The dinner table was full of dishes but the most chirping boy was sitting silently, Anwar glared at him and gestured for Maryam to serve for herself to ignore Bilal. He looked at everyone and in the end left the dinner. 

"Billu" Hamdan called him but before he could respond. "No need to beg him for dinner, if he wants to stay hungry then fine" Anwar's scold echoed in the home. Bilal went to his room and locked himself. All the other members waste their time in the dining area as no one likes to have dinner in that situation including Anwar. 

"Suniye, itna gussa mat kariye na, aapka BP high ho jayega" Maryam tried to handle the situation but...

(Don't be so angry, your BP will shoot) 

"Maryam, It's already high, now you don't irritate me to make my condition worse" Anwar draw out the remaining anger on Maryam and place the glass on the table with a thud. Shifa leave the dining area and Anwar glared at her as he thought she was showing her anger in defence of Bilal.

"Papa I'll talk to Bilal, at least you don't be angry" Hamdan came forward as a responsible son. 

Maryam looked at Anwar with tear-filled eyes, before leaving the dining area, but not throwing a glare at Anwar. 

Yes, she was the same Maryam who shivered with Anwar's angry gaze, back then. But Now she shows her anger too. Anwar felt guilty to become the reason for her tears, but also couldn't help himself. Maryam always becomes the prey of his anger. 

In the time being Shifa came back With the BP monitor and sat down beside Anwar. Holding his arm silently, she checked his BP and Hamdan gestured his wife to go to Maryam. 

"It's high" Shifa muttered and passed a pill to her father. 

"Papa, don't be angry" Hamdan repeat the same thing. "Come on, have food. I'm also not eating because of you" Saying that in a friendly manner Hamdan served food on the plate. Shifa also served a genius amount of food in a plate and went to Maryam who was crying silently sitting with Mehvish. 

"Offo mummy, aesa lag raha hai papa ne Aap ko pehli baar daanta hai, why are you overreacting?" Shifa tried to say something good but ended up with the most unfit phrase. 

(C'mon mummy you're not being scolded for the first time by papa) 

"Achha na bas ho gya ye rona dhona, jaldi se khana khaiye" She made a morsel but Maryam didn't have it. 

(Mummy now it's enough of crying, have food) 

"Mummy please na" Mehvish also demanded but Shifa glared at her with anger. 

"Bhabhi ye sab aapki wajah se ho raha hai"

(This is all happening because of you bhabhi)

"Mene kya Kara?" She asked with a dull face

(What I have done?) 

"Apni saas ke thode taane sun liya kariye, unka mood theek ho jayega lekin Aap to bilkul bekaar bahu hain. Ghar me saas bahu ka koi entertainment dekhne ko milta hi nhi hai" Mehvish laughed and looked at Maryam. 

(You should listen to some taunts if your mother-in-law, she will feel better to draw out her anger on you, but such a useless daughter-in-law you're! There is no entertainment in our home) 

"Mummy there are still two days in going back, I'll try my best to be an ideal Daughter-in-law, cunning and clever. Fine?" Mehvish laughed as so Shifa, Maryam glared at both of them but laughed while cleaning her tears.

"Tum dono pitogi mere haath se"

(You both get a slap from my hand)

"Chalo Ji, ye to directly achhi saas se domestic violence karne wali saas ban gayi" Shifa smack her forehead dramatically making the other two laugh.

(Oh God, she directly come to domestic violence)

Maryam and Mehvish were still laughing but Shifa went back to her room after making a fake excuse that she had to work on an assignment. But in reality, there was no assignment. Locking the door of her room she throws herself on the bed.

What will happen now? That was the only question Shifa asked. She was scared. Her poor heart was beating fast. After Anwar's behaviour with Bilal, Shifa was imagining her condition.

"What will papa do with me if got to know about my job?" She mumbled after turning her side. For many hours she was thinking about different consequences but unfortunately, every possibility was ending in a horrible point. In between the chaos she didn't realise when she slipped into the arms of slumber. 

<><><><><>

"Daniyal"

"Ji baba?"

"Beta aage kuch karne ka socha hai ya ese hi zindagi guzaarni hai?" Mr Hasan Kazmi asked after lifting the very first morsel.

(Dear, do you have sole plans or wanna live the rest of your life like this?)

"Baba mene sab soch liya" Daniyal knew how to tackle this situation.

