After a tiring day Shifa just stepped in the bedroom when a call forced her to shut her eyes for a second. "Dulhan..."

"Ji Badi Amma?" She turned back immediately and Daniyal sighed while placing the novel down on the bed. He was seeing her cooking, cleaning as well as tolerating scoldings without any of her fault. He was helpless so as Mrs and Mr Kazmi.

After some ten minutes when Shifa came back Daniyal was seeing his mobile as soon as he witnessed his wife he stepped out of the bed with an enthusiastic smile.

"You've only 5 minutes to get ready, your husband is taking you out for a long drive." He wanted to compensate for every pain his wife tolerate today, Shifa thought for a moment and a tired smile spread on her face.

"Tell my husband that his wife is tired so this long drive is due on him." And she literally threw herself on the bed, the scarf was still on the head, dupatta was pinned on her shoulders and feet were paining.

"Wanna have cold coffee or chocolate brownie shake?" Asked Daniyal and Shifa looked at him with puppy eyes. "Will you make it?" She asked and Daniyal scratch the back of his head.

"Main to order krne wala tha." He whispered but Shifa sighed and close her eyes.

(I was about to order it)

"No need. Light off kar dijiye please."

(Switch off the light.)

"At least remove the scarf and change your clothes." Shifa think for a moment and nodded because she also knew that she couldn't sleep like that. After some time she came out from the bathroom, she was wearing a dark green pajama and black loose shirt which was coming to her mid thighs, for the first time her dupatta was nowhere, otherwise she use a narrow stole all the time. Opening her hair she sat down on the bed with a comb and oil bottle on her hand.

"Now, Why aren't you sleeping?"

"You know what Deni, when you are in love you can't neglect your beloved." Shifa shrugged her shoulders while pouring little amount of oil on her palm and rubbed her hands together before starting running her fingers on scalp. Daniyal was silently noticing her and soon a big grin captured his lips. He secretly adore Shifa's beautiful hair as well as her soft nature. She was most probably the only girl who managed to attract this man towards her beauty, otherwise not even Adeena was able to do so, she didn't tried either.

Shifa was massaging her head without noticing her husband who was only seeing her, he had idea how tired she must be because of Badi Amma's demands that she doesn't like food cooked by servants or maids, she wanted either Shifa or Mrs Kazmi cook and how could Shifa let her mother-in-law go to kitchen when she's not really feeling well.

"Shifa Aap ek kaam Karo na, mummy ke paas chali jao kuch din ke liye jab Badi Amma chali jayegi to wapas aa jana." Daniyal suggested and Shifa think for a moment.

(Shifa, you can do one thing, go to mummy for a few days and come back when Badi Amma is gone.)

"So that only Ammi becomes the target of Badi Amma? And who'll cook for her?" Shifa kind of rolled her eyes and Daniyal sighed, he didn't think about it.

"But I don't want you to face problems because of me and my family, so I want you to leave for a few days." Daniyal's explanation was simple but she smiled sadly.

"Deni agar meri life me koi complications aa gyi to kya aap mujhe chhod denge?"

(Deni, would you leave me in my problems?)

"Ye kesa ahmaqana sawal hai Shifa?" His eyes were showing disbelief and she nodded.

(What kind of stupid question is this?)

"Tell me Deni."

"Main aapko kyu chhodunga? Mushkil waqt mein hi to sath nibhaye jaate hain muh nhi mode jaate."

(Why would I leave you in problems? Relationships is all about staying together in difficulties, not turning away.)

"I hope aapko mera jawab mil gaya hoga... And one more thing Deni, ye sirf aapki family nhi hai meri family bhi hai." Shifa's expressions were between sadness and empathy. She was sad because Daniyal was still not recognising her as a family member.

(I hope you get your answer, And one more thing Deni, it's not only your family mine too.)

As soon as she complete her lecture she started tying her oily hair in tight braids. Daniyal was seeing her and her long thick braid. Still without looking at him she grabbed the comb and oil bottle before stepping out of the bed. Placing everything on right place she again come back to bed, completely ignoring Daniyal she picked the bottle of lotion from night stand and started rubbing a small amount of that creamy liquid on her hands followed by feet. Her little puffed cheeks were saying that she was angry and her husband knew it.

"Kya hota jaa raha hai aapko? Itna gussa pehle to nhi aata tha." Shifa glanced at her husband and put the bottle of lotion on the side table with a thud. She clean her hands with tissue and laid down facing opposite to him.

(What happened why are you getting angry nowadays? You're not like this before.)

Shifa tightly close her eyes and clenched her jaws. Who told Daniyal that Shifa wasn't an angry type girl? Everyone gets angry... some less and some more, some shows it and some just hide because there is no one to show...

Earlier Shifa also had no one to show her anger but now she had someone, so now her anger appears every now and then.

