Chapter 21

How to prepare the bedroom for a movie date with my husband? 

A question was being asked from Google Baba, who knows everything and it didn't take time to answer the same. 

She blinked, and closed her eyes for a moment. This could be a lot of work. However she was supposed to do everything for his happiness. She wanted him to love her the same way her father loved her mother.

Spending some two hours she decorated the room with scented candles, arranged some snacks, set more than usual pillows and blankets to make everything cosy and comfortable. Wearing a cute pair of PJs she waited for her husband for more than two hours but his important meeting was not ending, resulting in her being offended by him. 

“Ashar, how long will you take?” She sent a voice message but heard a beeping sound from the door of the room. A smile broke on her lips after seeing him, and anger vanished.

“I was waiting for you,” she pouted while standing up from the couch. A tired Ashar forgot all his stress after looking at the room, placing the bag on the table he opened his arms to give a quick hug to his wife.

“Sorry darling, but the meeting was important so I couldn't end it soon.” giving her a bear hug he whispered in her ear followed by a small kiss on her earlobe. 

“Go, change your clothes and then we will watch the movie.” Breaking the hug Bisma smiled brightly and He nodded. 

“Aapne khana khaa liya na?” She tried her best to be a good wife by asking such questions to express her love.              

(You already have dinner. Right?)

“Yeah, and you?” he asked while going towards the bathroom and she just nodded her head.

“Good, Now start the movie I’m coming in just five minutes.” she furrowed after getting that instruction. 

“But which movie? We haven't decided yet.”  

“Any movie my wife wants to watch.” he smirked before blowing an air kiss to her which made her blush. 

After only the said five minutes Ashar stepped out of the bathroom to find his wife setting the projector. He raised his brow and felt amazed. It was the first time after their marriage when she was doing something romantic. He  lit the candles and turned the light off.

The mild fragrance of rosewood which is known for its aphrodisiac effect captured the cosy dim lit room. Bisma was looking attractive in her cute outfit, her long hair falling freely on her back inviting him to play with them. Two champagne glasses filled with fizzy apple drink set on the nightstand.

“Why is it taking too much time?” He asked in a hushed tone, Bisma turned and smiled to see him and walked towards the bed,

“It will take only one minute.” She set the pillow for both of them, he took his seat beside this woman who was entirely his. 

The projector was playing some ads before the movie could be started. “You know what Bisma,” his arm slipped in her waist and a husky voice gave her goosebumps all over the body.

“No, I don't know,” controlling her smile she peeped in his eyes. Full of love and desire. Her heart skipped a beat. Breath started to feel heavy when he leaned near her.

“And why don't you know?” He whispered, making her shocked. What happened to him tonight? After six months of their marriage she was discovering a new Ashar who was showing new ways of love. Her nervous eyes met his, both smiled, she was first to look down shyly.

“How do I know without you telling me?” she whispered. 

“You should know without even me telling you that I love you to the moon and back.” his breath mingled with peppermint fell on her lips to burn her in nervousness but pleasure too. His grip on her waist tightened, lips slowly reached to hers, resulting in her eyes closing down. The magic of fragrance in the air mingled with arousing desires, his hand cupped her face gently as if it was nothing but a fragile rose. Lips almost met when the music of the flute played in the background stopped Ashar to proceed with what he was about to do, diverting his focus from her lips to the screen he glanced at the movie. 

After the wait was stretched too much Bisma opened her eyes, her husband watching the movie with unreadable expressions. 

“What’s wrong?” she whispered, he bliked while turning his head towards her. Expressions which were in between seduction, satisfaction and enjoyment suddenly converted into shock and the very next moment to disappointment followed by anger. 

“Kung Fu Panda?” 

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Making a cup of tea Fayra walked out of the kitchen, she was in such a hurry that Maizah, who was already going towards her son’s room, went unnoticed by her eyes. Surprised, Maizah saw Fayra outstripping her.

“Hmm… careful much.” Anzala smiled a little after seeing this side of Fayra for Danish. Somewhere Anzala and Maizah remembered their time, their care for each other was unmatched. 

Fayra entered Danish’s room with long steps and, as usual, didn't feel the need to knock on the door. But, her breath was hitched to see a shirtless Danish standing near the bed, his hand was going towards the Tshirt present on the bed, but after witnessing Fayra he was also shocked. For a moment his hand stopped in between but the very next moment he quickly wore the Tshirt. Fayra didn't look at him, she just placed the cup of tea near him and turned to go but stopped by his voice.

“I have to talk to you, sit here.” He ordered. 

