From Past to Present: A Journey to Remember
Monday morning dawned bright and crisp, casting a warm glow over the Sadiq household. Aliza, a creature of habit, stirred at 7 AM, her mind racing with the day's excitement. Today was the day her friends would arrive, and they were set to embark on an adventure to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. She quickly instructed the household staff to expedite their chores, her eagerness palpable as she bounded up the stairs to her sister Alia's room.
"Get up, Aaliya! It's morning! We need to get ready quickly; my friends will be here any minute!" Aliza called out, her tone a mix of urgency and enthusiasm. Alia, blissfully nestled in her blankets, merely grunted in response.
Aliza, undeterred, grabbed a bottle of water from her desk. "I'll pour this on you if you don't get up right now! Remember, Mom isn't here to rescue you!"
Instantly, Alia shot out of bed, startled. "Okay, okay, Aapi! I'm up! I'm up!"
"Good! Now wash up quickly. Breakfast is waiting, and we're running late!" Aliza exclaimed, retreating from the room to allow her sister a moment of clarity.
Yet, only minutes later, Aliza returned to find Alia had once again succumbed to the allure of her warm bed. Frustration flared within her as she snuck in, ready to unleash her water bottle's contents.
"Water! Water! What's going on?" Alia yelped, her panic cutting through the morning stillness.
"Stop the drama! Get ready now or I'm leaving you behind!" Aliza admonished, her voice echoing with a mix of irritation and affection.
Within moments, Alia scurried to the washroom while Aliza busied herself at the dining table, mentally preparing for the day ahead. Soon, the aroma of breakfast filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter as they gathered around the table.
Once breakfast was done, the sisters placed their bags by the door, ready to greet their friends. Just as planned, Aiza, Adil, and Fahad arrived in a flurry of excitement.
"Did you tell Maria?" Aliza asked, her gaze scanning the group.
"We did, but she couldn't get permission," Aiza replied with a shrug.
"It's okay; we'll have plenty of fun without her," Aliza said softly, though a hint of disappointment lingered.
As they prepared to leave, Aliza double-checked with Uncle Feroz, their ever-reliable family caretaker. "Uncle Feroz, we're heading out now. Please check all the doors and windows after we leave."
"Of course, ma'am. Safe travels!" he replied, a warm smile gracing his lips.
With that, they piled into the car and hit the road, excitement bubbling in their chests. The journey from Lahore to the highway was filled with laughter, loud music, and playful teasing. The bustling landscapes quickly transformed into a blur of colors as they passed through various towns—Shahdara, Muridke, Kamunki, and Gujranwala—before reaching their first rest stop in Jhelum.
Adil, who had made advance reservations at the PTC Hotel, approached the receptionist, but was met with disappointment. "I'm sorry, but your booking was canceled. The hotel is full," she explained apologetically.
"But you said you had rooms available!" Adil protested, frustration creeping into his voice.
"We did try to contact you," the receptionist replied, a hint of remorse in her tone.
"Forget it. Let's find another hotel," Aliza suggested, keeping the group's spirits up.
After a brief search, they found accommodations at Malik Hotel. The group settled in, freshened up, and enjoyed a late lunch before setting out to explore the nearby Tarbela Dam. They took photos, the beauty of nature surrounding them leaving them in awe.
As evening descended, they gathered for dinner and shared stories, laughter spilling from the table. Adil, in his playful manner, teased Fahad, suggesting he ask for Alia's hand in a relationship. Aliza's protective instincts flared, and she quickly defended her sister.
"Watch what you say about my sister!" Aliza warned, her eyes narrowing.
The evening progressed with friendly banter, and eventually, everyone retreated to their rooms, knowing they had to rise early for their next adventure to Azad Kashmir.
The following morning, they checked out and embarked on their journey, the thrill of the unknown ahead of them. However, their chatter and singing caused them to miss a crucial turn, leading them into Rawalpindi instead of Azad Kashmir.
"What just happened?" Adil asked in disbelief as they recognized the landmarks around them.
"Didn't we want to go to Azad Kashmir?" Ayeza exclaimed, incredulous.
After a brief detour, they got directions from a passerby, who pointed them toward Kahuta Road, where they stopped to grab a bite before continuing their journey.
As they drove deeper into the mountains, the camaraderie and laughter in the car never faded, even when the conversation turned to Fahad's navigation mishap. With everyone teasing him good-naturedly, the atmosphere remained light and filled with excitement.
But as they neared Laswa Neelam Valley, dark clouds rolled in, and rain began to pour. Adil, who was behind the wheel, focused intently on the road, knowing the peril of the slippery path ahead. Just as the tension built, a sudden turn proved dangerous when an oncoming vehicle threatened to push them off the road.
Aliza's heart raced as she realized the precariousness of their situation, flashes of worry darting through her mind. The events of the morning, the laughter and teasing, faded into urgency as everyone held their breath, praying for safety as the car skidded dangerously close to the slope.
In a heartbeat, the world seemed to slow down. Memories of laughter, carefree adventures, and even Alia's sleepy face flashed through Aliza's mind. She felt the weight of their shared journey, a beautiful tapestry of moments that defined their bond.
And in that split second, Aliza understood that this trip—filled with joy, challenges, and unexpected turns—wasn't just about the destination; it was about the journey they shared, the memories they created, and the love that intertwined their lives, from the past to the present.