"Daniyal, Ab kya hua hai? Aap pareshan kyu hain?" Baba asked after sitting beside me, a maid served us tea which I didn't want to have.

(Daniyal, what happened now? Why are you so upset?)

"Koi masla nhi hai baba, main Bilkul theek hu)

(No Baba, all good.)

"Achha? Lagta to nhi hai."

(I doubt )

"Nothing new! You don't trust me usually!" I sigh and lift the cup of tea

"Daniyal Masla kya hai?" This time Baba was sounding very serious, and cherry on the top, Ammi also joined her husband to fire same question on me.

(Daniyal what's wrong?)

"Kazmi Sahab, main bhi dekh rahi hu, kuch to masla hai lekin aapke bete kuch batate hi nhi hain."

(Mr Kazmi, I'm also seeing him worried but he doesn't share anything.)

"Ammi baba, bohot bada masla hai aap log nhi samajh sakte. Rehne dijiye." I put down the cup on the coffee table and the color of my parents' face was gone.

(Ammi Baba, you leave this matter, it's very complicated.)

"Aap se zyada tajurba hai hamara, ho sakta hai is masle ka hal hamare paas ho, aap batain to sahi." Ammi asked and I nodded before sighing dramatically.

(We're more experienced than you, maybe we can help you, at least share what's in your mind.)

"Ammi baba, ek baat samajh nhi aati... Bohot arsa ho gya is kashmakash mein hu, din raat sochta hu lekin kabhi bhi samajh nhi aaya."

(Ammi baba, I don't understand one thing. It has been a long time, I am in this dilemma, I think day and night but never understood.)

"Daniyal masla kya hai?" baba place his hand on my shoulder and Ammi lovingly stared at me, as if she was feeling my pain. A pain I'm hiding behind the curtain of my smile from a long time.

(Daniyal what's the matter?)

"To masla ye hai ki chai mein ilaichi itni achhi aur biryani mein itni buri kyu lagti hai?" After all, I shared one of the biggest matter of this world. "Aap dono ke paas koi hal hai is masle ka?" I asked while sipping the tea and they both exchanged their looks while blinking blankly.

(So the matter is... Why does cardamom taste so good in tea and so bad in biryani?)

(Do you both have any solution for this issue?)

"Is this an issue?" Baba asked and I shrugged like an innocent man. "Yes, baba."

"Fine, I have a solution!" I raised my brow on the overwhelming reply from my mother. "And what's that pretty lady?"

"Aap shadi kar lein, phir biwi ke hath ki biryani mein ilaichi bhi buri nhi lagegi."

("If you get married, then even cardamom will not taste bad in the Biryani cooked by your wife.)

"Ye kesa ajeeb o gareeb hal nikala hai aapne, ammi?"

(What kind of weird solution is this, Ammi?)

"Jesa aapka masla tha mene wesa hi hal bhi nikal diya." Ammi shrugged proudly and I laughed.

(The solution is as weird as the issue.)

"Ammi you're great."

"Biwi kiski hai? Great to hogi hi na." As usual, baba didn't let go a single chance when he praise himself along with his wife. But the main topic is, I successfully diverted their mind from the main topic.

(Because she is my wife!)

"Aap dono apni khud ki tareefe karain, main apna kaam kar leta hu."

(You both praise yourself, I will do my work.)

That's how I managed to run away from their questions. Stepping into the room I lock the door and did same what I was doing from last night. That's calling Shifa. But she was not attending my call. Did I do wrong by complaining against Kabeer and his friends?

I don't think so!

They all need punishment for what they were up to, leaving criminals is one of the biggest reason for increasing number of crimes and as far as I know Shifa, she would never raise her voice against those boys if I would ask her permission, she is so timid to take stand for herself. I hope she will understand my intention one day.

With this hope I glanced at my mobile screen, she didn't receive my call again, it was enough to make me guilty.

<><><><><><>

I was ironing my clothes as I had to go to the radio Station. After witnessing Whatever happened yesterday I was feeling scared to attend the college, so I was at home since morning.

