The mobile screen was showing Daniyal's name which made her lips turn upward without wasting time she picked the call.

"Hello."

"Hello" she said twice but the other side was silent,

"Hello Deni,"

"Kuch to boliye Deni, aap kaha hai? Main kab se wait kar rahi hu"

(Say something Deni, where are you? I'm waiting for you)

"Hello," Shifa's brows frowned as that wasn't Daniyal's voice on the other side. Removing the mobile phone from ear she confirmed if she read correctly or not, but it was showing Mr kazmi only.

"Who is this? You're not Deni..." she asked in a confused tone.

"Actually the owner of this mobile phone had met an accident, he was driving rashly and a truck hit his car." Shifa's breath hitched and eyes were filled with tears.

"W.. Where is Daniyal right now?" She asked in mumbled and tears rolled down from her eyes

"He is no more"

Heart refused to beat further, brain stopped working, lips trembled and eyes dropped tears.

That was Shifa's situation after listening to the news when she was waiting for her husband. Her mobile dropped off from her hand and suddenly a loud beat of her heart forced her to open her eyes from that nightmare.

"Deni," She mumbled and tears came out of her eyes. She suddenly realised that Daniyal wasn't at home when she slept, with a madly beating heart she turned her side and her tears became dense when witnessed Daniyal laying beside her scrolling in his mobile.

"Deni aap theek to hai na?" She cried and Daniyal looked towards her with amazement

(Deni are you alright?)

"Mujhe kya hua hai? Aur app kyu roo rahi ho?" Placing his mobile on his chest he asked and Shifa sobbed while creeping towards him

(What happened to me? And why are you crying?)

"Deni," she muttered and sobbed again but this time she shifted towards him and touched his face and chest with her hands as if she was checking the reality of his presence beside herself. Amazed with her act Daniyal turned his side with furrowed brows.

"Shifa kya hua hai?"

(Shifa what happened?)

"Deni.. Aap sach me theek hain na? Mene bohot bura khwab dekha," Looking in his eyes she mumbled, tears were still rolling down from her eyes but Daniyal got a smile on his lips because he found that innocent and childish act of his wife but For Shifa that wasn't a silly act but a fearful feeling.

(Deni .. You are really fine, aren't you? I had a nightmare)

"Main theek hu Shifa, aapke saamne hi to hu." Daniyal said with a smile on his lips, he was completely unaware of Shifa's condition that's why he was considering it a silly act of his innocent wife.

(Shifa I'm fine and right in front of you)

"Deni.. Please don't go away from me." Shifa muttered before hiding her face in his chest while clenching his T-shirt in her both fists. Daniyal was surprised to witness that. After their marriage they were first time this much close to one another, Shifa was hugging him and sobbing. This time Daniyal didn't smile but felt the seriousness of that matter he gathered all his courage and placed his hand on her back and he was shocked.

"Shifa" He uttered in disbelief because he could feel her heartbeat which was running a marathon.

"Shifa, stop crying. I'm fine." Placing one arm under her head he encircled the other arm around her shoulders and took her completely in his embrace.

"Deni..." She sobbed miserably.

"What did you see in that nightmare?" He asked in a hushed tone while running his fingers in her hair.

"I.. Won't tell you." She replied. Still sobbing on his chest.

"Okay, now it's enough! I'm fine yaar! Stop crying." He ordered her politely and caressed her scalp with his fingers "Want water?" He asked but Shifa shook her head without breaking the hug.

"Aap kaha reh gaye the Deni? Itni deyr mein kyu aye hain aap?" Shifa pulled away from his arms and asked while wiping her tears with the back of her palms.

(Where were you Deni? Why did you come too late?)

"Ek kaam hai usi ke silsile mein waqt lag gya."

(I was occupied at work, it took time.)

Shifa didn't avert her eyes from Daniyal's face, and after a few moments her eyes again filled with tears when she remembered the traumatic situation of her dream. "Deni aap sach mein theek hai na?" She muttered and again wrapped her arms around his trunk before hiding her face in his chest.

(Deni... Are you really fine?)

"Ahmaq aurat, main bilkul theek hu... Itna roone ki kya zarurat hai?" Daniyal asked but didn't get an answer. He kept caressing her head and soon her sobs were lightened as she slept in her husband's arms but it left him amazed.

(Idiot woman I'm fine. Why are you crying too much?)

What did she see in that nightmare?

Must be related to me because she was asking again and again if I'm fine or not?

But...

Can only a nightmare make anyone so scared?