(Yeah baba, I've planned everything)

"Allah ka karam hai aapne kuch to socha. Wese kya irada hai?" Mrs Khatija asked with a satisfactory smile.

(Thanks to Allah you think about your future. So what's the plan?)

"Soch raha hu kal purane dosto se Milne chala jaun, kisi achhe se restaurant me lunch karenge phir movie dekhenge phir dinner aur phir cheen ki neend. Good plan na?" Daniyal got a glare from his parents.

(I'm planning to meet my old friends, we'll have lunch in nice restaurants then a movie and after that dinner. The plan is good. Right?)

"Khatija kya hum ne aese bete ke liye itni duaye kari thi? Kaash Allah ne Ek aur beta diya hota, ye to bilkul hi nalayaq hai" Mr Hasan Kazmi was looking disappointed in his son. The couple had prayed for four years of marriage to get offspring, then they got Daniyal, but now he is not fulfilling his parents wish. 

(Khatija, had we prayed so much for this son? I wish Allah had given us one more son, he is absolutely useless.)

"To ek aur beta le aaiye na... Kam se kam mujhe to sukun milega" Daniyal huffed while filling the glass with water. Mrs and Mr Kazmi blinked blankly while looking at each other then their gazes shift at their thirty years old only heir, who had indirectly demanded a brother. Feeling their gazes on himself Daniyal realised the mistake he had made while choosing the correct words.

(So bring another son, at least I will be relieved)

"I... I mean to say... Adopt someone" He chewed his words while looking everywhere, but his parents.

"Only you're enough to make us worried, we can't handle one more stress" Khatija glared at him with fake anger making him chuckle.

"Thankfully, you understand my value in your life"

"Daniyal meri baat dhyan se sun lijiye, kal Mirha aa rhi hai apne parents ke sath, to kal aap kahi nhi jaa rhe." Mrs. Kazmi announced taking away the smile from Daniyal's face.

"Ammiii~ Mirha ko kyu bulaya hai aapne?" Poor Daniyal was shocked, according to him, spending time in a cow stable would be better than wasting time with Mirha.

(Ammi~ why you've called Mirha?)

"Don't overreact, abhi wo log sirf milne aa rhe hain, lekin agar aapne mujhe us ladki se jald nhi milwaya to main aapki shadi Mirha karwa dungi"

(Right now those people are only coming to meet, but if you do not introduce me to that girl soon, then I will get you married to Mirha)

"Ammi?? Are you blackmailing me?"

"No, I'm warning you." Mrs Kazmi proved that he was the mother of Daniyal, hence two steps ahead.

<><><><>

Hands were lifted up in the fresh thin air,

Eyes were dropping uncountable tears.

Remorse and grief conquer the fort of her heart,

That's how a new day of her life start.

A knock on the door failed to grab her attention as she was lost in the prayer. Someone entered in the room but she was unaware. Completely unaware.

"Shaffo" The polite call with a soft touch on the shoulder forced her to look up. "Why are you crying?" Hamdan asked kneeling beside her and Shifa shook her head before wiping the fresh tears and masking a smile on her face.

"Shifa are you alright?" Hamdan inquired while holding her chin, in the same way, he use to hold in childhood.

"Yeah Bhai, just feeling afraid of Papa's anger" Shifa muttered but Hamdan smiled. 

"You don't have to worry about him, Now smile and listen to me carefully" Hamdan wiped Shifa's tear and she nod her head. "We had handled only 50% matter, 50% is remaining yet" Shifa nodded while standing up from the prayer mat and folding that. Morning prayer is still her most favourite prayer.

Everyone was sleeping in the home except these two siblings who were planning to make everything fine.

"Bhai you go to awake that drama king, I'm making breakfast for him, he is on hunger strike since last night." Shifa placed the prayer mat in its right place while Hamdan nodded and both of them moved in the opposite direction.

Shifa's heart was not at peace but she was showing herself as normal as could. Making few sandwiches along with three cup of tea she went to Bilal's room.

"Sandwiches banaye hain, khane gain ya nakhre dikhane hain?" Shifa asked trying to show her anger but Bilal glared at Hamdan as well as Shifa.

(I've made sandwiches, wanna eat or not)

''kal raat se intezaar kar raha hu koi to ayega manane lekin meri to kisi ko fikr hi nhi hai! Sab sirf kehte hain ki mujhse bohot pyaar hai lekin ye to sort kehne ki baate hain." Bilal picked two sandwiches in either hand and attacks them like he was hungry for ages. Shifa and Hamdan blinked blankly but laughed at the dramatic act of their 23 years old little brother. 

