Chapter 20

“Arsh…” A roar echoed in the whole house. “Arsh…”

“Kya ho gya hai? Kon cheekh rha hai subah subah?” the lady of the home came out of the bedroom followed by her husband and in no time Arsh also came downstairs after hearing these calls. 

(What happened? Who is screaming so early in the morning?)

“Maine kaha tha na Fayra se dur rahne ko…” He roared like a lion. Last night after threatening Arsh Danish kept Fayra’s mobile with himself but maybe Arsh didn't have an idea about this. He was sending texts to Fayra one after another. Each message addressed Fayra in a sweet way, Just like he always did by using the most cheesy words, Darling. Sweetheart. Honey. Princess. But how could Danish tolerate all these things? He was unable to tolerate these acts of Arsh when Fayra was his fiancee, now she was his wife. 

(I already told you to stay away from Fayra. Didn't I?)

“Get out of my house. Who let you in?“ Arsh roared in the same way.

“Danish, what are you doing here?” Asked Arsh’s father.

“Uncle, ask your son what is he doing? Fayra has already moved on, tell him to stay away from her. We have already tolerated too much.” He said while glaring at Arsh but he was talking to his father.

“Fayra moved on? What a joke? She has been crazily loving me. Jo ladki mere kehne par apne ghar walo se chup ke night club tak aa sakti hai wo mujhe itni asani se bhul jayegi?” This time Arsh was making fun of Danish and his protection for Fayra which was enraging him too much, “Tum logo ne us ladki ko cage karke rakha hai warna aaj bhi ek phone call par kahi bhi aa…” Before Arsh could complete his sentence, Danish scooted towards him and grasped his Jaws in his fist with rage. 

(How can a girl, who secretly can come to the nightclub on my request, forget me so easily?)

( you people have caged her otherwise she still will come to me on a single phone ca..)

"Don't you dare to say a single word with your dirty tongue about her… Not even her name." Danish said while glaring at him but Arsh was enjoying the jealousy of Danish, he knew no husband would tolerate this, he also knew Fayra didn’t love Danish. Conclusively, this evil minded man was enjoying this game. 

"Danish, leave him, right now," Arsh’s father demanded with anger but after watching rage in the eyes of this young man he changed his tone while adding “please.” Danish looked at the old man requesting in front of him, Right now he could kill this bastard but the morals in his upbringing forced him to leave Arsh’s jaw. He turned to go but stopped by a voice. 

“Fayra. Loves. Me.” Emphasising on each and every word Arsh smirked but he was unaware that Fayra’s husband couldn’t turn a blind eye to this humiliation. Turning back with the speed of light he didn't think twice and the very next moment placed a punch on Arsh's jaw. “Dare to utter her name and I’ll kill you.” Danish roared while grabbing his collar but Arsh was also not going to digest this punch silently. Before this matter was closed or anyone could do anything Arsh answered Danish’s one punch with two. One on the cheekbone and other on the jaw. 

“Get lost from here. Better for you, otherwise not even My Fayra will be able to recognise you.” Emphasising My, he rubbed the corner of his lips with thumb to clean the tiny drop of blood oozing out and Danish lost control over himself. At the very next moment Danish didn’t know how many times he punched Arsh on his nose, Arsh’s parents were shouting for help, a few househelp were trying to pull Danish away but the blood of this young guy was hot enough that he could never tolerate another man claiming his wife. “Danish…” Arsh’s father was shouting and at the end Danish was forcefully pulled away but, by the time Arsh’s broken nose was bleeding badly. Having blood spots on his white shirt he walked out of the home leaving the culprit on the floor, groaning and bleeding. 

<><><>

“Now no more arguments, no debates, no ladayi jhagda…” He held her hands firmly in between his hands and she nodded with a shy smile. “Only love and affection, Just like last night.” her head bowed down with shyness.

