The engagement function was almost over. Many guests were gone, some were having the last meal of the day and Rizwi(s) were trying their best to be a great host. 

“Danish.” Adnaan's call attracted the young man attending a few guests who were the common clients of Adnaan as well as Arsh's father. 

“Yeah Chamu?” Danish looked at the middle aged man standing behind himself. Being the only boy of this generation in Rizwi family he has many silent responsibilities. Adnaan and Afnaan never felt the need for a son because they had Danish. However, Sara craved a son almost every day. 

“Yaar Arsh ko tu attend kar le, main baat kar rha hu to wo shayad hesitate ho rha hai, theek tarha baat nhi kar rha, na hi wo khana khaa rha hai… you all are of the same age group… Maybe he will be comfortable around you.” Said Adnaan in a hushed tone and Danish sighed before looking at the guests standing with him.

(You attend to Arsh, while I am talking he is probably getting hesitant, he is not talking properly, nor is he having dinner. You all are of the same age group… maybe he will be comfortable around you…)

“Excuse me, gentle men, please be comfortable.” Danish passed a formal smile towards the men and held his Chamu’s arm before taking him aside. 

For a moment he wanted to tell Adnaan everything, but then he was bound by the promise he made to Fayra. How could he back off from his words? He was the son of Anzala who had been a crime partner with him but in between the mischiefs he taught his son a great lesson. Never break promises. 

“Arsh is upset because of me, so it would be better if only you wouldn't ask me to talk to him.” 

“What? Why is he upset because of you?” Adnaan was confused and Danish suddenly felt an urge to inform him of everything.

On one hand he was bound by a childhood lesson and a promise on the other hand his instincts were pushing him to forget everything. 

In between the tug of war of heart and brain he was confused, what should he do? Choosing one was not easy but he couldn't follow both at once. 

“Chamu.”

“Hmm…”

“I'm not sure if Arsh is actually a good match for Fayra or not. I don't like him.” Adnaan's face turned pale. He never wanted to separate his daughter from himself, he was already having a debate with himself. Arsh was a hope for him as well as a fear.

 A hope for Fayra's bright future. 

A fear for his daughter's hardship, if any.

“Why do you think so, Danish?” 

“Umm… because…” Danish took a small pause. “Arsh called Fayra on the terrace to meet and I…” Danish felt hesitant to tell that he caught both of them almost lip-locked. “I told Arsh off.” Danish delivered a little part of the whole story and Adnaan widened his eyes. 

“Danish, Are you mad or what? You scolded Arsh for meeting Fayra after their engagement? Are you out of your mind? You shouldn't do that, Danish.” Adnaan was unaware of the reality so his reaction was acceptable. Before Danish could get some more lectures a panicked Sara came to the lawn. 

“Adnaan…” 

“Hmm?” He saw his wife. 

“Arsh was silent and angry till a few minutes ago but now he and his mother are asking for a sooner date of wedding.” 

“What?” Adnaan was shocked and Danish felt a jolt in his heart. He was the one to tell Arsh to fix the marriage date soon if he wanted to do all those things with Fayra, but Danish didn't know that Arsh would take his words so deeply. 

<><><><>

Anzala's expressions were telling clearly that the matter was not as simple as it was looking like till a few minutes ago. Adnaan went to the hall clueless about the sudden demand and gave a questioning look to his brother, Afnaan, to get a brief. 

“As you all already know, I'm about to go to America,” Arsh said in a tone mixed with arrogance and pride but there was something he was hiding in his words. Anger. All the Rizwi(s) nodded and he continued. “I’m going after two months. So, I just wanted to dok marriage on papers, just Nikkah. Farewell can wait until we are done with the other formalities. Once everything is set I'll summon Fayra to America. It will take a few months.” After all, Arsh completed his sentence. 

“Umm… can we think about this before jumping on a decision?” Asked Adnaan and noticed the expressions of Arsh. He wasn't looking happy with this decision. “Umm… Fayra is too young to get married. She is just twenty.” Adnaan added. 

