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Comment challenge: 450

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Tahira

I sat in the employee stairwell, the rarely used one, and I cried. I knew that I wasn't on duty and that I shouldn't be back here, but I honestly didn't care. Maybe a part of me was secretly taking advantage of my relationship with the owners, but at this point, nothing mattered. Arsalan had truly hurt me emotionally.

Why did we get so influenced by random people's words that we take it out on our loved ones?

My phone buzzed. I ignored it. I didn't want to speak to Arsalan right now. He knew I was safe at the Rose Luxe, and that was all he needed to know.

But it rang again and I looked at the screen. It was Mama. Did Arsalan tell her?!

I'd never felt so alone in my life. No matter how nice my family, they were my in-laws. I had nobody who was truly from my side.

I didn't answer the call, feeling that I'd break down if I spoke to my mother-in-law.

"Because it's not your parents who had to hear those things again!" Arsalan had blurted out. "Tell me, Tahira, why didn't you stop me that day?" 

"I was a crazy twat, but you didn't stop me either..."

"I had more to lose in this, Tahira! My family's trust, their reputation..." 

He had no idea, that despite not having any loved ones behind me, I still had more to lose than him. Society forgives a man's mistakes, but never a woman's, and that was our unfortunate reality. Even Arsalan today had thrown the main blame on me. 

I wish I had loving parents. This thought made me cry harder. 

*

Arsalan

"Hira, please answer..." I muttered, pacing my room.

I'd once again put my foot in my mouth and had ending up saying extremely harsh accusations at Tahira.

I had been the one who had taken the first step. I'd kissed away the tear on her cheek, before I'd moved onto the mouth. I'd taken the first step, not Tahira. And how dare I say that I had more to lose? I had supportive parents, who despite being mad at me, had been there for me as I repented. I had siblings who had been there to ease the burden of my guilt. 

Tahira had nobody back then. She had faced all this alone, fought through it all alone. 

Loathing myself, I threw my phone onto the floor, before grabbing a bottle of cologne and smashing it into smithereens by throwing it against a wall, an angry loud cry escaping my mouth.

"Arsal!" Rohaan's voice was followed by the pounding on my door.

I strode towards the door and yanked it open. "Punch me." 

He had just returned from work, and he stared at me, bewildered. "What?" He glanced at the smashed bottle of cologne on the floor. 

"I hurt Tahira." 

"You hurt Tahira?" He frowned.

"I basically blamed her for the...mistake at Haya Appi's Nikah. I basically told her that I had more to lose because I had loving parents and family." I heard the bitterness in my own voice, bitterness that was directed at myself.

He raised both eyebrows. "F**k."

"Yes, exactly. F**k." I shook my head. "She'd felt nothing but pain from her family before, and now, when I'm her family, I did the same." 

"You are a twat on an epic level, Arsal." He looked disappointed in me.

"I know I am, but what do I do now?" I asked, helplessly. "She went to stay the night at the Rose Luxe, and she's not answering my calls or messages."

"She's safe there, so give her space for now." He advised. "But eventually you need to apologise like your life depends on it."

"What if Hoor Appi figures out..." I trailed off as I realised how selfish I sounded right now.

"Seriously? That's what you care about right now?" He whacked me on the back of my head. 

"I know, I know..." I muttered.

*

Tahira

The next morning, I headed back home, and found Arsalan in our room, looking like he hadn't slept the whole night.

"Hira..." He stood up. He had dark circles under his eyes, and a light beard. 

I headed straight for the wardrobe and grabbed an overnight bag, before placing a few outfits and essentials in it.

"Where are you going now, Hira?" He sighed, wearily.

"The only place that I can go." I simply replied.

"Staying at the Rose Luxe is not the solution." 

"I'm not talking about the Rose Luxe. The hotel is not a long term option." 

"Long term?" He sounded shocked. "Are you going to Dado's?" 

I laughed humourlessly. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone anything, if that's what you're worried about, Arsalan." 

"I messed up, Hira, and I realise that...but..." 

"It's easy to say that, Arsalan, but it's different when you're the target of such harsh words." I shook my head. "Sorry doesn't change the fact that I now feel that even you held only, or mainly, me responsible for that...mistake."

