"Shifaaa~" I looked up immediately after listening to this over-excited voice which was coming from a good distance. And I found a figure taking long steps toward me. Who else it could be?

Miss Afifa...

After one month she was in front of my eyes, I don't understand how this girl manage to take so long leave from college?

"How are you Shifa, yaar I was hell busy and didn't even get time to talk to you, but you also didn't call me even once." As soon as she stopped right in front of me her babbling started as usual but instead of replying, I glared at her.

"Don't talk to me, do you have any idea about whatever happened in my life during this month? I hate you Affo, whenever I wanted you to listen to me you weren't by my side. It has been a month." That's how I pour out a good amount of anger on my best friend and she glared at me back.

"Oh, girl... What would I do, if we had to extend our stay?" Afifa said that in the same amount of fake anger but I was kinda shocked... Umm... Not shocked though. That's nothing new, she always fails me to make her afraid of my anger or glaring. But in reality, I wasn't even angry with her anymore. "I missed you so much." Instead of saying anything else, I simply hugged my crazy yet best friend. Both of us smiled and she gave me a bear hug. "I missed you two three four five and to infinity." I laughed at her lame joke while breaking that hug.

"Affi, tonight Papa and mummy are going Deni's home," I told her but she was confused for a few moments.

"What do you mean?" She blinked twice as if she heard something wrong. "Same what you listen." I smiled and I can bet my cheeks were looking red by then.

"Shifa?" She again blinked and I laughed while closing her hung open mouth with my first finger. "Now you can call him jiju officially."

"What?" She asked and I nodded. "How come? I mean... It's... Shifaaaa...." And the mad girl hugged me again

"Afffooooo... Leave me..."

"But how did all these things happen?" She asked me again and I told her everything from Kabir's plan to tonight's plan.

Life is unpredictable, I know but in my case, 'unpredictable' is a small word. I never thought that a man whom I met at my workplace would become so important. Deni entered into my life at the time when I was trying to rebuild myself, he did not know me entirely but give his best to support me. And now I can't imagine myself without his support.

"Shifa." Afifa's whisper pulled me out of the world of thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"Congratulations," and she hugged me for a while. At the time I 2as trying to understand myself, was I happy? Or amazed at how and what was happening in my life? I don't know what I was. I just know that my emotions were converting into tears that gathered in my eyes.

"What's wrong Shifa?"

"How can I be so lucky Affo?" Pressing together my lips I looked away and tried to blink away the fresh tears, but I got only 50% success.

"Pagal hai kya? Isme rone wali kya baat hai?" She grabbed my arm and turned me towards her forcefully.

(Idiot, why are you crying?)

"Dar lag rha hai Affo."

(Affo I'm afraid)

"For what?"

"I haven't gotten what I wish for, same happened in Faraz's case too, everything was set, but at the end moment..." Who doesn't know what happened to me at that time? It wasn't easy for me to forget that pain and I can't bear it one more time.

I'm a person who likes to stay away from people, I don't like to make friends because I am afraid of heartbreak. I love everyone from the deepest core of my heart but usually, they don't love me in the same way and I found myself alone, so it's better to be alone instead of depending on someone's attention and love. But Deni's case was different, his caring nature and goodness already pulled me towards him, here the only problem is... Now I can't afford to go away after when I have already weaved a million dreams with him.

"Just pray for the best, you'll get Deni because you haven't done anything wrong with anyone. Trust me Shifa, this is the end of your problems." Afifa mumbled giving me a small amount of hope and I pray in my heart to get Deni. For the first time I was praying to get married to him otherwise I was leaving this decision to my almighty.

"He doesn't love me," I told and she narrowed her eyes while pulling me to sit beside her on the grass floor.

"Does he loves someone else?"

"He has a past, but she's married now." This girl is the only person with whom I could share everything and the second was Deni himself.

"He doesn't love you, but he doesn't try to find love in anyone else too. He's not giving anyone else this place but you. He's a nice man, I know..." I looked at her with a sea of disbelief in my eyes. How could she be so confident? "You know?? But how?" I stressed on know and she glared me.

"Tujh jesi ladki ko koi ladka pasand aa gya is se bada kya proof chahiye ye sabit karne ke liye ki wo ladka achha hai." I smiled at her comeback.

(You liked him, that's the biggest proof that he's a nice man)

And I didn't realise when time started running at its full speed.

<><><><><>

I was sad.

Everything was fine but Deni was on leave. He took leave without even letting me know. I had handled the program alone which wasn't a great feeling. His absence was bothering me, at least he could drop me a message before taking leave.