"Shifa." Mumma stepped into the room and her call made me jump at my place. It was enough to make my heart jump wildly.

"What's wrong beta? Do you have any problem?" She asked and I shook my head while hanging the jeans and spreading a floral print Kurt a on he iron table. But I make sure not to make eye contact with her.

"Shifa why are you looking pale?" This time she checked my temperature with the back of her fingers, but it was fine.

"I'm fine mumma." Unfortunately, my words and expressions weren't going hand in hand. I was about to cry but controlling myself with difficulty.

"No, you're not! Tell me what's wrong?" Mummy took the iron from hand and made me sat down on the bed. For a few seconds I was silently looking at the floor but then she pulled me in a protective hug. "Tell me what is bothering you." She whispered and my courage to hold myself back gave up. "Nothing" I cried hugging her back.

"Shifa, you're not fine. Tell me beta, tell your mumma..." She break the hug and wipe my tears. "Mummy." I muttered and she nodded.

"Hmm..."

"I did not passed out due to suffocation and nervousness. Deni lied to you." I muttered and her face lost the color.

"Then?"

"I was given sleeping pills, and Deni..." I sobbed and wiped my tears.

"What?" She was shocked. "Daniyal did this? But..."

"No mumma... No..." I wiped my tears. "Deni saved me, I called him instead of papa, and he came at right time... But..."

"But what Shifa?"

"But mummy, Deni brought this issue to principal sir, without even asking me... and when principal sir asked about him, he said that he's my fiance, sir was considering him my boyfriend. I'm didn't like this thing." I shared with mummy whatever I was hiding in myself and she hugged me again.

"Allah saved you beta," she kissed my head but her next sentence forced me to stop crying. "And Daniyal did correct."

"What?" I break the hug. "How it was correct? We're not engaged, what will happen if anyone got to know about it... What they will think about my and his relationship." I questioned and she smiled.

"Daniyal did not insult you by telling this relationship, instead he has put down the fingers which could raise towards you."

"But mummy..."

"Beta, sometimes we shouldn't judge people on their action. We need to understand the reason behind it. And Daniyal's intentions were to save you from those questions which could lead your disrespect." I blinked twice as this lesson was unexpected.

"Mumma, how will you manage if papa got to know about it? And what if principal sir summon my parents regarding this matter?" I asked and mummy caresed my head. "Shifa, it wasn't your fault beta, don't worry. I'll go to meet your principal and ask him to punish those boys as strictly as he can. It's not a small matter." She kissed my forehead and I felt relaxed.

"Allah saved you and Daniyal became the source. He's a nice man." I silently nodded and glanced at the call clock

"Mumma, I'm getting late, we'll talk later." Saying that I stood up to get ready. Meanwhile my mobile started ringing, it was Deni's call. Mummy glanced at my mobile then at me, I cut the call and stepped into the bathroom.

<><><><><><>

"Farhad changed his dp which was enough to make Shireen's innocent heart sealed with happiness." I delivered the line which was written in my diary but before I could read the next line Deni gestured me to stop and close the diary, I was a little surprised by his act.

"But happiness or sadness nothing is constant but Time, it changes everything with itself. And now it was Shireen's turn." Daniyal dramatically took a pause and I continued without any of his command. We both had started understanding each other's way of working, so it's easy to ho with flow.

"Hmm... Time and Shireen had a bond of fire and ice." I not only said but felt my own words.

"So RJ Khushi, aapke liye waqt ke mayne (meaning) kya hai?" Deni asked about an unexpected topic, though I wasn't sure if my answer would be fine or not but I smiled sadly and took deep breath.

(So RJ Khushi, what's your definition of time?)

"Waqt... Waqt wo cheez hai jo mehlo ke maliko ko bhi dusro ki chokhat ka mohtaj kar deta hai, badshahat ke paalne se nikaal kr gurbat ki good mein daal deta hai. Dost, rishtedaar, apne aur apnahat jese alfaz ke mayne hi badal deta hai. Aasu chhupa kar hasna sikha deta hai, aur kuch zinda dil insano ko zinda lash bana deta hai." I explained the meaning of time that I've learned, Deni smiled while raising his left brow and I looked down at my diary. I intentionally avoid him.

