''Daniyal"

"Coming Ammi." I yelled back in reply without stopping my fingers to dance on the soft keys of my laptop. Since I'm sitting at home Ammi feels like I'm free but in reality I do online job.

"Daniyal when will you go radio station?'' Ammi came to my room with this question and I glanced at watch then my remaining work. "Umm... Ammi I have to do a lot of work so I think I would take a leave today." After analysing the status of my pending work I informed Ammi but maybe she was not expecting that answer.

"What?" She furrows. "No, you're going. No need to take leave. I'm drawing out your clothes, get ready soon." Her order was strict and I shrugged.

"Ammi... Kya ho gya hai?"

(Ammi what's wrong?)

''Nothing, just get ready and you can do this work after coming back from the radio station." And she leave my room after this order.

Well, I know one thing very well. If ammi make a decision she won't change it, so considering this habit of her I knew she would not let me stay at home. Leaving with no other way I changed myself in whatever Ammi drew out for me.

"Ji mohatarma, farmaien, kyu mujhe ghar se bhagana chahti hain?" I asked while standing behind her and placed my both hand son her either shoulders. "And why are you cooking today?" I asked with a sarcastic smile and noticed a big vessel on the gas stove. It wasn't normal for ammi to cook in summer because of her extream heat issues, most of the time maids do all the cooking work.

(Yea Madam, tell me why do you want me to leave home?)

"I'm cooking because..." She took a pause and open the lid of that vessel, I was kind of surprised, She was cooking kheer.

"Taste it." Passing me a spoonful of that she looked at me for answer and I eat that after waiting for a few moments. "Hmm... Perfect, but the sugar is little less." I told her and she nodded whilst adding sugar. Her smiling face was addressing her happiness but I was unable to read her mind.

"Ammi, will you tell me the reason behind making kheer in this quantity?" I asked because in our family only I eat sweets, Ammi and Baba avoid it because of Diabetes.

"I'm cooking this for Shifa," she informed me which brought a smile on my lips. Soon she packed started transferring the kheer into two tiffin boxes and garnish them with pistachios and silver foil. One box was bigger than other one which was a bit confusing for me but she clear my confusion without even asking.

"This bigger box is for Bilal so that he won't grab Shifa's kheer this time. And this one is for Shifa only." Placing the perfectly packed boxes in a bag she passed me and I stared at her for next few moments. Isn't she the one who wanted to think about this proposal after knowing everything about Shifa?

"Ammi, is ki koi zarurat nhi hai, aap ko rishte ke liye mna karna hai to kar dijiye, ye sari cheezein kar ke bekaar mein kyu Shifa ko khud se emotionally attach kar rahi hain aap?" I asked a valid question but in reply she slightly glared me, meanwhile her husband also join her to glare me.

(Ammi, no need to do all these things. If you don't wanna accept Shifa, it's fine. Please Don't do such things that emotionally attach her to you.)

"Aapse kisne kaha hum rishte ko mna kar rahe hain?" Baba asked while picking spoonful of kheer from the bowl ammi was filling.

(Who told you we are refusing this match?)

"Humne bohot socha aur aakhir mein ek hi natije par pohche, Maryam ka maazi Shifa ke mustaqbil ka feesla kyu kare?" My father's decision brought a smile to my lips.

(After thinking a lot about this we conclude that Maryam's past shouldn't effect Shifa's future.)

It's not like I was happy with this marriage but at the same time I wasn't suppose to hurt Shifa but letting her know that she was rejected by my parents just because of her mother's divorce.

I'm proud of my parents for having such a great decision making power.

"Ammi Baba, just make sure Shifa never get to know that you both know this, she's..." Before I could complete my sentence Ammi placed came forward and cupped my face with her both hands. "It's a secret of our family, don't worry." I bend down a little bit as I knew she was about to peck my forehead.

"Main aaj Anwar Sahab ko call kar ke puchhta hu unka kya jawab hai, wese to main jaanta wo mna nhi krenge. Phir aapki mangni kar denge." Baba smiled and I nod my head without letting my smile go away but that's true my heart skipped a beat after hearing that.

