“Arth, no, everybody is tired and needs their sleep…”
“It’s ok,” Samar told her. “I don’t mind.”
“Then stay here.” Atharva offered. “Both of you.”
Samar didn’t know what to say but in a few seconds, Atharva and Iram had finished some kind of eye talk and then Iram was rising to her feet — “I’ll prep the rooms…”
“Up, up,” Yathaarth demanded.
Iram’s brows rose — “You are getting out of hand, Arth. Come with me…”
“What’sup?”
“Observatory.” Iram spelt out.
“I’m fine with it.”
“There is no bed or bathroom there,” Atharva warned.
“Just give me a blanket for the floor and I’m good.”
“There are mattresses and heater.”
“Works.”
They all rose to their feet.
“Then Amaal can stay in Daniyal’s room. He will sleep with Noora…” Iram scrambled, counting heads. “And Samar, Atharva will come and pick him up,” she nodded at her son still on the rug, trying to turn rolls over his head and falling back. “As soon as he sleeps. Don’t worry.”
“No problem.” Samar glanced down at Yathaarth, who was grinning up at him. He tickled his little forehead, making him jump in joy.
The moment Iram turned though, Atharva leaned close to him — “If he kicks, turn around and sleep. Don’t disturb us.”
60. In too good times and too bad times, sleep evaded…
In too good times and too bad times, sleep evaded. And in jet lag. Amaal twisted, turned, and did everything short of counting sheep to try to sleep. She had a long day tomorrow. Flight at 9, return to the Secretariat directly after months, and then opening up the flat at night to restart plumbing, lighting, washing, cleaning. She wasn’t looking forward to it. And she wasn’t looking forward to losing this all over again. This homeliness, this belongingness, this warmth. And Samar.
She knew it was temporary. But she still didn’t know how temporary. They hadn’t spoken about any new plans while she was in London. And now that they had a night, they were separated. Amaal turned and grabbed her mobile, squinting in the dark at the bright light. 12.51 am. Could he be awake?
It was worth checking, if only to look at him.
Amaal rolled out of the bed and landed on silent feet. She quietly pulled open the door and sneaked out. The hall was quiet, the garden punctuating the silence with croaking crickets. She quietly made her way across the hall and the main stairs to the observatory stairs. They spiralled up in a confined tunnel to the glass dome that Iram had made into a relaxation space. Amaal went up on noiseless feet covered only in socks. She held one hand out to hold onto the wall but they had left a light on to keep the way lit.
Amaal reached the closed door and heard murmurs.At 12.51?She pressed her ear to the door.
“…boys seepover no have piyowfight.”
“Then what does it have?”
“Fighting.”
“Who is teaching you all this?”
“Dani guy.”
“Daniguy, huh?”
“Bro yaps alot.”
