"Arey Humaira, kesi ho? Itne din se kaha ho?" A friendly voice welcomed Humaira in her home and she smiled in return.

(Hey Humaira, how are you? Where have you been for so long?)

"Bas bhabi time hi nhi milta, lekin aaj to Adeel ne bola ki khala se milne jana hi hai to bas aa gye."

( Bhabhi it's difficult to draw out some time but today Adeel insisted on coming to meet aunty, so were here only.)

"Achha kra na aa gye tum log, Ammi bhi to yaad kar rhi thi Adeel ko. Shahzaib bhi aane wale honge." Said the lady with a smile while walking towards the room of her mother-in-law.

(That's great that you decided to come. Ammi was also missing you and Shahzaib must be coming at any time.)

"Tum log betho, main abhi aati hu." Saying that the host moved towards the kitchen in the time being her lovely husband also came back from his work. She set the tea and refreshments for the guests and walked towards the room of her mother-in-law where Adeel, Humaira and their children were sitting with Shahzaib.

(Have a seat, I'm coming in a while.)

"Humaira, tumhari bhabi kesi hain?" Asked the host with a little amount of disappointment but Humaira smiled while taking a sip of tea.

(Humaira, how's your bhabi?)

"Zeba bhabi chai bohot achhi banati hain." This praising was something indigestible for everyone because there wasn't anything special about that tea other than Humaira's intention to change the topic.

(Zeba bhabi makes such a nice tea.)

"Ghar me sab theek hai meta? Bhai bhabi theek hain? Aur tumhari behen?" The old lady asked Humaira who nodded with a smile which was looking fake.

(Is everything okay at home, beta? Your bhai bhabi and sister? Is everyone fine?)

"Ji khala sab theek hain."

(Yeah khala all are fine.)

"Tumhare Bhai ki shadi bhi to tab hi hui thi jab tumhari shadi thi, unki yaha aulaad nhi hui abhi tak?" The lady asked and Zeba have a disappointed look to her husband. She never like this discussion about Madiha but she couldn't do anything.

(Your brother got married when you got married. Right? But he hasn't had a child yet. Right?)

"Abhi 2-3 mahine pehle beta hua hai unke yaha."  Humaira replied in a hushed tone and Zeba looked at her with a surprised expression.

(They had a son just 2-3 months ago.)

"What? Really?" Zeba exclaimed with happiness. "Madiha ne mujhe bataya tak nhi... Main use kitna yaad karti hu aur ek wo hai... Mujhe bhul hi gyi hai."

(Madiha didn't even tell me, I miss her so much but she has forgotten me.)

Humaira gave a disappointed look to her husband because he was the one to force her to come here, she was avoiding visiting Zeba because of these things only.

"Madiha ko Mubarakbaad dena meri taraf se, main jaungi us se milne... Bechari ne kitni baar miscarriage ka dukh dekha hai, I'm so happy for her... Arey Humaira meri baat hi kara do us se... Ab please ye na bolna ki usne mobile rakhna band kar diya hai, apne bhai ke phone par call kar do... mujhe Madiha se baat karni hai."  Zeba insisted. She was over the moon for her best friend without knowing the truth but Humaira decided to end this drama here only.

(Congratulate Madiha from my side. She had faced pain of miscarriage so many times but now I'm so happy for her. Hey Humaira, make me talk to her and please don't say that Madiha doesn't use a mobile anymore. Call your brother to talk to her... I have to talk to her.)

"Bhai aur Madiha bhabi alag ho gye." Said Humaira and Zeba got a big shock so as her mother-in-law as well as Shahzaib.

(Bhabi and Madiha bhabi are separated now.)

"What? But why?" Zeba muttered, her hand was covering her half open mouth. "Bachha kis ke paas hai? Tumhare Bhai ke paas ya Madiha le gyi apne sath?" Asked the old lady and Humaira was silent.

(Who has the child? Your brother or did Madiha take him along?)

"Danish Bhai ne dusri shadi kar li, wo unka beta hai, Madiha bhabi ka nhi." Adeel explained which was another shock for everyone.

