INFINITY

Chapter 19: Beginnings and Endings

30th Aug 2021

"Allah is the ally of those who believe. He takes them out of the darknesses into the light..." [2: 257 The Holy Quran]

Chapter 19

Beginnings and Endings

"Hey there, handsome," Yazdan said with his best charming wink in place, while shooting finger guns at himself in the wide mirror. The lighting was immaculate, "I think you have got something in your eyes, oh, never mind, it's just sparkle," he continued as he hyped himself up. Was he simply perfect or what!

For the past 10 minutes, he had been stuck at the airport washroom, partly because he needed privacy to wiggle himself and pace around to calm himself down which he did so in weird ways. With each passing second, as his time of departure came closer, Yazdan was becoming less and less certain about his decision.

No! Bad Yazdan. It's a new beginning! It's going to be great once it's all set in motion! You're going to LOVE it! This is your chance to start fresh! You can let go of everything that has happened so far...you can start a new life, one with peace, love and God in it! You're gonna get better and you're gonna rock your second chance at life. You're finally doing the right thing, so be proud of yourself!

"Zidan bhaiyya!" A voice interrupted his monologue.

Yazdan turned around at the little voice that called out for him. And there stood the 3ft 10 inches that contributed to the second reason for his extended stay in the washroom. Yeah, he didn't really mind his name being butchered if it came from that adorable piece of art!

The first sight that welcomed Hafsa and Yazdan as soon as they had arrived at the airport was the cutest mom and son duo who had just bid a teary farewell to the father. Within an instant, Hafsa had figured that they were first time fliers and had taken it upon herself to make them feel included and at ease. And to say Lazim, the son, was a nervous flier would be an understatement since it was the 6th time they had been to the loo in the last one hour.

"Hey buddy," Yazdan asked, "how you feeling now?"

"Still queasy but.." Lazim completed his statement with an overly enthusiastic head nod and thumbs up to show that he was alright. Yazdan's mind reeled back to the one person he was trying hard not to think about. For the umpteenth time that day, Yazdan felt his eyes steal a glance at at his notification bar only to be disappointed yet again.

He stood there waiting for a message that never came. He missed her...

"Okay! That's awesome!" Yazdan replied shaking away his thoughts as he high-fived the little boy, "Come on now, let me show you how they carry away our luggage and then let's go see the aquarium, it's soo cooooool!" he said walking out with the boy, swinging their hands together as the younger one clutched Yazdan's forefinger.

***

"No, it's mine!" Yazdan cried, "She gave it to me! You already ate yours, so stop stealing mine!"

"I carried you for 9 months and you can't even share it with me! You selfish octopus, I'm leaving you here in the airport," Hafsa whispered huffing, facing away from her son.

Yazdan, Lazim and their moms were waiting at the gate waiting for the boarding call. Since Lazim was getting an unnecessary high by munching on his candies, his mom had secretly given away the rest of them to Yazdan and Hafsa. Hafsa being a chocoholic had finished away her share of the sweets and was now emotionally blackmailing Yazdan for his last piece of chocolate and he loved every second of her antics!

He conveniently ignored her, as he clicked a selfie with Lazim and send it to the person he was reminded of by the kid's childlike wonder and innocence–Samah! He made a silent prayer to never let life dull the shine in their eyes.