Alya had become old and weak. She was worried that she would die soon and would leave Luke. ‘I must find a perfect match for my son before I die,’ she decided. She told of her decision to Luke.
‘Mama, I will let you know when the time comes for me to meet someone; I’m too busy right now,’ he said.
‘You always say this, Luke. I won’t let you escape this time. I want to see my grandchildren before I die. I want you married,’ she said firmly.
Luke was surprised to see the transformation; his mum had raised her voice after a long time. He had not lately seen his mother angry. He smiled at her desperation. ‘As you wish, mum, I have no objection.’ Alya smiled beautifully in response. Then, thinking about how her determination had off paid and imagining how her life would change with grandchildren around, she laughed uncontrollably.
Luke stared at his mother. It had been a long time since he had seen his mother happy.
Luke took Alya’s face in his hands and said, looking into her tired eyes, ‘Mama, I always said “no” before because I was worried, as I didn’t know if the girl I would marry would take good care of you. But … but now I realise …’ He stopped, gazed at his mother and said, ‘I’m so glad to see you happy. I promise, mum, I will do anything to make you happy.’ Alya smiled.
‘As your father said, we are really blessed with a great son.’ She kissed Luke on his forehead. Then she laughed loudly and said excitedly, ‘Imagine Luke! I can already see and hear my grandchildren scream, fight, and do mischief. My God! Once again, this is going to be a house, a house full of laugher and excited screams.’
Alya was exhausted. She was breathing with difficulty. But she didn’t seem to mind.
Luke watched his mother’s excitement for a while and said, ‘Let’s celebrate this, mum. I will buy some food and invite Uncle Noor and Adeeb.’ As he made to leave the house, Luke called, ‘I will be back soon.’
Alya laughed. She kissed him once again and said, ‘Take care, Luke, and return quickly.’
The sudden happiness was unbearable for her weak heart. She felt a slight pain on her chest and slowly made her way to her bed to lie down. After a few minutes, she heard someone call her name.
‘Alya … Darling …’ called a sweet, familiar voice. Suddenly her eyes opened, and she saw Amin standing right in front of her with a broad smile.
‘Oh Amin! Is that you?’ she whimpered.
‘Yes, darling. It’s me. See who this is.’
‘Mama!’
‘Oh Fida! My sweet little daughter! Come to me, sweetheart. My heart is aching for you,’ said Alya, teary eyed.
Fida went near to her mother. Alya kissed her daughter hard, a number of times. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Alya opened her mouth to say many things about Luke, but Amin interrupted. ‘I know, Alya. He is very good. Don’t worry about him, he will be fine. You have tocome to me, darling. We have come to take you.’ She looked around in surprise. The room was full of angels. She realised what was happening.
‘Amin, my son! He is all alone!’ She started weeping.
‘Alya, God has given everyone a fixed time in this world. His timing is accurate, and disease is just an excuse.’
‘Oh Amin, he has gone to fetch food for me. Oh poor thing, he will be lonely,’ Alya whimpered. ‘He needs me Amin! He needs me. Oh no! It can’t be true. How can I leave him alone?’
‘Alya, you must come to me now,’ Amin said softly.
‘Oh Amin! I wish to see him one last time. I wish to say goodbye and … and just one last touch and one kiss. Oh God, my heart is sinking.’
‘Alya, darling, hold my hand. You know God is great. Leave everything to him.’
Alya said nothing. She let out a deep sigh and then slowly put her hand on Amin’s. In that instance, her heart stopped.
Luke returned an hour later. He unpacked the food he had bought for the celebration and then went to his mother’s room. ‘Mum! I am back!’ he called out in excitement.
He saw what he believed to be his mother sleeping. He didn’t want to disturb her. He slowly closed the door, went to the kitchen and arranged the food on the table for the party.
Uncle Noor, Zara, Safa, and Adeeb arrived soon after, almost simultaneously. ‘What is the party for?’ asked Adeeb curiously.
Luke laughed. ‘I saw great joy in Mama’s eyes today, after such a long time.’