“But I guess this is an ideal age to get married.” Said Momina from behind and Adnaan looked at her with wide eyes. 

“Badi Ammi?” Sara and Adnaan, both did not like this thing but Momina came forward with Zunera. Danish helped her to sit on the sofa. 

“Mera tajurba to yahi kehta hai ki chhoti umar mein agar kisi rishte mein bandh jaye to us rishte mein dhalna asaan ho jata hai.”

(My experience says that if one gets into a relationship at a young age, it becomes easier to adjust to that relationship.)

“And, we're asking for Nikkah only. Not farewell. Farewell can be done after a few months..” Arsh's mother supported her son's decision. Adnaan looked at Sara and she shook her head. She wasn't feeling good and the reason was unknown to her.

<><><><>

“Kya kar rahe hain aap?” she asked when a hand grabbed her hand, and led her out of the auto-rickshaw. They two were unaware of the situation of Rizwi family and the whole family was unknown to what was taking place almost one kilometre from their place.

(What are you doing?)

“Daro nhi kuchh galat nhi kar rha main.” he smiled, making her a little nervous but she smiled too. 

(Don't be scared. I'm doing nothing wrong.)

“Main nhi dar rhi, mujhe aapke sath kabhi dar nhi lagta.” She was honest this time.

(I'm not. I never feel scared with you.) 

He said nothing in reply and just walked ahead without leaving her hand but she was the one to pull her hand away from his grip. 

“Oh… I'm sorry.” He muttered and she returned a hesitant smile.

“Aap kyu laaye hain mujhe yaha? Aur yaha itna andhera kyu hai?” Looking here and there she questioned him. The place was looking like a restaurant but darkness wasn't allowing them to see anything clearly.

(Why have you brought me here? And why is it so dark here?)

He glanced at the mobile screen, it was showing quarter to ten and sighed with a sad face then shrugged. She was looking confused, he was doing something on his mobile, maybe texting someone. And the very next moment darkness was replaced by bright lights. She covered her eyes with her hands and waited a few moments until her pupil adjusted. As soon as she was able to see everything a big smile crawled to her lips.

“Sorry… I was unable to do it better.” He muttered and she laughed but looked at him.

“You are always clumsy.” Passing a compliment she again looked at the front wall of this old tea shop which was showing a small message written with balloons. 

Happy Bithday Zinu. 

But unfortunately, the air from ‘Z’ was missing. Zinia laughed and laughed a lot until her stomach started hurting and breathing became difficult for her.

“Yaar ho jaati hai galti… ab mazakh to na udao.” He smiled nervously but Zinia was laughing like mad however she took a few deep breaths and calmed herself down. 

(Oh… okay, my bad…I admit. Now don't make fun of me.)

“Meri birthday aaj nhi hai kal hai.” 

(Today is not my birthday, it's tomorrow.)

“Pta hai mujhe… kal hai. Lekin 12 bje kese leke aata tumhe yaha, advance mein hi le lo apni birthday wishes.” Zinia kept looking at her best friend without leaving her beautiful smile and blushed hard before looking at the wall showing Happy Bithday Zinu- with almost dead ‘Z’ 

(I know… it is tomorrow. But how can I bring you here at 12 o’clock, take your birthday wishes in advance.)

“Thank you but…” Zinia smiled again and soon she burst into laughter again. “You forget the ‘R’ of Birthday.” Zinia pointed out towards the wall and Shaaz gasped. 

“Oh no.” he was in the pool of embarrassment but Zinia laughed and turned towards him properly. 

“My birthday gift?” spreading her hand in front of Shaaz, she looked directly in his eyes. He smiled nervously but shook his head.

“I don't have money for a gift. Either I could arrange this decoration or surprise you this way, and I choose this.” 

Zinia smiled and Shaaz looked at the hand spread in front of him.

