Holding a few bags in his hands he walked towards the bedroom and looked at his wife who was lying on her bed talking to someone on the phone call. She glanced at him but continued to talk to her mother.

"Gohar jab main ghar wapas aau to fooran phone rakh diya kro, mujhe ye sab pasand nhi hai."

(Gohar, when I return home, put down the phone immediately, I don't like all this.)

"Lekin mujhe to pasand hai na." It was a clear reply which was enough to enrage Danish but he looked at his son present in the lap of this lady and his anger vanished just like a bubble on the water. Taking the mobile from her hand he glanced at the caller's name which showed 'Ammi'. He put the mobile on the nightstand after switching it off and sat down beside his wife.

(But I like it.)

"Dekho tumhare liye kya laya hu." Said the overbearing man and lifted his son from his wife's lap but she was not looking happy.

(See what I've brought for you.)

"Mujhe baat nhi karni aapse."

(I'm not going to talk to you.)

"Main jitne tumhare nakhre uthata hu aaj tak utne kisi ke nhi uthaye..." Danish pulled her near but she pushed his hand away.

(I have never put up with anyone's tantrums as much as I do with you...)

"Saaf kahiye na, apni pehli biwi ki yaad aa rhi hai... uske nakhre nhi uthaye aapne?" Gohar looked away and Danish remembered about Madiha one more time. Her memories were not leaving him alone, it seemed he was living in the flashback and realising how Madiha was making every effort for him and how he was only doubting her. 

(Tell me clearly, missing my first wife... haven't you tolerated her tantrums?)

"Haan, uske nakhre nhi uthaye mene,"

(Yeah I haven't put up her tantrums)

"Bas rehne dijiye, nakhre nhi uthaye uske..." she jerked her head, "Mujhe us chhote se ghar me daal kar sara waqt to usi ke sath rehte the, pregnancy ka waqt bhi mene akele guzara hai. Mujhe phone kar ke yaad dilana padta tha ki main bhi aapki biwi hu tab jaa ke 3-4 din ke liye aate the aap."

(Oh come on... Don't make these stories that you haven't put up with her tantrums.)

(keeping me in that small house you lived here with her all the time. Even during my pregnancy, I spent my time alone. I had to call you to remind you that I am also your wife only then you would come for 3-4 days.)

"Uske sath rehta tha magar wo mere nakhre dekhti thi, mene uske nakhre kabhi nhi uthaye, uspe to sirf hath uthaya tha, phir bhi usne ye sab nhi kiya jo tum kar rhi ho..."

(I stayed with her but only she endured my tempers, not me. I had only raised my hand on her yet she did not do all that you are doing...)

"Usne to aapko aulaad bhi nhi di, main bhi nhi deti to? Ek bete ke liye taraste reh jate, koi aapka naam lene wala bhi nhi hota." taking her son from Danish's arms she looked away and he sighed. 

(She didn't even give you a child, what if I wouldn't give one too? You would keep longing for a son, there will be no one to even take your name.)

"Isi aulaad ki wajah se tumhari har baat nazarandaaz kar deta hu." Maybe he was being so truthful for the first time in his life but Gohar glared at him and looked away.

(I'm ignoring your every deed just because of this child)

"Keh to aese rahe hain jese koi ehsaan kar rhe ho mujh par."

(As if you're doing a great favour.)

"Tumhe ladna hi hai na, ladti raho, main hi chala jata hu." he stood up but Gohar's eyes fell on the bags, and she grabbed Danish's hand in a hurry. "Ab naraz ho kar na jaiye, dikhaiye kya laye gain mere liye." On his wife's demand, he passed an ample number of bags to her and picked his son from her lap.  He couldn't live without his Hamza. 

(If you wanna argue then keep doing, I'm going.)

(Now don't be angry, show what you have brought for me.)

"Pasand aa gye?" without averting his eyes from his son's face Danish asked in a hushed tone but didn't get a reply which forced him to glance at his wife. She was showing a dismay as well as a disapproved look. 

(Liked them?)

"Hazar baar bola hai aapse ye do do koodi ke kapde mere liye na laya kariye, aur wo jo gold earrings ka wada kara tha uska kya hua? Kab denge?" Throwing away the bags she huffed. Danish sighed. They were the same quality clothes that he used to bring for Madiha along with many taunts for giving her expensive clothes. 