“Umm… take a rest, I will come again.” she muttered without looking up.

“No, sit here.” His voice addressed an urgency which forced the nervous Fayra to sit beside him on the couch. His right hand approached hers, slowly grabbing it softly. She tried to look up but couldn't out of nervousness.

“Danish…” Before their conversation could be started a voice echoed at the same time Maizah walked in the room to see her son, followed by Anzala, Sara and Adnaan.

“Yeah mumma?” Danish looked up and Maizah looked down to his hand. 

“How are you now?”

“I’m fine.” Leaving Fayra’s hand Danish replied. Fayra looked at the elders standing there while she was sitting comfortably. “Aap log baith jaiye.” Leaving her seat she gave space to Maizah and slowly turned to go but stopped by a call.

(You people have a seat.)   

 “Fayra.” It  was Danish. 

“Ji?” 

“Wait here, I have to talk to you,” She looked at Danish then towards the elders present in the room. 

“I will come later.” she muttered, wanting to avoid Danish but this stubborn man was not going to leave this matter easily.

“I said, sit here.” Fayra was surprised to detect anger in his voice. She silently sat down on the edge of the bed, waiting for the elders to leave. Anzala and Adnaan were instructing Danish to not lose senses in anger, Maizah and Sara were suggesting him to take rest and have some milk but this girl was silently sitting holding her pondering heart because today Danish’s tone was the mixture of two emotions, Firsts was love and the other was anger. Both of them were new for her. He had been showing his careful nature towards her ever since but today the way he called Fayra his wife in front of everyone was more than just care. And now, at this moment Fayar could see him angry towards her but she was unaware regarding the reason, this thing was making her scared more than nervous. 

Soon elders took their leave one by one, At the end only Maizah and Fayra were sitting with Danish    

“I’m going, tell me if you need anything.” Maizah also left with this statement but not before kissing the head of her only son and Fayra gulped with fear because Danish was fast to stand up and slammed the door from inside.

“Um… I… Umm… your tea turned cold… let me bring a fresh one for you.” She walked towards the cup of tea but her wrist was grabbed by Danish. 

“Tum Arsh ke sath night club jaati thi?” Fayra’s breath hitched. Body froze. Heart forgot to beat again.

(Did you go to the nightclub with Arsh?)

“Fayra, I don't like to repeat myself.” she gulped on the strictness of his voice. Scared, She tried to pull her hand away from his grip and took a step away but he was more powerful than her. “No … I” she muttered without looking in his eyes. 

“Listen to me carefully…” she looked up straight in his eyes. Heart still beating fast. “Don't lie. I am not dragging this matter to the eld because I want you to trust me and speak your heart out in front of me.” His cold voice sent the chill down her spine. 

“Arsh asked me to come so…” she lowered her gaze, Danish’s blood boiled, his teeth grit with anger.

“Usne bulaya aur tum aadhi raat ko us se milne chali gyi Fayra? Agar wo kuch aur karne ko bhi kehta to kya karti tum? Maan jaati?” Anger, frustration, disappointment and heartache blended together in Danish’s voice but Fayra was silent because somewhere it was true, she would cross every limit just to get Arsh by fulfilling his demands. 

(He called and you went to meet him at midnight? Fayra, What would you have done if he had asked you to do something else with him? Would you have agreed?)

“I am sorry.” she cleaned the tears from the corner of her eyes. Only two tears. Only two drops of water but they were powerful enough to wash away the mess of anger from Danish’s personality.

 He sighed after gesturing to her to sit next to himself. “Sit here.” Fayra hesitated but felt scared to disobey his order. She silently took her seat beside him but didn't say a word. Danish kept watching her. He didn't want to end this conversation with her tears. He never wanted her to cry miserably. 

“Rooya na kro Fyara, Nhi dekhe jate mujhse tumhare aansu.” he left her hand before passing her the glass of water but she didn't grab it. For some two minutes he was watching her shedding tears but he couldn't see this scene for any longer. Curling his arm around her shoulder he pulled her into a hug. Her small frame hid in his arms.

(Don't cry Fayra, I can't see your tears.)

Fayra found tranquility in this position. Resting her head on his chest she closed her eyes, her one hand rested on his chest as she cried continuously. 

“Trust me, Da…” she stopped herself to call him by name because Bhai felt obligated with it, but continued in a whisper mingled with silent cry. “I didn't want to go to the nightclub, I never wanted to go on any dates with him, but when he asked me to prove my love… I was helpless. What could I do? We were supposed to get married soon, I didn't want him to think negatively about me. I simply did everything to prove that he and that relationship meant the world to me. I'm sorry but please don't tell this papa. Please.” She cried silently and Danish sighed. She didn't know how many deep wounds he had given to his heart by this small confession. 

