Standing at the corner of the corridor Maryam was crying silently and praying for her husband's wellness. In the harsh days of life Anwar is like a pine tree for her who doesn't provide her with full shade but always stands there to support her. They never expressed their love in words but they silently know how much they love each other and how important they are for each other. The already broken lady was praying to get back her supporter because she couldn't live without him. She loves him endlessly, but silently.

"Bilal stop crying, be strong my boy." Daniyal pulled Bilal in a hug and patted his back but he was crying silently, just like a small child and Daniyal was handling him like a big brother. Everyone knows how much Bilal loves Anwar and how much Anwar loves him back, their bond was priceless and tonight when Anwar slipped down in his arms he forgot to take the next breath. The little Billu suddenly grew up, still behaving like a child who needed support from elders.

"These medicines are needed," a nurse came out from the emergency room and passed a paper towards Bilal, Daniyal grabbed it and patted Bilal on his shoulder. "Go and see Mummy. She needs you." With this statement he walked towards the exit not before glancing at his wife who was the only person not crying but she was on the edge of crying, her face was looking pale as well as shocked. Without any intention she looked towards the door from which the nurse came out and snatched the glance of Anwar. She didn't know why but suddenly felt little droplets slipping down on her cheeks. For whom was she crying? For a stepfather or her mother's husband? Or for a father who never loved her? She didn't know. But she knew one thing... The man laying on the hospital bed was an important part of her life. He was the first and only man whose attention she was trying to gain.

She could cry even more but suddenly her graze fell on Maryam who was crying silently sitting in the corner resting her head with the wall. Walking towards her she sat down beside mother.

"Don't cry mumma, papa will be fine soon." Shifa tried to console Maryam but sometimes hollow words don't work. Maryam's fear was breaking her from inside. Losing loved ones isn't easy for anyone, after losing her loving parents she was already afraid of this phase of the life.

No reply from Maryam made Shifa feel ignored but for the first time she could feel what her mother might feel when she has to make a balance between her husband and daughter. For the first time Shifa didn't feel hurt when Maryam was thinking about her husband and ignoring her. Now this girl knows the value of a husband in life.

"Mumma, how did it happen? Papa was fine till yesterday." Shifa muttered and Maryam's silent tears converted into sobs. "I don't know what he is hiding but there's something for sure. He's not telling me what's bothering him." Maryam muttered while crying and Shifa also found herself crying, she couldn't see her mother in tears, meanwhile Daniyal came back and passed Maryam a bottle of water which she didn't grab. But Daniyal forcefully gave her some water and a sandwich because she didn't have dinner.

"Mummy, I've talked to the doctor, Papa's condition is not severe. He will recover soon." Daniyal sat on the other side of Maryam and gestured to Shifa to feed her the sandwich but this girl was already thinking of something else. The son-in-law was playing the role of an eldest son, she looked at Bilal and grabbed his wrist before pulling him along at the farthest corner of the corridor.

"Bilal, tell me honestly, what's bothering papa?" Shifa asked but Bilal was silent for a moment then shrugged while looking away "How would I know? Papa is not telling us about his problem." He replied but Shifa glared at him.

"It's impossible that papa hides something from you. I know very well if something is bothering him you would find it out, and he can't resist to inform you if you ask." It was a scolding from his sister and Bilal nodded.

"There are some debts due on papa, it's getting difficult for him to pay off, and the lender is demanding money again and again." Bilal told his sister in a hushed tone. Shifa was surprised to know that, she believed that Anwar hates to take loans and believe in savings but she also knew that all his savings were gone in settling Hamdan abroad and in Bilal's education.

"But why was this loan needed?" Shifa asked and the reply took away her next breath. "For your wedding expenses." Shifa's eyes filled with tears which flew down in the form of droplets.

"Papa needed at least one year to arrange everything, but when Daniyal bhai and his parents demanded for marriage very soon papa took a loan." Bilal was explaining but Shifa's brain recalled the scene when Bilal once said that Anwar was tensed dua to Shifa, now she understood that.