(Danish Bhai had remarried. That's their son, not Madiha's.)

"Talaq Kab huyi dono ki?" Asked Zeba to Humaira.

(When did they get separated?)

"1-2 months ago."

"Why?" Shahzaib asked the very first question in the whole conversation.

"Umm... It sounds awkward to say but... Madiha bhabi was having an affair so bhai divorced her." Said Humaira in a hushed tone and Zeba looked at her with wide eyes however her mother-in-law gased and asked forgiveness for the sins.

"Tumhare Bhai ne talaq dene se pehle hi dusri shadi kar li thi?" Asked Zeba with wide eyes and Humaira shrugged. "And You're accusing Madiha for having an extra marital affair?" This time Zeba was looking enraged.

(Your brother did a second marriage even before divorcing Madiha?)

"Tumhe sharam nhi aa rahi ye bakwaas karte huye? Tum Madiha par aesa ilzaam laga bhi kese sakti ho Humaira?"

(Aren't you ashamed of doing this nonsense? How can you even accuse Madiha of this, Humaira?)

"Zeba bhabi, aap unhe bachpan me jaanti thi aapko kya pata wo ab kesi hain..."

(Zeba Bhaabi, you knew her in childhood, do you know how she is now...)

"Haan, main use bachpan se jaanti hu, main ye bhi jaanti hu ki kitne ladke uske peeche pagal the lekin usne kabhi kisi ko aankh utha ke bhi nhi dekha. Wo to in chakkaro me kabhi padi hi nhi. Tumhara Bhai Madiha ke layaq hi nhi tha lekin usne hamesha yahi kaha ki uski qismat me agar ye hi aadmi hai to ye hi Allah ka feysla hai. Ek baar mene use phone kra tha tab wo bohot rooi thi, tumhare Bhai ne use bohot buri tarha mara tha lekin usne mujhe kasam di thi ki main kisi ko nhi bataungi kyuki wo darti thi tum logo se... Aur uske kuch din baad se to usne mobile use karna hi band kar diya... Kitni baar mene tumse kaha ki Madiha se meri baat kra do aur tumne jab bhi apne bhai ke mobile kar call kri to Madiha ne hamesha yahi keh ke phone rakh diya ki wo busy hai... Tumhe kya lagta hai mujhe kuch samajh nhi aata hoga?" Zeba was shouting at Humaira and she was unable to say anything in reply.

(Yes I know her since childhood, I know how many boys were crazy for her but she didn't even glanced at them. She was not involved in these matters ever. Your brother was not worthy of Madiha but she always said that if this is the man in his destiny then it is the decision of Allah. Once I called her and she cried out helplessly because your brother had beaten her very badly but she took a promise to me that I will not tell anyone... she was afraid of you all. And after a few days she stopped using a mobile. Whenever I asked you to make me talk to her you called on your brother's mobile and Madiha told me that she was busy... What do you think, I don't understand anything?)

"Zeba bhabii..." Humaira opened her mouth to say something but stopped when Zeba stood up.

"Ye jhuti baate unhe batana jo Madiha ko jaante na ho, main tumhari chalakiyon ko bhi achhi tarha jaanti hu aur Madiha ko bhi..." And she walked out of the room.

(Tell these false things to those who do not know Madiha, I know your tricks very well and I know Madiha too.)

<><><><>

"Mohsin Aapi ko ghar se bahar nikal warna... warna... warna.... Mujhe nhi pta bas inhe ghar se bahar nikal. Jab tak ye is ghar se nhi niklengi tab tak kuchh theek nhi hoga." Aamna pointed towards the sofa on which Madiha was sitting with tear filled eyes.

(Mohsin, get Aapi out of the home, otherwise... Otherwise... Umm... I don't know anything just get her out of the home otherwise nothing will be fine.)

"Aamna please..." Madiha requested but did Aamna know to listen to anyone? No. She didn't!

"Aamna? Tu pagal ho gyi hai?" Mohsin asked but Aamna glared at him.