"Shifa"

Ignore

"Shifa"

Ignore...

"Achha namaz to parh lo." Remembering very well that she hadn't prayed last as well as second last namaz of the day.

(Okay, at least pray namaz)

"Nhi padhni." She pushed his hand away from her shoulder but Daniyal's eyes grew wide.

(I won't)

"Buri baat hai Shifa, namaz ko aese mna nhi karte. Chalo jaldi utho namaz parho." Said Daniyal while tapping her shoulder and Shifa turned towards him with anger on her face.

(That's not good to refuse for praying Shifa, come on, get up and pray)

"Deni," She kind of glared at him with disappointment. "Hmm? Pray namaz."

"Deni samjha kariye na..." Shifa you said under her voice but her husband shrugged.

(Deni, try to understand na!)

"What?"

"I'm not in my namaz days." She mumbled and she looked away, resulting Daniyal was also surprised as well as hesitate but slowly nod his head. "Oh, okay..."

Shifa again shut his eyes, Her back was facing her husband who noticed the same offended expressions on her face. "Ab kya kar diya mene? Kyu naraz ho?" He whispered while laying down beside her and covering himself properly, Shifa changed her side with a hold and glared at Daniyal with disappointment.

(what I've done this time?)

"Deni aap mujhe is family ka member nhi samajhte." Her puffed cheeks were saying much more than her words and Daniyal sighed.

(Deni you doesn't think of me as a family member)

"Nothing like that, but if you feel so, I'm sorry." Instead of dragging the matter he whispered and Shifa shut her eyes, still disappointed. "Zyada gussa na hua karo, aap haste huye achhi lagti ho." Softly pinching her cheek he whispered near her ears which brought a smile on her lips but how could she melt so easily? Still showing her fake anger she suppressed her smile and closed her eyes one more time.

(Don't be angry, you look beautiful while smiling.)

"Aap mujhse baat nhi kariye."

(Don't talk to me,)

"Jesa mohtarma ka hukm!" Shifa open her eyes to glare her husband, how easily he left her angry? But his teasing smile was playing music in her heart.

(Your wish my command)

"Deni aap (you're)..." Before she could say anything he complete her sentence in her style "bohot bure hain."

(Too bad)

Shifa couldn't help but smiled wholeheartedly. "Aap sach me bohot bure hain." mumbled Shifa with fake anger and close her eyes to sleep but it seems Daniyal didn't want his wife to lose her eyes and mouth, he wanted to listen whatever his wife speaks, either useful or not.

(you're really bad)

"Even more than Badi Amma?" he asked in a whisper as if Badi Amma would listen if he speaks a bit louder. Though Shifa wanted to nod but she couldn't be so dishonest at all.

"Hmm... Mana bohot bure hain lekin itne bhi bure nhi hain aap." she pressed her lips together to suppress her smile on which Daniyal smirked and grabbed her hand.

(I known you're bad not as bad as her)

"Tareef ka shukriya." Daniyal smiled and Shifa rolled her eyes but very next moment her expressions changed, She noticed a hand which was caressing the back of her palm with his thumb.

(thanks for praising)

"Deni," She whispered and he raised his left brow in questioning way.

"Main to soch rahi hu Badi Amma ki bahuye unhe kese bardasht karti hongi?" Fear was dancing on her face.

(I was wondering how Badi Amma's daughter-in-laws tolerate her?)

"Unka koi beta nhi hai, bas ek beti hain."

(She doesn't have a son but only a daughter)

"Oh... Allah ka shukar, warna..." Shifa left the sentence in between like she took a breath of relief but Daniyal shrugged.

(Oh thanks to Allah otherwise...)

"Agar inka koi beta hota to ye aesi nhi hoti... Shayad." The last word was indicating his doubt regarding his own statement.

(She wouldn't be like this if she had a son. Maybe)

"Why?" Asked Shifa and Daniyal took a small pause before continuing.

"Badi Amma ehsaas e mehrumi ka shikaar hain, bohot chhoti umar mein unki shadi ho gayi thi aur 2-3 saal baad wo beywa (widow) bhi ho gayi. Phir ek lambe arse tak inhone taane sune ki agar unka to koi beta hota to unki zindagi thodi behtar hoti," Daniyal explained a big thing in few words and Shifa blinked silently.

(Badi Amma has been suffering from sense of deprivation. She got married in a very young age and after only 2-3 years her husband passed away leaving her for taunts. And for a long time she had been listening taunts that her life could be better if she had a son)

"That's painful" she muttered but Daniyal sighed and shrugged.

"Agar Badi Amma ka koi beta hota to shayad wo dusro ki bahuo ko tankeed na karti kyuki unhe beto ki maao ko ye ehsaas nhi dilana hota ki neymat-e-farzand paane ke baad azmaish-e-bahu mein bhi mubtala hona padta hai. Well it's only my philosophy, I don't know if it's correct or not."

