...

Aslan died...

He died. I'm still looking at him again and again, hoping against hope that he might just move. He was my friend. Actually, the only friend at home these days, for the fact that I've been bickering with everyone else at home. He was the best. Didn't used to say a word. Just used to hear me out quietly, screaming his name to wake him up each morning before leaving for work and every evening after returning from work. I used to actually spend hours with him. I literally used to lose track of time.

I miss him. I wept so much. I wanted to cry just the way I used to when I was a kid and complain to Allah Saa'iin. Just the way I complained, when Nida died in a car crash in Riyadh. Just the way I complained, when Amma jaan died. But, I cannot. Because, I have grown-up. I know I cannot complain, because I have no such right. All these people (and now Aslan) belonged to Him more than they did to me. They were never mine. They were and are His creatures, since always. 

Z asked me, if I wanted another turtle. I replied with a blunt 'no', I said I shall think about it after the winters were over. It isn't about a turtle - any turtle. It was about Aslan. 

What will I tell Eeman and Amnah, when they'll ask me about Aslan? 

Why did you have to die, my friend?

I'm sorry, Aslan. May be I didn't take enough care of you...

Sighs.