How easily Anwar hides his worries behind his fake anger regarding Shifa's carelessness towards her studies. The guilt-ridden Shifa who was trying to conclude how wrong she considered her stepfather, she turned to go back when her tear filled eyes came in the contact of the pair of grey ones.

"They're shifting papa to the ward, he's better now. No need to worry." He passed the news for what he came here but he was also shocked to get informed about the reason behind this tragedy. Bilal tried to smile but couldn't, he almost ran towards the room where his father was bearing the pain and Shifa broke down in tears, "Shhh...." He pulled her in his arms and she rested her head on his chest while crying silently.

"Deni..."

"Bas Shifa... Aapko is waqt aur sab ko hausla dena hai."

(Stop crying Shifa, You have to encourage everyone at this time.)

"Lekin mene to sab ko sirf dukh diya hai Deni."

(But I've given stress to everyone.)

"You can't breakdown so easily. You're my strong girl." Pulling her away from himself he wiped her tears with his palm. But it wasn't so easy for him to say this. He himself was feeling guilty. For the first time he realised why some people consider daughters as a burden.

<><><><>

The young dew drops were enjoying the trampoline and slides of soft silky grass when the very first yet weak arrow of the sun made a little hole in the dark and thick tarpaulin of night which was covering a bright day behind it. The birds were joyful to welcome a new day so they sang some songs but even after this celebration some people's morning started with disappointment and complaints.

"Dulhan.... Dulhan." Qasr e Kazmi echoed with the early morning calls but the desired person didn't appear in front of Badi Amma.

"Dulhan..." Another call but no response.

"Badi Amma kuch chahiye aapko?" Mrs Kazmi walked in the room but badi Amma kind of huffed.

(Badi Amma, do you want something?)

"Tumhari Bahu kaha hai? Itne deyr se awaaze de rhi hu, sunayi nhi deta!"  Badi Amma scolded Mrs Kazmi and she glanced at the bedroom door of Daniyal.

(Where is your daughter-in-law? Can't she hear I'm summoning her.)

"Aapko kuch kaam hai Shifa se?" Mrs Kazmi

(Do you have some work with Shifa?)

"Dulhan se kaho dawayi to de... Aaj abhi tak soo rahe hain wo dono!" Badi Amma was looking disappointed. It was Shifa's daily routine to give medicines to Bedi Amma after Fajr namaz but today the old lady was frustrated because neither she got her medicines nor morning tea.

(Tell Dulhan to give me medicines. Are they both still sleeping?)

Though Mrs Kazmi didn't like to disturb Shifa and Daniyal, she knew the value of privacy of this couple but she couldn't do anything in front of Badi Amma.

Leaving with no other way she walked towards Shifa's bedroom and knocked the door but found no response from inside. She hit the door little harder and furrowed when found it already unlocked. "Shifa... Daniyal." Without glancing inside Mrs Kazmi called both of them a few more times but Again no response made her curious to see inside and this time she pushed the door to peep inside. The room was empty, the bathroom door was already open and cupboard door was half opened. A towel was present on the edge of the bed and the blanket was half dangling and half lying on the floor. All those things were showing clearly that the couple left in a hurry that they didn't bother to turn off the AC.

Going out of the home she saw the car space and which left no room for doubt that Daniyal and Shifa wasn't at home. Calling Shifa Mrs Kazmi waited for a response but even after four attempts she didn't get her call answered then she noticed a mobile ringing somewhere in the home, following the voice she again went to the bedroom of Shifa. This time she dialled Daniyal's number who picked the call with the very first ring.

"Ji Ammi?"

"Kaha hain aap dono?"

(Where are you both?)

<><><><><>

Mr and Mrs Kazmi were standing at a distance, Maryam was sitting beside her husband and Bilal was silently standing near his bed. Leaving Shifa's hand Daniyal walked ahead and placed his hand on Anwar's shoulder. "Hamdan." Anwar muttered with closed eyes but then opened them a little to recognise who was the owner of that hand.