(I have been waiting since last night that someone will come, but no one cares about me! Everyone just claims to love me but in reality, no one does.)

"Raat se bhuka hu" He mumbled while stuffing his mouth with a sandwich. He lift the cup of tea and Shifa huffed.

(I'm hungry since night)

"I'm also hungry since yesterday but I'm not overreacting." She lift half the sandwich and passed the half to Hamdan who also skipped his dinner last night.

"It's all because of papa" Bilal got a glare from his brother. "We all know why papa doesn't like Rayyan" Hamdan added and Bilal sigh.

"Bhai Rayyan is my best friend since childhood, what's wrong with this if he smokes? I don't smoke, it should be enough for papa" Bilal shrugged but this time Shifa glare at him.

"Rayyan love to do bike racing, he'll provoke you to smoke, just like he does for racing" Shifa tried to show her wise side but she shouldn't forget, ghar ki murgi daal barabar (a prophet is not honoured in his own country)

Younger brothers could consider a psycho's advice but his sister's.

"As if I'm mad to start smoking!" Bilal rolled his eyes and this time Hamdan took the sandwich from his hand.

"Enough is enough, Bilal. Do you even have any idea how much papa is worried about you? And I agree with Shifa."

"Bhai Rayyan is my best friend!" Bilal defends his friend while snatching back the sandwich from Hamdan.

"Your best friend is promoting you to do a bike race which could be dangerous for your life." Shifa put her point and Hamdan nodded, but Bilal made an angry pout

"Billu, try to understand, Papa wants your good. The wrong company could harm you in the long term. Maybe after some time, Rayyan will offer you a cigarette, just for a single puff. And that will be turned into fun for you, which is the first step towards addiction." Bilal was silent because it was already happening. He had been smoking for the last few days, just for fun and a new experience. Though he was taking only one or two puffs. However, it was the first step towards addiction as Hamdan said.

"Say sorry to papa and make everything fine" Hamdan added but Bilal showed his anger.

"He slapped me..."

"Parents never want anything bad for us, maybe their ways are wrong but not their intentions." Shifa was listening to Hamdan but her mind was recalling Daniyal. It wouldn't be wrong to say that she was kinda lost in Deni's thoughts.

" Deni ne bhi yahi kaha tha" she muttered in her lost state making Hamdan startled.

(Deni said the same thing)

"Who is Deni?" Bilal and Hamdan put up the same question at the same time making Shifa realise what the crap she had done.

"Umm... No one" She mumbles piling her face but Hamdan looked at her with a suspicious gaze.

"Shifa... Who is Deni?" That was a strict question but Shifa smiles. "Bhai Deni is a Radio Jockey. And I love to listen to his program." Shifa's reply brought a smile to Hamdan's lips as he thought it was an innocent act of his sister to listen to a radio program so deeply but deep down Shifa was feeling guilty as the list of her lies was increased one more time.

"Bhai, now to Papa and apologise. Okay?" Hamdan asked while lifting the cup of tea and Bilal huffed as usual. "Billu" Hamdan glared at him

"Achha na... At least lemme eat this peacefully. Sab ko apni hi lagi hai mere baare me to koi sochta hi nhi hai" He mumbled while finishing the second sandwich then glared at Shifa.

(Everyone is thinking about themselves, none care about me)

"Couldn't you make one more Sandwich? And why didn't you think to give me something to eat, yesterday only?" Poor shifa got scolded by her younger brother who usually behaves like an older one.

"Such a stubborn brat you're" Shifa smiled and lifted the small piece of Sandwich but before it could land on the country to her mouth, it was hijacked by Bilal.

"I'm so hungry" Shifa and Hamdan both laughed at Bilal's drama. He was not ready to grow up.

"Shifa make breakfast for everyone, and billu you go and apologise to papa" Hamdan ordered both of them to got a glare from his youngers.

"You're ordering as I'm your maid, why only do all the work? You also do something na!" Shifa complaints but she also know every holiday it's her duty to make breakfast so it wasn't any problem for her but showing her fake anger to Hamdan was her right!

"Umm... Okay. I'll take you to for a lunch and shopping." She grinned happily. "Bhai you're my best brother and he is worst one" Shifa said the last part about Bilal before stepping out from the room.

Hamdan was going next day and Shifa was again going to miss her Daan bai.

