Tides of Loss and New Beginnings
A week had passed since Ayeza and Fahad's harrowing experience. Aliza's heart skipped when her phone rang. It was a call from CMH Muzaffarabad.
"Assalam o Alekum," a familiar voice greeted her.
"Walekum Assalam," Aliza responded.
It was Major Hamza on the other end.
"I have important news about your friends."
"Oh! Yes! Tell me about Ayeza and Fahad. How are they?" Aliza asked, eager for an update.
"They're absolutely fine. They'll be discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning."
A wave of relief washed over Aliza.
"Oh, great! I'll meet them then."
"You're a good friend, Aliza. They're lucky to have you," Major Hamza added.
"Hahaha! Thanks for the compliment," she laughed.
"How are you feeling now?"
"I'm feeling better."
"That's good to hear. Take care. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, and thanks again."
The call ended, leaving Aliza with a renewed sense of purpose.
---
The Next Morning
At CMH Muzaffarabad, Ayeza and Fahad's parents signed the discharge slips, preparing to take their children home. As they approached the reception desk, Ayeza looked concerned.
"Can you tell me about our friend Adil?" Ayeza asked the receptionist.
The woman gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, my shift changed earlier. I don't have any information."
Ayeza sighed. "Okay."
Suddenly, Major Hamza approached. "Don't worry. Let's get you home first. I'll tell you everything later."
They made their way to the airport and left Muzaffarabad, bound for Lahore.
---
That evening, Aliza arrived with her mother and younger sister Aaliya at Ayeza's home.
"Assalam o Alekum," Aliza greeted as she stepped inside.
"Walekum Assalam," Ayeza responded warmly.
"How are you feeling now?" Aliza asked.
"Better," Ayeza smiled. "And Fahad's improving too."
Mrs. Muneerah, Aliza's mother, looked at Ayeza with concern. "Daughter, these wounds on your face—have they started to heal?"
"Not yet, Auntie. It'll take time," Ayeza replied softly.
After a brief pause, Ayeza hesitantly asked, "Aliza... do you know anything about Adil?"
Aliza's expression darkened, and she stayed silent. Aaliya, however, answered. "Adil bhai... is no longer with us."
Ayeza's voice trembled. "What? What do you mean? This... this must be a joke!"
Aliza, her voice heavy, whispered, "No. It's true. Adil... has passed away."
Tears welled in Ayeza's eyes as memories of their joyful times together flooded back. "Adil was such a good friend. We had so much fun with him on that trip..."
Aliza nodded. "When you're able to walk, let me know. We'll go with Fahad to visit his mother."
---
A Call from Ayeza
A few days later, the landline in Aliza's home rang. She picked up the receiver.
"Assalam o Alekum."
"Walekum Assalam," Ayeza's voice came through.
"How are you?" Aliza asked warmly.
"A little better."
"Good to hear. I've been thinking—we need to visit Adil's mother."
"That's why I called," Ayeza admitted. "We should plan it soon."
Aliza chuckled. "Great minds think alike. I was just about to call you."
"So, I'm like a devil, huh?" Ayeza teased.
"No! That's just your imagination!"
Both friends burst into laughter.
---
After the call ended, Aliza rang Fahad to ask about his condition.
"Assalam o Alekum."
"Walekum Assalam," Fahad replied in a groggy voice.
"How are you?"
"A little better."
"Feeling sleepy?" Aliza asked.
"Yeah... just a bit."
"Sorry to bother you. I wanted to ask if you could join us tomorrow to visit Adil's mother."
"Sure. Just call me, and I'll be ready," Fahad assured her.
"Tomorrow evening, okay?"
"Of course. Injured people don't have busy schedules." Fahad chuckled.
Aliza smiled. "Okay, philosopher. Now go to sleep."
---
The Visit to Adil's Home
The next evening, Aliza, Aaliya, and their mother picked up Ayeza before heading to Fahad's house. As they reached the gate, Fahad emerged slowly, leaning on crutches. His left leg was in a cast, and his arm—though better—was still weak.
Aliza felt tears sting her eyes but quickly blinked them away. "Still the same Fahad, huh?" she said with a smile, recalling their university days.
Fahad grinned. "Always."
They helped him into the car and drove to Adil's home.
---
At Adil's house, they were warmly welcomed by his mother. They sat together, offering prayers for Adil's soul.
Adil's mother insisted they stay for dinner despite their polite refusals. Eventually, they accepted, honoring her hospitality.
During the meal, Fahad suddenly spoke. "Aunty, I want you to think of me as your son. Whenever you need anything, just call me, and I'll be there."
Everyone fell silent, surprised by Fahad's heartfelt offer.
Aliza glanced at Fahad, her heart swelling with pride. "Yes, Aunty. We're all like your children. You can count on us."
Adil's mother smiled warmly. "Thank you, my children. Your care means everything to me."
As they left, Fahad turned to Adil's mother. "Aunty, I'd like to visit Adil's grave soon."
She gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Get well first, my son. The cemetery isn't far."
---
A Late-Night Call from Major Hamza
That night, Aliza's phone rang. It was Major Hamza.
"Assalam o Alekum."
"Walekum Assalam. How are you?"
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"We visited Adil's mother today," Aliza explained. "I'm just worried about Fahad. He's limping and seems lonely."
"You care a lot about your friends, Aliza," Major Hamza said warmly. "They're lucky to have you."
"Friendship is about being there, no matter what," Aliza replied softly.
Hamza chuckled. "You're a kind-hearted woman."
Their conversation meandered, filled with light-hearted banter. Eventually, Aliza reminded him of the time. "Isn't it late for a soldier to be up?"
"Time flies in good company," he teased.
Aliza smiled. "Goodnight, Major."
"Goodnight, Aliza. Allah Hafiz."
---
A New Opportunity
The next morning, Aliza joined her family for breakfast. Her mother, reading the newspaper, suddenly spoke.
"Aliza, there's a job opening that fits your dreams."
Aliza's heart leapt as she scanned the ad. "It's with SUPARCO! A Satellite Navigator position!"
Her mother smiled. "You should apply right away."
"But I'll have to go to Rawalpindi," Aliza hesitated.
"Don't worry about home. I'll handle everything—especially Aaliya."
Aliza laughed, gathering her documents. A new chapter awaited, one filled with dreams and the unknown.
She was ready.