(Aamna are you mad?)

"Main nhi tu pagal ho gya hai!" And she walked into the room leaving Mohsin shocked.

(Not me but you!)

"Ye ghar jitna tera hai utna mera bhi hai, meri behen pareshani ki halat mein yaha nhi rahegi to kaha jayegi? Tu pagal ho gyi hai kya? Main apni behen ko ghar se kese nikaal sakta hu?" Mohsin shouted at Aamna while going behind her and she turned back while lifting her son from the bed then blinked blankly. For the next few moments she was also looking shocked then she bent down, Mohsin was confused for a moment until Aamna picked her slipper and threw on him. Well, she willingly missed his Target to save the handsome face of her husband otherwise today Mohsin would taste another form of love of his wife.

(This home is not only yours, but mine too. Where will my sister go in these situations? Have you gone mad? How can I throw my sister out of the house?)

"Main Tera muh tood dungi, main aapi ko ghar se nikalne ki baat nhi kar rhi unhe ghar se bahar nikaalne ko bool rhi hu." Aamna shouted and Mohsin blinked blankly. What was the difference between both the statements?

(I will smack your face, I am not asking you to throw aapi out of the house, I am asking you to get her out of the home.)

"Abey pagal... (you idiot)..." Before Mohsin could complete his sentence a voice stopped him. "Mohsin, Aamna... Please meri wajah se na lado." The couple glared at each other then turned towards Madiha.

(Please don't quarrel because of me.)

"Aapi aap pareshan na ho, main baat kar lunga is se. Aap araam se rahiye yaha, ye aapke Bhai ka ghar hai." Mohsin was enraged but Madiha shook her head.

(Don't worry, I will talk to her. You stay comfortably here, this is your brother's house.)

"Aamna mujhe ghar se nhi nikal rahi, wo chahti hai ki main job karu, har rooz ghar se bahar niklu." Madiha explained and Mohsin looked at his wife and smacked his forehead after understanding the reason behind Aamna's demand.

(Aamna is not throwing me out of the house, she wants me to do a job, get out of the home every day.)

"Agar aesi baat hai to aap roo kyun rahi thi?" He asked and Madiha again got tears.

(If that's the case then why were you crying?)

In these years she had lost all her confidence after listening countless times in a day that she was good for nothing, fool, dumb, and characterless. She was already feeling scared of everything and stepping out of the home was not easy for her. She felt scared of each and everything, unfortunately no one could relate. No one could understand her pain.

"Main... Main... Nhi kar sakti job... Mujhe aadat nhi hai ghar se bahar jane ki." Madiha put her point but Aamna shook her head.

(I.. I can't do job, I'm not habitual to go out of home.)

"In reality, you're afraid of facing people. Aapi just get out of that phase! It was the dark period of your life. Please come out of it. What do you think, everything will be fine by sitting inside these four walls? No! Learn to breath in the fresh air, go and see how the world is moving! You've created another world for yourself in these four walls, you're completely unaware of the outside world. Go and see the struggle of the world." Aamna said louder than normal. It was her habit to raise her voice when she gets angry and Madiha had a habit of feeling scared of each and every loud voice. Her hands and feet feel numb but no one knows.

Without wasting time Madiha walked back to her room and Mohsin gave an angry look to his wife, "Tu jab tak cheekh na le teri baat puri nhi hoti na? Dimaag se zyada zubaan chalti hai teri."

(Your discussions are not over until you scream, isn't it? Your tongue works more than your mind.)

"Haa main to aesi hi hu, tujhe pareshani hai to dafa ho ja yaha se." And she turned to go but her wrist was clutched by a hand who pulled her in a hug.

(Yes, I'm only like this. If you have any problems then get lost.)

"Leave me Mohsin." Aamna tried to push him away with anger but her husband was much more powerful than her or maybe she didn't use her power in order to carry the baby carefully. He embraced her as well as his son full of love.

"Itna gussaa..." resting his chin on her shoulder his whispered

(This much anger?)