“Tonight, I will be late, So don't wait for me for dinner but…We will watch a movie and spend some quality time together.” Adding the last part in a husky whisper he took her in a soft hug. “Which Movie?’ Without wasting much time she rested her head on his chest to enjoy this morning in a new way otherwise their morning starts with arguments and debates only. 

“Anyone my wife wants to watch.” Bisma felt as if she won the biggest battle of her life by this small gesture of love, But before this moment could last for a little longer, Ashar’s gaze fell on the empty mug of coffee lying on the nightstand. His blood rushed with anger but he controlled himself. Breaking the hug in a hurry he walked towards the bed and looked at the sheet which was telling the story of last night. 

“At least make bed after waking up.” Instructing his wife he kind of grit his teeth without looking at her who was clueless about this sudden shift in his behaviour. Till a moment back he was showing affection and now he was tucking the corners of the sheet to make it look neat. She was unable to say anything other than shrugging her shoulders, walking ahead she picked one  chocolate from the lot he brought her yesterday. She just loved chocolates and he knew it.

Unwrapping the small brown sweet she popped it in her mouth, placed the wrapper on the dresser and looked for the comb. She usually kept it on the top of the dresser but today it was in the third drawer, she rolled her eyes as she knew who loved to keep things in their proper place. 

“Ye kya harkatein hain Bisma?” Ashar asked with anger and irritation while picking up the wrapper from the dresser, his other hand was already holding the empty mug.

(What's this Bisma?)

“What?” She asked, confused. Hands frozen in the middle of combing her half wet hair.

“Safayi ka kuch to khayan rakha karo.” He was irritated but Bisma was more irritated than him. This man was getting on her nerves with each passing day but at the same time he was absorbing deep in her heart too.

(Kindly show some decency and keep your home clean.)

“Ashar aapko kya ho jata hai achanak? Ab safayi kaha se aa gyi beech mein? Ghar mein maid hai na, abhi aa ke kar dengi wo safayi.” Bisma voiced her thoughts, she never understood her husband’s problem and behaviour but according to him she never understood his mood and needs. And tidiness was one of the needs of this blue nosed OCD sufferer.  

(Ashar, what happens to you suddenly? Where did the cleaning come from in between? There is a maid in the home, isn't it? She will come and clean it right away.)

“Bisma, Maids are supposed to help in chores, but there are some works directly related to our personal hygiene, some works are Our Own responsibility, We are supposed to do them by ownself, picking up your empty mugs, putting your clothes in the laundry basket instead of leaving them hanging in the bathroom and setting your bed are your responsibility, maids or anyone else are not supposed to do these works. Try to understand.” Bisma was blinking blankly. Ashar didn’t wait after the lecture and walked out of the room. 

“Ye aadmi pagal hai,” Bisma groaned but Ashar was back to the room within two minutes. They both give a cold stare to each other but this time Bisma was looking more disappointed. 

(This man is mad.)

“Just a few minutes ago, someone said- No More arguments,” Bisma looked away while walking towards the door. She was waiting for Ashar to stop her and bring her around but he was busy understanding what he said wrong?  

<><><>

“Mumma you have married me off with a psycho. Sometimes I feel he is not my husband but a master, Do this, Do that…” Mimicking the last part with anger she threw the pillow on the floor and Maizah sighed. 

“Bisma, Ashar is not wrong either. Grow up beta.” One who hadn’t grown up yet advised her daughter to change herself.

“But Mumma where am I going wrong?” Yesterday, I cooked for him, will you believe it? I was in the kitchen for a whole freaking three hours just because I wanted him to be happy after having food cooked by his wife.” 

“And what did he do? He didn't like the food?” Maizah asked, because she knew her daughter had not even made a cup of tea before getting married, so making a whole meal was no less than a miracle for her.

“No, He just loved it, he praised it too but today again back to his old form.” Bisma jerked her head and Maizah sighed. She didn’t know how to handle this matter and she didn’t want Anzala to get involved in this because he would favour Bisma blindly, eventually things could complicate. 

