Chapter 15

“You are the most beautiful girl I have ever come across.” A voice from the fast echoed in her ears. Her head started to burst with pain and vision turned blurry because of fresh tears.

“Stop it Fayra.” an urge for herself but failed to control the flow of tears and they fell on the mobile screen showing the latest message from someone she was trying to forget. 

Glancing at her palm she took a deep breath and let it go but unfortunately the pain remained unaffected as the same as Arsh’s name present in between the flowers drawn with mehndi. 

“Fayra I…” Danish entered the room with a small box in his hand but stopped in between after seeing tears in her eyes. She immediately turned off the mobile screen and looked at the figure standing in her room.

“Why are you crying?” 

“Leave me alone.” she sniffled and looked away.

“Fayra… tell me what’s wrong?” sitting beside her Danish asked and Fayra shook her head while wiping the tears but she didn't look up.

“Meri pyari Fayra…” cupping her face he forcefully made her look at himself and she cried out like every time.

(My dear Fayra.)

“Such a cry baby you are. Share with me whaṭ is the reason behind your tears this time?” 

“He is calling me. I don’t want to think about him, I want to forget him but he is apologising. Now tell me what I should do?” She tried her best to control her tears but what can a girl do if her teenage crush, with whom she was about to get married just two days ago, suddenly vanished from the perfect picture of her life? Her emotional breakdown was obvious but what about the one who was watching his wife crying for someone else? He couldn't be more brave at this moment.

“Remember the day he left you in the theatre?” She nodded in reply and Danish wiped her tears but grimaced and cleaned his hands with his pants. 

“Remember when he shouted and scolded you?” She again nodded but this time tears didn’t conquer her eyes.

“And the incident when he refused to get married to you?” Danish tried to remind her of some incidents out of many and Fayra entangled her fingers in her curly and messy hair. 

“I remember everything, but…” before her sentence could be completed two more figures walked in the room without bothering to knock on the door but she was surprised to see the ongoing scene. Danish was sitting next to his wife cupping her face in both hands and she was looking towards him with emotion filled eyes.

“Umm… I’m sorry.” Zinia muttered nervously, it wasn't new for her to visit Fayra any time of the clock but she wasn’t expecting this newly wed couple to be present in the same room, that too with this closeness. “I’ll come later.” She tried hard to smile but couldn’t, on the other hand the little naughty girl of the family smirked. 

“Ohoooo… Danish bhai…” 

“Shut up Zunera. Let’s go back.” Zinia the sensible girl glared at her younger sister and looked at Fayra and Danish one more time.

“Sorry to disturb you, continue.” Mumbling that Zinia turned to go but stopped by Danish. 

“It’s okay, come.” said Danish while shifting a bit away from Fayra but deep down he was frustrated. He wanted some time with Fayra to talk to her but he was facing the same problem once his parents faced.

It was Rizwi Mansion and there was no room left for privacy. 

Zinia and Zunera made their place on the beanbags resting near the bed and looked at Fayra

“What were you saying?” Danish Asked and Fayra looked at the trustworthy girls present in the room. There was no need to hide things from them. Either tears or joy, Fayra shared everything with her sisters.     

“I was saying that… I remember everything but I also remember that I loved Arsh, how can I forget him so easily?” at the end she couldn't help her tears. She didn’t know those tears gave two different feelings to two different hearts. Danish felt broken to see her crying for Arsh but Zinia felt an unnamed fear for her secret love. 

“Fayra, aaj mujhe bata hi do ye LOVE kya cheez hai? Definition bata sakti ho LOVE ki?” Fayra was shocked, she didn’t know how to answer this question. She knew love is a feeling but how to define it.

(Fayra, tell me what is the definition of LOVE?)

“Tell me, what is love?” This time Danish was hiding his anger, it was getting difficult for him to tolerate Arsh’s name.

“Love… Love is… umm…” It was one of the most difficult tasks for Fayra to define the feeling she claimed to have till now. “When you like someone.” Fayra shrugged and Danish jerked his head, before he could say something a voice echoed in the room.

“Liking someone is not love. Love is a feeling of respect and support.” Zunera repeated the definition of love she heard from her sister.

