The soft, velvety, bright red yet uneven overlapping petals were bound together to form an example of mesmerizing beauty and unmatched fragrance, but for someone it was nothing just a weak object placed on the mercy of a hard and thorn covered support. Her one hand was touching this semi bloomed rose standing high in the planter, just beside her, and the other hand was wrapped around the knees which were stuck against her chest. Now, after two hours, her brown eyes were dry, the flood of tears in the river of her eyes flow away the anger but left the mess of emotional damage behind it.

"Har gulaab mein kaante hote hain... Kisi mein kam kisi mein zyada." An old hand grabbed her shoulder but she didn't bother to look up.

(Less or more but every rose has thorns.)

Her finger slightly caressed the soft petal as if it was the chubby cheek of an adorable baby.

"Shifa." Mrs Kazmi sat down beside her on the floor but Shifa didn't look at her, she was still resting her head on her knees and finger was still playing with the rose.

"Shifa beta Daniy..." before she could complete her sentence a little whispered stopped her. "Ammi, this is the same plant which I bought on the second day of my wedding." She muttered without looking anywhere else but only the rose.

"Hmm... I remember."

"I have been waiting for this to grow up and bloom..." Shifa added and Mrs Kazmi felt her sadness. "This is the very first flower of this plant." Muttered Shifa while running her finger on the bud which was still too young to be called a fully bloomed flower but suddenly a thorn pricked in her skin which made him cry.

"Ammi, Why does every beautiful thing have a dark side?" Shifa asked about the rose and its thorns but Mrs knew what she was asking.

"Don't cry beta... I've scolded Daniyal." Mrs Kazmi pulled Shifa in a motherly hug and she sobbed again. "Ammi, I really love you all but what can I do if I hate my father... But trust me Ammi, I'm not a hypocrite," Shifa was sobbing and Mrs Kazmi caressed her head.

"Come with me, have some lunch. You're hungry since morning."

"I don't want to talk to Deni... I won't talk to him ever." She broke the hug.

"Aese nhi kehte beta... Daniyal bohot mohabbat karte hain aap se, gusse mein kuch keh diya to aap dil par mat lagaiye." Mrs Kazmi was still caressing her head but only Shifa knew how she was tolerating that pain. If it was not Daniyal but someone else she probably ignored that but loved ones' harsh words hurt more than a dagger.

(Don't say this... Daniyal loves you so much. Don't mind his words, he was angry at that time.)

"Come on, Kazmi Sahab has already scolded Daniyal for what he has done." Mrs Kazmi somehow managed to take Shifa downstairs but she was not convinced to have lunch. For the next many hours neither she eat anything nor talked to anyone just spent her time in her bedroom, a few times Daniyal come to the room but she didn't even glanced at him.

"Ammi, I'm going to the radio station... And after that I'll go to meet Mummy, so I'll be late while coming back." Shifa told her mother-in-law while shoving her mobile phone in her purse and Mrs Kazmi sighed.

"Going with Daniyal?" She asked because Daniyal was also going to radio station but Shifa shook her head. "I can go alone." Mumbling that she stepped out of the room and walked towards the exit silently. Daniyal walked after her to stop her but before he could call her she was already open the main door and left.

<><><>

"Shifa... listen to me."

"Is there anything else left?" She asked and Daniyal sighed. "Please, try to understand Shifa, just try to understand what I'm saying."

"Good night." She muttered and laid down facing opposite to him. This was the first conversation after their argument. Daniyal was surely not liking her crying but he couldn't relate to the theory represented by his wife.

How can a father be selfish?

"At least have dinner. You're hungry since morning." He placed his hand on her shoulder but Shifa pushed it away. "Shifa, I am sorry for hurting you but I honestly can't agree with you, what you're saying is unacceptable."

"I'm not telling you to agree with me, I'm just asking for a favour. I want you to not discuss this matter but you're not even accepting this demand of mine. Moreover, I'm a hypocrite and a double standard person. Right?" She turned her head towards him with his small statement and again closed her eyes.

"Mera wo matlab bilkul nhi tha Shifa."

(I didn't mean that Shifa,)

"Sab kuch kehne ke baad aapko yaad aa rha hai ki aapka matlab kuch aur tha?" After all Shifa glared at him and he smacked his forehead. He had witnessed her offended but for the first time he was seeing an angry Shifa.

(After saying everything you realised that you didn't mean it.)

"Shifa... At least try to understand what I'm saying."

"Main yaha se chali jau kya?" She asked while sitting on the bed with a jolt and Daniyal shrugged his shoulders as he didn't know what to do.

(Should I leave?)

Shifa threw a deadly glare at her husband, mumbled something which he was unable to understand and picked the book from nightstand. "Why aren't you sleeping now?" Asked Daniyal when she turned on the night lamp on her side and she again glared at him.