But a lover isn't a lover if he can't neglect every mistake of his beloved. 

Some aftermath and he put all the blame on Fayra's innocence. One arm wrapped around her shoulder and the other hand cupped her face, his chin rested on her head. Fayra was hidden in his arms. He could feel her breath falling on his hand and she could hear his heartbeat. The most tranquil moment for them. Slowly her crying lightened. For a few moments she felt as if she was a small child feeling protected in two safe arms. Both didn't move even a single inch. Fayra's eyes were closed but she started feeling better when a thumb started caressing her cheek softly. This soft touch started working like a lullaby. Before she could sleep in his arms his whisper disturbed her.

“I trust you.” She opened her eyes but again closed them after taking a long breath.

What happened to her suddenly she didn't know? Till the morning his touch was the most uncomfortable feeling for her but at this moment all she wanted were these arms and this chest to rest her head on. 

“Thank you. You are always my strength.” She muttered while her free hand grabbed his hand which was resting on her cheek. 

“Tumhare aansu mujhe dard dete hain Fayra, na rooya karo.” He whispered but she smiled a little with closed eyes. 

(Your tears hurt me, Fayra, don't cry ever.)

“Can't help… they start flowing every now and then.” 

“Hmm… ever since.” This time he also smiled, mocking Fayra's old habit of crying. 

She opened her eyes, slowly loosened his grip around herself and looked at his face, still in his arms. 

“Dard ho rha hai?” She asked after touching the red and blue bruised face but he shook his head. 

(Is it hurting?)

“Nhi nhi, usne phoolo ki barish kari thi, dard kyu hoga?” A clear sarcasm and Fayra glared at him but laughed too. 

(No no, he showered me with flowers, why would it be hurting?)

“Pagal.” It was an additional statement but he pulled her into a hug again. This time Fayra closed her eyes and tried to accept the reality. Now this man was her husband, for the first time she forced her heart to see him not as a cousin. 

(Idiot.)

“Not more than you.” She muttered but at the same time. 

“Danish…” They both were shocked to hear this call, before they could separate each other from their grips the door of the room was opened by Maizah bit she was frozen with embarrassment before stepping in. Danish and Fayra looked at the figure standing on the doorway, they quickly separated from each other. Fayra lowered her eyes and pushed her hair behind her ear. 

“I… I thought…” Maizah didn't have any idea that the husband and wife were still present in the same room, she thought their conversation would have ended long ago and now to show some motherly affection this lady was standing in the room with a glass of turmeric milk in her hands. 

“Good night.” Fayra muttered without shifting her eyes from the floor and shifted aback. She walked towards the door where Maizah was still standing like a dummy. She didn't know in the past that she would also become the reason behind this awkward moment. She and Anzala always complain that they don't get privacy but today she did the same thing. 

“Umm… you people talk… I just…” looking towards the glass of milk Maizah tried to alter the awkwardness but Fayra glanced at her and quickly ran back to her room. Danish closed his eyes. After a long wait only today he got this moment but it was ruined. 

“I'm going.” Placing the glass on the coffee table Maizah looked at his son. “I'm sorry.” She muttered but Danish shook his head. 

“It’s okay.” He didn't make eye contact with his mother, more than embarrassed he was disheartened. 

Maizah turned to go but stopped and looked at her son. “Adnaan aur Sara se Fayra ki rukhsati ki baat kru?” Her question confused Danish for a moment but the very next minute she understood what his mother was asking. Resulting a smile crawled to his already swollen face. 

(Should I talk to Sara and Adnaan about Fayra's farewell?)

“Wo maan jayenge?” He asked in a hushed tone. His concerns were correct, Sara and Adnaan were the first to ask Danish to give some time and space to Fayra so that she could absorb all the changes that happened all of a sudden. 

(Will they agree?)

“Teen mahine hone wale hain shadi ko, ab to maan jana chahiye.” Maizah smiled because she could see her son's happiness in this decision. 

(It has been three months since you got married, they should have agreed now.) 

“Umm… agar aapko aesa theek lagta hai to… mujhe koi masla nhi hai.” The boy who was famous for making demands suddenly left everything on his mother's choice but he forgot that his mother was not a normal polite woman, she was The Maizah Rizwi, one and only wife of the Anzala Rizwi. 

(Umm… If that's okay with you… I don't have any issues.)