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

Steam vapours were coming up from the cup of tea, a bread was resting beside it. The newspaper was lifted in the air and he was lost in the news but soon he was disturbed by his beloved stubborn son. He snatches the newspaper from his father's hand making him shocked but previous to the reaction of the old man he lifts the cup of tea.

"I was waiting for this news and finally it's here" reading a piece of business news he muttered and sip the tea, his father was still blankly blinking.

"Umm...ughhh... Ammi chai me chini kyu nhi hai?" He put down the cup while making weird faces.

(Why it's no sugar in tea?)

"Kyuki ye aapke baba ki chai hai, aapki nhi" Khatija kazmi glared at her son then ordered a maid to bring another tea for him.

(Because it's for your baba not for you)

"Give it to me" Hasan Kazmi tried to get back the newspaper but Daniyal held it tightly.

"Baba ye kya bachho wala behaviour hai? Lemme read na!" Daniyal protests, making his parents remember his childhood.

(Baba what's this childish behaviour?)

After a long time he was smiling wholeheartedly. But the reason was unknown to his parents, even Daniyal didn't know why he was so happy after last night.

"Daniyal"

"Ji baba?"

"I don't want your rude behaviour towards Mirha. It's my warning!" Daniyal furrowed and shift his gaze to his father.

"Baba.."

"No arguments, it's final." A strict order of Hasan Kazmi and Daniyal's mood was spoiled.

"Where are you going Daniyal?" Khatija asked when Daniyal left his breakfast in between.

"To meet my friend"

"Daniyal you're not going anywhere. Stay at home" Daniyal huffed and sat back with an angry expression on his face.

<><><><><><><>

SHIFA's POV:

I set the breakfast table with the help of Mehvish bhabi and soon everyone gathered there, except Bilal.

Papa was still looking angry but not with Mumma, anymore. I passed him a toast and he looked at the empty space of Bilal. He was clearly regretting to slap his beloved son but Sometimes bitter medicine is needed for betterment.

"Has he eat something or not?" Papa asked about Bilal, but before anyone could reply a pair of arms wrapped around his neck from behind. He was Billu

"Ek baar maafi maag kar to dekhiye main maaf kar dunga" Bilal spoke softly, and Papa twisted his ear making him groan but making him sit beside himself.

(Apologize once. And see, I will forgive)

"Ab nahi jaunga Rayyan ke sath" Bilal whispered and Papa glared at him.

(I won't go with Rayyan now)

"Better for you, now have breakfast" Ordering that he shift his plate in front of Bilal who made an innocent face. Of course a fake.

"I don't wanna eat" Bilal muttered placing his hand on his cheek, like trying to remind papa about the violence of last night.

"Bilal beta tumne kal se kuch nahi khaya hai, thoda sa kha lo. Mera pyara beta" Mummy served him an egg but he innocently shook his head. Such a drama king!

(Bilal, you have not eaten anything since yesterday, eat a little.)

"Ab zyada drame mat dikhao, kha lo" that was an order from papa in his signature tone. But Bilal was Bilal!

(Don't show more drama now, eat it.)

"Aap ke thappad se itna peyt bhar gya hai ki aur kuch khane ka soch bhi nahi sakta" Bilal's voice was filled with pain, but I and Hamdan bhai shared an amazed look.

(Your slaps filled me too much that I can't even imagine to have anything else!)

"Wo 3 sandwiches, 1 cup chai aur Jo meri chocolate fridge se gayab hai uske baare me kya khayal hai janab Bilal Anwar?" Wrapping the arms on my chest I asked him and everyone looked at the most innocent boy of this world.

(So Mr Bilal Anwar, what's your opinion about those 3 sandwiches, a cup of tea and the chocolate which is missing from the fridge?)

"He has already eaten more than enough" Hamdan bhai rolled his eyes and Bilal huffed before standing up from his place with a jolt.

"You both are jealous of me! You can't tolerate if Mummy and Papa were trying to bring me around" Huffing, Bilal left the dining area making everyone chuckled.

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

Silence of the room and the peaceful smile of my lips were disturbed by the ringing mobile. After a sigh I received the call, but eyes were still fixed at the wristwatch present in the box.

"Hello"

"Shifa how did my jiju (brother-in-law) react? Did he liked the gift?" I smacked my forehead die to Afifa's dramatic question but a bell rang in my heart after hearing that word for Daniyal.

