Aesthetic was made by the lovely chweetcat

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Zain: 50 years
Mahrukh: 43 years
Malika & Faris: 20 years
Arsalan: 18 years

The sun was up high. The winds stood still. Islamabad was a hot mess on this particular eventful day. Rather than the usual bipolar behaviour of it having a sunny sky but cool weather, it had instead turned completely burning hot. Clothes stuck to the bodies that wore them. The sweat irritating. The high humidity of the air making it nearly impossible for anyone to even think about showering more than twice a day.

And yet even in conditions of such terrible weather, there was a hum in the air. It was perhaps the way that the birds flapped their wings, eating the small grains of bread that were thrown around for them by gracious people. Or the running of the domesticated dogs around the street, as the barked loudly, much to the annoyance of a lot of residents.

The bugs all made sounds, adding to the natural opera of nature. The green trees stood tall, not bending even under the crushing heat and humidity of the July monsoon.

The clear blue skies had become a rare sight this past week. As dark grey clouds filled the horizon of the Federal capital. With thunder lightly booming. Rain was awaited but it was all a game of hide and seek at this point.

Around the posh streets of the area that the Butt's resided in, the bleating of goats and moaning of cows and taken over. Letting everything fall into a dull background. Children rushed around the streets. Playing with the animals that their father's bought from the bakra-mandi.

Last night, the noises had reached an all time high. With all the qurbani keh jaanwar dreaming about their sacrifice. It made the hearts of innocent children restless too, as they thought of their newly adopted family members leaving them tomorrow. But their elders told them how these animals would enter heaven and thank them for having chosen them. Making a way for them to get sawab and enter paradise.

"Arsalan beta uth jao. Abu tumhein chor kar eid ki namaz parhne chalein jain gai!" Mahrukh shook her son.
She sighed, feeling guilty at having to wake him up so early in the morning. Her poor son had been working all night, preparing his material for the interview at a university. It had been his dream to enter UCLA. But with the time difference and everything, the interview was early in the morning. And Arsalan had just slept two hours ago.

Her heart clenched at having to wake her soon so early. But what could she do? It was important for him to go and pray. She knew she could talk to Zain about leaving Arsalan just this once, but then Arsalan would start his own tantrums.

"Hmm ammi uth raha hun". He smiled at her.
The lopsided smile made him look like a drunkard. Mahrukh smiled looking at her son. Bending to kiss his forehead.
"Mera shehzada!" Her fingers running through his hair.
Massaging his scalp.
"Hayee ammi karti raahein. Sukoon mil raha hai," he shifted himself, now resting on his head on his mother's lap.
Mahrukh smiled at him. Continuing with her actions for a few more minutes.
"Chalo meri jaan, uth jao. Ap keh kapray nikal diye hain!" She kissed his cheek.

Mahrukh left the room of her son, heading towards the room of her daughter. Malika was an exact copy of her. She shared almost all the same interests as her. Reason why they were so close to each other. Unlike what the stereotype was of being a daddy's girl, Malika was closer to her mother.

Now that was saying something. Considering that both the sibling shared an amazing bond with their father. Zain was the kind of father who never imposed his beliefs on anyone. He had given his children free reign. Obviously, they were kept in check. Making sure that they did not step out of line. But he was an outstanding father, through and through.

"Malika meri shehzadi utha jao!" Mahrukh gently shook her by the shoulder.
Her daughter though, being as lazy as a sloth, only moved herself further into the hundreds of soft cushions that rested on her bed. It was a weird quirk of hers. Anytime her father or chachu went anywhere, she would ask them to bring her a small cushion. She loved collecting them. Claiming that the designs on each cushion reminded her of how big the world was.

"Malika dekho eid ka din hai! Uth jao! Beta billo ko khana nahi dena aj?" Hearing the name billo Malika sat up straight.
"Mein tou bhul hi gai thi mama! Ap meray kapray nikal dein mein mun haath dho kar aati hun!" She kissed her mother's cheeks.
Malika was glad that she had showered the night before.

Billo was a white sheep. When she was a little girl she had learnt about sheep's and had absolutely fallen in love with them. So it came as no surprise when she demanded her grandfather get her one. And well, the men in this house had no power infront of the little queen. They could only agree to it all silently. Lo and behold, the next day stood in their home a month old sheep. With white fur and blue eyes. Staring in your soul. Little Malika had named her billo and since then, she was a part of the family. No questions asked.