"This girl is silly." he muttered with a smile and looked towards his own chest, Shifa's hands were still resting there and her face was half hidden in his chest.

Do I mean this much for her that only a nightmare made her so restless! He was amazed at that realisation. Suddenly his heart skipped a beat with this thought that Shifa was forgetting her deal with him.

They both were only married in front of this world, there wouldn't be love in between them!!

Is she falling for me?

Or it's better to say that she has already come far away in my love!

Whatever... But she is an idiot! How can she cry like this just because of a nightmare?

''De-ni" she sobbed in a sleeping situation pulling Daniyal's attention towards her.

Why are you falling for me Shifa? Neither I can forget her nor I can love you. He caressed her head one more time and smiled sadly, tucking her hair strands behind her ear he cupped her face. Her eyes were a bit swollen, and cheeks had tears marks. Daniyal tried to avert his eyes from her beautiful face but couldn't. "Shifa why are you making your life difficult? You don't deserve a man like me who's trying hard to love you but can't give you my heart fully." He muttered and drew out his arm from her head but she woke up with a jolt.

"Deni"

"I'm fine Shifa.. I'm just going to the washroom." He replied and placed a pillow under her head. After some five minutes Daniyal came back to bed and this time he was feeling sleepy so closing his eyes he placed his head on the pillow. Shifa was only a few inches away from him, when he almost slept a soft touch made him awake. That was Shifa's lips which landed on his forehead, his eyes were still close but could feel his wife's lips.

"May Allah save you from every single problem." She muttered and Daniyal smiled in his thoughts but he was still acting like sleeping. Shifa lay down beside him but not before holding his hand with intertwined fingers and soon both of them were sleeping peacefully.

===============

"Baba aapki chai"

(Baba your tea)

"Shukriya beta" Mr Kazmi smiled and took the cup of tea from his daughter-in-law

(Thanks dear)

"Is Daniyal still sleeping?" Asked Mrs Kazmi when didn't see her son on the breakfast table, Shifa shook her head in reply.

"He is taking a shower." Saying that Shifa served a paratha for Badi Amma then moved towards the kitchen and her parents-in-law smiled looking towards each other.

"Begum aapke bete ne zindagi me Pehli baar koi achha kaam kara hai is ladki se shadi karne ka feysla kar ke." Mr. Kazmi said in a hushed tone with a smile and took the first sip of tea but Badi Amma already heard it.

(My dear wife, do you know your son has taken only a good decision of his life to marry this girl)

"Masha Allah bohot achhi bachhi hai, mujhe ummed nahi thi ki ek job karne wali aur apni pasand se shadi karne wali ladki hamari itni izzat karegi aur ghar ko itni achhi tarah se sambhal legi.." Mrs Kazmi replied in the same hushed tone but the ears of the old lady work so well sometimes and rest of the time they become deaf as the result of old age.

(No doubt she is a very nice girl, I wasn't expecting that a working girl who is doing love marriage can handle home so well and give us this amount of respect.)

"Daniyal ne apni pasand se shadi Kari hai?" Asked Badi Amma and Mrs Kazmi smacked her forehead in her thoughts.

(Has Daniyal done love marriage?)

"Umm... Wo badi Amma, Shifa Daniyal ke sath kaam karti hai, wahi mulaqat hui thi dono ki, lekin Shifa ko pasand mene hi kra tha..."

(Umm... Actually Badi Amma, Shifa was Daniyal's colleague, but I have chosen her for Daniyal.)

"Rehne do Bibi, parde mat daalo." Badi Amma jerked her head while lifting the cup of tea and Mrs Kazmi looked towards her husband with disappointment.

(Don't hide, I can see.)

"Badi Amma shadi kiski pasand se hui is se kya koi farkh padta hai? Ladki achhi hai, Daniyal khush hai, kya ye kaafi nhi hai?" Asked Mr Kazmi and Badi Amma took the very first moral of paratha made by Shifa.

(It doesn't matter who has chosen Shifa, what matters is that Daniyal is happy with her.)

"Haan ladki to achhi pasand kar li tumhare bete ne, wese bas theek hi hai." It wasn't a small compliment from Badi Amma, Mrs Kazmi was amazed to hear that the old lady approved Shifa. Mr Kazmi sighed and opened the newspaper to read headlines, it was indeed better than listening to non important headlines of Badi Amma's news bulletin.

(Hmm... Daniyal has chosen a nice girl. By the way she is just fine.)