"I was angry, and I said words that I didn't mean." 

"Angry at someone else, and you punished me instead!" I snapped. "Tomorrow you'll be angry, and you'll give me talaaq! What, you're going to apologise for that too?" Tears escaped my eyes, but I didn't bother stopping them. He had to know how much I was hurting.

"I would never..."

"Yeah, I never thought you'd utter those words to me either!"

He pursed his lips, and he looked almost... broken.

"One woman came and said a few things, and you turned on me. You just showed me that the faith I had in the strength of this relationship, was just a foolish delusion on my part! You were so easily manipulated this time, so it can happen again." 

"Nobody in my family is like that, and Fareeda Nano won't be returning. "

"I agree, your family is good. But what if your friends or colleagues say something? You'll listen to them?" I grabbed my overnight bag. "Allah Hafiz, Arsalan." I headed out of the room, closing the door behind me.

As I came out of the hallway, I saw Yamna coming down the hall, eyes wide. And, to my utter shame, a thought entered my mind: She'll never be in my position, because she's amongst her own.

"Are you okay?" She asked, breaking that horrid train of thoughts.

I walked over to her and hugged her, shaking my head. 

"Can I offer you ice cream? It helps when you're down." She offered sweetly, lightly patting my back.

I couldn't help smiling as I pulled away. "No, thanks, Yamna. I'm... I'm going away for a while."

She looked shocked and upset. "Tahira..." 

"Don't stress." I put my hands on her shoulders. "I'm not leaving home. I'm going to my other home, to my in-laws." 

"Tell my Mama to make suji ka halwa for you. That used to cheer me up all the time."  She suggested.

*Suji ka halwa: semolina pudding.

"I will." I hugged her again. "You take care of yourself, okay? And if you ever need me, call me. I'll be there." 

"I appreciate that, Tahira. And I'll tell you the same." 

*

"Tahira?" My mother-in-law looked confused to see me enter the living room of the Tariq family home.

"Assalam Alaikum!" I greeted her and Dado with a smile.

"Walaikum Assalam!" They both replied.

"I'm off from work for a few days, and since Arsalan is busy, I figured that I'd come and stay here for a while, if that's okay?" 

"Of course, sweetheart! I'm thrilled that you decided to come!" Dado beamed as she ran a hand over my head.

I glanced at my mother-in-law almost nervously.

"We're glad to have you here, Tahira." Mama smiled at me.

A tiny part of me was worried that I would be told off for leaving Yamna alone while she was pregnant. I don't know why that thought entered my mind, but it made me feel guilty. I should have been there for her.

But it seemed like I wasn't the only one thinking about my jethani.

"We were thinking about calling Yamna over to stay here anyway. It would be nice for her to have her mother and Anabia around at this time." Dado said. "It's a bigger joy for us that you're here too, sweetheart."

I stood up. "I'm just going to go and put my things away." 

"Okay, then join us for lunch, my dear." Dado said.

I nodded and took my bag upstairs to mine and Arsalan's room in this house.

I had to admit, angry as I was at him, it also hurt to come here like this without him. 

As I was unpacking, there was a knock on the door.

"Tahira?" Mama's voice came from the other side.

"Come in, Mama." I called out. 

She entered and closed the door behind her, before walking over to me. "Tahira, I hope everything is okay." 

"Everything is fine, Mama." I shrugged. "Just wanted to be with my in-laws." 

She nodded. "Okay." She reached out and squeezed my hand. "It's your own home, and you're welcome anytime. I just wanted to make sure that you're okay." 

"Don't worry." I gave her a reassuring smile.

*

I was pacing the garden, later that evening, lost in my own thoughts.

"Hira!" 

One part of me felt happy, hearing his voice. Another part of me felt suffocated, like he wouldn't even give me some space to think. I turned and looked at him. "Assalam Alaikum."

"Walaikum Assalam."

"Why are you here, Arsalan?" I kept my voice quiet, but I heard the weariness in it myself.

"Look, just give me one chance, okay? Let's talk, and if staying here is still what you want at the end of this conversation, I'll go and I won't bother you."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Fine. Say whatever you need to say." 

"Hira, I never meant to hurt you. And, believe it or not, I never meant to accuse you, nor do I actually blame you completely. I took the first step, not you." 

