"Emily, are you alright?" Priya placed her hand on Emily's shoulder with a question in response she shook her head and Priya close her eyes for a moment.

"Again?"

"Yeah." Emily pressed her lips together and nodded before continuing "Priya I... I can't tolerate it anymore. I feel disgusting when he touches me. He intentionally touches me every time. I am his secretory not his slut." Emily muttered blinking her eyes a few times to gulp the tears present in her eyes

"I'm sorry for you, harassment at the workplace is becoming common." Priya muttered with a sad expression.

"He's doing this after my divorce, It's like you become a public property and..." Emily again blinked away her tears and left the sentence.

"It's not easy to be a divorcee," Priya commented and both ladies sighed as they were facing different situations because of the same reason.

"Neither I could resign nor could work in this situation..." She muttered

"Hopefully everything will be better," Priya assured Emily but she shrugged and asked, "How come?"

"Don't you remember, new HR is joining from today only, maybe she could help you out in this matter?" Priya reminds Emily and she nodded with a hopeful expression.

"What's her name? I just forgot!" Emily questioned; trying to remember the name of the new HR

"Adeena. Adeena Shahid"

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

SHIFA's POV:

"Mumma I'm going." Stepping out of the room I announced without looking at anyone.

"Shifa, have breakfast." I just shook my head while stepping ahead.

"Shifa." it was Papa's call so I had to approach the dining area.

"Ji papa?"

"Have breakfast."

Did I have any other way? It was an order for me. I silently took my seat picked a toast and stared munching on it. I was trying to get an idea and... Yes...

Oh yes...

I know what could I do!!

"Pick a sandwich and come along, I'll drop you to college" papa ordered me and I nodded without looking at him.

"Shifa I don't take stress beta, I'll talk to your papa tonight." Mummy whispered in my ear when I was about to take a step out from the home. "Please do it soon." Mumbling that I left the home.

------------

I didn't exchange a single word with papa, he was silent as so was I. "No need to take lift from others, I'll come to pick you or send Bilal." Papa stop the car in front of my college and I forgot to take breath.

"I will manage, no need to come to pick me" mumblinh that I stepped out from the car. I couldn't afford to let him pick me. I felt his gaze at me, not normal gaze but a sharp one but I pretend that I didn't notice while walking in.

"Shifa I was waiting for you."

"So what's new in this?" I asked while stepping towards library and Miss Afifa followed me like a tag.

"What's wrong now?" She asked and I narrated my long story in short and in the end...

"Ohhhh... How cute... Mr Daniyal Kazmi aka RJ Deni was consoling my best friend!!”

Ya Allah!! This girl and her dramatic acts!!

" yaha meri jaan nikal rahi hai aur mujhe ye saari baato mein maza aa rha hai?"

(Here I'm dying and you're enjoying my situation?)

"Ab is jaan ko sambhal kar rakh, koi aa gya hai Jo is ki fikr krega." This time she wasn't teasing me but saying very seriously. There was something in her voice that gave me goosebumps.

(Take care of yourself, now someone is here to keep a check on you.)

Deni and me?

Is this possible?

"Affo please, I don't want to think about Deni in that way." Pushing away that topic I entered the library and search for a book which I got easily. Thankfully something is proven easy in my life. "Why? Now, what's wrong with Daniyal? And What's this book about?" Looking at afifa I sigh. The process of forgetting Faraz was devastating for me, now I couldn't handle another heartbreak. And above all, I know I don't deserve Deni. One shouldn't dream too high and I know my limits."

"At least you can pray to get him." I stared at Afifa for a long moment before smiling bitterly.

"Ab himmat nhi hai..."

"What?"

"Nothing" mumbling that I started reading what I wanted. Afifa was saying me to pray for gettingDeni but she didn't know what I was hiding in my heart. After hundreds of unanswered prayers of getting Faraz, I had decided not to pray for a particular person. I left everything on my face; that's my biggest fear. I'm afraid, what will happen if my destiny will be like her?

"What are you reading?" Afifa asked and I focused on the pages of that old book while informing about my idea to be represented in front of David Sir.