“Umm… agar meri marzi ki baat hai to phir rehne deti hu, agar tum chahte to main Adnaan aur Sara se baat kar leti, khair… jaane do.” Maizah's mischievous smile took away Adnaan's smile, he blinked blankly at his mother's statement. She gestured towards the glass of milk and turned to go but waited for Danish to stop her. 

(Umm… if it is about my wish then I will leave it, but if you wanted then I could talk to Adnaan and Sara. Well, nevermind.)

“Mumma.” A smile crawled to her lips as her wait was over too soon. 

“Hmm?” 

“Umm… I was wondering if… if it…” he hesitated for a moment but sighed as he already knew what his mother was doing with him. “Chamu aur Sara mami se baat kar lijiye.” he smiled because after today's Fayra's behaviour he understood she was ready to accept this relationship. 

(Please, Talk to Sara mami and Chamu.)

“Sharam nhi aati?” She asked, trying to show herself an orthodox mother but her son shook his head without leaving his smile. 

(Don't you feel even a little shy?)

“Mere Maa Baap ne sharmana sikhaya hi nhi.” 

(My parents didn’t teach me to feel shy.)

“Beta Maa baap ne to aur bhi bohot kuch  nhi sikhaya tha, wo to seekh gye ho.” Danish didn’t expect this bluntness from his mother but before the situation could become awkward Maizah handled it gracefully by adding “Jese ladayi karna, police station mein sara din guzaarna, kisi ki naak tood dena.” The twenty seven year old scratched his forehead and smiled nervously, he knew his mother was making up the statement. 

(Dear, your parents didn't teach you many more things but you already learned them.)

(Like fighting, spending the whole day in a police station and breaking someone’s nose.)

“Ab ye dudh piyo aur soo jao.” A scolding to change the awkwardness of the environment.  

(Have this milk and sleep.)

“Kabhi bina dante bhi baat kar liya kariye.” 

(Sometimes you should talk to me without scolding.)

“Abhi daantne wale maa baap dekhe hi kaha hain tumhe.” 

(You haven't seen the strict parents yet.)

“Oh… so you are counting yourself out from that category?” he smirked and Maizah rolled her eyes, “Wait to become a parent then your children will teach you the art of gentle parenting." and she left the room without knowing that someone was already waiting for her to leave so that she could come back to the room. 

Danish smiled after thinking about this phase of life. 

Kids? His kids? 

How will he feel after lifting them in his arms? 

Will he love them like Anzala loved him or will he love them even more? 

All those questions played with some soft strings of his heart. 

“Kya ho gya? Choot muh par lagi hai ya dimaag par jo akele bethe bethe has rhe hain?” Fayra shook his arm abruptly just to gain his hissing sound and he groaned in pain while throwing a glare at her. 

(What happened? Did you get the injury on your face or your brain that you are smiling sitting alone?) 

“Fayra, are you mad? It’s hurting.” He pulled his arm away from her grip, still in pain because in reality Mard ko bhi dard hota hai, (men also feel pain).

“I’m sorry.” she muttered after realising that his arm had a big bruise just like on his face. She thought about giving him a painkiller but another question came to her mind. 

“Aapne subah se kuch khaya ya nhi?” She asked with concern but he gave her a disappointed look.

(Have you eaten anything since morning or not?)

“Fayra main police station mein tha subah se, apni sasural mein nhi jaha meri khatirdaari hoti.” He replied with frustration making Fayra confused regarding this sudden shift in his behaviour. 

(Fayra, I was in the police station since morning, not in my in-laws home to get a special treatment.)

“Kya ho gya hai? Aag kyu ugal rhe hain dinosaur ki tarha?” 

(What happened? Why are you spitting fire like a dinosaur?)

“Jo aag ugalta hai wo dragon hota hai  dinosaur nhi.” He snapped.

(The one that spits fire is a dragon, not a dinosaur.)

“Haa… to first cousins hi to hai na dono…” She shrugged, demonstrating her confidence. 

(so? They are kind of first cousins.)

“Fayra… you can’t be serious… Dragon and dinosaur are cousins?”

“Can you stop this useless debate and tell me what spoiled your mood?” Asked Fayra and Danish set his specs while realising that it was no one else but Fayra herself because she dragged him out from his daydream regarding his bond with his future kids. But right now he didn't want to spoil his relationship with the mother of his future kids. 

“Nothing.” He shook his head and Fayra gave him a disappointed look to scold her without any of her fault. 