“But Bisma, Ashar is not entirely wrong na, he is telling you to keep the things in place.”  Maizah muttered lovingly but Bisma was her daughter only. Stubborn till the limits of stupidity. But suddenly her expressions changed, Maizah noticed that smile on the other side of the screen. “Mumma, Ashar is calling,” and soon the video call ended. Maizah was seeing the screen which was showing her daughter’s face till a moment ago. 

“Kya karu main apni aulaado ka? Waha wo Ashar ke liye efforts kar rahi hai yaha Danish Fayra ke aage peeche ghumta rehta hai lekin dono hi khush nhi hain.” Closing her eyes she rested her head with the headboard remembering the incident of last night. 

(What can I do for my children? On one hand she is making an effort for Ashar and here Danish is crazy after Fayra but no one of them are happy.)  

Last night she saw Danish coming out of Fayra’s room at midnight. After asking him Maizah got to know that he was visiting Fayra just to know her whereabouts however a mother knows the condition of her children, Maizah knew how badly Danish love Fayra, She didn't know when her son started adoring this girl more than a cousin but now his longing eyes see Fayra as if she was far away from him while staying under the same roof. Before Maizah could dive deeper into the pool of thoughts her mobile started ringing one more time. Again Bisma. 

“Yeah beta?” receiving her video call she smiled.

“Ashar apologised.” Bisma was blooming like a fresh flower and why wouldn't she?  After all, her Mr khadoos called her to uplift her mood.

“See, my son-in-law is not that bad, he is umm…” Maizah struggled to find out a correct word and.. “Disciplined. Just like his Late Khadoos Nana.” Maizah rolled her eyes while mumbling the last part.  

“Was he as khadoos as Ashar?” Bisma grimaced and Maizah shook her head with a smile. For a second Bisma thought that the old man was lesser than Ashar but Maizah burst the bubble of this misconception. 

“He was a thousand times more khadoos than Ashar, so strict that my dear Musu cat got punishments for breaking glasses.” Bisma was shocked and for a moment she felt satisfied that her husband was not that disciplined , otherwise she could die out of stress. 

“Will you cook today too?” Maizah asked and Bisma shook her head. 

“No, Tonight he will come late but it will be a movie night.” Bisma was looking excited to share the news, “Mumma I will talk to you later, for now I have to do some preparations.” and there was no room for formalities like greetings or any…Bisma ended the call and looked at the condition of the room.  

“It’s time to clean everything,” She grimaced but stood up because for Ashar she could do anything however it was still difficult for her to tolerate him.

<><>

“Fayra kahan hai? Abhi tak college se wapas nhi ayi wo?” Picking up the laptop from the mattress he spread his legs and covered them properly with a blanket before placing the laptop on the top and resuming his work. Sara gave him an angry look while setting the folded clothes in her cupboard but Adnaan was unaware of this love filled gaze from his wife. 

(Where is Fayra? Hasn't she come back from college yet?)

“Mood kharab tha uska, wo college gyi hi nhi aaj.” Sara muttered without looking at him but he looked up. 

(She wasn’t in a good mood, so didn't go to colege.)

“Mood to uski maa ka bhi achha nhi hai?” He smiled looking at his Jangli Billi who was offended with him because of the argument they had.

(even her mother’s mood is also spoiled.)

“Sab kuch tumhari wajah se hua hai Adnaan, Mene tumhara gussa kal bachhi par nikal diya. Sab kuch tumhari wajah se hi hota hai.” Throwing a pillow right on his face Sara walked out of the room and Adnaan blinked blankly. 

(Everything has happened because of you Adnaan, I took out your anger on my girl yesterday. Everything happens because of you only.)

“Just ask her who is responsible for global warming, ozone layer depletion, poverty of the country, pollution, drought, even wildfire and she will simply say… Adnaan you’re responsible for all these things.” mumbling the last part in her voice he placed the pillow behind his back and picked his evening tea then resumed his work,  on the other hand... 

Sara entered Fayra’s bedroom without bothering to knock on the door as she had been doing ever since. There was still no privacy in Rizwi mansion. 

