Hours passed, and eventually, the rain subsided. Kifayat's friends retreated to their homes, her car also came not long after.
When the driver reached the school, he saw all the children were drenched in rain. Worried, he immediately took Kifayat back.
Kifayat tiptoed into the house, leaving a trail of wet footprints on the floor. Her mother, with worry lines etched on her forehead, met her at the door. She clucked her tongue disapprovingly.
"Kifayat, you're drenched! Don't you remember how easily you catch cold?" Her mother's voice held a mix of concern and frustration.
Kifayat was shivering, her teeth chattered but her heart remained warm. She knew she'd pay the price for her rain-soaked adventure, but it was a price she was willing to bear. "But mom I had fun."
Her mother's stern expression softened. She wrapped Kifayat in a warm blanket and led her to the room. "Childish," she muttered, tucking the blanket around her daughter. "Now go take a shower soon. I will make you some nourishing soup. Don't forget to take cold medicine otherwise I am afraid you will catch a cold."
And indeed did. That night, Kifayat still caught a cold and developed a fever.
Her throat was scratchy, her nose congested, and her body achy. She lay in bed, surrounded by herbal teas and chicken soup, while her mother fussed over her. The same hands that scolded her now tucked her in and wiped her forehead with a damp cloth.
"How many times I have told you to be careful not to catch cold. You will be eighteen in one year, you will go to an University. If you do something stupid like this, can I still be reassured to let you go far from home." her mother said, her worry evident. "Next time, be sensible. Rain isn't meant for dancing."
"Achoo~~ " Kifayat sniffed while listening to her mother's nagging.
Kifayat nodded, her eyes half-closed. Kifayat hugged her mother, and cuddled. Kifayat understood her mother's concern and said sorry. Soon Zarin came to the room to take care of his sister.
Their mother went to the kitchen because Kifayat wanted to eat something crispy.
Soon, the aroma of onion fritters wafted from the kitchen. Mom had prepared pokoras, knowing that rainy days demanded crispy indulgence. The pokoras were golden and piping hot, served with fiery chili chutney.
It started drizzling again outside. Kifayat and her family savored each bite, enjoyed the rainy day. Every friend of her called and came to visit knowing she is sick.
"I told you not to get drenched. Look at how sick you are now. It is no fun going to class without you."
"Class is not meant to be funny." Ishan said who was sitting beside Cyra quietly.
Asif also curiously asked, "Is Kifayat funny? How come I have seen her telling jokes"
"....."
"Can you guys stop now? By the way are you alright? None of you caught cold or something?"
"Yeah we are absolutely fine. You are the only one who is sick."
Although Saba said it normally, why does this sound like she is scolding me. But Kifayat felt relieved that none of them are sick. Otherwise she would feel guilty.
Kifayat muttered, why is it only me who became ill.
"Because you are the weakest among us." Saba said after hearing her muttering.
" It's because my brain comsumes all my energy so my body is weak."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say~." Saba said nonchalantly.
"Well Kifayat , th..at..." Asif was hesitating.
"What is it? You don't need to be cautious while talking to me."
Asif gave Kifayat the letter and told her that it was given by Siraj. Kifayat opened the letter to read.
Dear my lady,
ARE YOU ALRIGHT NOW? IS YOUR HEALTH GETTING BETTER?
(Did he use capital letter to show his worries? Haha)
That day I was quite frustrated because my work is not going that well. I went to a walk to feel relaxed and unknownly I went to school. Although I did not expect to meet you. Such a fate.
I have never seen someone enjoying rain as much as you do. Thanks to your joy my mood got better. But if I knew you will get sick, I would have stopped you. I hate to see you feeling unwell. Although I really can't see, just thinking is enough frustating. Be better soon my lady. And pay attention to your heath. Remember health is the most important thing.
(He nagged like my mother.) Kifayat smiled after reading the letter.
"Hey, you are giggling reading the letter. Tell me the truth you didn't fall for this imaginary person, right." Saba asked quite loudly.
"Keep your voice down, it is my home. And of course I did not fall for him. I don't even know the person. He just wished my goo heath and recovery. If someone wishes something good for you, will you not feel better even if that person is an imaginary one."
"Is that all?" Kifayat nodded to reassure her.
Ishan looked puzzled from the side, "What letter? What Imaginary person?"
Saba looked at Ishan and asked solemnly, "You really don't know?"
"How would I know?" Ishan said with confusion.
"But you are the one who.... Nothing" Saba didn't continue talking.
"Can you finish the sentence at least?"
"Ishan, I will tell you the details later but see this handwriting first. Is this from someone in our class?"
Ishan looked at the letter very carefully. "No, not from our class."
Kifayat sighed, I knew it.
"But I seem to see this handwriting before."
Surprised, everyone looked at Ishan. "Really?!!!"