Holding all these thoughts I stepped into the home just to witness hustle and bustle. Bilal was standing in front of Papa who was looking angry.

"You're good for nothing." Bilal was being scolded by papa and I looked at mummy to know the reason behind that.

"Papa I just forget... You give me only ten minutes, I'll pack these fruits in the basket." Bilal defence himself and I understand the matter. "I told you to bring a fruit basket, not a basket and fruits separately."

I looked at Bilal, he was still in his pyjamas but mummy and papa were almost ready to go. This boy is not going to grow up ever, he's just a little irresponsible boy who somehow managed to get a good height.

"You go and get ready, I'm packing these fruits." Mumbling that I took a step ahead and Bilal got a slap on his head from Papa.

This gives me peace every time. I don't know why?

"All this is happening because of you." Bilal glared at me before going to his room and I just rolled my eyes. From childhood to now it's his habit, he glares at me when being scolded. Jangli Gadha (wild ass)

"Shifa why are you coming late today?" When papa went to the room mummy came forwards with this question and I sighed. I wanted to tell her that her would-be son-in-law didn't drop me, that's the reason I was late but I shrugged. "Due to construction work near the Metro station, half of the road is blocked," I replied in a whisper while arranging fruits in the basket.

"Will you manage alone at home? Or should we drop you at Nani's home?" Mummy's question brought a smile to my lips but soon it was dropped too. I had to study for exams otherwise I wanted to go to Nani's home, but now it's not Nani's home anymore, because my grandparents are no more, it's now Razi Mama's home.

"I'll manage alone, just lock the lock from outside," I told mummy while focusing on the work I was already doing. Deep down I wanted to see Deni's home, but the irony of the situation is... I can't go there before marriage... Alas.

Well, ignoring all the butterfly dances taking place in my stomach, as well as the uneven race of my heart I showed up to myself as normal as I could be. Only me and my Almighty knows how many dreams I was making and how many fears I was hiding behind in normal looking self.

<><><><><>

"Arey abhi tak kuch bhi kaam nhi hua? Doo ghante ho gye hain wo log aane wale honge, khana kab banega?" Asked the stampede lady of the home while stepping into the kitchen.

(Oh God, you haven't done anything yet? It's been two hours already! They must be coming any now or then)

"Ammi... Meri pyari Ammi, abhi dopeher hai, un logo ko lunch par nhi dinner par invite kra hai." Daniyal held both shoulders of his mother from behind and turned her toward the bedroom but Mrs Kazmi turned back to check all the arrangements nth time.

(Ammi, my dear lovely Ammi, it's afternoon only and they are invited for dinner, not for lunch)

"Jis speed se ye log kaam kar rhe hain us hisaab se to kal ka dinner milega, aur Shifa ke ghar wale aaj raat aa rhe hain" Looking at the dinnerwear

( from the speed of their working it seems they are preparing dinner for tomorrow. But Shifa's family is coming tonight only.)

"Haan to koi baat nhi na, agar khana time par nhi bana to bahar se order kar denge."

("Yes, it doesn't matter, if the food is not prepared on time, I will order it from outside.)

"Daniyal'' Mrs Kazmi kinda glared at her only son "Aap har baat ko itni befikri se Nazarandaaz kar dete hain?" Daniyal replied that it with a smile and kissed the head of his mother.

(How could you ignore everything so easily?)

"Meri pyari Ammi aap hai na har cheez ki hadd se zyada fikar karne ke liye, to main bas nazarandaaz kar deta hu."

(I ignore things because you're here to take the stress about everything.)

"Beta Shifa ke ghar ki mehmaan-nawazi yaad hai aap ko?"

(Dear, do you remember the hospitality of Shifa's home?)

"Khair... Khila khila kar maarne mein to aap bhi kisi se kam nahi hain."

(Well, your hospitality could lead someone to a hospital bed.)

"Kazmi Sahab, aap apne bete ko kuch kehte kyu nhi hain?"

(Kazmi Sahab why don't you scolds your son?)

"Begum Saheba aapke bete kuch sunte hi kaha hain?"

(Dear wife your son doesn't consider my scoldings)

"Pehle to aap dono feesla kar lijiye main kiska beta hu?"

(First of all you both please decide whose son am I?)

"Badqismati se hamare hi hain," Replied the over happy lady of the house and Daniyal rolled his eyes.

(Unfortunately, only ours.)

"Wese ek baat to hai ammi, agar koi exchange offer chal raha hota to shayad aap abhi tak mujhe exchange kara chuki hoti."