"People always use anger as a defence to blurt out things, but you only blurt out things that reside in your heart or mind. Somewhere, deep down, you must have blamed me for not stopping you, as if I was the bigger culprit." 

"I don't blame you, Hira! You're overthinking!" He shook his head. "We both messed up, and that's it. If anyone was to blame more, it was me." 

I looked away.

"We could have resolved this with a conversation, Tahira, but you overreacted and came here and worried my family too." 

I turned back to him, sharply. My mouth actually opened slightly as I stared at him in disbelief. "I overreacted? Your family?" 

"I mean, we could have sorted this out at home, Hira." He reached out for me.

I backed away.

"I never meant to hurt you, Hira. I speak too much when I'm mad or upset."

"You speak the truth. I really loved that about you, Arsalan." I whispered. "But sometimes the truth can hurt a lot." 

"This is what I mean about overreaction, Hira. We both made a mistake, and that's a fact. But the fact is that the mistake almost broke my parents' marriage. I couldn't face my parents, my family and..." 

"And I could have stopped it all by pushing you away?" I guessed.

"I hadn't been thinking straight, Hira. I was emotional. But you are more mature than me, more sensible. If only..." He sighed. 

"Leave me alone, Arsalan." 

He looked taken aback at my quiet, but harsh words. "Hira..."

"Either you leave, or I do." I shook my head. "Actually, since it's your grandparents' house, I suppose I'll leave."

"No, it's fine. I'll go."

"You know, throwing someone's past mistakes- especially mistakes that they had repented in front of Allah for- is one of the lowest of low things anyone can do to another person." I said. "If you truly loved me, Arsalan, you would have never uttered those words!" 

"If I truly loved you? Are you doubting my love for you?"

And that's when I truly snapped. "Would you stop acting like a victim?!" I exhaled deeply. "Actually, you are right. I did make a mistake. I trusted you never to hurt me." 

We stood in silence for a few moments.

"I don't think I trust you regarding that anymore." My voice broke as I spoke. "You did to me what I've always faced from my biological family, from my stepfamily. You made me feel like I don't have a place where I belong."

His eyes widened slightly. He looked horrified. "Hira..." 

"Your family, your grandparents' house, your reputation, your family's image..." I sobbed. "And a girl with a dodgy background who has nobody to defend her."

He rushed over, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Hira... you belong with me. You're my wife. I love you. I love you so, so much..." 

I backed away again, freeing myself from his grip. "I need a break from you, Arsalan." 

*

Rohaan

"What the f**k do you think you are doing?" I snapped, snatching the gun from my younger brother's hand.

"Chill. I was just practicing my shot." His jaw was clenched as he nodded towards the apple placed on the garden table.

"Are you stupid? In the middle of a residential area? You have any idea how much panic or fear you could cause?" I was furious. "How did you get your hands on it anyway?" 

"Because you are the stupid one. You left it on the living room table, genius." He sneered at me. 

"I was about to take it as I head back to work for an emergency. I'm licensed to carry it, you are not. And you should not be shooting bloody apples in the middle of our back garden." 

"Funny that Mr. Breaking-Every-Rule is giving me a lecture now."

"Seriously. I thought we already discussed this. Give her space and then apologise." I placed the gun in its holster at my waist using my black t-shirt to cover it.

He sighed and told me everything that had happened at our Dado's house.

"Yaar, Arsal." I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "What did you do?" 

"I...I messed up and now she'll probably divorce me." He looked close to tears.

I slapped my hands down hard on his shoulders, almost causing his knees to buckle underneath him. "You need to get your act together, bro. You messed up, and rather than make up for it, you just made it worse."

"My tongue is out of my control." He admitted. "I need help." 

"Look, I'm speaking from experience, my brother. Anger destroys even the strongest of relationships, because it unleashes the most dangerous weapon of all: the tongue. You need to seriously give her space, okay? And prepare to grovel, bro." 

"Yeah..." 

I narrowed my eyes. "Did you let Fasadan Nano's words get to you?"

*Fasadan: someone who creates fights/arguments/resentments amongst people, especially families.

He shook his head at me, a small smile on his face. "You are too much, Ro." 