(I have told you a thousand times not to bring these cheap quality clothes for me, and what about the gold earrings you had promised? When will you give it?)

"Locker me rakhe huye hain nikal lo," He ignored her demand for clothes and replied for the gold earrings but Gohar jerked her head. 

(I have kept it in the locker, take it out.)

"Main aapki pehli biwi ki utran nhi pehnungi. Mujhe naye chahiye."

(I will not wear your first wife's old things, I want new ones.)

"Achha theek hai, kal chalna mere sath, jo chahiye le lena."

(Okay, okay, come with me tomorrow, take whatever you want.)

"Sirf earrings nhi bracelet bhi chahiye mujhe, aur main apni pasand ki dresses bhi lungi aur shopping ke baad dinner bahar karenge, aap mujhe kabhi bhi le kar nhi jate."

(I want not only earrings but also a bracelet, and I will buy dresses of my choice then we will have our dinner in a fancy restaurant after shopping, you never take me for an outing.)

"kuch zyada demands nhi karti tum?"

(Don't you think you're too demanding?)

"Aapi itni badi khwahish bhi to puri kari hai." she again reminded him about his son and Dan ish looked at her with amazement. 

(I have fulfilled such a big wish of yours too.)

"Kya tumhe ye nhi dikhta ki main tumhari kitni khwahishein puri karta hu? Tumhe kitne araam aur pyaar se rakhta hu?"

(Don't you see how many of your wishes I fulfil? How comfortably and lovingly do I keep you?)

"Ye to shohor ka farz hota hai." Saying that she walked out of the room and Danish couldn't blink his eyes.

(That's the duty of a husband.)

"Gohor mere sar daba do, bohot dard ho raha hai." He yelled. He didn't have a headache still he wanted to see her reaction and reply.

(Gohor, I'm having a headache, give me a head massage.)

"Painkiller is in the drawer of the nightstand." Her reply forced Danish to sigh painfully, he couldn't help but remember Madiha. Nowadays he remembers that Do koodi ki aurat now and then.

"Suniye, aaj aapki chachi aayi thi, unke ghar Quran-khwani hai, mujhe aane ko bola hai unhone, main chali jaun kya?" Madiha informed him about his aunt's visit but he wasn't interested in learning because Saad had already informed him two hours ago.

(Suniye, your aunt came today, there is a Quran-Khwani* at her house, she has asked me to come, should I go?)

[*Quran-Khwani: a gathering in which people gather to recite Quran.)

"Aaj sar me bohot dard ho raha hai apni bakwas mat shuru kar dena." And he covered his eyes with his arm

(I have a headache today, don't start talking nonsense.)

"Chai bana du aapke liye?" She asked for his remedy but he preferred to be silent instead of replying. Madiha stayed silent for the next few moments then sat down beside him and shifted his head in her lap. "Main daba deti hu, theek ho jayega. Teyl laga du?" She asked the last part and Danish stayed silent one more time. His silence means no, she should know it. But what was the reason for his ignorance? What she had done this time? As far as she knew, she did everything just fine.

(Should I make tea for you?)

(I will press it, it will be fine. Should I apply oil?)

"Suniye, aap itne chup chup kyu hain? Koi tension hai kya? Tabiyat to theek his na aapki?" without stopping her hands to massage his head she asked to get the same response. No response. For the next ten minutes, she gathered some courage to ask him what was the reason behind this ignorance but she was feeling scared of this tall man. Well, for how long could a human being tolerate silent treatment? Sometimes Danish made her feel like a street dog who kept barking to get attention in return. She was his wife... Does every husband behave like this only? If not love then at least he could give her some amount of his time and attention in return for her efforts but there was only ignorance.

(suniye, why are you so quiet? Is there any tension? Aren't you feeling well?)

"Suniye, Aap mujhse Naraz hain?" She asked and Danish opened his eyes to glare at her. "Apni bakwaas band kar de. Thak gya hu main teri bakwaas sunte sunte. Kutte ki tarha bhookti rehti hai har waqt." He yelled and again closed his eyes and soon a drop of water fell on his forehead which forced him to open his eyes.

(Listen, you are angry with me?)

(Stop your nonsense. I am tired of listening to your nonsense. You keep barking like a dog all the time.)

