There were times when my resolve to stay away from my family was breaking slowly but then his hurtful words pierced me again and again like a knife, stopping me from going back. I wasn't ready to let him win. I wasn't ready to let him see that I was a weak girl who can't survive alone.
So, I continued on with my depressed state but never dared to go back.
My health detoriated too and then I realized I was being same just like him. I was giving myself pain to my own self just like he did. That was the time I consulted a psychiatrist and met Murat.
He came in my darkened world and illuminated it with his own light. He too just like me was fighting his own battles and was struggling to overcome the pain in his life. He was greiving the loss of his mother who was his only family and needed someone to hold on to. And just like that we got together. No, I am not dating him or anything, I am his best friend just as he says and he is the reason I was able to come out of my depressed state. We both are each other's guiding light.
THIRD PERSON'S POV
Maria's reverie of thoughts were broken by her phone which was ringing.
"Salam appi. How are you ?"
A smile automatically came to her face when she saw Aamina's name flashing on the screen of her phone.
She was the only one Maria had contacted after leaving.
"Walaikum assalam. I am good. Infact I am very happy."
Her happiness could be detected from her voice and she knew her appi was smiling at the other end.
"May Allah keep you happy always appi. I am glad that you are happy."
"Won't you ask the reason behind my happiness ?"
Aamina was exited to share the reason behind her happiness with her little sister.
"I would love to know the reason appi."
"Main itni asaani se nahi bataungi. Pehle guess karo."
Aamina teased Maria knowing how much she hated the guessing game.
"Offo appi you know how much I hate guessing. Ab aap zyada waqt na zaya karein aur bataein aisa kya hua hai ke aap itni khush hai."
She groaned, earning a loud chuckle from Aamina who was happy creating a hyped up situation.
"I AM GETTING MARRIED."
She was numb for few seconds but then a huge smile smothered over face.
"It's such a great news. I am so happy for you appi. Congratulations."
"Khush hone se kaam nahi chalega tumhe meri shaadi mein aana padega."
Aamina demanded blowing the radiant smile off her face. She was shocked hearing her demand.
"Appi.... I can't. I am so sorry."
Her voice was low and full of sadness. Only she knew how much she wanted to go back but then again she didn't knew if she was ready to go back or not.
"Four long years have passed and it's time for you to move on. Please come back for my marriage. You don't know how much everyone misses you. Our home is not home without you. Please come back. Please."
She wasn't able to control her tears and the emotions and begged Maria to come back. She really wanted her to come back.
"I can't. I don't know if I can face everyone. They might be hating me for leaving without saying anything. So I guess, it's better for me to stay here only."
"No one hates you Maria. Infact we all love you and miss you more than you can ever imagine. I am not asking you to come here forever because that's your decision but yes, I am requesting you to come here for my wedding because I need my sister back for my big day. I need you here with me."
SEVENTEEN
Start from the beginning