(If Badi Amma had a son, perhaps she would not have criticized other's daughters-in-law because then she didn't have to make the mothers of sons realise that after getting the blessings of son she have to face torment of daughter-in-law too.)

"Mehrumi har baar insaan ko sabr karne wala nhi banati Deni, kabhi kabhi use hasid bana deti hai ya ehsaas e kamtari mein mubtala kar deti hai."

(Deni Every time deprivation does not make a person patient, Sometimes it makes the person jealous or makes him feel inferior.)

"Hmm..." Daniyal blinked in agreement but Shifa was curious to know more

"Deni, Badi Amma ke ghar mein kon kon hai? Wo kiske sath rehti hain?"

(Deni, how many family members are there in Badi Amma's home? I mean whom she lives with?)

"She doesn't have a family, she alternatively stays with her daughter, nephews and nieces. But no one tolerates her more than 10 days. She literally make other's life hell." Daniyal jerked his head while saying the last sentence then glanced at the clock which was reading half past ten.

"Lekin jo bhi ho Badi Amma ke sath achha nhi hua."

(But whatever happened, I'm sorry for Badi Amma.)

"Khair, wo bhi kisi ke sath kuch achha nhi kar rahi. Ab soo jao subah jaldi uthna hoga inke taane sunne k liye, phir aapko college bhi to jana hoga na." He muttered while closing his eyes and covering his eyes with his forearm.

(Well, she isn't doing anything good to anyone either. Now sleep, you have to wake up early to listen to her taunts, then you also have to go to college.)

Soon Daniyal was slept but Shifa felt pity on the old lady. She knew what is the meaning of inferiority complex. She knew what and how does it feel when you crave for something but can't get. She had been craving for fatherly love but couldn't get which broke her and now she was craving for Daniyal's love which appears far away from her.

That's true every one crave for something but when they don't get they make few shortcuts to come out of that, like Shifa stopped socialising because whenever she come across a girl who get her father's love she felt inferior and another level of pain capture her heart but what could she do for Badi Amma?

She could not bring her a son...

But...

But...

But...

she could be her consoler...

She could be her supporter...

She could be her family.

With all these thoughts Shifa close her eyes as well as night lamp, there was a pleasant feeling that Daniyal was beside her, he was still holding her hand, she tighten her grip and soon they both were sleeping, but not more than a few minutes.

Shifa's mobile started ringing which disturbed their slumber. Daniyal was the first to pick the mobile to check the caller name and he was surprised.

"Who's this?" Asked Shifa in sleepy voice and he shrugged.

"Unknown number!" Passing the mobile toward Shifa he replied in same sleepy voice but she gestured him to pick the call up.

"Hello."

"Waalaikum as salam, who's this?"

"Oh... Yeah... No no, she is awaken." Daniyal's expressions changed to relax and he passed the mobile to Shifa while telling her who's the caller. Shifa furrowed because it was Azaan, Razi Mamu's son. Late night and early morning calls are enough to make other person scared.

"Yeah Azaan? Is everything fine? How is Razi mama and How's mami?" Putting the call on speaker phone she asked panicking. Daniyal was also seeing her holding his breath.

"Yes Shifa Aapi everyone is fine but not me." He was sounding scared

"What happened Azaan, Tell me? Don't be scared my boy." Shifa being an elder sister tried to play motherly role and Azaan sighed with relief.

"Shifa aapi, some 6-7 months ago I received a letter on your name, I was supposed to tell you but forgot because it was my exam time. A few months ago Papa received another letter which was addressing you and he pass it to me to gave that to you." Azaan muttered and Shifa furrows.

"Umm... Okay. Then?" She had many questions in her head but asked only this.

"And two day back papa received another letter for you, he gave me that too, and at dinner table he asked me if I have hand your letters to you or not? Shifa Aapi papa is angry with me," His voice slowed down and Shifa hummed without any expressions. "Shifa Aapi, papa himself will call you tomorrow to tell you about this latest letter, please don't tell him that I forgot the previous two, I already lied that I gave them to you back then only. Please Aapi, please save me."

"Okay stop panicking, I won't tell Razi Mama. But Azaan who's sending these letters?" Asked Shifa the last part in hushed tone, Daniyal raised his brow but she shrugged her shoulders.

"There is no sender's name on the envelopes,"

"Have you read the letters?" She asked with curiosity to know more but Azaan shook his head, "Nah, how could I? That's yours."

"Hmm... But why someone is sending my letters to your address?" She asked but soon disconnected the call after promising to come tomorrow to collect those letters.

"Whose letters are they?"

"I don't know Deni?" Shifa muttered while placing the mobile back on the nightstand and laid down again. She didn't know how long does it took her to sleep.

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

She pour the boiling hot tea into cups and set them into a tray.