"Because someone can't let me sleep peacefully." She muttered while turning the page and Daniyal furrowed. "Put the book aside and sleep now. It's already too late." 

"Thank you for your suggestion but I won't sleep until I complete reading this book." Showing more than half of a thick book she mumbled and Daniyal closed his eyes with anger.

"Hmm... do whatever you like, you already proved that there is no value of mine in your eyes." Mumbling that he turned her side as he knew sleeping was much better than wasting energy in bringing around his wife.

<><><><><>

The bright sun was shooting the arrows of warm and not harsh rays from the middle of the sky which was hitting each and every inch of the earth to make it shimmery. But a little creature was unable to get the shimmer of her share as she was lying down on the hard concrete floor with an injury on its left wing. Seeing her fellows chirping in the sky she tried hard to join them but couldn't. "Hay Allah, ye nanhi si jaan ko kya hua?" Mumbled the old lady when witnessed the wild dove from the window of her room.

(Oh god, what happened to this little one.)

Coming out of the home she looked at the bird lying beside the car. Picking it up she walked back inside the home.

"Dulhan... Dulhan..." She called her favourite member of this family but got no response. "Badi Amma, Shifa shayad soo rhi hai."

(I guess, Shifa is sleeping.)

"Hadd hai in aaj kal ki ladkiyon se, ye koi sone ka waqt hai? Hamari saas jesi koi milti to samajh aata... Fajr se pehle uth jaate the hum." Mumbled the old lady while walking towards the sofa of the hall and Mrs Kazmi glanced at the clock which was reading half past seven.

(Nowadays, girls are such a disappointment! Is it time to sleep? She would understand if get a mother-in-law like we had... We use to wake up before sunrise.)

"Ji Badi Amma, waqt badal raha hai... Wo zamana alag tha ye alag hai... Arey, ye kabutar kaha se aaya?" Mrs Kazmi said wisely but suddenly she looked at the wild dove present in the hands of Badi Amma.

(Yeah badi Amma, but that time was different. From where do you get this bird?)

"Waqt ka to nhi pta haan bahuo ke taur tareeqe badal rahe hain... Din ba din khud sar hoti jaa rahi hain Aaj kal ki bahuye." Mumbling with anger Badi Amma sat down on the sofa and threw a glare at Mrs Kazmi. "Ab yaha kyu khadi ho? Zara bulao apni bahu ko, dawai lagani hai is ke, iska pankh ghayal hai." And she dismissed Mrs Kazmi after scolding her.

(I don't know about time but I can clearly see changing in the behaviour of daughter-in-laws. They are becoming stubborn day by day.)

(Now why are you standing here? Go and call your daughter-in-law. We need to give it first aid.)

"Daniyal... Daniyal... Send Shifa... Badi Amma is calling her." A bang on the bedroom door and Shifa woke up with heavy head. "coming..." She tried to yell in reply but her voice didn't come out. Sitting on the bed she grabbed her hair together to make a messy bun and hide her face in her palms.

"Dulhan..."

"Yeah badi Amma.... Coming." She yelled in a sleepy as well as hoarse voice and felt tired.

Daniyal came out of the bathroom while wiping his wet hair with the towel and noticed Shifa's pale face. "What happened?" Even after he was angry he asked and She shrugged before stepping out of the bed "I'm not feeling well." Forgetting completely what happened yesterday she mumbled and walked in the bathroom. Daniyal went to the breakfast table with the thought that Shifa will be fine soon, maybe that's because she slept late last night.

"Aapki begum kaha hai?" Asked his mother who was waiting for the morning tea, so as Mr senior Kazmi... No matter whoever makes breakfast, tea will be made by Shifa only.

(Where is your wife?)

''Aa rhi hai," he muttered.

(She's coming,)

"Ladayi khatam kri ya nhi?" Mrs Kazmi asked and Daniyal's brows again furrowed while his face showed some amount of anger.

(Sorted out your matter or not?)

"Mene to kardi aapki Bahu ka pta nhi..." His reply was indicating that everything was not fine in between them, Mr Kazmi didn't like this thing.

(I've sorted out the matter from my side but I'm not sure about your daughter-in-law.)

"Shifa kaha hai?" Asked the head of the family and Daniyal glanced at the door of his bedroom which was still shut.

(Where is Shifa?)

"darasal Raat mein bohot deyr se soyi thi to deyr mein uthi hai" Daniyal informed meanwhile he looked at the bird present in the old hands. Badi Amma showed the wounds of the bird and Daniyal applied some ointment on them before shifting it to a cage.

(actually she slept late at night that's why she got up late)

In the time being Shifa come to the dining table with a pale face. She took her seat beside Daniyal and looked at the breakfast table, everything was present but tea. "Shifa beta, you aren't looking fine, what happened?" Mr Kazmi asked and Shifa looked at him, "Umm... Baba I don't know what exactly happened... But I'm not feeling well." she muttered while resting her head on the tabletop. After seeing her condition, Mrs Kazmi ordered the maid to make tea as shifa wasn't in such condition.