"baat na kar mujhse."

(Don't talk to me.)

"Mar jaunga agar tujhse baat nhi karunga... Jaan hai tu meri." He whispered and kissed her cheek softly, Aamna's anger converted into tears and she hugged her husband back while resting her forehead on his chest. She was crying silently and Mohsin was caressing her back.

(I'll die if I won't talk to you. You're the sole purpose of life.)

"Kya hua hai? Kyu roo rhi hai? Kuchh bataygi?" He asked lovingly.

(What has happened? Why are you crying? Will you tell me something?)

"Tu to subah chala jata hai raat ko wapas aata hai... Pura din main rehti hu unke sath..." breaking the hug she said while wiping her tears and Mohsin held her hand, making her sit on the edge of the bed he sat down beside her.

(You go early in the morning and come back at night but I stay with her for the whole day.)

"Kya karti hain wo? Tujhe pareshan karti hain kya? Daanti hai ya gussa karti hain?" his voice was soft.

He knew his sister could do nothing wrong but he also knew that Aamna was not an evil mind, she was the best person he could ever find in his whole life, if she was crying then there must be a reason behind it.

(What does she do? Does she bother you? Or get angry at you or scolds you?)

"Wo kuch nhi karti bas sara kaam kar ke room me akele baith jati hain aur rooti rehti hain. Mohsin mujhse unka dukh nhi dekha jata. Yaar aapi bohot achhi hain phir unke sath aesa kyu hua? Aur agar ho bhi gya to wo kab tak past ke liye rooti rahengi?" Mohsin was stunned by the reason behind Aamna's tears and anger. He knew his wife was the owner of a soft heart, but this much soft? He never knew. She was crying for his sister!

(She doesn't do anything, just sits alone in the room after doing all the work and keeps crying. Mohsin I couldn't see her sorrow. Yaar, she's so nice, then why did this happen to her? And even if that happens, how long will she remain in the influence of the past?)

"Achha tu to chup ho jaa. Dekhte hain kuch." Wiping her tears he embraced her protectively and kissed her head but Aamna kept crying.

(At least you stop crying. We'll do something)

Aamna could feel Madiha's longing. Whenever Mohsin showed his love she always think about Madiha... How did she survive with a man like Danish for almost three and a half years. Many times Aamna asked Madiha to share whatever she had been hiding inside her so that she could feel light and better but no benefits. After cooking and teaching kids she stay inside the room. Yesterday Aamna took the old photo album in Madiha's room, her intentions were pure, she wanted to remind Madiha about a better time but sometimes things don't go according to our will.

The album showed a few photos of Madiha's nikkah, enough to made her cry. Even after Aamna's refusal she took those photos and from that time she was crying watching those pics in which a beautiful girl was sitting beside an average face holder man. It was a mismatch still the beautiful girl was accepting this marriage from all her heart and soul but what did she get in return of her love, royalty and efforts? Only pains, betrayals, disrespect and some such wounds that neither she showed to someone nor anyone could imagine. Those photos were the reality check, a testimony that she had covered a long time in these few years. Today's Mahida was more chubby than the simple nikkah bride, her flawless skin was now showing discolorations, occasional breakouts and dark spots but not darker than that phase of life. Unfortunately, she was unable to come out of that phase.

Aamna was trying to find a way to pull Madiha away from this sorrowful state of life and she got to know about a few jobs which were suitable for Madiha's qualifications but Madiha denied. She was uncomfortable with going out of the home every single day.

<><><>

After a few days:

A folder was placed on the bed which contained few degrees, certificates as well as some other documents. A well ironed scarf and Abaya was hanging near the door of the room and a new pair of footwear was resting near it. 

"Aapi come on... Get ready fast." Aamna instructed while leaving the room and Madiha felt irritated. For last few days Mohsin was taking her to different firms and offices for the job interviews and she was facing rejection only still two of them were forcing Madiha to go and give interviews.

Today also she didn't want to go for an interview but Mohsin announced that he'll go late to his office but will not let Madiha miss the interview.