"Assalamualaikum Badi Amma." Trying to smile she mumbled and passed a cup to her.

"Waalaikum as salam, Shukar hai Bibi tum aaj jaldi uth gyi." Badi Amma grabbed the cup and Shifa moved towards Mrs and Mrs Kazmi

(Thankfully you will wake up early today.)

"Hamari Bahu bohot saliqashuaar hai Badi Amma, subah jaldi hi uthti hai," replied Mrs Kazmi with a smile, she loves Shifa just like a mother so didn't like that taunt.

(Badi Amma, Our daughter-in-law wakes up early. She's such a nice girl.)

"Haan haan rehne do, kal dekh liya tha mene kitni jaldi uthti hai tumhari Bahu."

(Yeah I've seen yesterday how early your mother-in-law wakes up)

"Ammi Baba aap chai lijiye." Before Mr Kazmi open his mouth to reply he was stopped by a cup of tea that Shifa passed him.

"Allah aapko shaad-o-abaad rakhe." Placing his hand on Shifa's head, Mr Kazmi complete his everyday ritual which brought a smile on her lips, all her worries vanished and an assurance came up that everything will be good. In the time being Daniyal also came out of the bedroom.

(May Allah keep you happy)

"Chai ke sath kuch dene ka riwaaz nhi hai is ghar mein?" Asked Badi Amma with anger. In Kazmi family everyone like to have only tea so Shifa didn't bring anything.

(Don't you people have anything to be served with tea?)

"Aap kya lengi badi Amma?" Asked Shifa with a thought that the old lady would ask for toast, biscuit or rusk but got an unexpected reply.

(What would you like to have?)

"Ek Paratha bana do." Shifa blinked but nod her head

(Make one Paratha for me.)

"I'll make it." Mrs Kazmi stood up but she was ordered to sat back again. "Kya hua Bibi, tumhe Paratha banana nhi aata?" Asked Badi Amma while taking first sip of the tea and Shifa nodded nervously. Mr Kazmi gave a sorry look to Shifa before going to his room.

(What's wrong girl? Don't you know how to make Paratha?)

...........

Putting a flat pan on the gas stove she gulped and turned her head while her heart praying that her mother-in-law would come but it was not possible. "Ya Allah, izzat ka faluda na ho jaye aaj," (ya allah save me) she muttered while roughly rolling a dough ball. She knew making roti but never made Paratha before that. Before marriage this work was done by Maryam only and now if Daniyal ever asked for Paratha his mother made for him.

Spreading a small amount of ghee on the roughly rolled dough she sprinkle little flour and half pinch of carrom seeds before rolling it in a ball again. With another level of nervousness she tried to remember how her mother use to make Paratha but couldn't remember anything. "Ya allah please help me..." and what she suddenly remember what Mrs Kazmi told her once she was making paratha for Daniyal. Roti should be thin but paratha should be a little thick so doesn't turn too crispy while cooking.

She took a deep breath and put that paratha on the pan while making another cup of tea. Brushing the paratha with little ghee she flipped it and open the fridge to draw out curd from it.

And within 5 minutes, she was walking back to the sitting area where everyone was sitting with crossed fingers. Badi Amma examined the tray that Shifa was holding. There was a small paratha with little amount of curd, pickle and chathi, as well as a cup of tea.

Daniyal and Mrs Kazmi weren't expecting such a clean work from Shifa but they just smiled. Badi Amma was keen to judge the food but she silently consume it.

"Badi Amma ek aur paratha bana du?" Shifa asked in a hushed tone but Badi Amma looked at her with disappointment.

(Badi Amma do you want one more?)

"Main itna nhi khaati Bibi, idhar aao tum." Shifa silently stepped towards Daniyal who was already sitting beside Badi Amma.

(I don't eat that much baby, here you are.)

"Ji Badi Amma?" She sat down in middle of the old lady and Daniyal. Leaving the morsel in between the old lady open her pouch and draw out only eleven rupees from it. It was very rare for Badi Amma to give anyone money for her cooking but there was something in Shifa's efforts that forced her to present her that amount.

"Dudho nahao puto phalo." And she placed the money on Shifa's palm which was enough to hitched her breath, Daniyal fake clear his throat while looking away from Shifa's face, who was looking pale as well as nervous due to this blessing.

(May God bless you with wealth as well as son)

"Beta nhi badi Amma, beti ki dua dijiye... Main chahti hu Daniyal aur Shifa ki ek beti ho... Ek pyari si, pari jesi beti." For the first time Mrs Kazmi openly expressed her wish regarding her grandchild, before it she never talked about it as she remembers her promise that she won't let Shifa's study suffer due to marriage so she thought that the couple already have some plans in which she didn't want to poke her nose.

