The tensed environment of the check post was unnerving, grim. Hamid settled his eyes more keenly around, looking for any movement but the stillness hadn't broken.

"They won't be attacking tonight."

Hamid sighed but his force on his weapon hadn't loosened.

"You already told me that. I'm just being cautious."

The senior officer shrugged his shoulder knowing well Captain Hamid would be on edge till this operation ended which wasn't happening anytime soon. They were here for a week now. The operation was moving on slowly. The terrorists were mingled with the local population, disguising themselves and picking them out was a task not easy. The team of army personnel which was sent to this area consisted of their best soldiers, all of whom could attack and plot as the situation demanded. Captain Hamid considered himself lucky that he was partnered with one of best in their squad. The man had a mind which would often surprise Captain Hamid. His fighting plans and strategy of actions hadn't failed them yet.

"Your aim was good today. Pretty impressive."

Hamid was startled. He had made peace with this fact about the military that getting praise was rare here. Hearing it from his role model was both exciting and confusing.

"Thank you, Sir."

"You're from Pindi, right?"

"The only. This makes us neighbors if I tell you."

The officer smiled. It was good to have some semblance of home here, be it getting acquainted with someone who belonged to the twin of his city.

"Non-Army background, eh? Wouldn't have been easy coming all the way here."

Hamid thought for a second.

"No, my family wasn't as supportive given the fact that I'm the only son. It was my dream though. Then it turned into a passion. I was preparing for my ISSB test when a case got very famous on local and national level. It was shocking at first but then it became inspiring for people like me. That incident helped me a lot in figuring out my priorities."

The officer looked away. The smile on his face had turned into a solemn look.

"Was it easy, sir? Standing against your own family?"

Zaviyar picked on the overgrown bushes they were sitting behind.

"No. It was hell. And even today I don't see if it was worth it."

"Why? You should be proud of yourself."

Zaviyar didn't say anything for a few seconds. He wasn't unaware of the circumstances under which this operation had started. The same old tale. The terrorism on the outskirts of these ranges with the help from people in power back there in the capital and around. Game of power and money. Contacts and links.

"I'm proud of what I did but the thing is, there isn't just one Yahya Duraid or Honadir Sahni in this country. Getting rid of them only wasn't enough. I tore down my whole family but sometimes I do question myself."

Hamid hadn't expected this answer. He was hoping for a long story of struggle with a gloating glint but all he had gotten was a confused afterthought.

"It's not my place to say something, sir but you inspired me to the point where I didn't care for anything. Not my background, not what I had to face. And it's just me. We don't know how many out there are keeping you in mind while coming to forces. This is something, not much but at least some consolation."

The junior of his was making him glance at an altogether different meaning of the past he'd had. Something he hadn't given much thought to but now looking at it with someone else's perspective had changed so much.

"You're good at talking. Waleed will love to have you around."

Hamid laughed.

"I'm looking forward to it."

The sun was glimpsing from the East, casting its soft glow around. The two men in green uniform took their position once again. They had a duty to take care of. They had a country to safeguard.

_________

Ephemerality is life's biggest reality. No matter how good or bad a time gets, it passes leaving behind lessons, memories and sometimes, nothing. It's in life's nature to go on without any pause and life always stays true to it.

The night had prevailed in its full glory around that particular lane of Pindi Cantonment. Harram switched off the kitchen lights and passing through the lounge, opened the door to the right. Khadija was asleep. Harram settled the duvet over her making sure it was warding off the December cold.

She was just leaving when her ears caught the sound of upcoming footsteps. Hurriedly turning around, Harram found and excited Zuhal in her PJs extending Harram's phone towards her.

"Baba!"

She gestured towards the vibrating phone with the excitement of the world written on her face. A sigh mingled with a silent thanks to Almighty left Harram's lips. She picked up the call and held the phone to Zuhal's ear.

"Asslam Alaikum, Baba!"

Miles away, in the army base HQ, Zaviyar smiled as if he was listening to his most favourite song.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam. How's Baba's girl doing?"

"I'm fine. How are you and how's Waleed uncle?"

"I was feeling a little low but now that I'm talking to my favourite girl, I'm much better. Waleed uncle is sleeping right now."

Zuhal looked at the clock and then at her mother. The always mindful kid. She knew time was always precious when her father was away on any mission. Harram gestured to her to go on as both made their way towards the next room. Harram opened the door. Her face turned into a grimace seeing the mess of the colours on the floor. She was sure she had left this room after making this one sleep!

"Hoorain! It's Baba!"

Zuhal ran towards her younger sister who was now fully attentive towards them. Zaviyar could hear all the commotion and it was deepening his grin. He loved this chaotic energy his house was exuding always now.

"Baba!"

The excitement was contagious. Harram sat down in front of them on the bed.

"So, Hoorain was again making a mess?"

"No! Hoorain painted and Dado said it was beautiful!"

Of course. All of them were their grandmother's personal treasures of happiness and joy.

"Baba! Do you remember Hoorain's list?"

Zaviyar chuckled.

"I'm sorry I forgot. Can you repeat it for me?"