"Shut up Affi, he is not your jiju" I tried to scold her but in reality my eyes were flickering with the thoughts of Deni, there was something in his personality that was attracting me.

Maybe his wisdom and friendly nature.

"Yes, I know. He's not my jiju yet, but he'll one day. In sha Allah" unwillingly, I smiled dreamily but I couldn't show that to Afifa to provide her a way of teasing.

"Mohtarma Aapke rukhsaaro par meri dasktari achhi nahi lagegi, to behtar hoga aap chup rahe"

Oh my Allah... I was amazed at myself, I had adopted many urdu words in daily conversation, and it a clear impression of Mr. Daniyal kazmi.

"What does it mean, Shifa?" Afifa was sounding confused. I sighed with a smile and closed the box of wristwatch. "It means the impression of my hands won't look great on your cheeks" I replied. Afifa was confused how did I know those urdu words.

"Woh girl, how could you use so difficult urdu?" I just laughter, without choosing to answer. "Shifa, At least tell me his real name" Another demanded of Afifa.

"Daniyal kazmi"

"Oh God, his name is so charming, I could imagine his personality" I am sure, Afifa was literally jumping in excitement and I hangup the call.

"Silly"

But who was more silly? I or Afifa?

I was smiling like fools! But my luck... My smile was short lived because soon the doorbell rang and Rani Phuppo entered the home along with Musa uncle and their beloved bandar (monkey), I meant to say their beloved son. They were here to meet Hamdan bhai as he was going back tomorrow.

I smack my forehead when being instructed by papa to give them some water. what else could I do? I hate Rani Phuppo and her son, but these damn rigid etiquette!

Sometimes I feel like out parents are teaching us hypocrisy. No matter how do we feel towards other person we have to mask a smile while meeting them.

"Assalamualaikum uncle." I entered the room with a smile on my face. A genuine smile, because it was Musa uncle.

"You're greeting only your uncle. Can't you see me?" My smile dropped after Rani phuppo's taunt.

Mumma's forbearance was certainly high as she had tolerated Rani Phuppo as well as her mother's taunt all round of clock.

"I'm sorry. Assalamualaikum" With a whispering reply I passed the glasses of water three of them and turned to go back but...

"Where are you going beta (dear)? Sit with me" I was alarmed. She was the same Rani Phuppo who could kill me with her bare hands but here her behaviour was pretty indigestible.

"Shifa beta, how your studies are going on?" Musa uncle asked when I took seat beside Rani Phuppo, on her exclusive demand.

"It's going well, but I have a lot of assignments to complete. May I go?" I tried to get out from that awkward situation but Rani Phuppo smiled and shook her head.

"What are your businesses nowadays, other than college assignments?" I was unable to answer this simple question because Rani Phuppo was taking interest in me. Something is definitely fishy.

I think fishy is a small word, I should use whale-y.

"You already know Rani, she gives tuitions after college. Just it" Papa replied on my behalf and Rani phuppo nodded with a smile. Which beat my heart loudly.

This is the second time when she used 'beta' for me, with the same smile which she had shown while delivering the news of Faraz's marriage.

"Shifa, mummy is calling you in the kitchen to help her with lunch," Mehwish bhabi entered the room with this message and refreshments for the guests.

My heart was running marathon when I entered the kitchen. "Yeah mummy," I tried to say loudly but only a dead whisper came out from my mouth.

"Come here" placing down the knife from her hand, she opened an arm, and I hugged her tightly. I still need mumma's embrace whenever I feel uncomfortable.

"What Rani Baji was asking?" I didn't reply, just keep hugging her and her hands caresses my head softly. I don't know how, but Mummy always understands my condition, and her hands always do a magic.

"Shifa what's wrong?"

"Mumma I'm afraid" I muttered and she break the hug then kissed my forehead. "Don't worry about anything. Get ready, you've to go with Hamdan and Mehwish. Right?" I nodded but kissed her cheek in reply. Only her hug is enough to make me feel much better.

"Firstly tell me what help you need?" I looked towards the kitchen counter to get any work waiting for me.

"There is no work for you, I understand you're uncomfortable to sit with Rani Baji." My mummy knows me very well.

"Mummy, please do something about this Shariq too." I requested, Capital punishment would be better than marrying that idiot.