(Bless them to get a girl... I want a granddaughter who roam around the house. A cute daughter)

"Bas bhi kariye Ammi," Daniyal request his mother in a whisper and Shifa scoot to her bedroom. Seeing the reaction of his wife he widen his eyes like asking his mother what are you doing Ammi? But Mrs Kazmi shook her head with a smile.

(Ammi... Please stop it)

"Jab aapne pehli baar Papa kehne ki koshish kri thi tab aapne baba kaha tha, aur usi din se aapke Baba ko is lafz se zyada achha koi aur lazf nhi lagta." Mrs Kazmi lightly stroked Daniyal's head and he smiled wholeheartedly.

(When you tried first time to say papa you called him baba, and since that day no other word sounds better for him.)

"Achha Baba mujhe pyaar bhi karte hain? Main to samajhta tha wo sirf mujhse preshan hote hain."

(Oh really? Do baba really loves me? I thought he's only frustrated with me.)

"Aapke bachhe jab aapko pareshan krenge tab aap ko pta chalega walidain ke gusse mein bhi shafaqqat hoti hai." Saying that Mrs Kazmi also moved towards her room, Daniyal looked at the old lady sitting besides him eating the same paratha that Shifa cooked.

(There is compassion even in the anger of parents. You will understand this after becoming father.)

"Wese Daniyal mene soch rakha hai agar aapki beti Hui to uska naam Alshaf rakhungi. Alshaf Daniyal Kazmi, pyara naam hai na?" Asked Mrs Kazmi which gave a jolt to Daniyal's heart and he looked at his mother suddenly.

(By the way Daniyal I've already chosen a name for my granddaughter, Alshaf. Alshaf Daniyal Kazmi, sounds good. Isn't it?)

"Aur beta dua to?" Asked Badi Amma and Daniyal was unable to say anything.

(And what if it will be a son?)

"Bete ka naam to nhi soocha," Mrs Kazmi shrugged and Daniyal unthought out.

(I haven't think about it)

"Zeedaan," Mrs Kazmi suddenly looked at Daniyal, he himself was amazed from where he remembered this name.

"Bohot pyara naam hai Masha allah." Mrs Kazmi muttered and a smile played on Daniyal's lips. Long ago he read this name in a book and deep down he decided to give this name.to his son whenever the right time came and now his unconscious remind him the same.

(Beautiful name.)

"Badi Amma aapko koi cheez chahiye to bta dijiyega, main bahar jaunga to le aunga." Said Daniyal respectfully and stood up from his place, that was the only way to get out from this situation. Badi Amma looked up then nodded.

(Badi Ammi, if you need anything just tell me I will go to Bihar and get it.)

"Kuch dawaiyan hain." She told Daniyal while drawing out a five hundreds rupees note and two almost empty strips of medicine from her potli bag.

(Hmm... Some medicines)

"Iski zarurat nahi hai," leaving the money in her hand Daniyal only grabbed the medicine strips and very next moment he walked to his bedroom.

(No need to give money )

"Deni I'm going to meet Razi Mamu then I'll go to college from there only and..." She took a pause while picking up a rubber band from table and secure her hair in a high ponytail. "And what?" He shrugged

"Hmm... And I'll reach radio station on time but I don't know if I'll be able to write today's script or not?"

"Don't worry Mohtarma, when Daniyal is here you don't have to care." She laughed but suddenly remember something. "Oh no, badi Amma is sitting outside, what'll she say about my outfit." Mumbling that she examined herself. She was looking pretty in white coloured denim pants with see green floral shirt which was coming to her lower thighs and a multi coloured scarf was muffled around her neck.

"Ignore her." Daniyal rolled his eyes while wearing his jacket without choosing to change the night suit. But Shifa covered her head with another scarf. For a moment Daniyal rolled his eyes as he wasn't happy to force Shifa to change her dressing but he couldn't help and liked his wife in this new way.

"Let's go." Picking up his mobile phone and car keys he walked towards the door

"Are you coming to drop me?"

"Ofcourse"

"Thanks Deni. Sometimes you are such a life saver." She followed her husband while hanging her bag on left shoulder.

"I'm going Badi Amma, Take care. Allah Hafiz." Kneeling down on the carpeted floor Shifa slightly bow her head.

"Kaha jaa rahe ho dono itni subah subah?"

(Where are you going so early?)

"Badi Amma Shifa college jaa rahi hai aur main use drop karne." Daniyal replied on behalf of his wife but the old lady gave them a shocked look

(I'm going to drop Shifa college.)

"College kyu?"

(Why college?)

"Because she studies in college." Daniyal shrugged and the old lady saw Shifa with confusion then her expressions changed to anger

"Dekho Bibi, aurat ki zarurat ghar mein hoti hai, behtar hoga tum grehasti pr dhyan do, shadi ho chuki ab parhayi likhayi ka kya karna hai?"