"Hamdan ko aane mein kuch din lagenge," Daniyal removed hairs from Anwar's forehead and put his hand on his shoulder. Anwar again shut his eyes and said "Bilal."

(It'll take Hamdan a few days to come.)

"Yeah papa..." Bilal came forward But Anwar was sleeping by then, maybe the effect of medicines. Maryam caressed Bilal's head as he was broken since his father got a heart attack. Everyone was seeing each other without noticing the one who was crying continuously standing on the doorway. No one else but Shifa. When it becomes difficult for her to control her sobs she stepped out of the room. And this time Shifa got the attention of three of them due to the voice of opening and closing the door.

"Is she crying?" Maryam asked and Daniyal nodded. Maryam stood up from her place. Now, after seeing that Anwar was better than before her senses started working and she recognised that she had a daughter too.

"Let the patient rest, leave him alone." A nurse demanded and everyone walked out from the room where Shifa was crying sitting in the corner, Maryam was about to walk towards her but Daniyal took a long step and "Mummy..." She was stopped by the call and looked at her son-in-law, "you sit here, let me talk to her." Saying that politely he walked forward.

"Shifa." He passed his handkerchief but for the first time she didn't grab it and kept flowing tears. Maybe that's the first time when she was considering herself guilty not a victim. "Shifa." Another call, but she didn't even stop gazing at the spot where her eyes were fixed for the last few minutes.

"Papa will be fine." Daniyal muttered, "even he's better now." He added and this time Shifa looked at her husband.

"I'm the only reason behind this. I'm responsible for Papa's condition." She cried more. Daniyal sighed. "We'll talk about this matter but for now focus on Mummy. You're the only person who can take care of her, but you're becoming weak." A sob left her lips and Daniyal caressed her hair and found them still wet.

"Go home and take rest." He muttered. He knew very well that Shifa caught the cold if left her hair wet. Her health wasn't well a few days ago too, so this time he did not want her to be ill again...

"No Deni... I am not going anywhere." She shook her head but Daniyal didn't listen to anything and walked towards Mrs Kazmi who was sitting beside Maryam.

"Ammi, take Shifa and Mummy along with you."

"No Daniyal I'm not going anywhere." Maryam protests but Daniyal has a charm to make others agree with his demand.

"Please mummy, Shifa and you both need rest. I and Billu will be here with papa. Can't you trust us?" And Maryam was answerless. He saw Shifa who was controlling her tears but no benefit.  

"Shifa," Daniyal whispered while sitting beside her "ji?" She sniffled and her husband grabbed her hand, a silent gesture of love.

"Be strong and don't tell anything to anyone about..." he instructed and his wife nodded but he added further... "Take care of yourself and Mummy. Give her something to eat then let her sleep." Daniyal didn't know what he was doing with his honesty, he was bowing Shifa in front of him without any intention to do so.

"Deni aap thak jayenge...." Knowing very well that he can't compromise with his slumber and hunger she muttered but he shook his head.

(Deni, you'll be tired.)

"I won't, You go and take care." He whispered while patting the back of her palm and Shifa kept watching him for a while. At this moment she wanted to hug him tightly and cry her heart out, she wanted to tell her every suffering to him, she wanted to hear some kind words from him to calm her heart but all those things were impossible at this moment.

"Go now." Daniyal whispered and soon saw Shifa going with Mr and Mrs Kazmi. He himself sat down outside the room while remembering Shifa and Bilal's conversation.

Am I also responsible for this...

Or am I not?

<><><>

"Excuse me," two of them listened to the voice which came from behind. "Yeah?" Bilal asked and a nurse passed him a paper.

"Please complete these formalities at the reception."

Nodding his head Bilal grabbed the paper and felt like he didn't know what to do, it was regarding the payment. But after a few moments, he drew out his mobile to dial a number.

"Whom are you calling?" Daniyal asked and Bilal uttered the very first word in these three hours. "Hamdan bhai." Daniyal sighed and pulled the paper from his hand, he understood that Bilal didn't have money to pay. "You stay here. I'm coming back in a while." Saying that Daniyal moved towards the reception, Bilal unfollowed his instructions and went after him.

