"Shifaaaaaaaaaa... Sun na.."

(listen)

"kya hai Affo?" I groaned because she was irritating me.

(What Affo)

"Tell me naa... How does RJ Deni look?" She shook my arm and I huffed, this girl can't understand me ever.

"Okay... So listen. His eyes are small and round just like a parrot and he has a small bulb nose, a pair of big dark blackish lips... Moreover, he is dark brown, short and so fat just like a football... And his hair... He is half bald so You can understand na... How does he look?" I explained Daniyal sir's look and I'm sure if Daniyal sir would listen to that explanation, rather he would die with shock or would kill me. Afifa's face was sightable, after a gasp she gulped and slowly nodded while shifting backwards and I started writing the script for the next recording, for good ten minutes she was silent and I was in peace but...

Does Miss Afifa have a silent mode in her brain?

NOT AT ALL...

"But Shifa he was sounding handsome..." She muttered with an innocent pout, which was fake... I fake cried and hit my head with my diary.

"Kill me Afifa. Just kill me... Yaar how can anyone sounds handsome?" I asked with irritation and she pouts "My 6th sense is saying that you and RJ Deni have some connection... Kismat connection" She said so seriously like she was an astrologer and reading my future through some magic power, but she said the Kismat connection in a complete filmy style while placing her hand on her heart and I glare her. Though since childhood I know she does not feel afraid of me, every time I give a try to my destiny with a hope that she will keep her mouth shut to get a new failure.

"Oh hello, kismat connection ki amma... Keep your mouth shut... After listening only to his voice your so-called pea-sized brain connects us? How? Ye divye Shakti aapko kaha se mile mate?" Joining my hand in front of her I asked as a satire and she made an angry pout

(How did you get this power)

" Abhi mazakh Uda le... Lekin meri predictions sach ho jaati hain"

(Okay, make my fun now but my predictions turn true)

"oh really?" I asked like a satire and she nodded with a stretched smile. "Then tell me will I get a promotion this year or not?" I raised my brow and she jerks her head

"My sense works in important matters like love and marriage, not in these useless matters" I slapped her arm and stood up. "Buy me a coffee," I demanded further to get her annoyed expressions

"Wow, that's great. Your Followers are increasing, but you want a treat front my side... Don't worry I'll take revenge for this" I jerked my head on her dramatic style and she followed me "Shifa Yaar at least jiju ka asli naam to Bata de." She demanded after hanging on to my shoulders from the backside and I was shocked to listen to that.

(Shifa dude at least tell me the real name of my would-be brother-in-law)

Jiju? Really? She already fixed my marriage with Daniyal Sir without even knowing anything.

"Pagal hai kya?" I shouted enough loudly that few students standing here and there suddenly looked at me.

(Are you mad?)

"Shifaaaaaa.... Tell me something about my would-be jiju (Brother-in-law)... Pleaseeeeeeeeee"

"Affo stop calling him jiju..." I glared at her again and this time she nodded. But demanded to know something about RJ Deni. I knew she wouldn't stop asking until she gets her answer.

"So listen, He is very supportive, and I have to admit he is not as cheap as Kabeer," I muttered, this time I wasn't lying. In two weeks of working together I understand this much about Daniyal sir. Afifa blinked twice. "Are you alright?" Checking my temperature by touching my forehead with the Back of her fingers she asked. Over-dramatically shocked.

I just ignored that crazy girl and started to step towards the metro station. "Shifaaaaaaa...."

"Kya haiii?" I felt irrigation with her continued questions

(What's your matter?)

"I can't believe you have praised RJ Deni... Now I can see a small ray of hope" She was over the moon as if RJ Deni had proposed me and I accepted.

Astagfirullah... What the hell even I am thinking!?

"Shifa..." I listen to her voice before stepping up to the stairs of the metro station. "Yeah?" I questioned

"Say my hello to RJ Deni... Wait wait wait... I forgot to ask an important question"

Someone please kill me or take away this girl... Her first sentence was full of mischievousness and the other half was full of curiosity. And I knew she won't leave me until I will answer her upcoming question.

"RJ deni is a Muslim... Right? Yaar I just forget to ask this... How stupid I'm! And one more thing Do you know his caste... But I don't think Maryam aunty or uncle will have any problem with the caste... Am I right?" I was only able to blink my eyes and saw her blankly.

"Tu pagal ho gayi hai kya?" I huffed, she was literally planning to fix my match with Sir Daniyal... I wanna smack my head against the wall.

(Are you mad?)

