Chapter 23 is up on Stck

•••

"Rehnuma, idhar aao." Rukhsar said, taking hold of her daughter's hand and leading her to the kitchen.

(Rehnuma, come here,)

"Kya hua, mummy?" Rehnuma asked, confused about why her mother had pulled her aside in the middle of the function. Though the event was nearing its end, most of the guests had already left, leaving only the family members behind.

(What happened, mummy?)

"Nida Huda ke barey mein puch rahi thi mujhse." Rukhsar informed her.

(Nida was asking me about Huda.)

"Kya puch rahi thi?" Rehnuma frowned, not understanding the context. Rukhsar gave her a pointed look before elaborating.

(What was she asking?)

"Huda ki shadi tumhe karni hai ki nahi? Kuch socha hai uske barey mein?"

(Do you plan on getting Huda married or not? Have you thought about her future?)

Rehnuma's expression hardened. "Aap log ne Eifa ke barey mein kya socha hai?" Her voice carried a clear edge.

(And what have you all planned for Eifa?)

"Dono hum umr hain toh aap log ko Huda se pehle Eifa ki fikar karni chahiye. Lekin nahi, Eifa toh medical parh rahi hai, jaise Ayla ke paas free pass tha sab kuch apni marzi se karne ka kyuki woh doctor hai, waise hi Eifa ke paas hai. Sabko fikar bas meri aur meri beti ki hoti hai, jaise hum bojh hain. Aise hi papa ne meri parhai ke fouran baad hi shadi kara di thi, pucha tak nahi main ready hoon, lekin Huda ke sath main aisa kuch nahi karungi." Rehnuma spoke without pausing, her frustration spilling out unchecked.

(Both are of the same age, so you should be worrying about Eifa first. But no, since Eifa is pursuing medicine, she gets a free pass, just like Ayla did. She could do whatever she wanted because she was becoming a doctor. Meanwhile, all the concern is reserved for me and my daughter, as if we’re some kind of burden. Just like Papa rushed to get me married right after my studies without even asking if I was ready. But I won’t do the same to Huda.)

"Rehnuma, tum kaha ki baat kaha le ja rahi ho." Rukhsar's tone sharpened in irritation. "Ayla ki fikar karne ke liye uske maa baap the, jab unhe munasib laga, unhone ki apni beti ki shadi. Aur tumhari shadi se pehle maine tumse pucha tha, ab kya baap apni beti se aisi baatein kare?" Rukhsar was visibly annoyed at the accusation. Huzaifa had always fulfilled Rehnuma’s every wish. Yes, he had arranged her marriage, but it wasn't a bad decision. Rehnuma had been happy in her married life. But perhaps, after years of being compared to Ayla, bitterness had seeped into her personality, making her weigh herself against her cousin at every turn.

(Rehnuma, what are you talking about?)

(Ayla had her parents to worry about her. They got her married when they felt it was the right time. And before your marriage, I did ask you. Should a father do these talk to his daughter now?)

Sighing, Rukhsar softened her tone. "Aur rahi Eifa ki baat, Nida agar apne bete ke liye Eifa kehti toh main Kabir se baat karti, usne Huda ki baat ki hai isliye tumse puch rahi hoon."

(As for Eifa, if Nida had been asking for Eifa her son, I would have spoken to Kabir. But she was asking about Huda, which is why I’m asking you.)

Understanding her mother’s reasoning, Rehnuma hesitated before confirming, "Mamu ki beti Nida?"

(Mamu's daughter Nida?)

"Haan."

(Yes.)

"Kya karta hai uska beta? Aya hua hai?"

(What does her son do? Is he here?)

"Meraz Sazil naam hai, aur yaha nahi rehta, Dubai mein rehta hai. Baki tumhe munasib lage toh Nida se baat karlo, woh ayi hai.Main Azrin ke liye Arsalan ka soch rahi thi." Rukhsar provided the details and was about to leave when Rehnuma stopped her.

