Belong Together

For Our Family

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Hey, guys! I'm back...kind of. I go back home tomorrow. As those of you who follow me on Instagram know, I'm in Edinburgh, and my holiday ends tomorrow. I thought I'd try to release an updated today.

I can honestly say that I missed you guys and your comments :(

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PRECAP

Hamza had called Fawad about his father not responding.

Taif and Iman had met, and he had unintentionally said harsh words against Fawad.

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A FEW HOURS EARLIER

Hamza

Within a day, I had arranged for the best carers in London for him, that included physiotherapists and counsellors to help him deal with the mental impact of the stroke. I'd done my best for my father...but things went wrong anyway.

Hania stood behind me, looking anxious. This was the first time that I was returning to work after Papa's stroke, and I know that she felt as worried as I did. She had been amazing, and extremely supportive, showing an incredible amount of strength. She cooked all the meals herself and she made sure the carers had everything that they needed.

"It'll be fine." I turned and pulled her into my arms. "They're experts. They'll look after him just fine. You just need to keep an eye on things." 

Growing up sucked. Your entire life you expected your parents to do things for you, and then when responsibilities suddenly fall onto your head, it feels like when an anvil falls onto someone's head in cartoons. It all feels heavy and almost painful. I felt lost, travelling down unknown paths without a GPS. This felt overwhelming, but I had to stay strong, for Papa's sake.

"Hamza, I have called Mama over today." She helped me put on my suit jacket. "Is that okay?"

"The mistress of this house doesn't need my permission." I smiled weakly. "You know that Uncle and Aunty, and Iman, are always welcome here without any restrictions." I looked down at her. "Look after yourself as well, okay?" I kissed her forehead. After a quick kiss on her lips, I headed to Papa's room to say goodbye to him.

I knocked on Papa's door and entered. Since the stroke, we had moved him to the downstairs bedroom, to make it easier for him. At the moment, he was alone in the room, sleeping. The medicines he had been receiving were strong and caused drowsiness. "Papa, I'm going to work, but Hania's off today, and the carer will be here soon. Let them know if you need anything, okay?" I ran a hand over his head, like he used to do over mine when I was a child. He had lost a considerable amount of weight in days, and it made my heart break as I saw him lying there weakly. "I'll try and come back as early as possible. Allah Hafiz." Something made me lean down and kiss his forehead. "You have to get better for my sake, Papa. Rabia and I both need you."

A part of me was greatly hesitant to leave him, but I had to focus on his company for his sake as well. It was Papa's pride and hard work, and I would not be negligent towards it.

Hania walked me all the way to my car. "Don't worry. Just focus on your work. The carers are really good. And I'll do all I can to help."

"I'm scared, Han." I admitted. "Every time I leave, I feel like I'm making a huge mistake. I just want to stay by his side all day."