Chapter 23

Eyes half closed, Maizah picked her mobile to see who was calling early in the morning. It was no one else but her only daughter, Bisma.

“Hello, Bisma… Is everything alright? You are calling at this time.” Maizah asked in a sleepy voice. 

“Hmm… all good, are you still sleeping?” Bisma asked and Maizah glanced at the clock showing seven o clock.

“Mere bachhe ab school nhi jaate jo mujhe subah jaldi uthne ki zarurat ho.” She closed her eyes and Bisma sighed. 

(Now my kids don’t go to school so I don’t have to wake up early.)

“Bachhe to mere bhi school nhi jaate, mere to bacchhe hi nhi hain phir bhi subah jaldi uth gyi hu… well.. Okay, bye.” 

(My kids also don’t go to school, even though I don't have kids, I still wake up early.)

“Wait, why did you call so early? Is everything fine?” Maizah’s slumber already vanished, She pushed away Anzala’s arm resting on her arm which disturbed his slumber too.      

“Yeah all good.” she again muttered sadly. 

“Why are you sounding worried, Bisma?” This question forced Anzala to open his eyes. 

“What happened?” Anzala tried to say but his voice didn’t come out until he cleared his throat and repeated.

“Bisma, are you crying?” asked Maizah, worried for her daughter. Anzala sat down on the bed following his wife’s action. 

“Mummy, Sometimes I feel my life is spoiled after getting married to this man.” she was at the edge of crying 

“Tell me what happened? Pari… why are you crying?” Asked Anzala after taking the mobile away from Maizah but she glared at him and snatched the mobile back and put it on speaker.

“Mumma, He himself told me to plan a movie night, and select a movie of my choice. I Did everything, literally everything but Ashar got angry as soon as the movie started.” Bisma was on the edge of crying. Anzala’s blood boiled with anger. He was determined to talk to Arham and Muskan regarding this behaviour of their son but for the first time in life, Maizah showed some sensibility by asking “Why? What happened?” 

“He said Kung Fu Panda bhi koi dekhne layaq movie hai?” Maizah and Anzala looked at each other, Maizah widened her eyes and Anzala smacked his head. 

(He said, is Kung Fu Panda a watchable Movie?)

“Kung Fu Panda?” Anzala mouthed and Maizah jerked her head.

“Then what happened? Ashar didn’t talk to you?” Maizah asked

“Then… Mumma I was deeply hurt that I started crying and he said with frustration… okay don't cry, just watch the movie.” Anzala and Maizah again looked at each other. 

“So you watched KungFu Panda for a date night?” Maizah asked.     

“Yeah mummy and till the end Ashar was also enjoying it, then we watched Raya and the Last Dragon and he liked that too but at first he was only angry with me. Mumma, couldn't he appreciate my efforts?” The girl was about to cry but Maizah fake cried and hit her head on Anzala’s arm who was also on the edge of crying but For Ashar. 

“It means everything was fine so what happened now? Why are you crying and complaining about getting married to Ashar?” Maizah Asked

“Mummy, I wanted to sleep more but he woke me up for a morning walk… What kind of a man have you married me to?” 

“Bisma, are you still in bed? Get up fast. Wear your shoes and get ready.” Ashar’s voice echoed in the background and Maizah cut the call after muttering “We are really sorry.” 

“Yeah… I’m also sorry for Ashar, the poor guy had to watch KungFu Panda and Raya for date night.” Anzala rested his head on Maizah’s shoulder who rested her head with his head.

“Yeah, I can feel Ashar’s pain, you also made me watch Crime Patrol in the name of spending time together.” She rolled her eyes.

“Tujhe meri koi achhai yaar hai?” he asked with a peaceful smile playing on his face. 

(Do you even remember something good about me?) 

“Acchai yaad rakhne ke liye tujhme achhai honi bhi to chahiye na.” That was how they began their morning. 

(There should be something good in you to be remembered.)