"Please talk to Deni too..." She placed her hand on my hand and I glared at her. "Affi Can't you change this topic?" I asked with frustration.

"No I can't and won't" She sat down beside me and I glare at her, but I shouldn't forget that she was no one else but Afifa. She won't be afraid of my glare till the last breath of my life.

"Yaar, I don't have time to walk on you." This time I was pretty rude, her facial expressions changed.

"Why are you shouting Shifa?"

I again glared at her. Why everyone is ready to order me and control my emotions.

"You know what Afifa, I guess I've been giving you more than enough rights over myself. Stop controlling my life and decisions. You're a friend stay within your limits, I don't need an extra parent in college." I burst on her before stepping out from the library.

I am already done with everyone.

I left the book in the library so I took the help of my mobile to read a PDF of Sheeri and Farhad's story. I was preparing myself to express my idea in front of David Sir. Yesterday I was feeling scared when he was scolding the other staff members. It's difficult for me to stay in front of him. After papa David sir was the only man who makes my breath hitched with his aggressive voice. I wish I won't get scolded, but due to self-doubt, I couldn't say anything.

Lifting my eyes I found Afifa going towards the classroom, she glared at me and I repeated her act. Enough of my tolerance, from now onwards, I won't listen to anyone. Stubborn and ill-mannered people are better than polite ones. No one orders them.

===========

"Are you ready with your idea?" My breath was hitched after listening to that question which was thrown towards me from David Sir. Gulping my saliva, I nodded.

"Start narration. But in brief. I don't have much time" I again nodded and open my diary to read the notes I had made a few hours ago while bunking my lectures. "Sir I wanna make people remember about Sheeri and Farhad." His brows furrowed naming me nervous.

"You mean the Sheeri and Farhad?" He asked completely focusing on me and I nodded before I could start telling him about my idea his mobile started ringing, he left the room and I looked towards Deni who was sitting on another chair with a laptop on his lap.

"Girl, what are you up to?" He asked and quickly shift beside me. Without my permission, he took my diary and started reading.

"Seriously Shifa? Are you going to narrate Sheeri and Farhad's story on your radio program?" I nodded seriously just to hear his loud sigh.

"Who is interested in them? We all know what happened with them. Think wisely and tell me will you like to listen a story whose end is already in front of you?"

He was correct as usual! Why I didn't think about it?

"Don't you have any other idea which shows the real love but not so common?" I think for a moment then shook my head.

"Time hi kaha hai kuch sochne ka? Meri life me kabhi kuch normal nhi ho sakta." I huffed. He just grinned like I was telling him a joke.

(Am unable to think anything due to lack of time, why my life is so difficult?)

"Shifa stop it. And tell me what's wrong?" Maybe he understood my frustration, but I didn't tell him anything.

"Kisi se ladai karke aayi ho kya?"

(Argue with someone?)

How does he know?

"Your face is telling clearly."

Now how did he understand what I was thinking? It's not normal... Does he know any kind of trick to read my mind?

Before I could come out from one shocked state another shock captured me when I heard "So, Shifa... What's your plan?"

"Umm... Sir... I was..." I didn't have words to describe what I was up to.

"Why are you taking so long to explain? I don't have much time! How do you want to explain Sheeri and Farhad?" This time David sir was looking angry.

Ya Allah, please help me...

"Calm down David. Shifa has already shared her idea with me. It's good but needs a bit of alteration. Give her some time." Deni answered on my behalf, but he lied to save me.

"That's the problem Daniyal, we're running out of time. I need this to be done tomorrow only. We'll be able to appoint new staff only when the older one will be dismissed." My breath was hitched. Why does life play games with me? Why?

"David I'll handle Shifa's project on my own. Don't worry! Just trust me and her."

"Daniyal time kam hai aur kaam bohot zyada" this time David sir was looking defeated in front of Deni.

(Daniyal time is short and work is too much)

"Her idea is great... Don't rush, you'll miss an important part."

David sir Sighs and nods while rolling his eyes. "over to you man! Do whatever you wanna do, I just need a positive result."

"Come with me Shifa." Deni gestures me towards the exit and I nodded.

