Chapter 16

“Danish bh…”

“Bhai na kehna Fayra… tumhe khuda ka wasta bhai na kehna… shohor hu main tumhara.” he would be joining his hand in front of her if he could but right now his hands were holding two mugs of coffee, one for himself one for this crazy yet lovely girl.

(Don't call me bhai... for God's sake, please don't... I am your husband, Fayra.)

“Achha na..  nhi keh rhi…” she grimaced and looked at the flower present in her hand. It was a bright red rose. Enough bright that it looked surreal to Danish but he ignored and stepped closer to his rose.

(Oh okay… I'm not..)

“You know what Fayra…” he said with a lovely smile but she immediately shook her head. 

“No I don't know…” she laughed. 

“Kya ho gya Aaj bohot khush ho?” 

(What happened? You're looking happy today.)

“Hmm… main kya soch rhi thi Danish b…” she stopped but continued the very next moment, “ki hum dono shadi kar lein?”

(Danish bh… I was thinking that we should get married.)

“We are already married, Fayra.” He smiled brightly while setting the mugs on the coffee table and stood in front of Fayra.Today she was looking happy. 

“Wo shadi bhi koi shadi thi? Na aap dulha ban ke aye, na main dulhan ki tarha sharmayi, na ek dusre ke liye koi feelings aayi… bas hum dono ko pakad ke achanak nikkahname par sign kara diye aur ho gyi shadi?” She said whatever he wanted to listen to.

(Was that even a marriage? Neither did you come as a groom, nor did I feel shy like a bride, nor did we have any feelings for each other… we just got the marriage certificate signed and that was it?) 

“Hmm… right.” While suppressing his smile he grabbed her hand. “Aur Meri Pyari Fayra kya chahti hai?” he asked 

(And what does my dear Fayra want?)

“Ki aap dulha ban ke mere ghar aye, main dulhan ban ke aapka intezar karu aur hamari shadi mein wese hi celebrations ho jese honi chahiye.” He found love in those honey eyes.

(That you come to my house as a groom, I wait for you as a bride and our wedding celebrations take place the way they should be.)

“Lekin hum to us stage se bohot age aa chuke hain.” said Danish while wondering if anything could be altered now?

(But we have already moved beyond that stage.)

“To chaliye phir sab kuch shuru se shuru karte hain… will you marry me?” and she knelt in front of Danish while holding the surreal rose for him and he was beyond shock. He couldn’t believe his eyes but before he could grab that rose a string of water pumped out of the rose and hit him directly on the face.

(So let's begin everything from the beginning.)

“Zinda hain ya mar chuke?” A voice echoed which forced Danish to open his eyes followed by another sprinkle of water on his face.  

(Are you even alive or dead?)

“What’s wrong?” he gasped and sat down on the bed with a jolt. 

“Wake up, you have to drop me to the college.” Holding the water bottle in her hand Fayra turned to go but stopped by his frustrated voice.

“Itna achha khwab dekh raha tha tumne utha diya.” scratching his head and messy hair he muttered with irritation and Fayra looked back.

(I was having such a nice dream, you woke me up.)

“Oh, don't worry, Subah ke khwab sachhe hote hain jab wo khwab pura hoga tab enjoy kar lijjyega abhi reality me wapas aa jaiye.” Said Fayra and rushed out of the room. After many days she was rushing and running like before. Both the incidents were enough to uplift Danish’s mood. He couldn’t wish for anything else for today other than turning this dream to reality. 

(Morning dreams come true, when that dream comes true then enjoy, come back to reality now.)

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“Anzala bhai aur Maizah ko bol do aaj breakfast hamare sath karein, main unke favourite Aalo ke parathe bana rahi hu.” Said Sara to Adnaan when he came to the kitchen to check what was in cooking today.

(Tell Anzala bhai and Maizah to have breakfast with us, I’m making his favourite Aalo paratha today.)

“Wait for a few minutes, they will come without even invitation.” Said Adnaan while picking up the plate of the very first paratha and started setting the table. Meanwhile Fayra came with long steps and looked everywhere.

“I’m getting late, why is breakfast still not ready?” she asked and ran towards the favourite spot of this home.

