or not but I was pressurizing you into something you clearly didn't want to. I'm possessive about this firm my family has run for ages. Every person is for their family business but I shouldn't have acted that way. Should've listened to you. Like your mother would've done."

Hesham was silent. What could he say to this? He was always told his and his father's bonding was admirable and today he kinda figured out why. This ease. They were each other's family and friend both.

"You can decide for yourself, Hesham. I won't try to interfere into this. This should be solely your decision. Whatever direction you want your career to go. Just don't become a corrupt lawyer. It would kill me and I won't want that stress in my retirement years."

Hesham laughed so did Atif. Both looked at each other and then the same old conversation started which spanned from leg pulling to Hesham narrating the hectic schedule of his due to the Fiesta arrangements.

As he was getting up to leave to finally get back home, Hesham turned around. Atif was concentrating back to his case file.

"Hey, Dad!"

He looked up.

"Mom would be proud of you. You are a good father."

A smile had graced Atif's lips.

"I know. Tell Rahim to make fried Brinjal today."

Hesham made the ugliest face he could.

"I take my words back. Bye."

He closed the door but Atif's laugh reached him and he couldn't stop his own grin.

__________

Sarim poured his coffee into the mug and taking a whiff of the brown goodness started walking towards the stairs. He had a hectic day. Almost all of them were saying this a lot. The Fiesta arrangements were no cakewalk and it was proving true every single day. They were coming back from university in the late evenings due to this and the first thought would always be a relaxing mug of coffee or tea and the bed.

He was passing by Irma's room when his eyes fell on her. She was standing in front of the mirror trying on a necklace. It wasn't the piece of jewelry which had gotten Sarim's attention. It would be the bright, illuminating the whole room smile of his sister which had Sarim Haider rooted to his spot. When was the last time she looked this happy?

Irma had also seen him. Her smile had deepened some more.

"Why are you standing there? Come inside."

Sarim took slow steps and stood close to her dresser.

"Where are you these days? Fiesta has started taking a toll on you already?"

She placed the necklace securely inside its box and sitting down on her bed patted the seat next to her.

"Sit."

He did as he was told. Both sat there for a long time not saying anything to each other. Sarim took a sip of his beverage and then handed the cup to Irma. She took a sip and handed it back to him. The same way they both used to share things in their childhood.

"I'm happy you know."

"I can see that."

"I didn't think Mohid will be this caring."

"Same here."

Irma laughed and glanced at him sideways.

"Good times are coming, Sarim. I have a feeling."

He didn't say anything. Were they? He didn't know.

"You should sort it out with Ammi at least."

"I will if she wouldn't start looking the other way when I'm around."

The hint of sadness in his voice pierced Irma's heart. Whatever he did was to ensure her safety. She would talk to her mother about this. This matter had gone for long as it is.

"I'm here just for a few months now. And I don't want to see my family not even acknowledging each other when I leave."

"It's Ammi we are talking about. She'll come around."

He said but the conviction wasn't there. His mother had never stayed angry with him for this long. The stunt he pulled at Irma's Nikkah wasn't something she was going to forgive and forget easily. He wanted to try but he was tired of being at the receiving end always. Why his parents were only focusing on what he did and overlooking why he did it completely!

"I saw Safwa's Instagram post the other day. Elaf Daud is beautiful."

Sarim choked on his coffee hearing Irma's comment. This woman!

"You need to stop doing this!"

"Doing what exactly?"

"This...This!"

He pointed towards her lopsided smile.

"I just called her beautiful. What is your problem?"

Sarim raked a hand through his hair.

"In your extra reaction you didn't even let me complete what I was saying. Elaf Daud is beautiful but when she stands next to you she makes you look good as well."

"Fucking hell!"

Sarim gripped his mug and got up from the bed.

"Come on! I was hoping for deets and you're going already!"

She wasn't letting this go. He grumbled and was out of the room in nanoseconds leaving Irma laughing behind.

