Chapter 19

“Cut these tomatoes and carrot roughly.” Sara ordered Fayra in a hurry without noticing the scratches present on her elbows and the bruises of her knees.

“Mummy, why don’t you hire a maid?” Fayra asked, looking at the tomatoes to be chopped.

“Show some sincerity Fayra…” knowing very well the reason behind this sudden demand Sara scolded her daughter who was not in a mood to do any work. She was angry with Sara for one incident now she scolded her one more time. Fayra gave a disappointed look to her mother and walked out of the kitchen with long steps. She was upset and didn't want to talk to anyone. She was upset since last night because Arsh again called her with a new number which was unknown to her, she received the call and unintentionally all the memories gathered in her one more time. However, being a strong girl she threw away all those feelings and came to see her mother who was working in the kitchen with a spoil mood, to uplift her mood she started teasing Sara but it didn't work well and ended up with two small, one big wound and some scratches everywhere her elbow and knees.      

“What happened?” He asked after seeing her sitting in the lawn. 

She looked up. Huffed. “Leave me alone. Just me alone.” bursting out on the one who came back home just now she ran back to her room while mumbling. “Why is this sunday today? It would be better to go college instead of staying at home.” 

Danish was confused to see this behaviour of Fayra but how could he leave this girl ignored? Can someone ignore his lifeline?

“Is nakchadi ko kya hua hai, Sara Mami?” Danish asked Sara who was preparing soup for Zinia and she sighed. Sad. She never felt good after scolding Fayra but sometimes mothers get no other soft spot beside their children to draw out their emotions. They, somehow, believe that their children will understand that mothers’ love could take any form, sometimes scoldings too, however, children aren't mature enough to understand the need of different emotions gathering in someone to come out. 

(What happened to this idiot?)

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Whole family was gathered in the room where a girl was burning with fever. Now Fiza and Afnaan were standing at a distance as if they weren’t the parents but relatives. Maizah was cutting fruits for her niece and Adnaan was forcing her to have a few bites but Zinia was refusing to have anything because she didn't want to. 

“Hato yaha se?” Shifting away Adnaan, Sara sat down beside Zinia

(Step away.)

“Zinu, come beta. I have made your favourite soup.” This time Zinia opened her eyes to see the lady holding the soup bowl. “You like this na?” Sara asked Sweetly while lifting a spoonful of that hot and little spicy soup. Finally, Zinia opened her mouth and had the very first spoonful of soup. Everyone was amazed at the miracle. 

“Liked it?” Asked Sara and wiped Zinia’s lips with a tissue but this sick girl didn't reply.  

“Enough Badi mumma… Not anymore.” Zinia muttered.

“Nahi beta khana waste nhi karte na… tumhara bacha hua soup kon finish karega?” Sara lifted another spoonful of soup towards this girl who had it silently. 

(It’s not good to waste food. Right? Who will finish this leftover?)

Everyone watched the scene silently where the sick girl was being looked after by her Badi Mummy but only Sara knew that she had a small corner in heart reserved for Zinia. After losing her son Sara was devastated. She didn't know for how many days and nights she had cried unstoppable but when Zinia was born Afnaan gave her to Sara's arms at the same moment the little girl opened her eyes in the world. That eye contact did something to Sara’s heart, at the same time Zinia became the reason for her smile. Sara got her second child who didn’t take birth from her womb. Her dream of having a son was still a dream but now she had another daughter in the face of Zinia. On the other hand, Zinia was so attached to Sara as if they were the real mother daughter. No one could understand the bond of these two. 

“Mera pyara bachcha…” Sara cleaned Zinia’s lips after she finished the soup and passed her a pill with a glass of water. 

(My dear child.)   

“Afnaan,” a call from Adnaan, attracted everyone. 

“Yeah bhai?” 

“Zinia ko main le jaa rha hu, tum logo ko hi dhyan rakhna nahi aata meri bachchi ka…” Adnaan announced after seeing Sara and Zinia’s bond and his statement made everyone smile. Right now everyone was thinking about the one daughter of the family but forgot about the other who was crying in her room… but… someone was there to take care of her.     