"Bilal, what about Papa's health insurance and all these things..."

"I don't know anything, Daniyal bhai, ye sari cheezein to Hamdan bhai dekhte the aur unke jaane ke baad Shifa aapi..."

(Hamdan bhai used to handle all these things but after his shifting abroad Shifa Aapi has been handling these things. )

"Ab pta chala papa kyu tumhe dante rehte hain?" Daniyal also scolded Bilal and his sad face turned more sad. "Chalo theek hai, main Shifa se baat karta hu, jaao papa ke paas jaa kar betho." Daniyal added while drawing out his mobile from is pocket and dialled a number which was saved as Ahmaq Aurat.

(Now you get it why papa scolds you?)

(Don't be upset. Go and sit with papa I'm calling Shifa.)

<><><>

After a few days:

Anwar was much better than before, he was shifted back to home but he still didn't share the reason behind his stress and this was another reason for stress for Maryam.

"Papa, aapke liye soup banaya hai, jaldi se ye pii lijiye." Placing the bowl of soup on the side table she glanced at the empty jug and picked it up before going out from the room . Maryam kept watching her for a few moments then slightly smiled sadly.

(Papa, soup for you. Finish it quickly.)

"Kitna pyaar krti hai Shifa aapse, sabse zyada ye hi roo rhi thi." Maryam, one more time tried to register her daughter's love in front of her husband as she was already trying to do since 25 years.

(Shifa loves you lots, she was crying most for you.)

"Papa, aapne soup ko hath bhi nhi lagaya! Thanda ho jayega." Shifa muttered politely and Anwar looked at Maryam.

(Papa, you haven't even touched the bowl of soup yet, I'll turn cold.)

"Maryam, make something else for me." He demanded in his weak voice and Shifa's little smile lost somewhere. How lovingly she made this soup for him.

"Umm... Papa... Mujhe bata dijiye aap kya khayenge? Main bana dungi." Shifa muttered downheartedly.

(Tell me what do you want to eat, I'll make it for you.)

"Nhi Maryam bana degi... Kuch bhi bana do Maryam bas soup nhi." Anwar said the first time to Shifa and the other part to Maryam who didn't waste time and walked out of the room in a hurry. Shifa took a deep breath and controlled her tears to gather in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something but again closed it while picking up the bowl of soup and turned.

(No, Maryam will make it. Maryam, make anything but not soup.)

"Papa..." Just before going back from the room she turned to see him again

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for everything. I'm grateful for whatever you've done for me." Saying that she walked towards her room while wiping her tears. Picking her mobile she dialled Daniyal's number who picked up the call very soon.

"Hello."

"Deni..."

"Ji?"

"Mujhe apne ghar wapas aana hai."

(I have to come back to my home.)

"Aap roo rhi ho?"

(Are you crying?)

"Deni aap mujhe lene aa rahe ya main khud aa jaun?" Shifa sniffled and walked towards her cupboard, drawing out her clothes she stiff them in a carry bag and collect her other belongings.

(Deni, Are you coming to pick me up or will I come myself?)

"I'm coming." She nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed while removing the mobile from her ear and disconnect the call. Today, she again realised that this house is not her home, it was her shelter for last 25 years but not a home. In order to pass the time in waiting for her husband she just took a nap and her happiness had no boundaries when her slumber was disturbed by a soft impression of his lips on her forehead. "Deni." She smiled and sat down on the bed.

"Why were you crying?" That was the first question he asked while sitting beside her. "I wanna go to my home." She demanded like a stubborn kid who wanted chocolate and Daniyal shrugged, "are you sure?" His question was valid because only Shifa demanded to stay with her parents until her father becomes fine, but within five days she wanted to go back.

"Deni." She muttered and he hummed in response. "Now I don't feel good anywhere other than your home."