I chuckled. "Earlier, you asked me to punch you. I'm ready to take you up on that offer."

"Shut up, Ro." 

I wrapped my arm around his neck in a headlock, the way I used to when we were teens. "You ever touch the gun again..."

"I won't! Let go of me!" He laughed.

"If you ever act like an a****le to Tahira again..."

"I won't! I promise." 

*

After mildly threatening my brother, I headed towards Yamna's study, where she was working from home.

I stood in the doorway, where she sat wearing a pale blue work blouse...and her cream pyjama trousers. She had a zoom meeting, so from the upper half she looked formal, including her hair in a neat braid.

"...I mean, the whole concept of it is unique." She was saying. "I personally think that this writer deserves a chance as well. As someone who enjoys reading this genre, this has become my favourite manuscript!" She noticed me, and her cheeks turned pink.

I gave her a small wave to tell her that I was going.

She lifted her hand up in a wave as well, away from the camera. 

I walked away to stop myself from distracting her any further. 

As I got into my car, I noticed a reusable shopping bag on my front passenger seat. I grabbed it and looked inside. 

In a plastic container was pilao rice, with a spoon beside the container. On the lid of the box was a post-it note: Enjoy your meal! -Hamster & Chipmunk.

I smiled. The aroma of the rice was already spreading in the car, and I felt hungry again, despite having already eaten. Grabbing my phone, I messaged her.

<Rohaan: Thanks, Hamster! The rice look and smell delicious.>

I reversed the car and headed off to work.

*

Yamna

After I'd finished for the day, I headed to my room to change into my day home clothes, before returning back down to the kitchen to grab a snack with orange juice. I missed drinking tea or coffee, but the doctor had said that I shouldn't drink caffeinated drinks.

I was bored so I decided to cook dinner. "Rohaan likes meaty stuff..." 

Honestly, I still cringed at the idea of touching raw meat, but I suppose I had to grow up at some point. Putting on my apron, I looked in the freezer and saw that we had chicken. I went online and found a recipe video for delicious chicken achari, basically chicken cooked with pickling spices, tomatoes and chilli.

Arsal Bhai walked into the kitchen. "What are you up to, Yum-Yum?" 

I could tell that he was miserable, and suddenly I got an idea. "You know how to make roti, right? I remember that you mentioned that you learnt it while in the US, when you had to live alone."

"Yes..." He looked at me suspiciously. "What are you planning, Yum-Yum?" 

I grinned. "You make the rotis, and I'll make the chicken achari!" 

"So, basically, you and I work to feed my brother?" He teased.

"No, you and I work to feed all of us." I corrected him. "Trust me, if Rohaan was here, I would have made him chop tomatoes." 

He chuckled. "Fine. Let's make dinner." 

We worked without speaking as I followed the instructions on the recipe video. 

"Okay, so the roti isn't exactly round..." Arsal Bhai muttered a while later.

That's when Rohaan walked in. "Assalam Alaikum!"

"Walaikum Assalam!" Arsal Bhai and I replied in unison.

"Let me wash up, and let the expert show you how it's done." Rohaan whacked the back of his brother's head.

"You? Rotis?" I asked him in disbelief.

"Excuse me? Stereotyping is wrong." Rohaan narrowed his eyes at me. "Like you don't seem like the cooking type, and here you are."

"Excuse me... I know how to cook...by following simple instructions online." I admitted sheepishly.

"Hello?" Arsal Bhai called out. "Did you just call yourself a roti-making expert? Did you get your hands on one of the drugs that you seized?" 

"I'll show you. How hard can it be?" 

I raised an eyebrow at my husband. "I look forward to this." 

*

There was flour literally everywhere.

Arsal Bhai and I couldn't stop laughing. Rohaan's black t-shirt was dabbed with flour practically everywhere.

"What the hell?" He was muttering repeatedly as the dough kept sticking to the rolling pin.

"Expert." Arsal Bhai doubled over laughing.

"Shut up, Grasshopper." 

We managed to make semi-decent rotis, between the three of us, but the chicken achari ended up being very delicious- even if I say so myself.

"You win this round, Yum-Yum." Arsal Bhai admitted begrudgingly, as we sat down to eat.

