"Shifa, take medicine." Maryam put a few different coloured pills on her hand while passing her a glass half filled with water. "Now you're looking better, fever is also fine now." Touching the forehead Maryam added and Shifa nodded her head before passing the empty glass back to her mother. 

"I'm troubling you even after getting married." Shifa mumbled but Maryam furrowed and pulled her in a hug. "You're not a trouble for me, you're my little Jaan..." Shifa giggled and broke the hug.

"Little?" She asked and Maryam also giggled but nodded. "Don't you think this little Jaan is five feet and four inches tall...?" She again giggle and Maryam smiled when see Shifa fine after three days of high fever.

"Tell me what do you want to eat?" Asked Maryam and Shifa think about it, "Want Biryani?" The mother asked but she shook her head.

"Yellow Daal and rice. With mango pickle and cucumber." She demanded like a kid. Maryam sat down beside her and open her arms to embrace her daughter.

"You know what mumma when I cook everyone like that..." Shifa whispered while hugging her mother like a toddler and Maryam caressed her head with a smile...

"Hmm... That's good."

"But I miss daal and rice made by you. No matter how well I cook, I can't cook daal better than you." She muttered and Maryam kept caressing her head.

"Shifa" slowly stroking her head Maryam called her and Shifa nodded in response without opening her eyes. "May I ask you one thing?"

"Hmm-" she granted permission.

"Beta, what's the matter in between you and Daniyal? Why did you argue with him?" Asked Maryam in the same hushed tone but Shifa moved back with a jolt.

"Did Deni told you that I argued with him?" Asked Shifa and Maryam shook her head. "He didn't, but there is something wrong between you and Daniyal... You can share with me whatever it is." Shifa was silent, she understood that Daniyal didn't tell Maryam everything but he definitely told something.

"What Deni has told you?"

"Nothing."

"Mummy you can't ask this question if Deni won't tell you anything." This time Shifa was looking furious but Maryam grabbed her hand and lightly pressed it in between her both hands.

"Shifa beta, mark my words, I'm sharing my experience with you." Maryam told her and she nodded. "Mard ki fitrat mein na sun'na nhi hota... is baat ko jitna jaldi samajh jao utna behtar hai." Maryam smiled sadly while telling one of the harsh truths of which she had learnt from her life but Shifa furrowed, she couldn't agree with her mother in this matter.

(Men don't know how to listen to refusals. It's better for you to gulp this reality down.)

"Aurat ko shohor ki baat maan leni chahiye beta, zyada zidd karte hain to ladaiyan hi hoti hain."

(A woman should obey her husband, being stubborn only leads to arguments.)

"Chahe shohor ki baat maan'ne layaq hi na ho?" Shifa furrowed and pulled her hand away from Maryam's grip.

(Either husband's demand is acceptable or not?)

"From when you started getting angry, Shifa?" Maryam asked in a hushed tone which ignited fresh anger in Shifa

"Ye baat Deni ne kahi hogi na ki main gussa karti hu... unhone meri shikayat kari hai aap logo se?" Shifa was looking disappointed as well as angry but Maryam again grabbed her hand.

(Deni has told you that I get angry often. Right? He complained about me? Didn't he?)

"Itna gussa nhi karte..."

(Don't be angry.)

"Then what should a woman do? Accept everything what her husband wants?" Maryam sighed and softly cupped Shifa's face. 

"Will you tell me what's the matter? What Daniyal wants which is making you so angry?" Maryam asked in a soft voice and this time Shifa's anger converted into tears.

"Mummy... Can you just leave me alone for a while? I need rest." Wiping her tears Shifa demanded and Maryam nodded. "I'm going but promise me that you'll sort out this matter soon."

"Mummy please you don't know what's the matter, nor I am willing to tell you." Shifa replied with frustration

"First of all stop being angry! When anger arrives wisdom leaves. Calm down, talk to Daniyal, tell him what do you want and what's the reason behind your decision."

"But he's not ready to understand. Do you know mummy he shouted at me." This time her anger converted into pain. "He thinks I'm not the same Shifa who use to care about everyone, he thinks I'm a double standard and hypocrite person who loves her in-laws but hates some people. Mumma can you imagine, does it makes me hypocrite and double standard person if I hate someone? I don't live his family just to show him, I really love them." Maryam pulled Shifa in a hug and she cried helplessly hugging her mother like a little child. The wounds given by love ones always hurt more, and here Shifa's tears were testifying her pain as well as love.

"Shhh... Stop crying!" Maryam kissed her head.

"Mummy it hurts when Deni talk to me rudely." She cried and Maryam pulled her away from herself while cupping her face. "Now don't be angry and listen to me carefully." Maryam lovingly whispered and Shifa slightly nod her head.

"Does Daniyal love you?" Maryam asked and Shifa felt another pain. She slowly shook her head and Maryam smiled. "Really?" She narrowed her eyes and Shifa nodded.

"Hmm... So Daniyal gives you flowers, take you out for ice cream when you're not in a good mood, orders your favourite food, pulls your cheeks and tease you, supports you, gives you respect and does many more things without loving you. Don't you think you're doing unjust with my son-in-law?" This time Maryam was supporting Daniyal and Shifa slightly glared at her.

"He never gives me flowers, I buy them for myself... He just pay for them." She looked away with this statement and Maryam smiled.

"Does he pay for others' flowers too?"