(I have to admit Ammi, if there was an exchange, you would have exchanged me by now.)

"Aese schemes hoti hi kaha hain?"

(Alas, there isn't such schemes)

"Matlab exchange kara leti?"

(It means you have exchanged me?)

"Aur nhi to kya?" Mrs Kazmi jerked her head, Daniyal blinked his eyes but what could he do other than taking steps toward his room?

(Of course,)

Mrs Kazmi forced him to take one day leave from his job so that he would be at home if needed. Daniyal was missing Adeena like hell but he has already mastered the art of smiling to hide his pain. Locking himself in the room he sat down on the chair which was placed by the study table.

Picking up the pen and a blank paper he sighs before writing down his emotions using the ink of pain.

Dear Adeena,

I'm not happy without you, but you're happy without me... I wish we both were happy. Now I'm concerned about Shifa too, I'm going to do unjust with that girl but I can't give your place to anyone else. She's going to be an important part of my life but unfortunately, she holds no space in my heart, nor I'm willing to give her this space.

I wish one day you'll read these letters to get to know about my emotions.

Still yours

Daniyal.

Sealing the letter in an envelope he put that in the bundle of numerous already written letters which were waiting to be shipped to an unknown address.

<><><><><>

Maryam, Anwar and Bilal stepped into the one storey building with a nameplate of Qasr-e-Kazmi (House of Kazmi's) and the first thought that strikes in Maryam's heart were regarding the size of the lavishly built house.

The huge iron gate was leading toward a small walking area, the left side was occupied by a car and the other was occupied by two or three small planters. The white marble floor was covered with artificial grass to give the feeling of a lawn. Only a few steps away, another door welcomed them into the living-dining room with minimal decorative items which were providing a classic look to the whole environment. Other than this there were only three rooms and a kitchen in the home and that's it. The home sweet home of Kazmi's was as simple and elegant as their personalities. The peaceful environment was reflecting the calm nature of this family.

"I hope it wasn't difficult for you to find the address." Mr Kazmi came forward formally to shake his hand with Anwar and Mrs Kazmi formally greeted Maryam meanwhile Bilal looked at Daniyal who was standing a few steps away from his father.

"Daniyal bhai mujhe aap hi thodi izzat de dijiye." Kazmis burst out into a laugh but Anwar and Maryam glared at Bilal.

(Daniyal bhai at least you give me some respect.)

"Aur bataiye Bilal sahab kese mijaaz hain aapke? Wese to mujhe daryaft karne ki zarurat malum nhi hoti, aap khush baash maloom hote hain." Daniyal took steps toward him and pat his shoulder but Bilal blinked a few times while placing the fruit basket in a relevant place.

(So, tell me how are you, Mr Bilal? Well, I don't feel the need to ask as you seem happy)

"Just a minute..." The 23-year-old little boy took a step back holding fake fear in his eyes. "Agar is essay ke reply mein kuch aesa hi bolna padega to is se achha hai aap mujhse kuch boliye hi nhi."

(If I'm supposed to reply with something similar to this Essay, then it is better that you do not speak to me at all.)

"Bilal." Anwar gritted his teeth while glaring at him but he was Bilal.

"Koi baat nhi Anwar Sahab, bachcha hai." Mr Kazmi muffled Bilal's hair and they all took seats.

(Never mind, Anwar Sahab, he's such a child.)

"Seems Shifa is opposite to our Bilal, she's calm and composed but he's naughty." Mrs Kazmi smiled and Maryam nodded in agreement.

"Aunty Shifa Aapi is just like Hamdan bhai, they both are boring souls." Bilal rolled his eyes while indirectly praising himself which brought a new smile to Daniyal's face. "Then I want to meet him soon."

"We all want to meet him." Mr Kazmi smiled and Mrs Kazmi nodded "Yeah, but for now let's have dinner."

"What's your favourite dish Bilal?" Mrs Kazmi asked while stopping toward the dining area, she couldn't help but like Bilal too much.

"Biryani hi hogi, Bilkul apni behen ki tarha," Daniyal unthought out to attract all the gazes at himself at once.

(It must be Biryani, just like his sister's favourite)

"Umm... Actually... We... I mean... All the staff members do lunch together... So it's obvious for us to know." Muttering that with a fake and hesitant smile Daniyal preferred to walk away from the living area.

"What the hell am I doing?" He smacked his forehead after stepping into the room and sighed.