"You mean, our home?" He corrected his wife who smiled and nodded, her lips moved up and down as she repeated her husband's words our home. She couldn't be more lucky. What else she needed from life? She has already got whatever she had ever wished for. 

No. There was one thing left!

Experiencing father's love!

"Deni."

"Ji?"

"I want to give some money to papa." Without meeting her gaze with her husband she muttered and Daniyal nodded but said nothing. Shifa looked up, her eyes held something different. Something between hesitation and guilt. But why? Daniyal didn't know.

"I already have some one and a half lakh rupees in the form of cash." She muttered and Daniyal nodded again, "that's great." He muttered but she stayed silent for a moment and her hesitation increased even more.

"Deni kya aap mujhe kuch raqam de sakte hain?" And the reason behind her hesitation unveiled itself.

(Deni can you give me some amount of money?)

"How much?"

"Umm... 3 Lakh." She muttered without making eye contact as she was hesitant. She had been demanding for money for the first time after getting married and Daniyal stayed silent. He didn't reply which made Shifa red faced. Why did she make demand? Why did she compromise with her self respect?

"Umm... It's okay! No problem. Leave it." She faked a smile and regret to share what she said but Daniyal didn't listen to her and dialled a number, soon the call was received by the other person and Daniyal stepped out of the room. Shifa was looking confused about the whole matter but her husband soon come back with a satisfactory face.

"Cheque, cash or money order?" He asked while sitting in front of her and she blinked twice. "What?" She muttered in disbelief

"Tell me fast... In which form do you need money?"

"Deni, Whom you have talked? And what?"

"That's none of your business, just answer me, cash or cheque?" Shifa smiled wholeheartedly and "Anything." She muttered and Daniyal furrowed then nodded. "Then I'm transferring money to your account. Fine?"

"Yeah Absolutely fine, wait... No... Transfer the money to Papa's account. Main do saal baad aapke pese return kar dungi," for a moment Daniyal glared at then narrowed her eyes. "From where will you get that money,"

(I'll return it to you after two years.)

"I've invested in share market, there is a FD... And some other long term investments too... But all of them will take time." She muttered and Daniyal smirked.

"Arey wah, meri biwi to bohot ameer hai!"

(Wow my wife is so rich.)

"Aap mera mazakh utha rhe hain?" She furrowed as she could detect sarcasm in his voice.

(Are you making my fun?)

"Of course!" He nodded. "Rakho apni investments apne paas aur ab ghar chalo, phir apne hath ki achhi si chai bana kar pila do,"

(Now come back to home and make me a good cup of tea.)

"You're behaving like you didn't miss me but the tea of my hand." She rolled her eyes but her husband wasn't interest in seeing her tantrums. "Indeed! Why would I miss you? I was missing your tea only... And cupcakes too."

Shifa huffed and stood up "Shifa."

"Ji?"

"Aap kuch kehna bhul gyi..."

(You forgot to say something...)

"Deni aap sach mein bohot bure hain." And she walked out from the room followed by her husband.

(Deni, you're truly very bad.)

"How are you papa?"

"Tum kab aaye?" Asked Anwar while placing his hands on the mattress to sit down but Daniyal gestured him to keep lying down.

(When did you come?)

"No need to sit down, just take rest."

"I'm already tired of taking rest." Anwar sat down and Daniyal passed him a cushion to place it between the headboard of the bed and his back.

"Chaliye phir uthiye, mere sath park tak chahiye, aapki boriyat bhi door ho jayegi aur thodi chehel qadmi bhi ho jayegi." Daniyal's suggestion was considerable so Maryam gave a requesting look to her husband.

(Okay, then get up. Let's go to the park. You'll feel better as well as fresh.)

"Dinner ke baad chalein?"

(After dinner?)

"Fine." Daniyal nodded and looked at Maryam who was not leaving three of them alone but Daniyal wanted to talk to Anwar in absence of this lady. "Mummy, I'll go after having dinner, and today I don't want anything heavy just Daal chawal and salad." After a rightful demand he looked at Anwar and sat down in front of him. Maryam soon leave the room and Shifa also sat down in front of her father.