"Kya baatein chal rahi hain?" Taking newspaper from his father's hand Daniyal asked and glanced at headlines, his father glared at him on his old habit but his mother smiled.

(what's the hot topic of discussion today?)

"Hum Aapki biwi ki taaref kar rahe hain" Mrs Kazmi replied happily which forced Daniyal to smile widely.

(We're praising your wife)

"4-5 mahine me esa konsa jaadu kar diya aapki bahu ne aap logo par jo main 30 saal me bhi nahi kar paya? Meri to kabhi tareef nahi kari aap logo ne!" picking an apple slice he asked without choosing to avert his eyes from the newspaper.

(What magic your daughter-in-law has done on you in only 4-5 months that I have not been able to do even in 30 years? You never praise me!)

"Is baar to aapke intekhab ki hi tareef kar rahe the... Ladki achhi pasand kari hai aapne, shayad main bhi aesi ladki nahi dhundh paati" Mrs Kazmi raised her daughter-in-law but Daniyal rolled his eyes.

(This time we're praising your choice ... You've selected a nice girl. maybe even I wouldn't be able to find such a nice girl)

"Wow... What a destiny I have.. I'm being praised due to my wife " He muttered but focused on the news. Meanwhile Shifa walked in with a smile, she forgot the terror of the nightmare because as Daniyal said it was just a nightmare. 

"Deni, I've made cheese sandwiches for you. You like them na." Placing the plate in front of him she said and took her seat beside him.

"Thank you," He smiled and picked one, Shifa also picked one after passing to Mr. And Mrs. Kazmi.

"Phir wo hi Deni? Kaha tha na shohor ko naam se nhi bulate." Badi Amma scolded Shifa and she fake cried helplessly.

(Again Deni? I already told you to do not call your husband with his name)

"Badi Amma mera naam to Daniyal hai, Shifa mera naam to nhi leti, wo to mujhe Deni kehti hai." Daniyal tried to protect his wife but the old lady got angry.

(Badi Amma my name is Daniyal and Shifa doesn't call me by my name. She calls me Deni.)

"Haan to koi Sharm-o-haya ya lihaaz naam ki bhi cheez hoti hai... Sab ke saamne aese naamo se kon pukarta hai shohor ko?" Badi Amma was looking disappointed.

(Yeah... That's the point. Who calls her husband by a byname in front of everyone? This is nothing but brazenness.)

"Ab aesi bhi koi behudgi wali baat nahi hai Badi Amma." Daniyal kind of rolled his eyes but Shifa squeezed his arm lightly.

(There is nothing like brazenness in this)

"Offo, ab bas bhi kariye na Den... I mean... Aap breakfast kriye, chai thandi ho rahi hai.." Shifa somehow stopped herself to call her husband by his name and picked the sandwich for herself.

(Oh come on Den... I mean, it's okay. Have breakfast, your tea is turning cold)

"I'm going now." Daniyal said while folding the newspaper and placing that in front of his father.

"Will you come back late tonight too? By the way Where are you going today?" His father asked in a scolding manner

"I have to go Noida for some work... It'll take time but I'll try to come back soon. Hmm... No need to wait for me on dinner" Saying that Daniyal went to bedroom holding a sandwich in his hand but Shifa's heart beat was numb leaving her breakfast in between she went to the bedroom where Daniyal was wearing his wristwatch

"Deni please aaj mat jaiye"

(Deni please don't go today)

"Why?" He asked with confusion

"I saw exactly this in that nightmare that you went somewhere out of Delhi for some work and while coming back you're driving rashly...." Shifa told him and a tear rolled down from her eye but He smiled and wiped her tears.

"It was a nightmare. Only a nightmare! It's the effect of reading those silly novels all round of the clock." He told her but she wasn't ready to believe

"Deni please..." Shifa's eyes dropped tears again and this time Deni seriously looked at her.

"Shifa, just forget about that nightmare. It's not new for me, I go to Noida very often, and it's not out of Delhi, it's just with Delhi.... Don't worry."

"Deni why are you not taking me seriously?" she asked out of frustration

"Because there isn't anything serious about this matter other than your reaction." He replied and Shifa wiped her tears.

"Fine... If it's important for you then go but don't drive... Take a cab." She suggested and Daniyal nodded while saying "Okay"

"Will you take a cab?" she asked and he nodded with a smile before stepping towards the door but his wrist was caught by his wife.

"Your car keys are in your hand... You're making me fool!" She asked with disappointment and Daniyal smacked his forehead.

