Fiza's POV:

"So Fiza, what should we prepare for dinner? Ehtesham is coming to pick you up, na? We can't let him go without having dinner with us." I paused on hearing my mother's question type statement of 'You should get lost till night'. At least she could've waited a little longer, we haven't even finished our breakfast yet.

"I think he would be happy if you call him yourself and ask. He often told me that he wants to taste your food." I said and heard a slow snicker from Sumbul who was sitting next to Sadaf on my right.

My mom hates cooking!

"Fiza, since you are here, why don't you stay a little longer and commemorate your Dada's (grandfather) death anniversary?" Chachu suggested, knowing that my mother, his Bhabi wouldn't like it.

"I would love to stay, Chachu. But I didn't discuss with Ehtesham about this and besides, Sadaf has her school too."

And I have to confront him too, after what happened yesterday...

"Sadaf could go to school from here. I would personally take responsibility for her, and about talking to Ehtesham about it, you can call him after breakfast or ask him when he comes for dinner tonight." I gulped and nodded. Chachu's eagerness to keep me here doesn't seem favourable to me.

I just hope he won't ask anything about my life. I can't lie to him...

Sundays are always lively at Baba Jani's house, which was my house too once. At least that's what it was, and now I feel like I am homeless. This house isn't mine anymore and that house which is supposed to be my home after marriage isn't mine too. I can't call that house like mine. Ehtesham made me not feel like home there. A home is a place where a person seeks refuge from the hardships of the world and there, he/she is welcomed every time. But for me, both houses are almost the same. A place where you are reluctant to go isn't your home and I am one of those people who are reluctant.

From breakfast to lunch, time flew by, accompanied by my disturbed mind. After lunch, Taha was taken away by my brothers and Sumbul's little brother Kashif, probably for some wrestling. The boys were amazed by Taha who knows how to fight despite his young age. On the other hand, Sadaf was with Sumbul, Baba went to a friend's house, while Chachi and my dear mother were busy chatting about family affairs or to be more precise, others' family affairs, leaving me and Chachu free.

If I were to be the old Fiza, I would've been talking to Chachu like there is no tomorrow. He was my friend, my father and my guardian angel when I was abandoned by my Nani (mother's mother) and left alone after my Dadi's (father's mother) death. He was everything to me, even after his marriage, Chachi didn't mind the bond between us. I often heard her saying that she wants to adopt me after they left this house. But my Dada was against the idea, he doesn't want to be left alone after Dadi's death.

But right now, I am not the old Fiza, nor am I only his niece. I am Fiza Ehtesham, so-called wife of Ehtesham Ghori and guardian of Sadaf and Taha. How can I stay normal before him with all these disturbing thoughts and the fear of being questioned anytime?

"How is your life going, beta? You don't even call me anymore."

Yes, I don't. I am afraid that at one point I will spill everything out. It's not easy to lie to you...

"Sorry, Chachu. Actually, I am still not properly adjusted to the new life and with the responsibility of Taha and Sadaf. Things are a little complicated." At least I didn't lie about the last part.

"Hm! It's understandable, but why are you taking care of them? Bhai Sahab (Fiza'a father) said that the kids' Mamo will take custody of them soon."

"Ji (what)?"

"Yes, all of them knew it from the start that once the kids' Mamo settles here, he will take custody of them."

"Then why did Ehtesham marry me?" I blurted out.

"What?" Chachu frowned and then I realize what I have said.

"Ah, actually Ehtesham said to me once that he and his family chose me because they think I- I... I am not a person who will hate kids."

"Hm! I suppose Ehtesham's parents were really worried about it." Chachu said with a slight hint of suspicion in his tone.

"Ji (yes)." I smiled haplessly.

We sat in awkward silence for a few minutes and when I started thinking about giving an excuse to leave, he throws a question at me out of nowhere.

"So, who was the man yesterday?"

"Which... man, Chachu?" I pretended to not understand.

"The man who dropped you and the kids here. He wasn't Ehtesham."

No running from Chachu...

Better to reveal the truth...

"He was Sheharyar, Chachu. He's the kids' Mamo. Yesterday, on our way back home, the car suddenly stopped, Ehtesham tried to fix it but when he didn't succeed, he called the mechanic. The mechanic said it will take a long time, so Ehtesham asked Shaheryar to pick us up because Taha was sleepy and getting restless in his uncomfortable clothes." I gave my best shot and keep glancing at Chachu from the corner of my eye. He was deep in thought.

Ya Allah! Am I this bad at lying???

"That was very unwise of him. Sending your family with a third person in the middle of the night." He said after a while.

"Sheheryar isn't a third person, Chachu. He is like family to us." I tried to defend.

"He is not, Fiza and you know it. Besides, you are young and both you and Ehtesham should know that it is not the right way to work things out." He said, staring into space and something tells me that what he said has a double meaning.

"Yes, Chachu." I didn't argue further, too afraid that he might ask what I am trying to hide.

~*~

Sheheryar's POV:

A seethed voice, insulting tone and a pair of glittering teary eyes didn't let me sleep all night.

"Did you pick up my wife and kids?" Ehtesham's voice echoed in my mind again.

I didn't know what kind of mind he has, what he was doing and what does he want. After witnessing yesterday's mishap, I was not even sure whether Ehtesham's influence would be good for the kids.

I noticed many odd things about Ehtesham and Fiza when Sadaf shared her routine with me. The only thing I could make out from her conversation was that Ehtesham and Fiza isn't a regular couple. They didn't accept each other and I am worried of what impression it will leave on the kids' personalities, if Ehtesham were to keep his relationship with Sania or married her, it will affect Fiza and eventually kids.

After seeing her tears yesterday night, it confirmed my doubt that she has feelings for Ehtesham, but refuses to show it. On the other hand, I found Ehtesham's behaviour rather odd. He was angry, but why? If he cared about Fiza so much, he would've called her instead of me. Still, I wanted to clear things out so I called him back and what did he do? He switched off his phone. I was already annoyed with his carelessness and the way he talked to me, was enough for me to lose my temper. Yet I kept myself under check but I couldn't shake off his tone on the call.

Does he also talk to Fiza in the same tone?

Once again, my thoughts drifted to her and after thinking keenly, I came to my decision.

In her own life struggles, I would not burden her with the responsibility of the kids.

With this final thought, I grabbed my phone and without looking at the time, I called my lawyer. After a conversation of about thirty-five minutes, I ended the call and exhaled a deep breath.

"I am sorry, kids." I mumbled, dropping my phone on the bed.

Sorry, Fiza...

______________________

Salam and hello everyone!

Sorry for the short chapter, but I will try my best to cover it up in next update.

So, what do you think? What is Sheheryar up to? Do you see Fiza's life is going to be more difficult?

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