“Fayra.” Sara called her who jumped suddenly and uncovered her face which was hidden under the blanket  till a moment ago. “Kya kar rhi ho kambal mein chhup ke?” Sara asked Fayra after noticing her mobile screen glowing in the darkness of the blanket. 

(What are you doing under the blanket?)

“Umm… nothing. What could I do?” Sara grabbed her mobile phone to notice the ongoing movie on it. An english psychological thriller with uncountable disturbing scenes. 

“I told you a thousand times to avoid such movies but you… why don’t you listen to me Fayra?” Knowing very well that Fayra felt scared after such movies, Sara always wanted her daughter to stay away from such disturbing things but this girl was adventurous by nature. Just like her parents. 

“Mummy, are you sure I'm your own daughter? Or did you pick me from the cradle of an orphanage? The way you treat me, I feel like this only.” Said Fayra with disappointment to make her mother shocked. 

“How do I treat you?” Sara asked 

“With hatred. I guess you love Zinu more than me.” Fayra rolled her eyes and looked at her mobile.

“And why do you think so?” pushing the blanket away Sara made her space beside her daughter but the question stood tall in front of Fayra. 

“Have you ever loved me like you were adoring Zinu yesterday?” Fayra questioned with a big painful voice, her mother stunned.

“Fayra…?”

“What Fayra? Tell me mumma… Have you ever loved me?” Sara was surprised to hear this all from her only daughter. She wanted to laugh at this new tantrum. What had Fayra been doing since childhood besides throwing tantrums? Probably Nothing! 

“Yeah, sure. I never loved you, you grew up just like a weed, without any effort.” Sara smiled at this girl but today Fayra was serious about this matter. 

“Mummy, You love me the least. You love Zinu, you love everyone other than me.” This time her eyes filled with tears and Sara was stunned to see this side of her daughter. “You only scold me, Mummy.” 

“Fayra…” Sara had nothing to say other than her daughter's name. Somewhere she forgot that everyone has a different love language, for Fayra words were more important than actions, she was from those people who ignore actions but absorb words, unfortunately being a mother Sara scolded Fayra more to make her disciplined. 

“Do you really think I don't love you?” Sara's eyes twinkled with tears. 

“Yes, you love everyone other than me, yesterday you were busy adoring Zinia but you didn't notice my injuries.” Fayra looked away after wiping her tears and Sara closed her eyes to flow down the tears present in her eyes. 

“Come here.” Opening her arms Sara waited for a few moments but Fayra didn't come, she just glanced at her mother and looked away. 

“Call Zinu.” 

“Zinu is just like my daughter, I love her but…” Sara paused and shifted closer to Fayra, holding her arm she pulled her in a hug. Resting Fayra's head on her chest she wrapped her arms around her shoulder and waist. “But no one can take the place of my daughter in my life. Do you really think that I can love anyone more than you?”

“Don't you love Zinia more?” She asked while holding her mother tightly just like she rarely used to do in childhood.

“No.” Sara shook her head and kissed the head of her daughter. 

“Then whom do you love most?” Fayra asked like an offended kid, she was sure Sara would name Adnaan but this lady sighed. 

“You know what Fayra, I fell in love twice in my life, an unmatched level of love.” Fayra slowly broke the hug and saw her mother with a bit of disappointment.

“First must be papa,” Fayra looked away and Sara smiled a little.

“No, the first one is you.” Sara smiled, there was a pain in her smile. Maybe the pain only a mother tolerates to bring her child in this world, even after everything, she loves the reason for this pain endlessly. 

“And the other person is papa?” Fayra asked and Sara again shook her head but this time a little smile captured her lips. “That Bandar (monkey) is not in the list of loved ones, he is in the list of the reasons behind my headache. My biggest headache.” Fayra, being her father's biggest supporter disliked this comment and gave a disappointed look to her mother but asked another question. 

“Then who is the second most beloved person?” Sara’s smile died but the very next moment she regained her smile and again pulled Fayra in a hug. 