"Papa,"

"Hmm?"

"What's bothering you?" Asked Daniyal and Anwar slightly shook his head. "Nothing."

"Maine ya mere ghar walo ne aapse kabhi kisi cheez ka mutalba nhi Kiya tha papa, aapse bas aapki beti mangi thi..." Daniyal's voice was not loud but clear. Anwar didn't take much time to understand that this information was passed by Bilal.

(I or my parents never asked for dowry, we only wanted you to give us your daughter.)

"Maine kab kaha ki tumne kuch manga..."

(Have I said so?)

"Phir shadi mein itna kharcha karne ki kya zarurat thi?" Daniyal questioned rightfully and Anwar sighed.

(Then what was the need to spend so much on marriage?)

"Betiyon ko khali hath sasural nhi bheeja jata." Anwar put his point but Daniyal furrowed.

(Daughters are not sent to their in-laws home empty-handed.)

"Why so?"

"What do you mean by why so? It has been happening since ever." Anwar didn't like Daniyal's question but Daniyal didn't like this answer.

"Mujhe samajh nhi aata ye rasmein hum kyu nibha rahe hain? Kya hamara mazhab jahez ko badhawa deta hai? Kya betiyon ko shadi mein itna kharcha karke rukhsat karna Islam mein jayaz hai?" Daniyal questioned and Anwar nodded.

(I can't understand why we are following these rituals? Does our religion promote dowry? Does our Islam teach us to spend so much money on our daughter's wedding?)

"Haan bilkul jayaz hai, Hamare pyare Nabi (SAW) ne bhi apni pyari beti Hazrat Fatima ko unki shadi mein kuch tohfe diye the, hum bhi betiyo ko jahez de kar wahi sunnat ada kar rhe hain." Anwar didn't get angry this time but tried to teach a lesson to his son-in-law but Daniyal shook his head.

(Yes, we can spend money on daughter's wedding. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH*) had given some gifts to his dear daughter, Hazrat Fatima, some gifts at the time of her wedding... Following this thing we also give dowry to our daughters.)

*Peace be upon him.

"Nahi Papa aap galat keh rhe hain! Hum log sunnat ada nhi kar rahe. Shayad aapne ek cheez par dhyan nhi diya, Jab Hazrat Fatima ki Shadi Hazrat Ali se huyi to unhone ek naya ghar basaya tha, ek aesa ghar jis mein chaar diwaro ke alawa aur kuch nhi tha, Hamare Nabi (SAW) ne jo tohfe diye wo sirf aur sirf aesi cheezein thi jo zindagi guzarne ke liye bohot zaruri thi, jesi ki mitti ke kuch bartan, ek chakki, aur chand kapde... Lekin aaj ke waqt mein hamare muashre ki betiyan jis ghar mein shadi karke jaati hain usmein pehle se hi har zarurat ki cheez mojud hoti hai, us ke bawajud itna kharcha karke aur cheezein dene ko hum sunnat ka naam kyu de dete hain?" As usual Daniyal explained his point very efficiently and his words hold power to make space in Anwar's mind but he sighed,

(No papa, you're wrong. Maybe you've missed a point, Hazrat Fatima and Hazrat Ali were shifted to a new home after getting married, and there was nothing in that home other than four walls. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) gave his daughter only those items which were necessary to make a home, such as a few earthenwares, a chakki and a few clothes... but nowadays, after getting married our daughters go to such homes which already have everything. Then why do we consider spending on dowry as a deed of the beloved Prophet PBUH?)

"Daniyal, meri bhi koi izzat hai... Beti ko Khali hath rukhsat kar deta to log kya kehte?" After all Anwar put the real reason in front of Daniyal.

(Daniyal, I also have some honors... What would people say if I let my daughter go empty-handed?)

"Ye hi to hamari pareshani hai, humne jahez aur aali-shan shadi ko izzat ka masla bana diya hai, asal mein to jahez hamare muashre ka lalach aur burayi hai, Aur hum ise aakhein band kar ke ek rasam ki tarah nibha rahe hain..."