"Ye sab zyada soone se hota hai." Badi Amma's comment was definitely important so how could it be missed?

(It's all because of oversleeping.)

"Aaj koi kaam na karna, bas rest karo," Daniyal instructed as he was feeling that somewhere his anger and rudeness might be the reason behind her sickness. Shifa looked at him, their eyes met... and the pair of gray orbs suddenly reminded her of everything from yesterday. she threw a glare at him in reply and again down her head.

(Today you don't have to do any work, just take rest.)

Following Shifa's gaze Mrs Kazmi understood that they both were still angry with each other. She glared at Daniyal and gestured to him to serve Shifa someone.

"Shifa Kal se bhuki ho, kuch khaa lo." Daniyal slid a slice of bread in front of her after applying jam on it, he knew her choice.

"Have this." Mrs Kazmi also put a few slices of Apple on a plate and passed her to eat which she started eating silently but pushed away the plate of jam coated bread.

(You've been hungry since yesterday, eat something.)

"Chocolate shake piyogi? banwa du?" He asked in a hushed tone to got a glare from her wife who was not looking well but she was a wife! That's the biggest thing that matters! She had all rights reserved with her to show him anger and disappointment.

(Want to have some chocolate shake?)

"Aap to baat hi mat kariye mujhse." She grit her teeth and munch on the slice of the apple and Daniyal furrowed.

(Don't talk to me.)

"Ye badiya hai, ulta choor kotwal ko dante... Galat aap ho Shifa main nhi..."

(That's great the pot is calling the kettle black! You're the one who is wrong not me.)

"Stop it Daniyal, it's enough." Mr Kazmi glared at him but Badi Amma looked at Shifa.

"Shohor ko itne nakhre nhi dikhate Bibi... Agar kuch keh de to dar guzar karna seekho... Jaha do bartan hote hain khatakte hi hain... Wo kuch khane ke liye de raha hai to kyu nhi khaa rahi?"  Badi Amma scolded Shifa and s0he silently looked at Daniyal... Still disappointment in him. He passed the bread and Shifa lifted it half heartedly.

(It's not good to show such tantrums to husband. Why are you refusing if he's giving you something to eat? It's usual to have disputes between family members.)

Shifa took the very first bite of the bread but suddenly felt something off, putting the bread back on the plate she stood up in a hurry while putting her hand on her mouth. She was feeling nausea. All the other four members of the family were confused for a while because everything happened in a hurry before they could discuss what happened to Shifa they all listened to her voice, she was puking out.

"Kya ho gya ise?" Mumbled Daniyal while standing up from the chair and soon he was disappeared into his bedroom.

(What happened to her?)

"Kazmi Sahab..." Mrs Kazmi muttered with a smile and he looked at her then hummed in response.

"Khatija, Lagta hai ghar mein nyi khushiyan aane wali hain." Badi Amma smiled with this statement, and Mrs Kazmi smiled more and nodded in agreement.

(Khatija, I guess some good news is on the way.)

Mrs Kazmi's happiness had no boundaries, she stood up to walk to their bedroom but Shifa was already coming for breakfast with daniyal.

"Breakfast kro aur so jao, thodi deer mein main doctor ko dikhne le chalunga" with this statement Daniyal pulled the chair for her but Shifa ignored. Mrs and Mr Kazmi had satisfaction on their faces.

(Have your breakfast and take a nap, then I'll take you to the doctor.)

"Are you okay beta?" Mrs Kazmi asked and Shifa shook her head "No Ammi, I'm not. I was feeling low for last week but now I'm not feeling well." She muttered while resting her head on the tabletop. Daniyal placed a glass of juice in front of her. "Have it, you'll feel better." He passed the glass but she shook her head.

"Shifa itni zidd nhi krte, dehydration ho jayegi." Daniyal forced her to have the juice but she pushed the glass away.

(Don't be stubborn Shifa. Have this otherwise you will be dehydrated.)

"Have something else..." Mrs Kazmi offered her some fruits but Shifa shook her head.

"Nhi Ammi, kuch khane ka dil nhi chah rha." She looked up at her mother-in-law with demanding eyes, so she nodded after a sight but very next moment she was smiling,

(No, ammi. I'm not feeling like having anything.)

"Aap kyu has rhi hain ammi? koi latifa yaad aa gya kya?" Daniyal asked with confusion and his mother shook her head.

(Why are you smiling ammi? Do you suddenly remember a joke?)

"Main dadi banne wali hu kya?" Mrs Kazmi asked with the same smile and Shifa forgot her health for a moment and looked at her mother-in-law, then towards Daniyal... They both were flushed due to hesitation and an awkward feeling.

(Am I going to become a grandmother?)

