|04|:Attack/ حملہ

                                    

                                          
"سسکیاں لیتا ہے وجود میرا
نوچ نوچ کر کھائیں گی یادیں تِری"
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The phone rang in the middle of the night. The shrill sound of the telephone resonated in the silent room. The clock struck ten in the night. For many people, the night had just started, but for Bua Ji it was midnight already. She slowly descended the stairs as the phone constantly rang. She placed her hand on it and muttered a little
'Ya Allah Khair'. She grasped the phone in her hand and spoke
"Hello." 
"Bua Ji are you both okay?" The familiar voice of the man reached her ears causing her to calm down in an instant. But it was replaced by worry in a flash
"Yes. We both are fine. You don't sound too good, beta".  She said worriedly. It was odd of Hammad to call this late at her house. He always managed not to call late at night, except for an emergency. Her heart palpitated loudly as she clutched the phone in her hand. Her voice came out shaky when she asked
"Sab khariyat ha?"
(Is everything alright)    
She heard a sigh on the other hand. It was quiet for a moment after which he spoke
"Everything's fine. I just want to check up on both of you." His reply couldn't rest the agitated old heart as the woman tried again
"Please tell me beta, if something is wrong." The listener on the other hand stayed quiet. After a long pause, she heard him say
"Take care both of you." The line went dead afterwards. 
Bua Ji kept the reciever back at its place and sent a dua up to her Lord to keep Hammad safe. She heard rushed padding of footsteps and turned around to see Safa standing at the threshold of the stairs. 
"Bua Ji what happened? Why are you up this late?" The young girl already seemed distressed so, she thought not to disturb her further. 
"It was just Hammad." 
"This late?" Safa can't help, but ask. Bua Ji sighed. She cleared her throat and said
"He asked about my medicines. He was at the medical store." She lied smoothly. Safa's eyes drew closer. She didn't believe that, but chose to ignore it. She took hold of Bua Ji's hand and they both went upstairs. 
Safa's eyes scrutinized Bua Ji. She looked shaken up. She thought for a while and asked
"Shall I sleep with you tonight?" The old woman nodded meekly and soon Safa joined her. She placed a small kiss on old woman's forehead and turned on her side to sleep. 
~~~~~~~~~~~
The bird's chirping woke Safa up. Opening her eyes to the mild sunlight, she sat up in bed. Running a hand through her hair she take a look at her side to find it empty. Of course, Bua Ji never sleeps after fajr. She quickly went back to her room and got ready for university. Tying her hairs in a braid, she reached down the stairs. The aroma of fresh toast and half fried egg greeted her as she took steps toward the kitchen. She smiled and said
"Salaam." Bua Ji turned and passed her young girl a small of a smile. She blew something on her and both the ladies sat down for breakfast. 
In the midst of breakfast, Safa asked
"How are you feeling now?" Her question was directed toward the last night's incident. Bua Ji was quite shaken up. Bua Ji stopped mid bite and looked at her. Safa's eyes were soft yet she won't be taking any nonchalant answer. She sighed defeatedly knowing too well she can't keep things from her.