(I am taking Zinia with me, you people don't know how to take care of my daughter.)

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“Meri pyari Fayra…”  He sat down beside her with a small smile but got a glare in return. 

 (My dear Fayra.)

“What’s wrong with you Danish b…” she burst out but stopped herself to call him bhai and stood up to walk out of the room because she knew Danish was not going to leave her alone here, but she didn't know one more thing… This boy was not going to leave her at any cost. He was fast enough to grab her wrist. 

“Problem batao apni… kisne kya kara hai is baar?”   

(Tell me your problem? Who hurt you this time.)

“No one.” She tried to free her hand from his grip but he was stronger than her so as his grip. 

“It is hurting me.” Fayra yelled this time. Danish was shocked to see a crying Fayra yelling so loud. Her voice was loud enough to gather all the family members if they were present here, fortunately they were already present with the sick Zinia. No one had ever experienced this cute bubbly girl in this form. 

“That's what I’m asking you. What is hurting you, Fayra?” 

“This.” Lifting her hand, which was still in his grip she grit her teeth and Danish shook his head. 

“No. That's not hurting you…” He asserted, which was enough to fuel Fayra’s anger one more time. 

“And how do you know what is hurting me and what is not? How can you feel what I feel? How can you say that I’m hurt?” The girl who was confused about her feelings asked Danish about his feelings but how could he let her know the reality?

“Arsh? Again?” He asked in a hushed tone and Fayra felt someone pour the ice water at her in the month of December. All her anger was gone in a second, her eyes which were showing rage suddenly softened and the hungry lioness transformed into a timid kitten who was abandoned by its mother. And she started crying without waiting a single moment. Covering her face with both hands she was crying aloud. Danish was clueless what to say or do but at this moment he had no control over his heart. Taking a step ahead he curled his arm around Fayra and the very next moment she was stuck with his chest where a heart was beating for her but she was crying for another man.

“Whenever I try to forget he comes in front of me.” She cried hugging this guy who was ready to do everything for her.

“Stop crying for now. I will do something about this. Okay?” Taking her in a bear hug he whispered and for the first time Fayra felt his heart beating against her. For a moment she forgot her tears and felt this new feeling. What was that? It was something weird for sure. Her whole body covered with goosebumps and heart gave a loud beat. 

“Tum rooya na kro Fayra, tumhare aansu dekh ke mujhe dard hota hai.”  That voice came from somewhere inside him… he wasn't only saying but his words were the testimony of his heart. A heart full of love. Fayra was trapped in the magic of his words as well as whispering. Even if she wanted she could never come out of this trap. Her eyes closed down as soon as she started feeling better. She was feeling like a baby who was wrapped in the warm and comfortable blanket of Danish’s arms. He was the first to break the hug and looked at Fayra who was standing like a lifeless frame. Shocked. Without blinking her eyes she was watching this guy who was her cousin since childhood and her husband for two months but for her he was her protector, her friend, her guide ever since. From where this new relationship took place between them. She didn’t know.

(Don't cry Fayra, your tears hurt me.)

“What’s this?” Danish asked after noticing her elbows. Dark red with blood stains. He was the first to notice another reason for her pain. “You’re such a… careless girl.” Scolding her he ran to his room, it took him only a minute to bring the first aid kit but this girl was still standing like a dummy. Grabbing her arm Danish made her sit on the beanbag. 

“How did it happen?” He asked in a whisper but Fayra didn't reply. At this moment the talkative girl didn't know how to talk. Danish knelt on the floor, started cleaning the scratches and injuries present on her elbows, and Fayra was only watching the person who was looking after her unlike everyone else.

Who came forward for her in every situation? 

Danish

Who fulfilled all her demands?                                                                              

Danish

Who tolerated her tantrums with a second thought? 

Danish

Fayra took a deep breath as if trying to inhale the reality of their relationship, unfortunately she couldn't absorb it and threw it out like a harsh huff.

“Let's go for an outing… You will feel better.” Danish suggested while applying an antiseptic ointment on those small injuries but Fayra gave him a disappointed look.

“Waha Zinu bimar hai aur hum outing par jaye? Aese achha lagta hai kya?”