Farwa who was hearing their voices from the lounge smiled. It had been so long this house was reverberating with Irma's melodious laugh like this.

_______

The always immaculate and proper room of Safwa Kirmani was giving the idea of a thrift bookshop. That was Hesham's first thought as he entered inside. He looked around raising an eyebrow. Books and some more of them, utter chaos. He was in middle of an important case study handed to him by his professor but the sudden urge of having cookies bakes by Nusrat Aapa had him driving straight to Kirmani House unannounced and now here he was.

"Safi!"

His panicked call was answered in the form of a mumbled humming. It came from behind her bookshelf. He took a step towards there and sure enough she was sitting cross legged on the floor with another pile of old books and other folders in front of her.

"Hi!"

She greeted and gestured him to take a seat. Her hair were pulled back in a messy bun and clothes were all creased. Hesham wanted to laugh and sigh both at the same time. Trust Safwa Kirmani to take a simple Mushaira this serious.

"You're a wreck."

"I was just looking for a poetry book but it wasn't there on my shelf. Had to dig deeper. Book is still missing but look what else I've found. "

Her excitement was contagious. She held up a scrapbook and Hesham immediately recognized it.

"Oh no!"

"Oh yes!"

She sat right next to him and started rummaging through the old worn out pages. The paper was cover with wish lists of two teenagers. The same two were now looking back at their childhood foolishness fondly.

"Remember this? You changed your career goals ten times in the span of just two years."

"I was a growing up guy having his introduction to the world outside."

"At one point you wanted to be a panda."

"Pandas are cute."

"And you also wanted to be the security guard of an ice-cream parlor just so that you could steal ice-cream at night when no one was looking."

"That was a foolproof plan."

"You think."

Safwa was turning pages and their smiled were getting wider.

"You wanted to color your hair green."

Hesham reminded her.

"I wanted to get the Slytherin feels in true sense."

"And look here, our dream house was a hut on the river bank."

"That was one foolish wish."

"Hey don't call it foolish. We were just two kids taking life as it was coming."

Safwa laughed so did Hesham. She was saying something about the next bucket list she had found but Hesham wasn't listening. He was just looking at her. Then his eyes moved the scrapbook on which their whole childhood was scattered.

Safwa was his introduction to friendship. And he would never want to lose the friendship between them. Their bonding had grown up with them, had sat there on the park bench when they played with their football, had breathed happily when they both embraced each other while missing her dead parents and his mother. This friendship which was the most palpable reality between them. Which made them what they were around each other.

Only Hesham and Safwa. No pretense. No lies.

"Safi."

She stopped the anecdote she was narrating and looked at him.

"Can I have a something from you?"

"What?"

"A promise."

He extended his palm towards her which she held on looking questionably at him.

"No matter what happens, no matter the ups and downs and no matter what awaits us out there in future, we'll forever stay the friends we are since childhood."

"Why are you saying this? Of course we..."

"I know. Just seal the promise, please."

Safwa shook her head at his stubbornness and held his palm.

"Even when there is nothing, this friendship will stay and breathe."

But both didn't realize this friendship didn't need vows and promises. It was going to stay even when nothing else would.

"I still can't find out the poetry stuff for the event though."

Safwa said after the silence had prevailed for a while.

"Why don't you go to Abba? He's your poetry buddy as far as I've known."

Hesham's suggestion had immediately clicked. Why hadn't she thought of this before? It was perfect!

"You're a savior, Hesham Baig!"

"So, I've been told. Let's go downstairs now because I'm famished."

"When aren't you?"

Safwa asked getting up. Hesham followed suit. They were talking about everything under the sun descending the stairs while the old scrapbook in Safwa's room was back to its designated spot. Forgotten and hidden behind the shelf.

_____

Izaan was in the middle of an important reading when his phone had gone off breaking his concentration. He scrunched his brow and looked at the caller ID. The call was attended the next moment.

"Safwa?"

"Yeah, it's me. Is your grandfather busy today?"

"What?"

"I asked if Kamran uncle is busy today."

