The Crash and Aftermath
The peaceful routine of Bankhadur Village was shattered when a vehicle tumbled violently down the highway, skidding and twisting before crashing into a ravine below. The sound of metal crunching against rock echoed through the air. Villagers, caught off-guard by the sudden commotion, rushed to the scene. Some carried ropes, while others sprinted to the nearest public phone booth to report the accident to the emergency services.
It was raining heavily, and the narrow, treacherous turns of the Neelum Valley had become perilous. Within forty-five minutes, the Pakistan Army rescue team arrived in an ambulance, swiftly taking charge of the scene. They carefully pulled out the injured from the wreckage, working methodically amidst the rain and chaos, and transported them to CMH (Combined Military Hospital) Muzaffarabad.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the emergency team acted quickly, wheeling Aliza, Alia, Aiza, Fahad, and Adil into the emergency ward. Aliza and Alia were conscious but groggy from the shock and pain, while the other three were rushed to the operating theater for immediate surgery.
Hours later, as the painkillers wore off, Aliza blinked her eyes open, squinting at the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room. She groaned, feeling a sharp pain in her back and limbs. Alia lay beside her, fast asleep, her arm and leg heavily bandaged. The sedatives had put her in a deep slumber.
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An Unbearable Loss
Meanwhile, in the operating theater, doctors were locked in a desperate fight to save Adil's life. His injuries were severe, and the blood loss was critical. Time ticked by as they tried everything they could, but the damage was too extensive. His heartbeat slowed, and his breath grew fainter with every second. After an hour and a half of relentless effort, the doctors watched helplessly as Adil slipped away, his soul departing this world.
At the age of twenty-five, Adil's journey had come to an abrupt and tragic end. "Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un" were the only words that could encapsulate the immense loss.
Major Hamza Siddiqui, a close family friend of Adil's, was at the hospital. Taking a deep breath, he knew it was time to make the most difficult phone call of the day. With a heavy heart, he dialed a number.
The phone rang at the home of Mrs. Munira, mother of Aliza and Alia. Driver Feroz, who was attending to the house, rushed to answer the call.
"Assalam o Alekum," said Feroz, picking up the receiver.
"Walekum Salam," came Major Hamza's solemn reply. "Is this the house of Squadron Leader Usman Khan?"
"Yes, sir. This is his house. I'm his driver. May I ask who is calling?"
"This is Major Hamza Siddiqui. I got your number from Aliza Usman. I have some urgent news to share."
"Yes, sir. What happened?" Feroz's voice tightened with concern.
"Aliza and Alia were involved in a serious car accident on their way back from Neelum Valley. The driver, unfortunately, passed away. The other four are injured but stable."
Before Feroz could respond, the line went dead. Without wasting a second, he called Mrs. Munira, who was in Karachi.
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Mrs. Munira Receives the News
"Assalam o Alekum, ma'am. This is Feroz, your driver," Feroz said hurriedly when the call connected.
"Walekum Salam, Feroz. What's the matter?"
"Ma'am, Aliza and Alia Bibi met with a dangerous accident while returning from Neelum Valley. They are currently at CMH Muzaffarabad."
"Oh my God!" Mrs. Munira gasped, her heart sinking. "I'll leave immediately."
Mrs. Munira quickly booked an emergency flight from Karachi to Muzaffarabad. After a tense four-and-a-half-hour journey, she reached the hospital.
At the reception, she introduced herself. "I'm Mrs. Munira Usman. My daughters were admitted here after the Neelum Valley accident."
Major Hamza, who had been waiting at the hospital, stepped forward. "Assalam o Alekum, Mrs. Munira. Let me take you to them."
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A Mother's Heartbreak
Inside the hospital room, Mrs. Munira found Aliza awake but visibly in pain. Alia remained unconscious from the sedatives. Bandages covered both girls' arms and legs, and the sight of them like this broke their mother's heart. She sat beside Aliza and stroked her hair gently.
"How are you, my love?" she whispered. "Is Alia okay?"
Aliza winced as she spoke, "I'm in pain, Mom. Alia cried a lot, so they gave her painkillers to help her sleep."
Mrs. Munira kissed her daughter's forehead. "Rest, dear. I'll find out about your friends."
Stepping out of the room, she turned to Major Hamza, who shared the devastating news. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Munira. Adil didn't survive the accident. Aiza and Fahad are in the ICU but are stable now."
Mrs. Munira's hand flew to her mouth. "Adil... How will I tell his mother? He was her only son..."
They made their way to the morgue, where Adil's lifeless body lay. Tears welled up in Mrs. Munira's eyes, and she wept silently over the tragic loss. After composing herself, she returned to her daughters' room. Both girls were now asleep, unaware of the heartache awaiting them.
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Breaking the News to Adil's Mother
At the hospital reception, Mrs. Munira gathered her courage and made the call to Mrs. Fatima, Adil's mother.
"Hello?" Mrs. Fatima answered softly.
"Assalam o Alekum, this is Mrs. Munira."
"Walekum Salam, sister. How are you?"
Mrs. Munira's voice faltered. "I have some difficult news, sister. Our children met with an accident on their way back from Azad Kashmir... and... Adil..." She struggled to continue. "Adil didn't survive."
A piercing cry echoed through the receiver as Mrs. Fatima broke down. "Adil... my child... my only hope... Adil!"
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The Days of Mourning
After Adil's body was flown to Lahore by air ambulance, his funeral was held, attended by his grieving family and friends.
A week later, Aliza and Alia were discharged from the hospital, while Aiza and Fahad remained under observation. On their way home, Mrs. Munira finally told her daughters about Adil's death.
Aliza's eyes filled with tears. "Adil... He was my friend... How could this happen?"
"I'm sorry, my dear," her mother whispered. "But we must visit his mother and offer our condolences."
The next morning, they visited Adil's house. The air was thick with sorrow as Mrs. Munira embraced Mrs. Fatima, offering what little comfort she could. Aliza remained silent, the weight of grief heavy on her heart.
As they were leaving, they ran into Major Hamza outside.
"Assalam o Alekum," he greeted them with a warm smile despite the somber circumstances. "I'm Major Hamza Siddiqui. Adil's father was my father's best friend."
"Thank you for everything, Major Sahib," Aliza said, her voice soft.
"It was my duty," he replied kindly.
They exchanged a few pleasantries, and though their interaction was brief, something stirred in Major Hamza's heart. As Aliza walked away, a quiet sense of admiration lingered within him—a feeling he hadn't anticipated.
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End of Chapter