Daniyal fake cleared his throat while glancing at Shifa who felt shy. Only the thought of his closeness made her heart beat rapid and she felt nervous.

"Shifa kuch khaa lo." Daniyal tried to divert the matter but she shook her head. "Umm... I... I just want to take some rest." With this statement she stood up and disappeared in the room.

(Shifa, have something.)

"Kya ho gya hai ammi, uski tabiyat kharab hai aap ajeeb ajeeb baatein kar rhi hain," Daniyal shows his disappointment but Mrs Kazmi narrow her eyes. She was confused, what was weird in this?

(What's wrong Ammi, she isn't well but you're talking about something weird)

"Isme kya ajeeb baat kardi tumhari maa ne? Ajeeb baat to tum kar rahe ho, tumhe khushi nhi ho rhi kya?" Asked Badi Amma with disappointment. She was confused how Daniyal wasn't happy to know that he was going to be a father. Mrs Kazmi left her breakfast in between and stood up to go to Shifa and Daniyal's bedroom.

(What's weird in this? Aren't you happy?)

"Where are you going, Ammi?" Daniyal asked and Mrs Kazmi turned to see him with a smile.

"To see Shifa, let me check if she needs something or not."

"Ammi, let her take some rest." Daniyal wanted to make his parents forget this topic as he already know the boundaries of his and Shifa's relationship. Babies can't be downloaded virtually!

"I'll not trouble your wife. Don't worry." saying that she walked into the room and Badi Amma also walked after her. Both ladies weren't in the mood to leave Shifa alone in this condition. Daniyal smacked his forehead in his thoughts.

"Ab aapko pta chalega hum kyu aapki fikar karte hain..." Mr Kazmi smiled at Daniyal and he sighed.

(Now you'll understand why we care about you.)

"Baba aap to shuru na ho jayein?"

(Baba at least you don't get started.)

"Ji Haan, abhi to shuruwaat hai beta ji, mere poota pooti jab aap ko pareshan karenge to main sirf unki hi himayat lunga." Mr Kazmi smiled. Daniyal preferred to leave for office to save himself from this situation but first, he decided to meet Shifa but not before mumbling "keep dreaming Baba... Nothing like this..."

(Yes of course! It's only starting. I'm telling you clearly that I'll only support my grandchildren when they'll trouble you.)

As soon as he stepped into the room a smile came to his lips. Shifa was sleeping and Mrs kazmi was sitting besides her lightly stroking her head. Badi Amma was sitting on the other side reciting some verses and blowing on Shifa.

"Bohot pyaar aa rha hai bahu par? Itna to kabhi bete pr bhi nhi aaya!" Daniyal's complaint was invalid so he got a glare in reply.

(I haven't remembered if you loved me in the way you love your daughter-in-law.)

"Daniyal main bta rhi hu, is halat mein Shifa ko preshan nhi kriyega." Mrs Kazmi warned Daniyal but this voice disturb Shifa's slumber and she open her eyes.

(Daniyal don't dare to trouble Shifa in this condition.)

Both the husband and wife suddenly looked at one another, She was flushed and Daniyal could sense that. Meanwhile a maid knocked the door of room, she was holding a bowl of fruits which Mr Kazmi sent for Shifa. Though she didn't want to eat anything but Badi Amma and Mrs Kazmi forcefully fed her some orange and apple.

"Ammi, I'm not feeling well." Mumbling that she again feel the urge to empty her stomach. Throwing the duvet away from her legs she pressed her mouth and scoots towards the washroom. Daniyal walked after her where she was puking out holding the marble sink with one hand and the other hand was clutching her belly.

"Shifa..." He said under his breath, without even thinking once he placed his hand on her back and started rubbing it. Shifa was feeling weak, her legs were refusing to held her weight and somehow he understood. Curling an arm around her waist from behind he let her leave all her weight on him. "Okay now?" He asked in whisper near her ear and she nod with half closed eyes. He didn't leave her when she was rinsing her mouth and soon Shifa rest her back with his chest, at that point all these things were not about intimacy but support.

He just loosen his grip but Shifa held his arm as she didn't find energy in herself to walk. "Deni..." She muttered under her breath with no good reason.

"Hmm..." She didn't reply and Deni took her back to bed, he placed two pillows behind her back.

"Deni..." She again mumbled meekly with closed eyes. No matter how angry she was with him but in pain we always call those whom we love most. "I'm here only Shifa..." He placed another pillow under her head and sat down beside her.

"Raat tak to theek thi, pta nhi kya ho gya hai ek dam?" Mumbling that he picked his car keys from night stand and stood up.

(She was fine till the night, I don't know what happened to her suddenly?)

"Is halat mein aesa hi hota hai... Ek aurat ko bohot takleefe uthani padti hain maa ka darja paane ke liye." Said Badi Amma in a hushed tone. Both Daniyal and Shifa looked at each other then to the lady.