(I'll call Anwar Sahab to know his decision, but I know, he is going to accept. Then we'll do your engagement soon.)

"Nahi Kazmi Sahab, koi mangni nhi ho rhi, seedha Shadi krenge. Main to keh rahi hu agle Mahine hi nikkah kar lete hain," ammi announced her decision without bothering to ask me what I did want.

(No Kazmi Sahab, we'll do marriage instead of engagement. Even I'm saying to do marriage next months only.)

"Ammi, kis baat ki jaldi hai? Wese bhi angle mahine to Shifa ke exam hain... Phir ek saal ki padhayi aur hai." I tried an unsuccessful attempt to make her understand, she glared at me while snatching the bowl of kheer from Baba's hand then glared at him too.

(Ammi why are you in a hurry? Next month is Shifa's exam and there is still one year left in her studies.)

"Aapse puchha kisi ne? Ye mera phesla hai... Samjhe?" Ammi scolded me and I was standing like a small kid who has nothing to say after being scolded. Then it was Baba's turn, "Aur app, meetha mana hai na kuch to dhyan rakha kariye..."

(Have I asked you? This is my final decision. Got it)

(And you... You've to avoid sweets, don't you know?)

"Daniyal." She glared at me again...it was a fake anger. I know.

"Ammi?" I glared her back with the same amount of fake anger "Pick that bag and go."

"Aur Shifa ke walid se baat kriye kya jawab hai unka." Next scolding was for baba who silently nodded. Wow, my ammi is so powerful to control Baba.

(And you, call Shifa's father and ask about his decision.)

"Daniyal you're getting late."

"No, I'm not getting late but you're getting impatient to let Bilal taste this kheer. Isn't it?" I raised my left brow and she smiled.

"Wo hai hi itna pyara."

(He's so cute)

"Day after tomorrow is his birthday, I'll be happy to have this treat." Saying that I turned to go but Ammi stopped me.

"Really? Day after tomorrow is his birthday?"

"Yes, Shifa was placing order for his gift that's why I know." I told her the truth and noticed another level of shine in her eyes. "What's cooking in your head?" I asked as I knew the meaning of this shine but she shook her head while smiling and gestured me to leave. While Baba picked the mobile to call Shifa's parents.

Life is unexpected, isn't it?

I can't believe that a girl with whom I met at my work place would going to be my life partner. Fate play with us. I don't know what exactly I was feeling at that time. At one hand I was dying from inside when seeing the reality that Adeena was nowhere in my life at the same time I was happy for getting such a kind hearted and honest girl like Shifa. I would not get agree to get married if it wasn't Shifa because no other girl took that special place in my view.

I wish, I'll never hurt her feelings...

I wish, she'll never develop feelings for me...

I wish, I'll never make her feel unwanted in my life.

In between all these thoughts I didn't realised when I reach radio station, I just stepped out from the car and smiled.

"Kya haal hai?" David asked and I raised my brow.

(What's up?)

"Happy, as usual" chirping in my style I stepped towards the glass door, David was walking besides me and when we both entered in the office his expressions were changed. I could see his smile shifting towards anger. First, I was confused then I noticed Shifa signing the attendance register.

"Shifa, what's your reporting time?" David almost yelled at her. And I noticed her jumping at her place. David repeated the question which turned Shifa's face pale.

"Umm... Sir actually..." She muttered, "today was an extra class and... It was impor..."

"None of my business! Your class timings, your college assignments or any other of your personal matters are not my matter of concerns. I want you to report on right time." David yelled at Shifa, and soon her eyes drop a tear which she immediately wiped away with the back of her fingers and nodded while pressing her lips together.

"Sorry sir," saying that she looked at me and passed a smile like she was fine but her eyes were still holding tears. I don't know why did I felt a different kind of pain, soon she turned and I glared at David.

"What? She's coming late everyday." He answered back without even waiting for my question. "Either she comes late or early she does not give you a single chance to point out mistakes in her work." I asserted but he rolled his eyes.

