March 19th, 2017

"Wealth and children are the adornments of the life of this world. But the permanent righteous deeds are better in your Lord's Sight (to attain) rewards, and better in respect of hope."

(Quran 18:46)

Chapter 19:

One word; A Hundred Meanings

Parking the car two houses away from Mariam's, Shamaaz turned off the ignition and looked at his girlfriend, his eyes smiling in memory of the wonderful evening they had spent together.

"I've missed this," she smiled, and turned to look at him as he took her hand in his.

"Me too," he affirmed, squeezing her hand.

The past month had been extremely tough for him, and although he had foreshadowed it, there was little to prepare. It was the end of semester, and thankfully his attendance was finally sufficient to help him clear all his back logs.

However, in between both his papers, he was travelling in and out of the city for his scheduled cricket matches.

Their team had sailed to the finals but couldn't win the deciding game. Although slightly dejected, he was still delighted that they could manage to be the runners up and to top it all, he was awarded the man of the match.

Now that he was back in the city after an important match that could shape his career and his final paper was also done, spending time with Mariam had been a pleasant change.

"I got you something," he said, intruding the silence while retrieving a tiny box from the dashboard.

"Yeah?" Mariam's eyes lit up, waiting impatiently for him to reveal the contents.

Opening the box, he showed her the promise ring he had got her.

A single diamond encrusted on a gold band. A simple ring, but it had cost him all the money he earned in the recent match.

"Only one diamond?" Mariam echoed in displeasure, her smile faltering.

This is not what Shamaaz had expected. For the first time in life, he had purchased something for someone. To his own surprise, he had even been very serious of this relationship.

Then again, commitment had never been a joke for him. Among all his flaws, this was probably something that he could be given credit for.

Seeing his expression and not in mood for his tantrums, Mariam put on a fake smile and extended her hand.

"I know this means a lot to you."

"I know I'm a struggling cricketer now and don't have much to offer. And that's why this is a promise ring. A promise that we will reach a day where you can introduce me to your dad without qualms. But Mariam, having said that, it's ok if you don't like it, we can get something else," he said, turning away.

"Hey Shamaaz, I love it. Come on, I'm waiting."

Not willing to spoil the atmosphere but making a mental note that he'll definitely have to discuss this at length later, he held her extended hand and slipped the ring.

"It's looks better now," he said, marvelling the ring on her slim manicured finger while smiling brightly.

"Thank you," Mariam chirped, and leaning in, she kissed his cheek.

"You can do better, you know," Shamaaz hinted.

It was probably time to take the next step in their relationship.

Taking her silence as approval, his hand encircled her neck, his heart hammering in his chest as both inched towards each other.

His eyes closed on their own accord, and just as he made the final move, Mariam hurriedly pulled back, the movement jerking him out of the temporary haze.

Even before he could say her name, she was out of the car, hurrying towards the large gates of her bungalow, leaving a frazzled Shamaaz behind.

What was that?

***

In life, one had their share of cute moments. But this one, where Sulaiman lay on the couch, napping, while holding Snowy close to him was the cutest moment of Anabya's life.

The cat and him, lying down looked about the same length and the way Snowy had her arm around him, her face an inch away from her nephew's was probably going to melt her heart into a puddle.

That was happiness in one picture, for a cat and baby lover.

"When did this happen?" Aamina grinned, coming into the hall. "I sent him from the bedroom and he comes and sleeps on the couch."

"What a delight to the eyes these two are," Anabya mused and dropping her bag on the ground, she slumped on the couch.

"How was your exam?" Her mother enquired coming into the room while Anabya loosened her hijab, placing the pins on the centre table in front.

"It was alright, alhamdulilah," she mumbled. "I'm just glad they're over."

"Now that you're free, I wanted to tell you something," her mother started, and it was the look that Aamina casted her way that perked her curiosity.

"What's it, Ma?" She questioned.