"Are you my mother or his?" She asked with disappointment and Maryam kissed her cheek while pulling her in a side hug. "I'm your mother that's why I don't want you to ruin your beautiful life because of some small things, I don't know what's the matter in between you but keep one thing in mind, if you want to make anyone understand your point, talk to them when they are in a good mood. Explained your situation and ask them about their opinions, maybe you're wrong." Maryam whispered

"I'm not wrong." Shifa muttered with disappointment. "Then explain your point, reason your decision and trust the other person too, try to understand his point too."

"You know what mumma, You and your son-in-law are same! Shifa pulled herself back and muttered.

"Because we both love you."

"No, because you both know how to change my mind with your sweet sugar coated words." Shifa said with fake disappointment but Maryam lightly pulled her cheek which hade her groaned. "You both are same because you both pull my cheeks... And I can't even hate you for this."

"Now take rest, I'll wake you up for dinner." Maryam switched off the lights white stepping towards the door but stopped by a voice. "Deni didn't call me even once to ask how am I?"

"He called me in the morning, he was asking for you but you were sleeping." Maryam told her but Shifa smiled sadly.

"You're lying."

"No I'm not! Either check my mobile or call Daniyal to ask him. And don't be grudged against him, he's your husband. Learn to focus on good things and try to forget negative things." With this command Maryam left the room and Shifa picked her mobile phone from the nightstand. Leaving her ego aside she dialled a number which was saved as Mr Kazmi and waited for a few moment, the ring was going but he didn't answer the call. She again dialled his number and again no response and the third time it was the same response... No response! 

I hate you, Deni. Holding tears in her eyes and an unnamed pain in her heart she lied down to sleep. All thanks to medicines, she was able to sleep well otherwise it wouldn't this easy to forget this new pain.

<><><><><>

Turning his side in mild slumber he out his arm to hug the frame present beside him but his hand touched the mattress only. "Umm..." He tried to grope what he wanted but there was nothing there so he opened his eyes and close them again when find the other side of the bed empty.

Letting a cold sigh out he hugged the pillow which was holding a mild fragrance of someone's hairs. These three made him realise how badly he misses her, how empty he feels when she's not with him, how incomplete he feels until he saw her smiling face, how bored he feels until he teases her and how hungry he feels until have food cooked by her.

Glancing at the clock he smiled. It was just evening, getting up from the bed picked his car keys then realised what he was wearing... an old trouser and discolored t-shirt. Smacking his head he drew out a well ironed white kurta pajama, changed himself in that. First prayed the evening prayer and walked out from his bedroom.

"Aap ki tashreef ka tookra kaha chala?" Asked Mrs Kazmi and he smiled happily.

(Where are you going?)

"Soch raha hu aapki Bahu Begum ko wapas le aau, bohot araam kar chuki." Said Daniyal with a big smile and walked towards the door, but stopped by a comment.

(I'm thinking to bring your dear daughter-in-law back, she has already taken a lot of rest.)

"Ye to biwi ke aage peeche ghumne wale mardo mein se hai." Badi Amma rolled her eyes.

(She's from those men who are tied with the string of wife.)

"Badi Amma, Mard Biwi ke hi aage peeche ghume to behtar hai... Halal rishta hai." Said Mrs Kazmi with a smile and gestured Daniyal to go ahead.

(Badi Amma, it's better for men to be tied up with the string of wife only! It's a lawful relationship.)

<><><>

He never knew that he would miss Shifa this much. His eyes were craving to see her in front of him. But he also remembered the last sentence of Shifa, she was offended.

"Begum Sahiba ka mood to theek karna padega." He muttered while pressing the accelerator, the car was moving towards his in-laws home but he didn't know what he should do to make his wife happy. And suddenly a smile captured his lips. Stopping the car near a store he jumped out of it leaving his mobile on the dashboard without knowing that his wife was also missing him and now calling him. After some ten minutes he came back to the car with a small box of Shifa's favorite chocolates Ferrero Rocher and her other favourite orange juice with some other snacks. Without even paying attention to his mobile he resumed the drive.

<><><><>

"Assalamualaikum Behnoyi Sahab." Bilal opened the door work a big smile and Daniyal raised his brow.

(Assalamualaikum respected brother-in-law)

"Waalaikum as salam Mohtaram (Mr) Bilalu." 

"Ye sari seezein mere liye hai?" Gesturing towards the bags present in Daniyal's hands Bilal asked mischievously while grabbing the bags but Daniyal pulled his hand away.

(Are these things for me?)

"Ye aapki hamsheera ke liye hain!" Daniyal raised his brow with an unmatched smile he wanted to tease Bilal by using a difficult urdu word but copying his way Bilal also raised his brow and smirked.

(It's for your hamsheera.)

"Don't be so smart, I know hamsheera means sister."

"Will you let me in?" Asked Daniyal because his dear brother-in-law wasn't giving him space to enter in. "Why not Mr ungrateful!" Bilal rolled his eyes.

"Ungrateful?" Daniyal was confused

"Of course, you're an ungrateful man. You got married to my sister because I convinced papa, otherwise you were rejected by him." Bilal being Bilal didn't forget to flaunt his favour and Daniyal placed his hand on Bilal's head.

"Allah tumhe Chand si Dulhan dilwaye. Tumhara ye ehsaan main kese utarunga?" Daniyal blessed the young boy in a friendly way and he chirped happily.

(Billu, may God bless you with a beautiful wife.)