“Chachi… breakfast bana liya?” she asked while entering Fiza’s kitchen and the lady smacked her forehead. 

(Chachi, prepared breakfast or not?) 

“The Tufaan express.” Fiza muttered then picked another bowl and poured the sweet porridge. “Have a seat, I’m just serving.” Fiza picked the bowls and walked towards the table but Fayra was shocked. 

“Wait a minute…” she muttered and looked at Afnaan who was about to pick the very first spoonful of that sweet porridge. “Chamu, Are we supposed to have this thing in the name of breakfast?” 

“Yeah beta… we are.” Afnaan grimaced and had the very first morsel, helplessly. Fayra looked at Zinia and Zunera who were grimacing.”

“I would like to miss the first lecture to avoid this and have aalo ke parathe.” Fayra turned to go when a voice stopped her. 

“Badi mummy is making Aalo parathe? I am coming.” It was Zunera followed by Zinia as well as their father. Resulting Fiza was looking at the empty breakfast table with an open mouth.  

“To ye kon khayga?” She asked loudly after watching her husband and girls walking after Fayra. 

(Who will have this?)

“Udhar le aao, jab Adnaan bhai aur Sara ke liye parathe nhi bachenge to unke khane ke liye kaam ayega.” Afnaan yelled and his wife huffed but she also followed the order. Why would she have that porridge when she could have yummy parathe in breakfast?  

(Bring it along, when there will be no leftovers left for Adnan Bhai and Sara, they will have this.)

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The breakfast scene was as expected by Adnaan. Whole Rizwi clan was gathered on the table. Momina was present on the sofa instead of the dining table because this place was more comfortable for her. Her grand Daughters: Bisma, Zinia, Zunera and Fayra were sitting beside her having breakfast. Anzala and Maizah also came to join them because of the mild fragrance roaming in the whole house. Just two people were missing. Ashar and Danish. 

Everyone knew Ashar, The grandson of Late Colonel Arsalan Haidar, avoided Paratha and oily food but where was Danish.

“Zuni beta, go and call Danish bhai, he must be sleeping.” Sara ordered Zunera, who was not in mood to leave the paratha when a voice came to grab everyone’s attention.

“Aapki beti soone hi kaha deti hai Mami? Mujhe kuch deyr aur sona tha lekin nhi…” He glared at Fayra with a good amount of fake anger while having his seat between Anzala and Adnaan.

(I wanted to sleep a little longer but no… your Daughter didn’t let me sleep.) 

“Thankyou Fayra, you did the most difficult work. Waking up my son is not a cup of tea.” Maizah smiled while having one more bite of the paratha and Danish didn't like this compliment.

“Uthane ka tariqa bhi puch lijiye.” Danish looked at his father as well as Fayra's father, his tone was clearly telling that he was complaining to both the men. “Mere muh par pani daal ke… Aese kon jagata hai?” having a mouthful of paratha he asked and everyone burst out excluding Adnaan and Anzala who looked at Sara and Maizah respectively. 

(Wanna know the way to wake me up?)

(By pouring water on me… who wakes up this way?)

“Your mom.” Anzala said, looking at Maizah at the same time. 

“Her mother.” Adnaan told about Sara.

“What?” Danish was surprised to know the ability of these ladies, now he knew whom his wife resembled. Her mother and her paternal aunty.

“Great… how do you tolerate dear uncle and Chamu.” Ashar came back from the morning walk and joined everyone on the breakfast table.

“Beta, ya to Majburi ya mohabbat, bas ye do chezein hai jo  kisi ko tolerate kara deti hain.” Said Anzala with a teasing smile and Maizah jerked her head.

(Beta, either helplessness or love, these are the only two things that make you tolerate one another.)

“So, what are your reasons, gentlemen?” Ashar asked while forgetting his healthy eating and grabbed one paratha.

“Out of love.” Adnaan announced without wasting any time.  

“Of course, Majburi hai warna kaha main handsome banda kaha ye chudail… koi match hi nhi tha hum dono k … ghar walo ne jis rishte mein bandh diya bas nibha raha hu use sabar karke.” The innocent Anzala shared his pain with his son-in-law and Maizah took the plate of paratha from him. 

