At which stage you have left me Adeena? Neither you make me yours nor you have left me for anyone else! Whenever I see Shifa my heart tries hard to find you in her, her presence in my life screams loud making fun of my emotions that you are no longer with me nor I can get you ever. I used to believe that Love works as a remedy for the heart but your love has only destroyed me, it is not a complaint but my true feelings. I am not regretting loving you that is one of the purest bliss of my life but this longing is destroying me. You don't even have an idea how badly I wanted to see you wearing those earrings but after seeing Shifa wearing them the wind of reality shook the dry leaf of my heart and feelings. My heart trembles with the pain. But now it's more difficult for me to handle everything. Earlier I was alone carrying your memories and love with me but now I have to make a room for Shifa in my life, there are many responsibilities on my shoulders as a husband and I can't take my eyes off from them. Adeena, I wish... I don't even know what should I wish for in this situation. I just want you to read all these letters I'm writing you without knowing where are you.

Well, no matter where are you, a piece of you stays in my heart that I'm unable to separate from myself. Even after trying hundreds of times, I'm unable to stop loving you.

Your Daniyal.

Sealing the letter in an envelope I put that in the bundle of old envelopes with the hope that one day Adeena will read my feelings. I don't know why my life took this twist but I wasn't ready for that. I was struggling to find out peace and tranquility but both for missing from my life so as my love.

Looking up I found myself alone in my own room but it's not looking like my room anymore. Every single inch of this room was screening loud that now someone else was also entitled to share this room. Whole night I was unable to sleep though Shifa wasn't here and I was comfortable on the bed still there was a tumult inside me. I wanted to talk to someone but other than these lifeless walls and some beautiful articles no one was around to listen to me.

Switching off the lights I again laid down on the bed as I didn't had anything to do. Life has taken me to a different crossroads. Yesterday Shifa was looking so different... and in other words I can say beauty and I'm realising that I'm the sole reason behind her new looks.

Am I doing correct with this girl or not? She's acting to live a married life but only we know the reality. If it was be a normal marriage this must be our honeymoon period. But after a few years what will he remember about this time? I can't make space for her in my heart but at least I can give her a few good memories so that she will not regret after a few years.

"Daniyal..."

"Daniyal”

"Ji ammi?" Leaving all my thoughts I stood up and walked out from the room.

"Tomorrow is your reception... Do you even remember?"

"Of course I do." I said while sitting besides Baba and took newspaper from his hand.

Though I wasn't interested in reading News but it's like an involuntary act for me whenever I see baba reading newspaper unwillingly my hands is next that from him.

"Agar yaad hai to apni begum ko ghar wapas le aaiye beta." Said my ammi and I shook my head, I didn't want to go anywhere, just wanted to sleep for some time

( if you remember then bring your dearest back]

"Kal subah le aaunga, walima to kal mein hai, aaj rehne dijiye use wahi, wese bhi parso se hum dono ko job rejoin krni hai." Mumbling that I laid down on the Sofa placing my head on my mothers slap, but this lady... Ughhh

(Reception party is on tomorrow night so I will bring her tomorrow morning, let her stay with her parents. Otherwise, also after tomorrow we both have to join our works)

"Shifa has to try the jewellery and her outfit. Moreover, bring my daughter-in-law back, this home is looking dull without her." Pushing my head away former lap she ordered me to bring her daughter-in-law back.

"Oh really? Has she took away light bulbs with herself?" I rolled my eyes.

"Daniyal, beta Apni ammi ki baat maniue aur le ayiye Shifa to wapas." By the way if I say I haven't seen in any men loving madly his wife but my Baba then I wouldn't be wrong. He don't know how to disagree with his wife. Their love is a live example in front of me that love never fades away, it only change it's form and way of expression.

(Daniyal, obey what your ammi is saying and bring Shifa back)

"Pakka hai na main aapka hi beta hu? Mujhe to kabhi kabhi shak hota hai."

(Are you both sure I'm your own son? Because sometimes I practically doubt.)

"Bad qismati se... Lekin aap gain hamare hi bete." Baba took the newspaper back from my hand and I jerked my head while going towards my room.

(Unfortunately, but you're only our son.)

Do boys have less responsibilities that they get one more responsibility after getting married, that is picking and dropping their wife.

<><><><><>

"Mumma, I'm going back, Deni is coming to pick me up," Shifa stepped into Hamdan's bedroom where Maryam was already sitting with Mehvish.

