Every single minute, I thought about everything that had happened. But that made me more depressed. Four months had passed and everything was changing; Papa's health was still uneven. Our financial situation had also been affected as he was the only earner in my family, and due to his health, he was not able to work properly.
I really wanted a break from my life. I couldn't share my feelings with anyone, not even Sara.
It was 2 o'clock at midnight, and I was still unable to sleep as it had been for four months.
I had to do something. I couldn't live my life like this. I had to think about something else.
With that thought, I opened my Chatbook. So many messages and notifications popped up on my notification bar.
I opened messages from my school and college friends first. They all sent their heartfelt sympathies to my dad and me. I typed a thankful message and sent it to all of them.
Meanwhile, a new message arrived. I opened it, and it was from none other than Abid. I didn't know why, but I felt very happy when his message arrived. I opened it.
"Hey, beautiful. Where have you been these past four months? Are you okay?"
I don't know if he actually cares for me or not. But I am happy. I replied to him:
"Assalamualaikum Abid. I am fine. My father was not well. He had a heart attack after a day of talking to you. That's why. Anyway, how are you?"
Abid: Walaikumussalam, I am so sorry, dear. Is it fine now?
Me: Ya. Alhumdulilah. He is good.
Abid: Are you okay, beautiful?
I felt like crying. This is the first time someone has asked about me.
Me: Yaa... I am fine, dear. Thank you for your concern.
Abid: Your welcome is beautiful; actually, I really liked talking with you that night. So I sent you that message without thinking. But after that night, you didn't come online. So I am a little afraid that You must be angry with me.
He was right, and I was angry with him. But the fact is, was I really angry now?
Of course not...!!
Me: Yeah, I was angry, But now I am not. Because I also like talking with you.
Abid: Seriously, I mean, Thank God. You know, I am so afraid that you will not talk to me.
Me: Hayee... Firstly, clear me up: are you a little afraid or so much afraid?
Abid: Hmm. Beauty with the brain, I like it!
I talked with him the whole night again, and it was an amazing experience. I smiled, laughed, and giggled, everything that made a person happy. I was really thankful to Abid for bringing joy into my life. When my alarm rang for the Fajr prayer, I bid him goodbye, performed wudu, and offered my prayer, thanking Allah for giving me a reason to smile.
This had become our normal routine, Abid's and mine. We didn't disturb each other during the day, but we talked all night. I really enjoyed his company; he was a big flirt and never missed a chance to tease me. I loved his sense of humor and choice of words.
I couldn't spend my day properly when he didn't come online or when, for some reason, I couldn't talk to him. Talking with him had become a habit, a beautiful habit.
I was thinking about all this when a message arrived.
Abid: Hey Beautiful, What are you doing?
Me: Nothing, Just chatting with you.
Abid: Well, I have something to tell you.
Me: So say it na, From when do you take my permission to tell me something?
Abid: You know, I really like talking with you. I mean, I am unable to start my day without talking to you.
Me: OK, that's it. I know You told me many times, so?
Abid: I like you 💞
Me: As a friend, na. Ya, I like you too. You are my only friend with whom I share everything.
Abid: No, not as a friend. More than friends.
Me: Ohh, I got it. You mean as a brother.😉
Abid: No, of course not. Never say that again!
I knew what he was trying to say, but I wasn't ready for that. I couldn't believe someone would love me. I mean, I believed him, but not enough to accept him like that. I was lost in my thoughts when my phone buzzed again.
Abid: I Love You. Areena..!!
My heartbeats raced like metro trains now. I didn't want to break his heart. He was my only friend, and I didn't want to lose his friendship. It was my last happiness. My phone buzzed again.
Oh, I forgot about Abid.
Abid: Are you there, Areena?
What should I do now? Think Areena. You can't just lose your last happiness.
My phone buzzed again.
Abid: I am sorry, please reply to me.
Oh, he was so sweet. He was saying sorry, but he hadn't done anything wrong. First, I had to reply to him.
Me: You don't have to say sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. But I am not interested in all this. I hope you understand.
He didn't reply, so I sent another message.
Me: I am sorry, Abid.
I eagerly waited for his reply.
Abid: I still love you. Because I can't do anything now. I can't control my feelings. But I think you are afraid because you don't believe me. Am I right?
How did he know everything? Did I say it too loudly?
I was still in my thoughts when my phone buzzed again.
Abid: Don't think too much, baby; I can understand. Can you give me your number, please? As a friend.
He said he wanted my number as a friend. Was that true or not?
Ya Allah, please help me make the right decision.
Abid: Please, beautiful. You said we were friends. I really enjoy talking with you. You are like a habit for me, a beautiful habit!
My jaw dropped in shock. Who was he? A ghost or something? How did he know everything that I thought? I was still in shock when my phone buzzed again.
Abid: Oh, come on, dear, I am not that bad. You can trust me.
Okay, I decided. I would give him my number.
Me: OK. My number is *******022.
Abid: I am so lucky; I have the number of the most beautiful girl. I can't believe it... You sent me your number. Thank you so much, dear. Can I call you now?
Oh, God, I forgot he was stupid!
Me: No, Abid. It's midnight now. You can only call me after 12 o'clock in the afternoon. Not before or after that. Understand?
Abid: Ok, Madam. Any other orders for me? It's my pleasure to receive an order from you.
Me: Not now.
And we talked the whole night after that.