“See, she is more sensible than you. Do you remember any incident when Arsh supported you or respected you?” Danish asked and Fayra tried to remember but couldn’t, however she cleaned her eyes and took a breath. 

“Hmm… He didn’t. But I respected him, I supported him, I was loyal to him… Maybe he didn’t love me but I always did.” Fayra, the cry baby of the family, was crying one more time when two arms wrapped around her and took her into an embrace. 

“I don’t wanna talk about him, I want to forget him but I don’t know how to stop it.” Fayra cleaned her tears but Danish was surprised to see Zinia crying more than Fayra. Both the sisters were crying for love. One for her unsuccessful love and the other for a love that could be unsuccessful in the future.

“We can validate Fayra’s crying but why is your sister crying?” Danish whispered to Zunera who knew the truth but could not let anyone know about Shaaz.

“Because Fayra Aapi is our sister, and aapo must be feeling sad to see her crying.” Zunera whispered back. 

“To phir tu kyu nhi roo rhi? Teri bhi to behen hai na? Aur haa…tu kaha se love ki definition seekh ke aa rhi hai? Aaj kal biology and chemistry ke bajaye love bhi padane lage hain school mein?” Slapping Zunera’s head with a moderate force Danish asked and she pulled a face while pushing her hair away from the left shoulder.

(Then why aren’t you crying? She is your sister too. And… From where are you learning the definition of love? Are schools teaching love instead of biology and chemistry?)

“Danish bhai aapko ghar mein flood lana hai kya? Wo dono aasuo ki nadiya baha rahi hain ye kaafi nhi hai kya?” Aap chahte hain main bhi sath me roou? Unhe chup karaiye na.” Zinia, the smart girl, avoided answering the question swiftly and Danish looked at the crying duo.

(Danish bhai, do you wanna flood this home with tears? They both are already crying and instead of consoling them you want me to cry along?)

“Who wants a pizza?” The foodie gang looked at the man offering them a treat and Zinia was the one to clean her tears. Instead of waiting for the answer Danish already ordered pizza and cold drinks then glanced at Zunera who was looking happy for a pizza without crying.

“By the way, what are you both doing in Fayra’s room at this time?” he asked what needed to be asked in the first place and Zunera grimaced but furrowed too.

“For your kind information, You are also here. May I ask you the reason?” 

“No, dear, you can’t.” Patting Zunera’s cheek softly he smiled and looked at his wife who was looking cuter than before. He couldn't help but admire her puffy eyes, naturally blushing cheeks and a little red nose tip, then the stubborn curly hair locks falling on her cheeks. Collectively all those things were ready to make Danish crazy for this girl.

“Fayra, I bought this for you.” Showing the chocolate box he shifted a bit nearer to Fayra who was not in a mood to have anything right now. Was it easy to have chocolates when life played some bitter games? 

“I don’t want anything, please go back.” she looked away without showing interest in chocolates as well as Danish which was enough to break his heart. 

“But I want one.” Taking the box of chocolates from Danish’s hands Zunera picked one and Danish sighed. He couldn’t take the chocolates away from Zunera but it was for his wife. 

A sweet gift he bought with love.

A love which was covered in the sheet of care and friendship. 

A friendship which was undervalued.

“Don’t be sad na, I can’t stand with your sad face.” He whispered in a sweet voice but Fayra looked away. 

“Danish Bh…”

“Bhai na kehna… chaho to hath judwa lo lekin…” He literally joined his hands in front of Fayra who was not crying Anymore but she wasn't in a mood to talk to anyone. 

(Don’t call me bhai, for god sake.)

“I’m feeling like a third wheel in between you two…” Said Zunera while having ferrero rocher and Danish huffed at her stubbornness.

“So just get lost,”

“I don’t need your permission to do anything. Thank you.” Zunera’s reply gave her a slap on her head and she rolled her eyes while picking up one more chocolate. The oldest boy of the Rizwi clan and the youngest girl of this generation were always at each other’s throat.

After a few minutes Danish went to receive the pizza and came back to the room. The pizza party was silent. Other than Zunera no one was looking happy but suddenly a voice broke the glass of silence.