"You're giving her favour because of your personal relationship otherwise you might not react if I would scolded someone else. "

"Whatever... You can't scold her like this." I argues but he smirked while placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Akhir kaar mere dil tute dost ka Dil dobara kisi ke liye dhadakne laga. Lekin ek baat yaad rakh, office mein mere liye Shifa meri bhabhi nhi hai bas ek employee hai, ye pyaar mohabbat dikhani ho to hum sab family outing pr jaa sakte hain."

(After all, the heart of my broken hearted friend started beating for someone. But keep in your mind that here Shifa is my employee not my bhabi so if you want to show your love and care we can plan outings with family)

"Bakwaas band kar... Aesa kuch nhi hai."

(Oh come on, cut the crap. Nothing like this)

"Oh yeah, I can see. Nothing like that." He smirked and I glared at him then took steps to the recording room where Shifa was present.

I tried to say something but didn't get correct words, she hurriedly wipe off the tears and shows the fake smile while sniffing. "Assalamualaikum Deni." Mumbling that she resumed writing what she was already writing.

"Walekum as salam, Shifa.'' Taking seat besides her I passed my handkerchief without looking at her, but she didn't grab it. When I looked at her she was seeing me without blinking and soon a tear rolled down from her right eye. Before I could told her to stop crying she took my handkerchief and wipe her tears with a smile.

"Are you alright?" I asked and casting her gaze down to the diary she nodded with a smile. "Thanks."

"For what?" I asked and she looked at me suddenly then looked at my handkerchief which she was holding in her fist. "Umm... For this." With a smile she wiped her tear and resumed writing.

I was confused, why she suddenly started smiling while crying? "Ammi has make this kheer specially for Billu and you." I passed that jute bag and she looked at me with wide eyes.

"Really? Kheer... For me?"

"Umm... Not really for you. It's for Bilal,"

"That's not fair. Everyone loves him more." She pouted and couldn't help but laugh.

"Believe me or not, He's much better than you." After a long time I got chance to tease her so how could I let it go?

"Deni aap bohot bure hain."

(Deni you're so bad)

"Koi shak?"

(Any doubts?)

"Pehle to tha ab nhi hai." So rolled her eyes while looking away and just laughted

(No way)

<><><><>

Air of Delhi was holding moderate amount of pollution along with hint of summer but still feeling like the best air ever. Just like a bird who wants to fly high in the open sky, but I wanted to fly without even opening my imaginary feathers. My ears were echoing with only one sentence of David Sir, Akhir kaar mere dil tute dost ka Dil dobara kisi ke liye dhadakne laga.

(After all, the heart of my broken hearted friend started beating for someone.)

Does Deni really started loving me? Or it's just an act of sympathy?

Whatever it is!! At least he stood by my side. I looked at my hand which was still holding his handkerchief, I intentionally did not returned that. Today Deni didn't drop me as he had to stay with David Sir for some important project and he didn't want me to stay in radio station for late hours. And even after tiring journey I was feeling happy while stepping in the home.

"Mumma,'' I grinned while stepping in the kitchen, she was cooking and I hugged her.

" You're looking happy." She kissed my head and pulled my cheek. "Daniyal ne bta diya hoga na?" Breaking the hug she asked me but I furrowed.

(Daniyal must have told you. Right?)

"About what?" I asked and this time she looked at me as if I was lying.

"As if you don't know." She fake glared me and I shook my head, "Mumma, I don't know what are you talking about?"

"Daniyal's Baba called your papa to know his answer and..." Mumma's little pause gave me little heart attack. "And he accepted" mumma complete the sentence. I wanted to smile but it felt difficult. My heart suddenly started beating faster then before and my body felt numb.

Is this actually happening or am I living in my dreamland? If it's true... How things can be so easy? But if it's a dream I want to live in this only.

Well... I took a step back to see mumma's face, she was looking more than happy but my face was dull.

"What's wrong Shifa?" Mumma asked and I shook my head "Is papa happy or not?" I questioned and mummy's silence give me an answer.

"Why he's not happy? And if he's not satisfied with Deni why he's accepting this proposal?" My question was not simple to answer but mumma's answer was simple.