(That's the problem, We have made dowry and luxurious marriage a matter of honor, In fact, dowry is the greed and evil of our society, and we are performing it blindly like a ritual.)

"Kya kar sakte hain beta? Jo hamesha se chalta chala aa rha hai use kese badlein?" Anwar shrugged but Daniyal had an answer like always.

(What can you do son? How to change what has always been going on?)

"Asal mein to hum hi zimmedar hain is jahez jesi lanat ko badhawa dene mein... Agar har ladki ka baap keh de ki wo apni beti ko jahez ke sath rukhsat nhi karega to kis laalchi ladke ki shadi ho payegi? Hame muashre ko badalna hai to sabse pehle apne ghar ko badalna hoga."

(In fact, we are the ones responsible for promoting this dowry-like curse. If the father of every girl refuses to marry his daughter along with dowry, then which greedy boy will be able to get married? If we want to change our society, we must first change our home.)

"Kash har maa baap ko tum jesa damaad mil jaye... Aur har beti ko meri beti jesi sasural mil jaye." Anwar smiled, "Maine aaj tak itne achhe log nhi dekhe."

(I wish all parents would get a son-in-law like you, and every daughter would get in-laws like my daughter got. I've never seen such good people till now.)

"Maine dekhe hain!" A voice grabbed the attention of everyone and Shifa smiled with tears after looking at the door of the room, Maryam was standing there with two more figures and one of them was holding a baby in her arms.

(I've seen)

"Maine aap logo ko dekha hai papa, aap log itne achhe hain." it was a true statement from Anwar's daughter-in-law but instead of replying he just opened his arms while his eyes fixed at the baby.

(I have seen you people papa, you all are so good.)

"Hamdan bhai." Shifa jumped out of the bed and hugged her brother meanwhile the little member of the family met his grandparents. In all these moments Maryam did not even get time to explain how indebted she was feeling. Maybe that's the first time when she felt that Anwar had done something for Shifa which might her biological father would never do. She was holding tears in her eyes, everyone was considering them as tears of joy to pick her granddaughter for the first time but no. The reality was something else.

"Areyyyyy.... Koi meri bhatiji ko mujhe dega ya nhi? Main ek looti phuppo hu." Shifa said loudly in between the commotion and everyone chuckled. Maryam slowly gave the doll like figure wrapped in pink blanket to Shifa and she smiled wholeheartedly.

(Heyyy.... Will anyone let me pick my niece up? I'm the only phuppo.)

"Mashallah. She is so cute." Shifa muttered and stepped towards Daniyal. "Deni, see... Her eyes are..." Before the sentence could be completed by Shifa a little cry echoed in the air and Shifa widen her eyes.

"Shh... My little baby." Shifa muttered while rocking the baby but she was squalling unstoppably. "Arey ladki chup bhi ho jaa... Main koi Rani phuppo jesi phuppo thodi hu." Slightly glaring at the little girl Shifa said a little louder than usual and suddenly silence embraced the environment. Everyone's breath hitched as they glanced at Shifa then at Anwar, but he ignored which eventually lighten the environment one more time.

(Hey girl just keep quiet, I'm not a Rani phuppo type phuppo.)

"She stopped crying." Daniyal was the only one who noticed the little girl, and Shifa's happiness had no boundaries. Daniyal slightly opened his arms and Shifa passed the alive doll to him. Maybe it was the first time when he picked up a small baby and he couldn't help but adore the cuteness of her.

"Hamdan." Daniyal muttered and he hummed. "Hmm?"

"Ise main apne ghar le jaa raha hu, jab tum India shift hoge tab wapas le lena... Tumhari amanat hamare paas mehfuz rahegi," Without averting his eyes from the face of baby Daniyal told Hamdan who just chuckled while pinching Shifa's cheek and she glared at him.

(I'm taking her to my home, take her back when you will shift back to India, your belonging will be safe with us.)