(This happens in this situation. A woman has to go through many pains to be a mother.)

"Ammi, Badi Amma aesa kuch nhi hai... Aap log galat samajh rhe hain,'' Shifa muttered and without making eye contact, Daniyal was sensing her nervousness due to which he was feeling embarrassed. Mrs Kazmi's smile went to it's end. How badly she wanted to see her grandchildren. But deep down she wasn't ready to believe that Shifa wasn't pregnant.

("Ammi, Badi Amma... nothing like that... You are misunderstanding,)

"Take rest," Daniyal whispered before stepping towards the door which filled Shifa's heart with pain. She wanted him to stay beside her but he left her.

"Call me if you need anything." Mrs Kazmi said in a hushed tone before stepping towards the door but suddenly stopped and turned to see the pale face of Shifa. "I'll take you to the doctor, till then take rest." With this command, Mrs Kazmi also left the room as was Badi Amma. Shifa tried to gulp her tears but couldn't, eventually she cried.

"Why Deni? When you had a headache I was awakened the whole night with you, but you can't even sit beside me." She muttered and turned her side. "I know we're angry with each other, but why can't you take care of me ignoring your anger?" Busy with her thoughts she didn't realise how soon she was consumed by slumber.

<><><><>

A hand lightly stroked her hair which disturbed her slumber. "Deni," she muttered without opening her eyes but soon realised that it wasn't the hand of the desired person.

"Shifa."

"Ji Ammi?"

"Get ready beta, I'm taking you to the hospital. Let's see what the doctor says."

"Deni Kaha chale gaye Ammi?" She asked with disappointment and Mrs Kazmi smiled at her. Otherwise she was angry with her husband but now staying away from him was getting difficult.

(Where did Deni go?)

"Aapke Deni bahar bethe huye hain, kahi nhi gye." Said Mrs Kazmi in a hushed tone but Shifa's eyes filled with tears.

(Your Deni is sitting outside. He hasn't gone anywhere.)

"Ammi, Deni meri baat samajh hi nhi rahe." Mrs Kazmi was silent for a few moments then slightly nodded because she was thinking something.

(Ammi, Deni is not understand my point.)

"Abhi apni sehat par dhyan dijiye, ye saari baate baad mein hoti rahengi." And Mrs Kazmi stood up from the bed after telling Shifa to get ready to see the doctor.

(Take care of yourself, we can discuss these matters later.)

After getting ready she stepped out from the room and found her husband working on the laptop while his attention was fixed on his mobile too. He didn't even glanced at Shifa which broke her heart.

"Ammi, I'm ready."

"Hmm... I'm also ready but Daniyal..." Mrs Kazmi left the sentence in between and Daniyal looked up at his mother then towards Shifa.

"I'm in a meeting. Can't you take her along with you?" Asked Daniyal and Shifa smiled bitterly.

"But I can't drive and driver is on leave."

"I'm booking a cab, don't worry Ammi." Shifa drew out her mobile phone from the bag and Daniyal glanced at the laptop screen then towards Shifa.

"If you can wait 10 minutes for the cab then wait for me... This meeting is going to get over soon." And he shifts back his eyes to the screen.

Shifa was disheartened by his behaviour. She waited for him for more than half an hour.

For others it was a small period of just half an hour but for someone it was thirty minutes of longing. Longing for a love filled gaze. In those thirty minutes a heart cried 1800 times. 1800 seconds of pain. 1800 seconds of ignorance.

And after all those heart clenching, painful and difficult moments she was taken to the hospital by her husband and her mother-in-law, where Mrs Kazmi put her doubt regarding Shifa's pregnancy and after a few tests the negative reports broke her dreams and hopes. She was diagnosed with food poisoning and fatty liver.

There was an awkward silence in the home. It was one of the most heart breaking news for all three elders who already planned a lot of things in their mind regarding the baby.

<><><><>

After taking medicines Shifa was sleeping when the door of the bedroom was opened by Mrs Kazmi, for a moment she felt hesitant to enter in the room because Daniyal was also sleeping beside his wife but the middle aged lady had to do that work.

"Daniyal... Daniyal wake up." She whispered and shook his arm and he open his eyes. "Ji Ammi?"

"Maryam and Anwar Bhai sahab are here to see Shifa." Mrs Kazmi mumbled and the sleepy Daniyal nodded while sitting on the bed.

"Let her sleep for some more time." Daniyal suggested and Mrs Kazmi noticed the pale face of Shifa then nodded. Daniyal walked out of the room to meet his in-laws.

Mr Kazmi, Anwar and Daniyal were sitting together talking about everything happening around the world but for Maryam her whole world was her daughter she wasn't interested in anything other than Shifa.

"I wanna see Shifa... For how long will she sleep?" Maryam told Mrs Kazmi who couldn't refuse a mother to see her daughter anymore.