"Shifa, you're happy, this is enough for me. I don't want anything else in my life other than your happiness. Maybe I was selfish, I have ignored you and your happiness many times to maintain balance in this home but trust me beta, my first prayers are always for you." Mummy cupped my face in between her soft hands, she was in tears but this time a smile slipped to my lips.

"You're most selfless person, you can't be selfish. I want to become just like you."

"You're better than me, I'm proud of you." Mumma kissed my forehead which gave me tears. I wiped it with the same hankie I was holding and my mom's sharp gaze. She held my hand to see what I was holding.

"Is this again yours?" She kind of glared at me, this is the second time when she catcher Deni's hankie in my hand, but this time I didn't want to lie. "No it's not mine." I mumbled with down gaze and told her how David Sir scolded me. "Mumma, I don't remember if anyone else became my shield especially papa... Other than one time. But Deni always defence me," I became emotional while telling that. He didn't even know that I was watching the scene in which he was defending me.

"Mumma, Deni sach mein bohot achhe hain."

(Mumma, Deni is really very nice)

"Allah kare tumhara bharosa kabhi na tute, aur Daniyal kabhi na badle." Mumma smiled and I said Aameen in my heart.

(May Allah never great your trust in Daniyal, and may he won't change ever.)

"Go, take some rest." It was an order which I needed badly so without wasting time I walked to my room and the first work I did was... Calling Afifa to gave this news. Poor mad girl became more mad after hearing the good news.

How bless you feel when your family and friends smile in your happiness and cry with you in your sorrow.

Afifa is one for me.

<><><><>

I woke up with a jolt. It's my donkey's birthday. First of all I glanced at the wall clock, 6 AM. Perfect. I didn't wish him at midnight because... I didn't want to stay awake, and he was also sleeping.

After a quick freshen up I rushed to his room with a gift box, I bought airpod for him because he wanted it for a long time but papa was refusing to buy him. I wanted to buy this for myself too, but it's difficult for now. I have very little cash in my hand. Maximum of my money was spent in doing up and down from college to radio station to home. Other than that my salary is enough for my own expenses and I have a few small investments too about that no one knows.

Well, I wanted to surprise Bilal but... A surprise was waiting for me in his room. A sleepy yet excited Bilal was sitting on his bed with an unpacked gift in his hand. Papa was sitting besides him with a smile and mummy was standing at a distance.

"Shifa aapi see, new airpods." He showed me a better version of airpods than the one I was holding in my hand. My smile dropped and I felt a little pain. Papa didn't give me anything on my birthday he just passed me a few notes so that I could buy my own birthday gift. Can't he do efforts for me too? I didn't want gifts from him but little amount of love is my requirement, is this impossible to get or am I wishing for something inappropriate?

Well, I kept all my thoughts aside and maintain a smile on my face while holding my hand at my back to hide the small gift box. "Happy birthday to the most useless creature of this earth." I wished him in the way he deserves and his face was something between anger and smile.

"You're the worst sister ever. I hate you." He rolled his eyes in the dramatic way, and I faked a smile, I didn't want to spoil his special day by showing my sadness. "Thanks for the compliment." chirping that I took a step backwards, still facing him.

"Where is my birthday gift?" He asked while stepping out from the bed and I shrugged. "I don't have anything for you, why would I waste money on you?" I lied but maybe he noticed something in my hand.

"Show me what's this?" He suddenly grabbed my hand and I tried to free that but... "Wow... My gift!! But why we're you going back without giving it to me?" He asked while started roaring the gift wrap like an animal and I sighed.

"Because you already got better one than this one." I mumbled and he thinks for one minute after seeing the gift. "Shifa Aapi, you keep these airpods for yourself and give me something else." He suggested me like I'm having a treasure for him but before I could say anything in reply mummy's words gave me another shock.

"But your Papa already brought a pair of airpods for Shifa."

What? Papa brought one for me too?

"That's not right papa. It's my birthday but you are giving gift to her!" Bilal complained about the matter in his childish was but I was standing like a statue.

"So what? I didn't give her anything on her birthday." Papa scolded him and passed me the box he was already holding in his hands, I wanted to take that but my head unwillingly moved left and right.