"Aapi, wear this." Passing a wrist watch to Madiha Aamna said in a hurry then turned back to go. Madiha silently wore the wristwatch and walked towards the abaya. Wearing that she pressed her lips in between her teeth and Aamna again entered the room with a glass of smoothie. "Have it, it's very filling you'll not feel hungry while waiting for your turn."

"Aamna..."

"Ji aapi?"

"Why you both are doing this? I will be rejected again." Madiha asked with disappointment and Aamna shrugged. "then we'll send you for another interview."

"Try to understand Aamna, Na main is job ke liye suitable hu aur na hi mere paas koi experience hai... Upar se..." Madiha took a pause. "Burqa dekh ke log pehle hi judge kar lete hain ki main outdated hu... And in reality, yes I'm outdated. Meri last degree bhi 4 saal purani hai, wo log mujhe kyu job denge jab unke paas mujhse zyada achhe options hain!"

(Try to understand Aamna, Neither I'm suitable for this job nor I have any experience... Moreover...)

(My burqa gives an expression that I'm outdated. Well, that's true, I'm outdated. I got my last degree four years ago, why would a company appoint me if they have much better options than me?)l

"Aapi," Aamna stood in front of Madiha and held her hands. "Degrees can't define one's qualities! You're hardworking, sincere, loyal and these qualities are not mentioned on your degrees. If it comes to experience, every experienced person is a fresher at a point, your problem is your low confidence level. Be confident you're the best. Your outfit might be outdated but you're not! Every diamond needs to be polished, you're the same unpolished diamond, this job will give you courage to stand for yourself." Aamna took a step closer and hugged Madiha. For a few moments Madiha was stunned but then her eyes filled with tears. "You're the best person I have ever come across. I know, you've listened to my conversation with my sister but you didn't pass anything to Mohsin. You're so nice, Aapi." Aamna whispered and Madiha broke the hug.

"Main aesa kuch kyu karungi jis se tum dono me ladayi ho? Tum uski khushi ho jo mere liye sabse zyada azeez hai, main tum dono ko khush dekhna chahti hu." Madiha cupped Aamna's face and kissed her forehead on which she smiled.

(Why would I do something that would cause misunderstandings between you two? You are one's happiness who's most dear to me, I want to see both of you happy.)

"Aur hum aapko khush dekhna chahte hain aapi... All the best."

(And we want to see you happy, Aapi... all the best.)

"Zayan jaag raha hai?" Asked Madiha and Aamna nodded, without wasting time Madiha rushed towards the bedroom of her brother where that little boy was laying in his cot. "Mera pyara sa baccha." Picking him up in her arms Madiha kissed his cheeks and embrace him lovingly. In these days they both became so close to each other that now it was difficult for them to stay apart.

(Is Zayan awake?)

(My lovely child.)

"Let's go aapi." Mohsin's voice grabbed her attention and she sighed then nodded. "Aapi, it's for you." Passing a box to her Mohsin waited for her reaction, Aamna also came there to see Madiha.

"What's this?" Mumbling that she held the box and unwrapped it.

"Mohsin, I don't need it." Said Madiha after seeing a mobile phone but her brother nodded. "You need it. It already has a sim card, and our numbers are already saved." Mumbled Mohsin and Madiha felt as if she was becoming a burden on her brother. She knew that last month Aamna and Mohsin were worried about their expenses and today they brought a new mobile for her. For next few moments Madiha didn't say anything but then her eyes filled with tears.

"Maine hamesha yahi chaha tha ki Ammi ki tarha main apne bhai par boojh na banu... Lekin wo hi ho gaya..."

(I never wanted to become a burden on my brother just like Ammi became, but see... This happened.)

"Oh come on Aapi, koi boojh nhi hain aap, ab jaldi jaiye aur wapas aate waqt kuch achha sa khane ko le ayega." Said Aamna with a light-hearted tone and Mohsin pulled Madiha in a side hug. "You couldn't be a burden on us, Aapi."

