Chapter 28

Fayra walked out from her college, usually someone came to pick and drop her but a few days ago Afnaan and Anzala forced Adnaan and Sara to let Fayra travel alone to boost her confidence, They were unwilling to accept this decision but sometimes parents take some decisions regarding their children because of family pressure. Here Adnaan and Sara were also helpless. And right now as soon as Fayra walked out from the college gate, she recognised a white SUV, more than SUV she recognised the one who was present on the driving seat. Ignoring him completely she walked ahead. 

“Don't you recognise me?” She heard a voice and felt the SUV coming after her. She ignored and increased her speed but how fast could one walk? 

“Stop this stubbornness, Fayra, listen to me.” 

“Do you want me to shout on the road for help?” She asked with anger, but deep down she was feeling uncomfortable. This man does something to her heart every time he comes across. 

“I want to talk to you, now tell me will you talk here or on the phone call?” 

“But I don't have to talk to you. There is nothing left between us to talk about.” And Fayra took a step ahead but stopped by a voice.

“I know you still love me.” Her feet were rooted by the land. “I know you still have feelings for me.” His voice and words always played with the heart of this innocent girl. For her, words were more important. Verbal expressions were her love language, she didn't want anything else besides some sweetness of words. And Arsh never disappointed her in this, he had a treasure of flirty vocabulary unfortunately no visible action or efforts.

“Sweetheart at least listen to me.” She turned back to see him, he smiled but her eyes filled with tears. If he didn't back off on the wedding day, if he didn't come drunk on the wedding day, today he would have all the right to call her with these sweet words but…

“I'm not your sweetheart. I hate you, Arsh.” She tried to shout but only mumbled, tears were begging to come out of her eyes however she controlled herself. 

“Believe me or not it was Danish who created differences between us,” this time he came to her and grabbed her hand. 

“I don't care who it was, now I don't have to do anything with you.” Fayra jerked his hand. She didn't forget this guy but she knew her limits. 

“I want to marry you Fayra. I am regretting Darling. I love you. Only you.” Fayra was stunned to hear this. 

“I'm already married. And you also know this!”

“Married to whom? The one who is responsible for all these things? He played a game to get you. He played a game to take away your love from you. He played a game to make things complicated between us.” Arsh's words worked like smoke that blurred Fayra's vision to see the reality. She wanted to jerk away this argument but couldn't. 

“Stay away.” Mumbled Fayra and almost ran from that spot. 

“I can't, Jaan. I love you. You're my heart and heartbeat.” He said in a loud voice and Fayra turned to see him. Only she knew how hard it was to hide the state of her heart but she tried her best and walked away. 

Arsh smirked while sighing and wore his sunglasses before hopping in the car. “My little princess… You don't know how to hide your feelings.” his evil mind recognised her expressions without much effort. 

“Danish.” An evil smirk again captured his face as he muttered this name and saw his face in the rare view mirror. The pain in his broken nose often reminds him of Danish and his punches. “What do you think, you'll come to my home, beat me like a punching bag and I'll let you go so easily?” He started driving while humming a few lines of a song that was suitable for this situation. 

‘Yaha ke hum sikandar,

Chahe to rakhle sabko apni jeeb ke andar

Arey humse bachke rehna mere yaar’

<><><>

“Zinu.” She heard the voice but didn't understand anything, maybe her brain wasn't braining at the moment. “Zinu?”

A snap of fingers in front of her face pulled her out from the spell and she looked up. An open book and a few papers were resting in her lap, Shaaz was sitting beside her and explaining an important topic but this girl was lost. 

“What’s wrong with you Zinu? What are you thinking nowadays? What's bothering you?” Shaaz asked and Zinia shook her head, there was nothing to share right now. 

“Wil you tell me whts bothering you, I know there is something.” He insisted. 

“Nothing, Shaaz.”

“Tell me.”

“There is nothing to tell you. I'm fine.”

“Just tell me what's wrong.” This time his voice held an order that she couldn't neglect. 

“How do you understand something is bothering me?” She asked. Eyes and voice filled with admiration. 

“First of all answer my question, what's bothering you, Zinu?”