"What will I do with this?'' I asked something weird and papa furrows. "Ask Bilal how to use it," He passed me the box which I held and a smile broke on my lips.

"Thank you papa.'' I was looking at that small box which was packed with immense happiness. What else I wanted for today? Nothing! This is the best sunday of my life otherwise I hate Sundays.

" I'll return this and buy something else for you." I ensured Bilal while taking back the airpods which I gifted him then looked at Mumma.

"Today I'll be taking over the department of cooking so you may take rest." kissing her cheek with this I rushed to my room. I was literally jumping with joy. It's like a dream come true, Papa gifted me something. I can't believe. I wanted to let Deni know this but won't it feel awkward to tell him? I don't know what happened to me? I'm a person who don't like to share her feelings and thoughts with anyone but he is an exceptional case. I crave to share everything with him, he listens to me, then give me advise and after that he make me laugh too, and how can I forget everytime he gives me his hankie.

"Deniiiii.... Aap itne achhe kyu hain?"

(Deniiii.... Why are you so good?)

When I glanced at mirror, I found a girl who was more beautiful then me as she was blushing naturally, unlike my dull life and dull cheeks.

"Shifa you're getting mad." I scolded myself still entered the land of daydreaming.

<><><>

I was expecting a beautifully decorated chocolate cake but what came out was below my expectations. Thought the taste was good but not the appearance. I want to be an expert in baking yet shortage of time always pull me away from achieving that.

Well, to hide the clumsy illustration of that cake I pour one more layer of chocolate ganache and topped that with some white chocolate shavings and some sprinklers.

Though this appearance is suitable for Bilal's birthday cake, he doesn't deserve better than this. That's it.

After keeping the cake in the fridge I checked the status of Biryani, only ten minutes more to go and it will be ready so as the chicken tikka. Only thing left to do was Making salad. I just picked the cucumber and heard the doorbell.

"I knew it." Mumbling that I put back the cucumber, I already knew Razi Mama or Maham Lala will definitely come. And I was so happy after getting the gift that I cooked more than enough quantity of food.

With a big grin on my face I open the gate and my smile dropped. "Aap..." I only blinked and tried to smile but couldn't.

(You.)

"Assalamualaikum." I greeted Rani Phuppo, she and Musa uncle entered in the home. I was about to close the door when two figures also walked ahead.

Oh no... What the hell, why Rani Phuppo had to come today?

"Assalamualaikum uncle and aunty." They were Deni's parents. "Waalaikumas salam." They both greeted me back and aunty held my face with both hands, she showed a big smile. But suddenly I realised that I was wearing a mismatched suit.

No... Why always with me?

Whenever I stay in my alien form guests arrive but when I wear good clothes no one comes.

Well, for now I have a good topic to focus on.

Mummy and papa were also amazed to see Deni's parents all of a sudden. But when guests are arrived what can we go, problem was not with Deni's parents, it was with Rani Phuppo and his never changing irritaed face. I don't know why she don't smile often? It seems like Musa a cow always carry a stick for her, that's why the poor lady is frustrated.

"Bilal, come here." Aunty summoned Bilal to sit beside herself, and lovingly pulled his cheek. "Happy birthday." And she put an envelop on his hand. Not fair enough! They are my would be in-laws but giving special treatment to Bilal. For the first time I was jealous but no worries, I'll show all my tantrums on his marriage. After all I'm the only sister. By the way I earned a good amount of naig (gift money) on Hamdan Bhai's wedding too.

"There is no need for this..." Mummy said formally but Bilal being Bilal can't stay silent. "It's obvious mumma, aunty will give me something, you'll formally refuse in the I'll have to keep that so don't be formal."

I wanted to slap him for being so informal but we all ended up with a laugh, even Rani Phuppo too. Wow she looks good while smiling.

Astagfirullah, main itna khush ho gayi ki mujhe Ranu Phuppo achhi lagne lagi? Itni khushi bhi nhi chahiye zingadi mein.

(God forbidden, I can't be so happy that even start liking Rani Phuppo)

I took back steps and rush to my room to change myself in a good pair of clothes. And after that I rush to kitchen. I wish Deni would also come, he like chocolate cake and I wanted him to taste the made by me. But...alas.

