Just like a peaceful night that holds many secrets in itself this room was dark and silent, the dim light of a lamp representing the moon who plays hide and seek with clouds. And a figure was laying down on the left side of the bed covering himself with a duvet. A book was resting near his pillow indicating that he might be reading that before sleeping or maybe just seeing, not reading.

But his peaceful slumber and the warm temperature of the room both were disturbed by the opening of the and a loud call.

"Daniyal... Daniyal, wake up." he open his eyes lazily when his mother shook him forcefully. "What's wrong Ammi?" Mumbling in a sleepy voice he again covered his face.

"Daniyal, Shifa is not back yet!" Mrs Kazmi almost shouted, she was more stressed now because Shifa's mobile was switched off. Daniyal glanced at the clock lazily which was reading half past eight of night and his slumber was gone. "What? 8:30?" Sitting up with a jolt he grabbed his mobile to call Shifa but it was off! "Where is she?" he muttered. Smacking his forehead he stepped out of bed. ''How could I be so careless?'' He muttered one more time and his mother furrowed.

"About what?"

"Shifa ki chhutii thi aaj, main soch rha tha use college se pick kr lunga magar pta hi nhi chala kitaan parhte parhte aankh kab lag gyi," Daniyal explained and his mother gave him a disappointed look.

(Shifa had a day off, I was thinking about picking her up from college but didn't even know how I dozed off while reading the book,)

"Daniyal, mujhe kam se kam aapse itni laparwahi ki tawaqqo nhi thi."

(Daniyal I wasn't expecting such irresponsible behaviour from you.)

Daniyal called David to ask about Shifa and got to know that she already left many hours ago, he furrowed and informed this to his mother while looking here and there as if a solution for this problem was resting in the corner of the room.

"Maryam ko call kariye, Shifa waha to nhi chali gyi?" Said Mrs Kazmi who was panicking by now.

(I'm calling Maryam, maybe Shifa is there.)

The call was made just to get information that Shifa bunked her college to come to meet her parents and she was crying out because the outing was cancelled. But Maryam was worried.

"She's not there also!'' Mumbled Daniyal and Mrs Kazmi's faces turned pale. "Where could she go?" She asked and Daniyal shook his head.

"She doesn't go anywhere else!" mumbling that he again dialled Shifa's number but it was again switched off.

"Daniyal aapne kuch kaha hai Shifa ko? Wo subah bhi roo rhi thi." Mrs Kazmi was glaring at her son, and Daniyal realised that last night he was so lost in that pic that he almost forgot Shifa's presence, maybe she was hurt after seeing Adeena's pic.

(Daniyal, have you said something to her? She was crying in the morning too)

Daniyal's silence said it all, but the tongue didn't dare to tell anything.

"Now, Where are you going?" Asked Mrs Kazmi when saw her son walking towards the door. "Umm... I... Let me see...," Daniyal did not even know what he was saying, just mumbling in a hurry he picked up his car keys and left the home. Mrs. Kazmi looked at the clock which was reading quarter to nine.

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

"Shifa why are you looking upset?" Asked Afifa with a serious tone but she wasn't willing to listen to anything disturbing, she was already over the moon because today only Rani and Musa came to her home with Shariq's marriage proposal. Though Rani wasn't looking happy. Well, who cares?

"Why didn't you come to college today?" Afifa Asked another question without even getting the answer to the previous one. Shifa was sitting resting her back on the headboard without choosing to say anything. "You know what Shifa, today I was waiting for you in the col..." Before Afifa could complete the narration she was stopped by her mother who entered the room with a tray of tea and snacks.

"Kesi Ho Shifa Beta?" the lady asked politely but Shifa was lost somewhere, she did not hear any voice.

(how are you, Dear?)

Afifa looked at Shifa and then at her amazed mother. "Shifa," Afifa whispered but her friend was lost somewhere else.

"Shifa where are you lost, dude?" placing her hand on Shifa's shoulder Afifa asked in a dull tone, "Hmm... I..."

"Assalamualaikum Aunty, how are you?" Faking a smile Shifa sat down in a straight back while adjusting her scarf which was muffled around her neck.

"Waalaikumas salam, I'm fine but what happened to you? You're looking tired!" Asked Afifa's mother and Shifa shook her head with the same fake smile, "I'm also fine aunty, it's just because of traffic and noise..." The kind lady nodded her head and left the room to give some time to friends to talk.