“A mother can't love anyone more than her children.” Sara whispered and kissed Fayra's head. “I also haven't felt that level of love for anyone other than you and…” Sara stopped and Fayra furrowed. 

“For?” She asked. “For Fawaz?” 

“Hmm…” Sara hummed without breaking the hug. “And now, since Fawaz is not with us it means you're the only person whom I love the most.” Fayra got a kiss at the end of the statement. 

“But I feel you don't love me,” Fayra pouted. 

“Why do you think so, darling.” 

“Because you always stay disconnected with me.” Fayra muttered before Sara could reply, a knock on the already opened door grabbed their attention. 

Sara looked at the door, Anzala was standing holding his mobile in his hand. “What happened to her?” Seeing Fayra in the embrace of her mother Anzala thought she was ill but Sara smiled a little while pushing Fayra's curly hair away from her face. 

“Nothing happened, just throwing some tantrums to make her mummy roam around her.” Sara told Anzala to gain a smile from him but soon he came back to the real topic. 

“Fayra beta, have you seen Danish or talked to him today?” 

“No bade papa. Why?” She asked while breaking the hug and pushing her hair away one more time. 

“Aaj wo office nhi aaya aur ab tak ghar bhi wapas nhi aaya. Pta nhi kaha hai? Call bhi pick nhi kar rha.” Anzala was concerned for his son but Fayra shrugged. 

(He did not come to the office today and has not returned home yet. I don't know where he is? He is not even picking up my calls.)

“Wo subah aye the mere paas, keh rhe the aaj bohot important kaam karna hai unhe.” 

(He came to me in the morning, saying that he had some very important work to do today.)

“Kya important kaam tha?” Anzala and Sara asked and Fayra again shrugged. 

(What was the important work?) 

“I didn't ask. I thought it must be related to the office so…” 

“Hmm… fine. Tell me if he comes back or calls you.” Anzala instructed Fayra before going back and Sara watched her daughter with disappointment. 

“Fayra, you should ask Danish's whereabouts, he is your husband.” 

“Mumma please na, don't spoil my mood one more time. That's why I say you don't love me, you're scolding me for him.” 

“Ya Allah, this girl…” Sara huffed but pulled her daughter in a hug again. “I love you to the moon and back but you love Adnaan more. Even in childhood you used to cry too much and no one had guts to hush you other than your father. You haven't loved anyone else more than him.” This time Fayra smiled a little and slipped down in her mother's arms to rest her head in this lap which was the safest heaven on the earth. That's true, this girl loved Adnaan more than Sara, and why shouldn't she?

“Are you jealous?” This time Fayra teased her mother who only rolled her eyes. 

“You have troubled me too much.” 

“In childhood?” Asked Fayra while adjusting head in Sara's lap.

“When you were in my womb, when you took birth, when you were a toddler, during your school time and you're still the same.” 

“You should be thankful to me for giving you such amazing memories, instead of complaining. Such an ungrateful woman.” Fayra rolled her eyes copying her mother's act, leaving her amazed but she enjoyed this moment too. Every moment related to her daughter was a bliss for her.

“Jab tumhare bachhe tumse itni amazing memories denge tab tum thankful rehna, complaint na karna.” Sara suppressed her smile but Fayra was stunned. Her kids? She never thought about this phase of life. She was still behaving like a kid, how could she think about having kids but she didn't know her husband was already dreaming of having a small family with her, his Dreamland was becoming bigger and bigger with passing time.

(Be thankful when your children will give you such amazing memories, don't complain.)

“What happened? Where are you lost?” Sara snapped her fingers in front of Fayra, bringing her out of her trance.

“Umm… nothing…” Fayra's unreadable face made Sara smile. “Are you feeling shy?”

“Mummy…” Fayra widened her eyes and placed her elbows on the mattress to get up but Sara again pulled her in the previous position. Head in her lap and fingers running in those curly hair. 

“Aesi baate kyu karti hain aap, Mummy?” 