<><><>

At Night…

A tiring day urged him to go to the bed but how could he forget his little wife who was already offended with him. Holding a big chocolate and a small teddy bear keychain in his hand he walked towards her room but it was empty and he knew where this girl could be found.

<>

Instead of the swing she was sitting on the floor, a mug of coffee was resting near her but now it was as cold as the wind playing with clouds and fragrance present around it. Her eyes were fixed at the sky which was showing no trace of light, many stars were there but no one had power to glow up the dark sky, Only a full moon had the power to do this magic but he was hidden in the sheets of clouds. Tonight the sky resembled her life where many people were around her but no one had the power to spread the light of happiness in her dark life. Only her moon could do that, however it was hidden from the eyes of this girl. 

Resting her back with the boundary wall she sighed. Sitting in huddled she glanced at the moon then closed her eyes. Why with me? Only this question popped into her head. Eyes urging her to cry out all the pain she was holding in her heart but today she wanted to stay strong. 

All the feelings she was burying inside her suddenly revived after having only one dream. One could control the actions and reactions but what about feelings and dreams? They come without an invitation. They play with one’s mental health and emotions without coming to others’ notice. 

She was dealing with the same pain. Silently. 

Resting her head on her knees she closed her eyes and didn't know for how long she was sitting in the same position, but a voice disturbed the peaceful environment but there wasn't any peace inside her.

 She opened her eyes. Danish was standing only a few steps away from her. Without choosing to give him attention she again closed her eyes, resting her head on her knees.

“Tum yaha kyu bethi huyi ho Fayra?” 

(Why are you sitting here, Fayra?)

“Ye mera ghar hai, main kahi bhi baith sakti hu.” The reply was hushed but the firm tone addressed something uneasy inside her. Without wasting time he sat down beside her.

(It's my home, I can sit anywhere.)

“Kya hua hai?” He asked in a soft voice 

(What happened?)

“Nothing.” she replied without opening her eyes. “Mujhe kisi se baat nhi karni, mujhe akela chhod dijiye.” 

(Please, just leave me alone. I don't want to talk to anyone right now.)

“Lekin mujhe to tumse baat karni hai, mujhe jaanna hai tumhare andar konsa tufan barpa hai.” he copied her position. Now both sitting huddled beside each other.

(But I want to talk to you, I want to know what's going inside you.)

“kyu? Kyu jaanna hai? Jaiye Esha se baate kariye, us se janiye uske dil me kya hai…” she glared at him and again closed her eyes.

(Why? Why do you want to know? Go and talk to Esha, find out what's in her heart…)

“Us se bhi puch lunga abhi to tum batao tumhe kya hua hai?” He smiled mischievously but got a glare from her again.

(I'll ask her too but right now you tell me what happened.)

“Sirf us se hi baat kar lijiye, mujhse na kariye.” She stressed on every word but this time Danish understood it wasn't funny anymore.

(No need to talk to me too… Talk to her only.)

“Tumhe bura laga mera us se baat karna?” He asked in a hushed tone but Fayra didn't reply, she was only looking at the sky, trying to get a glance of the moon.

(Did my conversation with her hurt you?)

“Fayra?” It wasn't a call but a question.

“Mujhe kyu bura lagega?” She muttered without looking at him but Danish was watching her. Only her.

(Why would it hurt me?)

“Ab baat nhi krunga Esha se, bas tum udaas na ho.”

(I won't talk to her now onwards, just don't be upset.)

“Kisi se bhi baat kriye, kisi se bhi miliye, kisi se bhi dosti kriye… aapki life aapki marzi.” She cleared her stand but the person at the other side had no other choice besides her happiness. 

(Talk to anyone, meet anyone, befriend anyone. Your life, your choice.)