Mahrukh after waking both her children up, finally entered her bedroom. Only to find her husband sulking infront of their large vanity.
"Zain apko kia huwa hai?" She had left him happy and content a few minutes ago.
"Arey meri biwi apnay bachun keh agay hume kuch samajhti hi nahin," he let out a sad sigh.
Mahrukh giggled, this was Zain's daily routine. Even at the age of fifty he hated when she would give anyone else more attention than him.

"Zain ap bhi na!" She blushed.
Walking into his open arms. Resting her cheeks on his well built chest. She looked up at his face. He was, to her, the same man she had married around twenty years ago. Nothing had changed. He was still the man who stood behind her. Shielding her from all the cruelty around them.

Zain bent down, kissing his wife deeply. Letting his tounge explore her mouth. He broke away a few seconds later. Smiling down at the woman who was a blushing mess.
"Acha meri jaan namaz keh liye ja raha hun. Ziada kaam na karna. Jaise hi qurbani ho gi, mein ap keh liye kalajie bheej wa dun ga!"
Saying that Zain left the room, leaving Mahrukh to her own devices.

Mahrukh got dressed in a beige shalwar kaamez. Lightly curling the ends of her hair. Applying some light makeup and spritz-ing her favourite perfume. She headed out, entering the large kitchen.

They had shifted back into the main area of the haveli a few years ago. On the insistence of Aliya. She had lost her husband and so wanted both her sons around her at all times. Unfortunately, she passed away not long after. Leaving everyone alone. A void filling their hearts. Yet they were happy. They knew Aliya had lived a happy life and now it was time to part with this world. The worls that was temporary.

Inside their large kitchen, the stoves had yet to burn. Everyone was fasting on the blessed day of Hajj. All except for her and Zain. She was on her periods and Zain because he had developed a fever last night. And was on medication. So Mahrukh had forbidden him from fasting too.

Mahrukh rested her duppata on one of the chairs inside the room, taking out the onions, ginger, garlic and tomatoes. Beginning the prep work for todays lunch. It was a ritual and tradition to open the fast by eating the meat of the animal you had sacrificed.

In their large garage, a setup was made for the butcher to be able to work easily. They would start as soon as all the men returned from the masjid. Amna and Malika had yet to enter the kitchen. But Mahrukh would not let them work anyways. They were fasting so it did not feel right to make them work.

Mahrukh chopped the onions. Crushing the garlic and ginger inside a red chatto wata. Julienneing some of the left over ginger, for garnish. She peeled the frozen tomatoes, crushing them too, inorder to prepare a tomato paste. Placing it all inside the fridge, lest it loose its freshness.

She then began to lay out the dishes which needed to be cleaned, before they could be put on the table for use. Mahrukh had taken out the fancy china set she had been gifted by her father on the birth of Malika. Looking back at the dishes, she was transferred back into the days when she had just become a mother.

F L A S H B A C K
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Mahrukh had returned from the hospital, tired from the tedious labour. But she would gladly go through it again. Looking at the tiny baby wrapped in a pink blanket, her heart filled up with a love like she had never felt before.

She had thought her heart was full of love for Zain. And oh how her young daughter had proved her wrong. She had in just a few minutes after her birth taught her, that there was a different chamber in her heart for her. A space no one could ever invade.

"Mahrukh beta, ap kamray mein aram karein. Mein Zain keh haath khana bhejti hun," Alia smiled at her daughter-in-law.
Mahrukh nodded. Finally smiling at getting some alone time with her daughter. Ever since they had come home, one or the other person would come and sit with her. As much as she loved the attention, she wanted some alone time for inner peace. Her mind would constantly worry when anybody other than her or Zain would hold her child.

Alia had explained to her that it was a natural mother instinct. Nothing she should feel guilty about. And so Alia had been trying to ensure she got some time to herself. Knowing how important the first forty days after birth were.

"Ji Malika. Ap saara din soti rehti hain. Kabhi apni mama ko apni yeh baari baari aankehin khol kar bhi dikha diya karein," she playfully complained to her week old daughter.
This girl had clearly inherited the talent of sleeping deeply from her great grandfather.
"Humari beti ko kon daant raha hai?" Zain stepped into the room.
Holding a large tray full of all kinds of food.
"Kisi ki himmat hai iss ghar ki shehzadi ko daantnay ki?" Mahrukh reprimanded.