"Aameen Aameen... Summa Aameen. Allahumma Aameen, Allah paak Daniyal Bhai ki dua qubool kar le pure 10 faqeero ko khana khilaunga...." Looking towards the sky he muttered but suddenly calculated something on his fingers and shook his head, "Nhi nhi Allah ta'ala 10 excitement mein keh diya tha... 5 ko khilaunga." it seems Billu was making deals with Almighty Daniyal chuckled at his conversation with Allah, and stepped in the home.

(Aameen Aameen... Summa Aameen. Allahumma Aameen, Allah paak answer Daniyal Bhai's prayer, I'll feed ten beggars.)

(No no Allah ta'ala I said ten in excitement I'll feed five.)

"Are you sure you are Shifa's brother?" Asked Daniyal after comparing their contrast natures and Bilal shrugged.

"Honestly speaking, I also have doubts regarding this." He whispered and Daniyal smack the back of his head. "Shifa is correct, you're a jocker." He Mumbled and looked here there. No one was present in home.

"Where are Mummy Papa and Shifa?"

"Mummy papa went to see Razi Mamu, he's not fine and your wife is sleeping." After listening to last part of the answer Daniyal replied.

"Where is she?"

"In her room." Bilal pulled an unpleasant face. "You know what Daniyal Bhai, I was supposed to use that room for my gym but your wife appears every now and then... Make her use to of your home, now that's her home too."

"She's coming for the first time to stay with you, you should be happy." Daniyal defended his wife and Bilal rolled his eyes.

"That's the room, you already know. Don't feel like a guest, Ask your wife if you need tea or coffee. Now I'm going to play free fire." And he rushed to his room. Daniyal looked at the main door which was still open, he smacked his forehead and remember Anwar's scoldings for Bilal. "such a careless boy." Locking the door Daniyal walked to Shifa's room. She was sleeping peacefully in the dim lit room. Her face was covered with the dupatta which was placed on the pillow but a corner was covering it. Maybe she covered her eyes before sleeping.  Uncovering her face slowly he leaned towards her and placed his lips on her cheek.

"Shifa." Kissing the other cheek he whispered and again called her "Shifa."

Her slumber lightened and she felt someone almost hovering over her, opening her eyes with a jolt she almost jumped in fear when found a man just a few inches away from herself, his hands were placed on her either side and lips were ready to be placed at any point of her face.

"How are you now?" He asked in a whisper and Shifa's sleepy brain recognised this voice then her eyes settled in the darkness of the room and see the face of this man. "Deni." She muttered and sighed with relief but her heart was still jumping rapidly. He moved back giving her space to sit down on the bed but Shifa didn't sit up, she was still lying in the same position and after a few moments she hid her sleepy face in her palms. She was still in shock but now slowly her heart came back to normal pace.

"Tabiyat kaisi hai ab?" He asked and She looked at him after removing her hands from her face. "Turn on the light, first switch from the left." She ordered her husband while sitting on the bed and he stepped towards the switchboard near the door. Shifa again yawn and pulled the blanket away to make some space for her husband.

(How are you now?)

"Now tell me how are you." Daniyal smiled after sitting back on the bed with dangling legs but got a glare from his wife. "Wow! After all the great Mr Daniyal Kazmi remembered that he has a wife who is ill." And she looked away with anger

"What? I didn't get you." He asked and Shifa slightly glared at her husband then decided to ignore him as well as the topic.

"Would to be like to have tea?" She asked as if asking a guest but her husband nodded immediately. How could he refuse to have a tea which he was missing for last three days? Grabbing her dupatta from the pillow she carelessly hung it in her neck and walked towards the kitchen.

For the first time he was sitting in this small room in which his wife has spent many years. There was nothing special or exciting in this room. A bed in the corner of the room, a study table, a floor length mirror and two cupboards. Plain and dull walls with no clue of art. Daniyal was surprised. After coming to Qasr-e-Kazmi (House of Kazmi's) Shifa had beautified it in many ways, the plain white wall of the hall wasn't plain anymore. She made a collage of five little aesthetic paintings which were placed in the thick black bordered frames, giving perfect contrast to the white wall and to add some elements she placed big black ceramic vases in either end with a few white and red false flowers in it. Other than that, the terrace was converted into a mini garden, railings of the terrace were covered with the hanging vines of star jasmine which always spread a beautiful fragrance everywhere as well as beautify the home. The walking area near the parking zone was now converted into a small kitchen garden due to which Daniyal was secretly happy as the need to bring coriander and mint every now and then was vanished. And his favourite place, the bedroom... Unlike other couples who love to hang their wedding picture in the room Shifa hung a golden coloured Arabic calligraphy just above the headboard of the bed which was reading حُب (hub) which means love. That was the only piece of art present in their bedroom but the big white frame with little golden calligraphy at the centre looks amazing on the black wall, it grabbed attention as soon as one step in the room, other than that Daniyal had to share his study table with numerios Succulent plants which were kept in antique brass and copper cups, and the ordinary table lamp was replaced a feet tall fairy light tree which was placed in the middle of those tiny plants. That tree looks cute as well as mesmerizing when glow up in the dark room. It stands like an elder who showers the blessings and glory to the youngsters present around. 

Daniyal couldn't digest this dull room in which Shifa had spent almost 25 years, how could she have left it so simple? Before he could think about all these things in detail Shifa came back with a cup of tea and placed it on the bed just beside Daniyal, she was supposed to go back to kitchen but her wrist was caught by her husband and he pulled her to sit beside himself.