'' Okay just tell me, is he a Muslim guy?"

"yes" I was still staring at her with a sharp gaze. But as usual, no effect.

"That's good! So don't give my hello, but say my Salam to RJ Deni. And tell him that I'm his fan... And also tell him that I wanna meet him... And say h..." I just ignored her while stepping ahead.

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"Hello sir" I mumbled without looking up, my eyes were fixed on the script but I felt that Daniyal sir entered in so I greeted him.

"Waalaikumas Salam" he took his seat beside me, this time I looked at him, confused.

"But I didn't do Salam" I tried to make him remember that I said hello; he smiled and nodded. "I know... But you should" removing his specs he glanced at me then clean his glasses while mumbling the same and again wear those square glasses. I was a bit shocked for a few moments, but a smile crawled to my lips after releasing that he was demanding for Salam.

"Assalamualaikum" I greeted him in Islamic form and he smiled. "Waalaikumas Salam, that's like a good girl" Wearing back his glasses he said playfully, I couldn't help but smile. He is something different...

"Sir this is today's script, as per your advice I have put some couplets in between" I passed my diary and he hummed before giving that a quick read.

"You're improving yourself. I'm impressed with your hardwork" Returning the diary he praised me, and I was feeling so happy right then.

"How was your day in college?" I blinked twice. Did I already told him about my college? I guess I didn't!

"Am I sounding difficult?" He raised his brow and I shook my head.

"It was good." I mumbled with a hesitant smile "But how do you know about my college?" Finally I questioned, but meekly.

"I'm smart enough to conclude. Or Ain't?" Raising his brow he questioned playfully

Really? He just praised himself? Or am I dreaming?

This man is.... Ughh... Weird... But his company is enjoyable

"What happened?" He asked and I shook my head while trying my best not to smile on his playful manner of talking.

"Aapke biradar-e-mohotaram ke mijaaz kese hain?"

"Ji?" I wanted to pull my hair out! What did he just asked? What language was he using? Is this Persian? Does he know Persian? Wow! I was stunned for a moment or two.

"I am just asking how is your brother?" He shrugged as if I was overreacting on that question.

"Ye kis language me puchha tha aapne?" I asked; amazed.

(What was that language?)

"Urdu!"

"Main bhi urdu me baat karti hu, lekin ye words to kabhi nahi sune." I asserted and he smiled while humming.

(I also talk in urdu, but never have listened these words)

"Mohtarma aap urdu me kalam karne ke liye jin Alfaazo aur ashaaron ka intekhaab karti hain wo mere nazdeek urdu nahi hai, Goya urdu aur hindi ki Aulad e Narina hai"

Someone please pass me a hard Rock, either I will burst his head, or mine for sure. What he was talking about? Was he reading any kind of alien's language?

I just wanted to ask "Ye kya bole jaa rahe hain Aap?" and I already voiced my mind

(what are you saying?)

"I'm saying that, jise aap urdu kehti hain asal me wo urdu nahi hai, wo to hindi aur urdu ki Aulad e Narina I mean... An stupid son urdu and hindi. Aap urdu ka ek comfortable version use kar rahi hain apni guftagu ke liye.. I mean for conversation"

(I'm saying that what's you're using in your conversation is not urdu, it's an stupid offspring of hindi and urdu. You're using a comfortable version of urdu)

"Aap mujhe mere comfortable version of urdu ke Saath hi comfortable rehne dijiye... Ye alien wali urdu kyu bol rahe hain?" I was confused what should I say, but I was smiling too; nervously. And he chuckled.

(Let me use my comfortable version of urdu, why are you bringing your alien version of urdu in between)

"Alien version of urdu? Really? Aapko andaza bhi hai agar aap ki ye baat Mir aur Iqbal sun lenge to unhe kitna gussa ayega?"

(Do you even know Mir and Iqbal would be mad at you if they listened this)

Now who are Mir and Iqbal? As far as I know, Iqbal is our plumber but why would he be mad at me? And Mir... Who is he? This man is stupid or am I stupid to listening his useless mess?

"Aur Faraz... Faraz ka dil ek aur baar tut jata" He rolled his eyes, but my heart skipped many beats in one moment only.

(And Faraz would have a heartbreak, again)

"How do you know about Faraz?" I unthought out, but I was serious. How it was possible that he knew Faraz as well as about his heartbreak? I'm not that stupid to narrate him the story of my first unsuccessful love.

My body was running out of blood.

"Umm... Who Faraz? About whom are you talking?" He asked narrowing his eyes. This time he was trying to sound serious.