It was true. The young girl already had everyone wrapped around her fingers. A silent wail of hers would bring everyone around her. Trying to be the one who gave her comfort.

"Mahrukh, Malika ko idhr do. Mein usko uski cot mein leta dun. Ap yeh khaana shuru karein!" Zain spoke in a whisper.
Placing the tray next to her.
Alia had sent over biryani with yogurt. As well as some zarda.

She nodded, passing over their young one. Silently bugging to eat. The fatigue of the week finally catching up. She had rarely slept this past week. With having to wake up at night to tend to Malika. It seemed like forever since she had slept peacefully. Seeing Mahrukh's tired face, Zain came over and took over the tray. Feeding her slowly. Allowing her to relax for sometime.

"Mahrukh ap so jain. Abhi Malika bhi so rahai hai. Kam az kam ap ki neend tou puri ho gi," Zain helped her lay down.
Dimming the lights of their bedroom. He sat down on the couch, completing some of his office work as he looked over both his wife and daughter.

A few hours later, Malika's shrill cries woke Mahrukh up. Before she could rush to her cot, Zain brought Malika over. Helping Mahrukh adjust herself in order to breast feed her. Usually, she would have felt too shy to do this infront of Zain, but her hazy mind was clouded. And it did not matter to her. That night, another layer of intimacy was established between them. Bringing their souls closer, one step more.

F L A S H B A C K O V E R
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"Mama abu anay walay hon gai. Unko khayal sai bahir ajain!" A cheery Malika entered the kitchen, only to find her mother had zoned out.
"Besharam!" She blushed.
Mahrukh had been married to her husband for a long time and yet still his name caused her to blush like mad.

Malika looked beautiful in the peach coloured shirt that had golden embroidery on it. With peach trousers and a printed silk duppata. Her hair were pushed into a bun, courtesy of the heat. In her ears dangled golden hoops. As she hoped on over to help her mother out.

"Nahin Malika meri jaan, ap beth jain. Ap ka roza hai aur aj bohat garmi hai!" Mahrukh pinched her cheeks out of love.
Forcing her to take a seat in their living room where the air conditioning was on full blast.

Mahrukh returned again to the kitchen. Taking out the freshly plucked lemons from the fridge. Rubbing them on the counter before cutting them in half. Preparing some ice cold lemonade. She sent the jug out for the butchers that had begun to arrive. While keeping two huge jugs in the fridge for when everyone broke their fast.

"EID MUBARAK!" a chorus of voices rang inside their foyer.
Indicating the arrival of the men.
"Eid Mubarak!" Mahrukh hugged Arsalan and Zain thrice - an important custom of the day - passing Akbar a smile.
"Eid mubarak tayi ammi !" Faris lowered his head infront of Mahrukh.
Taking her love and prayers from him.

"Chalein Zain akar nashta karein!" She whispered in his ears.
Dragging him away. She force fed him some of the halva and sent him out to get the meat prepared.

Malika joined the crowd of her brother and cousin, as they watched the sacrifice happen from a safe distance. Whilst in the kitchen, Mahrukh alongside a few maids were getting the liver ready. Smells of pepper and spices clouded the home. As the sizzling  sounds of the meat cooking and oil splattering took over the light chatter inside the kitchen.

"Amna bhabi kia ap sab ko bula dein gi?" Mahrukh gently asked her devrani.
Amna nodded her head, moving out of the kitchen and into the lawn. Where the remnants of the qurbani were being cleaned.
"Ajain. Nashta tiyar hai," she grabbed Akbar's hand.
Leading everyone inside.

Mahrukh had already filled the table with the foods that had been in preparation since morning. The mutton karahi, nihari and kaleji covered the expanse of the table. The stomachs of all those around rumbling. Mahrukh smiled at her family, serving everyone before taking her seat next to Zain.

Zain, as per usual, made the first morsel, putting in a piece of chopped liver that had been cooked in spices and was served in a thick gravy. Brought it close to Mahrukh's lips.
"Chalein jaan, aa karein!" His eyes smiled.
He fed her the morsel like a mother does to a child.

