Chapter 37

“Danish, come back to India, right away." Anzala said as soon as the call was received by his son.

“What? Dad? Is everything fine at home?" 

“Not everything is fine at your place." Maybe for the first time in his life Anzala was so angry with Danish, otherwise he was proud to have a son like Danish. Since childhood to just a few minutes ago this boy never came forward as a troublemaker but suddenly everything changed.

“Oh, so it's coming from Fayra." Danish's anger skyrocketed unlike ever.

“We didn't send you there for all these things, Danish.” Anzala bursted out of anger but Maizah glared at him and snatched away the mobile phone from his hand. The mother still trusted her son more than anyone else.

“Danish tell me everything. Without any fabrication." The last part was a warning and Danish explained everything. From Aisha's health to Fayra's call, he told her everything.

Maizah held her forehead and looked at her husband who was still worried, but after hearing the explanation he understood that Fayra had some misunderstandings.

“Danish come back, there is no other way beside this. You have to make everything fine." Anzala told him in a hushed tone, he wasn't angry now but this time Danish was enraged.

“Dad, tell chamu and Sara Mami to knock some senses in her daughter's head. Trusting everything you hear, making a whole story on the basis of a tiny scene, judging everyone on the same scale isn't maturity. And immature people can't handle a bond of marriage.” Danish was too angry to realise that he was yelling already, but he didn't know that the phone was on speaker. Sara, Adnaan, Maizah and Anzala were present in the room.

“Dad, hadd hoti hai shak karne ki bhi, main explanations dete dete thak gya hu. Aapne ya kisi aur ne kabhi kisi ladki ke sath mera aesa rawayya dekha hai jis se mere character par shak kra jaa sake? Kya Fayra mujhe jaanti nhi hai? Jab meri zindagi me koi ladki nhi thi maine us waqt koi girlfriend nhi banayi, ab kyu karunga main ye sab jabki meri shadi ho chuki hai? Wo khud hi scenarios create kar leti hai aur baat clear karne tak ka mooqa nhi deti. Jab tak matter hum dono ke beech me tha main sab kuch chup chaap handle kar rha tha lekin agar usne aap dono ko adhi adhuri baat bata hi di hai to meri side ki story bhi sun lijiyega mujhe mujrim thehrane se pehle.” 

(Dad, I am tired of giving her explanations, how can she be so doubtful towards me? Doesn't she know me? Have you or anyone else ever seen me crossing my boundaries with any girl? I didn't even have a girlfriend when I was single, so why would I do these things now when I'm already married? She creates scenarios herself and doesn't even give me a chance to clarify things. As long as the matter was between us two, I was handling everything quietly, but if she has told you both half the story, then listen to my side of the story too before calling me a criminal.)

"Tum gussa mat ho, main baat krungi Fayra se. Abhi chhoti hai wo, galti ho gyi. Samajh jayegi.” Maizah wanted to calm down Danish but this time he already was done with this distrust. Adnaan and Sara were standing silently watching each other and hearing what Danish was saying. 

(Calm down, I'll talk to her. She is too young to understand such things.)

"She is not too young, for god sake, she is going to turn 21 soon.” Danish argued and cut the call. There was a pin drop silence in the room. No one had courage to say anything but Anzala was most disappointed among four of them. He was against arranging a sudden nikkah when Fayra’s wedding was called off, because he knew the struggle of a couple to adjust in this kind of marriage. He couldn't blame Fayra for not accepting Danish and not understanding him, she was also not ready to enter this new phase of life and accept a man as her husband who was just a brother like figure for her, but all these justifications does not make Anzala less worried for his son. When it comes to his children, he wasn't a funloving and prankster man, he could burn the whole kingdom of the person who tried to ignite his children’s happiness.

Taking slow steps towards the exit he looked at Adnaan and Sara standing with a pale face. Anzala sighed and placed his hand on Adnaan’s shoulder. “Talk to Fayra. We all love her. Her happiness matters to us." His small assuring smile gave a relief to Adnaan and Sara that at least Anzala and Maizah weren’t against Fayra but the assuring smile of Anzala’s face was replaced by a blank expression very soon as he added “but— I can't see my son suffering. Years ago when they were kids, chhoti ammi shared her intentions regarding both of them and their marriage but I refused and asked her— not to bring this topic up again, because I never wanted Danish to marry Fayra. I and Maizah had already struggled too much to accept our marriage when we couldn't imagine each other as husband and wife. I didn't want our children to go through the same struggle. But now it is too late to discuss these things when they are already married, better to talk to Fayra and tell her to make her mind as well as handle things with maturity.” And Anzala left after the long speech. The sincerity and rudeness of his voice was addressing his anger and disappointment. 

Adnaan's blood boiled. Years ago Adnaan left the family business because of Anzala's bossy nature. And today Anzala was again sounding like a boss. “Maizah Aapi," Adnaan's voice wasn't loud but deep. 

"Hmm?” 

