The Tale of SAHABABAD

Part-I (Pg. 1)

19th August 2019,

It was a mundane fine evening with a steady breeze and twinkling stars. It was a no moon night yet the presence of the celestial bodies had made the sky beautiful. It was my peaceful last night on my land as me, but at the moment I didn't know about it, neither of us knew about anything.

If only I knew...

I was ready to depart to Pakistan with my baggage and an empty suitcase in my brain to fill with joyous memories. One hand holding my phone and other clutched tightly around the strap of the shoulder bag, I glanced at the schedules of flights and heaved a sigh.

There was half an hour left for my plane to board and I, with my family, was waiting for the official announcement to board the plane. A random Bollywood number played smoothly in the background while the remaining silence was filled by the chattering over-enthusiastic crowd, but I felt a weird feeling crawling deep within; as if my life was about to change and that It has.

I was happy, excited, and nervous and thrilled with the thought of the adventure that my future might withhold. On the previous night, I had already done my homework about researching over the places I could visit during the weekend-off in my stay. My destination for the prior three months was Islamabad, Pakistan where I had to attend a workshop and special lectures for learning cultural aspects of Urdu, Islam and the fascinating architecture followed by Subsequent three months in Sahababad, UAE for the same, but the visual images of the promising places withholding mysteries on the internet could not be compared with the zeal one could feel while experiencing everything in real.

I was dying to be there, on the Foreign land and discover something my people couldn't offer me, at the same time, I was upset because I had to leave my family for more than half a year to go through everything all alone—and it was least to say, I was going to miss them.

'I will miss you!' I had choked out while engulfing my mother in a tight hug. My eyes had almost turned glossy when my mother squeezed me back in a warm hug matching my passion and I would have cried then and there if it wasn't for my brother's glaring eyes that had stopped me. He shook his head in negative urging me to compose myself that I did.

'What is the need to go there? They are different. I am telling you, I don't feel as positive about it as I had felt when you had boarded for Germany, but you, siblings don't give a single head to my wishes nowadays. Even Sanjana has turned rebellious.' Mother had taunted us while throwing a meaningful glare in my brother's direction who was handling a wiggling Nirvana in his arms.

'MA! I will be back. I promise.' I had said but was cut-off by her raging voice.

'You and your empty promises!'

'I won't break it. I promise.'

'I don't care. Just don't forget our culture while learning theirs. Don't eat non-veg.' she said and paused making me and Bhai chuckle.

It was a joke, I and Bhai often used to c***k about us becoming a non-vegetarian. It wasn't like, there was anything wrong about it morally, but my mother had strictly prohibited us from eating an animal—and it was least to say, she was an animal-lover.

'I've packed snacks in the black bag. It won't last for six months if you will eat it daily, but you will manage up-to three months. I am confident. You can rent an apartment and cook if you don't feel lazy, of course. It will ensure your health.' She had lectured me and I had let out a 'Hump!' as an answer as she detached herself.

Her place was taken over by Bhabhi who engulfed me in a friendly-farewell hug, switching places with my mother.

'Have fun!' She whispered and I had presumed she might me smirking in my hairs, unable to see her face. 'I have heard that Arab males are sexy in their way. The thobe is fascinating formal wears. I wish I could accompany you. This Diwali* will be boring without you, but I am glad you will be back before Holi*. Anyways, go wild! Have fun and never forget to call me every evening.' Bhabhi said her arms tightened around my neck while mine squeezed her around the waist. She was my best friend and the most entertaining person I could have in my life.

'My friend had found one irresistible Arab man during her journey and now is settled in Dubai. Aryan and I won't mind if you return in the arms of one. Just don't bring a baby bump.' She teased in a voice barely audible.

I could find nothing as amusing as her words and bold actions. Eyeballs, the size of soccer; I shared a look with my brother only to receive a wicked smirk in reply. He knew his wife too well to object. He showed me a thumb up as if agreeing to whatever his wife had said and mouthed 'All the best' while his wife continued. 'I have heard that the prince of Sahababad is so handsome that an owner of some famous hotel denied his visit, fearing his wife might be seduced and end up committing a******y. If you get a chance, capture his face in the camera. I'd love to drool over.' She said and chuckled.

'Bhai will kill me.' I had answered while eyeing my brother who was struggling to hold his naughty son.

'He doesn't have to know. We can have secrets too, you know.' She said and winked while stepping back. In the mean moment, the automated voice announced the departure and though reluctantly, my family had to bid me Bon-voyage.

My sister-in-law's words had me giggling until the flight had landed on the ground of Islamabad and the chuckling only stopped when I had a small chat with her once I had settled in my apartment therein.

I am so grateful to have a family like mine and I still wish I could get back to them if only he'd let me...

———————

Diwali—the Hindu festival of lights, usually lasting five days and celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance."

Holi— a popular ancient Hindu festival, originating from the Indian subcontinent. ... Holi is popularly known as the Indian "festival of spring", the "festival of colours", or the "festival of love". The festival signifies the victory of good over evil.