"Mama ap mujhe khilain na!" Arsalan whined.
It seemed as if the eighteen year old had inherited the habit of hers, to be fed by her mother or mother-in-law.

Mahrukh smiled, making morsels to feed her eighteen year old child. Smiling at him. She had been blessed with the best of everything. From husband to children, it seemed as if Allah had given her the best of the best. For which she was grateful.

Later in the evening, when they were all done after distributing the meats amongst their relatives, neighbours and the poor, the family made its way to the grave yard. It was an important part of their lives. To visit the ones they had lost on any important occasion. They covered each of their loved ones graves with a blanket of roses. Even the honorary one they had made for Laiba. Since her body had never been recovered.

Mahrukh remembered the day that they had found out about Laraib's passing away. As if it had happened just yesterday and not fifteen years ago.

F L A S H B A C K
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Mahrukh had entered the living room after helping Malika with his homework. Finally joining everyone to have their evening tea. Aliya smiled at her, patting the space right next to her. Before she could go, Zain grabbed her wrist, forcing her to sit with him. Glaring at his own mother, challenging him to try and take Mahrukh away.

Everyone laughed at this scene. Zain was always open about his affection towards Mahrukh. Not caring that they were now parents of two little angels. There was a faint chatter going on. With the conversation revolving around Mahrukh and her decision to do some work. She claimed that she wanted to do something that revolved around her. It made her full of fear that perhaps she was losing perception of who she was. And it scared her to the core.

That is when, Fahad had entered. His shoulders lowered. His hands holding a card of sorts.
"Yeh kia badtameezi hai? Mana kia tha na idhr anay sai?" Akram stood up.
He hated the sight of his sister and anyone related to her. She had taken away his princess from him. And no matter how much he denied, he knew that deep down, he missed his daughter more than anything.

"Mamo mein ainda apni shakal nahi dikhaun ga. Par eik dafa meri baat sun lein!" He pleaded.
His heart recognised Fahad as the little child whom he had loved. The tears in his eyes hurting him more than he had ever imagined.
"Bolo. Kia hai?" Ajmal turned his face.
Knowing if he looked any longer, his resolve would break.

"Woh Laraib ka inteeqal ho gaya hai!"
"KIA!" Ajmal, Aliya, Zain and Akbar shouted.
Standing up in shock.
"Ji. Yeh lein uska death certificate," he handed them the card.
It was true. Their little princess had passed away. Without even meeting her parents.

"Kaise huwa yeh?" Zain inquired with a steely voice.
His gaze hardening.
"Woh, mein aur Laraib bohat lar rahay thay. Usko meri dusri shaadi sai bohat takleef thi. Pata nahi kyun Laraib insist kar rahi thi mein ussay idhr le kar aun. Mein maan gaya. Woh ghar sai bhair kahri thi. Meray betay nai mujhe rok liya. Woh bus mein beth kar aagai. Bus ka accident huwa and her body was not identified. It had burned when the bus caught fire," he narrated the incident.

It shook everyone to the core. Further probing revealed that his son was twelve and a daughter who was fifteen. They were children from his "second wife". But infact she was his real first wife. Laraib was the second one.

Ajmal had Fahad led out. All of them sitting down in complete silence. They were all torn. Everyone's grief making them unable to speak. That night, when Mahrukh entered her bedroom, she was met with the sight of Zain's shoulders moving.

Their shivery movement and soft whimpers led her to understand that her husband was crying.
"Zain kia huwa hai?" She sat next to him.
Grabbing him by the arm. Kissing his cheeks. Wiping away his tears. Her thumbs lingering on his cheeks.
"Mahrukh! Meri choti behan. Itni naraz thi keh martay waqt bhi usnay humay yaad nahi kia! Itnay buray thay hum? Usko humari yaad nahi aati thi kia?" His voice full of pain.
It made Mahrukh's heart clench. Seeing him so broken. So hopeless.

"Nahi meri jaan. Usko ap sab yaad thay. Iss waja sai tou ap sai milnay aarahi thi. Woh ap sab sai mohabbat karti thi. Par uss ka jaanay ka waqt agaya tha. Hum ussay rokna chate tou bhi na rok patay," she explained to him.