(Zinu is ill and you’re planning an outing… Does this look good?)

“What happened to her?” Asked Danish as he didn't know anything about Zinia’s health.

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“I’m taking her along.” Sara grabbed Zinia’s arm while walking towards the lawn. The sick Zinia didn't protest and soon she was sitting on the swing present in the middle of the lawn. This place was peaceful for her. Adnaan was standing next to her and her parents were watching the scene from a distance. 

“Kya hua hai mere kitabi keede ko?” Danish Came forward to get a glare from Zinia. She hated this name but being a brother it was his duty to tease his Sisters. Danish glared back at her and looked at everyone present near Zinia. 

(What happened to my bookworm?)

“Abey theek to hai, bhuki sherni ki tarha ghur ghur ke dekh rahi hai, koi bimar insaan aese dekhta hai kya?” Danish showed everyone the way 

(Oh see.. She is fine, She is glaring at me like a hungry lioness. Does an ill person look like this?)

“Bimar hu isi liye sirf ghur rhi hu agar thek hoti to aapke muh pe kuchh kheech ke maar deti.” Zinia huffed and looked at Fayra. “Aapi main aapke sath rahungi.” Zinia walked towards Fayra but Danish was confused, as far as he knew Zinia wasn’t from those who give replies in this way, she was a sweet and shy girl but this Zinia was someone different.   

(I am sick, that's why I am just staring at you. If I were fine I would have hit you with something.)

(Aapi, I will stay with you.)

Fayra and Zinia walked ahead holding hand in hand. Rizwi(s) were unknown about the pain of their two daughters, they both were hiding their emotions from everyone, however they all could feel their sadness.

“Kiski nazar lag gyi hai mere ghar ko?” A voice echoed followed by a sigh and tears. Today Momina broke down after many days of tolerating Fayra’s weird behaviour and Zinia’s silence.    

(Who has cast an evil eye on my house?)

“Mami saheba..” Sara curled her arm around the old lady who was the pillar of the family but  these two girls already shook her pillar and foundation of this strong family.  

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The midnight moon and numerous stars were witnessing three restless hearts.

Fayra who was unable to understand what she was feeling today. 

Zinia who was dying from inside to talk to Shaaz and Danish who was restless to meet Fayra one more time. 

Unable to control his heart he left the lawn and walked towards the stairs. Fayra and Zinia were standing near the window. They both were crying. Zinia was looking devastated and Fayra was trying to console her.

“Zinu…” Danish focused on his younger sister first, meanwhile Fayra locked the door from inside. 

“Zinu, stop crying.” Fayra came back in a hurry and Danish looked at both of them, “Will you both tell me what’s going on here?” This time he almost yelled and Fayra passed all the information to Danish to give him a big shock. 

“Tell me everything about Shaaz.” Danish asked and Zinia smiled a little because now she could see a ray of hope in the form of Danish.

“But promise me you won’t tell anything to Papa.”

“I promise. I won’t,” He nodded. “Where does he live? Give me his address.” he demanded.

“Gomti Nagar.” 

“Where in Gomti Nagar? Gomti Nagar is a large area.”

“Umm I don't know.” Zinia shrugged. “I just know that he lives somewhere in Gomti Nagar.” She completed the sentence with great difficulty and Danish thought for a few minutes but nodded.

“What is his father’s profession?” This time Zinia smiled a little as she was happy to know Shaaz’s father’s profession. 

“He works in a factory…” She replied in a hurry, if this information could find Shaaz then she didn’t want to waste a single second in sharing it. 

“Which factory? And at which post?” Danish questioned, Zinia’s face turned pale one more time. 

“I… I don’t know about this.” she again lost hope. 

“No problem.:” Danish muttered and closed his eyes for a moment. 

“His social media handles?” This time Fayra asked with enthusiasm, She was sure to find out Shaaz on social media but Znia shook her head.

“Shaaz never uses Social media, We both decided to avoid one to maintain a good studying schedule.” Said Zinia and looked at Danish who was sitting lifting his face on both palms while his specs were resting in his lap.

Wearing the specs he looked at Zinia before firing another question. 