The hand of the daughter of a billionaire family spread in front of the son of a factory worker. 

“Main jaanti hu, aap mere liye gift laye honge…” said Zinia and Shaaz felt embarrassed to draw out the small box wrapped in plain paper. 

(I know you must have brought me a gift…)

“Tumhare level ka gift nhi hai!” He felt nervous but Zinia held the gift. 

(Not worthy to give you.)

“Gifts are not meant to be expensive.” She muttered while tearing the wrap and soon a blue pen worth rupees 100 came out of it. 

Zinia smiled and looked at Shaaz. “I already knew it.” 

“Aur kuch samajh nhi aaya.” he scratched his nape

(I did not get anything else.)

“Thank you. I already needed a lucky pen.” She muttered and looked at the wall one more time and she laughed again. “You're always clumsy, Shaaz.” 

“Sorry.” He again scratched his nape nervously 

“But you are the best. Thank you so much. Now we should go back.” They both smiled and walked out of that old tea cafe which was unable to attract customers anymore.

Hopping in the auto rickshaw, Zinia looked at her hands, she was holding the mobile phone and the pen tightly and trying to control her heart, which was about to forget all the rules and codes she had set a few years ago. She looked at Shaaz who was already looking at her. Their eyes met, they both looked away. It was Zinia who shared her wish to Shaaz that she wanted her family to surprise her with this type of decoration but they never do so. However, Shaaz did a clumsy job to make her happy.

“Zinu.”

“Yea?” She didn't look at him, trying to hide the tears present in her eyes.

“kuch saalo baad tum bohot badi doctor ban jaogi, kisi bohot Ameer ladke se tumhari shadi ho jayegi, phir shayad tum kisi aur mulk mein rahogi… tum mujhe bhul jaogi lekin main tumhe hamesha yaad rakhunga.” Zinia looked up with tear filled eyes, Shaaz was smiling but not happy at all. 

(After a few years you will become a great doctor, you will get married to a very rich man, then maybe you will live in some other country... you will forget me but I will always remember you.)

The mid teenagers were trying their best to cage their hearts because they knew the reality of their lives, however they could not help.

“Aap ko kese bhul sakti hu? Main kabhi nhi bhulungi aap ko.” 

(How can I forget you? I won't ever forget you.)

“Sach?” He asked. Something twinkled in his eyes, maybe pure love or maybe respect. Zinia didn't know the art of noticing it but she nodded with a big smile.

(Really?)

“Main kabhi bimar ho ke tumhare hospital mein aa jaunga to bill me discount de dena.” Shaaz laughed and Zinia shook her head. 

(If I ever fall ill and come to your hospital then give me a discount on the bill.)

“I can't omit one zero from the amount,” she laughed remembering the omitted ‘R’ of Birthday but before Shaaz could join her, the ringing mobile phone grabbed her attention.

“Yeah Zunera?” She picked the call.

“Where are you Aapo? Mummy and papa were asking about you, I made up a story that you're studying for tomorrow's exam. 

Zinia looked here and there, “I will be at home within 10 minutes.” 

“Okay, call me before coming.” Whispered Zunera. “Wait wait…”

“What happened?”

“Everyone is stressed out right now, so… be careful. Fayra Appi’s wedding date is fixed, she is going to get married next month and I don't know what happened but everyone was scolding Danish Bhai. He is very angry.” Zunera narrated the long story in short and Zinia looked at Shaaz after hanging the call. 

<><><><>

Zinia entered the home from the back door like a thief. The night was as dark as her dress, both were decorated with tiny stars. Taking a few steps ahead she looked everywhere, guests were already gone, clock hands were showing 11 of night. 

“Aapo, come.” Zunera gave her sister a signal and she ran towards her room. 

“Kisi ko pta to nhi chala na?” Zinia asked Zunera when they both locked the room from inside. 

(No one finds out. Right?)

“Luckily no one. All thanks to Arsh bhai and his family.” Said Zunera and Zinia drew out her clothes from the cupboard. 