"Humne tumhe ek itni pyari beti de di kya itna kaafi nhi hai?" Maryam chirped happily while seeing Shifa but Daniyal shook his head.

(We've already given you our beautiful daughter. Isn't it enough?)

"Wo aapki beti hai, ise main apni beti bana ke rakhunga." Daniyal muttered and kissed the forehead of the Little doll but his beard and moustache was disliked by the little girl unlike her phuppo who loves to play with his beard and moustache.

(She's your daughter, but I'll keep her like my daughter.)

"Bachhi ko idea kuch bhi acha nahi laga." Taking his crying daughter away from Daniyal's arms Hamdan passed her to Mehwish who left the room to feed her hungry daughter.

(She didn't like this idea.)

Daniyal looked at Shifa who was now passing a glass of water to Anwar. He still didn't get over of the feeling of holding a baby in his arms. He was in disbelief, how could Aatish leave her own daughter? How could he be so heartless? How could anyone disown his little daughter just for a comfortable life?

"Hamdan... What's this?" Asked Anwar while seeing his mobile and everyone suddenly looked at him.

"What?" Hamdan asked confused. "Ye tumne bheje hain?" Anwar asked his son but Daniyal looked at Shifa as they both understood what the topic of discussion was.

(Have you sent this?)

"What are you talking about, papa?" Holding the mobile from Anwar's hand Hamdan glanced at the notification which read clearly that Anwar's account was credited with some five lakh rupees, he furrowed and shook his head.

"I haven't sent you." Hamdan muttered and clicked on the notification to get the details and he looked at Daniyal then Shifa.

"You both have sent this?" Though the answer was clear yet Hamdan asked and Daniyal shook his head. "Not me, but Shifa." He took a step back and every gaze fell on this girl.

"Shifa?" Even after sickness Anwar's voice holds the power to tremble Shifa's heart, she tried to look at her father but couldn't make eye contact. "Shifa... What's this?"

"Papa I have some savings... What would I do with this? You keep this amount." She muttered while slowly lifting her gaze.

"Tumhari shadi meri zimmedari thi, mene kar di... Ye qarz bhi meri zimmedari hai, main chuka dunga." Anwar didn't change his rude tone and this time Shifa sat down beside him, for two moments she was silent but then her eyes told everything.

(Your marriage was my responsibility and I did that. This debt is also my responsibility I'll pay it off too.)

"Papa, Main aap ke ahsaan aur qarz kabhi nhi chuka sakti... In chand rupyon se to kabhi bhi nhi! Lekin aapki pareshaniyan kam karne ki koshish to kar sakti hu na? Please mana mat kariye papa, abhi aapko zarurat hai aap le lijiye, jab mujhe zarurat hogi tab main aapse maang lungi." Shifa said everything in a hushed tone but Anwar shook his head.

(Papa I can't pay off your favours. Never! Never ever with money! But I can try to decrease your problems. Please don't refund to take this money. Right now you need it so keep it, and I'll ask for money when I need it. Okay?)

"Nhi, Main tum dono se pese nhi le sakta."

(No, I can't take money from you two.)

"Papa, count me out from this. It's not my money but your daughter's." Daniyal took a step back while lifting his hand up like surrendering.

"Please papa." Shifa muttered and Maryam also gave him a requesting look. Anwar felt defeated for the first time and he nodded. "But I'll return it to you."

"Yes. yes. why not!" Shifa muttered and Daniyal also smiled.

"Begum Sahiba aapne apne Bhai ko dekh kar ghar chalne ka irada badal to nhi liya na?" Daniyal questioned and his wife pouted.

(Wifie, don't tell me that after seeing your brother you alter your decision to come back home!)

"Khair, irada badal to deti lekin... Let's go back home, mujhe ammi ki yaad aa rahi hai."Shifa muttered the middle part and walked out of the room. Maryam was so happy to see her daughter happy. It could not be less than a dream for a girl to get such in-laws who loves her like a daughter and Shifa came out from those few lucky girls.

(Well, i could alter my decision... But let's go home, I'm missing Ammi.)

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To be continued....

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