"Shifa, please try to understand that it was just a nightmare. I drive everyday and I'm not a rash driver. I can't afford to wait for a taxi or cab, it'll waste my time." This time Daniyal cupped her face with both hands and told her politely and Shifa's eyes dropped tears which fell down on the back of his palm.

"Okay... But please don't use your mobile while driving... No matter how important the call will be, please don't receive that at any cost." She requested and this time Daniyal smiled, not in a teasing way but genuinely. "Okay, I won't" He muttered

"And don't drive fast, Rather come very late but don't drive rashly to come back soon." Shifa again demanded and Daniyal nodded this time too, he was analysing her condition. She was terrified. "Okay, neither I'll drive fast nor use my mobile while driving. Fine?" He whispered

"Promise?" She asked with tears in her eyes and Daniyal blinked "I promise," He whispered. Both of them keep watching each other. Shifa was still crying and Daniyal was still standing cupping her face.

"Stop crying" He ordered and she sniffed "I'll come back, that too completely alright." He assured Shifa and she muttered "In sha Allah." giving a smile to Daniyal's lips.

"May I go now? I'm getting late." He asked in a hushed tone, Shifa sobbed but nodded with a down gaze because she was hiding her tears. He held her face tightly and lifted up.

"Shifa aap mera jana mushkil kar rahi ho. Aese rote huye bhejogi aap mujhe?" He asked like asking a child and she again sniffed.

(You're making it difficult for me to go. Will you goodbye me with these tears?)

"Apni pyari si muskurahat dikha do taki mere din ki shuruwat khushi se ho, in aasuon se nahi." This was cheesiest line ever since they get married but bring smile to Shifa's lips eventually Daniyal's lips too, but Shifa still had tears in her eyes.

(show me your lovely smile so that I can start my day happily. )

"Wash your face, have breakfast, take some rest and David has given you two more days off so stay at home and be ready to listen to new taunts of Badi Amma..." Daniyal said everything in a single breath which eventually made Shifa giggled. He wiped her tears with his thumbs and keep watching her without blinking.

"Take care. Don't drive fast." She muttered one more time. "Jesa mohtarma ka hukm.(as you wish)" He whispered and took a deep breath before pressing his lips on her forehead. For a moment Shifa was shocked by his act, her widely open eyes and slightly opened mouth were testimonials of her shocked state.

"Ab roona nhi, theek hai?" He asked in a whisper and Shifa came out of her shocked situation this small kiss gave peace to her restless heart and she smiled while bowing her head shyly.

(Now don't cry. Okay.)

"Hmm... I'm saying something." He lifted her head towards himself and Shifa blinked without uttering a word. "Don't cry again. Got it?" Daniyal ordered and took a step back. Picking his laptop bag, mobile and a handkerchief he stepped towards the door of the room but Shifa was standing still at her place only, but suddenly.

"Deni wait." She went towards him and grabbed his wrist. "what?" He was confused but Shifa covered her head properly and closed her eyes, her hand was still holding Daniyal's wrist but he was standing clueless. Reciting Ayat al kursi under her breath she opened her eyes and blew it on her husband. "What's this?" He asked.

"Something to protect you. But please Deni..." This time he didn't let her complete.

"I won't drive fast, will be careful, won't use my mobile phone while driving, and will follow all your instructions. Okay? If your instructions are over may I go now?" Daniyal asked in a single breath, he was really making her fun because he could not understand her condition, but Shifa's eyes again filled with tears. She was scared.

"Deni... Please..." She muttered and Daniyal closed his eyes, this time he was frustrated but her next move melted his heart. "Don't drive rashly. please." She again demanded and rested her head on his chest, her hands were resting on his chest, it wasn't a hug but not even less.

"Ahmaq aurat." Daniyal muttered and wrapped his one arm around her shoulders, he pulled Shifa in a hug. "Deni." She muttered while wrapping her arms around his chest.

(Idiot woman)

"Achha chalo ab chup ho jao." He whispered and Shifa slightly pulled herself away from him, her eyes were red and face was drenched with tears. "Shifa... Please yaar." he mumbled and wiped her tears with his handkerchief.

(Come on, stop crying.)

"Take care." She suddenly stepped back and turned to go to the bathroom, she was trying to hide her tears but Daniyal caught her wrist. "Stop crying." He ordered and Shifa slightly nodded.

"Aaj raat dinner baad main aapko icecream khilane le kar jaunga, wo hi mango kulfi jo aapko achhi lagi thi. Theek hai na?" He asked and she nodded with down face.

(After dinner I'll take you for ice cream, the same mango kulfi that you liked. Okay?)