"You don't even know how badly I was missing it." Picking up the cup from the saucer he mumbled and his other hand held Shifa's hand with entangled fingers.

"Kya? Kiski yaad aa rhi thi aapko? Is Chai ki?" Shifa couldn't help but ask, and Daniyal took the first sip while looking at her confused face.

(What? What were you missing? This Tea?)

"Aapke hath ki chai."

(The tea made by your hands.)

He stressed on Aapke (your) and Shifa gave him a disappointed look but she forgot that her husband know the art of reading her mind.

"Aur in hatho ki bhi," rotating the gold ring present in her middle finger he whispered but Shifa again gave him the same expression and he again made an addition to his sentence. "Aur hatho wali ki bhi bohot yaad aa rahi thi." She keep watching in his eyes for two long minutes then smiled sadly, she could see something in his eyes, but what was that? Love? But no... That's impossible.

(And this hand too.)

(And the owner of these hands too.)

"Aapko pta hai Deni aapko jhoot bolna nhi aata." Pulling her hand back from his grip she walked to the kitchen leaving Daniyal alone in her room.

(You know what Deni, you don't know how to lie.)

Lie? Was he lying? No way!

Maybe that's the first time when he expressed his 100 per cent truth feeling but his wife considered it lie. What an injustice!

Shifa again came back to the room with a mug in her hand, she didn't utter a single word just pass it to Daniyal, he furrowed with confusion but held it and a smile captured his lips one more time. It was a fudgy chocolate mug brownie. How well she knew what he wants.

"Ammi and Baba were asking about your health." Daniyal informed her while taking the spoonful of brownie out from the mug and Shifa nodded while sitting beside him but without looking towards him. They both were facing the plain white wall present in front of them.

"Hmm... They have been calling me every now and then to enquire about my health, even Badi Amma also calls me twice a day." Daniyal was amazed to get this piece of information. He didn't know that badi Amma can be so loving and caring towards Shifa. It was a miracle! Pure miracle!

Wait...

A miracle or a magic?

"Kya jaadu kra hai mere ghar walo par? Unhe koi achha hi nahi lagta aapke alawa." He asked with wide eyes while having that delicious freshly baked sweet but Shifa kept watching her without blinking.

(What magical spell you've blown on my family? They don't like anyone other than you.)

"Agar jaadu karna aata to sabse pehle aap par karti kyuki aapko sab achhe lagte hain, mere alawa." She smiled sadly and looked away. 

(If I knew any spell I would blow it on you first because you like everyone other than me.)

"Aapko aesa kyu lagta hai mujhe aap achhi nhi lagti?" Daniyal put the cup of tea and the mug of brownie on the nightstand and held Shifa's hands.

(Why do you think I don't like you?)

"Aesa lagta nhi hai, aesa hi hai." Shifa tried to pull her hands away from his grip but Daniyal shifted closer to her.

(I not only think, it's reality.)

"Main aesi hi aap ko ahmaq nhi kehta, aur aap aesi bey sar peyr ki baate soch kar mujhe sahi sabit kar rhi ho." He tried to pull Shifa's chin but she pushed his hand away.

(I call you idiot for some reasons, and you're proving me correct by making such rubbish opinions.)

"Jab main bimaar hui aapne apni car keys uthayi aur mujhe akela chhod ke chale gaye... jab main aapke sath rehna chahti thi aapne mujhe yaha bhej diya kyuki mummy mera dhyan zyada achhi tarah rakhti... Kya aap apni biwi ka dhyan nhi rakh sakte the? Jab main bukhar mein jal rhi thi tab aapne ek baar call karke bhi meri tabiyat nhi puchhi, mujhe dekhne aana to dur ki baat hai... Phir bhi mene in saari baato ko ignore karne ka soocha kyuki main apne dil mein aapki taraf se koi talkhi nhi rakhna chahti thi... Mene aapko khud call kari lekin aapne meri call tak receive nhi kari. Aapko nhi lagta ye saari baatein ek sath meri bey sar peyr ki baato ko sabit karne ke liye kaafi hai?" Shifa asked in a single breath and Daniyal blinked blankly.

(When I feel ill you just picked your car keys and left me alone... When I wanted to stay with you, you sent me here because my mother would take my care in a better way, couldn't you take care of your wife? when I was literally burning in fever you didn't even bother to call me once coming to see me was a far away thing... Still, I thought about ignoring everything, because I didn't want to be grudged against you so I called you just half an hour ago but you didn't answer my call! Don't you think these things altogether are enough to give support to my opinion?)

"3-4 din mein itni Shikayatein?" Daniyal widened his eyes.

(So many complaints in only 3-4 days)

"Ab kya main shikayat bhi nhi karu?" She asked with anger and tried to blink away her tears but Daniyal smiled.

(Can't I just make complaints?)

"Haq hai aapka, shikwe karo, shikayat karo, jo dill chahe karo lekin khamoshi ikhtiyaar na kro. Baat ki wazahat kar liya karo is se pehle ki talkhiyan ban jaye." Daniyal grabbed her hands even more tighter than before.

(It's your right, either do complaints or arguments but don't be silent to make matter worse than reality. Clear every matter before you create an opinion about another person's actions.)