"Tujhe kya hua hai? Jiju se ladke aayi hai kya?" Asked Afifa in her usual and over-excited way but Shifa shook her head.

(what happened to you? Have come after arguing with jiju?)

"kuch nhi hua."

(nothing)

"Itna to main tujhe jaanti hu tu bekar me to khamosh rehne walo mein se nhi hai." Only those small words were enough to clutch her heart and eyes filled with water without wasting any time

(See Shifa, I know you very well you can't be so quiet without any reason, tell me what's wrong?)

"Afifa... Deni..." Shifa sobbed while wiping her tears with her palm. "He still writes letters to Adeena." Afifa's eyes widen and their breath is stuck in their chest for a second.

"Why?" she mumbled and covered her mouth. "He shouldn't cheat on you," Afifa muttered, and crawling on her knees she shifted near Shifa to embrace her.

"Shhh... Stop crying." Afifa muttered and stroked her back but got tears in her eyes. She was imagining how painful it would be if Shariq ever cheat on her. Shifa told her everything and Afifa furrowed but did not say anything.

"See..." Shifa break the hug and looked here and there to grab her bag. "See Affo, see." she drew out a few envelopes and kind of throw them in front of Afifa.

She silently picked those envelopes whose edges were trimmed very carefully as if it was cut with the intention to paste back without leaving any clue. Drawing out letters, Afifa unfold them one by one and started reading them.

"Shifa." Afifa returned all those letters with a faint smile, "Jiju ne in letters mein kya likha hai?"

(what has Jiju written in these letters?)

"Ye kesa sawal hai? Tu ne read to kra hai!" Shifa asked with frustration.

(what the senseless question is this? Haven't you read it?)

"Idiot! Jiju has written his feelings like one usually writes in a diary, but he has not sent these letters to Adeena. Are you angry with him just to write down what he feels? He's not cheating on you," Afifa explained something but Shifa shook her head.

"But he can cheat on me!'' Shifa asserted and Afifa sighed while nodding. "Anyone can do anything but what's the point of making opinions before a person do so?" Shifa gave her a disappointed look not trying to understand what she wanted to say.

"Should I wait for him to cheat on me? He forgets me within a few hours of seeing her old photo. He did not inform me about my off, even though he did not call me yet! He doesn't care where am I at this time of night!" Shifa almost burst out and Afifa's eyes became wide.

"Doesn't he even call you to know where you're?"

Shifa shook her head while wiping her tears and Afifa felt angry at Daniyal, she never expected something like that from him. "Don't cry!" Afifa tried to console her meanwhile her mobile rang. It was Daniyal's call. Without informing Shifa who was that caller she received the call.

"Hello."

"Hello Afifa, do you have any idea where is Shifa or where could she go?" Asked Daniyal, his voice indicating he was panicked.

"Why are you asking?" she asked rudely. "Because Shifa is not back yet."

"So why don't you call her and ask?" Asked Afifa with furrowed brows and this time Shifa understood who was the person on the other side.

"Her mobile is off,"

"No, her mobile is not off. It's on!" Afifa unthought out and Daniyal exclaimed. "what? How do you know? Is she there?" Afifa gave up in front of his questions, ignoring Shifa's instructions to hide that she was there Afifa hummed.

"Yeah... She's here."

"Shifa Theek to hai na?''

(is she alright ?)

"Nhi, theek to nhi hai wo..." Daniyal was panicked "Kya hua Shifa ko? Sab kheriyat hai na? Baat krao meri us se." Afifa passed her mobile to Shifa but she shook her head and slightly pushed it away.

(No She's not.)

(What happened to Shifa? Is everything alright? Make me talk to her)

"She is in the washroom, I'll tell her to call you." Daniyal understood the meaning of the little pause in between Afifa's reply.

"Hmm... Thanks. And tell her to get ready soon. I'm coming to pick her up from your place." Afifa sighed and put her mobile on the pillow. "He's coming to pick you up, get ready,"

"I will not go with him." Said Shifa angrily and Afifa called on Shifa's mobile, and found Daniyal's statement true.

"Shifa, Jiju ne call kri thi tujhe, bohot preshan the wo, tera mobile off hai," Afifa told the reality and Shifa checked her mobile, it was on but the network bars were almost nil.