"Arey, ab to has do, itna achha shohor mila hai jo aapko khush karne ke liye sab kuch kar rha hai aur aap has bhi nhi rhi." He fake glared at her while pulling her cheeks with a smile and Shifa couldn't help but giggled.

(Now smile, you have got such a good husband who is doing everything to make you happy but you are not even smiling.)

"Mohtarma, ye nacheez aapki muskurahat dekhe bina nahi jayega."

(My lady, I won't go without seeing your smile.)

"To mat jaiye na."

(So don't go.)

"Jaunga nhi to sahi salamat wapas kese aunga. Chalo ab haske dikhao. Shohor ki khwahish ka ehtram nhi karogi?"

(How will I come back home save without going? Come on now smile. Won't you fulfill your husband's wish?)

"Jaiye, aur khairiyat se wapas aaiyega." She muttered while taking a deep breath.

(Go and come back soon safely.)

"Jesa mohtarma ka hukm." He smiled

(As you wish.)

"You always pick my selective orders." She rolled her eyes but Daniyal shrugged and the very next moment he pressed his lips on her forehead which widened her eyes but suddenly she looked down shyly. 

"Jaun? Ijazat hai?"

(May I go? )

"Jese aap to ijazat ke mohtaaj hain?" She rolled her eyes but moved towards the bathroom holding a shy smile on lips and blush on her cheeks, Daniyal also smiled at her shyness. Glancing at the clock he shook his head as he already wasted some ten minutes in convincing his wife but that was important. Taking long steps he reached the dining area where three of the elders were already present on the table.

(As if you need permission) 

"Ammi abbu I'm going," Saying that with a wholehearted smile Daniyal picked the glass of juice and his parents shared an amused looked to each other.

"Why are you smiling like an idiot?" asked Mrs Kazmi and Daniyal shook his head still smiling like an idiot but slightly suppressed his giggle while looking at the door of his bedroom.

"I'm smiling like an Idiot because your daughter-in-law is an idiot." And he left after greeting the elders. Mr and Mrs Kazmi were satisfied to see their son happy. What else do parents need? Mrs Kazmi lifted the cup of tea meanwhile Shifa joined them on the breakfast table but her eyes were showing red shade due to crying.

"Beta aap roo rahi thi?" Mr. Kazmi asked Shifa and she stayed silent instead of lying, she started avoiding lying as much as possible.

(Dear were you crying?)

"Kya hua Shifa? Daniyal ne kuch keh diya?" Mrs. Kazmi asked but Shifa shook her head with a small smile.

(What happened, Shifa? Has Daniyal said something wrong to you?)

"No Ammi, everything is fine. He hasn't said anything." Saying that she started having her breakfast, but she had a smile on her face due to that small kiss on her forehead. She was still sniffing in between which was clearly showing that she had cried but the smile on her face was making Mrs. And Mr. Kazmi confused.

"Not only she, but they both are idiots." Mr. Kazmi mumbled while standing up from his place and Mrs. Kazmi also smiled while going to her room but Shifa was confused about that comment as she didn't know her husband called her an idiot just a couple of minutes back.

"Dulhan nashta kar lo to zara mere kamre mein aa jana," Badi Amma ordered Shifa and she nodded but she smacked her forehead in thoughts as she was supposed to open those letters after breakfast. Yesterday she slept early even before having dinner so didn't get time.

(Dulhan, come to my room after having breakfast)

"When will she go back?" Shifa muttered while fake crying and left her breakfast because tea was already turned cold and she was in no mood to have sandwich anymore.

"Reshma baji, table saaf kar dijiyega, aur mujhe ek cup achhi si coffee bana dijiye." Ordering the maid Shifa walked towards Badi Amma's room.

(Reshma baji, clean the table and make me a strong coffee.)

"Badi Amma aapne bulaya tha?"

(Badi Amma, you called me.)

"Haan Dulhan zara ye dekhna..." Passing some empty some new strips of medicine to Shifa the old lady took a pause. "Daniyal se mene apni dawaiyan lane ko kaha tha, ye safed wali dawai to wo laya hi nhi uski jagah ye koi galat dawai le aaya."

(I told Daniyal to bring my medicine but he didn't bring this white on, he perhaps brought the wrong one.)

Shifa took the medicines from her hand and started matching the components of old medicine strips with the fresh one, then looked up. "Badi Amma, sari dawaiyan wo hi hain, bas outer packaging thodi alag hai." Told Shifa while placing the medicine strips on the bed and the old lady nodded after understanding the reasoning. 