“Idhar dekho meri taraf.” Holding her chin with the first finger and thumb he turned it towards himself delicately. She lifted her eyes to see the figure sitting just beside her. Resting her head on her knees she looked at his eyes full of care and love. But this wasn't the man she dreamt of. He wasn't the man whom she wanted to see her with these emotions. He was a replacement, but she was unable to forget the one she dreamt of. She closed her eyes, a harsh breath escaped her nostrils and tears oozed out from the corner of her eyes.

(Look at me, here.)

“Tumse kisne kaha meri zindagi meri marzi? Fayra, Hum ek dusre ki zindagi mein apni marzi chala sakte hain… kuch bura lage to bata diya kro, aese roone se kya hota hai? Main Esha se kya kisi bhi ladki se baat nhi krunga, tum to chup ho jao please.” shifting closer he curled his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in his arms but she was still huddled up.

(You told you that it's my life, my choice? Fayra, we both can express our choice in each other's life… let me know if something hurts you, but please don't cry like this… tears make nothing better.)

“Meri pyari Fayda… roona to band kro na. I'm sorry.” He tried to pull her in embrace but she was not leaving her position resulting, a forceful pull resulted in her head resting on her torso. He didn't move, she didn't protest. “Shhh…” His shirt soaked her silent and fresh tears. 

(My dear Fayra, stop crying.)

“Faru… I'm sorry.” he thought she was crying for him, but in reality she was crying for the man she didn't get. She looked up, he was already watching her, she tried to move back but Danish held her head against his chest one one time. 

“I brought chocolate for you but you are busy with waterwork.” He whispered. An arm held her protectively from shoulders and the other hand cupped her face as if she wasn't his wife but a small crying kid who needed his support and protection. 

“Will you stop crying?” He asked lovingly. She adjusted herself in his arms, just like she used to do in childhood until Sara instructed her to stay away from Danish because after all… he was a cousin and this amount of closeness was unacceptable. Now she could hear his heartbeat, half of her weight was falling on his chest. Slipping away his hand from her cheek, Danish grabbed her hand. His big palm hid her delicate fingers as he took them in his fist.

“Life is unpredictable,” he whispered, seeing this hand in his hand, a smile captured his lips when he noticed her tears dried up. Now She was looking like a lifeless dummy.The curious new moon peeped out from the curtains of dark clouds. One broken heart was present in the arms of her lover who was feeling like the king of this world right now. He counted each and every breath of her falling on his arm and chest, and Fayra didn't even know what she was doing with this poor guy and his heartbeat. He looked at her face and noticed the small brown spot on her nose for the first time. Maybe it was an acne spot but what mattered to him was this closeness. How could he note even these small details if she was not present here at this moment. Pushing her curly messy hair away from her forehead he closed his eyes while kissing the back of her hand.

Fayra opened her eyes, Danish was only a few inches away from her face, she could hear his heartbeat increasing. Her own heart was racing faster than normal. 

“You are so beautiful, Fayra.” caressing her cheek with the back of his fingers he whispered and leaned a bit more closer to give a shock to this girl. And he himself didn't know in which trance his lips landed on the soft skin of her cheek, just near the corner of her mouth. A loud gasp left her mouth but he just closed his eyes taking a deep breath. He inhaled her sweet fragrance near her neck but Fayra almost yelled. “No..” pushing away him she pulled herself back from his arms. 

“Stay away…”  and she was gone with long steps, tears drenching her cheeks.

“Am I going mad or what?” He cursed himself for his deed but he didn't know why it happened to him.  “What will she think of me?” He muttered holding his head in his hands but little did he know, more than Fayra someone else was going to think about this matter.

<><><><>

A worried Maizah was unable to sleep last night. She saw a crying Fayra coming back to her room, being an aunt she couldn't help and ask her about the reason behind those tears. 

 “Danish,” as soon as he stepped out of his room a voice stopped him, it was Maizah. 

“Yeah mumma?” hiding the guilt of the last night behind hisfake expressions he turned to see his mother who came closer to him.

“In my room. Right now.” This was the first time when she was strict towards her lovely son.