“By the way, what was so urgent that you had to go?” 

“Shaaz wanted to wish me birthday in advance, he planned a clumsy surprise for me.” Zinia smiled and Zunera widened her eyes. 

“Really? Wow. You all are so lucky. Except me.” 

“Wait what? Who all are lucky and why aren't you?” Zinia questioned her sister. Confused. 

“Ashar bhai is roaming around Bisma aapi because she is angry, Arsh bhai was talking to Fayra aapi so nicely and Shaaz bhai is planning surprises for you. Only I don't have anyone.” Zunera huffed and Zinia widened her eyes. 

“Are you for real? You're just 14. Get a life girl. Fayra aapi is going to get married soon, Bisma aapi is already married and… I… I don't have anything to do with Shaaz. We are just… just good friends.” she shrugged and Zunera jerked her head. 

“Best friend who takes you out for a date.” 

“Shut up, it wasn't a date.” And Zinia was gone to change her clothes. After some ten minutes she came out in a comfortable night suit and looked at her sister. “I'm going to have dinner. I'm starving.”  

“hmm… as if she hadn't dined on her very first date.” Zinia muttered and prepared herself to play the next round of the game she was already playing. 

<><><><>

“Adnaan, Anzala bhai you shouldn't agree… Fayra is just twenty.” said Sara but everyone saw Fayra who was sitting silently. 

They all wanted to know her decision and she didn't take a single second to accept what Arsh demanded for. Fayra wouldn't refuse to get married to Arsh even if he wanted to take her away right now. He was her dream. How could she break her dreamland with her own hands? 

“Ab jo hona tha ho gya, agar ek mahine baad nikkah hai to khushiya manane ki jagah hum matam kyu mana rhe hain?” Asked Afnaan and he cupped Fayra's face. “Tum khush ho na?” She nodded her head without wasting a single second. 

(Now whatever was to happen has happened, if the marriage is after a month then why are we mourning instead of celebrating?)

(Are you happy?)

“To phir haske dikhao ye kya muh latka ke bethi huyi ho.” On Afnaan's demand Fayra smiled a little but when Arsh's face came to her mind a real and beautiful smile captured her lips. Adnaan and Sara also smiled after seeing their daughter happy. 

(Then show me your smile, why is she sitting with a sad face?)

“I'm going to take a rest.” Said Fayra with a tired face and Sara nodded. They all saw her going upstairs but no one knew that instead of her room she walked to the other room; full of rage. 

“Ye sab aapki wajah se ho rha hai…” opening the door with rage, she burst out in anger and the man present inside the room looked at her. Amazed. The hand which was about to gulp down the medicine stopped in between for a moment then he continued followed by a glass of water. 

(All this is happening because of you…)

Fayra noticed the pill and wanted to ask him about his health but she was the stubborn child of Adnaan and Sara, how could she leave her ego?

“Meri wajah se? Maine kya kar diya?” Danish turned towards her. He was glaring at Dayra. 

(Because of me? What have I done?)

“Aapne hi to Arsh ko provoke kra tha na shadi wali baat ke liye! Sab keh rhe hain ki Arsh aur uske parents ne achanak demand kar di shadi ki lekin kisi ko sachchai nhi pta… ye sab to aapki wajah se hua hai.” Fayra looked directly in his eyes, free from fear but he was full of anger. 

(You were the one who provoked Arsh for the marriage thing! Everyone is blaming Arsh and his parents for a sudden demand for marriage but no one knows the truth… all this happened because of you.)

“Haan… sachchai abhi tak mene kisi ko batayi nhi hai, kyuki mujhe moqa nhi mila, main tumhare Abba ko kuch bata pata us se pehle usne shadi ki date fix kar di. Lekin iska matlab ye nhi hai ki main chup rahunga, mujhe ye ladka theek nhi lag rha, main bataunga tumhare Abba ko sab kuch.” 