(Of course because of helplessness, otherwise I’m too handsome for this witch. I’m just patiently respecting my elders' decision.)

“Tu kuch din tak daliya khaa daliya, jab tujhe theek thaak khana nhi milega to dimag khud theek ho jayga.”

(You eat porridge for a few days, when you don't get proper food, your mind will heal itself.)

“Haa khila de, tera bas chale to tu zeher daal ke dede khane mein.”

(Yeah, why not? You could add some poison into it.)

“Tu bohot dheet hai us se bhi nhi marega…”

(You are so shamelessly obstinate thst it won’t even work on you.)

“Tujh jesi chudail ke sath survive kar gya is se zyada kya hi dheet ho sakta hu? Koi aur hota to kab ka Allah ko pyara ho chuka hota woh to mera hi dam hai jo tujhhe bardasht kar liya…” 

(Can I be more  obstinate  than this that I already  survived with a witch like you? I have been the only one who had tolerated you, no one could have guts.)

“Haa… bas rehne do… dono ek dusre ke bina rehne ko tayyar nahi the, aur jab shadi ho gyi to drama dikhana tha ki bado ki marzi se shadi kari hai.” Momina’s comment was mandatory in this topic. How could she forget the amount of dislike towards this marriage but at the end she understood that Anzala and Maizah loved each other crazily.

(Yeah sure… as if we don't know that you both weren’t ready to live without each other but after getting married you were demonstrating as if you respected elders decision.)    

“Oh wow… great to know that our Badi mumma and bade papa had a love marriage.” Zunera being Zunera narrowed her eyes with a teasing smile and Danish sighed.

“The Rizwis… I have a question for all of you.” Danish looked up to everyone. 

“What is the definition of love for you?” the question was small but there were uncountable answers to it.

“Love is nothing but a feeling of sacrifice, trust and giving respect to each other.” Said Adnaan while looking in the eyes of his wife whom he loved and trusted crazily, but after a great lesson and struggle. 

“When there is only one roti left on the dinner table and one of two hungry people left the meal after lying that he/she is full, that's love.” Said Afnaan while looking at the paratha he placed in his wife’s plate and started having the porridge.  

“When one thinks about others' happiness without thinking about their own hardship, that's love.” Said Fiza, she knew how many times she felt indifferent among Rizwis as she was an outsider and even after her many attempts she was unable to mingle with all of them like Maizah and Sara did, but she maintain her smile because of her husband, Afnaan, for whom his family was most valuable. 

“When a man does continuous work for several hours so that he could earn money to fulfil his family's needs, that's love.” Anzala, who was the most irresponsible man at one time, said with a satisfactory feeling because he was proud to change himself in a better way.

“When you enjoy the silliest pranks and jokes of the most irritating person and feel incomplete without him, that’s love.” it was Maizah because only she knew how the hell had she tolerated this man. However she wasn’t in the back seat for most of the time.

 “When a woman ignores her health, mood, and tiredness and tries to take home a small piece of paradise for her Children and husband, that's love.” It was no one else but Sara. She ignored herself and her health to look after her premature daughter, Fayra, that made many things complicated for her.   

“When parents stay awake until their children come back from work, that's love.” This was the head of the Family… Momina Rizwi.

“And this is a never-ending list! So I can say Unconditional love does exist but it's not easy to find out.” This addition was made by Ashar who was overwhelmed to see this lovely family. He didn't know at one point, this family had showered their unconditional love on his father when he was in the time of need.    

“Hmm… love can be unconditional but love is not blind or a one-way thing. People can love you unconditionally but you also have to give your share to them. It's like a Give and take policy. You give your attention/trust/time/efforts to a Correct person and he/she will give you back the amount of love you desire." The topic of discussion was closed by the wisest lady present in the room and Danish smiled because he could see Fayra hearing these definitions of love and fortunately, no one of them matched with what Arsh did to her. 

However there was one more girl who was interested in these definitions. Zinia. Because all those definitions were giving testimony that Shaaz loved her silently.  

“Let's go Fayra… I will drop you.” Danish rolled a paratha before standing up and Fayra followed him after formally geeting momina and informally greeting everyone else.