"But you were supposed to stay for tonight also." Maryam enquired making Shifa nod her head. "I wanted to stay but ammi is calling me back, tomorrow is the reception and I have to try my jewellery and outfit, so..." Sitting beside Maryam Shifa muttered and hugged her.

"It's only two days of marriage and I already miss you like hell," Shifa told her true feelings but Maryam smiled at the fact that her little daughter was no more little but now a grown-up married girl.

"That's life beta, soon you'll be settled down in your home and won't miss me." Maryam kissed her cheek and Shifa break the hug.

"I can't stop missing you, Mumma. Bhabi have you stopped missing your parents after getting married?" Shifa asked the second part and Mehvish shook her head.

"I still miss them but not as frequently as I missed them in the initial days after getting married."

"And after a few months, you'll be so busy that maybe you'll not get time to even miss anyone." Maryam smiled while standing up from the bed, Mehvish smiled but Shifa furrowed with confusion.

"Why so? Have bhabi got a job?" Asked Shifa and her mother kind of laughed but nodded. "Yeah, your bhabi is going to get a job soon. The job of a mother." Shifa was confused for more than two seconds but then she understood the meaning as well as the reason behind Mehvish's weight gain.

Mehvish was four months pregnant but she and Hamdan kept the news secret so that they could surprise their families. At first, Maryam and Shifa took her negligible baby bump as a result of weight gain but reality made them happy.

"Bhabiiiiiiiii... I'll do lots of shopping for my niece or maybe nephew." Shifa was over the moon and Maryam smiled at her.

"For now get ready to go."

"I'm all ready to go." Shifa replied and Mehvish smack her forehead "idiot girl, you're not going to college, dress up like a newly wed girl." Maryam nodded on Mehvish's instructions. She left the room and Mehvish decided to help Shifa in choosing her clothes and doing her makeup.

"Bhabi please teach me how to do make up, yesterday, Deni..." She didn't realise what she was about to say in flow but stopped in between. A shy smile captured her lips but a mischievous smirk tucked on Mehvish's lips.

"So what did your Deni... said or did?"

"Nothing Bhabi..." Shifa widen her eyes while looking away but she was blushing.

"Really?" Again a mischievous look from Mehvish.

"Bhabiiii... Stop teasing me..." Shifa mumbled but decided to share her feelings, "Yesterday when I came out of the room after getting ready... Deni was stunned, he was seeing me without even blinking." Shifa felt shy at such a small gesture of love from her husband and Mehvish gently pinched her cheek.

"Don't you think love is a drug?" Mehvish asked and Shifa shrugged in confusion. "What does it mean?"

"Love is a drug dear, in the beginning, it works so fast and turns everything beautiful just like a dream; with passing time its intensity decreases but one gets used to of It and it becomes difficult to stay without it."

"Will Deni feel the same for me?" Looking in the mirror she asked herself but she already voice her thoughts to gain a "yes" from Mehvish. "Of course, he'll." That's enough to make Shifa blush even harder. What else she wanted other than happiness and Daniyal's love in her life? Nothing.

After a gap of twenty minutes Shifa looked at herself, she was looking pretty in a simple suit, and this time she left her hair open because yesterday she secretly noticed Daniyal's gaze on her hair when they were in the car. "Thank you bhabi." She muttered and comb her hair one more time, at the same time doorbell rang indicating that someone arrived.

"Deni arrived so soon? He was supposed to come after half an hour." Shifa muttered and stepped towards the door of the room in a hurry. "Yeah, it must be getting hard for him to wait for his wife." Mehvish smiled mischievously but Shifa stared at her in disbelief.

"Bhabiiii... Nothing like that." Mumbling that Shifa open the door with a big and beautiful grin but her smile went to its end after witnessing the faces on the doorstep. They were Shariq with Rani.

"Assalamualaikum." Shifa greeted Rani in a whisper and let them enter.

"Waalaikumas Salam, Is bhai at home?" Rani asked but before Shifa could reply a loud call grabbed her attention and she rushed to the room where Anwar and Maryam were sitting.

"Ji Mumma?"

"Where is Daniyal?" Seeing Shifa alone Anwar questioned

"Papa, Rani Phuppo has arrived, not Deni." Shifa muttered and soon Rani entered the room with Shariq. Anwar glanced at the clock as he was supposed to go for some work but he was waiting for Daniyal, he didn't want to go without meeting him.