(Look girl, a woman is needed in the home, you'd better pay attention to your home instead of books, now you're married, what is the benefit of studying further?)

"Badi Amma grehasti chalane ke liye to samajhdaar hona padta hai aur samajhdaari to padhai likhai se hi aati hai." Shifa replied in a hushed yet respectful manner but it seems that the lady was disagreed.

(Badi Amma, I believe that You have to be wise in order to handle things, and wisdom comes from education.)

"Samajhdaari tajurbe se aati hai. Ye college wollege chhodo aur ghar mein dil lagao." After a scolding badi Amma slightly pushed the empty tray and Daniyal rolled his eyes.

(Wisdom comes from experience. Leave this college and focus on your home)

"We'll discuss this later for now we should go." Daniyal glanced at the wrist watch but got a glare from badi Amma.

"Rehne dete hain Deni, wese bhi aaj mujhe ghar mein bohot kaam hai." Saying that Shifa passed a smile to Badi Amma

(Leave it Deni, also I have plenty of work at home)

"Aur ye kya Deni Deni laga rakha hai? Shohor ko tameez se mukhatib karte hain." Shifa got another lesson before she walked back to the bedroom.

(And what is this way of talking to your husband? Call him respectfully.)

"Okay Badi Amma"

"Kya zarurat hai college miss karne ki?" stepping into the room Daniyal asked with disappointment, he was standing beside Shifa to support her but she chosen to obey a senseless demand.

(Why are you taking another off from college?)

"Badi Amma hamare sath sirf kuch dino ke liye hain. Deni, main chahti hu jab wo wapas jaaye to kuch achhi yaade lekar Jaye, unhe ehsaas ho ki hum log unhe ek family member maante hain." Daniyal sighed while jerking off this statement.

(Badi Amma is with us only for a few days. Deni, I want her to take some good memories when she goes back. I want to let her know that we consider her a family member.)

"Impossible!"

"Everything is possible if we try." She muttered and set Daniyal's collar, he was amazed at her act but smiled before pulling her cheek.

"Deniiiiiiii.... I hate you." She huffed while stepping back and Daniyal chuckled.

<><><>

After completing cooking and ordering maids to do cleaning as well as laundry she felt like she was done with all the household works so she sat down on the bed, her laptop was laying in front of her and few books, notebooks, pens and colored pencils were scattered here and there.

Writing something very fast in a notebook she stopped for a minute. Pressing the pen in between her lips she think about the topic while narrowing her eyes. "Umm... okay..." She muttered while opening a book then glide her finger on the touchpad of the laptop. She was trying to compare two research papers. Freeing the pen from the grip of her lips she started writing again but soon...

"Dulhan."

"Ya Allah... Not again." She muttered and sighed. "Coming Badi Amma,"

"Ji Badi Amma?" Entering into the room Shifa asked politely and sat down beside her who was opening her suitcase. "Daniyal kab tak ayega?"

(When will Daniyal come back?)

"Umm... Pta nhi, unhone kuch bataya nahi... Shayad raat ko hi wapas ayenge." Shifa replied and Badi Amma nodded her head.

(Umm... I don't know, maybe he'll come back at night.)

"Chalo koi baat nahi, zara mera ek kaam kro." Badi Amma said while passing a shirt to Shifa and she nodded while grabbing it. "Ye meri nayi kameez hai, puri sili hui hai bas turpayi kar do." Shifa blinked silently then nodded.

(It's okay, you so one work for me.)

(It's my new shirt, just a few stitches are left to be done. You do that.)

"Theek hai badi Amma, main kal tak wapas de dungi aapko." Shifa smiled hardly, she didn't know stitching but she thought to give it to tailor and return it Badi Amma but how could this old lady do not create new blunders?

(Okay Badi Amma, I'll do it by tomorrow)

"Kal tak? Turpayi karne ko bola hai Bibi, puri silayi udhedne ko nhi. 5 minat ka kaam hai ye. Abhi kar do main naha kar yahi kapde pehnungi."

(Till tomorrow? I've asked you to do some stitching not to undone all the stitches. This work takes only five minutes. Get it done by evening, I'll wear these clothes after taking a shower.)

"Okay Badi Amma." And Shifa left the room with a fake crying face, without any wastage of time she entered the bedroom of her mother-in-law and explained the situation. "Main kar deti hu, aap yahi baith jaiye." Mrs Kazmi took the shirt and gestured to Shifa to sit beside her but she wanted to go to her room.

(I'll do this, you sit here only.)

"Ammi I have some works to be done..."

"Go." Mrs Kazmi blinked and Shifa swiftly moved to her bedroom. She resumed studying research papers and making notes out of them.   Soon Mrs Kazmi came to her room and passed the shirt which should be done by Shifa.

"Ammi, you're the best mother-in-law in the world." a smile crept to Mrs Kazmi's lips after hearing it. Shifa set a pillow with the headboard of the bed and made some space.