(Why do you say these things, Mummy?)

“Is there anything wrong with this?” Sara asked. Brows furrowed, eyes narrowed, voice mingled with confusion. 

“Nothing right either.” Fayra’s mumble died on her lips only but a loud voice echoed in the home. 

“Anzala Bhai… Anzala bhai…” 

Fayra and Sara looked at each other, they didn’t know why Adnaan was calling out to Anzala all of a sudden. Getting up from their respective places they both walked towards the stairs just to find out Anzala and Maizah both coming out of their bedroom.   

“What happened?” asked Anzala and Sara shrugged while going downstairs followed by others. Before they could ask the reason Adnaan came a step forward, his mobile present in his hand. 

“Danish police station mein hai, jaldi chaliye.” As soon as Adnaan reasoned his loud call everyone was shocked. Momina, Maizah and Sara were looking pale but Anzala was strong enough to handle himself.

(Danish is in the police station, come fast.)

“Why?” Anzala asked. He knew his son was a gentleman, how could he do anything which would end him sitting in the police station, but this happened it means there was something big. 

“Danish had a clash with Arsh, before he could leave his home, the security guard and some other servants grabbed him and Arsh’s father called the police.” Adnaan stopped the narration and looked at Fayra to know if she knew something but this girl looked away which was a clear indication that she knew something for sure.

“Danish is in the police station since morning, he was trying to handle the matter on his own but when these people started using his resources, Danish called Afnaan.” Anzala looked at Maizah who was on the edge of crying. No matter how strong and crazy this woman was, she couldn't see her children in even minor problems. 

“Maizah,” It was a strict call from Anzala. “Be strong, not every matter is worthy to shed tears.” 

“Fayra,” 

“Ji bade papa?” She was looking scared.

“Beta, go and bring my mobile and wallet from my room. They are on the nightstand.” Fayra walked upstairs with legs already shaking with fear. 

“I’m also coming with you.” said Maizah but Adnaan shook his head. 

“Aapi, you stay here only, Afnaan is already present with Danish, we will bring him back, don't worry.” Adnaan patted Maizah’s shoulder and she looked towards Anzala with tearfilled eyes. 

“Anzu, mujhe mera beta ghar me chahiye, tu kuch bhi kar bas use jaldi laa.” 

(Anzu, I don't care about anything, just bring my son back home.)

“Kuch nhi hoga, dekh lenge hum jo bhi masla hoga, tu preshan na ho.” Giving a side hug to Maizah Anzala whispered meanwhile Fayra came back with the said items and they left. 

(Don't worry, we will handle everything. Don't panic.)                 

Fayra looked towards her hands, her fingers were trembling because of fear. She looked at the other ladies of the family, right now Sara was the only person handling Momina and Maizah, both were crying without knowing the actual reason behind all these things. Gulping her saliva she pushed her messy hair away from her face and slowly walked back to her room. 

<>

She was sleeping peacefully when the movement of a hand disturbed her. A gentle touch with the contrast of a non gentle hand pushing her hair away from her face.

“Papa.” she muttered in half slumber but this fragrance was not something related to her father, she recognized this fragrance but not this touch. 

Two lips gently touched her forehead that took her slumber away. Opening her eyes she found a figure leaning over her. Both froze at their places. She was scared. He was nervous. But there was something similar, they both forgot to blink and look away from each other’s face. 

“I…” Danish set his specs while Fayra pulled the blanket up to her shoulders, “I… umm…” Danish looked here and there. “Your mobile… I’m going and… you will need it… so…” he placed the mobile beside her pillow and Fayra didn’t dare to look at him. She was still scared. 

“Okay,” She waited for Danish to go back, but he didn't move, he was sitting beside her and she was trying to come out from her frozen state but couldn't. Danish’s eyes were fixed on her face. Feeling his eyes on herself she slipped under the blanket even more. 

“Office nhi jana apko?” She muttered without changing her position. She was still looking at the wall and Danish was still watching her. 