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Checking his mobile phone he closed his eyes for a moment then looked at the figure sitting downstairs. His lady love. But as stubborn as a bull. 

Today he was dangling between two losses. 

One was financial loss and other was emotional loss.

Neither he was able to score good in love nor was he able to give time to his business.

Taking steps back to the room he picked the empty bag and stuffed it with his clothes, collecting his belongings he walked out of the room. Taking a deep breath he wore his sunglasses before walking down stairs. 

His wife was talking to the oldest lady of the family, he pushed his mobile in his pocket.

“Bisma,” A loud voice grabbed the attention of his wife. “Main jaa rha hu, agar tumhara  feysla badal jaje to call kar dena.” 

(I’m going, call me if you change your mind.)

“Kyu jaa rhe hain aap?” Bisma was shocked. She didn’t want to bow her head in front of Ashar but at the same time she didn't want this man to go away from him. 

(Why are you going?)

“Maine tumhe manane ki bohot koshish kri, lekin haar gya… tum jeet gyi. Mujhhe nhi pta tumhe kese manau lekin haa yaqeen hai ki tumhe ek na ek din mana hi lunga… lekin agar is waqt business ko naraz kar diya to use kabhi nhi mana pauga.” Ashar’s words worked like a dagger on Bisma’s heart. She didn't want Ashar to go away from her because she was enjoying the way this man was roaming around her.

(I tried hard to convince you, but I lost and you won. I don't know how to convince you but… yes I am sure that one day I will for sure. However if I make the business angry at this time, I will never be able to satisfy it.)

“Dadi Jaan, dua me yaad rakhiyega… chalta hu.” Ashar smiled while kneeling down in front of Momina and Bisma’a face turned pale.

(Dadi jaan, I am going. Do remember me in prayers. Take care.)

“Bisma ko apne sath le jao, beta.” Momina demanded and Ashar looked at his wife whom he had been trying to bring around but failed. 

(Take BIsma along.)

“No dadi jaan, let her live here only, she is happy and comfortable here.” he faked a smile while turning to go but stopped by Bisma’s voice.

“Excuse me? Ashar… you’re going back leaving me here so that you will be able to live freely without me? Really? Listen to me carefully… I won't leave you ever… in my absence you find tranquillity, right? I won't let you live in peace.” Bisma sounded exactly like her mother. Bold, brave and clear. Ashar was surprised to see this form of his wife. “Wait for me, I’m bringing my belongings. Let me see how dare you to avoid me and enjoy life without me… I will always be there to make your life difficult..” And she rushed to collect her belongings leaving Ashar shocked.

Was she really coming along?

seriously? 

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“Hey, how are you?” He was pretty surprised to see this unknown but beautiful girl standing next to him.

“Umm… sorry… but…”

“Oh… you don't know me, but I know you. You are Danish, Fayra’s cousin. Right?” the girl with a pair of big hazel eyes and a long ponytail, asked and Danish nodded.

“Yeah, but how do you know?”

“Umm… Actually I’m Esha, Fayra’s friend. She and I study in the batch.” the girl passed her hand in front of Danish to shake but he didn't hold her hand.

“Wow, that is great to hear. I’m surprised to know that Fayra also studies… I thought she came to the college to have samosa and chai in the canteen. Well, Keep studying, work hard, make your parents proud and prove yourself. All the very best.” the girl who was here with the intention of flirting, was shocked now. “And yeah… one more thing Esha… Do help Fayra with assignment works… you must be known of her lazy nature.

“Umm… yeah sure.” she smiled with a force and looked at the car from which Danish was resting his back.

“Umm… Danish… Can you please drop me to my home, actually my brother can’t come to pick me up today." It was a direct demand wrapped in a sheet of sweetness and Being Anzala’s son he couldn’t deny helping beautiful girls, however it was difficult for him to be as flirty as his father. Moreover he didn't have interest in any girl other than Fayra.  

“Sure” he granted permission to Esha before holding the back passenger door of the car for her.  Letting Esha take her seat in the car Danish looked at the girl who came near him. 

“How are you madam? How was your day? Danish took her bag in his hand and Fayra shrugged. She didn’t know how to express the tiredness of today but Danish had a few more questions to ask.