"Chalo main aapki saari Shikayatein dur karta hu. Main aapko akela chhod ke kahi ghumne nhi gya tha aapke liye nariyal Pani lene gya tha, lekin jab wapas aaya to aap soo rhi thi to main room ki lights off karke bahar chala gya. Aur Maine aapko yaha isliye bheja taaki badi Amma aapko kisi kaam mein na laga de. Aur mene aapko call kri thi, aapko bohot teez bukhar tha, Bilal ne phone receive kra tha, uske baad mene aapko call nhi kri mummy ko call kar ke aapki tabiyat phuchhi aur har baar aap soo rhi hoti thi to hamari baat nhi ho payi. Lekin aapne kab mujhe call kri? Mene to nhi dekha." Saying the last part Daniyal drew out his mobile from his pocket and noticed three missed calls from Ahmaq Aurat.

(Well, let me clear all your doubts and complaints. Leaving you at the home I went to bring coconut water for you I wasn't roaming around. When I came back you were sleeping so I switched off the lights and I preferred to sit outside. And I sent you here so that Badi Amma wouldn't let you do any work. And I called you but you had a high fever so Bilal received the call and told you about your situation after that I talked to mummy to ask about your health and every time you were sleeping, so we weren't able to talk. But when did you call me? I don't know.)

"Ohhh..." Daniyal smacked his forehead and turning towards the other side of the bed. "I bring these things for you. And maybe you made calls when I was in the shop but my mobile was in the car." He passed the bags to his wife and Shifa's lips trembled, her eyes filled with water.

"Aap bohot bure hain Deni." She mumbled when remember that he shouted at her and Daniyal pulled her in a hug.

(You're so bad, Deni.)

"I'm sorry." He kissed the middle of her head and she wrapped her arms around his chest. "Deni, you don't know anything so please don't bring that topic up again." She cried on his chest and Daniyal sighed.

"Okay." He accepted because he couldn't see Shifa crying but deep down those letters effected his heart deeply. "Shifa." she was crying silently hugging him tightly.

"Stop crying." He pulled her apart and rested his forehead on hers. "I don't like to see these eyes flowing tears." He moved back and kisses her eyes one by one.

"And these cheeks look beautiful when they blush, not with tear marks." Cleaning her tears her kissed her either cheeks too. Shifa sobbed and peep in his eyes. "I had been missing you," she muttered and Daniyal smiled but he didn't see in her eyes, his eyes were fixed on her lips which were still trambling. "I also missed you. And stop crying Shifa, you know what, I like your lips when you smile." And the very next moment Shifa was beyond shocked at the act of her husband. She blinked blankly while her hands and feet shivered, heart rate increased and brain tried to believe in what happened just a few moments ago. Did she really felt that soft sensation on her lips?

"Deni," A shy smile captured her lips and her eyes didn't dare to look up at him anymore. "Hmm." He waited for her response but never got it.

"Ghar chalein?" He asked in a hushed tone. Shifa slightly nodded while looking at him and found his eyes still stuck on her lips.

(Should we go back home?)

"Umm... I... I am thinking about... umm" the nervous Shifa couldn't select the topic about which she was thinking... "Umm... I was thinking a..." Before her parted lips could be joined to complete the word about, a pair of lips suddenly claim them giving her this very new feeling and experience which filled her heart and soul with another level of happiness.

<><><><>

"Daniyal tum kab aaye? Bilal ne bas abhi bataya ki tum ghar aaye huye ho." As soon as Maryam entered Shifa's room she asked this question, Daniyal was lying down in Shifa's bed while she was sitting him cutting mangoes for both of them.

(Daniyal... When did you come? Bilal just now informed me that you are home.)

"Assalamualaikum," Sitting on the bed he greeted Maryam and smiled. "Jab aap log ghr par nhi the tab."

(When you people weren't at home.)

"Deni." Shifa offered the plate which was holding mango slices and he offered that to Maryam. She shook her head and told him to consume, he poked fork in a piece before lifting it to his mouth.

"Ab to ladayi khatam ho gyi dono ki?" Maryam asked when saw them happy together and Daniyal shrugged.

(You sorted out your dispute?)

"Koi ladayi thi hi nhi mummy, is ahmaq aurat ne pta nhi kya kya soch kar khud sab kuch tay kar liya tha."

(There was no dispute, mummy. This idiot woman was creating fake scenarios in the thin air.)

Shifa glared at him "Oh really?" And he narrowed his eyes while nodding.

"Wese ek baat to hai Daniyal," Maryam sat down beside Shifa and Daniyal nodded while poking fork in the mango piece and lifting it to his mouth. "Aur wo kya hai mummy?"

(Well, I've been noticing one thing Daniyal.)

(And what's that, Mummy?)

"Bas tumhare aate hi Shifa ki tabiyat bilkul theek ho gyi, dekho chehre par ronaq aa gyi hai." Maryam told with a smile and Shifa glanced at her husband then shyly looked down. Maryam didn't know that this so called ronaq (glow) of Shifa's face wasn't just because of Daniyal's presence but because of something else.

(Shifa is fine by just seeing you. See the glow of her face.) 

"Hmm... That's why I'm thinking about taking her back, everyone at home is also missing her."

"Jesa tumhe theek lage... Chalo ab tum dono bahar aa jao, thodi deyr papa ke sath beth jao, wo kab se puchh rhe hai Daniyal kaha hai." Maryam informed and Daniyal jumped out of the bed like an excited kid.

