Chapter 3: Family Reunion.

As we drove to the place where we used to live, I noticed that the roads and buildings had changed. I was initially born and raised in England, London to be specific before moving to the hectic city of Dubai with abba and ammi. I used to come here for the holidays and from the memories of it, this place seems to have changed drastically.

"Where are we going?" I asked Adnan, looking over to the guy.

"Ah... this is the road to Sukhar village where we are staying" he replied smiling at me before turning back to the road.

"When did Bade Abba and Badi Ammi shift here?" I asked Azma, looking back to her. I remember them living in New Delhi, by the large park where I used to play as a child.

"Long story bhai..." she said, giving me a small smile and I nodded anyway.

I have to ask them once I see them.

The passing trees were beautiful and the land, here were filled with all types of vegetation. It has been a while since I saw these things. We drove through the large forest like lands, past a few houses and markets before entering a large village. It was like Punjab but not exactly that.

The SUV came to a halt in front of the gates of a large compound. I looked over to the nameplate of it.

Khan Mansion. So this is the house they shifted to?

The gates opened and we drove inside. The ride was quite a few minutes of turning around the large and well kept compound. The car finally stopped at the main entrance of the large white mansion. Adnan parked the car in front of the doors and I looked at the guards waiting for us to get off. Azma got off and motioned for me to do the same. I followed her off the SUV and turned to Adnan. He held up a thumbs up before giving me a smile and driving away.

The guards greeted Azma, who nodded at them before walking up and steps towards the main door. It automatically opened and we were greeted by an old lady in her mid- forties.

"As salamu alaikum, Arshad Miya"she greeted me with a smile.

"Wa alaikum mus salaam wa rah matullah hi wa barakatuhu," I answered, forcing a smile on my face to look decent.

"Please cone in" she said gesturing me inside. I nodded and turned to where Azma was. Apparently she had vanished. The woman saw my dismay and let out a small laugh.

"She has already sneaked inside, sir" I nodded at her before following her in. The house was an eerie of silence save for the small laughter that was ringing from the room down the hall from where we were right now.

"Sir and Madams are at the west living room, sir. Please follow me" the lady said and we walked towards where this west living room was. I stood infront of large open doors to see my family smiling and laughing about something. Now, their laughter and happiness was evident. Wasn't Bade Abba sick?

The lady cleared her throat and gestured to me. The eyes of my family travelled over to me and they froze. I think it was partially because of how much I had changed and partially because I looked like I was about to throw a fit. Either way.

I looked over to Ammi for an explanation. She gave me a sheepish smile before looking away. I walked into the room and my Bade Abba smiled brightly at me.

"Did I not tell you all that he would come?" he said, looking around with a proud smile. I cleared my throat and smiling slightly at him.

"As salamu alaikum, Bade Abba" I said, walking over to him. I took his hand and placed a kiss on the dorsal side of it. He placed his other hand over my head with a small laugh before replying to my salaam.

Everyone else called out their reply, in different tones and at different times. It all seemed like a sea of people talking at once. Maybe that was what this was?

"You do love us" said Badi Ammi, smiling at me. I walked over to her and repeated the gesture to her. She then kissed me on the forehead, causing me to smile at her usual gesture.

"Salaam bhai" said Aahil. Aahil was my brother. Badi Ammi's second son. I hugged him and then all of them.

"You all invited everyone. Everyone but me?! NAHIIII!!!!!!" screamed a voice.

All of us turned to the voice. There, by the doorway, stood the most dramatic brother of mine. Rehaan. He was the oldest amongst us, and the most dramatic. He could change any situation to one that is dramatic.

"As salaam Alaikum, Bhai." I said and walked towards him to hug him. I pulled him in a bear hug causing him to stumble back.

"Woah there!" He laughed causing me to laugh.

"I missed you!" I said "Alot!"

"Missed you too Nads" he whispered back as I let go of him.

Nads was my nickname. I loved Nandoos since childhood so you get the point.

"You have grown taller. And gotten a nice jawline" he said and I grinned at him, posing like a model. He chuckled at me.

Bade abba called out my name and I turned to the family. Bade Abba got up and walked to me. He took my hand and guided me to a nearby seat.

"Sit" he told me and I did. "We didn't want you to always work you know" I let out a small smile. I understand. I got that alot from ammi.

"Your dad worked just like you... and his age was going day by day until your ammi found him" I grinned at my mother. She and Abba were the best couple of the world and I only prayed for a love like that.

"Their partnership was something else. One moment they were best of friends and the next, enemies." laughed Badi Ammi. Mom and Abba were family friends by the way.

I chuckled, fully knowing where this conversation was going. Been there, done this.

"And?" I asked calmly, trying not to let them see that I was internally panicking. I was not ready to marry and settle down. My business needed me. My life needed me. I needed myself!

"And as your bade Abba, I wish to know if you have a girl in your life?' he asked me, straight on point. I simply stared at him. I didn't miss Rehaan Bhai's snicker behind me, or the giggles of my Badi Ammi and mother.

"Well do you?' asked Bade Abba, getting impatient. It was so bold of them to assume I had time for this.

"I can't believe you are asking me that question' I said slowly, looking at each one of them.

"So that's a no, then?" said Bade Abba and I shrugged.

They know me better than this!