"Shifa, what about dinner? So we have enough food or may I tell your papa to order something?"

"Mummy, I guess it's good enough to serve in front of guests.'' Mummy worriedly taste the food and smiled. "Hmm... It's tasty, just serve for all."

<><><><><>

"Masha Allah, Musa Sahab aapki malumaat bohot acchi hai." Kazmi Uncle compliment Musa uncle.

(Musa Sahab, your knowledge is great)

That's true, Musa uncle's knowledge is great but Unfortunately he doesn't have knowledge of his wife's deeds.

"Kazmi Sahab, aap baate hi karte rahenge ya jis kaam ke liye aaye hain wo kaam bhi krenge?" Aunty asked with a small amount of disappointments but I just loved the way she addressed uncle. Kazmi Sahab... Aww... It's so lovely and romantic too.

(Kazmi sahib, will you keep talking or will you do the work for what were here)

'Will I also address Deni like this ever?' My heart skipped a beat and I'm sure my cheeks were red by then.

"Maryam, Bilal ki birthday to bas ek bahana tha, asal mein to hume aapse milna tha."

(Maryam, Bilal's birthday was just an excuse, actually we had to meet you)

"Kheriyat?" Mumma and Papa asked in unison. And I also felt fearful. Aunty was looking very serious.

(Is everything fine?)

"Ji, sab kheriyat hai. Bas hum chahte hain ki shadi jaldi ho jaye." Uncle's words gave me a big shook

(Yeah, all good. Just we want this marriage to take place soon.)

"Shadi? Kiski Shadi? Kon hain ye log? Main to such rahi thi koi family friends honge?" Rani Phuppo asked Musa uncle in a whisper but enough loudly that we'll listen the same.

(Marrige? Whose marriage? Who they people are? I was supposing them to be a family friend!)

"Umm... Rani baji... Hum log bas aap ko batane hi wale the... Shifa ke rishte ke baare mein," mumma was mumbling like she was at a fault but no, it wasn't her fault.

(Umm... Rani Baji... we were about to tell you regarding Shifa's match)

"Rani." Papa kinda glared at her then looked at me with the same rage, my heart flutter with fear. Had I said something wrong? But I didn't even said a single word.

"Shifa, give cold drink to all, especially Rani Phuppo." I suddenly nodded on Papa's order and stood up. Though he wasn't glaring at me but still I was feeling scared of his eyes.

I stepped in he kitchen, drew out the bottle and ice cubes from the fridge but all my attention was fixed on the conversation taking place in the living room.

"Kazmi Sahab we don't have any problem with early marriage. There is only one year left in Shifa's masters degree. Then... We'll fix the dates," Papa's voice was not very clear but still enough loud to understand.... I felt my whole body was covered with goosebumps after listening that. However, I continued my work of pouring that fizzy drink in the glasses and setting them in a tray I walked back to the room.

"Ek saal nhi, hum to ek mahine baad hi shadi ka sooch rahe hain." I was shocked to hear so. My exams are in next month, how is this possible? And what about my studies? I can't leave my degree in between to get married.

I wanted to raise this question but unfortunately my tongue and brain both stopped working.

"But Shifa's exams are in next month and after that there is still one year left in completion of her course. We don't want to let you be upset with my decision but I can't allow her to leave the degree in between." Papa represent all the points I was holding in my head and Kazmi Uncle smiled so as his wife.

"She can continue to study in the same way even after marriage, she can maintain the same lifestyle." Uncle was sounding wise and polite, just like Deni. Like the father like the son.

"We all know, no one can maintain same lifestyle. Girls have to uphold the responsibilities of house, her studies will be suffer in that." Mumma put her valid point and gestured me with eyes to leave the room and her action make me realise that I was already don't with serving soft drink to all.

"Maryam, we're going make Shifa our Daughter-in-law, we already have many house help for these works."

"But why so soon kazmi Sahab? Aakhir itni jaldbaazi kyu?" Papa's question was valid. I peeped inside from the corner and found a serious expression on his face.