"Shifa beta Don't worry, I know My daughter deserves a prince who not only looks good but carries a gold heart too. The one who could hold you at the time of need and befriends you instead of ordering you like a master. And I am sure, Shariq is not that one." Mumma smiled and my mind imagines a character according to her description, surprisingly it took the appearance of Deni, making my heart skip a beat.

Astagfirullah. What the hell I'm thinking.

"I'm going to get ready" I turned to go to my room, but a stubborn smile made its way to my lips.

Wearing black jeans with a rosy shade long kurta, I muffles a black scarf around my neck and tired the hair in a high ponytail.

"Shifaaa, come fast. We're waiting for you" Hamdan bhai called me and I hurriedly applied a fine line of kohl in the waterline of my Dark brown eyes, and pink lip balm.

"Coming bhai" taking my black sling bag and mobile I rushed out. But my slime died when witnessed Shariq standing with Hamdan bhai, ready to join us for shopping and lunch.

"Shariq bhai is also coming with us" Bilal informed me so happily like some VIP is going to join us. I could not decide whether to go or stay - I was in a fix. I didn't want to go when he was going along but I got two holidays after a long time and I didn't want to waste that sitting at home, specifically not when Rani phuppo was at home.

So I decided to go and ignore that idiot.

<><><><>

Lots of shopping

A small pani puri race, in which only I won!

Again shopping and more shopping...

What else one needs to make a day enjoyable? At least I don't need anything else.

Umm... No, actually I need a good lunch too, for what we're sitting in a restaurant. The ambience was peaceful and I hope food would also be good. With this hope, I lift the menu card.

Hamdan bhai and Bhabi were laughing due to silly joke of Bilal but that idiot no one else but Shariq was making frustrated faces, he had problem due to my presence.

Ignoring him I focused on the menu card but a voice distracted me.

"Mehvish, how are you?" I unwillingly looked up to get a glance of that girl but my heart stopped to beat when my eyes met with the one standing beside her.

The grey orbs covered with square specs!

None else, but Deni!

He was looking shocked as so I was. Trying to avoid eye contact with him I looked away. My heart was only asking single wish at that point. May Deni ignore me as if he doesn't knows me.

I noticed Mehvish Bhabi talking to that girl but my mind was kinda absent, I couldn't listen what they were talking and Boom...

"Hamdan, Shifa... Meet her, she is Mirha. My old friend" Mehvish Bhabi introduced that girl and I glanced at Deni, he was looking equally shocked as me.

This drama didn't end here. Hamdan bhai showed a great amount of hospitality and offered both of them of join us for lunch. But why? Who was saying him to be so friendly? My hand and legs were shaking with fear. What will happen if Defi reveal that he already knows me? To help my dry through, I took a small sip of water.

"Thanks but some other day. I have some work to do." Thankfully Deni denied. I guess he understood my nervousness.

"Daniyal, don't lie. You don't have any work! I already know!"

Who is this girl?

Deni's sister? But he told me that he is a single child of his parents. Then??

His cousin? Hmm... Maybe.

But she was over-friendly to Deni. Still, none of my business!

"Mirha" Deni slightly glared at her. "Daniyal" she geared him back and "we're joining them, otherwise I'm calling Aunty" She kinda blackmail Deni and he passed an awkward smile to Hamdan bhai. I wanted to smack my forehead. It was so uncomfortable for me to have lunch with my family in presence of Deni. But...

My life and its unexpected twists and turns.

Mirha introduced Deni as close friend and an informal introduction was held among us! "Nice to meet you Hamdan and Bilal" Deni said formally while glancing at me. I understand why he was smiling? 

"And nice to meet you, Miss Shifa" I suddenly looked at him and looked away. He was holding the same teasing smile which make me nervous.

Soon Hamdan bhai and Deni started enjoying each others company. With each passing minute my throat was drying up, as so was the blood of my body.

"What's your profession Daniyal?" My breath hitched when Hamdan Bhai asked it.

"I'm a freelancer" Giving me an assuring look Deni answered Hamdan bhai. I don't know how he understands me without even communicating.

"He is a Radio Jockey too. Haven't you listen to RJ Deni?" Mirha asked excitedly. Hamdan bhai and Bilal looked at me with wide eyes then towards Deni.

"Are you the RJ Deni?" Bilal asked and Deni looked at me then nodded with a smile.

"Woooh... Meet your big fan. My sister is a big fan of yours." I close my eyes for a while.

"Bilal please... Shut up" I squeezed his hand under the table, but he didn't stop here.