"Sir, please. I'm not joking or something. How do you know Faraz?" I asked strictly.

"Shifa I think there is a misunderstanding. I don't know Any Faraz in person. AHMAD FARAZ is a great poet of urdu, I'm talking about him only." He shrugged and I took a very long breath before letting it out then looked away.

Faraz was my deepest secret, no one know about him besides me, Afifa and Faraz himself and I couldn't afford to reveal it. Only the thought of revelation of this secret made my heart beat uneven.

"Shifa, you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm" I nodded with a fake smile.  Are Mir and Iqbal also urdu poets?

"By the way, Mir and Iqbal are also Urdu poets." He chuckled. Was he reading my mind? Or I utter that loudly?

"Chaliye isi baat par Faraz ka ek kaam sunata hu,

Ab ke hum bichhde toh shayad kabhi khwabon mein milein,

Jis tarah sookhe hue phool kitaabon main milein..."

(Let me tell you a couplet of Faraz

Maybe we'll found you in dreams after separation,

Just like we found dry Roses in books.)

" That's great... " I smiled, it was a genius one.

"Aap jesi to nahi lekin thodi urdu to mujhe bhi aati hai" I chirped. And he raised his brows in admiration

(Not as yours, but I also know little bit of urdu)

"May I present a couplet? Of course not mine" I smiled with my all my energy and he hummed.

"Irshad" he slightly raised his hand with this word and suddenly his face became pale. "Shifa now please don't ask me who is Irshad?" I couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't worry, I know already about Irshad uncle" I chirped playfully, and he also chuckled. But in reality I actually know that when grant someone permission to deliver a couple, we say irshad

"Hmm... So, what was the couplet?" He asked and I remember the main reason behind discussing Irshad uncle. Lol

"Na jaane kab se mujhe intezaar hai us ka,

Jo keh gya tha mera intezaar mat karna"

(Don't know for how long I'm waiting for the one,

Who told me not to wait for her before leaving)

And The expected appreciation was missing! His face, which was showing a big grin just a sec ago, suddenly converted into a desert like place where no happiness can be found.

"I don't know the writer's name" I mumbled nervously. Have I said something wrong? I listened this couplet somewhere and memories that with no good intention.

"Sir" I utter in no voice and he looked at me. "Hmm?"

"Have I said something wrong?" I asked and he shook his head "It was great and the Poet is Javed Akhtar" backing to his charming smile he replied with full energy.

Wait a sec... What did I said? Charming smile? Hell! Astasfirullah, I don't know what have I noticed in his smile?

"Now it's my turn..." Daniyal sir was going to deliver another couplet when..

"RJs... Are you ready?" I looked up at towards the lady sitting on the other side of glass wall, our recording time was started.

"Ya Allah.. I haven't even rehearse the script" I panicked. I was too indulge in this urdu discussion that completely forgot about recording.

"What will happen now?" I pulled the diary towards me and tried to give a quick read but.

"Shifa, Daniyal sir... Are you ready?" again the same call

"Don't worry Shifa, we both will handle it together." I looked at the smiling face of Daniyal sir and somehow his satisfactory face convinced me.

"Yeah we both are ready!" He replied on my behalf too while showing thumbs-up.

"With the countdown of three" The lady on the other side announced and I nodded nervously.

"Shifa it's not your first recording, be confident." I Looked at the cheering figure and tried to nod but couldn't.

"I'm going to held intro" He said very quickly and at the same time.

"1" the countdown was already over.

"Hello gorgeous ladies and gentlemen, it RJ Deni host of your favorite program Shades of Life and your fellow for next one hour. Oh I forget..." my breath hitched when he said he forget... I regret not to rehearse the script. But he continued.

"What you have forgot?" I blithered on cutting his sentence in between without realizing that I was in recording and couldn't get any retake, for a sec he looked at me with wide eyes but then he made my fun with his eyes only.

What was that? In only two seconds he conveyed two feelings only with his eyes, without using a single word.

"I forget that I have RJ khushi sitting beside me, today I wanna lay hold of this program but unfortunately my co-host won't lemme do so. Such a cruel lady you're, RJ Khushi" I was blinking cluelessly, was he actually, intentionally saying all those things or just babbling? I glanced at the diary, script was far away from what he was saying.

"Come on Khushi, Say hello to our listeners like a good girl" I blinked but take a deep breath.

"Hello everyone, this is RJ khushi and y..."