(His name is Meraz Sazil. He lives in Dubai. If you think it’s suitable, you can talk to Nida, she’s here.)

"Achha, mummy, aap gussa na ho."

(Mummy, don’t be mad.)

"Mujhe apse Arsalan ke barey mein baat karni thi."

(I also wanted to talk to you about Arsalan.)

Rukhsar immediately looked concerned. "Kya hua Arsalan ko?" Her worry was valid, he hadn’t even attended the function today.

(What happened to Arsalan?)

Rehnuma glanced around, as if unsure of how to phrase her thoughts. But then she reminded herself, this was her mother. Why should she hesitate?

"Main Azrin ke liye Arsalan ka soch rahi thi." she admitted, her voice carrying traces of uncertainty.

(I was thinking about Azrin for Arsalan.)

Rukhsar’s eyebrows shot up. "Apni Azrin?" She asked in disbelief.

(Our Azrin?)

Rehnuma nodded, though her hesitation was clear. Seeing this, Rukhsar chose her words carefully.

"Rehnuma, Azrin hum sabko bohot azeez hai lekin woh zindagi ki taraf wapas ajaye, iske liye hum Arsalan se qurbani nahi mang sakte."

(Rehnuma, we all love Azrin dearly, but we can’t ask Arsalan to make such a sacrifice just so she can move on with life.)

"Main Arsalan ki khushi ke liye hi keh rahi hoon. Arsalan pasand karta hai Azrin ko, lekin khud samne se kuch nahi kahega."

(I’m saying this for Arsalan’s happiness. He likes Azrin but will never say it himself.)

Rukhsar processed this. If Arsalan truly had feelings for Azrin, then it wasn’t a bad idea. He was a responsible man, someone they trusted, and most importantly, someone who genuinely cared for Azrin.

"Arsalan aur Azrin ki shadi hogi toh mujhe toh itminan rahega, lekin pata nahi, koi manega iss shadi ke liye." Rukhsar admitted.

(If Arsalan and Azrin get married, I would be relieved, but I don’t know if everyone will agree to it.)

Rehnuma sighed in frustration. "Mummy, apki inhi baaton se mujhe gussa ata hai. Ek baar karne diya na apne Azrin ko uski marzi ka, ek baar pehle bhi mere Arsalan ka proposal reject kar chuke hain aap aur usme koi kami nahi hai jo main baar baar uska rishta leke yaha aau, Azrin ko pasand karta hai issi liye main dubara uska proposal leke ayi hoon pichli baar ki beizatti bhool ke. Ab toh inkar na karein aap."

(Mummy, this is what make me angry. You already let Azrin have her way once. You've rejected Arsalan's proposal before, even though there's nothing lacking in him that I’d have to keep bringing it up again. He loves Azrin, that's why I'm here once more, setting aside the insult from last time. Please, don't refuse this time.)

Before Rukhsar could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"Kyu inkar kar rahi hain aap, badi dadi?"

(Why are you rejecting the proposal, Badi Dadi?)

Sharfa stood at the doorway, clutching a bowl, her eyes wide with surprise. She had just been passing by when she overheard the conversation and was now frozen in place, processing what she had heard.

Just a few weeks ago, she had started shipping Arsalan and Azrin together, and after yesterday, her imagination had run wild. But now? It seemed like she wouldn’t even have to do anything. Things were already falling into place.

"Momo, tum kab ayi?" Rukhsar and Rehnuma were both startled.

(Momo, when did you get here?)

"Abhi! Woh hum ice cream lene aye the. Bahar bhi hai, but bahar chocolate hai, aur hume butterscotch chahiye thi..." Sharfa answered quickly before turning back to the freezer. As she dug through it, the mother and daughter exchanged looks.

(Just now. I came for ice cream. There’s chocolate outside, but I wanted butterscotch...)

Rehnuma wasn’t very familiar with Sharfa, but Rukhsar knew this girl’s tongue had no brakes.