“I'll talk to Fayra, but you also talk to your husband and tell him not to blame Fayra for everything. How would a wife react if her husband receives her call in the middle of night and a girl talks from behind? Danish didn't go to Dubai for Social service, so don't blame Fayra and her immaturity.” Adnaan also walked out of the room leaving Maizah and Sara alone. They both looked at each other but didn't know what to do. 

After a long time the air of Rizwi Mansion felt heavy. If everything remained the same, a cold war was going to begin. 

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“Adnaan, don't make it a matter of ego." Sara huffed but Adnaan glared at her. He himself didn't know after how long he was demonstrating anger to her.

“He made it a matter of ego by putting all blame on Fayra." He almost yelled.

“Whatever happened, now sort out the matter. This blame game will destroy Fayra and Danish's marriage." Sara glared at him back and Adnaan stood up to go to Fayra's room. Sara also followed him. 

“Fayra." They opened the half shut door and found her sleeping. Adnaan softly caressed her head to wake her up but he has a fever. 

“Why didn't you tell me if she is sick?" He asked Sara.

“What? But she was fine when you were talking to her.” Checking her temperature Sara mumbled. They forgot everything after seeing their daughter sick.

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A few days passed in silence. Fayra's health wasn't getting better. What everyone considered a seasonal fever actually came out as typhoid. At this time, there was no room left for discussing any other matter. After knowing about her health Danish called her a few times to know her whereabouts but each time she wasn't in a condition to talk to him, and when she was a bit better under the influence of medicines, she didn't bother to return the call and talk to him. 

She was feeling betrayed one more time. First Arsh and now Danish, according to her all men are the same, only their ways of manipulation are different. Arsh fooled her in the name of love and Danish was fooling her in the name of marriage and care. All the negative thoughts were making things worse between them. 

Sometimes, distance brings two hearts closer and sometimes it creates a never-ending gap. Unfortunately, here, distance was creating a never-ending gap between two hearts. 

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A again pressed the bell button. The sound of ding-dong was again yelling that someone was present on the doorway and this time the door was opened by a figure who was covering her head with Dupatta. 

“Kaha thi Aisha? Main kab se bell baja rha hu." 

(Where were you, Aisha? I've been ringing the bell for so long.)

“Sorry sorry I was…” she didn't complete the sentence. Danish lifted his hand towards her forehead, now without permission he placed his fingers on the forehead and then on her cheek. 

"Danish I'm absolutely fine.” Aisha smiled, she was telling the same thing for the last four days but her temperature wasn't justifying her statement, however, this time Danish also nodded in agreement. 

“Hmm, now you're looking fine, still don't forget to take supplements." 

"Okay Sir.” 

“Now have it, Madam." He ordered after passing a plate to her, she narrowed her eyes and shook her head. 

"Danish I'm fine. I can cook now." 

“I doubt. To make me believe in your statement you have to make a tasty biryani for me." He smiled mischievously resulting in Aisha also smiling.

“I can make biryani but it should be tasty too? You're so demanding.” She rolled her eyes but uncovered the plate she was holding. It had veg-pulao with some salad and curd on the side. She was already tired of having daal-rice, veg-pulao and omelette-bread every alternate day; she wondered how Danish was having these dishes regularly?

Meanwhile Danish noticed some people passing in the lobby, their gazes questioned louder than words about the reason behind Danish's visit to this home where only a young and beautiful girl lives alone. He didn't want anyone to see him standing on her doorway and conclude something wrong about them.

"Sari baate darwaze par khade khade kar logi kya? Ab tabiyat theek ho gyi hai to andar bula ke ek cup chai pila do.” he demanded rightfully but Aisha's smile vanished.

(Are you going to talk while standing at the door only? Now that you're feeling better, invite me inside and give me a cup of tea.)

“Aap apne ghar jaiye.” She sighed " Fayra se baat huyi? Misunderstanding khatam huyi aap dono ke beech?”

(You go home.)

(Did you talk to Fayra? Is the misunderstanding over between you two?)

“For the first time I don't want to surrender in front of her. Let her realise what wrong she has been doing." 

“You'll create differences between you and her by using this silly approach." 

“Her mistrust is already creating gaps." 

“Rishta jooda hai to nibhaiye janab. Wo naraz hai to use manaiye. Nakhre dikha rhi hai to nakhre uthaiye." 

(If you have a relationship, maintain it, Mister. If she's upset, bring her around. If she's throwing tantrums, tolerate them.)

"Tumse ek cup chai mangi thi tum bhashn dene lag gyi.” He rolled his eyes. Aisha sighed and let him enter the home. 

(I asked for a cup of tea, here you're giving me lecture)

“Kya hua hai? Itna pareshan kyu lag rhe hain aap?" Aisha asked while going towards the kitchen. 

(What happened? Are you worried about something?)

“Thak gya hu. Ab to aesa lagta hai bas haarne wala hu." 

(I'm tired. Very near to giving up.)

"Is this about Fayra?” she asked while making tea and Danish shook his head. 