"You know I had gone to our kitty party last week, and there I met Mrs. Imtiaz. During our conversation, she said she was looking for a suitable wife for her son and someone told her about you. She hinted that she'd like to meet you and then see how things flow."

With raised eyebrows, Anabya looked at her mother with her answer written all over her face.

"I don't want to get married so soon," she verbalised for emphasis.

"You're going to turn 22 next month, how is it early?"

"I've just finished with one semester in college. I have three more to go. And I'm certain I want to finish my education before getting married, I don't think I'll be able to focus on both at the same time."

"Well actually, Mrs. Imtiaz did mention that they wouldn't want their daughter in law studying after marriage."

This came as a bigger surprise than the proposal itself.

While she was clear of her answer, she still asked the question that came to mind, "So if we assume that I'm getting married to her son, will they wait for a year and a half for me to finish my education or ask me to quit my studies?"

"They wouldn't wait that long," her mother answered.

"I'm not marrying him, Mom," she stated. "I'm anyway not interested in marriage, and trading my studies for it is a big no."

"When girls get good proposals, they don't reject them for such reasons," her mother warned.

"I don't want to get married just yet, Ma, please," she answered. "I want to finish my education, get a job, become independent. Marriage is far from my goals."

Nikhat stared at her daughter in surprise. From when did her goals change so drastically?

"Everything has an age, Anabya. After that term is over, things get difficult."

"Two years, mom," she asked desperately. "Please, give me two years and after that, I won't refuse any of your suggestions."

"From when did you become this repulsive about marriage? I remember the times I had to scold you to bring you out of the dreamy world you built in your head with those YouTube boys. And now, you're blatantly refusing proposals of marriage. You can pursue your studies and work even after marriage if you get a family that does not protest to it."

Since she couldn't find the right words to reply, she requested, "Please Ma, we'll talk about this in detail after my studies. Right now, I don't want to think about it."

Sighing at the antics of her daughter, Nikhat shook her head and said, "We'll see."

As she strolled in the kitchen, Anabya finally met Aamina's inquisitive stare.

"Why are you so repulsed by the idea of marriage?" Her Bhabhi repeated her mother's question.

"I don't know," Bee replied truthfully, more at ease to have this conversation with her than her mother. "I don't know when I became like this but it's just that I feel married life is too complicated. I know there are many happy couples, but there are so many others who are unhappy in marriage, tolerating their partner only because they fear the divorce tag. Alhamdulilah, right now, I'm content in my life. I have nothing to complain about and I'm surrounded by lovely people who understand me. As for marriage, it'll change all this. Life's better this way," Anabya shrugged.

"Your perspective is full of flaws, Bee," Aamina pointed out gently. "You categorising married couples into happy and sad is your biggest mistake. It doesn't work like that. Because all couples face both these emotions. It takes a great amount of patience and understanding to actually reach that level in a relationship where you both are able to balance in a way that happy moments surpass the sad ones. It takes time to get there, but it is possible."

"But Bhabhi how do you find out who's the right guy for you? Because until you start living with them, you won't know his character. Besides, there are so many guys that are perfect sons and brothers, but turn out to be pathetic husbands."

"You're thinking too much," Aamina lightly smacked her arm. "Make dua for the best, Allah will send in a compatible husband. Your mum will not get you married to anybody, she'll look for the best. Besides, you have your brother who'll make sure that you'll be given in safe hands. Don't worry, Bee," Aamina assured her.

Having this conversation, however, both of them remained unaware of the future.

When winds of desperation would blind her sight, decisions made would end up in regret.

It's not as easy as it seems.

***

It had been three days since their date and Shamaaz had ceased calling Mariam. He had tried to reach her desperately the first day, using every social media account he had but when she had blatantly ignored him, he had stopped trying.

He had a big ego, and he wasn't willing to plead her if she intended to hurt it.

However, despite his thoughts, on the third day he tried once again.