<><><><><>

Closing the books she made a fake cry face. "Ye kya baat hui, wo sab to biryani khaa rahe honge aur mere liye tinde." Mumbling that she stepped toward the kitchen. Even after a long search, she couldn't find out Maggie or pasta, moreover, she couldn't order anything as the home was locked from the outside, how would she receive the parcel?

(What the hell, all of them must be having biryani and here I've only apple gourd curry)

The poor girl looked at the curry and then put it back in the fridge. "Is se achha to Razi mama ke paas hi chali jaati." She muttered and went back to her room with an annoying feeling.

(It would have been better if I were at Razi mama's place)

Glancing at the clock she rests her head on the table and closes her eyes but then a smile crept to her lips when she realise the situation.

Her family was in Daniyal's home to meet his family and this is one of the initial steps of their relationship.

"Allah paak, you're great. Thank you so much." Looking at the ceiling she smiled and a shy expression covered her face. "Allah paak, You know na... When I saw Deni for the first time I had a feeling that he was not a good man, but later on, you make everything fine. Papa is still not happy, and I don't know what to do with it... Now make this situation fine too. I can't take help from anyone else except you." She shared what she was hiding in her heart like a cute little kid shares her feelings with friends. 

Before she could continue her conversation a sound disturbed her flow. It was the sound of unlocking the door, she moved to the door and it was opened by Maryam.

"Shifa aapiiiiii... I can't even tell you how delicious the dinner was..." Bilal stepped ahead with that overwhelmed feeling and Shifa fake cried.

"And I am starving here. Do and bring something for me to eat. I don't wanna eat tinde."

"Daniyal ki Ammi ne tumhare liye khana pack kar ke bheja hai." Maryam showed a jute bag to Shifa which brought a big smile to her face.

(Daniyal's mother have packed food for you.)

"Really?? Mummy I'm really starving... Give this to me." Shifa hurriedly grab the bag and scoot to the kitchen, she put the containers in the microwave and place the box of kheer on the slab. 

(kheer is a dessert made with milk, rice and dry fruits.)

"Shifa aapi." Bilal appeared from nowhere and picked a spoon.

"Hmm?"

"Uncle and Aunty is so sweet." Bilal told her before filling a glass with water, Shifa couldn't help but smile. She served food for herself and Bilal took seat besides her.

"I know, I've been meeting aunty for few months, and she's really sweet."

"And Daniyal bhai? Isn't he sweet?" Bilal smirk while picking the container of kheer. Shifa's eyes become wide. She forgot to took the very first morsel and blinked twice, "Shut up. Shameless creature"

"Tell me... Isn't he sweet?''

"No, he's not." Shifa rolled her eyes and started having dinner but only she knew how she was stopping herself to smile. Bilal smiled and started having kheer.

"Why are you having this? This is for me..."

"It's delicious." Mumbling that Bilal continued to stuff his mouth and Shifa also took a bite and she was amazed at how delicious that there was. "Umm... Give this to me... You've already eaten your share." Shifa tried to snatch that but Bilal was faster then her.

"Waha mehmano ki tarha khana parh raha tha, waha thodi keh sakta tha ki aur khana hai."

(I had to show some formalities over there. I couldn't demand for more.)

"Leave for me too, don't eat whole... Bhukkad." Shifa slapped his arm but very next moment a question raised in her brain which she slowly uttered.

"Umm.... How's Deni's home."

''Daniyal bhai ka ghar itnaaa achha hai, main bta nhi sakta, especially terrace."

(I can't even tell you... How beautiful is that.)

Shifa felt happy to know that and Bilal understood that after detecting crimson shade of her cheeks, "Shifa aapi, do you know what they said and what papa said in reply?" Bilal asked and Shifa's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"I'll tell you only and only if you'll let me eat this kheer." Shifa looked at the kheer and then at Bilal.

"It's mine..." She muttered like a child but pushed the whole container to Bilal with disappointment.

"Good girl." Bilal patted her head while picking the dessert and, "they said that I'm very cute and papa said he already know." Saying that He literally ran out from the kitchen and Shifa faked cried.

"You Jangli gadhe."

(You wild ass)

"One more thing." Bilal peeped in the kit hen to show his bog grin, but before Shifa could attack him with fork he announced "while coming back, Papa and Mummy were planning of your engagement. They like your Deni, his home and his family too."

Shifa couldn't help but smile and Bilal preferred to ran away to his room but now this girl wasn't anymore feeling angry at all, that small container was nothing in front of this big news.

But is this acceptable to sacrifice with your Kheer?

No...

It's not.

<><><><><>