"Come with me." Mrs Kazmi took Maryam to Shifa's bedroom. The first thing Maryam did was sitting beside Shifa and kissing her cheek.

"Shifa beta? Kya hua mere bachhe ko?" Maryam caressed her head and Shifa woke up.

(What happened to my child?)

"Mummy..." Shifa smiled but cried together. Maryam was confused what to do? She shifted Shifa's head to her lap and adored her like a toddler.

"She hasn't had anything since morning, she has to take your medicines too. Maryam, you tell her to eat something." Mrs Kazmi kinda complained about Shifa and Maryam caressed her daughter's head one more time.

"Shifa, Wanna eat something? Papa has brought mangoes for you. You like mangoes na." Maryam asked and she shook her head while closing her eyes.

"Mene soup bhi banaya tha, dekhiye abhi tak aese hi rakha hua hai." Mrs Kazmi showed the bowl of soup present on the nightstand and Maryam nodded, she knew very well that Shifa didn't like soup much... Specially mix veg soup... She doesn't even touch it.

(I've made soup for her but see it's untouched by her.)

"I was missing Shifa, yesterday she was coming to meet me but thenher plan was changed." Maryam told Mrs Kazmi while Daniyal entered in the bedroom.

"Ammi, mummy dinner is served... You both go I'm sitting here with Shifa." Daniyal sat down beside his mother but Maryam shook her head.

"No please. I'm not here for dinner... I just wanted to see Shifa."

"See Shifa as much as you want but not before having dinner." Daniyal shifted a pillow under Shifa's head and forced Maryam to go to have dinner.

"Wanna have something?" He asked Shifa when both the ladies left the couple alone and Shifa slightly shook her head.

"Deni, mujhe fever hone wala hai,"

(Deni, I'm going to have a fever.)

"What? How do you know?" He inquired and Shifa shared with him that she always feels a different kind of pain in her back before having fever and today she was experiencing the same.

"Just don't think about it, you don't have a fever." Touching her forehead he said, he was sure shifa will not get fever so he picked up the laptop from nightstand to resume his work. 

Shifa kept watching him then grabbed his wrist. "Deni." She muttered

"Hmm?" He just glanced at her while his fingers never stop to ran on the soft keys.

"Aap kab tak mujhse aesi baat ke liye naraz rahenge jisme meri koi galti hi nahi hai?" Shifa muttered and Daniyal shifted his attention as well as sight towards his wife.

(For how long will you be offended by me for a mistake which I haven't even made.)

"Pehle theek ho jao phir baat karenge." He forced a smile on his lips and grabbed her hand which was holding his wrist.

(We'll talk about this after you recover.)

"Tab tak naraz rahenge?" She asked but Daniyal shook her head.

(Will you be offended till then?)

"Main naraz nhi hu." Placing her hand on her belly he muttered and covered her with the blanket before resuming his work. Shifa was disheartened. She could tolerate everything but this indifferent behaviour of her husband whom she loves more than everyone.

(I'm not offended.)

Daniyal didn't lie!

He wasn't offended.

He was disappointed!

Maryam and Anwar stepped in the room and "Shifa... Beta I'm going." Maryam told her but Daniyal looked up then towards Shifa.

"Mummy, why don't you take Shifa along with you? She'll feel better with you." He suggested and Anwar nodded "It will be better,"

"I don't wanna go Deni." She muttered.

"But you'll feel better and mummy will take care of your health." Daniyal shut his laptop and supported Shifa to sit down on the bed.

"Deni... Please..." Shifa held his hand and Daniyal smiled towards her while patting her cheek lightly. "I'll come to pick you up in two days or maybe three." Daniyal told her and he shook her head. "I'm sure Billu will make you laugh until you will be completely fine." He smiled while stepping out from the bed. 

"Do you want something else too?" Daniyal asked looking at Shifa while stuffing a few of her clothes in a handbag along with her medicines.

Shifa kept watching him and her eyes filled with tears, "why are you crying?" Asked Anwar as he was the first to notice her crying.

"Nothing much papa, just headache." She mumbled and wiped her tears. Maryam embraced her and took Shifa along with her.

"What's wrong Shifa? You never cry when you're sick... Is there any other matter?" Maryam asked while caressing Shifa's head but she shook her head and walked out of the room.

"Daniyal?" Maryam looked at her son-in-law who sighed. There was no room to hide but he couldn't tell everything either.

"Hum dono ki kisi baat par ladayi ho gayi thi, mene daant diya, bas usi ke baad se upset hai." Maryam sighed but smiled too.

(We argued about something, and i scolded her, from that time she's upset.)

"Ye bachpan se sensitive hai, zara si uchi awaz mein bhi baat karlo to dar jaati hai aur roone lagti hai." Anwar said but Maryam shook her head.