"Thanks, Deni. I'll try to think of something else."

"Stop being nervous, you already have an amazing idea." He tried to assure me. My brain was blank, I didn't want to lose my job and I knew if I would not able to present the idea I'll be fired the very next day. David sir was already in his devilish form because of decreasing performance.

"Can you stay for more half an hour, so that we could discuss this?" Deni asked and I nodded but my mobile started ringing. It was Papa's call to ask me where I'm and how long would it take me to come back?

"Papa I have some extra work, it'll take some time maybe one hour," I said in almost a whisper.

"Weather is not fine, it's going to rain. Also, Rani and Musa are coming, so come soon," Papa ordered me and I looked at Deni.

"Okay Papa," I mumbled before hanging up.

My eyes filled with tears and my heart with grief. I understand it's going to be my last month on this radio station.

" I... I've to go." I fake a smile while gulping my tears.

"It's okay. I'll drop you." He passed a sad smile like giving me sympathy.

''No, I'll manage."

"In this weather? You don't even have an umbrella!" I nodded and he passed me a water bottle which I didn't take, just shook my head. I hopped in his car trying to show myself normal but couldn't. This time I was not worried for my job but for my life. I guess Musa uncle was coming to fix my engagement date with his son.

"Shifa, tell me why are you crying so much?" that question made me realise that I was actually crying! I did not know when my eyes started dropping tears.

"I'm not." I mumbled and smiled, Deni stop the car on the right side of the road and passed his handkerchief to me.

"Pareshani baatne se kam ho jaati hai"

(Problems reduce by sharing.)

"Har pareshani agar baatne se kam ho jaati to shayad duniya me koi preshani hi nhi rehti," I replied and wiped my tears with his handkerchief.

(If every problem was reduced by sharing, then perhaps there would be no problem in the world.)

"Aap kuch bataogi to pta chalega na ye masla hal ho sakta hai ya nhi? Duniya me konsa Aesa masla hai jiska hal nhi hai?"

(If you tell me something, I will only know whether this issue can be resolved or not? What is the issue in the world that has no solution?)

I don't know how and when did I become so weak that I needed his sympathy but that's true his kind words were giving me strength.

"My life is a problem with no solution!"

"Shifa... Yesterday ammi was saying that you're such a happy soul and now you're behaving like a cry baby."

"Deni you can't understand what I'm feeling." I wipe my tears with his hankey

"Tell me." I looked up. His eyes were holding softness and I gave up one more time.

"They're fixing my engagement with Shariq," I mumbled and his face showed an expression that was lying somewhere in between sadness and sympathy.

"You hate him and his mother. Aren't you?" He asked and I shrugged.

"I'm not sure if I hate them or not but I don't want to get married to a person who doesn't respect me! Papa is saying that no one is perfect, Shariq will start believing better after getting married but papa is not thinking about me, Deni. Shariq always insults me, have you remember his behaviour in restaurant?" I asked and he hummed. "how could I survive in a relationship where I won't get the required respect?"

"Why a girl is supposed to adjust on the name of marriage?"

"I'm sorry... I... I don't know why I'm telling you all these things? I'm sorry."

"Aur bhi kuch kehna chahti ho?" I looked up, his voice was soft.

(wanna say something else too?)

"No."

I felt embarrassed! I don't know why I always unthought out in front of Deni. What would he think about me?

"Say whatever you're hiding in your heart. You'll feel better and light." Passing a bottle of water he said in almost no voice and I looked at him.

'You deserve a life partner who'll hold you at the time of need, but treats you like a friend...' Mummy's words rang in my ears. Deni is very close to that imaginary person, he is so perfect.

"Stop crying!" He said politely and I wiped my tears and nodded. "Water?" I grab the bottle and took a big sip.

"Feeling better or still want to draw out some anger?"

"Better!" I muttered and he smiled while pointing out towards my cheek, I wiped the teardrop and he resumed driving.

"Wese roti hui bohot buri lagti ho aap." I suddenly found that teasing tone that startled me.

(By the way, you look horrible while crying)

"Deni?" I tried to show him my anger but he glared at me back with the same expression "Shifa..."