“In which school does he study?” This time Danish was sure that he wouldn't miss the arrow but…  

“Central School.” Zinia smiled, as did the Danish because they got to know something but the happiness was short-lived again. 

“Which branch of Central school?” The additional question took away Zinia’s smile one more time.

“Umm… I don't know, Danish bhai?”

“What do you even know, Zinu?” Fayra huffed but this question hurt Zinia. 

“Fayra aapi, I never knew that one Shaaz would disappear like this…” 

“Okay. Fine.” Danish stopped this topic at this point only. “Zinu.” He held her hands and gestured to her to sit on the beanbag present near the window.  

“Yeah Danish bhai?”

“Do you trust me?” Danish asked while sitting on the floor, just in front of his little sister.

“Yeah, I do.” Zinia nodded with tearfilled eyes. Danish sighed and cupped her face in between both hands. The little girl was crying in front of his brother. 

“I will find him out. It is your brother’s promise.” He patted Znia’s cheek lovingly and Zinia smiled because she trusted this guy. Who, in the Rizwi clan, didn’t trust this guy? Everyone trusted him blindly and he had been maintaining this trust ever since. He was the man of words. He was the owner of a golden heart. He was the owner of an honest and genuine personality. He was the only son in this generation of Rizwis and their backbone, their strength, their pride.

“You are the best Danish bhai. You are the bestest.” Zinia smiled happily. She knew if her Danish bhai promised then he would find Shaaz from anywhere, but in the return she got a small smack on the middle of her head.

“Best is the superlative form… There is no word like bestest.” Zinia huffed and rolled her eyes as she knew the same but this guy left no chance to give a lesson to the younger ones. 

“But you’re the bestest.” Zinia asserted and Fayra smiled looking at the bond between these two. She felt happy to see Zinia smiling.

“Now don't cry again.” Said Fayra and Danish rolled his eyes… 

“Wow… said the crying queen.” Fayra gasped aloud on the compliment. 

“I’m not the crying queen.” she protested. Danish shrugged while standing up from the floor and set his specs before stepping near his little wife.

“Okay… Weeping Princess.” he teased her another time and she gasped again. 

“You’re so mean… Dearest teddy bear.” Fayra huffed but this time Zinia was enjoying the banter. 

“Soo jao tum dono, nalayaq ladkiyo…” Danish glared at both the girls but Zinia narrowed her eyes. 

(Sleep now, you're both useless girls.)

“Fayra aapi naraz ho jayengi, aesi baate na kariye.” Zinia teased Danish who sighed with pain.

(Don’t say this, Fayra aapi will get angry with you.)

“Aapki Fayra Aapi ki narazgi kabhi khatam hi nhi hoti,”

(Your Fayra Aapi is always offended by me.)

“Ab itna bhi naraz nhi rehti jitni aapko shikayate hain,” Fayra smiled a little. She was not happy with the circumstances of her life but not angry with Danish, He was her saviour, why would she be angry with him? But she didn’t know that her statement gave a reason of joy to her husband. He kept watching her for a long minute and took a step back. If Zinia, the third wheel wasn’t present in the room he would take a step ahead and embrace his wife in a protective hug. 

(I’m not as angry as you complain.)

“I love to see you happy.” He smiled while stepping back, Today Fayra kept watching in his eyes as she felt something unnameable between them. 

“Good Night, Teddy Bear.” She loved to tease him, poor Danish only smiled sheepishly and opened the door of the room but he was stopped by a ringing mobile. It was Fayra’s mobile. Enough to turn her face pale but danish turned red in anger. 

“Give it to me.” He forwarded his hand in front of Fayra who passed her mobile to Danish. 

“Sleep well. Good night.” and he walked out of the room while receiving the call. Fayra bit her nails nervously. She didn’t know what was going to happen now.

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“Listen to me carefully. Now, Fayra is nothing to you. Everything is over, so stay away from her.” He grit his teeth.

“I can’t. I love her.”

“Main tujhe jaan se maar dunga agar aaj ke baad ye bakwaas kri to.” Danish threatened him and disconnected the call. 

(I’ll kill you if you repeat this rubbish ever.)

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