(Yes… I haven’t told the truth to anyone yet, because I didn’t get the chance. Before I could tell your father everything, he had fixed the date of the wedding. But this doesn't mean that I will keep quiet. I don't like this boy. I will tell everything to your father.)

“Danish Bhai stop it. No need to tell anyone anything. It's my life. Going to meet Arsh was my decision, stop interfering in my life. I'm mature enough to handle everything.” Said Fayra while turning to leave the room but stopped by Danish's voice.

“Wait, what? Mature enough? Who? You?”

“Yes. Of course I.” Fayra turned to see him again, she was extremely enraged.

“Beta tum aaj bhi chips ke packet me bacha huya masala chaat chaat ke khati ho. Koi kaam bata do to ya to tum thak jati ho ya tumhe neend aa jat hai. Except aur accept ki spellings aaj bhi galat hoti hain tumhari. Apna mobile recharge karana tumhe yaad nhi rehta. College ke assignment aur documents tak to tum complete kar nhi sakti. Saalo pehle ek file sambhal k rakhne ko di thi tumhe, tumne itne sambhal k rakh di ki aaj tak tumhe bhi nhi mili. Time pass karne ke liye tum ya to ghatiya novels read Karti ho ya Shinchan dekhti ho… tum ise maturity kehti ho?”

(Little princess, you still eat the masala left over from the chips packet every day. You're still confused between ‘except’ and ‘accept’. You do not remember to recharge your mobile. You are not even able to complete your college assignments and documents. If I tell you to do any work, you either get tired or you fall asleep. Years ago I had given you a file to keep safely, you kept it so carefully that even today you have not found it. To pass time you either read worthless novels or watch Shinchan…. and you call yourself mature. Seriously?)

“Danish Bhai aapko kya problem hai Arsh se? Aapne unse itni badtamizi se baat Kari hai ki wo mujhse bhi gussa ho gye hain. Main unhe call kar rhi hu wo jawab nhi de rhe.” Fayra yelled. She was about to cry. Danish was seeing a new Fayra who was arguing with him not for a chocolate but for a man. She wasn't his little Fayra who roamed around him chanting Danish Bhai, this girl was someone else who was seeing him like a villain of her love story. But how could he let her go towards a life full of thorns? 

(Danish Bhai, what's your problem with Arsh? You talked to him so rudely that he got angry with me too. I am calling him but he is not answering.)

“Arsh jitna achha lagta hai utna achha hai nhi.” Said Danish politely. 

(Arsh is not as good as he seems.)

“Aap kyu itna negative sochte hain Arsh ke bare mein? Wo bohot achhe hain. Main jaanti hu unhe. Wo bohot achhe hain Danish Bhai.” Fayra was not ready to hear anything against her Arsh.

(Why do you think so negatively about Arsh? He is very nice. I know him. He is very nice, Danish bhai.)

“Saamne padi huyi cheez tumhe dikhti nhi hai logo ki asliyat khaak dikhegi tum?” Danish tried one more time to make his point but Fayra's eyes filled with tears and nose tip turned red. 

(You cannot see the thing lying in front of you. How will you be able to see the reality of people?)

“Danish Bhai, aap please mere liye preshan na ho, ye meri life hai aur main Arsh ke sath bohot khush hu. I love him. Stop creating differences between us.” 

(Danish bhai, please don't worry about me, this is my life and I am very happy with Arsh.)

“What? Am I creating differences between you two?” Danish asked and Fayra sniffled while wiping her eyes. 

“Go ahead, do whatever you want to do. I'm not coming in between you and your Arsh.” he took a step away. Disappointed and hurt. 

“And don't tell anyone about my meeting with Arsh… don't you go to meet Maha?” Danish was silent. He could tell her clearly that he doesn't, but what was the point of clarification when the other person already misunderstood you. He felt bad about Fayra's behaviour. She cried and walked out of the room without knowing what she had done to someone who cared for him deeply. 

<><><><>