“I was thinking about Fayra aapi…” she muttered. 

“What about her?” 

“Shaaz, I don't know why I do this but I always get angry and don't realise what I'm saying. I'm so irresponsible.” She shared what was bothering her. 

“Will you tell me in detail?” He asked and Zinia sighed. She informed this guy and he nodded. 

“Now listen to me.” He mumbled.

“Hmm…” She was ready to get suggestions but Shaaz was unpredictably good this time too.

“Do whatever you want, whatever feels good to you. I know you can handle everything gracefully. For now, let's focus on this topic. Okay?”

“Won't you suggest something to me?” She asked and Shaaz shook his head.

“As I said, I trust you Zinu, you're an intelligent girl who knows how to deal with different situations. I personally am not good in all these matters.” Zinia kept looking at him and unable to look away.

No, he was not that handsome to keep staring at him, but there was something in this average looking lean boy that played with Zinia's heart every time.

“Do you trust me this much?” 

“Yes. I do. You have potential” Zinia kept watching him and the very next moment looked towards her book, a beautiful smile never left her face. What does a girl need other than trust, appreciation and respect? This boy was providing her every reason to fall for him. 

“Stop distracting yourself, your performance was pretty horrible in the last two tests. Focus here.” Hitting her head with a roll of papers he dragged her out of the beautiful day dream and she made a fake cry face while rubbing her head.

“Shaaaazzz..” 

“Focus…” he fake glared at her. 

“Accha naa.” She grimaced and huffed. 

(Okay!)

<><><>

It was late evening, A tired Zinia entered the home, before she walked towards her portion of home a smile broke on her lips after witnessing a car stopping in front of the gate. Instead of waiting for the person to leave the driving seat to open the door she opened the gate. 

“Assalamualaikum, Bade papa.” She greeted Adnaan who came back from work just now. 

“Walekum assalam. Just coming back from coaching?” Looking at her bag and a book in her hand he asked and Zinia nodded. 

“That's like my good girl.”

“How was your day, Bade papa?” 

“As usual, tiring.” Adnaan sighed. 

“Aapke liye chai bana du?” She asked and Adnaan took a step ahead, cupping Zinia's face with both hands he kept watching her lovingly and kissed her forehead. 

(Would you like me to make you tea?)

“Sach mein Betiyan neymat hoti hai… pata nhi wo kon log hote hain jinhe betiyan buri lagti hain.”  Adnaan adored his niece meanwhile they heard a happy voice. 

(Truly, daughters are a blessing… god knows who those people are who don’t like daughters.)

“Zinia aapi, cold coffee piyogi?” It was Zunera who was coming with another level of excitement. Who refuses to have a cold coffee? 

(Zinia Aapi, want to have some cold coffee?) 

“Of course.” Zinia nodded, all her tiredness was gone after hearing about it. 

“Make it for me too.” Adnaan also demanded but Zunera rolled her eyes. 

“I don't make it for you, you love her more than me.” Rolling her eyes, Zunera walked away and Adnaan laughed. 

“Drama queen,” he muttered. 

“I'll make it for you and for badi mummy too.” Zinia also turned but Adnaan shook his head. 

“Don't worry beta, take a rest. You must be tired.” listening to the instruction she walked towards the kitchen where Zunera was already preparing herself to make cold coffee. Both the sisters made cold coffee for the whole clan and after giving it to everyone Zinia filled two glasses with it and walked towards Fayra's room. 

Without bothering to knock on the door she walked in. Fayra was laying in her bed, looking sad as well as weak. 

“Fayra Aapi. Cold coffee.” Zinia sat down beside her and Fayra tried to smile but couldn't. Smile isn't an expression, it is an indicator of one's heart, unfortunately this girl was feeling heartbroken right now. 

“Fayra aapi.” Zinia muttered and Fayra nodded but said nothing. Sitting on the bed she pushed her curls away from her face and Zinia gathered a huge amount of courage in herself. 

“I'm sorry aapi.” She muttered. Indeed, recognizing one's mistake and apologizing for it needs a huge amount of courage. 