“Ye jo aapke chehre ki geography bigdi huyi hai na iska lihaaz kar ke chhod rhi hu warna abhi theek kar deti aapko.” She huffed, picked the cup of tea which was untouched by Danish and left the room. 

(I’m leaving you considering the destroyed geography of your face otherwise I would never leave you.) 

“Idiot.” Danish muttered walking towards the bed. Turning off the light he pulled the blanket on himself when a figure walked in the room. Turning on the light she sat beside Danish on the bed,  “Show me.” she muttered after turning his head towards herself and the very next moment she placed the ice pack on his bruised cheek.

“Hold this,” she ordered. Poor Danish held that cold pack in his hand but his hissing sound forced Fayra to notice the reason behind his pain. The fingers of his right hand were red and swollen, blood dried on the knuckles making them dark brown.

“What is this?” holding his injured hand in her soft hand Fayra almost yelled. Danish tried to pull his hand away from her grip but the stubborn girl glared at him. “You are good for nothing, couldn't you show this before?” scolding him angrily she stood up and almost ran downstairs. Danish sighed. He knew no one else could scold him more than this girl but the fact was… he would never tolerate anyone’s lecture but this girl was an exceptional case. 

In only two minutes she was back to the room with a first aid box in her hand. 

“Can’t you walk instead of running?” 

“Can’t you stay quiet instead of talking?” The scold in return of a scold. Account settled.

After cleaning his wounds, applying ointment on them she wrapped a bandage on his hand, Danish was refusing to carry this bandage but this girl knew the art of ignoring his orders. 

“Khana laa rhi hu, wo khaa kar soo jaiye, aur ye dudh kyu nhi piya ab tak?” Another scolding. 

(I am bringing food, eat that and go to sleep, and why haven't you drunk this milk yet?)

“I don't like this turmeric milk. Don't you know?” 

“You are not getting it as a reward, drink it in one go.” passing the glass she glared at him. Danish held the glass with his left hand and followed the order. 

“Kya qismat hai, Maa se bhi baate suno aur biwi se bhi, future mein beti hogi to kya us se bhi daant sunni padegi?” He muttered after Fayra left the room but a smile again captured his lips after thinking about his children. 

(What an amazing destiny I have. Listen to your mother’s scoldings as well as your wife’s. But what if I have a daughter in the future, will I have to listen to scolding from her too?)

“Have dinner.” She came back again. Placing the curry and roti in front of him she waited for him to have the first bite but he couldn't because of the bandage on his hand. Fayra sat beside him. 

“Main na hu to apka kaam nhi chal sakta.” and he took the very first morsel from her hand. 

(You can't survive without me.)

“Hum aapke bina kaam chalana bhi nhi chahte,” He muttered but she didn't understand.

(I don't even want to survive without you.)

“What?” she asked

“Hmm… so…” he waited for her to give the next morsel in his mouth then continued. “Mumma is about to talk to chamu and Sara mami regarding our farewell.” Fayra’s smile dropped. She wasn't expecting this to come so soon. 

“Pta nhi kya ho gya hai sab ko? Aaj Mummy bhi keh rhi thi ki mere bachhe jab mujhe pareshan krege tab maza ayega. But… Ye sab mujhe bohot awkward lag rha hai. Mene to aesa kabhi socha hi nhi.” In a flow of emotions she shared her true feelings and Danish smiled a little. 

(What happened to everyone? Today Mummy was also saying that she will enjoy seeing my kids troubling me. But it feels awkward. I never have imagined such things.)

“Jo hum sochte hain hamesha wo hi nhi hota, Fayra. Humne to ye bhi nhi socha tha ki hamari shadi kabhi ho sakti hai, lekin ho gyi na… waqt ke sath sath sab kuch theek lagne lagega.” Danish muttered shifting near her. Fayra felt hesitate but didn't react, just lowered her eyes when he held her hand.     

(Things never go according to our will, Fayra. We never planned our marriage but it also took place, right? Similarly, things will fall in place with passing time.)

“Aap araam kriye, kuch chahiye ho to mujhe bta dijiyega.” she tried to pull her hand from his grip.

(take a rest, and tell me if you need anything.)

“Thank you so much for everything.” he smiled and leaned near her face, Fayra was confused by his action until his lips pressed on her cheek and realisation hit her hard. She shivered from inside. 

She stood up. “Don't do these things. Please don't.” and the very next moment she ran out from the room leaving Danish in guilt and chaos. Why did I do that? He palmed his face and closed his eyes.  

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A very long chapter....

I hope you like it.

If yes, Kindly share it with your friend.

_Naaz Jamal