Dawn had greeted the surface of earth some time ago. The morning basked in the gentle light and warmth. It was a beautiful day.
Hayat bent towards a budding white rose. It's delicate charm stunned her. Her mind instantly drifted towards the growth that living things underwent. The innocent child blossoming into a teen and the vibrant adolescent maturing into a responsible adult. Life was spectacular. She marvelled at the universe and praised it's Creator.
She touched the white bud tenderly and brought it to her lips. The tranquil atmosphere was soothing her nerves and her mind was refreshed. She felt an abrupt rush of love. A graceful smile enhanced her face.
"Hayat!", a loud voice echoed in the quiet place. Her mother's voice was firm beckoning her inside. In rapid strides, she bid farewell to her short lived world of wonders. "Until next time my love.", she longingly mused.
Cambridge O level International Exams were a few months away. Her first official sitting would be in October and it was already June. Most people in her age range were hustling in hopes to acquire fine results which will facilitate their pursuit of higher studies. Hayat was quite laid back as she had her life planned in her mind. She counted on continuing further studies in Accountancy and Business to become a strong helping hand to her father. To be his 'elder son'. Someone he could count upon.
It didn't mean that one couldn't pin high hopes on women. She simply knew that secretly her parents wished for a grown up son to shoulder their responsibilities and Hayat was determined to turn into exactly that. Her younger brother Tahmid could lay off such tensions for a couple of years in the beginning of his youth albeit he was just three years old and the apple of the eyes of everyone.
Sarah nudged a gleeful Hayat out of her reverie. She wiggled her eyebrows at her lifelong friend and both erupted into mirthful laughter. Their bond was something that most people could only dream of. Then, the last vertex of their triangle slumped unceremoniously next to them with his tray. Hayder looked fatigued. The canteen queue was long during lunchtime hence the trio avoided it by dutifully bringing packed meals mostly. But Mr tired head was late so he had to go through the said torture.
The day flowed evenly with the occasional stern glares of teachers and sharp reprimandings to study seriously. Students' were being drilled with likewise daily doses as the mentors took their success personally. After all, it reflected the teachers' level of competency too.
Hayder was mostly absorbed into studies nowadays. But the lad maintained a good balance between his education and personal life. At 16, he was way more mature than most kids his age. He was expected to assume the role of the chief executive, taking the load off his father's shoulders in some years. Mr Fahad Abid had an expanding business of leather importation and exportation. Thus, the anticipated pressure was already helping into carving the junior Abid into a responsible individual.
Muffled giggles to his left caught his attention. He looked at Sarah and Hayat horribly trying to suppress their merriment.
He admired fondly the twinkling eyes of his sister. Beside the factual responsibilities, he had his technical twin to look after. Though, the girl seemed to fare well on her own, the brother in him won't ever let her be wronged. He would be forever in her shadows. Hayat glanced at him and
caught his eyes. She smiled goofily at him, enticing a smile of his own. Haydar quickly prayed for her eternal happiness.
"Miss Abeer, would you mind sharing the joke with us?", boomed the loud voice of Mr Pratt, their English teacher. Sarah shrugged innocently and tilted her head to the left while looking at him. Most of the class stifled their laughter. A few snorted. Mr Pratt left her off the hook with a warning glare. She simply winked at Hayat in reply.
Sarah was one ambitious girl. She was aiming to carry on with Arts and Designs as her main subject. Her choice suited her vibrant spirit. In the doleful mornings of school life, Sarah was a sight for sore eyes. Her infectious laughter and her full of vim and vigor self would cheer anybody. With her caramel eyes and genuine smiles, she won the hearts of many. She was the lifeline of both Hayder and Hayat.
The siblings through lactation couldn't dream of a day without Sarah Abeer, their accomplice since childhood.
And as they returned home walking leisurely, each was engrossed in their own abyss of thoughts. Wondering about the unfathomable bringings of the future. They hoped with fervor that peace would be included. That their bond would remain unaffected.
But only time could tell..