"Argh! New paint colors, Zavain has ruined them. A sketch book and a pencil box and ...a stuffed bunny and....and.."

"And?"

"You. Yes. That's it. Please, bring this stuff. And don't tell Mama. She scolds when Hoorain asks for stuff. She loves only Zavain."

Harram wasn't offended by the accusation. It wasn't something new.

"Where's Zavain?"

"Asleep as usual! Sleepy head."

"Now, now. He's just a baby. That's what he's supposed to do."

Hoorain glanced at her only a few months old brother and shrugged. Harram wanted to facepalm. This brat!

"Give the phone to Mama, Hoorain!"

Zuhal hissed looking agitatedly at the clock again. Whenever Zaviyar was away their only solace were these phone calls and Zuhal made sure all of them had gotten a chance to talk to him. She was tempted to wake her grandmother as well but that'd only disturb her, she wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep and as a result her blood pressure would fluctuate.

"You were supposed to call Yesterday."

Harram talked through the phone eyeing the kids who had gone back to what they were doing prior to the call.

"Couldn't get the time. How are you?"

"The same old. You?"

"Was a bit down today. Guess the homesickness is kicking in but now I feel just alright. How's Zavian? Still the same cranky pants?"

"He's behaving well, thank you. What about the situation there?"

"Almost in control. It's far better than what we had to face when we first got here."

"Yeah, you didn't call for two days straight and both I and Khadija auntie were going crazy with worry."

"You'll never let that go, right? How's Maa?"

"She's fine. The Bp is finally in control this week."

"Alhumdullilah. Tell her I'm perfectly okay. The call limit is reaching. Take care of the kids and Maa but before that take care of yourself."

"But Zaviyar! When are you coming...."

The call had disconnected. Harram stared at the blank screen and got up. Not making any sound, she opened the kitchen once again and stood holding the slab. Sobs were raking her body. She was careful not to let the kids see her state. Every time, Zaviyar went out there on dangerous missions, she'd be walking on glass shards every day. She'd accepted this life the day she had come to this house. But even after so many years, it was still hard. One would say after going through literal hell she'd be hardened but she was always going to be a combination of both when it came to this man.

She wiped the tears trying to compose herself. Her eyes went towards the fridge. The colorful notes were in need to be replaced. She started pulling those off when her eyes stopped at one in particular. The clear scribble, she'd recognize it everywhere.

"Coming home sooner than you think.

Love,

Zaviyar."

Harram smiled through her tears. Tracing the outline of the week old note, she switched off the light and went back to the kids.

Leaning against the wooden pole in the base, Zaviyar stared at the night sky. Life hadn't changed his ways, so hadn't them. Still going strong, together and would remain so as long as they could.

______________

Pushing her curly lock of hair out of her eyes, Hoorain scowled at her father who was finally able to have some calm moments with Zavain. He had his father's finger in his fist and was trying to take out his phone from his shirt pocket.

"Whatever! He's still Mr. Cranky Pants!"

She commented in her usual way. Khadija tried looking offended but the way Hoorain was so annoyed with Zavain for not acting his usual self, it was adorable. These kids were the heaven Khadija would never get tired of.

"He's behaving today. I'll give him that."

Zaviyar flicked Zavain's button nose lightly and this was all it took to offend the guy. He was now shooting daggers at his father.

"He doesn't like it, Baba! Oh no! Now he'll cause a racket."

Zuhal tried distracting her younger brother but he had started bouncing in his father's lap. His attempts increased seeing his mother coming towards them with the tray. Harram took the wriggling baby who had immediately stopped fussing. Zaviyar made a face.

"This guy hates his own father."

"Not really. He's just attached to Harram more."

Khadija exclaimed while Harram shrugged her shoulders.

"Hoorain used to ignore my presence when you'd be around. Guess it's revenge time."

Zaviyar huffed, helping Hoorain eat her cupcake. Zuhal was already seated in her Dado's lap. His eyes found Zavain's who was looking at him only. The baby's expressions turned from concentration to a toothless grin in a matter of seconds, but he still refused to leave his mother's side. Zaviyar was sure now that he was around for longer than before, this kid was also soon going to Baba's squad. He just needed to see him more.

"So what are we doing after this tea party?"

Harram asked looking around.

"Homework!"

"Painting nails!"

"Sleeping!"

Three voices had been raised. Harram was okay with the first two knowing how distinct in nature her both daughters were. But the last suggestion coming from their father had her roll her eyes. He had slept through all morning. Harram wasn't sure Zavain was giving his father a competition or the other way round. She had opened her mouth to say something when her phone rang.

"Okay, Mama is going to talk to Nano! No one's making a mess while I'm gone. Zaviyar, please hold him."

She placed Zavain in Zaviyar's lap and walked inside to talk to Zara.

When she came back after a while, her lips had curled into a smile which is born from the heart. Zaviyar was talking animatedly with Zavain while both Zuhal and Hoorain were completely attentive to them. Seemed like a good discussion was going on. Khadija's eyes met Harram's and both grinned through their tears.

Life had blessed them so much. The past had vanished from the curtains of their memory, not even a losing echo of it could reach them.