“Behaved like a good girl?” He asked. she furrowed

“Didn't fight with anyone. Right?” she smiled at the question.

“Finished your lunch on time and focused on the lessons?” Danish asked as if Fayra wasn't his wife but daughter and this time she laughed out but nodded too.

“Good girl. Now you deserve an ice cream ....”

“Thank you sir..” She happily hopped in the car and was surprised to see Esha already present in the car.

“Esha… what are you doing here?” asked Fayra.

“Umm… Danish offered me a lift and I accepted.” Danish was left open-mouthed. When did he offer her a lift?

“Oh… really?” Fayra was surprised to see this side of Danish. She didn’t remember him doing social service in this way. He was helpful but never offered anyone help in the first place.

After a long and silent drive Danish stopped the car near an ice cream shop and gestured Fayra to go and bring her favourite flavour but Esha was also present in the car, it would be rude to ignore her. 

“Esha, why don’t you join Fayra for an ice cream?” Danish offered and Fayra was again surprised to witness this. 

“I would love to… but why shouldn’t you also join us, Danish?” Esha was so informal with Danish that Fayra couldn’t imagine. 

“Umm… not now, maybe next time.” He dismissed the topic while passing his credit card to Fayra but she rolled her eyes and refused to take it with an overly proud statement that “My father gives me enough money that I’m  not dependent on anyone for an ice cream.” Danish was confused. He knew Adnaan gave pocket money to Fayra but she didn’t refuse to take money or chocolate from Danish, even though it was her hobby to make demands in front of him, either pizza or chocolate, she took everything forcefully then what was the reason behind this?  

Little bit this guy knew, Fayra was telling Esha that she should’t take treats from anyone, especially Danish.

Before Danish could think about this matter his mobile started ringing, a smile crawled to his lips to see the name of the Caller. Maya Ali.

“Khush aam deed saheba… kese yaad kara aaj is nacheez ko?”

(Hello Dear Madam, glad, you remember me.)

“Main to tumhe hamesha yaad karti hu bas is baar intezar kar rhi thi ki tum mujhe yaad karte ho ya nhi, mene socha tha is bar tum hi mujhe call karoge main nhi karungi lekin tumhe meri yaad hi nhi aati, Danish.”  It was a clear registration of disappointment from Maya. 

‘Call to karni thi lekin busy tha yaar sorry. Next time shikayat ka moqa nhi milega… pakka.” Danish apologised with a smile. 

(I had to call you but I was busy. I promise, there will be no chance to complain next time…)

“Ab galti kari hai to saza bhi milegi…”

(Now if you have committed a mistake, you will be punished.)

“Manzur hai…” with full of respect, he accepted.

(Accepted.)

On The Other Hand…

“Hey Fayra…” Esha looked at the confused Fayra who was unable to select one flavour of ice cream from numerous. 

“Hmm?” she didn’t look at Esha. She had better things to focus on. Brownie and ice cream.

“Umm… You are my best friend na…” Esha asked 

“Hmm…” she muttered while focusing on the huge menu present on the wall just in front of her eyes.

“Umm… do Danish… have a girlfriend?” Fayra’s breath was stuck in her throat and she looked at Esha.

“Why are you asking?” 

“Actually… I have a crush on him… and if you don’t mind…” 

“Shut up Esha… she is my cousin and I can't even think like this…” Fayra’s reply was unexpected, Esha furrowed and shrugged.

“Umm? What? But I was talking about myself… not about you… moreover you already got married to your long time crush na… your Arsh.” Fayra was silent this time. A few days ago She informed Esha that she was going to get married but the farewell would take place later. However she didn't invite Esha because of Adnaan’s rule ‘No friends were allowed’ and now this girl had nothing to say.

“Fayra…” Esha shook her shoulder to pull her out from the thoughts. “Tell me na… do Danish have a girlfriend?” Esha again asked and Fayra  sighed while nodding. 

“Yeah… since college days he has been interested in his friend… sometimes they both talk for the whole night.” Fayra informed with a fake smile, all her mood was spoiled by the thought that she was married to a man who loved someone else and the one whom she loved deeply was now not hers. 

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Another early update… 

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Your Author

Naaz Jamal