A soft hand was already cleaning it without stopping to press his head. "I'm sorry." She muttered while cleaning his forehead with the corner of her dupatta then cleared her eyes and he stopped glaring at her before closing his eyes.

Sighing he closed his eyes for a moment then looked around, there was no Madiha who could give him a head massage. There was no Madiha who could listen to his taunts and abusive words, tolerate his violence and anger but stay silent in return. 

"Madiha..." he just muttered under his breath. Sometimes humans understand the value of precious things only after losing them, the same was happening with Danish. However, he was too late to realise.

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Today, not a tab but a laptop was resting on the tabletop just in front of her and she was not editing but writing the very first draft of the article which was related to the life of women in these days. Lifting her head she glanced at the table which had been empty for two days then again started writing with the speed of turtle. The day before yesterday Athar rushed home in a hurry; yesterday he didn't come to the office and today his chair was again empty giving a clear indication that his family meant the world to him. Shifting her gaze back to the laptop screen she sighed. Education, Self-respect, independence, and Woman empowerment The screen was showing some keywords to be added to the article, but she was aware of some more keywords to describe a woman...

After the struggles of half an hour, she was sitting on one of a chair arranged property around the big round table in the middle of the big room. There were many people around her and today she was going to present her first article in front of them. Two people have already presented their works and now it was Madiha's turn. She was sure that her article was not going to be selected for publishing in the magazine but she tried her best. At the beginning of reading, she was aware that no one was going to appreciate her writing, in the middle she started losing confidence due to the flat faces of her colleagues but she still decided to read the last part...

 "In today's world when people are talking about women's empowerment we forget to mention the efforts of homemakers, they and their efforts are often neglected just because they're dependent on someone else for their financial expenses. Furthermore, the definition of empowerment varies from woman to woman. For some women, empowerment means to have a good amount of money in their hands along with the independence to make choices but for others, it might mean not being beaten up by their husband or being free from a relationship with no love and respect or being valued in her family or maybe something else. In every era, women are supposed to live a life that society approves. Earlier they were forced to stay at home and lately, they're supposed to earn money. Why can't a woman live on her terms and conditions?" Madiha looked at everyone, the flat faces now giving mixed expressions. Some showed a little positive impact, some were still neutral but the majority was disappointed.

"Sorry to say but this is rubbish? Which era are you living in? Lately, when women are doing everything and achieving everything you're writing that their husbands beat them, don't support or respect them? Seriously? Are you talking about the late 90's? Get a life dude, open your eyes and brain... You're presenting an unexpected definition of women empowerment!" She was the same girl who had given a disapproval look to Madiha on the very first day but what could she do? Nothing!

Till the end of the reading of the article, she was sure to receive a negative response but this much negative? It was unexpected.

"But I like the idea of presenting a new definition of women empowerment." a voice from behind grabbed the attention of Madiha as well as others. Passing a file to the senior most lady this man took his seat beside Madiha and passed a smile to the man opposite to him.

"Oh, really Athar? You know what, women are not victims anymore, it irks me when someone talks about a woman having a miserable life. Man, just look at the power women have! No husband or inlaws can do violence against women, there are terrible punishments for this crime but people are still victimising women." Athar looked at the girl defending her point and he couldn't help but nod his head.

"This also makes sense." he agreed but Madiha took a deep breath. "Try to see the world with others' eyes too. There must be some women who are still struggling to gain their identity and come out of an abusive marriage. Please check the ground reality before mentioning the legal power a woman has."

"Show me a damn example of such a woman, Madiha. Nowadays people are educated, they know their rights..."

"Stop this argument and focus on the work." a loud voice of a senior created a silence for a while then she turned towards Madiha. "Good try, I like the idea of letting a woman live her life without any kind of pressure, the latter half of the article is impactful, keep going with your hard work."

"Sure Ma'am, Thank you." this little amount of appreciation brought a dull smile to Madiha's lips, and then her gaze went to Athar, he was texting someone while his mobile was under the table. She couldn't help but read his text as well as the person on the other side. It was Rosie only, sending him the list of groceries as well as some other things and Athar was asking if she needed something for herself or Ayan. It wasn't difficult for Madiha to understand who Ayan was! She averted her eyes from his mobile screen and for a moment, wished to have a better husband who would show a little amount of love to her. A man who would see her efforts and loyalty, respect her honesty, and love her for being modest but her man did the opposite. 