(Badi all these medicines are the same, just packaging is different.)

"Achha chalo phir theek hai, mujhe zara paani do. Main dawai khau." Badi Amma started gathering the medicines but instead of following her command Shifa grabbed on furrowed when Badi Amma took one pill out from the old strip.

(Fine then. Give me water so that I can have my medicine.)

"Badi Amma zara ye dawai mujhe dikhaiye." Taking the strip from her hand Shifa mumbled and then keenly looked at the other medicines too.

(Show me these medicines.)

"Clarithromycin." She read from a strip then picked the other one. "Metformin." The other strip reads it and Shifa furrowed.

"Badi Amma aap ye dawai kab se khaa rhi hain?" Seeing already two empty strips of Clarithromycin in the bundle of medicines Shifa asked and the old lady tried to remember.

(For how long you're consuming these pills?)

"Umm.... Yahi koi.... Shayad 2 mahine se." Replied Badi Amma and Shifa slightly held her forehead.

(Umm.... I guess for the last two months.)

"Aapko khasi aur saas lene me mushkil huyi thi? Uske liye di hogi ye dawai." She tried to confirm and Badi Amma nodded with surprised expressions.

(The doctor must have given this to you for difficulty in breathing and coughing)

"Haan.... Tumhe kese pta?" Badi Amma was unable to stop herself to ask this question. How it was possible for anyone to understand what happened some two months ago.

(Yeah...but how do you know?)

"Badi Amma ye ek antibacterial medicine hai, ise sirf ek hi type ke bacteria ko treat karti hai jo human lungs ya respiratory track mein grow ho jata hai, ye drug kisi aur infection mein nhi dete sirf chest infection mein dete hain isliye main samajh gyi." Shifa's explanation flew away from the old head and she made an unpleasant face. 

(Badi Amma this is an antibacterial drug which treats bacterial infections of lungs and respiratory track. Other than these, this medicine has not been used for treating any other infection so I understand.)

"Kya bol rahi ho Bibi?"

(What are you saying girl?)

"Badi Amma Aapko kis doctor ne ye dawayi di thi itne din khane ke liye? Ye dawai itne lambe waqt tak nhi khaate, iske bohot side effects mera matlab bohot nuksaan hote hain." Shifa explained but Badi Amma was clueless about what she should do.

(Badi Amma who gave you this medicine for this medicine? This is not safe for taking such a long term, there are too many side effects of this medicine.)

"Wo jab main Lakhnow mein thi na, Aasif ke bete ke ghar par tab meri tabiyat kharab hui thi, Doctor ne ye dawaiyan di thi aur phir 4-5 din baad dobara bulaya tha lekin mene socha ye hi dawai khaati rahungi to theek ho jaungi, ab achha thodi lagta hai koi hame le kar doctor aur aspataal ke chakkar lagata rahe..." for the first time Shifa was unable to judge whether badi Amma was a cruel lady or just a simple one? 

(When I was in Lucknow living with Aasif's son I got ill, doctor gave me this medicine at that time and asked me to visit him after some five days but I kept consuming these pills... I didn't want to bother anyone for my medicines and all.)

"Aap ye medicine Metformin ke sath combination mein le rahi hai to aapka blood sugar level low hota hoga." Shifa said with disappointment and stood up from her place, Badi Amma was confused about what and how this girl was predicting her health but before she could say something Shifa left the room.

(You're taking this medicine with Metformin, your blood sugar levels must be low.)

"Ajeeb ladki hai? Pta nhi kya kya bol rahi thi? Ek gilaas paani manga tha wo bhi nhi diya." Badi Amma babbled while leaning towards the nightstand to pick the jug of water and pour a small amount in a glass, but before she could consume the pills Shifa re-entered the room with a glucometer in her hands.

(This girl is weird. What was she talking about? She didn't even gave me a glass of water.)

Taking a deep breath She held Badi Amma's hand and tightly clenched her jaws while placing the pin on her fingertip. It's scary for her, be closing her eyes tightly she quickly pressed the pin in badi Amma's finger tip.

"Hmm, mujhe pta tha, in dawaiyon ko sath khaane se blood sugar kam ho aati hai." Shifa told Badi Amma after monitoring her glucose levels and the old lady furrowed.

(Hmm... I already knew that this combination can cause hypoglycemia.) ie low blood sugar

"Tumhe kese pta Dulhan?"

(How do you know Dulhan?)

