I stepped out of the car only to be welcomed by the sweltering heat of summer. My eyes involuntarily closed trying to adjust to the sudden onslaught of heat and light. The air was dry today and the sky barren, allowing the sun to bask in the glory. A lone drop of sweat trickled down my back, leaving a trail of temporary coolness in its wake.

I was visiting the Malik Haveli, or as some people often called it the Laal Mahal, after almost eighteen months yet the place seemed untouched. Named after it's characteristic colour, this red sandstone palatial Haveli has been our family home for well over a century. Heavily inspired by the opulent Mughal architecture, the impressive stature, despite its age and history, stands erect in all its splendor. Sprawled over hundreds of acres, the Haveli always had enough space to house all its residents and their secrets. This was our safe haven.

'Shanzae baji, app pohanch gai. Kitni din se apka intezar kar rahi hoon,' Huda smiled handing me a cold lemonade. My skin glistened under the heat as I lifted the ice cold drink to my mouth. This felt like heaven.

[Shanzae, you're here. I've been waiting for you.]

A gracious smile graced my face as I turned to hand the glass back to Huda. 'Thank you, Huda. God knows I needed that drink. How are you?' Huda was my personal help since I was a young girl. She was a few years older than me, but we were quick to form a bond. I'm glad to have a friend and confidant in her.

'I'm good. Choti Begum Sahiba wait for you,' Huda beamed proudly at her broken English. I had always found Huda to be a keen and inquisitive person, but it wasn't until I started schooling her that I found out how truly intelligent she was. She was a quick learner and I was a proud teacher. Teaching Huda filled me with an unknown joy, perhaps because it was the one time I could use my privilege to put some good into the society.

I returned her a proud smile, 'Where is mother? And what is on today's schedule?'

'Choti Begum Sahiba Layla baji ke saath shaam ki dawat ke liye tayar ho rahi hain. Lunch app apni family ke saath kareingi. You should hurry, it's almost time for lunch.'

I glanced at my wristwatch, I had fifteen minutes before the family sat down for lunch. It was finally time to announce my arrival. The walk to my room was a silent, expect for the occasional greetings and nods from the passing servants. The residential wing of the Haveli was usually quiet and rather private. No one apart from family, domestic staff and occasionally very close guests were allowed to enter the premise.

*****

Darting my eyes around the large recently renovated dining hall, I sent a silent prayer thankful that the rest of the family hadn't walked in yet. The last thing I wanted after a hectic day was a lecture on punctuality. My stomach rumbled and I squirmed in my seat, looking at all my favourite dishes lining the dinner table.

Shortly, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed off the hallway announcing the arrival of my family. The door groaned open and my parents walked in followed closely by Layla, my younger sister. Their lips lifted upwards into unexpected smiles when they saw me waiting for them. All the unease, that had been gnawing my insides, died faster than the wisps of smokes that dissipated after a candle is blown out. Genuine happiness radiated off their faces and an unexpected warmth rushed through me. Despite my presumption of the contrary, they seemed delighted to welcome their rebellious and opinionated daughter back home.

'Shanzae, it's so good to finally have you back. How we've missed you this past year.' Mother remarked giving me a quick hug before taking her seat and I turned to greet my father and Layla.

'I have missed you all as well, but it's good to be back,' I smiled, easing back into the chair waiting for the butlers to start serving the food. Bizarrely, my parents seemed rather relaxed today, a stark contrast to their otherwise edgy personalities.

Lunch was a fairly pleasant affair. The conversation flowed easily, while the servers moved wordlessly keeping the platters and glasses full. Much to everyone's delight, Zayan joined us a little later. Family lunches, especially joyful ones, were a rare occurrence in our family. We were finally getting somewhere as a family and I couldn't complain.

'Did Huda inform you about tonight?' Mother asked, distracting me from Zayan and father's discussion regarding the upcoming board meeting.

'She briefly mentioned a dinner. Are we hosting someone important?'

'It's.. it's for the party members. The upcoming days are important, it's crucial everyone is on the same page. Have you decided what you'll wear?' I didn't miss the sudden change in her tone.

'Hmm,' I nodded, unsure where this conversation was headed.

'I'm sure you haven't given it a thought. I have picked some outfits for you, I'll have them sent over. You can thank me later.' Laila came to my rescue.

Layla, Queen Bee of the Pakistani socialites, possessing the Brahmin attitudes of a true aristocrat, is everything people dislike about the blueblood distilled into a 100-pound doe-eyed beauty. Layla often frequented the high profile gatherings along with mother and is a favourite of all fashion magazines of the country. Though naturally beautiful, mother has considerably contributed towards her glamourous style- combining vintage and modern looks to earn her the the reputation of the ultimate fashion icon.

'I appreciate your thoughtfulness.'

Despite a difference of only two years, Layla and I have never been incredibly close. She was the perfect daughter; compliant, fashionable and unquestioning. While I, much to my parents disappointment, never missed an opportunity to question the status-quo or fight for what I believe in, though I rarely ever won.

Mother smiled graciously at Layla, 'I'm sure Layla must have picked the best for you. I want all the eyes on you tonight, Shanzae.'

I chuckled humourlessly, 'You know I hate such events.'

'You were a child then.' Mother remarked dismissively. 'By the way, Chaudhry Sahab's family will be in attendance as well. Make sure they are well entertained.'

My heart skipped a beat at the mention. Yaar was coming tonight. Excitement rushed through my veins.

'Of course. You have nothing to worry about.'

'You reckon they'd extend support in the upcoming elections? Last I had a discussion with Zaroon, he seemed quite unsure.' Zayan joined in on our conversation.

'Bhai Sahab seems convinced an agreement can be reached. They weren't keen initially, but their recent scandals seem to have turned the tables. Trust Bhai Sahab to capitalise upon it,' father sneered. I was quick to notice father pass a comforting smile to mother.

'Rumour has it, Shehryar is contesting from a constituency in Karachi. I thought the guy wasn't interested in politics.'

My heart sank at Zayan's announcement.

'I'm sure he understands his family needs him. His brother has been bearing the brunt for a while now. It was about time the boy took responsibility. Family comes first. Always.' Mother added in.

I knew where this conversation was going, however no one spoke. Our mother has always been quick to remind us of our roles in the family and our responsibility to put the family paramount. Our personal desires and interests were inconsequential if they conflicted with the family's beliefs and ideology.

Like Zayan and Layla, it would do me well to accept the harsh reality of my existence. Everyone was a pawn in this game.

The silence lingered in the air, think and heavy. Thankfully the hurried footsteps and squeak of the door broke the monotony of the silence that had cocooned the room.

'Sir. Ma'am. Bare Sahab has requested you both to meet him in his study right away,' Dada Jaan's manager announced.

My father gave him a curt nod and stood up to leave.

'We will see you at dinner.' Mother announced, following father's suit.

A never ending void consumed me. I felt empty.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Guess who is making an appearance in the next chapter. The story will pick up from here.
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