Did I deserve what I got? She questioned herself but no one could answer. Nevertheless, she wanted peace more than the answer and she was getting it after separation. 

.....

A big smile broke on her lips when a text message told her that her account was credited with her salary. Till a few minutes ago she was supposed to go back home but now there was a slight change in the plan. How it was possible that she got her salary but did not bring something for Zayan? Instead of home, she went to the market to buy some clothes and toys for her little one. While roaming in the market she didn't realize a single time that she was not underconfident anymore, she could walk on the streets without looking for a Danish to hold his hand. Stepping into a shop she walked towards the counter but halted for a second when found Athar already buying clothes. They both looked at each other, Madiha felt uncomfortable, "Why does he always come in front of me?" she mumbled, took back steps and walked to another shop that was filled with toys. 

She picked a stuffed toy from the shelf and checked it. A cute furry panda for her little polar bear. But how could she buy only one toy for her little Jaan (life)? Exploring the huge shop she walked from one corner to another and picked a huge toy car when another voice grabbed her attention. 

"Haan mera bachcha, yaad hai mujhe, car launga." Madiha wanted to smack her forehead because she didn't need to see this man to recognize him, only his voice was enough, for a moment she wanted to turn towards him and ask, are you following me? But she controlled her emotions and kept picking some more toys. 

(Yes my dear, I remember to bring a car for you.)

"Spiderman bhi launga, lekin pehle mummy ki baat mano aur dawai piyo."

(Yes, I'll bring Spiderman too but first listen to what Mumma is saying and take medicine.)

Madiha 110% ignored his presence and walked towards the billing counter but before she could ask for billing a voice grabbed her attention one more time. "Excuse me," she rolled her eyes in her thoughts when found Athar behind herself.

"Can I get this car in red colour?" he asked and this time Madiha turned to see him and took a long glance at her brown eyes which were visible from her veil. The man in the reception looked at the cars present in the hands of both customers. "Sorry sir, this was the last red piece, you can choose yellow or black colour." Pointing towards the red car present in Madiha's hand the man replied and Athar rubbed his forehead with his thumb and first finger.

"Please find a red car, I need red only. ''

"Sorry sir, it was the last piece."

"Aap ye le lijiye." Passing the car towards Athar she told him without making eye contact and put the soft toys on the counter for billing.

(you take this one.)

"Are you sure?"

"Of course," Madiha muttered and waited for billing so was Athar doing. "Ab aapka beta kesa hai?" She couldn't help anymore and eventually asked.

(how is your son now?)

"Hmm... What?"

"Shayad gir gya tha na aapna beta, ab kesi tabiyat hai uski?"

(Perhaps your son has fallen, how is his health now?)

"Ab theek hai, 3-4 stitches aye forehead pr," Athar replied and they both grabbed the bags passed by the man present at the reception. Without wasting time they both walked out of the shop and looked at each other as if they wanted to say something but couldn't.

(he's fine now, he got 3-4 stitches on the forehead.)

"Madiha,"

"Ji?" she turned to see him who was holding a smile. "Thank you so much for this red car."

"You're welcome," she muttered and sped up to maintain a distance between herself and Athar. Did he really forget me? She asked herself but kept her resolution not to think about the past any more. Buying a cake from a nearby bakery she took an auto rickshaw to home. It was Aamna's birthday and she wanted to celebrate it.

<><><><>

"Main tang aa gya hu tumse. Sab kuch karne ke baad bhi kabhi khush nhi dikhti tum," he yelled.

(I am fed up with you. Even after doing everything, you never look happy.)

"Chikhiye mat. Maine cheekhna shuru kara to aapko musibat ho jayegi." she didn't raise her voice and walked out of the room with another level of anger. 

(Don't scream. If I start screaming, there will be trouble for you.)

Danish threw the flower pot on the floor and dialled Humaira's number, she received the call on the very first ring and... "Tujhe koi aur aurat nhi mili thi mere sar pe ye azaab musallat kar diya tu ne." 

(Couldn't you find any other woman? You have inflicted this punishment on my head.)

"Bhai aap mujh pe kyu gussa ho rhe hain? Maine aapki shadi zabardasti to nhi karayi aapne khud apni marzi se ye shadi kari thi, maine to sirf rishta dhunda tha." Humaira replied

(Bhai why are you getting angry with me? I didn't force you, you got married with your own free will. I only have searched the match.)