(Shifa, Jiju has called you, but your mobile is off.)

"Shifaaaa... Stop thinking too much yaar. Jiju loves you, he cares for you, that photo came as a flash of his past otherwise he already started to move on." Afifa grabbed her hands but Shifa's eyes again pooled up, she was more hurt after reading those letters. But she had to face the reality with a strong will.

Taking a deep breath she nods her head and wiped her tears.

<><><><><>

The drive was silent, Daniyal did not utter even a word in this long thirty minutes drive, Shifa was waiting for him to say something but she also did not start a conversation. For the first time ever Daniyal was angry at Shifa, he was dying from inside while running from pillar to pole, and some awful thoughts were terrifying him all the time. Shifa glanced at him with anger then looked away. He didn't even buy her roses today. Well, she never felt happy when he bought her roses every day, she felt it was just because of helping an old woman who sells flowers on signal, but today it hurt her when he showed his hand to the flower seller before shaking his head.

Shifa stepped into the home without knowing what her absence did to her family. "Assalamu..." Before she could greet Mr Kazmi her gaze fell on three figures sitting on the couch of Hall. It was Anwar Maryam and Bilal.

"Ye kya tareeqa hai Shifa? Kahi jana ho to kam se kam kisi ko bata to do, tumhe andaza bhi hai yaha hum sab ka kya haal ho rha tha?" Anwar roared without thinking even once that now his daughter is married and standing in front of her in-laws. Shifa was stunned, her heartbeat was faster than normal, her eyes pooled up and her terrified frame trembled.

(What is this Shifa? If you want to go somewhere, at least tell someone. Do you have any idea how worried we all were?)

"Why is your mobile off?" Asked maryam with disappointment.

Shifa looked at her mother-in-law, she was also looking disappointed as Mr. Kazmi. In order to ignore Daniyal she stressed all the other members of the family.

"Laparwahi ki bhi koi had hoti hai, is tar..." before Anwar could complete his lecture Daniyal walked into the home and the table was turned.

(How careless, at least you could...)

"Shifa ki galti nhi hai papa, usne mujhe message kra tha maine neend mein dekha aur bhul gya." Daniyal lied and all disappointment shifted from Shifa to him. But Bilal, Anwar and Mr Kazmi somehow understood that he was trying to save Shifa.  Maryam and Mrs Kazmi were stiol had doubts but the main thing was that Shifa was safe and back to home.

(Papa, It is not Shifa's fault but mine. I was sleepy when she text me, so I forget it.)

"I'm sorry," whispering a bit loud he walked into his bedroom to save himself from any kind of lecture from his parents. Shifa's wet eyes were still fixed on the floor as she knows the truth.

Mrs Kazmi was first to notice tears in her eyes."Shifa chup ho jaiye beta," cupping her face in between both hands the old lady muttered lovingly and Shifa sobbed. "Daniyal ki galti ki saza aapko mil gyi. Lekin beta hum sab preshan ho gye the." Shifa looked up and nod her head.

(Shifa stop crying, dear.)

(You get scolded on Daniyal's behalf, but we were worried.)

"I'm sorry ammi, mujhe aapko bta dena chahiye tha."

(I should have informed you)

"Areyyyy aunty, chhodiye ye sari baate, isi bahane main aapse milne aa gya warna aapki bahu to mujhe kabhi bulati nhi hain, aapko pta hai mujhe aapki kitni yaad aati hai..." Bilal being Bilal turned the serious environment into a light one.

(Oh aunty leave this discussion, I guess this become a reason for our visit. I was also missing you but your daughter-in-law doesn't invite me over. )

"Bilal sahab ne baat to durust farmayi hai." Mr Kazmi laughed and pat his shoulder which turned Anwar's mood better.

(Mr Bilal is correct)

"Hai na uncle, main to durust hi farmata hu lekin mere ghar walo ko meri qadr hi nhi hai, especially my sister." Bilal rolled his eyes while glaring at Shifa with fake anger.

(You got it right uncle, but no one knows my worth)

"So we should leave now, it's already late." Said Anwar but Mr Kazmi stopped them to have dinner together, though, he did not want to be an uninvited guest at his daughter's home but it wasn't easy to deny after listening to that polite demands, so eventually agreed with hesitation.

