The rhythmic sound of the train echoed through the cabin.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
For Rayyan, the sound carried memories.
Too many memories.
The same narrow cabin.
The same upper berth.
The same uncomfortable feeling in his chest whenever he was forced to leave one life behind and begin another.
Across from him, Daud sat quietly watching videos on his phone.
The bright screen reflected in his eyes as if nothing in the world mattered except whatever he was watching.
Their grandfather was asleep below.
So was their mother.
The entire cabin had fallen silent.
Only the train continued moving through the darkness.
When am I supposed to sleep?
Rayyan turned over on his berth.
He stared at the ceiling.
Maybe I won't sleep at all.
His mind replayed everything.
The school.
His friends.
The rain.
The argument with his mother.
The train station.
The feeling of being dragged away once again.
Eventually, exhaustion won.
His eyes slowly closed.
And for the first time since leaving school, his thoughts became quiet.
—
Several hours later.
The train horn blasted loudly.
Rayyan opened his eyes.
Morning sunlight shone through the windows.
Passengers were already collecting their luggage.
The train was slowing down.
A voice echoed through the station speakers.
They had arrived.
Karachi.
Well... here we are again.
—
AT THE STATION
The platform buzzed with activity.
Porters pushed carts through the crowd.
Families reunited.
Vendors shouted for customers.
The smell of tea mixed with diesel fumes from the trains.
Rayyan climbed down from the cabin window while Daud handed out bags from inside.
Their grandfather stood outside, organizing everyone's luggage.
Despite looking tired, he still insisted on doing most of the work himself.
"Careful with that bag," he said.
"I got it," Rayyan replied.
The old man nodded.
"Let's head to the parking area. Your uncle might already be waiting."
Of course he is.
He always comes whenever this happens.i wonder is he's tired
Rayyan adjusted one of the bags on his shoulder.
"I'll carry this one."
"I can carry one too," Daud said.
Their grandfather immediately shook his head.
"I can carry most of them. Just take the smaller bags."
"But—"
"I'm here for a reason."
There was a firmness in his voice that ended the discussion.
Rayyan exchanged a glance with Daud.
Neither argued further.
As they walked through the station, Rayyan spotted a familiar figure approaching.
A man waved from across the crowd.
"Oh."
Rayyan smiled slightly.
"Uncle's here."
A few moments later, his uncle reached them.
"Well, look who's back."
He smiled warmly.
"How are you boys?"
"We're fine," Daud answered.
His uncle narrowed his eyes.
"You both look troubled."
Neither brother replied.
The man sighed.
He already knew the answer.
"Alright," he said. "Let's get to the parking area."
—
A few minutes later, everyone was seated inside the car.
The city rushed past outside the windows.
Tall buildings.
Busy roads.
Endless traffic.
Large billboards.
Karachi looked exactly as Rayyan remembered.
Looks like I'm back.
He rested his head against the window.
Let's see if this attempt succeeds... or if everything falls apart again.
The car continued through the crowded streets.
Eventually, they entered a familiar neighborhood.
Then the building came into view.
Rayyan stared at it silently.
Countless memories had been created there.
Some of the happiest moments of his life.
And some of the most painful.
For a brief moment, his expression softened.
No matter what happened... I can't hate this place.
—
They climbed the stairs and reached the apartment.
Their grandfather knocked on the door.
A few seconds later, it opened.
A woman stood there.
The house worker.
"Look how much you've grown!"
Rayyan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"I guess I have."
—
Inside, they sat down and were served cold juice.
The air conditioning felt amazing after the heat outside.
Their grandfather slowly began telling the entire train story to Rayyan's uncle.
The adults talked while the brothers sat quietly.
Rayyan listened without saying much.
I wonder what they think of me now.
Do they think I'm annoying
Do they think I complain too much?
He wasn't sure.
And honestly, he didn't want to know.
—
Soon dinner was served.
Everyone ate together.
The atmosphere felt calmer than before.
After finishing his meal, their grandfather stood up slowly.
He looked exhausted.
"I'm going to sleep," he announced.
Then he looked toward the brothers.
"You two should head upstairs."
"Okay."
The brothers obeyed.
They climbed the stairs and entered the upper floor.
Rayyan looked around.
The place felt familiar.
Yet strangely different.
Then he noticed someone sitting nearby.
Only one person was there.
His cousin.
Usman.
Ehhh where is everyone elssss..