(Do whatever you like, now go outside and sit with papa, he was asking me where Daniyal is?)

"Aapne pehle kyu nhi bataya, main to soch rha tha shayad Papa ka mood achh nahi hai isliye maine unhe disturb nhi kra." And he rushed towards the living room without bothering to see that instead of his footwear he was wearing Shifa's slippers.

(Why didn't you inform me about this before? I thought papa wasn't in a good mood so I didn't disturb him.)

"Happy now?" Maryam asked when Shifa walked After Daniyal holding the plate of mangoes. "Mumma main kehti thi na Deni achhe hain... Papa ko hi trust nhi tha aur ab dekhiye, papa se zyada shayad unhe koi aur pasand nhi karta." And Shifa walked out from the room.

(Mumma I told you na that Deni is nice... Papa had a problem with him, but now no one loves Deni more than papa.)

Maryam's happiness had no boundaries. After Shifa's marriage she stopped taking sleeping pills, now she sleeps peacefully because her deepest fear and pain was vanishing now. She never shared with anyone, even she didn't know by herself that she wasn't crying at nights just because Aatish divorced her, but there was a fear residing in her heart regarding Shifa, she didn't want her daughter to face whatever happened with her. Whenever Maryam cried because of past her tears end with only one prayer, 'Ya Allah, please do not let my daughter face these problems.' and now when she sees her daughter being loved by her husband and in-laws she feels like her prayers were answered. Now she sleeps peacefully, no nightmare haunts her.

"Aapke sasur ji kaha hain?" Asked Shifa when she stepped in the living room and found Daniyal sitting alone.

(Where is your father-in-law?)

"Billu said that papa is coming after ten minutes, he has to make a call." Daniyal informed his wife who sit beside him and offered her the mangoes.

"Umm... This one is sweeter than previous one." Daniyal commented and Shifa nodded without looking at him, she with cutting the fruit for her husband when Daniyal lifted a piece of mango to her mouth. "you too try it."

"Hmm... It's really yummy Deni." She widened her eyes happily. "I think I'll finish all the mangoes before going." Shifa giggled and Daniyal passed another big piece to her mouth.

"Me too," he chuckled while enjoying the fruit and Shifa open her mouth one more time Daniyal lifted the fork towards her mouth but instead of giving her he eat it and Shifa slightly glared at him.

"Deni aap (you)..." Before Shifa could complete her sentence Daniyal chuckled. "Bohot bure hain (are so annoying.)" He completed her sentence and Shifa looked away after huffing. Daniyal again offered her mango which she was about to eat but he again eat that making Shifa annoyed one more time. She glared at him and took a big piece of Mango from the plate without giving attention to her husband.

"Ufff... Main qurban jaaun is naraz hone pe." Daniyal was smiling at her puffed cheeks and smirked. How badly he missed this fun in those three days.

(Oh my Goodness... I'll your this offended face.)

"Shifa..."

"Baat mat kariye aap mujhse." Instead of pointing index finger she showed him the knife present in her hand and Daniyal suddenly moved an inch away from her.

(Don't talk to me.)

"Lady Don." He muttered and Shifa giggled when realised what she was doing unintentionally. "Be afraid of me." Leaning a few inches towards him she whispered while showing the knife and shifted his specs to the correct place which was slipped down to the middle of nose.

"Ahemm..." A fake cleaning of throat suddenly dried up Shifa's blood and she shifted away from her husband, Daniyal also made a distance between himself and his wife while smiling at Anwar who sat down in front of them.

"Assalamualaikum papa, kesi tabiyat hai ab? Shifa ne bataya aapki tabiyat theek nhi thi." Asked Daniyal and Anwar shook his head.

(Assalamualaikum papa, how are you now? Shifa told me that you weren't fine!)

"Tabiyat theek thi bas BP high ho gaya tha." Anwar told him and Shifa silently plated mangoes in front of him, but he shook his head and gestured towards Daniyal, "Give it to Daniyal."

(I was fine just hypertension.)

"Sab kheriyat hai na papa? Kis baat ki tension le rahe hain aap jis se aapka BP high ho gaya?" Daniyal asked seriously and Shifa realised that she didn't think about the cause of Anwar's hypertension, she also looked at her father for a reply at the same time Bilal stepped in the room with a happy smile.

(Is everything alright papa? What are stressed about which is shooting your BP?)

"Ye hai na, 5 feet 9 inch ki chalti phirti tension..." He gestured towards Bilal who rolled his eyes and Daniyal gave him a disappointed look.

(Here is the 5 feet 9 inch tall stress...)

"Galat baat hai Billu, Papa ka dhyan rakhna tumhari zimmedari hai, lekin tum to ulta kar rahe ho..."

(That's not good Billu, it's your responsibility to take care of papa but you're doing opposite.)

"Offo Daniyal Bhai, aapko kuch nhi pta, papa meri nhi Shifa aapi ki wajah se pareshan hain." Shifa suddenly looked up at Bilal then towards Anwar.

(Oh Daniyal Bhai, you don't know anything, papa is not stressed due to me but Shifa aapi.)

"What? But why?" Asked Daniyal and Anwar glared at Bilal.

"Dafa ho jaa yaha se, warna..." Anwar grit his teeth and Bilal huffed.

(Disappear from in front of my eyes otherwise...)

"Jaa raha hu, main to sirf ye kehne aaya tha ki khana lag gya hai Mummy sab ko khane ke liye bula rahi hain." And Bilal stepped out from the room.