"Insaani fitrat hai Anwar sahab, insaan bohot laalchi hota hai, apni khushiyan kam lagne lagti hain to bachho ki khushiyan dekhne ki tamanna jaag jaati hai. Bas hum bhi Daniyal ko khush dekhna chahte hain." Uncle is so wise. His way of talking is amazing. I'm honoured to get such an amazing family.

(Anwar Sahab it's human nature, we need more and more. After getting happiness in our life we want to see our children happy. Just it, I also want to see Daniyal happy in his life.)

"Sach kahu to, zindagi ka bharosa nhi hai, hum Daniyal ki shadi karke is zimmedari se Subukdosh hona chahte hain. Hum log to apni zindagi jii chuke, ab ye bachhe khushi khushi apni zindagi guzaar lein, hamare liye yehi kafi hai."

(Speaking Honestly, life is unpredictable, we want to fulfil our responsibility by getting Daniyal married. We already have enjoyed our life now we want these children to live happily. We don't want anything else.

I was trying to conclude who was more convincing, both of them were just amazing with their words as well as the expressions. And I noticed papa's face, now he was looking satisfied and relax.

"Still, one month is really a short time. We need some time for all the wedding arrangements." After a few minutes silence, after all papa said something but uncle shook his head.

''Anwar Sahab, beti aesi cheez nhi hai jise saamaan ke sath rukhsat kra jaye. Hume bas ek bahu darkaar hai."

(Anwar Sahab, daughter's farewe is not supposed to be done with dowry. we're looking forwards towards you for a daughter-in-law, only. )

"Phir bhi Kaazmi sahab, Shifa hamari ek looti beti hai hum use khali hath rukhsat nhi krenge, kuch waqt to dijiye, ek mahina to bohot kam hai."

(But kazmi sahab, we can't marry off our only daughter with empty hands, we need to do some arrangements and one month is a short period of time.)

"Hume kuch nhi chahiye, Allah ke fazl se ghar mein sab kuch mojood hai, aur jo kuch nhi hai wo Shifa ke naseeb se aa jayega." Uncle's statement brought a smile on papa's lips. This is one of the rarest time when I was witnessing him smiling with a different shine in his eyes.

(We don't need anything. With Allah's grace we have everything at home, and I'm sure that we'll get the rest with good fortune of Shifa.)

"Theek hai jesa aap chahe," Papa got ready. I blinked a few times. And looked at every face present in that room.

(Okay, as you with. )

Mummy's smile was telling the state if her happiness.

Papa and Musa uncle were holding a satisfactory grin.

Bilal was looking over excited and eager to jump on the sofa just like he use to do in childhood.

Uncle and Aunty, were looking happy too,

But Rani Phuppo was shocked. Maybe she wasn't holding any good intention for me, but now she should believe that Allah don't do bad with those who don't do bad with others. My and mummy's intentions were always pure, we didn't want anyone's harm ever maybe Deni is a reward for me.

"Maryam, Shifa ko to bulaiye." I listened aunty's demand and run to the kitchen. I couldn't let them know that I was standing there to listen everything like a eavesdropper.

(Maryam, summon Shifa.)

Just like a good girl I started cleaning the kitchen slab, actually I started acting like cleaning it. Not really. And a voice fall in my ears. "Shifa aapi, everyone is calling you inside."

"Why?" I tried to be innocent but Billu glared at me, "Zyada drama karne ki zarurat nhi hai, sari baate to sunli darwaze ke peeche se,"

(There is no need to do such cheap drama, I know you were listening everything standing behind the door.)

"Achha na... Listen." I mumbled and he raised his brow.

"Actually... Cake is... I mean... There is some... Leftover cake... What will we with that?" I don't know what I was saying but I was unable to say what I really wanted to say.

"I have an idea, we'll play basketball using that on the palce of ball." He suggested me with a duh tone and got a glare from me but in return he glared me back, "are you out of your mind? What one can do with cake? We'll eat that tomorrow."

"Leftoever cake feels very dry, it should be consumed today only, and no one of us like sweets much. Who will eat that?" I asked and she gave me a weird look. Umm yes I was behaving odd.

