The Promises We Broke

5

As no one had eaten breakfast yet, they decided to have a small picnic in the riverside.

When Ayra went to ask for permission from Arzan and Zaan, even they easily agreed.

Ehraan had a vague feeling he knew exactly why. As he noticed how happy his family looked-even his father-at the sight of a camera in his hands, he was starting to feel really bad about his stubborn decision years ago.

"None of you are allowed to swim in the river." Arzan warned. "If I hear you did, I won't be as nice as I have been the last few days. Understood?"

"This was you being nice?" Ayra muttered under her breath.

"I am being serious, Ayra." Arzan said, hearing her mumbling.

"He's right." Zaan also added. Both Zaan and Arzan were ready in their suits to go to the office when the kids stopped them to ask for permission. "It's dangerous there. Have fun but don't go too close to the river."

"Yes, Bhai."

Iqra came downstairs wearing a long, flowy dress adorned with little daisies. Her hair was tied into two braids, each decorated with fresh daisies she had picked from the garden to match her outfit.

"Ma Sha Allah, you look lovely, Iqra," Arzan commented, smiling.

"Who are you?" Faiz breathed in mock awe. "What have you done to my ugly, pompous sister?"

"Faiz, no jokes on someone's looks." Ehraan glared at him.

"Yes! Teach him some human decency, Ehaan Bhai," Ayra chimed in. "And Sahir, too. He makes fun of me all the time."

"No one likes snitches, coward," Sahir shot back.

"Look who's talking," Ayra replied with a smirk. "Everyone calls you a narc behind your back for a reason, you know."

"What? They do?" Sahir's face fell, a look of betrayal crossing his features.

"And a crybaby, too," Iqra added, her teasing words causing Sahir's eyes to well up with tears.

Arzan pulled Sahir into a side hug, pressing a gentle kiss on the top of his head. "If being honest earns you the tag of a narc, so be it," he said softly.

Sahir felt better hearing those words. He didn't intentionally snitch on his siblings. But when Zaan or Arzan Bhai would ask him a question, he couldn't bring himself to lie to them.

That often resulted in him being kept in the dark from most surprises and pranks planned by Ayra, Iqra and Faiz.

"Here's your breakfast." Humayra handed them a big basket full of food.

"Ammi, did you pack the charcuterie board I asked for?" Iqra confirmed, checking inside the basket to ensure no items were left behind.

"Yes, beta." Humayra assured.

"What do you need a charcuterie board for?" Faiz asked. "Who even eats raw cheese?"

"People with taste." Iqra answered. "And it's for the aesthetics, none of you are going to touch any of the items till I am done taking pictures."

"This is why I don't go anywhere with you." Faiz sighed.

"You want us to starve till then?" Ayra asked, horrified. Food was something Ayra couldn't imagine living without.

Ayra didn't eat to live. She lived to eat.

"Calm down, drama queen." Sahir said. "You won't die if you don't eat for a few minutes."

"How naive you are, Sahir! You think api will be satisfied with her pictures in just a few minutes?"

Ehraan glanced around making sure everyone was ready when his gaze fell on Zeher staring straight at him.

Just as their eyes clashed, she looked down, going back to silently eating her breakfast.

How had he not noticed her sitting there all this time? And was that longing he saw in her eyes.

Before he could stop himself, Ehraan said, "Zeher, go get ready. You're coming with us."

For a second, it was as if time had frozen. The petty bickering stopped in the background. The older Qureshis who were also eating breakfast paused their movements.

It had become an unsaid law in this house that Zeher wasn't welcomed in any family events or outings. She wasn't even invited to their birthday celebrations, much less a picnic that only included the young Qureshi members.

What changed?

Zeher wondered if Ehraan was still sick. He had been acting strange last night too.

"I already ate breakfast." Zeher refused politely. She felt proud of herself to think of a valid reason in such short time.

Ayra and Sahir sighed in relief. They didn't want Zeher to join them and ruin the day.

"Don't argue. You can enjoy the scenery." Ehraan told her which further surprised everyone. "Being cooped up in the house all the time isn't healthy.

She wasn't. She had plans to go to the library later.

"Let it be, bhai." Iqra intervened. "It will take her time to get ready and we are already starving."

Ehraan ignored her completely and kept staring at Zeher, silently commanding her to do what he asked.

"Go, Zeher. I'll pack the rest of your breakfast. You can eat it after reaching the riverside." Humayra encouraged.

Humayra always had a soft spot for this child who seemed to have the whole world against her. Seeing her son including her in their activities for once made her happy.

"Your Bari ammi told you something, no?" Sayef said in a cold voice when Zeher showed no signs of moving.

Hearing the underlying warning in her uncle's voice, Zeher quickly stood up from her chair and ran to her room.

It took her less than 10 minutes to get ready and run back downstairs. She didn't want to make her siblings madder than they already were.