(Going. I just come to tell you that dinner is served and mummy is summoning you all.)

"Papa aap meri wajah se kyu pareshan hain? Mene kya kara?" Shifa asked in a hushed tone and Anwar slightly glared at her.

(Papa why are you stressed because of me? What I have done?)

"Tumhare college se phone aaya tha mere paas, last semester ke chemistry practical mein tum fail ho, aur pichhle teen hafto se tum college nhi gyi, ye kya harkate hain Shifa? Parhayi hai ya kheel jab dil chala kheel liya jab dil chah beech mein chhod diya. Kuch din mein tum keh dogi ki shadi ke baad time nhi mil raha aur masters beech mein chhod dogi... Hai na? Tumhari Shadi isi shart par hui thi ki tumahari parhayi affect nhi hogi, bhulna nahi." Shifa forgot to take the next breath when Anwar scolded her in front of Daniyal before leaving the room. Shifa, who was smiling a few minutes back, suddenly felt wetness gathered in her eyes, before she could control herself to cry her eyes already dropped two drops of tears.

(I got a call from your college, you failed the chemistry practical last semester, moreover you aren't attending college for the last three weeks. What's this behaviour? Is study a game for you? Play whenever you want and leave when it becomes hard. After a few days you'll drop out because it will be difficult to manage with studies after getting married. Won't you? Keep in mind that you got married in this condition that your studies won't suffer.)

"Chalo ab chup ho jao Shifa, baba mujhe is se bhi zyada daante hain lekin main to kabhi nhi rota."

(Come on Shifa, it's okay... Baba scolds me ten times more than this. But I don't cry ever.)

"Baba kabhi pyar bhi to karte honge na!" And Daniyal hummed while pulling her in a hug. "Papa ne ek baar puchha bhi nhi ki main college kyu nhi gyi? Unhone ek baar bhi nhi puchha ki main fail kyu ho gyi, bas seedha daantna shuru kar diya."

(Baba must have loved you sometimes.)

(Papa didn't ask even once about the reason behind my not attending the school and failure! He just started to scold me.)

"Aapne to mujhe bhi nhi bataya tha ki aap practical mein fail ho gayi!  Daniyal pulled her away from himself and asked politely.

(You didn't tell me either about your failure!)

"Deni you remember once we woke up late and I missed my college?" Shifa tried to make him recall an incident and Daniyal remembered the night when he along with his parents and Shifa came back very late after attending a wedding of their relatives and the next day Shifa missed the alarm. He nodded slowly, "Yeah I remember."

"That day I missed the practical too." Shifa explained and Daniyal hummed. "Will you make up this lose?" He asked and Shifa nodded but she was sad.

"I'll but... Papa won't understand me ever." She mumbled

"Shifa, mujhe lagta hai papa kisi aur baat par pareshan hain lekin wo hume batana nhi chahte isliye unhone aesa zahir kar diya jese wo aap par gussa hain lekin asal mein wo aapse gussa nhi hain."

(Shifa, I guess papa is worried about something else which he doesn't want to share with us so he pretended like he's upset on you.)

Before they could talk about this matter Maryam called Shifa and Daniyal loudly and they walked towards the dining area.

"Were you crying Shifa?" Maryam asked when she noticed her eyes but Shifa shook her head and started having dinner so as Daniyal. Dinner was silent, No one talked about anything. After six months of relationship Daniyal was so comfortable and informal in this family p that he didn't need instructions to refill his plate nor he was hesitant to ask anything if he needed, so there was no room left for formalities.

"Papa"

"Hmm?" Anwar looked at Daniyal who was taking the last bite from his plate and he hummed in response.

"Agar ijazat ho to aapki beti ko wapas le jaun? Ammi aur Baba bohot yaad kar rahe hain." Daniyal asked for permission and added second part just to give weight to his appeal. Shifa also finished her meal quickly as she was about to stand up to pack her stuff and go back to her home but...

(May I take your daughter back along with me? Ammi and Baba are missing her a lot )

"Abhi doo teen din aur araam karne do ise yaha, tabiyat puri tarah theek ho jaye phir main khud tumhare ghar chhod aunga." And after hearing the order Shifa's face turned dull, she looked at Daniyal and slowly shook her head as if she was saying I don't want to live here. But Daniyal was helpless after Anwar's order, there was no room left for discussion.

(Let her take some rest here for more two or three days. I'll drop her to your place after she recovers completely.)

"Deni." Shifa's lips moved but voice didn't come out. "Please." She gave him a defeated and demanding look but what Daniyal could do? Nothing. Maryam noticed Daniyal and Shifa's eyes which were talking louder than words.

"Suniye, Shifa ko jaane dijiye. Shadi ke baad ladkiyon ka dil mayke mein nhi lagta, unhe apne ghar ki aadat ho jaati hai."

(Suniye, let her go. After getting married girls don't like to stay in the paternal home for long. They feel comfortable in their homes.)

"Maine aaj tak kabhi rooka hai kya? Lekin chehra dekho uska, abhi bhi bimaar lag rhi hai, waha jaate hi phir kaamo mein lag jayegi, teen chaar din mein theek ho jayegi phir rahe apni sasural mein..."

(Had I ever asked her to stay here?

But just look at her face, she's still weak and sick. She'll start household chores as soon as she goes back, so let her recover completely.)