(Time is that thing which makes the owners of mansions dependent on others for shelter. Taking out of the cradle of kingship it puts a man in the lap of poverty. It changes the entire meaning of some words like friends, relatives, love and loved ones. It makes us perfect in hiding tears and faking laughter, and sometimes it converts happy go lucky person into a living dead body.)

"Aapki bqat durust hai lekin Wahi, dusre nuqta e nazar se, Waqt wo aag hai jo pathhar ko tapa kar kundan bana deti hai. Ye wo andhera aur tanhayi hai jo seep ke andar moti bana deta hai. Waqt wo tufaan hai jo ya to Zindagi ki kashti ko tahas nahas kar deta hai ya uska rukh mood kar use nayi manzil ki taraf rawana kar deta hai..." He removed his glasses and clean them while saying so, it seems he had learned these words so doesn't even need to think about it before saying anything.

(You're correct but if we see it from a different viewpoint, time is the fire that turns a stone into a crystal. Time is the darkness and loneliness that makes pearls inside the shell. Time is that storm which either destroys the boat of life or turns its direction and leads it to a new destination.)

"So that's all for now!! Shireen and Farhad will be waiting to meet you again, till then I, RJ khushi along with RJ Deni are biding you a very good buy. See you tomorrow at the same time." I round off the program and remove the headset so Deni did. We did not talk at all other than during this recording session and I hurriedly left the room after picking up my diary and bag. 

"Great job." As soon as I stepped out of the recording room I received a compliment from David Sir. Strange, today he's looking happy, but none of my business.

"Thank you, sir." A professional reply and I stepped towards the exit after signing my attendance. Unusually, I didn't wait for Deni and started to walk toward the metro station. I was silently taking slow steps but my heart was beating loud and fast. I was feeling scared alone, it was not the first time when I was alone but after knowing what Kabeer and his friends wanted to do with me I was feeling scared. I think that's why it's difficult to be a girl, otherwise, I had an opinion that everyone has a difficult life, either girls or boys.

What would happen if Kabeer and his friends were successful in his plan?

Deni had lifted me in his arms just to save me but I didn't like it, the thought of Kabeer and his friends near me was enough to make me cry. Only that imagination is making me tremble from inside.

What would happen if Deni did not come to save me? I was walking ahead when a loud voice of a horn scared me. Even a scream left my mouth and I jumped at my place. Fresh tears blurred my vision and my heart stopped beating for the next two seconds. Yesterday, After that revelation my heart was feeling scared of every next thing, even a small thud of a dropping spoon was making me scared.

That car stopped beside me and the door was opened by the grey eyes man.

"Aa jao." He ordered me in a hushed tone and I didn't get the courage to refuse, honestly, I felt better after seeing him. I hopped in the car and fasten the belt.

(Come.)

"Shifa aap ro rahi ho?"

(Shifa are you crying?)

"Nhi, main nhi roo rhi. Mai theek hu" wiping my tears I mumble before looking out from the window.

(No I'm not. I'm fine)

"Shifa."

"Deni main theek hu." I passed a fake expression but this stubborn man!

(I'm fine Deni. Completely fine.)

"Theek hona or theek lagna do mukhtalif cheezen hain Shifa, aap bazahir theek malum hoti ho, goya ho nhi." His voice was low, just like a whisper but the echo of honesty was up, which directly hit my heart. We were seeing in each others' eyes but he was the first to break that contact and started to drive the car.

(To be alright and looking fine are two different things, you obviously seem fine, you may not have been.)

I keep watching him for the next two minutes without choosing to disturb the silence present in between us then look away and again started looking outside the window.

We don't have any relationship with some people but they become so close to our hearts that even the thought of being away from them scares us. Deni is that one person in my life. He's becoming an inseparable part of my life. His wise thoughts, his helping nature, his silence that speak more than words and his presence which make me feel protected.