"Badi dadi, mat mana kariye iske liye, please." Sharfa said as she straightened up with the ice cream in hand. "Hum toh day 1 se ship kar rahe hain Arsalan api aur Azrin bha... Arsalan bhai aur Azrin api ko. Dono ke names bhi kitne similar hain, they’re meant to be."

(Badi Dadi, please don’t refuse this proposal.)

(I've been shipping Arsalan api and Azrin bhai..m Arsalan bhai and Azrin api since day one. Even their names are so similar, they’re meant to be.)

She spoke with such confidence, all while happily eating her ice cream, as if she were the official spokesperson for Arsalan’s love life.

Rehnuma, unimpressed, frowned at her. "Tum mein manners nahi hai, larki? Dusro ki baatein nahi sunni chahiye aur bado ke mamle mein bilkul nahi bolna chahiye. Ayat aur Hanan ne itna bhi nahi seekhaya?"

(You have no manners, girl. You shouldn’t eavesdrop on others’ conversations, and you definitely shouldn’t interfere in elders’ matters. Didn’t Ayat teach you anything?)

But this was Momo—half the words flew right over her head.

"Mom ne toh bohot kuch seekhaya hai." she said seriously. "Hume koi bhi stray animal aise hi ghar nahi lana chahiye begair dekhe ki woh kisi ke pet toh nahi. Aur bhook lagne pe dogs kaisi awaz karte hain, aur hume human food nahi dena chahiye animals ko iss liye toh humare bag mein hamesha extra treat rehti hai for them."

(Mom has taught me plenty,)

(For example, I should never bring stray animals home without checking if they belong to someone. Also, when a dog is hungry, it makes specific sounds, and I should never feed them human food. That’s why I always keep extra pet treats in my bag.)

She continued listing facts with full sincerity. "Aur agar koi injured hai aur humare paas first aid nahi toh..."

(And if an animal is injured but I don’t have first aid...)

"Maine janwaro ke barey mein nahi pucha." Rehnuma cut her off sharply. "Yeh sari jankari tum aur tumhari maa hi rakho kafi hai."

(I wasn’t talking about animals.)

(You and your mother can keep that knowledge to yourselves.)

Sharfa blinked in confusion. "What’s jun kari?" She asked innocently.

(What’s that?)

Rehnuma turned to her mother in exasperation. "Mummy, yeh kya hai?"

(Mummy, what is this?)

Rukhsar sighed. "Woh aisi hi hai." Then, turning to Sharfa, she said. "Momo, tumhe ice cream mil gayi na, ab jao bahar khelo."

(This is just how she is.)

(Momo, you got your ice cream, now go outside and play.)

"Hum khel nahi rahe the, hum toh bas aise hi ghoom rahe the. Phuppo, abhi toh humne bataya hi nahi dad ne kya seekhaya hai, dad ne seekhaya hai ki... oho, hum toh kuch aur baat kar rahe the na. Apne bhula diya hume." Sharfa suddenly smacked her forehead, remembering the topic at hand.

(I wasn’t playing, I was just wandering around. Phuppo, I haven’t even told you yet what Dad taught me. Dad taught me that... Oho, we were talking about something else. You made me forget.)

"Badi dadi, aap mat mana kare iss proposal se." she pleaded again. "Arsalan bhai bohot achhe insan hain and trust me bohot khush rakhenge Azrin api ko."

(Badi Dadi, please don’t refuse this proposal.)

(Arsalan bhai is a wonderful person, and trust me, he will make Azrin api very happy.)

Her sincerity was almost amusing, as if she were personally guaranteeing Arsalan’s character.

“Aap kya soch rahi hain? Koi manega nahi? Koi kyu nahi manega? By the way koi hai kon?” Sharfa's voice lowered at the last question, curiosity flickering in her tone. If this ‘someone’ was someone she knew, she’d handle it herself.