“Zuni, what about your project work?” Asked Zinia while stopping herself to munch on the pizza slice and Zunera smacked her forehead.

“I forgot… I was here because tomorrow is the last day of my project submission and I need Fayra Aapi’s help.” Zunera announced and everyone looked at the wall clock showing already late night.

“Arey to aaj kyu bata rhi ho? Kal  batati na araam se?” Said Danish in a sarcastic way and Zunera huffed.

(Oh great, why are you telling us today? You should tell this tomorrow only.)

“Begani shadi mein Abdullah diwana… aapse kuch help mangi mene? Aap kariye apna kaam, mujhe to Fayra aapi se kaam hai.”  Zunera looked at Fayra after completing the reply and the girl with curly hair sighed. 

(Don’t go overboard, I’m not even asking you to help me. I’m asking Fayra Aapi.)

In no time, Fayra was introduced to some kind of school project that she had to make for her cousin and she couldn’t even refuse. 

“Zunera Next time if you come to us at the last moment I swear, I’ll don’t help you.” Fayra and Danish slapped the youngest girl on the head but started the work. Zinia, Danish and Fayra, all three were doing the work but the one who should be doing it was lying in the bed and playing some useless games. However no one was there to protest this process because being elder siblings it becomes your duty to do your younger's homework and assignments while they sit back doing nothing.

“Fayra,” Danish’s call.

“Hmm?” she didn’t look up

“Chai bana do yaar,”

(Make me some tea.)

“Shut up and focus on the work, and if you are really craving for something go in the kitchen, Papa restocked the cold coffee cans, go and grab four for all of us.” she muttered without stopping her hands to write what she was already writing.

“I’m not going, send this workshy whose work we are doing.” Danish’s point was valid so everyone looked at Zunera and found her sleeping peacefully.

“You go, and bring one blanket for her too. aur wapas aate waqt mere room se ruler bhi le aana.” Danish ordered Zinia but she shook her head.  

(And bring a ruler from my room.)

“I’m not going, you know na I’m afraid of the dark… I won't go alone.” 

Danish muttered something with frustration and stood up. He glanced at Fayra who was still looking sad but he had nothing to uplift her mood and soon he was out of the room. 

“Zinu,”

“Yeah aapi?”

“What’s wrong with you? I have never seen you so upset but…”  

“Can I trust you Fayra Aapi?”

“I’m your sister Zinu. You have to decide if you can or not?” 

“Umm… I guess I can… but… promise me you will help me and you won’t pass this to papa… At any cost.” Fayra was confused to see this side of Zinia.

“Umm… I promise but tell me fast.” Fayra demanded and Zinia took a deep breath. 

“So… As you all already know, I want to become a doctor. I have been trying my best to study and crack the NEET exam in the very first attempt.” 

“Hmm… so..” Fayra shrugged, still withstanding her emotions as she could sense her mobile vibrating under her pillow and she knew who was calling her regularly. 

“So… in coaching I met many students, from different schools and different backgrounds…” Fayra was listening to the story which was roaming around Zinia’s friends but coming to any conclusion. “And I don't even understand when Shaaz…”

“Danish~ Danish~ come fast.”  Zinia’s recitation was brought to a halt by the loud call which was enough to scare both the girls.

“What is wrong?” Fayra stood up but Zinia held her hand and shook her head. 

“Don’t go, what if it is a thief?” Zinia was extremely scared but Fayra showed the braver side of her and pulled her hand away from Zinia’s grip.

“Even if it is a thief I can't leave Papa alone.” and she ran out of the room in a hurry to watch the struggle between her father and the man covered in shawl. Suddenly the lights of the corridor were turned on by someone and the mysterious man pushed away the strong arms of the middle aged man and huffed…

“Kya hai yaar Chamu? Dimag wimag to kharab nhi ho gya hai na? Ya adhi raat ko aapke andar kisi wrestler ka bhoot ghus aaya hai kya?” Danish asked while looking at the blurred figure of Adnaan who was looking shocked to uncover the mystery. Danish touched his face, the glasses somehow managed to stop on his chin only and he picked it back to cover the eyes. Anzala, Maizah and Sara also came to the crime spot to see the situation that caused Adnaan to shout so loud

(What’s wrong Chamu? Are you out of your mind or what? Or has the ghost of a wrestler entered you at midnight?)

