Imran's entire body was drenched in sweat, his body trembling with cold, and his hands trembling as well. Just then, the call to prayer for Fajr was heard from somewhere afar. Undoubtedly, it was a blessing from that voice, for suddenly Imran felt as if someone had removed a filthy shroud from his body, gradually reducing his fear. His condition began to change, and he mustered courage, got up, and turned on the switch.
As soon as light filled the room, the children, shivering, pulled the blanket over their faces. With the light, Imran felt more confident about his state, and he opened the room door, entered the bathroom, and started making Wudu. After completing Wudu, Imran felt completely at peace, but there was still an unknown fear hidden somewhere in his heart, urging him to pray right there in the room. So, Imran offered Fajr prayer in the lounge.
After finishing the prayer, Imran did not try to sleep again; sleep had already slipped away from his eyes. Instead, he sat on his bed, reciting the prescribed supplications from his mentor with a few beads of his prayer beads. Suddenly, someone quietly came close to his ears and said, "You tell everything to your mentor, but why don't you mention this fear?" Imran immediately turned his head, looked right and left, but saw no one in the room. However, a strange, enchanting fragrance was certainly tickling his pores and soothing his mind, as if someone else was nearby, hidden like a secret.
Imran clenched both his hands on his head and mumbled, "O God, why is all this happening only to me?" Just then, Imran heard his wife's voice: "Why are you fussing about turning on the light at night? The children will wake up, turn it off." It was already past midnight, and for your information, it was morning now. If possible, please make some tea for me." Imran replied very calmly, but the lady didn't even tilt her ear to his words. She then turned over and went back to sleep. Imran could do nothing but take a sip of blood; sometimes, he cursed that day when his mother's gaze fell upon that woman.
As the sun rose higher, the atmosphere's stillness began to break. The chirping of birds, along with the occasional clattering of utensils from somewhere, started to be heard. Imran suddenly felt hungry. So, quietly opening the door, he stepped outside. Why not have a Puri-Halwa for breakfast today? The thought of sitting at the sweet shop and having a hot breakfast further awakened Imran's hunger. After locking the main gate, he headed towards the sweet shop on foot. Ordering breakfast, he thought how nice it would be to have this meal with Baba Waqas. Thinking so, he arranged for the breakfast to be parcelled and hurriedly set off towards Baba Waqas's house.
The morning walk was very enjoyable for Imran. From afar, he could see Baba Waqas's house, and upon seeing the open side gate, his hopes were boosted—Baba Waqas was awake. As he entered through the door, his gaze fell on Baba Waqas, who was busy with the Fajr and Chasht prayers.
Haji Hussain was making tea in the kitchen. Upon seeing Imran, he came forward, and Imran handed him the breakfast bag. Haji Hussain received it with a smile and said, "Now I understand why Baba Sahib asked to make tea for three people; otherwise, only two cups of tea are made daily. I also got why Baba told me not to bring double bread today, though I thought Baba was testing me." Haji Hussain went back to the kitchen, while Imran stood there, stunned.
Suddenly, Baba Waqas's voice jarred Imran out of his daze. "Come, Imran Mian, breakfast is here." Just as Imran was finishing bowing to Baba Waqas, the question that he feared most made him jump: "Had a very disturbed night? But we have arranged everything so that no one disturbs you! I mean, it was indeed a matter of concern—if someone suddenly clings to another with closed eyes, any decent person would be confused whether it is divine or what. No matter how loving they are, until they see with their eyes, their heart remains restless."
"Who was Baba with last night? It felt as if someone was crying with their head on my chest," Imran couldn't hold himself back and asked. Because he knew that only one person could give the answer he desperately wanted—Baba Waqas. Somehow, he seemed to know everything in advance, as if he knew that Imran was troubled last night and that Imran had brought breakfast not to his own home but to Baba Waqas's shrine.
"Son, every human has a seed of curiosity, and he wants to get every question answered. Until he gets the answer, he remains restless. And as soon as he finds the answer, he becomes content—just as after eating, hunger disappears, and after drinking, thirst is gone. When I was young, I used to have the same condition; questions would surge in my mind constantly. As I used to straighten the shoes of elders, my understanding grew. Light began to dawn in my heart, and I became part of that ocean which constantly pulled me toward itself. Initially, I was overwhelmed by a fiery feeling, like a spark inside me, which, like a volcano, kept pounding within. And I don't know when that feeling gradually dissolved by itself, leaving only peace. Sometimes, I feel as if I am on a deserted island, not among humans." Baba Waqas seemed lost in some realm.
Imran was listening intently to Baba Waqas's words, but every sentence was beyond his understanding. He just wanted a simple answer to his question, which Baba Waqas seemed reluctant to give.
As soon as Haji Hussain arrived with the breakfast tray, Baba Waqas also stepped out of that realm, looked at Imran, and smilingly said, "Come, Imran Mian, your breakfast is here. Bismillah." It seemed to Imran that someone had caught him red-handed while stealing. Maybe Baba Waqas could read what's in his heart, but no—that's impossible. No one can read someone's heart—probably a coincidence that Baba often uttered the same words that Imran was thinking deep inside.