(What are you thinking? That no one will agree? Why wouldn’t they? By the way, who exactly is this someone?)

"Aur, badi dadi, aap chorhiye inn sab ko." Before she could get an answer, she turned to Rukhsar, placing her now-empty ice cream bowl on the countertop. “Aap humari suniye, aap ghar ki sabse badi hain, aap koi decision lein toh koi nahi mana kar sakta, trust me. Uss din dad bhi keh rahe the ki tayi jaan se mujhe bohot darr lagta hai.”

(Badi Ddadi, forget everyone else.)

(You’re the eldest in this family. If you make a decision, no one will dare oppose you. Trust me. The other day, Dad himself admitted that he’s scared of you.)

“Hanan ne... aisa kaha?” Rukhsar raised a skeptical eyebrow, she didn’t believe this.

(Hanan... said that.)

Sharfa nodded quickly, her conviction unwavering. “Haan, chachu se keh rahe the. Toh humara point yeh hai ki dad bhi apse darrte hain, so you have power.” She explained it as if this was a groundbreaking revelation, completely unaware of how absurdly amusing it sounded. To her, her father was an unshakable force, someone who solved every problem effortlessly. The idea of him fearing someone felt like a monumental discovery.

(Yes, I heard him telling Chachu. So my point is, if Dad is scared of you, so you have power.)

“Aap keh dijiye ki Arsalan bhai aur Azrin api ki shadi hogi, yeh koi apke against nahi jayega. Himmat hi nahi hogi.” She concluded with utmost confidence, as if she were handing Rukhsar the keys to an unchallenged victory. And as for the mother daughter, Sharfa had silenced them completely.

(So just declare that Arsalan Bhai and Azrin Api will get married. No one will dare go against you. They wouldn’t even have the courage to.)

“Main.. sochungi.” Rukhsar said at last, trying to dismiss her.

(I'll... think about it.)

“Sochiyega nahi, kar dijiyega, please.” Sharfa pleaded dramatically before rushing off. She had breaking news to deliver to the rest of the household.

(Don’t think about it, just do it, please.)

Rehnuma, who had been sitting silently up until now, finally found her voice. “Yeh...” She opened her mouth to say something, but for the first time in her life, she was left speechless.

(She...)

“Janti hoon,” Rukhsar understood without being told.

(I know,)

“Abhi se aisi baatein kar rahi hai, badi hoke toh pata nahi kya gul khilayegi.” Rehnuma shook her head, exasperated.

(If she’s saying things like this now, I can’t even imagine what she’ll do when she grows up.)

“Rehnuma!” Rukhsar warned sharply. “Bachhi hai woh. Hanan bhi aisa hi tha. Itna toh khair nahi bolta tha, lekin har kisi ke masle mein bolna hota tha usko.”

(She’s just a child. Hanan was the same. He didn’t talk this much, but he always had to meddle in everything.)

She sighed, remembering her Hanan's childhood antics—how he single-handedly turned the household upside down with his interference.

•••

Sharfa exited the room, still buzzing with energy, but then a thought struck her—who should she share this news with first? But what if she told someone and they advised her to stay out of it? That would be disastrous.

No, she decided. She wouldn’t say a word.

Yet the thrill of the secret itched at her. She had barely stepped into the courtyard when she spotted Shahnan. Her safe place. She could share it with him.

“Bhai, Bhai, Bhai, listen...” She hurried after him, but Shahnan didn’t even turn around. Instead, he ignored her completely and walked away.

Sharfa stood frozen, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.

“Yaha akey bhai bewafa ho gaye.” She muttered to herself, arms crossed, thoroughly betrayed.

(Bhai have changed.)

•••

Meanwhile, in Eifa’s room, tension hung thick in the air. Sitting beside her on the bed, Ehan’s expression was grave. “Eifa, kya hua tha, batao mujhe.”

(Eifa, what happened there? Tell me.)

