Wasl

۰22۰ Bombshell/ حیرت انگیز

He stood up and walked to the fridge. Taking out eggs and vegetables, he told his mother

"Let me prepare today's breakfast for you."

Rubina smiled at her son. It was another habit he took from his father. Alam often prepared breakfast for the three of them. It wasn't often since he spent most of the time with Ghazal for reasons that hurt Rubina, but he was still the best husband she could ever ask for. An emotional mist covered her eyes as she remembered her husband. She quickly wiped the tears away, not wanting her son to catch her crying.

"Here you go."

Ahad announced as he put the plate of omelette with buttered toast in front of her. He seemed proud of his cooking, although it was the only thing he knew how to make. To Rubina, it was his efforts that count.

"Come on, have breakfast with me."

She told him while digging into her food and he joined a second later. Both mother and son enjoyed a hearty breakfast filled with their bickering and occasional teasing.
*********************

Ahad put his sunglasses over his eyes and opened the door of his car only to be stopped by the voice of his grandmother calling out to him. He took off his glasses and glanced back. There stood Sawera by the support of her cane. She looked oddly tired. Woman like her who was always tip top and in classiest of dressing, she opted for a simple shalwar kameez with a beige chaddar draped over her shoulders. Her hair were tied in a low bun and she supported a frown on her lips.

"Take me to my doctor. I have a check up today."

She said and walked briskly toward the car. His instincts took over and he forwarded his hand to help her which she took without complaining heightening his worries. Sawera never liked when people helped her like she's some old granny who couldn't take a step without a hand. She hated feeling weak and powerless.

"Are you feeling alright?"

He couldn't help, but ask. He recieved no answer, but he knew she was ill. Gently assisting her with the seat belt, he rounded the car and sat inside. Igniting the engine, he deliberately drove at a medium speed.

"Are you feeling sick?"

He tried to get an answer again which he did. Not quite the real one, but an answer indeed.

"It's just normal cold."

He nodded his head and silently drove to the hospital she usually went to. He helped her once again, but once they were inside the hospital premises, her mask of steel woman returned and she refused to take his help. He too didn't offer it accepting her decision. Sawera amid feeling weak, walked with her head held high toward the doctors cabin. Once they reached, she turned to Ahad and told him

"Wait here. I'll be back in a few minutes."

His eyebrows drew closer in a frown. Confusion marred his features as he addressed his grandmother

"Why? Is there something you're hiding from me?"

He questioned, worried something was wrong with her. A deep sigh escaped Sawera's lips and she toned her voice a notch softer

"I'm fine, bachay."

He was taken aback by the sudden endearment but didn't comment on it. Nodding his head at her, he politely sat down on the chair while she went inside. Ahad had a feeling something was wrong about the way his grandmother acted. She rarely ever show any emotions much rather affection in front of a crowd. She hated being vulnerable. It made her feel exposed to every eye looking her way. His thoughts took a really deep turn and he started to analyze every move of Sawera. He was so engrossed in his own mind that he didn't even hear his grandmother approaching him