Mariam what's wrong? Answer the phone for God's sake. - Shamaaz

As his phone buzzed with a reply, not believing his eyes, he read the words of doom.

We need to talk. - Mariam

I figured out that much. Where and when? - Shamaaz

Meet me at SKC. Today at 4. - Mariam

Not bothering to reply since the girl had annoyed him enough, he placed the phone on the nightstand and walked in the bathroom for a quick shower.

For the first time since he was in the relationship did he really regret it. He always knew girlfriends were a nuisance, with their varied mood swings and unrealistic standards, they were up to no good. He should never have accepted her proposal. He must have rejected girls like he always did.

Girls as friends were such lovely people.

But girlfriends were absolute monsters.

While he was absolutely annoyed by her antics, once out of the shower, he decided whatever it was, he'd solve it with her today. He hated all the drama, and although he didn't know what had caused her to behave like this, he hoped she was sensible enough to talk it out.

One of the biggest reasons he liked her was because she was extremely supportive of him. When the heat of the matches were getting to his head, she'd be there to calm him down. With her knowledge of cricket, she'd relate to his conversations and be on the same page with him.

Had it been another girl, Shamaaz wouldn't have tolerated such behaviour.

But for her, he was willing to take things patiently.

As he grabbed his bike keys and was about to pocket his phone, he was interrupted by the incoming phone call.

His brows furrowed in curiosity when he looked at the screen to realize it was his coach. After their recent match, they were on a week's break but if he was still calling, it meant it was an urgent issue at hand.

"Hey Coach," Shamaaz greeted, "What's up."

"Congratulations, son!" He heard his voice boom from the other end.

Son? Well, he must have been really happy.

But what was the good news?

"I just got a call from Mr. Verma. After your recent match, he wants to meet you and if things go well, guess what?"

"I have a chance to play this IPL?" Shamaaz asked, not believing his ears.

He was a part of the series two years back as the twelfth player, but being a reserve player who was called in only if a batsman was injured hadn't helped him much. And as for last year, he wasn't selected because of his leg fracture. Now that the coach sparked the hope in his heart to be part of one of the largest 20-20 innings of the country this year, he felt adrenaline pumping through his veins, desperately hoping to get in.

"Yeah?" He questioned. "When does he want to meet me?

"Evening at 6 p.m."

"Done. I'll be waiting."

"All the best. I'm certain you'll manage to impress him."

A confident smile tugged at his lips as he replied, "I will, Coach, I will."

This was his golden chance. It was either now or never.

When he met Mariam in the cafe an hour later, he couldn't wait to break the news to her. However, he waited for them to settle the problem that arose out of the blue before sharing his thoughts.

"Hey Mariam, what's wrong?" He asked softly, initiating conversation when she had remained silent from the time she had come in.

"Shamaaz, I come from a very rich family. My dad owns hotels over the world and my lifestyle isn't easy to afford. Being the only daughter among us five siblings, it goes without saying that my dad would never settle for less. And I'm afraid, you don't fit into our standards."

Whatever that Shamaaz had thought, it definitely wasn't this.

He knew Mariam came from the elite class, the luxurious kind whose expenses surpassed his savings at the moment. Had he wanted, he could easily rely on his dad's riches to fulfill her needs but he wasn't that kind.

His dad was rich, he wasn't yet.

While Mariam's words were a big blow to him, Shamaaz stood his ground.

"If I want I can join my dad's business, sacrifice my dreams and find the easy way out. But cricket is my passion, I believe I can make it big in this field. I know I don't fit in your standards just yet, but one day I'll do it. On my own, I'll stand on my two feet. I just need time, Mariam. You don't have to always be materialistic and weigh things according to money."

However, Mariam's perspective was very different from his. Without saying a word, she opened her purse, and with a heavily embellished ring adorned on her ring finger, she slid Shamaaz's promise ring to him.

Not sure of what was going on, Shamaaz simply stared at her to explain.

And she did.