"Shadi ke baad bhi yahi reh rahi ho? Ab thoda apne ghar mein dil lagalo kahi aesa na ho ki wo log tumhe hamesha ke liye wapas bheej dein. Khair mukhe kya? Main to Hamdan se milne aayi thi..." Anwar and Maryam suddenly looked at Rani and Shifa was stunned, she couldn't imagine Daniyal separating her from his life. She got tears but determined to hide them.

(Are you staying here even after getting married? Now stay at your hime, it shouldn't be like this that they send you here forever. Well, none of my business, I'm here to meet Hamdan.)

"I... I'm bringing water." Saying that the strong girl turned to go but everyone noticed tears in her eyes.

"What are you saying Rani Baji? You've made my daughter cry." For the first time Maryam was hell rude and stood up to go after Shifa but stopped by Anwar's reaction.

"Rani, she's coming for the first time after getting married," Anwar said in a slightly rude manner but his sister shrugged.

"Have I said that I have any problem with her arrival?"

Maryam gave a disappointing look to Anwar, they both had noticed the shine of Shifa's face converting into dullness. For the time being, they listened to another doorbell, Shifa again opens the door to find Daniyal standing there. "What's wrong? Are you crying?" Without bothering to greeting, he asked that question but Shifa shook her head, she didn't meet her eyes with Daniyal to hide her tears but he understood.

"Papa is waiting for you." With this statement, she moved to the kitchen to bring water for all, b ut Daniyal waited for her and entered into the room with Shifa only, as soon as his gaze recognised two faces he understood the reason behind her tears.

"Assalamualaikum." With a smile Daniyal greeted everyone and sat down besides Anwar on his instruction.

"Main coffee banane jaa rhi hu, Deni aap to chai lenge na?" Knowing well that Daniyal like tea over coffee she confirmed in a hushed and dead tone but Daniyal shook his head.

(I'm going to make coffee, but Deni you'll have tea. Right?)

"Aap coffee bana rhi ho to coffee hi pi lunga chai ka ehtmaam karne ki koi zarurat nhi hai," Daniyal replied without any intention of making Rani angry but she didn't like the friendly bond of this couple.

(I'll have coffee if you're making it, no need to do an extra effort for tea.)

Anwar was continuously talking to Daniyal regarding his job and future plans meanwhile Mehvish helped Shifa in making coffee and arranging snacks for the guests, Shifa didn't want to sit in front of Rani and Shariq but on Maryam's instructions she join them and sat down besides Daniyal. Her heartbeat was uneven due to an unknown fear which took birth after listening what Rani said. But this strong girl tried to stood untouched by grief in front of others.

"Papa," She lift the plate of sandwiches which she had made because Anwar like them, she wanted to vanish the bitterness which came between her and her father due to rejection of Daniyal and all, but instead of picking up one Anwar stood up. "I'm going, keep one for me, I'll have it later." He instructed, Shifa's dull face turned even more pale. She silently placed the plate of sandwiches back, Daniyal read her face one more time but surprisingly this time Anwar also paid attention to Shifa's expressions.

"No need to overthink, just ignore if anyone say anything odd. Stay blessed." Anwar placed his hand on Shifa's head while looking at Rani with deadly sight, his small touch was filled with fatherly love which brought a smile to Shifa's dull face.

"Papa agar koi urgent kaam hai kya? Agar hai to main drop kar du aapko?" Before Anwar could took another step Daniyal asked him. The old overbearing man honestly never expected anything like that from him.

(Papa do you have some urgent work? If yes, let me drop you wherever you have to go.)

"Nhi nhi, urgent nhi hai, main chala jaunga, preshan na ho." Anwar answered back

(No no, it's not urgent, I'll manage, don't worry)

"Papa, Agar urgent nhi hai to 5 minute hamare sath beth jaiye, bado ki mojidgi achhi lagti hai." Anwar was fascinated. Daniyal knew the art of making his place in others hearts using his simple yet powerful word, he couldn't diny but sat down back. 

(Papa, if it's not urgent then stay with us for some time, elders presence is always admirable.)

"Shifa aap kiska intezaar kar rahi ho? Sandwich do papa ko." Daniyal kind of scolded Shifa in a very friendly manner which tucked a smile on her lips, she understood the reason behind Daniyal's intentions for stopping Anwar to go. She couldn't help but fall for him one more time.