If there is a word that can define a more than perfect person then only he deserves it amongst all the men I've met yet.

I was glimpsing the traffic on the road which was resembling my life, sometimes it was in a rush and sometimes it was motionless.

"Shifa, I'm sorry." The glass of silence was broken by Deni and I looked at him. "I should not go to your principal without your permission but..." He glanced at me while changing the gear and continued. "but I know, you would never take a stand for this matter if I would have asked you." For another moment I was silently seeing him and deep down I know he was correct. I would not taken action against kabeer and his friends. He was apologising for what he did for me! I'm so stupid! Instead of thanking him for saving me I was angry at him.

"Itna gussa acchha nhi hota. Ab muskura bhi do." Deni's voice again echoed in the car and his small demanding smile forces me to talk to him.

(Anger is not good for health. Do me a favour by smiling.)

"I'm sorry Deni, you did right. And Thanks, agar aap nhi hote to pta nhi kya ho ja...." He didn't let me complete it.

(Thanks Deni, if it would not be you..)

"Chahe main hota ya nhi hota, lekin aapko Kuch nhi hota. Allah ko aapko bachana tha bacha liye, wo mujhe nhi to kisi aur ko bhej deta."

(Whether I was there or not, nothing happens to you. Allah had to save you, save him, he would have sent someone else if not me.)

I keep watching his face for the next few minutes.  How can someone be so good? How?

Without paying attention to me he was driving silently and stopped near an ice cream shop. "Chocolate flavour?" unfastening the seat belt he didn't even wait for my answer and I keep watching him disappearing in the ice cream shop.

"Allah paak, have you really created such great people too?" I asked my almighty what was in my heart. I had thought that men are only like my father. I'm not talking about papa but my biological father. But after seeing Hamdan Bhai as a loving and caring husband my opinion was a little bit altered. I started believing that man could be good in the form of a husband too. And after meeting Deni I started believing that man can exist as the best creature of the creator.

"Your ice cream Madam." He passed me ice cream while hopping in the car and I grabbed it silently

"Ummeed hai aap ab mujhse naraz nahi ho." His voice was soft and I couldn't help but smile.

( I hope you're no more offended with me.)

"Meri narazagi se aapko farq parta hai?" I asked in a hushed tone and he narrow his eyes while starting to drive the car. His small smile skipped my heartbeat and I was waiting for his answer.

(Does my displeasure matter to you?)

''Sach batau?" His whisper was enough to make me shiver from inside. I tried to nod my head but only a blink of an eye represent my intention. It was getting difficult for me to control my smile. I was dying to listen from him that I matter in his life.

(Wanna know?)

"No." He whispered with a mischievous smirk. "Deni aap bohot bure hain." I felt a little bit annoyed but couldn't help and laughter at my own leg-pulling.

(Deni you're so annoying.)

"Have ice cream, it's melting." I tried to show myself angry but couldn't. "Thanks for not only for this ice cream but for everything."

"Aap serious achhi nhi lagti, keep a tight hold on your craziness."

(You don't look good in a serious mood)

His small whisper gave me goosebumps, there is definitely something in this man that attracts me to him. "After all, one's original form is always better." Before I could think something good about him he added mischievously and I just make a fake cry face. He called me crazy but indirectly. What should I do? Feel angry at him or enjoy the situation?

"Deni aap mujhe idiot keh rahe hain?" I tried to make my disappointment register.

(Deni are you calling me an idiot?)

"Arey way aap to baate samajhne lagi, meri sohbat ka asar hai."

(Wow, you're becoming wise in my company.)

Oh, God!! I'm answerless in front of this man.

I glared at him trying to suppress my smile but end up smiling like an idiot.

"Ice Cream nosh krein."

Aahh... Again urdu!! "Nosh krein means eating. Right?" I asked and he nod his head. "Correct."

In his company I started loving Urdu, otherwise, I never like Urdu. Well, I started my half-melted ice cream and he didn't even glance at me during the whole drive.