(She's sensitive since childhood. She starts crying out of fear if someone talked to her loudly.)

"Use mat danta karo Daniyal, tum agar pyar se baat karoge to wo har baat maan legi, kabhi kisi cheez ko mana nhi karegi. Meri beti bohot sabr wali hai." Maryam demanded more like a request, she already knew Shifa couldn't cry just because of illness and now when she gets to know the real reason behind her tears her motherly heart clenched with an unnamed pain. Maybe that's why it's difficult for parents to send their daughters to another home... They do not know how their daughters would manage in that home.

(Don't scold her Daniyal, she'll do whatever you want if you'll talk to her politely. My daughter is very tolerant)

"Pehli baar daanta hai Mummy, baat hi kuch aesi thi... warna main kabhi gussa nhi hota." Daniyal defended himself, Maryam was standing clueless, she definitely didn't like Daniyal scolding Shifa but she didn't want to make this a matter big by scolding Daniyal for that. But Anwar furrowed.

(Mummy, It's the very first time when I've scolded Shifa... That was a different matter, otherwise I would not get angry.)

"Aesi kya baat ho gyi? Sab kheriyat to hai na? Shifa ne kisi se badtameezi kari hai?" Anwar asked and Daniyal was silent for a few moments, it was true that Shifa has used some disrespectful words for an elder but not for anyone from the Kazmi clan. How could Daniyal explain this situation?

(What's the matter? Is everything fine? Has Shifa misbehaved with someone?)

"Rehne dijiye Papa, koi badi baat nhi thi."

(Leave it papa, it wasn't a big matter.)

"Chhoti baato par tumhe itna gussa aata hai?" It was Anwar's question, and Daniyal looked at Maryam who was looking tensed as well as curious to know the reason behind Shifa's dispute with Daniyal.

(Do you often get angry on mere matters?)

"Wese to koi baat nahi hai lekin agar aap log jaan'na chahte hain to Shifa se hi puchh lijiyega. Agar use behtar laga to bata degi." And Daniyal zipped up the handbag. Anwar picked the bag and walked out from the room, Maryam followed him but stopped at the doorway.

(Well, there isn't any matter. But if you're willing to know then ask Shifa, she'll tell you if it's suitable to be shared.)

"Daniyal."

"Ji mummy?"

"Mujhe nhi pta ki Shifa ne tumhe bataya hai ya nhi lekin..." Maryam took a pause. "Bachpan se hi mohabbat se mehroom rahi hai wo... Na use ek baap ki mohabbat mil saki aur na hi main use wo tawajjo de payi jo use milni chahiye thi... Wo kabhi kisi ki first priority nhi bani thi... shayad tum wo ek loote insan ho jisne use uske hisse ki puri mohabbat di hai aur ab tumara ek bhi sakht lafz use inti takleef de sakta hai jitni shayad tum kabhi soch bhi nhi sakte." Maryam tried to tell Daniyal his value im Shifa's life but Daniyal felt guilt ridden, he knew... He also wasn't giving the share of love to Shifa what she deserves as a wife.

I don't know if Shifa has told you or not but...)

(She has been longing for love since childhood, neither she got father's love nor I was able to give her the amount of love she deserves. She hadn't been anyone's first priority. You're the first and only person who is giving her the amount of love she deserves, and now, you can't even imagine, how much your single harsh words would hurt her.)

"Lekin Mummy, Shifa aapki to first priority hai. Hai na?" Daniyal's question was simple but Maryam was silent for a while then shook her head, her eyes turned wet but she held those tears like she was doing since years.

(But Mummy, She's your first priority, isn't she?)

"Hamdan and Bilal were my first priority, their father was my second priority... My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came next and after that comes the responsibility of home. After all these responsibilities I got time for my Shifa... I've been neglecting her and she never complained about anything. I haven't seen anyone more tolerant than Shifa."

"But why? I mean why Shifa was your last priority?" Asked Daniyal and Maryam shrugged, her eyes again pooled up with fresh tears.

"I was helpless, Daniyal."

"But why?" He questioned back and Maryam was stunned for a moment, she wasn't expecting her son-in-law to enquire about everything so deeply.

"After only a few days of our marriage he told me clearly that I should not neglect his child and home because of my daughter. And after fulfilling all responsibilities I didn't left with time to give to my daughter. She has been longing for love since childhood." Daniyal was surprised to hear this. He knew that Shifa didn't get Anwar's love but he didn't know from what she had been going through exactly.

"Mummy, may I ask you one question?"

"Hmm, ask" Maryam grant him permission and Daniyal didn't take even a second to put it in front of her "What was the reason behind your divorce?"

Maryam felt someone took away land which was under her feet till a moment back and sky fall off on her. She could hear the words echoing in the air 'main tumhe talaq deta hu' (I give you divorce) as if it didn't happen 26 years back but just now. This time the strong lady gave up to hold her tears and they rolled down from her eyes.