Anwar gave an explanation which was quite true. The other day, when he went to see the sick Shifa he got to know that Badi Amma doesn't like food cooked by maids so only Shifa cooks food and not only food but she does many more household chores. Now he got to know the reason behind Shifa missing her college. He wanted to discuss about this with Daniyal but he was afraid, he didn't want to introduce a topic of dispute between Shifa ans Daniyal. But deep down Anwar was angry with Mr and Mrs Kazmi because they promised Anwar that Shifa's studies won't suffer after getting married but nothing like that was happening.

And just a few minutes ago when he scolded Shifa, he was actually telling all those things to Daniyal.

"Behtar hai papa, jesi aapki marzi." Daniyal smiled forcefully and looked at Shifa.

(Okay papa, as you wish)

"Main chalta hu, kisi cheez ki zarurat ho to call kar dena." He said and Shifa slightly nodded.

(I'm going. Call me if you need anything.)

"Daniyal, send her books... At least she'll study as long she's here." Daniyal nodded before greeting Anwar and Maryam then smacked Bilal's head "Take care of papa, got it?" And after the instruction he passed a smile towards Shifa before turning towards the door of the room.

"Go to see him off," Maryam ordered but Shifa furrowed. "He can go alone, he know the away to exit."

"It's not about knowing the way. Always go to the main door to see off him." And Shifa walked after Daniyal with long steps.

"Allah Hafiz, Take care and paas my greetings to Badi Amma, Ammi and Baba." Shifa muttered when Daniyal was about to open the door. He turned towards his wife and smiled sadly.

"I'll miss you." He muttered and Shifa felt like she conquered the world, it wasn't less than an achievement for her. "I'll too" she whispered and suddenly smacked her forehead. Daniyal was confused for a moment but then he smiled showing his teeth when noticed Shifa removing her dupatta from her neck and covering her head properly. She closed her eyes, lips moved up and down many times and then after a minute She opened her eyes to found her husband seeing her with a handsome smile while his arms wrapped on his chest. Shifa blew the Ayat al kursi on her husband, as she does every morning and evening.

"Ho gya? Ab jaau?" He whispered and Shifa blinked with choosing to use words.

(Done? May I go now?)

"Allah Hafiz" she whispered and Daniyal looked everywhere, no one was present there. His hands lifted to her face, cupping it softly and his lips pressed against her forehead giving peace to her heart. Closing her eyes she let a cold sigh out while her heart jumped with different joy. "Take care." He moved back and drew out his wallet. Drawing out a few notes from it he placed them on Shifa's palm and cured her fingers to make her fist close.

Did he told her to pay some bills and she forgot? No!

Did he told her some bank related work? No, he didn't!

Did she asked for money? No, she never ask for anything to anyone

"What?" She asked when didn't get the reason behind his giving money.

"In case you need anything for medicines or something you want to eat." He muttered and Shifa shrugged.

"I don't need it, I already have my money." Passing the notes she shook her head and putting the notes on her palm Daniyal closed her fist one more time.

"Keep your money with you, you're my wife my responsibility." Shifa's heart skipped a beat. How badly she wanted to savor this feeling since childhood. Those few notes could be just peices of paper if given to her in the form of money but here, her husband was giving them as a token of responsibility.

"Pehle to kabhi nhi diye aapne!" She muttered.

(You never gave me prior!)

"Pehle aap kabhi mujhse dur bhi to nhi rahi! Jab aap mere sath ho to main khud aapki zarur ki cheezein laa sakta hu." And Shifa realised that it was true, she never ask him for anything but he never let her crave for anything either. He fulfill her ever small wish which she shared with him.

(You never live away from me prior! I can fulfilling your need when you're with me.)

She kept watching him for next few moments and her eyes filled with tears. For the first time she felt that money isn't only a need, it could be the expression of love too. For the first time she felt that her needs are not burden on someone, she wasn't a burden but responsibility of someone.

"Kya hua? Kam hain kya? Main aur de deta lekin abhi mere paas aur cash nhi hai."

(What's wrong? Aren't they enough? I would give you some more but right now I don't have more cash!)

"Hadd se zyada hain" she muttered and somehow controlled her overwhelming emotions. Daniyal smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear before turning to go and soon he hopped in his car.

(They're more than enough)

Shifa waved her hand so as Daniyal in the response and soon his car hit the road. Shifa looked at her fist which was holding those few notes and her eyes rolled down some tears. Daniyal didn't know how great deal he had made... He bought a precious crystal heart in a few peices of paper.

Closing the door Shifa just rested her forehead on that and cried her eyes out, but silently.

"Shifa." Maryam, who just came out to see why her daughter was taking so long to come back, was shocked to see her crying.

"What happened beta? Has Daniyal scolded you again?" Maryam asked and Shifa sobbed but shook her head. "Mummy,"

"Yeah beta?"

"I never prayed to get a man like him... I don't know how and why Allah has given me Daniyal." Shifa sobbed which skipped a beat of Maryam's heart, she was worried about what Daniyal had done this time? But Shifa walked to her room with long steps. Maryam took a few moments to understand that her daughter already walked back to her room. Unable to understand anything she just felt anxious for some moment then walked after her, but found Shifa wrapping her dupatta around her head. Before she could question her regarding anything Shifa initiated her prayer. Shifa was still crying, but her face was showing a satisfactory feeling too. Few notes were placed on the left side of the prayer mat, all those things were enough to made Maryam confuse altogether!

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