"Shifa, go and call Daniyal for lunch and you also come fast after freshen up," Mr Kazmi ordered her in a soft tone and she nodded while moving towards the bedroom but stopped in the track when listened to something from her father-in-law.

"Aese mat danta kariye Anwar sahab, kabhi kabhi galti ho jati hai bachho se." Shifa resumed her walk without listening the further conversation.

(Anwar Sahab, sometimes children make some mistakes like this, but scolding them in this manner is not correct)

"Baat galti ki nhi hai Kazmi Sahab laparwahi ki hai." Anwar said in some angry way and Mrs Kazmi nodded.

(It's not about mistake it's all about carelessness.)

"Chhodiye Bhai Sahab, ek galti ko nazar-andaz kar dete hain. Masha Allah bohot pyari aur khidmat guzar bachhi hai." And Mrs Kazmi narrates how Shifa looked after her the other night, but something unexpected happened the very next moment. Anwar's gaze softened towards Maryam. Shifa also appeared after passing the message to Daniyal and felt strange for a while as she never saw Anwar looking at Maryam in this admiring way.

(Leave it, let's ignore one mistake. She's Masha Allah very nice and caring girl.)

"Sach batau to main heraan nhi hu Shifa apni maa par gyi hai, Maryam ne bhi meri amma ki bohot khidmat kari thi," he had an unusual smile and eyes full of love and respect for his wife.

(To be honest, I'm not really surprised, she's Maryam's daughter, who also looked after my mother)

Shifa looked at her mother who was shocked to hear from her husband. It was an emotional moment for her, at least her husband recognize her efforts.

Maryam's lips turned into a small curve but that smile wasn't an entirely happy one as it had its share of pains and struggle to reach this far. Shifa noticed everything keenly but rushed to the kitchen to arrange the dinner on the table. There was practically less food as three members were kind of surprise visitors but she somehow managed to order some dishes on an urgent note.

Dinner was tasty but silent, Daniyal and Shifa were holding an awful silence between them, and everyone was noticing how they both were avoiding each other.

"I'm going to my room, I guess I need some rest," Daniyal left dinner in between and Mrs Kazmi sighed, she knew her son very well. He only left his food in the middle when he feels angry or stressed otherwise this foodie guy doesn't know how to do unjust with food.

"Shifa, Jaiye... Daniyal ko dessert de dijiye." Mrs Kazmi gestured Shifa to go after her husband, though she did not want to go but what could she do? Picking an empty bowl from the table she put two gulab jamuns in that, placed a spoon and walked to her bedroom. Her blood got boil seeing Daniyal holding the same urdu novel in which he placed her photo. He noticed him from the corner of his eyes yet ignored her as if she wasn't present in the room. On the other side, throwing a deadly glare at him Shifa placed the bowl on the nightstand with a thud which forced him to have a look at his angry wife. Why is she mad at me? I should be angry... Shouldn't I? He asked himself and shift away his eyes from her angry face.

"If you're done with ignoring me, kindly have this!" pointing to the bowl of the dessert she turned to go with the same anger but stopped in between.

"Am I ignoring you or are you ignoring me?" Asked Daniyal with the same level of anger, Shifa looked at her and then glanced at the book he was holding.

"Excuse me. I think I should check if I'm needed outside! You already have better things to focus on." Snapping while looking at the book she left the room and Daniyal realised why she was mad. Opening the book he sighed when a beautiful face appeared in between the well-settled words of Persian Script.

<><><><>

Shifa served tea for all, taking a cup for herself she sat down just beside her mother who smiled and quickly cupped her pale face. "What happened Shifa?" Whispered Maryam but Shifa shook her head.

"Nothing" She whispered back in time bring Daniyal also come out from his bedroom and looked at Shifa, he was expecting her to serve him tea but she looked away with bitterness.

'Us photo wali ladki ko hi bula lein chai ke liye bhi,' She told Daniyal but only in her thoughts and stood up with her cup of tea.

(Why doesn't he call the girl in the photo for tea?)

"Excuse me, I have to prepare my clothes for tomorrow." and she left.

Was it difficult for everyone to read this silent war between husband and wife? "Daniyal, is there any problem?" in a hushed tone Maryam asked the same question that all others wanted to ask?