(Don’t you have to go to the office?)

“Aaj ek zaruri kaam ke liye jana hai.” he whispered, Fayra didn't look at him again. 

(I have to go for some important work today.)

“Jaiye (go).” she whispered without looking at him, still the plain wall was lucky enough to get all her attention instead of this handsome guy. He stood up with a broken heart. “Aur (and)…” he stopped just before stepping down the bed. 

“Aur? Aur kya?” He asked without turning to look at her. She was still looking at the wall. 

(And? What?)

“Aur bina knock kre mere room me na aaya kriye.” It wasn’t an order but a hammer on his heart.      

(And don't come to my room without knocking.)

“Fine.” Mumbling that he stepped out of the room and Fayra closed her eyes while taking a deep breath. She was holding her breath for a few seconds because she knew this harsh breath would burn her from inside. 

Hiding her face in her palms she set down on the bed with a great amount of discomfort and fear inside her. Her hands were shivering, legs were shaking and eyes started shedding tears. She didn’t know for how long she was crying sitting at that very spot.

She was lost in the memories of the morning incident, sitting on the same spot when a commotion pulled her out from the past and pushed her to the present time. 

“Danish… what happened?” This was the loud and anxious voice of Maizah followed by a few more voices. And now Anzala and Adnaan were shouting. She stood up in a hurry and ran towards the stairs but stopped in the middle after she heard her name in the conversation. 

“Agar wo Fayra ko call ya message kar bhi raha tha to tumhe kya zarurat thi use itni buri tarha maarne ki?” Adnaan shouted from the top of his lungs, Anzala was also looking angry with his son but… 

(Even if he was texting and calling Fayra, why did you beat him so brutally?)

“Biwi hai wo meri… Us kamine ki himmat kese huyi uski taraf ankh uthane ki? Abhi to sirf uski naak toodi hai, zarurat padi to jaan se bhi maar dunga use,” This was the loudest shout of his life. Eyes widen, teeth grinding, breath heavy… This Danish wasn’t the Danish Rizwi who was a sweet and respectful man. Today, Danish wasn’t only a son, he was a husband too. A husband who couldn't tolerate any man looking towards his wife with a dirty gaze.

(She is my wife… how did that bastard dare to raise his eyes towards her? Right now I have only broken his nose, if need be I will even kill him.)

Rizwi mansion shook with this roar and Rizwi(s) were frozen. 

Danish didn't wait for anyone to react, well… no one was in a condition to react at this moment. Skipping every next stair he was fast to climb stairs but stopped in between after seeing his favourite face, but crying with tears. 

“I..” she tucked her lower lip in between her lips and controlled her sob. Danish’s left cheek was swollen, the cheek bone was showing blue and red blue bruises. White shirt tore from many places and showing redish brown marks of dried blood. “I’m sorry. It is all because of me.” Fayra’s mumbling apology was hard to hear but he smiled a little and lifted his left hand towards her face. 

“Hazar baar kaha hai tumse, tumhe rote huye nhi dekh sakta main.” He softly cleaned her tears with the thumb of left hand, whole family watching the scene from downstairs but didn’t know what they were talking. 

(I have told you a thousand times, I can't see you crying.)

“Aapke to bohot chhot lagi hai.” she cried with fresh tears but Danish cleaned her tears one more time. However he didn't forget to clean his hands with his pants. 

(You are injured very badly.)

“Theek hu main, bas…” He hesitated for a moment but continued… “Ek cup achi si chai pila do apne hath ki.” he demanded. Fayra nodded in a hurry while walking towards the kitchen with long steps and Danish moved upstairs but this time calmly. All his anger was gone after seeing care in Fayra’s eyes. Isn’t the very first step of love?

(I am fine, just…)

(Give me a cup of nice tea made by you.)

Meanwhile Rizwi(s) were becoming the witness of a new chapter of their family. 

<><>

Author’s Note:

Umm… I hope you like the chapter.

Bye bye.

_Naaz Jamal