"Meri Zindagi haram kar di hai is aurat ne."

(This woman has ruined my life.)

"Aapko kisi haal sukun hai bhi ya nhi? Pehle aapko aulaad chahiye thi, ab aapko aur pareshaniyan hain."

(Can't you be satisfied in any condition? Earlier you wanted a child, and when you get one now you have different issues.)

"Agar mujhe pta hota ki aulaad ke liye itni badi qeemat chukani padegi to kabhi dusri shadi na karta. Is se achhi to Madiha thi, kuch bhi jo jaye mere aage peche ghumti rehti thi."

(If I had known that I would have paid such a great price for a child, I would never have married again. Madiha was better than this, no matter what, she would do everything to keep me happy.)

"To unhi to sahi tarha rakh lete, aapne unhe konsa pyaar se rakh liya tha... Ab jo ho gya wo ho gya, inhi ke sath zindagi guzariye... Pichhli baar dusri shadi ke liye koi rishta mil gya tha kyuki aapki pehli biwi me kami thi... Wo aapko aulaad nhi de paa rhi thi lekin is baar to aapke paas koi bahana bhi nhi hoga." Humaira slapped the harsh reality on her brother's face and he cut the call before leaving the home.

(So you should keep her lovingly but you didn't... Now stop beating the dead horse and spend your life with her only. Last time you got this match for the second marriage because your first wife had a fault, she couldn't be a mother but this time you are not going to get a reason for leaving her.)

Roaming on the roads he remembered the past... That ungrateful woman never did anything due to which he had to leave his own home even though he used to feel like in paradise when living at home. 

<><><><>

"Sun" Munching on the chips she uttered.

(listen.)

"Dekh main pehle hi bata rha hu birthday gift mat mangiyo is baar EMI dene ke baad budget set karna bohot mushkil ho gya." Without looking at her he replied and kept watching the tv.

(See, I am already telling you in advance not to ask for birthday gifts, this time after giving the EMI, it has become very difficult to set the budget.)

"Achha na, nhi maang rhi, tu mar mat... Main to ye bol rhi thi ki tujhe wo Aamir bhai yaad hain? Mere second cousin jinki wife ki death ho gyi thi last year?" Aamna seated with a straight-back and Mohsin blinked with questioning eyes.

(Okay, I am not asking, don't die... I was asking if you remember Aamir Bhai, my second cousin, whose wife died last year?)

"Hmm... I remember." this time Mohsin looked up.

"Unki family unke liye rishta dhundh rhi hai... If you don't mind... Mene unhe bula liya aapi se mil lenge ek baar." Aamna chewed the last part with chips and Mohsin forgot that he was watching a movie, he sat down on the bed with a jolt and looked at his wife.

(His family is looking for a match for him... If you don't mind... I have called him here, he will meet aapi once.)

"Tu pagal ho gyi hai Aamna, tu sach me pagal ho gyi hai." Mohsin smacked his forehead and his wife huffed. "Aapi se puchh to leti ek baar."

(You have gone mad Amana, you have really gone mad.)

(At least you could ask Aapi once.)

"Abhi maine Aamir bhai ko bas dinner par bulaya hai, rishte ki koi baat nhi kari. Pehle 2-3 casual meetings ho jaye, phir aage ka sochenge."

(for now, I have invited Aamir bhai for dinner only, I haven't talked about the marriage thing. Let them both meet casually a few times, then we will discuss anything else.)

"Pta nhi aapi kese react krengi ye sab cheez par."

(I am afraid, How will aapi react to this?)

"Tu darta reh. Main kese react krungi ye soch ke to tune mujhe bhi propose nhi kra tha... Dar dar ke zindagi guzaar le tu to."

(Stay afraid, you didn't even propose to me because you were afraid of my reaction. Spend your life in these fears only.) 

Before their argument could be heated a doorbell grabbed their attention and they both stood up in a hurry. "It must be Aamir bhai." both of them almost ran towards the main door but Madiha was faster than them. Holding Zayan in her arms she opened the door and smiled a little when found Aamna's parents and siblings. They were present to celebrate the birthday of their dearest but before Madiha could close the door another figure walked in. His eyes met with Madiha to make her heart skip a beat.  

<><><><>