“Tumne kal kya kra hai Fayra ke sath?” His breath hitched at this question. How could he tell his mother what he did with his wife?

(What did you do with Fayra?)

“What did she say?” He asked just to get a glare from her.

“Shukar karo usne mujhe hi bataya hai agar Adnaan ya Anzala ko bata deti to wo dono tumhari haddiyan tood dete.” she glared at him again. Danish was in mixed emotions. Anger suddenly dominated the guilt. How could Fayra tell anyone about their private moment? It was without her concern but she should know what to share and what not. 

(Be thankful that she told me only, if she had told Adnaan or Anzala, both of them would have broken your bones.)

“Are you listening or not?” Maizah asked while glaring at him. “I just want to slap you tight.” 

“Mummy I am not a kid…” He was looking disappointed with his mother for discussing this incident openly. 

“Ye hi to masla hai, tum bade to gye ho… Besharam insaan. Jesa baap wesa beta. ”

(I know, that’s the problem. Shameless creature. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.)

“What? What did dad do?” 

“ What did dad do?... want to know? He used to flirt with other girls in front of my eyes when he was already married to me. But Danish I’m telling you, I won’t tolerate tears in Fayra’s eyes. She is the daughter of my brother. She and I have the same blood running in us. Mark my words, I will forget that you are my own son if I witness Fayra crying because of you.” Danish blinked twice. Really? Fayra didn't tell the truth? He was grateful for this sensible decision from this insensible girl. 

“Get out of here and next time y…” And he didn't bother to hear the last part before stepping out of the room. 

<><><>

Three days passed in silence, Fayra was avoiding Danish intentionally out of hesitation and Danish was trying his best to talk to her however failed each time. “Fayra, at least listen to me, I have to tell you something.” he held her hand when she was going towards the lawn of the home.  

“I’m getting late for the college,” she didn't make eye contact and tried to pull her wrist away from his grip but he was stronger. “Just five minutes won’t harm much,” He was determined to say what he wanted to share with her for the last two days but suddenly a figure walked out in a hurry and his eyes fell on his daughter’s wrist which was present in a strong grip.  

“What’s going on here?” Adnaan asked. Danish left Fayra’s hand and they both shook their heads. 

“Let’s go, papa.” and she hopped in the car, Adnaan raised his brow to ask Danish about the matter and he shook his head again. 

“Ladai ho gyi?” Placing his hand on Danish’s shoulder he asked.

(Had an argument?)

“Not an argument but… I did something that offended her.” Danish whispered. Fayra’s eyes were fixed on her mobile screen but her ears were trying to hear the conversation between the duo.

“Beta, nakhre dikhana to biwi ka farz hai, naraaz nhi bhi hogi na to aesa dikhayegi ki naraaz hai taaki thodi extra attention aur care mil jaye. Koshish karte raho.” Adnaan smiled. 

 (Beta, it is the wife's duty to show tantrums, even if she is not angry, she will pretend to be angry so that she can get some extra attention and care. Keep trying.) 

“Maan jayegi na?” Danish asked in a small tone. For a moment Adnaan saw a little Danish whose eyes were blinking with hope but laced with fear too. 

(will she forgive me?)

“She will.” Adnaan patted his shoulder and felt happy to see the efforts this guy was putting for his daughter. Fayra was unable to understand the conversation and soon Adnaan hopped in his car, secured himself with the seatbelt. 

“What happened, Fayra?” Asked Adnaan while starting the car and Fayra shook her head. 

“You know what Fayra, understanding the value of loved ones is an art,” 

“Really?” she asked without showing interest in this small piece of knowledge.

“Accept the reality beta, the more you waste your time the more you will regret in the future.” Adnaan glanced at her while driving but Fayra stayed silent. “Danish truly cares for you.”

“Fayra…”

“Yeah papa?”

“You can share if you are worried about something.” 

“No papa, there is nothing.” and she left her father in chaos.