"Aap bohot bure hain... You're making me fun?"

(You're so annoying)

"Could I do so?" He acted innocent, but I smiled at his act. There is something in him that always change my mood.

"Now, if you're done with water work, Could we discuss Miss Sheeri and Late Farhad?" I took a deep breath and nodded.

"So Shifa, you should recreate Sheeri and Farhad's story." I was confused by his advice, earlier he told me that my Idea was a flop and now he is advising me to do the same. "Deni, what do you exactly want to say will you elaborate it?" I inquire to gain a nod from him.

"Sheeri and Farhad were true lovers, but this cruel world didn't let them together."

"Hmm..." I nodded but what's new in this? I already know the same. "What do you wanna say?" I asked.

"Recreate this story. Find out Sheeri and Farhad in this era then narrate the story"

"How?" I asked and he sighed.

"Think of a couple who love each other but cruel people didn't let them together!!" He stressed and I think for two minutes.

"Deni I'm unable to think... Even you're making me confused" I wanted to smack my forehead, he was not advising me but puzzling me.

"Kitni ahmaq ho aap? Itni deer se indirectly bata raha hu aapko baat samajh kyu nhi aati?" He was kinda frustrated

(You're such a... Ahmaq. Can't you understand what I'm trying to say?)

"Ye Ahmak kya hota hai?" I asked with the same fruition. Why does he use his alien version of Urdu in front of me?

(What's this Ahmak?)

"Shifffaaaaaa... It's not Ahmak it's Ahmaq... 'Q' Ahmaq... From the epiglottis."

"Okay. Ahmak... Ughh Ahmaq... What does it mean?" I asked and he huffed.

"It means fool. You're an idiot."

"Why am I a fool?"

"Can't you understand my hint? Shifa is Sheeri of this Era and Faraz is Farhad of this Era, this cruel world didn't let both of you get married." I was numb. He was talking about me and Faraz!! How does is get to know about us?? Who told him? Does he know Faraz personally?? As far as I know, I'm not such a fool to tell him about my and Faraz's unsuccessful love story.

"How... I never... I mean..." I was out of words.

"Shifa your home is only a few steps away from here, I guess you should go now." I unbuckled the seat belt and held my bag.

"Deni," I look at him "Do you know Faraz?"

"No, I don't know him but..."

"What?" I asked.

"When you forget your diary in radio station I read that..." I was numb. My heart was sinking down. Faraz and my story was my top secret which was revealed in front of Deni. Before I could understand something a loud thunderclap made the sky glow up.

"I'm sorry Shifa... I didn't..." Deni was saying something in his defense but I didn't listen and jumped out from the car. He shouldn't read my personal stuff.

"Shifa at least listen..."

"Shifa..." I look behind, he was looking at me from the car window. My eyes were filled with tears which I wiped with the handkerchief present in my hand.

What will happen if Deni will tell this to anyone else?

Who else has read this diary?

Why did I wrote Diary? I was in the middle of chaos.

My hands and legs were shaking. As soon as I rang the doorbell, sky started pouring water. "Shifa." mumma took a relief breath after seeing me but I was still scared. "What happened Shifa?" Mummy asked and I shook my head, my eyes again filled with tears which I again wiped with the handkerchief.

"Shifa beta tell me what's wrong?"

"Why Rani phuppo and Musa uncle are coming?" I asked and mumma embraced me. "They are not coming for now. Don't cry, I've talk to your papa about this matter." mumma whispered while caressing my back and I break the hug in a hurry.

"Papa maan gye?" mumbling that I wiped away my tears

"Not yet, but he'll..." She muttered in almost no voice. I couldn't feel almost no possibility of success.

"No, He will not! He never care about me and my happiness, I'm not his daughter na..." I was crying but stopped in between when mumma held my hand.

"Whose handkerchief is this?"

I was shocked again. It was Daniyal's. ''M.. Mine." Saying that I rush to my room but mumma also knew I don't use men's hanky.

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

Ek baar Khud se Juda ho kar tujhe paya tha,

Is baar Tujhse Juda ho kar khud ko paa na sake.

_Naaz Jamal

(26.01.2022)

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