"No, he isn't. No."

"Great. Can you bring him to the same book shop? I have few things to discuss with him."

"Okay, hold on. Can you tell me what's happening here?"

She sighed and narrated the whole thing to him. He was patiently listening to her rant, not even once tried to intervene.

"So, that's about it I guess."

Izaan leaned into his chair and thought for a while. Then making his mind he spoke casually.

"Why don't you come to my house? This looks like an extensive discussion and Abba can't sit in a bookshop for this long."

"You're actually inviting me over?"

"I think so. Yes."

"When should I come?"

"You can come today itself if you want to."

"That'll be great! Thank you so much, Izaan!"

He shook his head at her childlike excitement and before could say anything further she had cut the call. Izaan sat there for sometime looking at nothing in particular and thinking about nothing coherent. Then he slowly got up out of his chair stretching his sore arms. He had been holed up in his room all day thanks to the shitload of studying he had to cover today.

Coming out of his room he had taken just a step towards the kitchen when he heard the commotion in the lounge. He could hear the voices and it had filled him with dread and exhaustion even before going there.

Why wasn't he aware!

He went to the kitchen where Memoona was preparing lunch.

"When did she arrive?"

"Who?"

Memoona asked busily. Izaan gave her an incredulous look.

"Bari Dado, of course!"

Mirth had spread on Memoona's face. Her oh so kind son was not very fond of this particular relative of theirs. Bari Dado as in Kamran Ansari's elder sister lived in a small town on the outskirts of Hyderabad and would visit them once a year for sure. She was a typical desi auntie but that wasn't the reason Izaan used to go in brooding mode whenever she visited. Since the time he had gone to medical school, she loved to have her thorough check up done by him and then would ask him countless questions as well. Needless to say Izaan was no fan.

"You guys could've informed me at least!"

"You said yourself in the morning that no one was to disturb you. I was sure by the time she'd go back you'd still be there in your room. Not my fault your luck is running on the downside today."

"Amma!"

He whined like a kid and Memoona couldn't stop her laugh. This side of him was so hard to see. But all of us have our moments don't we?

"I came out to tell you that Safwa is coming to meet Abba."

"Ahan. That's even better. Your Dada also looks done with knowing the latest gossip from all over the extended family."

Memoona chuckled. Izaan and Kamran Ansari weren't much different when it came to getting annoyed by Bari Dado.

"I should go and greet her then."

He grumbled. Memoona saw him taking slow and sluggish steps towards the lounge.

"Take your stethoscope along!"

Izaan just gave her a look which made her laugh even harder.

_________

When Safwa arrived at Ansari House she was greeted by Izaan's mother who was looking extra cheery today.

"Izaan has already told me you'd be coming. Abba Jaan is so excited to know you're coming just to meet him and have his opinion. Come."

She took Safwa inside the house and then into the lounge area. The sight which welcomed her had her trying harder to stifle her laugh.

Izaan was sitting in front of an aged woman who was telling him all about her diabetes and by the looks of it she was the doctor and Izaan was just a silent listener. His stethoscope was on the table and he looked ready to just bolt. Kamran Ansari was also looking around visibly bored. The scene was comical to say the least.

"Abba Jaan, Safwa is here."

Memoona announced. Safwa greeted everyone collectively. Izaan sighed because Bari Dado had stopped her talks immediately and was now eyeing Safwa from head to toe.

"Memoona, you've selected a bride for your son but didn't think of informing any of us?"

Safwa closed her eyes trying her best to not laugh. Izaan wanted to die with embarrassment while Memoona was cursing the moment she decided to take Safwa to the lounge.

"No, Aapa! She's my friend."

Abba put in and this seemed to be having the opposite effect of whatever he tried to do. Now she was glaring at Kamran Ansari and saying something in Sindhi. Safwa didn't know what it was but it didn't look good.

She moved her gaze from the arguing siblings to Izaan. He was so done. This was the first time Safwa was seeing him like this. The calm composure wasn't there. He was acting as he felt like. Maybe this was why he wasn't comfortable with having people outside of circle intruding into his personal life? Where he was this expressive.