Mahrukh knew that his grief was like a gaping whole. It would never be repaired. Just fill itself halfway with memories of the days gone by. That night had been tough for everyone. But the coming weeks were even harder. Akbar unable to withstand the grief passed away. And a few months later, Alia died in her sleep.

Both the parents reunited with their daughter after years of separation. Leaving their sons alone to look after themselves and their families.

F L A S H B A C K O V E R
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Mahrukh prayed infront of each grave. Praying sincerely for their maghfirat. They all headed home. Clouded with silence. Remembering their loved ones. Mahrukh grabbed Zain's hand. Wanting to feel his touch to comfort herself. Anytime they visited the graves, it would take a toll on Mahrukh. She would become emotional for the next few days. Showering her husband and children with unconditional love.

Back at home, Mahrukh asked one of the maids to serve them tea. Sitting next to Zain in the lounge. Resting her head on his chest. Allowing him to comfort her.

"Meri jaan kuch nahi hota. Sab ko jana hai eik din. Apnay ap ko control karein," he kissed her forehead.
Zain could still not see Mahrukh hurt. His life was in her. When she was sad, it made him even sader. All his days, were spent in trying to ensure that Mahrukh was happy.

"Mahrukh, Zain bhai?" Amna began.
She gestured for Faris to come forward. He nodded, coming with a small velvet box. Just before he could reach his uncle and aunt, a bucket of ice cold water fell on him.
"AAH!" he shouted.
The box falling from his hands.

"ARSALAN! MALIKA NEECHAY AAO!" Mahrukh shouted at her children.
Who came downstairs, acting like little angels. Stepping into the lounge.
"Ji mama?" Malika asked, innocently.
"Har waqt becharay Faris ki taang kyun kheench tai rehtay ho? Itna masoom sa larka hai!" Mahrukh gave her children the stink eye.
"Na kahi Mahrukh. Bachay hain. Tang kar bhi lein tou kia hota hai. Apnay time mein tum nai mujhe kaafi tang kia huwa hai!" Akbar reminded Mahrukh of her childhood days.

"Acha na. Faris woh karo jo karnay aai thay," Amna gestured for him to move forward.
"Han... han!" Suddenly he remembered his motive.
"Woh.. tai ammi, taya abu mein Malika sai shaadi karna chahta hun," he rubbed the back of his neck.
Blush coating his cheeks.
"Shukar hai. Humein tou laga tha woh din dekhnay paray ga jab tum apnay taya ki tarah Malika keh kisi potential suitor ko bhagao geh!" Mahrukh laughed.

It was no surprise that Faris wanted to marry Malika. His actions had made that obvious ever since they were kids.
"Ap anghooti lai hain?" Malika inquired.
Unlike her mother, she was not shy. Taking after her father in that perspective.
"Ji," he forwarded his hand.
Only to find it empty. He gulped. He had slaved away as his father's P.A for the past two months to be able to afford that ring. And he had lost it.

"Yeh lein!" Arsalan forwarded it.
All of them laughing at the expense of the shy groom. It was a beautiful ring. Covered with diamonds. In the centre a dark green jade shone. It was unique. Like Malika. The green symbolising his eternal love for her.

That night, Mahrukh sat in her bedroom. Thinking about the days that had gone by. It was not easy for her to achieve such bliss. Hooriya had moved to the states to live with her elder brother. Faheel and Amal followed shortly after.

Mahrukh had tied herself to the household so much that there was a time when nervous breakdowns became her best friends. She had to consult a psychiatrist. To her it felt that everything was stopping for her.

It was there that both she and her husband had discovered that she had lost herself. In the midst of running a home and looking after her children, she had forgotten that first and foremost she was Mahrukh an individual human being. With her own thoughts and ideas.

So she had decided to put her own self first. She began to paint. Picking up the paint brush after a long time. She drew portraits of anything and everything. Then she decided to open up a shelter for homeless animals. And perhaps Malika had inherited that love for animals. As she was studying to be a vet.

Mahrukh was proud of who she was and what she had done in her life. Her life was finally full of peace. Although, she had lost a lot on the way. She had been compensated for all the pain. And her heart was full. Mahrukh was finally at peace. She was finally the woman she had always wanted to be.

○~○

hsblisss I tried to include everything. It is not near the 5k word count. But it is more than 4k. And the longest chapter I have ever written. I hope you guys enjoyed it!