"I'll handle her. I'm angry with her but I know, we'll sort it out. For now I'm worried about my job as well as business." He again pulled his mobile out of his pocket and started scrolling to search for a new job. He already lost his job two days ago and was now searching for a new job. He did not tell anyone about this but now, he shared this with Aisha. 

This girl was his only support in this unknown land. He never felt homesick in her presence. So as she felt for him.

The tea was served. Silence was exchanged. Stress mingled in the air and a small voice raised softly. 

“Main aapke liye dua karungi, Danish. Aap itni tension na lijiye, tabiyat kharab kar lenge aap apni." 

(I'll pray for you, Danish. Don't worry so much or you'll ruin your health.)

“Shukriya." He lifted the cup of tea. 

(Thanks)

"Thank me after getting a job.” She smiled but suddenly hesitated to ask something. 

“Do you have enough savings to pay the rent of your apartment and other expenses?" For a moment Danish kept watching her. How did she read what was in his head? Or did he already tell her? But he was sure, he didn't share the financial condition with her. 

“Danish?" 

“Not much. Only one month rent and two months of expenses. Then… either I will have to take money from my dad or…” he stopped, putting the cup back. 

"Or what?”

"Or go back.” he shrugged and Aisha felt a jolt in her heart. She didn't know why she felt like crying for a moment. 

Life played some cruel games with her. Unfortunately she lost almost every round. And with each loss, a piece was getting missed from the jigsaw puzzle of her life. She didn't realise when unknowingly Danish started fixing those pieces, filling the emptiness with his care, friendship and respect. Making her complete. Making her feel alive. 

And now, this man has to go away? 

“Aisha?" He snapped his fingers in front of her eyes and she looked up. 

“Pray for me, I get a job. I don't want to go back empty handed. I came with dreams, now I'll go back with results." 

"I'll pray. But if you return… I'll miss you after you.” And she looked away, trying to hide the wetness of her eyes behind her smile. 

“Come on, I'm not going so easily. Don't cry." He smiled but felt strange to see her crying for him. Who cries for a neighbour? 

Neighbour? Really? Are they only neighbours? 

Who cries just for a friend? 

“Since childhood I was an odd one out. I had no friends. You are the only one who became my friend and I became comfortable with you. Please don't mind my tears. Nowadays, I'm emotionally broken and vulnerable… even a small breaking of a cup can make me cry.” She wiped her tears and Danish sighed. Standing from his place he sat down beside her. 

“Aishaaa-” Danish put his hand on her hand which was resting on the table. “Mujhe pta hai tum bohot strong ho,” pressing her hand softly he whispered. 

(I know you're so strong.)

“Lekin kabhi kabhi hum strong bante bante bhi thak jaate hain Danish.” She sobbed. 

(But sometimes we are tired of being strong, Danish.)

“Main hu na, jab thak jao to bta dena, main aa jaunga support dene. Jab akela feel kro to bta dena, mil kar tumhare liye koi raasta nikaal lenge." 

(I am here, tell me when you get tired, I will come to support you. When you feel lonely, let me know; together we will find a way out for you.)

"Shukriya, lekin mujhe kuch pal ki madad aur kuch qadam ka sath nhi chahiye… main akele khud ko sambhal lungi.” she pulled her hand away from his hand. She knew very well, short term support often makes a person weak and dependent. 

(Thank you, but I don't need temporary help or a short-lived companionship… I can handle myself alone.)

“Main chalta hu.” He stood up leaving the half filled cup of tea. Aisha didn't stop him. Today she realised that Danish had already become an important part of her life, and she didn't want to walk on a path that goes to no destination. 

(I'm going.)

When Aisha didn't come to see him off to the door he came back and found her sitting with a sad face. He didn't know why but he couldn't see her sadness. Maybe because he respected Usmaan too much, and didn't want Usmaan's soul to be sad after seeing his daughter's helplessness. 

“Kya iska matlab ye hai ki mujhe biryani bhi nhi milegi?" For a moment Aisha was scared of that sudden voice but then she looked at Danish and smiled. 

(Does this mean I won't even get biryani?)

“Uffo Danish, mil jayegi aapko aapki biryani." She huffed, showing her disappointed but she wasn't disappointed at all. Putting his hand on his heart Danish gasped

(Danish, you'll get your biryani.)

"Nhi nhi, meri nhi chicken ki biryani banana, khatarnak aurat.” and he went towards the door, leaving Aisha shocked for a moment and then she laughed endlessly.

(No no, not mine, make chicken biryani, you dangerous woman.)

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Alfaaz kho gye hai yu ke ab to haal-e-dil bhi kaha nhi jata.

Zakhm bhar gye hai magar nishaa zameen-e-dil se nhi jata.

Dosto se milne wale zakhmo ka dard tum kya jaano Naaz, 

Aziyat to hai maut ki si magar mara bhi nhi jata.

_Naaz Jamal 

(Maine likh di ye rubai lekin ye situation pe fit to nhi baith rhi na… phir bhi kaam chal jayega 🤪)

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