"Nothing serious, I'll handle it." He smiled while sitting beside Bilal, he already masted acting so everyone thought maybe the couple had a minor argument.

~.~

Shifa stepped into the room with a steaming cup of tea, placing the cup on the nightstand she started to draw out her and Daniyal's clothes for tomorrow when her gaze fall on something. It was enough to boil her blood even more than the tea. The same book was still present on his side of the bed.

Anger, jealousy and sorrow grasped her all at once. "Why am I doing his chores? Where is his lover?" Throwing his clothes in the wardrobe back she started ironing her clothes. Can't he notice my efforts? This question turn her eyes wet. She wiped her tears and sniffle while ironing the clothes when Maryam stepped in.

"Shifa come here." sitting on the edge of the bed she gestured to her daughter and she silently obeyed.

"What's wrong beta?" Pulling Shifa in a hug she inquired. "Nothing Mummy. Everything is fine"

"Shifa, maine to tumhe jhut bolna kabhi nhi sikhaya phir ye kese seekh liya beta?"  Asked Maryam in a hushed tone. Shifa pressed her lips together to hide her sob and took a deep breath before breaking the hug.

(I haven't taught you to lie, how come you start lying?)

"Aaj shayad pehli baar papa ne aapki tareef kri na?" Instead of answering she put her question, Maryam just nod her head with a sad smile.

(Today maybe for the first time papa praised you?)

"26 saal! Ye to bohot lamba arsa hai Mumma" Mumbled Shifa while blinking and her mother nodded.

(26 years! It's a long period mumma)

"Hmm... A very long as well as difficult one" Maryam smiled hiding all her sadness behind it.

"Mumma kya mard ko itna waqt lagta hai apni biwi ke efforts notice krne mein aur us se mohabbat karne mein?" Asked Shifa and Maryam keep watching her for two more minutes, she was trying to understand the condition of Shifa's heart but she shook her head while grabbing her hand in between her hands.

(Mumma, does it take a man so long to notice his wife's efforts and fall in love with her?)

"Ek Aurat jab kisi se mohabbat karti hai to ek pal mein hi use apna sab kuch de deti hai aur use apna sab kuch maan leti hai. Lekin mard mohabbat mein chhote chhote qadam lete hain. Unki mohabbat bohot araam araam se badti hai." Shifa blinked twice; completely confused by her mother's explanation.

(When a woman loves someone, she gives her everything to him in a moment and accepts him as her everything. But men take small steps in love. Their love grows gradually.)

But... Shariq loves Afifa madly? They're not even married yet! Shifa asked herself but maybe her heart was connected with her mother so she heard.

"Shadi se pehle ki mohabbat alag hoti hai, us waqt sirf phool nazar aate hain" And Maryam took a pause "Shadi ke baad pta chalta hai kitne kante hain un phoolo mein."

(Love before marriage is different, at that time only flowers are visible)

(only after marriage it is known how many thorns are there in those flowers.)

"Iska matlab to ye hua ki mehbuba biwi se zyada achhi hoti hai aur biwi mehbuba ki jagah kabhi nhi le sakti." Shifa's heart skipped a beat with this thought, and unknowingly her eyes filled with tears. What if she won't be able to take Adeena's place in Deni's life? What if Deni won't love her ever? What if he continued to live with her carrying Adeena's memories in his broken heart? All these questions make her heart clench with fear but this time Maryam had a smile on her lips.

(This means that the lover is always better than the wife and the wife can never take her place.)

"Ek waqt tak hi mehbuba achhi hoti hai uske baad to shohor k dil aur ghar dono par biwi ka hi raaj chalta hai,"  

(A lover is good only for a while after that phase the wife rules over both the heart and the house of the husband.)

"Sach mein, Mumma?" Shifa asked in mistrust and Maryam nod her head while holding her hand a bit stronger than before as if she was trying to assure her daughter that it was just a phase of life that will be passed soon.

(Really?)

"Of course! Remember the verse of the Qur'an that says 'He placed between you affection and mercy.'?" asked Maryam and Shifa thought for a moment. She knew this verse but forget. "Allah put affection between spouses, it is natural for husband and wife to love each other but sometimes it takes time to realise or to express that love.'' Maryam's explanation was enough to strengthen Shifa, now she could see a bright future with her Deni.