"Safwa and I are going to my room because we have things to discuss. Memoona, bring our tea there only and please."

Kamran Ansari announced and getting the cue Safwa followed him to his room. Izaan was looking at their retreating back when he was pulled out of his stupor by Bari Dado.

"So where we were?"

Izaan chuckled without mirth.

"You were telling me about that doctor in the lane next to yours."

"Yes! Such a competent man! You could learn a thing or two from him. Knows his stuff well that lad."

Izaan just listened on without interrupting her for once because if he did so, she'd come up with another long story of hers and that was the last thing he wanted at the moment.

He was gathering his stethoscope and stuff when Memoona stood before him with the tray of tea and snacks in her hand.

"What?"

"I think it's enough for today. Leave Bari Dado to me and go take this to your Abba and Safwa."

Izaan glanced at Bari Dado's relaxed profile. She was also done for the day thankfully. He nodded taking the tray from Memoona.

When he entered inside the room both Kamran Ansari and Safwa were talking about a book Safwa had in her hand. Kamran Ansari was nodding along listening to her. His ever literature enthusiastic Abba who had gotten someone matching his caliber.

"Has Aapa gone to bed?"

Kamran Ansari asked taking his cup of tea.

"Seems like she will. This much talking will exhaust even a kid and she's hitting her 70s.""

Safwa didn't know why but she chuckled.

"She's always been good at rambling, my Aapa. But in her heart she means no harm."

Izaan knew he was right. All the gossip and meaningless stories aside, Bari Dado was a harmless elder.

"You guys are done with whatever poetry discussion you were going on about?"

He asked taking his seat by the window. The dark clouds were gathering around casting a shadow on the lane alive with people. November was reaching its middle and surely the first drizzle of the winter was following soon.

"Yes. I knew coming here would be of great help. Uncle has given me two books and some ideas as well. This Mushaira is going to be a success. I hope it will be."

Izaan glanced at her beaming face.

"It will be."

Kamran Ansari was eyeing the exchange with a smile on his face. Safwa's attention had gone back to Abba and now she was thanking him for this help.

"I should get going now. The tea was amazing. Thank you once again, Uncle. You really did make things easier for me."

"That's okay but I'm not habitual of hearing Uncle from Izaan's friends. They all call me Abba like him. Sarim, Hesham, Kumail. You should also."

Safwa was pleasantly surprised. She looked at Izaan who nodded slightly.

"Okay, Abba. Thank you."

The last words of gratitude had been uttered with so much emotion that both Izaan and Kamran Ansari had felt it.

"You're going already, Safwa? I'm so sorry I couldn't take time out to sit with you today."

Memoona had realized Safwa was taking her leave as soon as she had entered the room.

"Yes, Auntie. You guys already had a guest over. If I knew I would've come another day."

Memoona scrunched her brows like she was offended.

"You're Izaan's friend so you're always welcomed here. Moreover whenever Batool Phupho comes she's Izaan's responsibility."

She was teasing him who had gone back to his annoyed mood at the mention of that. Safwa just laughed lightly.

"How are you getting back?"

Abba asked.

"Uber. Our driver is with Phupho as she needed to get to a business gathering. The plan of coming here formed unexpectedly so I had to book a ride."

"But it's almost evening also It'll start raining soon. Izaan, you should drop Safwa home."

Safwa had opened her mouth to deny, to tell them she didn't want to bother them like this but Izaan had already started walking towards the lounge area where his bike keys and helmet was placed.

"Do visit more often. Abba gets company and I like it when you're here."

Memoona cupped her cheek. The motherly warmth was so comforting and familiar. Just the way Bisma used to handle her.

As she took her leave and sat behind Izaan on his bike her eyes darted towards the two storey house she had just come out from. The warmth was still infused within her. She kept on looking at it when when the bike had rounded the corner.

"Sit carefully."