(Oh come on. You're not a burden on us. Now go quickly and bring something good to eat while coming back.)

<><><><>

"Be confident, you can do everything, just be confident." Mohsin whispered when it was only Madiha left in the passageway. She was feeling scared as well as nervous due to which her hands were sweaty and cold.

"Madiha." A voice grabbed her attention and she looked up. "You're the next." A girl told her and she nodded. Giving her a weird look the girl walked away and Madiha's already shettered confidence shettered one more time. 

"Remove the veil, wearing an Abaya is completely fine.." Mohsin told her as if he listened to her inner voice. She intied the veil which eventually uncovered her face and gulped before walking towards the glass door of the cabin.

The interview was going on and Mohsin was sitting outside with crossed fingers. He was sure that selection was a far away thing Madiha was not even going to be shortlisted but these interviews were important for her to give some idea about the outer world.

"So Madiha, will you give us some reasons to hire you? Your latest degree is four years old, and you don't have any skills too." The interviewer stopped after glancing at her CV and Madiha took a deep breath. She took a long pause before making an answer then smiled.

"Sir, Ma'am, Degrees can't define one's qualities! I'm hardworking, sincere, loyal and these qualities are not mentioned on my degrees or certificates. Yes you're right that I don't have any skills but every skilled person is a fresher at a point so am I. I want to learn while working in this firm." The interviewer exchanged a look then glanced at Madiha. While writing something with a pencil then the lady give a look to Madiha.

"Suppose we give you this job, then will you come to the office in this burqa only?" The interviewer asked and Madiha nodded "yeah, ma'am. I'll."

"Umm... what if I ask you to not wear this burqa in the office. Wear it outside, but not in the premises of the office. Will you remove this for getting this job because there is no girl in this office who wears this in the office." Pointing towards Madiha's Abaya with the pencil the interviewer said with another level of confidence, for the next few moments Madiha didn't say anything but then Aamna's face and words came in front of her.

"Ma'am, my outfit might be outdated but I'm not! I'm here to gain my identity not to leave my original identity. I cover my head and body not my brain, I can assure you that these pieces of clothes will not effect my performance in any way, but I won't remove my burqa..." Maybe this was the very first time when Madiha was answering an interview with this level of confidence and calmness. All thanks to Aamna who answered the same questions today only.

"May I know the reason behind the gap between your last degree and this job search? What you have done in these three-four years?" Madiha's face turned pale, she took a deep breath and pressed her lips together. Suddenly she felt the need to drink the entire glass of water which was resting in front of her but she didn't get courage to do so.

"I... I have been performing the role of a housewife." She somehow uttered in a hushed tone.

"Tell us something about yourself and your family. What's your husband's profession? Will you be able to maintain a balance between your home and job?" 

"I... I'm a very simple person living with my brother and his wife after getting separated from my husband, and I'll definitely give my best." Madiha muttered without meeting her eyes with the interviewers but the lady pushed the glass of water towards her.

"Thank you." Mumbling that she picked the glass and gulp down the half in one go. While blinking away her tears. "Are you alright?" The man asked and Madiha looked up then nodded with a smile.

"Yes, I'm."

"Umm... I'm afraid we're unable to give you this job because of your confidence level. I don't think you're suitable for this kind of work where you have to attend meetings and give suggestions." The man stopped after that and Madiha's heart broke in many pieces. This was the first time when she wanted to get this job so that she could contribute in the expenses of home but she was again rejected. "Yeah, I agree. You need to work on your confidence, but it was a nice meeting." The lady interviewer said with a smile and Madiha also maintained her smile but anyone could see her pale face.

"Thank you Ma'am, thank you Sir, I believe that every diamond needs to be polished, and maybe I'm the same unpolished diamond. I wanted this job to stand for yourself and gain confidence but I respect your decision. You have to select the best for your company. Thank you so much for your time. Have a nice day ahead." Picking up her files Madiha stood up and walked out from the room leaving the interviewers in chaos.

"Umm... What do you think?"