“For what?” Fayra asked in a hushed tone and looked towards the glass of cold coffee. She wanted to pick one but at the same time didn't want to sip it. 

What kind of mood was it? She wanted to be happy but couldn't feel happy. 

“I'm sorry for my rudeness.” Zinia shifted near Fayra who shrugged. 

“But I didn't even feel that you were rude.” She took a pause, “but yeah, you were too defensive for your Danish bhai, that you forgot to recognise my feelings.” Fayra stressed on your Danish bhai, and Zinia nodded. 

“Yes, I was seeing your story from Danish bhai's point of view. I was seeing his longing because I can relate to it. When Shaaz wasn't here I was longing to see him, to talk to him. I was crying and praying for his well-being. I was missing Shaaz and I felt Danish Bhai must be missing you too… so I got emotional… I didn't want to hurt you.” Zinia's words weren't hollow, but had the weight of emotions. Fayra sighed, for how long could she be upset with her younger sister? But before she could say something Zinia's mobile beeped, it was a text message. Leaving everything her fingers started dancing on the screen to type a text. 

“Kya baate karti rehti ho us se? Kaisa hai ye ladka?” Fayra asked while taking a sip of cold coffee and Zinia looked up after forgetting about the fresh text from Shaaz. 

(What do you talk to him about? How is this boy?)

“You haven't met Shaaz… right?” Zinia asked after realising that Fayra knew nothing about him meanwhile Zinia's mobile started ringing. It was Shaaz's call only. Fayra gave a disappointed look to her sister but she ignored and smiled brightly. 

“Shaaz se baat krengi?” She asked and answered the call while putting it on speaker mode. 

(Want to talk to Shaaz?)

“Hello Shaaz, kya kar rhe hain aap?” Zinia asked with excitement. 

(Hey Shaaz, what are you doing?)

“Tumse baat kar rha hu ya shayad tumhare sath baat kar ke time waste kar rha hu, Zinia mujhe tum par gussa aa rha hai.” Shaaz didn't know he was being listened to by someone else too, but Fayra disliked the tone of this boy. For her it was disrespectful. 

(I am talking to you or maybe I am wasting time talking to you, Zinia I am getting angry with you.)

“Kyu gussa hain aap? Maine kya kar diya? Maine itna khush ho ke aapki call pick kri thi aapne to mera mood hi kharab kar diya dant kar.” Zinia registered her disappointment. 

(Why are you angry? What have I done? I picked your call so happily but you started scolding me and spoiled my mood.)

“Zinia mujhe tumhare kal ke test mein full marks chahiye, don't forget our goal. Bohot careless hoti jaa rhi ho tum.” 

(Zinia I want you to score full in tomorrow's test. Don't forget our goal. You're becoming careless day by day.)

“Shaazzz… dantiye to mat…” 

(At least don't scold me.)

“Haan, next time se punishment dunga, dant se kaam nhi chal rha tumhara. Abhi ke abhi books kholo aur revision karni shuru kro, dinner se pehle mujhe revision ki pics chahiye. Samjhi?”

(Yes, I will punish you next time, only scolds don't work. Open the books right now and start revision. I want the revision pictures before dinner. Understand?)

“Aye aye Captain.” Zinia saluted him as if he could see her on an audio call. 

“Bye bye Captain.” and the call came to an end. 

“Ye kitna dominant, rude aur disrespectful hai!” Fayra was disappointed and Zinia shook her head.

(He is so dominant, rude and disrespectful.)

“Rude aur disrespectful nhi hai, bohot respect karte hain ye meri, he supports me in every matter. Haan, bas kabhi kabhi Master ji ban jaate hain ye. No compromise with studies.” Zinia smiled but Fayra still can't trust Shaaz. Well, she had trust issues, other than a wrong person she hadn't trust anyone blindly. 

(He isn't rude and disrespectful, perhaps he respects me a lot and supports me in every matter. Hmm… that's a different matter that he becomes a khadoos teacher when it comes to my studies.)

“Are you sure he is a nice guy in real?” Fayra asked and Zinia was unable to answer for a moment. “Zinu, please don't fall into the trap of love because it breaks one eventually. Okay?” 