“Kuch bhi nahi hua tha. Baar baar mat pucho.” Eifa snapped, her voice sharp with frustration. Her face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed as if she were holding back tears.

(Nothing happened. Stop asking.)

Ehan didn’t budge. "Mere best friend aur cousin mein hatha payi hui hai aur tum keh rahi ho kuch hua nahi?" His voice was calm but firm.

(My best friend and my cousin got into a fight, and you’re telling me nothing happened?

Eifa took a deep breath, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear in an attempt to compose herself. “Obaid bas mujhse baat kar raha tha, Shahnan ko galat fehmi hui aur bas...” Her words were deliberately dismissive, her tone brushing off the severity of the situation.

(Obaid was just talking to me. Shahnan misunderstood, and that’s it.)

But Ehan wasn’t convinced. He studied her carefully. Eifa, who usually shared everything with him, was clearly hiding something.

“Toh tumhara matlab hai Obaid ne kuch nahi kiya aur Shahnan pagal hai yunhi marne laga ussey.” Ehan asked, tilting his head.

(So you’re saying Obaid did nothing, and Shahnan just lost his mind and started beating him up?)

Eifa shot him a frustrated glare. “Maine aisa nahi kaha.”

(I didn’t mean that.)

“Toh kaisa kaha? Eifa, itna bewaqoof toh main hoon nahi ki na janu larko ki gairat kaha jaagti hai. Jab koi humare ghar ki aurto pe nazar dalta hai tabhi baat maar peet pe jati hai. Warna Shahnan pagal toh hai nahi bewajah marega Obaid ko. Obaid se toh main baat karta hoon.”

(Then what do you mean? Eifa, I’m not an idiot that I don’t understand where a man’s honor flares up. It only comes to blows when someone dares to cast a glance at the women of our family. Otherwise, Shahnan isn’t crazy enough to beat up Obaid without reason. I’ll talk to Obaid myself.)

Ehan’s voice had taken on a dangerous edge, his jaw tightening with barely contained anger. He pushed off the bed, ready to storm out and confront Obaid.

“Ehan, nahi,” Eifa grabbed his wrist, her fingers trembling. “Please.”

(Ehan, no,)

"Shahnan ne already tamasha bana diya hai ab aur nahi." Her voice cracked, and that was all it took. The moment her tears spilled over, all of Ehan’s rage melted into concern.

(Shahnan has already made a scene, don’t escalate it.)

“Achha, relax,” He exhaled, lowering himself back onto the bed. “Koi tamasha nahi hoga.” He placed a reassuring arm around her shoulder, grounding her as she tried to keep herself together.

(No one’s going to make a scene, I promise.)

For now, he stayed silent for his sister’s sake. But he wouldn’t let this slide.

•••

Ishmal quietly removed her jewelry, each piece clinking softly against the dresser as she set them aside. Without a word, she changed into more comfortable clothes. Unlike yesterday, she no longer harbored any hopeful delusions to wait for Kian.

But it wasn’t long before he arrived. Just like the night before, he walked in, seemingly indifferent, and was about to head straight to the bathroom when Ishmal’s voice stopped him.

"Mujhse shadi kyu ki?" Her tone was neutral, almost casual, as she rubbed lotion into her hands. When he didn’t respond, she pressed further.

(Why did you marry me?)

"Apko koi aur pasand hai kya? Zabardasti mujhse shadi karni parhi?"

(Do you love someone else? Were you forced into this marriage?)

Kian, who had been pulling out clothes from the cupboard, stilled. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

"Nahi, mera matlab..." Ishmal shrugged under his gaze and walked over to sit on the bed, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the sheets.

(No, I mean...)

"Arrange marriage toh India mein 90% se bhi zyada log karte hain aur kisi ko issue hota nahi hai toh... issue unhe hi hoga na jinki life mein pehle se koi aur ho." she continued, thinking out loud.

(More than 90% of people in India have arranged marriages, and they don’t seem to have an issue with it... The only ones who issue are those who were already in love with someone else.)