"Shifa aapi, why are you discussing that damn cake right now?"

"Come, everyone is waiting for you" and he turned to go but I took a deep breath and "Mujhe Deni ke liye cake bhejna hai."

(I have to send the cake for Deni)

He suddenly turned to me, I was feeling nervous. What the hell I have done?

"I... I just mean to say, that... The other... day... Deni's ammi... Don't you remember... She send us..."

"Stop this silly clarification, pack the cake, I'll give it in my style." He rolled his eyes with a smirk and I open the fridge to draw out the more than half cake.

"O, hello. Pack it later. Come inside first."closing the door of fridge I nodded and tried not to smile like a fool. But I couldn't help. I was so happy. Alhamdulillah.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out I stepped in the room. "Come here Shifa." Patting at the sofa just beside herself, Aunty instructed me and I nervously did so.

"What's your exam schedule beta?" She asked lovingly and I thought for a moment.

"It's starting from 1st and ending on 12th of next month." My reply was simple but after that it was a complicated discussion of the wedding dates. I was feeling shy, nervous as well as ... I don't know what. That's a new feeling for me. And the dates were decided soon. From 20th of next months, wedding functions will be started and wedding date was decided as 27th. I could feel my heart beating like a drum.

"Do we need to do an engagement ceremony or directly wedding will be fine?"

aunty asked to papa and he looked at Musa uncle.

"What do you think Musa? What will be better?"

"Umm... Bhai sahab, Since Shifa's exams are almost there and we don't have enough time to prepare for weddings, I guess engagement ceremony will not be required," Musa uncle's suggestions broke my heart. I wanted to wear a beautiful golden coloured gown on my engagement, before I could gulp down what Musa uncle said, he continued "but we can do a small family gathering in which rings will be exchanged and everyone will meet Daniyal too."

Now I can say Misa uncle is the best uncle of this world. Apparently, I was sitting like a well mannered and noble girl but from inside I was dancing and jumping just like a monkey.

And soon, it was decided that the engagement function will be held next week in our home with minimal number of guests.

"Shifa," Aunty called me politely.

"Ji aunty?"

"No more aunty. Now call me Ammi." Aunty instructed me, I didn't get how to respond to the question, "got it?" She asked and I nodeed "yeah, aunty..." I unthought out and suddenly shook my head... "I mean..." I looked at mumma, she was smiling and I could see her happiness.

"It seems Ammi is difficult to utter, If you don't like Ammi, you can call me Mummy."

"No aunty... I mean..." I took a pause and look at mummy again, she blinked with a smile which was a clear indication for me to continue without hesitation. "I mean... Ammi. Ammi is fine." I muttered without lifting my gaze, and I controlling myself smile shamelessly but happiness is like the sun, we can not hide it when it rises.

Aunty held my hand...

No, not aunty,

Ammi held my hand and slipped a fragile ring in my middle finger. "Now, she's our daughter." And she kissed my forehead.

Uncle...

I mean Baba stood up from his place and draw out an envelope from his pocket. Putting that in my lap he placed his hand on my head. "Stay blessed." His fatherly touch was enough to make me smile even more but I was fixing my gaze on the floor. I was feeling shy too.

Still grasping tight at my smile I slowly looked up, when my gaze travelled to mumma my smile dropped. She was smiling but at the same time she had tears in her eyes. Her tears always make me cry too. Suddenly my eyes pooled up. Only one and a half months was left in this home.

How will I hug mumma every morning?

And how will I get a head massage from her?

I bowed down my head to hide the freshly arrived tears but they were stubborn enough to jump out of my eyes.

Why one happiness come with a sorrow?

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Main likh raha hu ek Afsana teri yaad mein, kabhi milogi to sunaunga,

Suni si raato mein hai khwabo ka ek khazana, kabhi milogi to dikhaunga,

Ek tohfa liya hai tumhare liye, kabhi milogi to khud tumhari kalayi pr sajaunga.

Bas mil jaye tumse milne ka ek haseen bahana, main to tumhara hi ho jaunga.

_Naaz Jamal.

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