"This wasn't a competition." I shrugged.

"But Yamna won, no doubt." Rohaan grinned at me. "First pilao, now this. I'm being pampered."

Arsal Bhai smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in it.

"Keep dreaming. I made it for myself." I tried to lighten the mood.

As we finished, Arsal Bhai excused himself and left.

"Are things going to be okay between him and Tahira?" I asked Rohaan, worriedly.

"They'll be fine, In Sha Allah." He replied, confidently. "You know, I have a bad rep, but the fact is that Arsal completely loses it when he's angry as well. He tends to say things that he doesn't mean, but can be very, very hurtful." 

"May Allah help them fix their difference. Ameen. They are too sweet together, Ma Sha Allah."

"Unfortunately, there are too many shaitani people around to try and cause drama between people, especially couples. That Fasadan lady has done her job. I don't even want to call her 'Nano' and insult the beautiful memories of our actual Nano." 

He washed the dishes, and I put away the remaining chicken achari in a plastic container before putting it away in the fridge. I glanced at his strong back as he stood by the sink. I knew that Anabia Mama had given him and his siblings duties after every meal, and it was up to them to decide what they wanted to do. Things like washing dishes, tidying up the kitchen, making the salad or wiping down the dining table and the kitchen counters, were all divided up between the Rehan sibling. The four used to have chits that they put in a disposable bowl, and picked out their duties. If there was too much repetition for one, they could swap. It was nice to have a spouse who would automatically get up to help. Even though, I knew Rohaan used to complain the most about the chores, now he wordlessly did them. Ever since he heard about Chipmunk, he even started to offer to do my share. Thanks, Chipmunk. 

For some reason, I remembered the mini sugar-doughnuts that Haya Appi used to have ready for me when I was having dinner at Tayan's with my parents. "I want mini doughnuts." I blurted out. I had been noticing how demanding Chipmunk had made me. 

"That's random." 

"It's a craving. Please. Get me mini doughnuts, Rohaan. Please!" I pleaded with him, playfully pouting as he turned to look at me over my shoulder.

"Fine. I'll go and get your frickin' doughnuts." 

"I wouldn't terribly mind those mini salted pretzels either." I said.

"Why don't you make a list for me?" He asked, sarcastically.

"Okay!" I grinned, rushing to the kitchen counter. Pulling open the corner drawer, I took out the notepad that was specifically put there for shopping lists, along with a pen. 

"I was being..."

"Kind, generous, caring? Yes, I agreed." I giggled as I jotted down a list of items. Tearing out the paper, I handed it to him. "I'll message you if I think of anything else."

"Think of anything else? Is that meant to be a joke?" 

"Nope." 

"Hamster, you're too much." He glanced down at the list again. "Very Berry Yoghurt? Really? Maham eats that!" 

"Well, Chipmunk wants that." I shrugged.

"I'll be back soon. Keep the doors and windows locked." He muttered, turning to head away.

"No, I'm going to open and unlock all the doors and windows, and turn off the lights." I teased.

He headed out of the kitchen.

"Rohaan?" I rushed after him.

"Hmm?" He turned to look at me.

I took the list out of his hand. "This list was a joke. I just want the mini doughnuts." I burst out laughing. "Look like your detective skills are a little rusty, because you didn't realise that I was just messing around."

He took the list right back. "Now I'm going to get every item on this list, and I'm going to take my sweet time." With a smirk, he turned and headed out.

"No! Wait! Hurry back! I need those doughnuts ASAP!" I called out.

"Should have thought of it before messing with me!" He called back.

*

Rohaan

I got to the supermarket, and was barely through the automatic glass doors when I saw a familiar figure. 

Wearing a hoodie over his head, Ahmed was leaning against a nearby wall, watching football on his phones, his airpods in his ears.

I smirked and began to head towards him.

"Rohaan!" A familiar voice made me turn.

"Mrs. Mohsin, Assalam Alaikum!" Like the 'well-behaved' friend that she thought I was, I spoke respectfully to her. 

Ahmed's mother smiled at me. "We haven't seen you in a while, beta. How have you been? How is Anabia Bhabi? And the family?"

"Alhumdulillah, everyone is well." I said. "How are you and Mohsin Uncle?"