“Fayra aapi?” 

“Yeah?” She asked. 

“How can love be a trap? How can real love make someone cry?” Zinia asked and Fayra had no answer because she had been crying because of love. “Isn't love another name of respect, happiness, support and understanding? All these things together is love, how can someone cry after getting these feelings in life?” Zinia's words hit Fayra's heart. She was trying to remember these memories associated with Arsh, unfortunately couldn't remember any.

“Fayra Aapi, I realised one thing… love doesn't give us pain, either lack of love gives us pain, or distance from beloved…. Love itself is beautiful.” 

“Zinu, how can you be so… umm… well known about love? Seems I need notes from you.” After all Fayra smiled and Zinia giggled.

“Want to see Shaaz?” She asked with excitement but didn't wait for a reply, the very next moment she was opening her mobile gallery. “See, he is.” Fayra looked at the beautiful girl in real then towards the average looking boy in the photo. 

“What was the point of attraction between you two?” Fayra asked while seeing the next pic, it was a selfie in which Shaaz was sitting on the floor holding a book in his hand and Zinia was sitting beside him, he was showing disappointment but she was showing a symbol of victory. 

“His constant support and honesty.” 

“Why am I feeling like you're so mature?” Fayra asked and Zinia shrugged.

“Maybe the right person makes you mature and sensible…” the seventh year old said to the twenty year old. 

“I wish you happiness with Shaaz.” Fayra passed the mobile back to Zinia and smiled.

“And I wish you happiness with Danish bhai.” Zinia chirped with excitement which turned Fayra's face dull.

“Zinu please…”

“Fayra aapi, Danish bhai itne achhe hain aap ek baar unhe chance de ke to dekhiye.”

(Fayra Aapi, Danish bhai is so good, you should give him a chance once.)

“Leave me alone. I want to sleep.” 

<><><><>

Today, workload was less than usual, he didn't need to sit at his work desk so he rushed towards the cafeteria where he could meet Mr Usman. Walking a short distance he reached with a big smile and enthusiasm, he reached the elevator and pressed the button of the desired floor. After patiently waiting for a minute or some more he stepped out of the elevator. A smile broke on his lips. He was lucky enough to see this middle aged man from a distance. But the very next moment Danish realised that Usman was walking to the opposite side. 

“Usman Sir.” He called him in a loud voice but Usman was already attending a call so he didn't pay attention and soon he entered another elevator. Somehow Danish knew this man was going downstairs, and he decided to follow him. 

Meeting him wasn't necessary but it was his wish. 

“Usman Sir.” After coming out of the elevator, Danish again yelled but Usman was already out of the office building. At this moment he cursed himself for not taking his number. However he had no time to waste in all these things instead he decided to follow this man. Surprisingly Danish's speed slowed down when he noticed Usman at the entrance of a mosque. The middle aged man peacefully walked towards the ablution area, Danish saw him from a distance. How slowly and patiently he washed his hands, mouth, face as if he was going to be rewarded for each and every action. Danish didn't disturb him, just kept watching him praying namaz followed by the quran and some more prayers in the silent corner of the huge mosque. Almost one hour passed but Usman didn't move from his place, and Danish left because he couldn't afford to get back late on the work. 

However this routine was followed by him for the next two days. Everyday he noticed Usman praying in the same corner of the mosque, a tiny corner which was partially hidden behind the pillar, where no one could find him if didn't know the exact spot. But on the third day he was unable to stop himself to disturb his prayer. Without making any noise Danish started praying namaz just beside Usman. As soon as they both completed it a smile came to Danish's lips but Usman was surprised to see him beside himself. 

“Assalamualaikum Sir.”

“Waalaikum as Salam, how do you come here?” 

“May I ask you why can't I come here?” Danish asked with a smile but Usman replied nothing, his face showing seriousness. Like a clear warning it is not a joke, tell me the truth. Who told you about my secret place? And Danish understood the question in his eyes. 

“Aap har rooz yaha namaz padte hain? Mene office mein aapke bohot se colleague se pucha tha magar…” Danish stopped himself to tell him the gossip he had heard about him. 