(Shifa what are you waiting for? Give sandwiches to papa)

Anwar also understood that Daniyal wanted his wife happiness, this thing made him satisfied and he picked up a sandwich then gestured Daniyal to have some snacks.

"Deni, try this, you'll like it." Knowing her husband's choice she offered him a sweet and he picked a small piece while mumbling. Shukriya Mohtarma.

(Thanks Miss)

Shifa's blush wasn't hidden from any eye. She tucked her hairlock behind her ear and placed the coffee mugs in front of everyone.

"Masha Allah bohot achhi family hai aapki, shadi ke 1-2 din mein hi bahu ko itni azadi de di," Rani told Daniyal on which Anwar glared at her, but he was late to say anything as Daniyal narrowed his eyes and shrugged while adjusting his glasses.

(It seems your family is too good as they give this much freedom of the daughter-in-law in only 1-2 days)

"Umm... Main kuch samjha nhi Phuppo jaan? Bahu hai koi qeedi to nhi jise azaadi dene se pehle kuch din qaid mein rakha jaye. Aap nhi dengi apni bahu ko azadi?" Shifa was shocked on that reply but a fresh smile crept to her lips. Rani was burned out after seeing Shifa smiling.

(Umm... I didn't get it Phuppo jaan (aunty). Daughter-in-law isn't a prisoner who should be imprisoned before freeing. And won't you give freedom to your daughter-in-law?)

After seeing Rani's angry face Shifa felt anxious, she didn't want Daniyal to talk to Rani as she could say anything odd without thinking about its negative consequences, "Deni leave this discussion, coffee is turning cold and you don't like cold tea or coffee... Right?" She tried to stop this discussion right then, so picked the mug of coffee in front of Daniyal which he held with a smile.

"Wow... Coffee is good." Daniyal mouthed looking at his wife, which lift her lips in a smile, she felt all her efforts were paid off, Maryam and Rani both noticed the same scene. On one hand Maryam thanked her Almighty to tie Shifa and Daniyal in the zealous bond of nikkah on the other hand Rani's blood was boiling,

"I think I should leave now, otherwise I'll be late," after having the sandwich Anwar stood up and Daniyal also stood up in respect.

"I'll wait for the next meeting very keenly" mumbling that Daniyal greeted Anwar which made Anwar smiled, it wasn't buttering at all but true respect that every elder deserves, "Take care, and convey my greetings to your parents." Anwar lightly pat his shoulder before leaving.

"Deni, are you a magician? After Billu you're the one who made papa smile." Shifa whispered, but enough loud and clear that everyone listened to her.

"That's the charm of Daniyal kazmi." He raised is collar while whispering back but Shifa rolled her eyes, and kind of huffed

"Deniiii... Do you know, you praise yourself too much." Shifa's happiness had no limits, she wanted to fly in the sky without having wings but her happiness was indigestible for Rani hence... she wasn't in mood to leave Shifa so easily.

"Wese Shifa tum jitna shareef ban kar rehti thi koi soch bhi nhi sakta tha tum ho kitni chalak hogi, khair mujhe to pehle hi pta tha." Rani rolled her eyes while looking at Maryam then at Daniyal. All of them were shocked on that sudden statement from this venomous lady.

(By the way, Shifa, as polite and innocent as you were, no one could have imagined how clever you would be, well, I already knew.)

"Rani phuppo, kya chalaki kari hai hamari Shifa ne?" Before Maryam could asked the same question Mehvish asked this with anger.

(Rani phuppo, what make you think like that about our Shifa?)

"Shadi se pehle agar mene in dono ko kayi baar sath nhi dekha hota to main bhi soch leti ki ye ek arrange marriage hai, lekin kitni chalaki se sab kuch chhupa kar rakha in dono ne."

(If I had not seen these two together many times before the marriage, I would have thought that it was an arranged marriage. But how cleverly they both hid everything.)

"Maazirat chahta hu, wese to main bado se behes karne ka kayal nhi hu lekin mujhe lagta hai aapko apna nukta-e-nazar (perspective) badalne ki zarurat hai. Aapne Shifa ko mere sath dekha tha lekin kisi nazeeba keefiyat mein nhi. Aur rahi baat Shifa ki sharafat ki to us ki gawahi aap mujhse le lijiye. Mujhe Shifa se shadi karne mein koi dilchaspi nhi thi, lekin jab meri Ammi ne unka intekhaab kra to shayad unke kirdaar ke alawa koi aur khubi nhi thi jo mene mad-e-nazar rakhi ho. Wese ab Shifa sirf aapki bhatiji nhi mere ghar ki izzat hai, to uske baare mein kuch bhi galat bolne se gureez kariyega." After that long speech Daniyal stood up from his place with a jolt.