"Alhumdulillah!" She said. "Allah ka shukhar hai ke us ladki se hum bachgaye! Pata nahin kyun utha laya tha Ahmed usay ghar." She said, referring to Asma.

*"Thank God that we were saved from that girl! God knows why Ahmed brought her home!"

"It was truly unexpected for all of us, Mrs. Mohsin." I had to loyally defend my friend.

"Would you have done the same?" She questioned me.

"Ammi, not again!" Ahmed approached us, groaning. "She told me ten times that 'Rohaan would never have done such a thing!'." 

I chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't have." Loyalty, my foot. Gotta look like the good one in front of my friend's parents, right?  I chuckled and then smirked when I saw Ahmed glared at me. The bonus is p**sing Ahmed off!

"Have you bought what Shehnaz asked you to get?" Mrs. Mohsin turned to him.

"One hour and thirty seven minutes ago." He replied. "You finally done, beloved Ammi?" This time he earned a glare from his mother.

"Seriously, she works so hard for the family, and she has to hear all this attitude?" I shook my head at my best friend.

"Thank you!" Mrs. Mohsin looked up at me, before turning back to her son. "See what a good boy Rohaan is? Learn something from him! Apne Maa Baap ki aankhon ki thandak, Ma Sha Allah."

*In one way, meaning a well-behaved, obedient child of his parents. "The coolness of their eyes." 

More like, mere Baap ki ghussay ki garmi. I pursed my lips, trying not to laugh at that thought. 

*"The heat of my father's anger."

Ahmed burst out laughing. "Ammi, aap jaanti nahin hain phir ke kya cheez hai yeh Rohaan."

*"Ammi, you don't realise what kind of a guy Rohaan is."

"Bada farmabadar bacha hai, Ma Sha Allah!" Mrs. Mohsin said. "Unlike my aulaad."

*"He is such an obedient boy, Ma Sha Allah!"

"Actually, Ammi, I think I forgot to buy something. I'll be right back." Ahmed grabbed my arm and dragged me away as I laughed.

"What? Let me chat to her." I couldn't stop chuckling.

"Payback's a b***h, you know." He said.

"I thought that was karma."

"They are twins."

I laughed harder.  

"So, what crime are you being punished for?" He asked me. "My mother's car tyre got punctured, and I forgot to change it, or have it fixed, so this is my compensation."

I shrugged. "Family request." 

He smirked knowingly. "You mean Bhabi asked..." 

"Shut up." 

"Don't be ashamed. Admit it." 

"Why would I be ashamed? Yamna wanted something, and I came to get it for her. What's embarrassing about that?" I shrugged, walking down the aisle towards the bakery.

Unfortunately, with Ahmed around, I ended up taking longer than my sweet time. 

*

Yamna was in bed by the time I got back, and she wasn't happy.

"I got your full list." I got in beside her, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Too late." She mumbled, pulling the duvet over herself.

"You know, I can just put some footie on and eat the entire box of mini-doughnuts by myself, no problem." I teased.

She turned so that she was lying on her back, staring up at me. "Don't you dare!" 

"Come with me, then. You can have them with milk, and I'll have them with coffee." I kissed her cheek.

"Not fair! I want coffee!" 

"Blame Chipmunk." 

"Poor Chipmunk." She glared cutely at me. 

"Come on." I gently began to pull her up into an upright position. 

"Fine... but only because my craving has resumed."

I grinned, then taking her by the hand, I led the way downstairs.

*

Tahira

"This argument was stupid and pointless. Your logic was stupid!" I was looking at Arsalan's photo on my phone as I vented out my frustration in my room.

I was feeling annoyed at myself. While Arsalan's words hurt me, being away from him hurt me more. Why am I like this?

To my surprise, my phone rang and I was surprised to see Mama's name. I answered it after a couple of seconds. "Hello, Mama?" 

"Honey, come downstairs to the living room, please." My mother-in-law spoke softly.

Did Arsalan complain about me? I pushed back the bitter, suspicious thought to the back of my mind. "Okay, Mama." 

I headed downstairs and stepped into the living room. I saw both my parents-in-law and Arsalan there. My husband sat with his head bowed and hands clasped together. Mama and Baba looked serious.