Uncle Noor smiled. ‘You are terrific, Luke,’ he said affectionately.
‘Where is Alya?’ asked Zara.
‘She is sleeping,’ Luke said.
‘Well, I will go and get her,’ said Zara, and taking Safa with her, Zara went to Alya’s room.
Soon Luke heard a scream. He flinched at the sound and ran to his mother’s room.
‘Aunt Zara, what’s wrong?’ he asked nervously.
‘Luke! Alya … your mother … she’s … she’s gone,’ Zara cried aloud.
‘What?’ Luke was in shock. He felt a sudden spinning and tried to fight the dizziness that was assailing him.
‘No! No! Aunt Zara, you are mistaken. She’s fine.’ His anxious words made others cry louder. ‘Mum! Mama! Mum!’ Luke shook Alya’s still body. ‘No, it can’t be true; it just can’t be true,’ he whimpered. Worried and devastated he sat down with his hands on his head and cried like a small child.
***
Noor and Adeeb took care of the funeral.
Luke was shattered. He seemed to be unaware of others near him.
***
A few days went by with Luke in the same frame of mind. Then one day, suddenly, Luke tore his thoughts from the aching memories of his Mama’s funeral and made eye contact with Adeeb and Safa. Adeeb put his hand around Luke’s shoulder. ‘Oh dear, I’m always there for you. All these years, you have maintained such a great relationship. I never considered you an employee. A younger brother, that’s what you are to me, dear.’ Luke nodded his head.
‘For me it is the same, Adeeb, and Safa is my sister. Safa’s presence reminds me of my sweet sister Fida.’
Safa held his hand and said, ‘You have said that a hundred times, Luke. And I am lucky to have you as a brother.’ She sat beside him, leaning on his shoulder.
They all stayed in Luke’s house for another two days. On the third day, they returned to their houses. Suddenly Luke felt lonely and lost. Aching memories tormented him. Many people told him to fulfil his mother’s last wish and get married. But Luke decided to leave Bahrain. Since he was a Bahraini now, he knew he’d be allowed to go and settle in any other country in the Gulf.
He told his decision to Uncle Noor and Adeeb. ‘Why? We are always there for you,’ Uncle Noor said, upset.
‘I know, Uncle Noor, but I can’t … just can’t stay here any more. The memories are painful and haunting, Uncle Noor.’
‘All right, Luke. But where are you planning to go?’
‘Well, I don’t know, Uncle Noor. I just want to leave this place as soon as possible. I … I … can’t live here,’ he whimpered. He remained silent for a moment. ‘From today onwards, I’ll be known by the name of “Junior Amin”,’ he said, trying to hide his emotion.
‘Certainly, that’s you.’ Adeeb laughed at Luke’s innocence.
‘Junior!’ Uncle Noor looked surprised. ‘But why?’
‘Uncle Noor, my name is well known. Don’t you see that people are behind my name? Everyone wants me to marry his daughter because of my fame.’
He lowered his voice and said, ‘I need someone who loves me, not my name. I need someone who can heal the deep wounds in my heart.’ Adeeb thought for a while.
‘Luke! How about going to Saudi Arabia? I have a cousin in Dammam[ML1] called Roshan. He will surely find a job for you. I’ll inform him now.’ He took out his mobile phone from his trouser pocket. He was about to call his cousin when Luke stopped him.
‘No, Adeeb …’
Before Luke could speak another word, Adeeb said, ‘Don’t worry, Luke, I won’t mention your name.’ Then, stroking Luke’s back, Adeeb said, ‘At the least, we must be in touch with you, Luke. We can’t just leave you somewhere. We all need you.’ Luke nodded his head, but he said nothing.
Luke packed his belongings into a small bag the next morning. Uncle Noor gave him a tight hug. Adeeb gave Luke the address of his cousin.
‘Roshan will be there to receive you. But keep the address – he’s always late.’ Saying this he hugged him.
Luke waved at everyone, and then he set off on his journey.