"Deni says this, Deni says that... Deni Deni... Deni... She listen to your program every day" Bilal was over-speaking. Deni raised his brow at me.

"I didn't know someone takes me so seriously" He was clearly teasing me and I was unable to do anything. With my shivering hands I lift the glass of water and instead of drinking water I spilled it. 

"Carefully" I looked up to the person who was commanding me. This was Deni. I ignored him like I didn't even listen. I hope he didn't feel bad for that.

"She can't do anything carefully" I wanted to slap Bilal for his reply. How could he say that nonsense to Deni?

"Bilal, shut up" Gritting my teeth I glared at him.

"Dimaag to pehle bhi nahi tha, ab kya aakhe bhi kiraye par de di?" I was shocked to heard it from Shariq. Deni looked at both of us.

(You're already brainless, but Have you given your eyes on rent now?)

"I know you don't have manners to talk, but at least show some etiquette in front of others." I tried to glare at him. He was insulting me in front of Deni, my blood was already boiling

"Huh? Tameez se baat kru? Wo bhi tum se? shakal dekhi hai apni?"

(What? Talk to you respectfully? Really? Have you see you face in mirror ever?)

"Har roz dekhti hu" I thought I have given a fast as well as befitting reply but no!

(I see my face everyday )

"Dar nhi lagta?" Now I was answerless. Deni was noticing everything and I didn't want to be humiliated, at least in front of Deni.

(Don't you feel scared?)

"Shariq, it's more than enough! Now you have to change your attitude towards Shifa" Hamdan bhai kinda scold him but he rolled his eyes.

"Don't worry Hamdan, Shifa will change Shariq after marriage" Mehvish bhabi was trying to tease me but in reality she was making my situation awkward. Deni looked at me then Shariq with unbelievable expressions.

"Bhabi please" I muttered but no benefits. Everything was already converted into a mess. We had have our lunch silently. I wanted to cry out due to my insult but Shariq was smirking. He was enjoying my condition.

"Shaffo, is there any problem?" Maybe Hamdan Bhai understand me, that's why he asked but before I could reply

"She is a problem in herself!" It's not new for Shariq to insult me but he could at least think about Deni's presence.

"Bhai I... I'm going back home. You all enjoy your meal" Trying to wear a smile I stood up.

"Sit down Shifa. We all are going back home after lunch" Hamdan bhai glared at Shariq and I obeyed his order.

Thankfully, without any further drama the lunch was done, We all walked out from the restaurant which was only a few meters away from car parking Area. Bilal, me and Shariq were following Hamdan bhai, Mehvish bhabi and Mirha, Deni was somewhere behind us, I didn't feel comfortable to see where he exactly was. My hands were already painting due to ample number of bags.

"Billu hold them" I demanded and he took all of them without wasting a single second. Miracle. Pure Miracle!

But...

"Shariq bhai, Shadi ke baad Shifa Aapi ke bags aap ko hi thane hai, abhi se practice kar lijiye" Bilal passed all the bags to Shariq who held them and I glared at Bilal, and he run towards Hamdan bhai after giving me a mischievous look.

(Shariq bhai, after marriage you have to lift Shifa aapi's bags, so start practising from now only.)

"Lifting your bags... My foot!” Shariq stopped walking and lift my bags a bit high in the air before leaving them to fall on the road. I was numb for a while.

Was that really happened or I was mistaking to understand?

But with an evil smirk on the Face Shariq stepped ahead, leaving me and my bags on the road.

I don't know why papa wanted to marry me off with a person who couldn't even hoist the burden of my bags.

Gulping my emotions I stated lifting my bags and my eyes pooled up when I find the glass showpiece broken! I bought that for mumms as her birthday was after a few days.

"Are you okay?" Picking my bags from the road Deni asked and I nodded with a big grin on my face.

"Thanks" Taking the bags from his hand I muttered, first time ever he was continuously seeing me, without even blinking. But there was something in is eyes which made my heart flutter.

"Allah Hafiz" Leaving him at the same place I stepped ahead after wiping my tears. I wanted to go to home as soon as possible because my tears were not helping me.  

Drive to the back of home was silent, I didn't say any word.

"How was your shopping" Mummy asked but I can't answer her, I simply ingnore and shit the my room.

I wanted to share everything with my diary, so I open my bag while wiping my tears and boom...

'Where is my diary?" My diary was missing from my bag!

Did Afifa took with herself?

But I remember she didn't take that...

Where is my Diary?

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