"Ammi aap yahi beth jaiye, baba bhi ghar mein nahi hain, aap apne room me akele bore ho jayengi." Shifa's suggestion but Mrs Kazmi shook her head.

(Ammi, you sit here, even Baba is not at home, you will be bored alone in your room.)

"Focus on your studies."

"I've done for today, even I'm going to iron my clothes to go radio station." Closing her books she replied and Mrs Kazmi took a seat, she examined the room of his son for the first time and a big smile came to her lips. A small photo frame was placed on the nightstand which was showing a beautiful picture of Shifa and Daniyal.

"Masha Allah. Nice photo." Mrs Kazmi's voice forced Shifa to look towards her hands and she bite her lower lip nervously.

"Wo Ammi..." Shifa stammered as she felt shy, it was the same photo which Afifa clicked on second day of their wedding. Daniyal was holding Shifa by her waist and she was side hugging him. "Afifa clicked this pic and she gifted it." Shifa tried to explain but Mrs Kazmi smiled at her nervousness and put the frame back.

"Allah hamesha khush rakhe,"

(Stay blessed)

"Dulhan..."

"Ji Badi Amma?" Shifa yelled back while lifting her books from the bed and in the time being the old lady came inside the room.

"Ek kaam kaha tha tumse." Said the old lady with disappointment

(I have told you to so something)

"Ji Badi Amma, usne kar diya aapka kaam." Mrs Kazmi passed the shirt to the old lady who examined the stitches keenly but didn't get any reason to scold Shifa, she just hummed and sat down on the bed. 

(Yeah Badi Amma she has already done your work.)

"Shifa beta, Badi Amma ko apni shadi ke photos to dikhaiye." Mrs Kazmi demanded and Shifa's lips turned up in a grin, she nodded in a hurry. How could she control her excitement when it comes to glancing at the throwback of those moments when she got her dream man?

(Shifa dear, show your wedding pics to Badi Amma)

She placed the laptop in between Mrs Kazmi and Badi Amma and they started watching them meanwhile Shifa preferred to iron hers and Daniyal's clothes for tomorrow.

Badi Amma was praising the beautiful couple and Shifa was feeling on the seventh heaven when a doorbell disturb the environment.

"Who can come at this time?" She muttered while glancing at the clock which was reading evening time.

"Kazmi Sahab aa gaye honge." Mrs Kazmi replied in the same hushed tone while clicking the key to saw next pic but Shifa's lips turned into a big grin when she witnessed two tall figures walking towards her bedroom followed by the maid.

(It must be Kazmi Sahab.)

"Shifa Bibi ke mehmaan aye hain." The maid knocked on the already open door which grabbed attention of elder ladies sitting on the bed.

(There are some guests for Shifa ma'am)

"Arey Bilal." Mrs Kazmi was overwhelmed by seeing Bilal, his favourite boy. But Shifa walked towards the other boy and pulled his cheek.

"Ab main bada ho gaya hu Shifa aapi." Azaan, Razi Mamu's son protested but Shifa slightly glared at him.

(Now I'm grown up Shifa aapi.)

"You won't be grown up for me." Shifa replied and introduced her brothers to Badi Amma. Bilal passed a big parcel towards her sister and she raised her brow to know what inside it?

"Mummy ne biryani banayi thi to unhe apni ek looti bekaar beti ki yaad aa gayi." Told Bilal while rolling his eyes but Shifa's eyes turned wet, though she hide it immediately but her heart felt so grateful to have a mother who understands her feelings without even telling. Today she was feeling tired so didn't want to cook for dinner but due to Badi Amma she had to, but now she could take some rest.

Giving it to maid Shifa ordered her to keep in kitchen and Azaan stepped towards her. "Shifa aapi." He grabbed her arm and draw out three envelopes from his pocket. "Aapki amanat. (Your belongings.)" Shifa's curiosity raised to its peak but Mrs Kazmi and Badi Amma furrowed

"Ye kya hai?" Asked Badi Amma.

(What's this?)

"Bank se kuch letters aaye hain Badi Amma." Shifa slimed and kept those letters in her cupboard because she didn't want to attract Badi Amma's attention towards them.

(These letters are from the bank)

"Bank se aaye hain to ye log kyu laye Hain?" Shifa blinked blankly, this old lady was more intelligent than her expectation. For a moment she was unable to gather an answer but Mrs Kazmi shrugged.

(Why they're delivering if these letters are from bank?)

"Badi Amma, bank mein Shifa ke mayka ka address hoga na... to letters wahi jaate honge." Mrs Kazmi replied without knowing that she became a part of Shifa's lie, but she saved her daughter-in-law one more time.

(Badi Amma, bank documents has Shifa's old address, so letters must have been sent there.)