“Ye sab hua kya hai?” Asked Anzala after watching his son in Adnaan’s grip.

(What has all this happened?)

“Umm… I… thought it’s a thief … but why were you holding a knife and covering yourself in a blanket?” Adnaan Asked and Danish huffed. 

“This is for Zunera who is sleeping in Fayra’s room and it’s not a knife but an iron ruler.” Danish huffed and Adnaan realised his mistake, all of them were shocked until a loud laughter echoed in the corridor. Everyone looked at Fayra who was laughing at the situation.   

Danish, who was angry and frustrated till a moment ago, suddenly felt satisfied to see this laughter on the face which was sad till a few minutes ago. 

Anzala and Maizah also found the incident funny instead of stressful and Danish felt embarrassed for no good reason but the matter was sorted and everyone went to their respective rooms but Adnaad made sure to kiss the forehead of his daughter before going back. 

“So… Mr Danish Rizwi,” Fayra gave him a teasing smile and he scratched his neck nervously. ”How was your first experience as a thief?” 

“Shut up.” he fake scolded Fayra but in reality he himself was laughing at the incident and Zinia was enjoying the scene.    

“Practise well for the next time. Be professional.” She laughed and Danish also laughed while nodding. 

“Sure Sure, I just need a partner, Will you be my partner Fayra?” Writing the last few sentences of the project he asked and Fayra shook her head.

“No, not at all. First, practice, then I’ll think about it.” She was still laughing when Zinia collected all the pages of the project and looked at the sleeping Zunera. 

“Jiska kaam hai ek wo soo rhi hai baqi sar ghar jaag gya.”  Rolling her eyes, Zinia walked out of the room and went to her portion. This time she didn’t feel scared because Anzla left the lights on.

(The one who has the work is sleeping, the rest are awake at home.)

“Danish b…”  this time she herself stopped to add bhai with his name and he smiled while nodding in response. “Next time make sure to carry a real knife instead of an iron scale… that was so unprofessional. And I’ll ask papa to practise well too so that next time he won’t only hold the thief but shower him with some punches too.” she was laughing but Danish sighed while walking towards Fayra and stopped just an inch away from her. For a moment she was surprised to see him so near but didn’t understand how to react and soon both of his hands cupped her face in between his palms.

“Tumhare chehre par hasi laane ke liye agar 2-4 punches bhi khane pade to mehnga sood nhi hai… khushi khushi khaa lunga. Bas tum muskuati raho.” Fayra shattered under his touch and took a step away from him. Danish smiled while taking a step back as he knew Fayra was uncomfortable this way. 

(Even if I have to tolerate 2-4 punches to bring a smile to your face, it is not an expensive deal… I will happily tolerate them. Just keep smiling.) 

“Umm… it’s too late. You should sleep now.” Fayra muttered without looking at Danish and he hummed. 

“You too.” he smiled. “But…” he said and Fayra looked at him, his hand spread in front of her in a demanding way.

“Give me your mobile phone.” 

“But why?” she wanted to ask the reason and he sighed.

“Because I don't want you to attend that call or think about him.” he reasoned the demand.

“Will it work?” She asked while passing her mobile to Danish and he shrugged 

“I hope, it will.” he muttered “Good night.” He added in the same whisper and she smiled. 

“Good night.” she smiled. 

“Start going to college tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay,” she nodded and Danish pinched her cheek before walking out of the room and she threw herself on the bed while closing her eyes.

“Why did Arsh do so? And why couldn't I get a caring partner like Danish bhai?” she muttered and sighed.  It was impossible for this girl to think about this boy out of a brother zone. No matter that they were already married but for Fayra he was just a caring and loving cousin with whom she could share everything but the bong of marriage.

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Hey my Dear readers…

This is an early update and I will try my best to continue the pace from now.

I hope you liked the chapter. Kindly give me feedback, either on wattpad or here in the ‘Feedback’ section present below the chapter. 

Feedback ki muntazir 

Aapki author

Naaz Jamal