Izaan's mumbled voice from his helmet had her come out of her daze. She nodded gingerly putting her hand on his shoulders. Her approach was so careful yet she held on tightly to him once the initial hesitancy had subsided.

The vehicles around on Shahrah e Faisal were throwing their red and orange glow on the clear road. Under the canopy of dark clouds this setting was so new to Safwa. The feeling of wind touching her face and hair so freely had her close her eyes. The air around was and amalgam of freedom and smoke, with a hint of something new she couldn't pinpoint. Her hands bunching Izaan's shirt from his shoulders and the wonder around her. This was all so new, so alien yet felt like it was born from something she was so used to.

I have been wandering long

She tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear and rested her hand back to its previous spot. Her eyes were now focused on his fully attentive towards road profile.

Came across your, oh so delicate, delicate frame

Brittle boned, you sat crouched and decayed

He took a sharp turn. The hold she had on him tightened. She didn't flinch. Didn't even blink. Just went with the flow he was following.

Two hundred years or more

Wrinkled map on skin, on floor

"We're here."

Izaan announced stopping the bike in front of her front gate. Safwa looked around. The half an hour drive passed in mere seconds. She felt like she'd been wandering for so long but she had just started journeying towards something.

As she got off his bike the first drop of the first rain of the new season fell on her face. Izaan also looked up.

"It has started."

Safwa exclaimed anxiously.

"You should come inside, Izaan."

He shook his head.

"I should really get back."

"It'll take you almost half an hour getting back home. What if in meantime the rain intensifies?"

"I'll manage."

Izaan assured her kick starting his bike. Safwa didn't want him to get sick. Winter was almost upon them.

"Wait a second then!"

She told him and went inside the house hurriedly. Izaan was confused but waited patiently under the shed of the lawn. It hadn't taken her much time. She reached his side with something tucked to her side and when she handed it to him he was surprised.

A rain coat.

"Staying for a bit and letting the rain subside should've been the way here but you're one stubborn guy. Take this. It'll help ward off the water and you might not get a cold."

On finding him not making any effort to do something with it, Safwa huffed.

"Take it!"

She was persistent.

He took it looking around. It was just a drizzle. The effect of it was pleasant. She was worrying unnecessarily.

"Text me when you get back, okay?"

Izaan chuckled but seeing her hopeful face he nodded.

Safwa watched his bike zooming away out of the sight. The light drizzle was really not something to get worked up over but still she couldn't help it.

Izaan felt the small droplets of water falling onto the glass of his helmet but nothing was obscure from his vision. The feeling was soothing in a way. The rain coat was tucked to the front of his bike securely.

"Being taken care of sometimes. It wouldn't hurt."

Kumail's words were ringing in his ears.

He was right.

It didn't hurt. Far from it.

In the other part of the city the rain had covered the lush grass of IST grounds with its effect. Sarim stood outside of the auditorium where another session of preparations was going on. He couldn't help himself seeing the drops on the high ceiling windows. And here he was now, looking at the drops falling and leaving an impact both on the ground and around in the air.

First rain of the new season.

The door opening behind him had him turn his head and sure enough Elaf was coming towards him only. Her face had lit up seeing the scenery in front of them. She inhaled deeply closing her eyes.

Lay your head down next to mine

Till your dust is the clay on which we lie

"You love winters don't you?"

He asked seeing the peace on her face.

"I love everything about the winters. What about you?"

"Not a fan but this might make me one."

He pointed around and then folded his arms on his chest. Elaf didn't say anything. Words weren't needed right now. This was something to feel, not to vocalize or articulate.

We are dug up and dusted

Yet again

Dug up and dusted

And sent...

Hesham stood on the kitchen counter while the coffee was brewing in the maker. Atif was making the snacks while trying his best to not blow up anything. Rashid was eyeing everything fearfully but still laughing at Hesham's comments on his Dad's cooking. The window pane was drenched in the water but they weren't looking.

Warped window wood

Time had bent it good

Warped window wood

Life had bent it where it stood

_________