(Sorry, by the way, I'm not a badass, but I think you need to change your perspective. That's true that you saw us together but not in a compromising position at all. And if it comes to Shifa's character, I can testify it. I wasn't interested in getting married to her, but when my ammi chooses her, I only consider her purity. Nothing else. One more thing, now Shifa is not only your niece but dignity of my family too, so watch your words before saying rubbish about her)

"Chalo Shifa, Ammi baba hamara intezaar kar rahe honge." Daniyal ordered his wife and placing the mug of coffee on the centre table she stood up without wasting a single second.

(Let's go ammi and Baba must be waiting for us)

"Just a minute Deni, let me take my bag and other stuff from my room." Shifa stammered in a hurry, she was looking nervous after seeing angry side of Daniyal. This is the very first time when she was seeing Daniyal without a hint of politeness.

"Main car mein intezaar kar raha hu, jaldi aao"

(Okay, I'm waiting in the car. Come fast."

Daniyal stepped towards the door but everyone was stunned when found Anwar standing by the doorway, he forgot his keys so he was coming back to take them but heard everything. "Allah Hafiz Papa, take care." Daniyal bid him a good buy in respectful manner yet an angry look was present on his face and he stepped out from the room.

"Mumma, do you realize why I was crying when papa rejected Deni? Because he gives me the amount of respect I deserve." Shifa smiled with tear-filled eyes while glancing at Shariq who never let a single chance go to insult her. Maryam kissed her forehead and nodded with a smile.

"Indeed, My daughter deserves the best, now go he's waiting for you." Shifa nodded and scooted out of the room and Maryam looked at Rani then Anwar.

"Rani, tomorrow is Shifa's reception, I think you should take a rest at your home. No need to go." Anwar glared at her while gesturing Maryam to pass his keys which were lying on the couch and he left after taking them. 

"Rani Baji, Bado ko bado ki tarha baat karni chahiye taake chhote unki izzat karein. Har ek shohor aapke bhai ki tarha to nhi hota jo biwi ke aasu dekh kar bhi rishto ka lihaaz kare aur chup rahe." Maryam told her what she should tell long before.

(Rani Baji, elders should behave like elders so that youngers give them respect. Every husband is not like your brother who stay silent even after witnessing his wife's tears just to save some relationships.)

"Abhi aap Hamdan aur Bilal ke wapas aane ka intezaar karengi ya wapas jaa rhi hain?" It was an indication from Maryam that she should leave now but Rani glared at Maryam as she also understand the meaning of hers.

(Will you wait for Hamdan and Bilal to return or are you going back?)

"Ye mere bhai ka ghar hai."

(This is my brother's home)

"Jaanti hu, isiliye to aapse jaane ka nhi keh rahi sirf puchh rahi hu, abhi rukengi ya jaa rhi hain." Maryam was rude for the first time. She was tolerating everything silently but now when Rani tries to Ignite her daughter's married life it was more than enough.

(I know that's why I'm not saying you to leave, just asking if you're staying or going?)

<><><><>

The drive was silent, they both didn't exchange a single word during the whole journey but Shifa was nervous, she didn't want Daniyal to witness all these things, and that too on the third day of their marriage.

"Deni." After all, she broke the silence.

"Hmm..." He just glanced at her and then again focus on the road but she didn't have words to say what she wanted to.

"Bolo," He demanded but Shifa was still silent but sighed.

(Say)

"Shifa, how have you been tolerating this woman?" Daniyal asked and Shifa shrugged, "what can we do?" She muttered and Daniyal look at her with disappointment.

" I have told you once now I am repeating keep my words in your mind when people start crossing their limits make new boundaries to make them realise what they can do and what they can't." Shifa smiled at the instruction and nodded.

"Thank you for taking a stand for me."

"Next time take a stand for yourself and I will be at your back." He whispered looking in her eyes, this moment was stretched by only 2 seconds and he again focused on the drive but she forgot to blink her eyes.

Allah paak, how can be I so lucky? He's just perfect. I love him. I love him to infinity.

<><><><><>

Koi yun hi nhi milta, sab ko yaha milaya jata

Zami pr to bas rasm ada hoti hai, jodo ko to arsh pr banaya jata hai

_N.J

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