"See you soon." He stopped the car near my home. Alas!! End of this togetherness one more time!! 

"Allah hafiz." Greeting him I jumped out of the car and his voice stopped me "Take Care, Shifa." His every word hits my heart deeply. "You too." Saying that I turned to walk ahead but my heart stopped beating when I bumped into a lady.

''Shifa."

"Rani Phuppo!"

"Who is he?" She asked while looking at Deni. My blood was already dried up so I couldn't get a single word to say.

"Isn't he the one who was with you in the shopping centre?"

"Phuppo he is... I..." I looked towards Deni, he was also confused what was going on.

"Apni izzat ka khayal nhi hai kam se kam meri bhai ki izzat ka hi kuchh khayal kar lo"

(If you don't care about your dignity, at least think about my honor.)

"Rani Phuppo, please..."

"Tum to ghar chalo, aaj bhai ke samne baat karungi."

(Let's go to home, I will talk to you in front of bhai, today.)

"Phuppo... He's just dropping me..." I mumbled but she held my hand and literally dragged me with herself. Deni was watching this scene and I was preparing for my doomsday.

.........

I was in my room and Rani Phuppo was waiting for papa to come back. Mummy's blood pressure was already high and my heart beat were low. I wanted to cry but my tears were not coming out from the shaft of my eyes. I was cursing myself to come back with Deni. I hate my life. Why I can't live peaceful life? Girls hold affairs secretly for years and in my case, Deni isn't even love me, we don't even have any relationship but a new drama is already waiting for me.

Suddenly doorbell rang and I looked at my hands, they were already shivering. Papa will kill me for sure.

Bilal open the gate and I was surprised, Papa was already looking angry. Before papa could slam the door behind himself two figures also entered into the home. They were Shariq and Musa uncle. I know Rani Phuppo wants to make sure to insult me and mummy in front of everyone that's why she invited her husband too.

I hate this lady!! She always plans negative for me.

"Shifa beta, won't I get water?" Musa uncle's voice was happy as usually. I silently stepped out from the room and went to living room with glasses of water. Papa and Musa uncle both were taking casually.

"Assalamualaikum uncle." I mumbled and looked at Rani Phuppo, her intentions were clear from her eyes.

"Waalaikum. What happened? Why are you looking pale?"

"N.. Nothing uncle."

"Bhai sahab, other than masters what Shifa is doing nowadays?" Rani Phuppo asked and I placed the glasses on the table, "Rani Phuppo... Please." I went near her and whispered, mummy was also looking pale, even she had tears

"You're asking as if you don't know about her tuitions." Papa replied in a bit bitter tone as he was already angry.

"Mujhe to pta hai lekin aapko nhi pta ki aapki beti kya gul khila rahi hain." That was a clear satire and all the eyes land on me. I was feeling like a culprit. But what's my fault?

(I know, you don't know what your loving daughter is doing.)

"What do you mean Rani?" Musa uncle and papa asked in unison. I wanted to go out from the room to protect myself from everyone's sight but I wish I could.

"Shifa does not give tuitions, but she is doing another job at your back... Bhai sahab, your daughter... Actually not yours but your wife's daughter is making you fool. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, she is a liar just like her mother." I was shocked. No. Shocked is a small word to describe my condition. I'm the biggest problem of my mom's life.

"Phuppo aapko jo kehna hai mujhe khaiye, meri mummy ko beech me mat laiye." I protest! My mummy is not a culprit so she should not get punishment.

(Phuppo, you can say me whatever you want to but don't bring it mom in between)

It was difficult for me to hold back my tears and they crawled down to my cheeks.

"Like the mother like the daughter. Liar, drama queen." Rani Phuppo mumbled intentionally louder than expected. But more then her comments I was hurt for mummy she was feeling guilty due to me.

And I looked toward papa. His angry face was enough to make my heart beat stop.

Ya Allah why with me only?? My crying heart asked this question to my almighty but I didn't get an answer.

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