"Enough RJ Khishi.. Today I'm not going to let you capture the whole show..." He cut me in off and I was smiling like fool. What this man is doing?

"Before this program we both were discussing about urdu poetry and khushi Narrated a beautiful couplet. Can you please repeat it for our listeners?" He demanded and I looked at the script. He close my diary and glide his hand in air slowly with calm expression on his face.

He was successful in telling me to go with flow, we don't need script today.

"So the writer of this couplet is Javed Akhtar and the couplet is...."

Then I didn't stop just followed his small gestural orders and I was amazed because this is the first time when I wasn't feeling like working, but I was enjoying.

We both end up with a smile and Deni sir delivered another urdu couplet.

Removing his headset he slimmed at me. "Sir, you'd scared me today" I said with wide eyes while removing my headset.

"Please... Call me Daniyal. Sir sounds so formal"

"Daniyal... Sorry I can't. You're elder than me. I can't call you by name." I shrugged, packing my bag, he sighed. I stepped out from the recording room followed by him. Everyone praised today's program, even David sir too.

"Daniyal you're doing job, Shifa will improve even more in your assistance" David sir compliment Daniyal sir before turning back towards his cabin but stopped by a call of Daniyal sir.

"David..."

"Yeah" he turned

"Yaar main bore ho rha hu, kuch plan kar na" I looked at Daniyal Sir, he was so frank with the boss.

(Dude I'm bore, do plan something)

"I'm already planning, but for now get lost" David Sir winked at Daniyal sir before entering in his cabin. They both were extremely unprofessional.

I felt strange but moved towards the reception to sign attendance register, before I could drew out my pen a black metallic fountain pen magically appeared in front of my eyes. I held that but still was amazed on his behavior with David Sir, the most aggressive and rude person.

I was signing in front of my name when my mobile started ringing.

"I was wondering why your mumma haven't call yet" Daniyal Sir laughed lightly and I was again amazed.

He noticed? Even he noticed that I call her mumma

"Hello"

"Yeah mumma, just half an hour." I replied as usual. And mumma told me that Hamdan bhai and Bhabhi are waiting for me.

"Mummy Say Hamdan bhai to take me and bhabhi for ice-cream, I'm coming" I chirped before cutting the call. It's like a party for me since when Hamdan bhai returned. He takes me and Bhabhi for dinner and shopping.

"Sisters are way too demanding" Daniyal sir rolled his eyes and I shrugged. Really? Is he trying to hold a debate?

"Much less than wives" I raised my brow while giving back pen and he too sign the register. He chuckled on my answer but didn't reply and we both stepped out the office together.

"I enjoyed my time today" while taking steps towards parking space, I said. Daniyal Sir was also walking along.

"Till yesterday I was hosting the program in your style but this is my style." unlocking his car he replied proudly.

"Allah Hafiz" I bid a goodbye, when he just hopped in his black sparkling Verna, one of my dream car.

In'sha Allah I'll buy one with my own money.

"Arey Shifa.."

"Yeah sir"

"I was going to tell you a couplet, before the recording" I nodded and he smiled.

"So listen"

"Irshad uncle" I laughed as so he did.

"Nazar ne nazar ko nazar bhar ke dekha,

Nazar ko nazar ki nazar lag gyi."

"What? Is this a couplet or a riddle? What does it mean?" I asked with wide eyes, He chuckled and drove off after saying "That's your homework. Find out the meaning by yourself. Allah Hafiz."

For whole journey to home I was only thinking about this couplet.

"Where is Hamdan bhai?" I asked hurriedly when I entered in the home.

"Wooh.. What happened?" Bilal asked.

"Where is Hamdan bhai?"

"In his bedroom" I run to his room after listening the answer. "Hamdan bhai," I entered in the room, he was sitting with Bhabhi holding a smile in his face and her hand in his hand.

"Nazar ne nazar ko nazar bhar ke dekha,

Nazar ko nazar ki nazar lag gyi."

What does it mean?" I asked. And he blinked for two moments as so my bhabhi was doing.

" What?" They both asked in unison. Hamdan bhai had interest in urdu so I asked him. I repeated the couplet and this time he smiled looking towards bhabhi.

"Nazar ne nazar ko nazar bhar ke dekha,

Nazar ko nazar ki nazar lag gyi." Hamdan bhai whispered looking in his wife's eyes and stood up. He left the room after lightly hitting bhabhi's nose tip with first finger and left the room with a smile on his face, I looked at Bhabhi, she was blushing.

"What does it mean?" I asked with wide eyes but no one of them told me the meaning.

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