"Umm... I'm Sorry of it's too personal." Daniyal will know which page he has turned to read! It was most painful and heartbreaking chapter of Maryam's life.

"Aatish wanted his share in the family business, but his father put a condition in front of him to divorce me and take his share." Maryam mumbled before wiping her tears, Daniyal was stunned! Now he understood the meaning of that line which Aatish wrote in the letter, 'Sometimes I feel that I was unfair with you and Maryam for a house and business, now these things are my punishment...'.

"And he divorce you because of money and comfort?" he asked and Maryam nodded, "Didn't he think about his daughter?" He asked and Maryam jerked her head.

"Shifa was three days old when I took her to him... He didn't even hold his daughter in his arm, thinking about her was a far away thing." Maryam told a tiny part of the painful story and Daniyal understood the reason behind Shifa's anger.

"How could a father do this?" Daniyal muttered and Maryam shrugged. "When did you tell Shifa everything?" He asked.

"I never..." Maryam smiled sadly. "Even we never revealed the truth, but in a very young age she read my diaries which I use to write during that period."

"I'm so sorry for everything, Mummy. I never knew that Shifa and you had been going through all these pains." Daniyal's face was pale, he was in the state of shock but This time Maryam smiled looking at him.

"Tum Shifa ke sabr ka inaam ho, Daniyal. Jab use tumhare sath khush dekhti hu mujhe lagta hai Allah ne meri sari duaye qubul hone lagi hain." Maryam told the truth and Daniyal also smiled.

(Daniyal, You're the reward of Shifa's patience. I feel like all my prayers have been answered whenever I see her happy with you.)

"Us se naraz nhi hua karo beta... Main samjhaungi use bhi. Agar uski galti hai bhi to maaf kardo use." Maryam required one more time but Daniyal shook his head.

(Don't be offended with her beta, I'll talk to her. You also forgive her if she's made any mistake.)

"It's oka...." Before Daniyal could complete his sentence Anwar's call grabbed Maryam's attention. "Maryam we have to go back home today only."

"Coming." Maryam replied loudly and looked at Daniyal who slightly bowed his head in front of her. "Allah Hafiz Mummy, Take care. And if you need anything call me at any time."

"Stay happy and blessed." Placing her hand on his head she blessed her son-in-law and walked out of the room followed by Daniyal.

"I'll come to take Shifa back in one or two days." He whispered before greeting Anwar and looked at Shifa who was already looking at him but she looked away. Daniyal held the handbag and walked towards the car while following Anwar and Maryam. Opening the back door for Shifa he lightly pinched her cheek and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Dawai time par khaa lena, aur mummy ko zyada pareshan na karna. Okay?"

(Take your medicines on time and don't trouble Mummy. Got it?)

"Deni, wo meri maa hain mere shohor nhi jinhe pareshan karungi to wo mujhe saza dene ke liye khud se duur bheej dengi." Shifa said in a hushed tone and pushed away Daniyal's hands from her shoulder and hopped in the car, continuously looking away from Daniyal she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and soon the car moved leaving Daniyal in guilt.

(Deni, she's my mother, not my husband who would send me away to punish me if I trouble her.)

<><><><><>

"Where are you right now?"

"At home."

"Open the door, I'm standing outside.."

"What? What are you doing here? Daddy will..."

"I'm here to meet him only! Just open the door." A beeping sound, indicating the call end, followed by a doorbell and Afifa gasped.

"Ye khud to marega mujhe bhi sath mein marwayega." Mumbling that she switched off her mobile and laid down on the bed after covering herself with blanket as if she was sleeping. "Is par to ek kitaab likhni chahiye, Chomu bana majnu..."

(He'll not only create trouble for himself but for me too.)

(A book should be written on this, Chomu turned Romeo...)

<><><><>

He open his eyes with great efforts and again closed them but a voice grabbed his attention. "How are you now?"

"Shifa... Meri Shifa ko bula do." He muttered

(Shifa... Summon my Shifa.)

"Aapke paas phone number hai Shifa ka?"

(Do you have the phone number of Shifa?)

"Paper aur pen do mujhe." He muttered and sat down on the bed with great efforts.

(Give me a paper and a pen.)

Dear Shifa...

I don't know if you get my previous letters or not but my heart says that you've read them... I know you're angry with me but my heart says that you'll come to meet me.

I've to talk to you beta, just for once... If you're not coming, at least call me and let me listen to your voice while I die. Maybe I'll not be alive till this letter finds you but I pray with every passing moment to see you again, I pray for your happiness. I pray for your health. I pray for your success. I pray for your good life. I don't have any other than you beta. Don't test my patience anymore. Come to see me, first and the last time.

Your father

Aatish.

Folding the paper he pushed it into an envelope and sealed it before writing the address with his shivering hands.

"Can you please post it?"

<><><><>