"Main yahi sab cheezon ke baare mein hi to parhayi kar rhi hu Badi Amma, ye hi to mera kaam hai." Shifa smiled while cleaning her hands with sanitizing gel and badi Amma's eyes grew up.

(I'm studying about this only badi Amma, it's my work)

"Tum doctor ho?"

(Are you a doctor?)

"Nhi nhi badi Amma, Main doctor nhi hu bas microbiology student hu," Shifa smiled then realised that this definition is not enough for the old lady so she decided to further explain her work. "Ham log dekhte hain ki kis jarasim (germs) ki wajah se konsi bimari hoti hai aur phir ye bhi dekhte hain ki us jarasim ke asar ko kese kam kara jaa sakta hai, ya unse kese fayda uthaya jaa sakta hai." Though it wasn't a proper definition but pretty enough for Badi Amma, her eyes widened and lips turned into an upward curve.

(No no badi Amma I'm not a doctor but a microbiology student.)

(We study microorganisms and try to understand how these organisms cause diseases and how they live, grow, and interact with their environments)

"Tum bimariyon ko theek karne ke baare mein parhti ho?" Badi Amma asked with curiosity, it seems she had picked only one sentence from Shifa's explanation.

(Do you study how to cure diseases?)

"Umm.... Not really but... If that disease is caused by a microorganism... Then maybe..." Shifa mumbled and shrugged, she was unable to explain the meaning of her work moreover Badi Amma didn't want to understand anything else, she had already interpreted what she wanted to.

"Haan to Bibi agar tum bimariyon ko theek karti ho tum doctor ho to hui na..." For a few moments Shifa kept watching the beautiful face of this lady then couldn't help but smile and nodded. She understood that there was no space left for explaining things so she close this topic.

(Girl, if you cure diseases then you're a doctor.)

"Badi Amma..."

"Hmm?"

"Aap tayyar ho jaiye, main aapko doctor ke paas leja rahi hu, ye dawaiyan jo aap khaa rhi hain ye aapke liye theek nhi hain, ek baar doctor se mil kar aapki dawaiyan discuss kar lete hain..."

(Get ready, I'm taking you to a doctor to discuss your medicines because you're not taking the right dose,)

"Lekin tum to khud doctor ho na... Tum hi dawaiyan de do, kya zarurat hai haspatal ka chakkar lagane ki?"

(But you are a doctor. Aren't you? So why don't you give me medicine? I don't like to visit the hospital)

"Umm... Main abhi doctor bani nhi hu na... Abhi to main padhai kar rahi hu, jab doctor ban jaungi to aapko dawaiyan dungi. Abhi to aap chaliye."

(I'm not a doctor yet, I'll give you medicine once I complete my degree.)

And Shifa gathered all those medicines from the bed then draw out badi Amma's clothes.

<><><><><>

Shifa was feeling sleepy but just smiled and looked at the old lady sitting just in front of her. After meeting with the doctor they both came back just half an hour ago and now Shifa was decorating those old hands with a tiny circle of mehndi at the centre of those milky white palms. While returning to home Badi Amma was continuously telling the stories of her time from that Shifa got to know that she loved mehndi.

"Badi Amma aap bohot khubsurat hongi apne waqt mein..." Shifa couldn't help but admire the beauty of old lady who was still beautiful in old age. But this question worked as a dagger which directly hit the soft spot of this lady, she shifted her eyes from the circle of mehndi to Shifa's face and her smiling face suddenly converted into a dull one and after a silence of one minute she again smiled sarcastically as if making fun of her destiny and beauty.

(Badi Amma you must be gorgeous in your young age.)

"Khubsurati se kuch nahi hota Bibi, khushqismati se hota hai..." The lady who was a bitter person for everyone said in a hushed tone, it seems Shifa touched her soft as well as weak spot of her heart.

(Beauty doesn't matter, what matters is a beautiful destiny.)

Shifa saw her and smiled sadly as she remembered Maryam's words, once she said same about herself. There was a silence after that, neither Shifa utter a single word nor Badi Amma.

Shifa softly grabbed the other hand of badi Amma and started applying mehndi on its fingertips and from nowhere a thought came to her mind...

She was trying to figure out something and suddenly...

Oh my Allah... How can I forget those letters? Shifa smacked her forehead in her thoughts when realised that she could read those letters instead of applying mehndi on Badi Amma's hands.

But who can send those letters? She tried to figure out and recalled Azaan's words, he received the very first letter some 6-7 months ago.

What was going on around 6-7 months ago? She asked herself

Umm... Mine and Deni's relationship was blooming, we were becoming good friends.