(Do you offer namaz here everyday? I asked many of your colleagues in the office but…)

“Magar? Magar kya?” Usman smiled and sighed while sitting in a relaxed position. 

(But? But what?)

“Umm… nothing. No one knows about you.” Danish decided to hide the gossip but Usman smiled dryly. 

“Achha ji, kisi ko nhi pta mere baare mein… mujhe laga tumhe bhi koi khabar de di hogi mere baare mein.” Danish's face turned pale. It was true, when Danish enquired about Usman, few of his colleagues laughed and said that After his wife's death it was Usman's routine to disappear for one hour, maybe he goes to meet his secret beloved. It could be a joke for few of them but here Danish felt angry with those who said something pathetic for such a nice man without even knowing the truth. 

(Strange! No one knows about me? I thought you had heard some rumours about me.)

“Nah…” Danish faked a smile. 

“Sharam karo bade Sahab, Allah ke ghar mein baith k bhi jhut bool rhe ho.” It was a clear indication that Usman already knew the truth about rumours and gossip. 

(Shame on you, you're lying even after sitting in the house of God.)

“Aapko pta hai wo log kya kehte hain?” Danish was hurt to know the cheap mindset of people. 

(Do you know what they say?)

“Haan, pta hai,” Usman nodded with satisfaction on his face and a gentle smile on his lips. 

(Yes, I know.)

“Agar aap jaante hain ki wo log kya bakwas karte hain to aap sach kyu nhi pta dete sab ko?” Danish asked in rage and Usman smiled, this time his teeth were visible while smiling. 

(If you already know then why don't you clear everything and tell them the truth?)

“Kya galat kehte hain wo log? Yahi to kehte hain na ki main kisi ki mohabbat mein pad gya hu aur uske paas jata hu.” Said Usman with a peaceful smile and Danish saw him with disbelief. He was unable to understand the hidden meaning of these words. 

(They're not saying anything wrong. They say that I have fallen in love with someone, so I go there. Right?)

“Aese heraan ho ke kya dekh rhe ho?” Usman asked, his tone and smile was saying that he was seeing Danish like a small curious kid in front of himself. 

(Why are you looking at me like this?)

“Beta mohabbat parde mein hi kari jaati hai, chahe mehbuba se kro ya khuda se. Apne dil ki baatein mehboob ko sunane ke liye tanhayi chahiye hoti hai, jo sar-e-aam kari jaye wo mohabbat nahi tamasha hota hai.” Danish was unable to say anything in reply, he was feeling like someone clenched his heart in his fist, goosebumps covered his arms and forehead. 

(Beta, love is done behind the curtains, whether it is with the beloved or with God. One needs to be alone to tell the words of one's heart to the beloved, what is done openly is not love but a spectacle, a showoff.)

“Mohabbat? Ya ibadat?” Danish was confused. What kind of love was Usman explaining to him?

(Love? Or devotion?)

“Mohabbat. Tum aaj kal ke bachho ko mohabbat ka ek hi chehra nazar aata hai? Ek ladka aur ladki ki mohabbat. Lekin asal mein mohabbat us se bohot alag hai jo tum samajhte ho. Ibadat bhi mohabbat hai, afsoos humne ise farz samjha ya bojh, mohabbat nhi samjha. Asal mein ibadat ek Zariya hai us Ar-Rahman, Al-Wadood, Al-Qahhaar ko ye batane ka ki hum us se mohabbat karte hain, us ki izzat karte hain, aur usse darte bhi hain.” Danish was unable to say anything in reply. This man was teaching him a whole new definition of love and devotion. One he never heard before. Or better to say, he never considered this a topic of discussion. 

(Love. You, today's youth see only one face of love. The Love between a boy and a girl. But in reality love is very different from what you think. Alas, we often consider devotion as obligation or burden, not love. However it is a form to show your love and respect towards the Most Merciful, Most Beloved, The Subduer.)

<><><>

Hello readers…

How is this book going? 

Enjoying it? Or not liking it? 

Tell me tell me. 

😄😄

Your Author 

Naaz Jamal