"I'm confused... Maybe she can perform but..." The lady stopped in between and shook her head. "It's

a no from my side." She concluded.

"Hmm... we already have better options than her but there is something in her..." The man muttered.

"So what are you thinking, sir?"

"Umm... Well... It's a no from my side too." He also closed the discussion on Madiha while focusing on the best candidates of today's interview.

.......

"How was your interview Aapi?" Asked Mohsin and Madiha sighed. "In logo ne to hand to hand reject kar diya."

(These people rejected me on my face only.)

"It's alright. Hota hai aesa bhi... Let's go, main aapko Ghar drop kar deta hu phir office chala jaunga."

(it happens sometimes.)

(I'll drop you home and then go to the office.)

"Umm... Main soch rhi thi market tak jaane ki... Tum office chale jao main ghar akele chali jaungi." Madiha shared half of her intentions and Mohsin felt relaxed that at least she started to take interest in going to the market.

(Um... I was thinking of going to the market... You go to the office, I'll go home alone.)

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." She nodded while wearing the veil and walking towards the exit of the office. She was saving the tuition fee for buying something for Zayan. He was the only person whom Madiha wanted to adore all round of clock, she wanted to buy so many toys and clothes for him, unfortunately, earlier she had no money with her but now she had a small sum.

"Let me drop near the market," Mohsin told and Madiha turned to see him to nod her head but she bumped with someone who was coming from the other side. They both looked at each other, the brown pair of eyes against the hazel. "I'm sorry." Both of them said in unison, the man in white crisp shirt and brown formal trouser walked without looking at Madiha but she was unable to forget him. There was a different charm on his average looking face. Even after many years he was same but his signature smile was missing somewhere.

"Aapi." Mohsin muttered while holding her arm, he was surprised to see her sister's gaze following the man who just passed by them. "Do you know him?" He asked and Madiha felt a pang.

"Maybe... Or maybe not." She walked out from the office building but unable to forget this unexpected meeting with someone unforgettable.

'Aap ko pta hai main kuch sooch rhi thi.'

(You know I was thinking something?)

'hmm... Masha Allah Madam ji sochti bhi hain! Wese kya soch liya?'

(Hmm... Great. Does Madam think too! By the way what was that?)

'Agar main kabhi aapke samne aa gyi aap mujhe pehchan nhi payenge na! Aapne to mujhe kabhi dekha hi nhi hai lekin main aapko pehchan lungi.' He laughed loud on her thought and she was confused. What was funny about that?

(If I ever come in front of you, you won't be able to recognize me, right? You have never seen me but I will recognize you.)

'Isme hasne wali kya baat hai? Mene aapko koi joke sunaya hai kya?' She asked with disappointment.

(What's funny about that? Have I cracked a joke?)

'Joke nhi hai lekin joke se kam bhi nhi hai... Tum mere saamne aa gayi to main aakhe band kar ke bhi tumhe pehchan lunga."

(Not a joke but not less than one too. If you ever come across me I'll recognise you even with closed eyes.)

"Aakhe band kar ke? Ab ye to joke hi hai." Madiha laughed in a suppressed voice. "Kese pehchanenge aap mujhe aakhe band kar ke?"

(Even with closed eyes? Now, that's a joke.)

(But how will you recognise me with closed eyes?)

"Tumhari hasi se... Tumhari awaaz se... Tumhari saaso ki lay se." His voice was full of an emotion which was unnamed but it was able to stop her breath for a moment.

(From your laughter, from your voice and from the nodes of your breath.)

"Kya hua kuch bologi nhi?" He asked and Madiha felt her heart racing, what could she say now?

(What happened? Why are you silent? Won't you say anything?)

"Umm.... Wo... Ammi... Shayad ammi uth gyi hain, unhe kuch chahiye hoga. Allah Hafiz."

(Umm... I guess Ammi woke up. She might need something. Allah Hafiz.)

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Na aaya karo mere saamne ke dil ko samjhana zara mushkil hai.

Tum hamare ho nhi sakte aur hum tumhare rahe nhi.

_Naaz Jamal