"Now don't cry and resolve your issues. Daniyal loves you."

"He doesn't," Shifa muttered without making eye contact but Maryam smiled and cupped her face. "He loves you. He truly loves you. I have seen in his eyes."

"Is it so simple to read eyes?" Asked Shifa sarcastically and Maryam shook her head. "It's not so simple to read eyes maybe that's why you're unable to see what I noticed."

"Mummy, papa is asking do you want to go back home or not?" Asked Bilal while stepping into the room and Maryam nodded.

"I'm going now, resolve your matters and keep one thing in mind..." Maryam took a small pause, for a moment she remembered all the pains she had endured with Aatish, "Daniyal is much much much better than many men who exist in this world. No one is perfect, so focus on good things instead of developing differences in between because of a few flaws." there was something in Maryam's voice that convinces Shifa and she nodded.

Maryam followed Bilal also followed by Shifa to the hall where all the others were gathered. Daniyal was already greeting Anwar most respectfully and soon he greeted Maryam. Shifa couldn't help but melt one more time seeing how Daniyal respect her parents.

"Take care," Maryam hugged Shifa while caressing her head. "I miss you so badly Mumma." She whispered and felt bad. This goodbye moment is always painful for her.

"Me too, but that's how life goes on beta!"

"Allah Hafiz." Maryam breaks the hug before kissing Shifa's forehead and the three of the. walked out followed by Daniyal to see off them.

When Anwar and Bilal settled in the car Maryam looked at the figure standing a few steps away. "Daniyal."

"Ji Mummy?" he stepped ahead.

"I don't know what's the matter between you two but... Shifa trusts you more than anyone else, please never break her trust."

"I won't. I promise." He whispered with a difficult smile and soon after the car was gone leaving Daniyal in chaos.

<><><><>

Shifa hang her clothes for tomorrow and sighed while drawing out Daniyal's clothes to iron them. He was still standing under the open sky trying to conclude what he was actually feeling. Who is more important for him Adeena or Shifa? His mind was screaming something else and his heart was whispering something else. Taking steps back to the home he noticed his parents sitting on the couch holding serious expressions on their faces.

"What's going on in between you two?" Asked Mr. Kazmi as soon as he noticed his son in front of his eyes.

"Nothing!"

"There is something for sure." This time Mr. Kazmi was sounding angry.

"Yes Baba, there is something... But now I'm not a kid. I can handle my personal issues. And I'll." Daniyal told straightforwardly without raising his voice, for a moment Mr Kazmi glared at him but then left with anger.

"That's better. We also don't want to poke our noses in your personal life, but personal matters stay personal until they are inside the four walls of your bedroom, when they come out they do not stay personal but become public topics." Mrs Kazmi left after scolding him and he also stepped toward his bedroom. For a moment they both ignored each other but Daniyal was first to initiate a convo after locking the door.

"Ye kya tareeqa tha Shifa? Kam se kam ek message to kar sakti thi aap!" this wasn't a polite statement but an enraged one. For the first time, Shifa was seeing Daniyal's anger toward herself.

(What was that Shifa? You could have sent me at least one message)

" David sir ne aapko bataya tha na ki aaj meri chhutii hai. Message to aap bhi kar sakte the, Lekin aapko kya farkh pdta hai Deni?" without looking at him she replied and Daniyal glared at her. Sensing his gaze she look up and glared at him back.

(You could also text me, David sir also told you that it's my day off. But you don't care Deni.)

"Sach mein Shifa? Mujhe farkh nhi padta? Aapko andaza bhi hai main kitna pareshan ho gya tha? Police stations, hospitals, nursing homes, pta nhi kaha kaha jaa rha tha. Itne bure bure khyaal aa rhe the mere dil o dimaag mein, aur aap keh rhi hain mujhe farkh nhi parhta." He snap with disappointment and stepped into the bathroom, slamming the door with a loud thud he scared Shifa for a moment and she took a deep breath to control her heart race.

(Really Shifa? Don't I care? do you even have an idea how worried was I? I was getting such horrible and negative thoughts, I was searching for you in hospitals, police stations, nursing homes, and everywhere else but you're saying that I don't care about you!)

After a minute her heart settled on a regular pace and her brain interpret his words. What did he said? He was worried and searching for me. Really? Does he cares for me or is he just faking?

<><><><>