"Hmm..." She nodded for herself, but it isn't anything related to letters. Then?

My new radio program started. She recalled and again unable to connect points.

The farewell party? Kabeer's attempt to kidnap me... And... This time her breath was hitched! Kabeer didn't know her address but once he saw her going to her Nani's home and asked whose home was that? Finding no issue in sharing that piece of information Shifa told him reality.

Kabeer and his friends were suspended for 6 months and he had rejoined the college just a few days back. Shifa was noticing his angry as well as evil expressions from the day of his rejoining.

Four days ago Shifa noticed Kabeer glaring at her when Daniyal was there to pick her up from college. When Shifa glared back at him, he smirked like a taunt as if telling her that she couldn't get happiness as well as Daniyal after snatching his reputation.

"Ya Allah." Placing her hand on her mouth she gasped loudly and the old lady suddenly looked at her then at her hand. The circle of mehndi wasn't a circle anymore, "Ye kya kar diya?" Badi Anna said with disappointment in her voice and Shifa's eyes filled with tears. Not because of mehndi but due to horrible thoughts coming to her mind.

Does he have something related to that night? She asked herself and took a deep breath.

No, no... It can't happen? Deni himself saved me...

But what happened in between my unconsciousness and my rescue?

Had they done something? Her heart stopped beating for a while.

No, it's impossible! Deni came at the right time... She tried to assure herself but she knew there was no camera inside the library and she was inside it for some ten minutes.

"Ya Allah please... Please help me..." She tried to gulp her tears down but they slipped from her eyes to cheeks.

"Ab isme roone wali kya baat hai?" Badi Amma asked with anger and frustration because she couldn't get why Shifa was crying just because of the spreading of mehndi?

(What's the matter of crying?)

"Kya ho gya hai Bibi? Ek kaam bhi theek tarha nhi kar sakti tum?" Badi Amma scoled Shifa but she wasn't in a condition to understand anything.

(What's wrong girl? Can't you do even a small work perfectly?)

She wiped her tears and looked at Badi Amma then tried to say something but couldn't. Leaving Badi Amma's hand with spread and undone mehndi she walked towards her bedroom to check those letters. "Dulhan..." Shifa listened a call from Badi Amma but she ignored.

Locking her room from inside Shifa just opened the cupboard when she listened to her mobile ringing. "Who is calling at this time?" She mumbled with a mixture of frustration and anxiety but picked the ringing mobile from bed. Wiping her tears she took a few deep breaths and picked the call. It was her Deni's call.

"Hello."

"Hello" she said twice but the other side was silent,

"Hello Deni," she muttered and her eyes one more time filled with tears, but this time she forgot about letters and the nightmare took over her senses.

"Kuch to boliye Deni, aap kaha hai?" Unknowingly she repeated the words from her dreams and her heart skipped a beat, there was no voice from the other side other than traffic and horns.

(Say something Deni, where are you?)

"Hello Shifa... Can you hear me? Hello..." Shifa covered her mouth with left hand and cried silently. "Shifa..." She again heard the voice which gave her peace and cried silently.

"Deni you're using your phone while driving." she said with disappointment.

"Shifa listen to me, a man will come in some half an hour, say Ammi to give him the brown envelope which I had given her last night." Daniyal told but Shifa closed her eyes for a moment.

"Deni why you don't take me on a serious note? Place down your mobile and please don't drive fast." she requested

"Don't worry yaar, I'm fine and using a headset while driving." fear again captured her in its cage and she felt her heart stop to beat.

"Hangup now and please Deni please... Don't do rash driving." she mumbled and tears again rolled down from her eyes.

"Shifa hadd hoti hai ahmaqana baato ki bhi... Main kya pehli baar drive kar raha hu? Aap Ammi se keh dena jo mene bola hai." And with a beeping sound the call was ended. This time Daniyal was sounding worried as well as frustrated and Shifa knew whenever he got angry or frustrated his foot pressed the accelerator more powerfully. After trying to conclude what she should do for some ten minutes, she picked her mobile again and dialled Daniyal's number but the response from the other side gave her new reason to drop some fresh tears.

(Shifa, please. Enough of this senselessness. Ain't driving for the first time. Pass my message to Ammi.)

Her heart started sinking down with the thought of the nightmare come true... "No Allah paak, please. Please save my husband from every problem. Please." She muttered and wiped her tears but what could be done with fresh tears? Forgetting everything, including letters, she just cried... if she remembers something it was her husband and his wellness.

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