A long time ago, when I did have a father, I'd called him 'Baba', so I had chosen to call the main fatherly figure in my life Baba as well.

"I sensed something since you got here, Tahira, beta." Mama began. "I thought that I'd let you two sort it out, after all it happens between a married couple. However, Arsal, your Dado witnessed a heated argument between you two, as she looked out of the window. She's worried, and feels that maybe some adult intervention might be necessary."

I felt bad. Poor Dado shouldn't be worried at this stage of her life!

"This is why I didn't want to drag this in front of my...our family." Arsalan looked at me.

"She didn't drag anything, Arsalan, and she didn't even say a word about it." Mama told him, firmly. 

"Now you're all worried!" Arsalan shook his head, looking annoyed.

 I pursed my lips. To my absolute irritation, I was close to tears again. 

"I spoke things in anger... It was my fault." Arsalan admitted. "But she overreacted. She knows that I'd never intentionally do or say something to hurt her, but still she..."

"I really don't appreciate that tone, Arsalan." Baba interrupted him.

"Words spoke in anger can have the most painful impact, Arsal." Mama added. "I need you to take a few seconds and really think. Did Tahira really overreact?" 

A tear rolled down my cheek.

"Mama..." Arsalan began.

"Think in silence." She said.

I even thought my own reaction, and his words, wondering who was in the wrong here. Even as I set my ego aside, I didn't really think I did anything wrong here, at least not consciously. I'm the sort of person who accepted her mistakes, apologised for them, and repented, but I didn't see what my mistake was in this scenario.

"No, she didn't." Arsalan broke the silence of the room. "This was all my fault, and I get why she's so hurt." 

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to worry Dado." I looked at Mama as I spoke. "I just didn't know where else to go." 

"Oh, honey, you did the right thing to come here." She came around to sit beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. 

"Arsalan, we've repeatedly told you all that anger can cause a lot of damage." Baba looked at Arsalan. "I'm very disappointed that one of our kids caused this much hurt to someone because of their anger...and not just anyone, but his own wife!" 

"Arsalan, you've waited a decade to be with Tahira. This is how you treat her?" Mama added.

"Fareeda Nano's words got to me. I went astray." Arsalan looked ashamed, and my heart hurt for him.

"You see how easily it is to get influenced by such people? You forgot your own parents' upbringing! This is exactly why we keep repeatedly telling you kids the same things. We don't want you to ever allow such people to influence you to the point where you destroy your own relationships!" Baba looked angry, but he kept his voice low.

"The first year of marriage is the most difficult one, as you both learn to adjust to this new relationship. No matter how long you've known each other, a spousal relationship is completely different." Mama looked at both me and Arsalan in turn as she spoke. "Guard your relationship, and don't let a third person cause issues, no matter if they even claim to be your well-wishers." 

"I respect you both, and your words completely. Is it okay, though, if I take some time and stay here for a while?" I asked.

"Tahira, this is your own home. Stay as long as you want." Baba told me, his tone gentler now. "However, keep our words in your mind, okay?" 

I nodded. "Yes, Baba."

"Remember, Shaiytan loves to cause problems between married couples." Mama said. "And sometimes, he does it through the people around us. We need to be careful."

"If you're angry, step out of the room." Baba now spoke to Arsalan. "Do not, under any circumstances, continue an argument while you're angry. I know that it seems like an unavoidable situation sometimes, but you have to fight it." 

"Yes, Papa." 

I looked at Arsalan, and suddenly I was looking at my Aslan once again. His almost naïvely  innocent expressions, his love for me blatantly obvious in his eyes...

...and I remembered the decade-long period we had spent, loyal and dedicated to each other, awaiting our Nikah, as we constantly stayed away from any repeat of that one mistake.

"Will you give me a chance to make it up to you, Hira? Will you accept my apology?" He continued looking at me, hopefully.

*

Will Tahira accept Arsalan's apology?

While others go back to their maika, Tahira had no choice but to go to her in-laws.

Arsalan has always been the emotional one, and in that sense, he sometimes react in a bad way, especially when he's angry.  

But has this caused irreparable damage in their relationship?

The title of the chapter is to show the current contrast between Arsal/Tahira, and Rohaan/Yamna.

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