"Shifa aapi why are you lying?" Azaan asked in whisper and Shifa rolled her eyes.

"Jab tumhari shadi hogi tab tumhe pta chalega."  But she changed her statment very next moment, "Khair, tumhe tab bhi pta nhi chalega kyuki tumhe koi unwanted saas achanak se nhi milegi." She muttered and Bilal somehow controlled himself to burst out.

(You'll understand after getting married.)

(Well, you won't either as you're not getting an unexpected mother-in-law from nowhere)

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His laptop was laying in front of him, fingers were running on the keyboard but he doesn't know what he was doing because all his attention was fixed on the events taking place in his life.

"Where is Shifa?" David asked while taking his seat and Daniyal came out from his train of thoughts.

"Yaar kya batau... Mere ghar pe ek azaab nazil ho gya hai, aur uska khaas nishana bechari meri biwi ban gayi hai to wo ghar ke kisi kone mein beth kar achhi bahu hone ka farz nibha rahi hogi." Daniyal sighed while shutting down the laptop and David furrowed because he didn't get the meaning of what his friend said, so he asked for an explanation and in the end just smiled.

(Dude۔۔۔ a torment has descended on my house, and its main target is my poor wife, so she must be fulfilling the dueties of a daughters-in-law at home.)

"Nice to hear that you call Shifa your wife."

"Hmm... I took a loong time to realise the reality." Daniyal shrugged.

"Finally you forgot Adeena and desided to move on."

"How can someone forgot past? I don't think I can ever forget Adeena ever. But now I understand that I shouldn't waste my and Shifa's life just because I've loved Adeena at a point. Jo hona tha ho gya, Adeena apni zindagi mein khush hai aur main maazi ki yaado ki wajah se apni khushiyon se dur bhaag raha hu... Main chahta hi kya tha? Adeena ko khush rakhna... Ab wo mere sath nhi hai lekin khush to hai, mere liye yahi kaafi hona chahiye. Ab main Shifa ki khushi ke baare mein sochna chahta hu, wo meri zimmedari hai. Adeena se kare huye waade nibhate nibhate mein bhul hi gya tha ki ek wada to mene Shifa se bhi kra hai." Daniyal was telling everything which he didn't share with anyone else but David's smile was going away from his face with every next word coming out from Daniyal's lips.

(Whatever is meant to be done has done, Adeena is happy in her life and here I'm ruining mine as well as Shifa's life just because of my past... And what exactly did I want? I only wanted Adeena to be happy, yeah she's not with me but at least she's happy. It should be enough for me. Now I want to focus on Shifa, she's my priority. In fulfilling Adeena's promises I forget that I have made a promise to Shifa too.)

No one knows anything about Adeena but David already enquired about her, he knew everything from the reason behind her marriage to her husband's death to her family issues to her present condition. Adeena wasn't living a good life. She was broken. She was unable to manage everything alone, her sister was trying to convince her to get married again, Adeena met a few guys in this consecution but she rejected all of them... Reason was unknown for David but as far as he concluded deep down he knew... Adeena won't reject Daniyal if life plays another game and bring him in front of her one more time... And he also understand that Daniyal took a step towards Shifa just because he started believing that Adeena was happy without him and he didn't want anything else other than her happiness.

"Where are you lost David?" Asked Daniyal with a smile but he shook his head while forcing a smile on his lips.

"What were you saying? What promise? You made a promise to Shifa?" David furrowed and Daniyal nod his head before resting his back with the comfortable support of his chair.

"Nikah! Nikah is the biggest promise."

"Chal phir isi baat par teri biwi ko mene aaj ki paid leave di." David chuckled but Daniyal placed his hand on his head while bowing his head a bit

(Okay then, I announced today's paid leave for your wife.)

"Nacheez mashqur raha."

"Dafa ho jaa yaha se pta nhi kya kya bolta rehta hai!" David crushed a paper and threw it on Daniyal but he picked two Ferrero Rocher from the bowl as usually present on the table.

(Get lost... God knows what you mean)

"Aesi cheeze pheek ke maarte hain... Itna bhi nhi pta. Tsk tsk." Unwrapping a chocolate he smiled and threw the wrapped on David before turning back.

(Don't you know You should throw this... Tsk tsk)

"Zaleel." David yelled and huffed.

(Shameless)

"Thank me later for teaching you a new word of Urdu." Daniyal raised his collar and walked in again to pick his laptop which he forgot but David put the bowl of chocolates in the drawer aa if he was there to stole some more of his treasure.

"Kanjoos." Daniyal muttered

(Miser)

"Tere bachho ko dunga chocolate, tujhe nhi." David rolled his eyes but he did not even know what he did to Daniyal's heart. His lips turned up in a smile and he sighed while shrugging.

(I'll not give you chocolates but to your children)

"Keep it in your mind." Saying that he left.

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