"I got engaged yesterday," she said, toying her accessory with pride. "He's my dad's friend's son. Smart, rich and settled. He's been after me from the past one year and I gave in. I'm getting married after this semester, as soon as I finish my degree. I've spent some sweet moments with you, Shamaaz, but our journey ends here. You are a struggling cricketer, I doubt you'll ever make it big and I for one can't risk my future with you. It was fun, but it ends here," she stated, smiling at him without regret.

Not letting her see how brutally she tried to crush his dreams, smiling sardonically, he said, "Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you find happiness in the expensive stuff your fiance gets you."

And with that, he got up to leave, as Mariam stared at his back, trying to make sense of his words.

"Going without having Chai?"

Shamaaz stopped in his tracks and turned towards the cash counter, smiling at Bella who sat beside her granddaughter who was taking orders.

SKC was a tiny old cafe near college that served the best masala chai and snacks. It wasn't as famous as the other fancy outlets but the food made up for its simple interiors. Shamaaz loved visiting the place more so for warmth of this old lady and the love with which she greeted her customers.

Her granddaughter had joined her grandma in her cafe soon after twelfth grade, and with extra pair of hands, they managed to meet their monthly expenses. Now as Shamaaz was halted by her, grinning, he walked to Bella.

"I came here for the tea but I didn't want to have one without company."

Since the old lady had noticed the previous exchange between him and Mariam and deduced the situation through her experienced eyes, she offered, "Come, sit here and have tea with me. Chandu, get us two masala chai."

Occupying the empty seat beside her, as Shamaaz remained quiet, she missed his chatter.

Patting his cheek, she said, "Cheer up, boy. You'll get someone better."

He wasn't surprised at all, he knew that Bella was too observant to not pick the details.

She then went on to tell him about her deceased husband and how the two of them had found love with each other despite poverty and dreadful circumstances.

"He was very romantic," She sighed. "And very handsome too."

"More than me?" Shamaaz grinned, his smile not reaching his eyes.

"Not more than you," she laughed. "Without my parent's knowledge, he took me fishing one day and proposed to me. This was very rare in our times, but he was bold and smart. When he pretended to catch a big fish and lifted the fishing rod with a silver ring on it, I was stunned and overjoyed. Both of us came from poor families where our fathers were farmers. Getting married wasn't difficult. We came to the city in hope of a better life and started SKC. It helped us meet expenses, and although there was no money to spend lavishly, we spent the most peaceful life full of love.

I know your generation doesn't believe in it, but you're a good boy, and I hope you find a girl who knows what love is," she said, smiling at him.

"You didn't mind that he gave you a silver ring?"

He knew it was an absurd question, but he wanted to know if all girls from the beginning of time thought like Mariam.

"Silly boy, why would that matter to me? His love was enough for me, I wore it as a crown on my head. Peter used to always take my tired hands in his and promise we'd reach one day where I wouldn't have to work till exhaustion and I'd sit in a corner wearing diamonds and relaxing. It never happened, and that never bothered me. I come from the age where love was pure, we didn't mar it by materialism."

"You are so full of Wisdom, Bella," Shamaaz said, taking the last sip of the tea as he fetched forthe precious ring. It was someone's long lost dream and someone else'sdiscarded reality. 

"Marry me, okay? It's difficult to find girls like you," he teased and dropped the diamond encrusted gold band on her palm.

Bella gaped at him, her old quivering fingers clasping it securely.

"Peter was a lucky guy," he winked.

"And your wife would be a lucky woman," she smiled, her teary eyes still sporting an awe struck expression.

Mariam tried to steal his smile, so he decided to give it to someone who deserved it.

__________________________________________________________________________

Did you enjoy the surprise update on the weekend? Yes? No? Let me know in the comments below ;)

A lot of you are rooting for Shamaaz and Bee to get together. However, since we know the two are poles apart, what do you think will get them together? I would love to hear your thoughts <3 :)