She had been obsessing over this question all day, approaching it from every possible angle. Sometimes, she considered walking away, leaving Kian behind. But then she would think, wasn’t it better to know the truth first? Other times, she resolved that she would never beg for a place in anyone’s life—whether it was her mother or Kian. But then another thought would strike, relationships weren’t supposed to be severed so easily. And it wasn’t like Kian had always been this way. He had been perfectly pleasant in first few meetings.

So what had changed?

"Momo ke sath zyada mat raho." Kian finally said, his voice flat. "Aur ulta seedha sochne ki zaroorat nahi."

(Don't spend too much time with Momo.)

(And stop overthinking things.)

"Toh aap sach bata dein. Mujhse shadi kyu ki?" Ishmal demanded. This time, she abandoned all hesitation, all shyness, all anxiety.

(Then just tell me the truth. Why did you marry me?)

Kian exhaled deeply, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "Na jano toh behtar hai."

(It’s better if you don’t know.)

"Aur yeh janna mere liye behtar tha ki yeh shadi tamasha hai?"

(And knowing that this marriage is nothing more than a show was better for me?)

"Tumhe sunna kya hai?" His voice held an edge of frustration now, as though he had no patience left for this conversation. As if confronting the truth was something he refused to do.

(What do you want to hear?)

"Yahi ki apki problem kya hai." Ishmal stepped forward, standing directly in front of him, her posture defiant.

(I want to know what your problem is.)

"Chaliye maan lete hain shayad apne shadi mere daddy ki wajah se ki." she continued, her voice growing colder. "Aap bohot mahan hain ek beemar baap ko khushiyan di uski beti ko basa liya. Ab itna ehsan kar hi diya tha toh jatana zaroori tha?"

(Let’s assume you married me because of my father.)

(You’re a noble man, you fulfilled the wish of a sick man, marrying his daughter. But if you were doing me such a grand favor, did you really need to tell me that?)

Her voice hardened, her words laced with steel. "None of this makes sense. Unless, of course, apki zindagi mein koi aur hai."

(None of this makes sense. Unless, of course, there’s someone else in your life.)

"Ishmal, main already ek hafte se bohot thaka hua hoon," Kian said, rubbing a hand over his face. "Mujhse sawal na karo toh behtar hoga." Without another word, he turned and walked toward the bathroom.

(Ishmal, I’ve had a long and exhausting week,)

(I don’t have the energy for this.)

"Definitely kisi aur ko pasand karte hain." The thought settled in Ishmal’s mind like a heavy stone, making her heart sink.

(He definitely loves someone else.)

"Phir shadi kyu nah ki? Shayad dusre caste ki hogi... ya religion?"

(Then why didn’t he marry her? Maybe she’s from another caste… or a different religion?)

She was left standing in the silence, answering her own questions.

Or maybe…

A new thought took shape in Ishmal’s mind.

"Woh ab inki zindagi mein nahi, chorh ke chali gayi ho?"

(Maybe she’s not in his life anymore. Maybe she left him.)

The possibility made her pause, her fingers tightening into a fist.

If that were the case, then perhaps she should try. Try to erase the memories of that girl from Kian’s life. Try to carve a place for herself in his heart.

•••

"Shah aur Momo kaha hain? Kafi derr se hume dikhe nahi." Ayat asked as she and Hanan entered their home. She had already checked their rooms—both were empty.

(Where are Shah and Momo? I haven’t seen them in a while.)

"Momo toh Nomi aur Kulsoom ke sath hai. Aur Shahnan pata nahi." Hanan replied with easy nonchalance, loosening his tie as he dropped onto the sofa.

(Momo’s with Nomi and Kulsoom. And I have no idea about Shahnan.)

"Kaha chale gaye?" Ayat’s worry deepened, a crease forming between her brows.

(Where could he have gone?)

"Bachha nahi hai woh, yahi kahi hoga." Hanan assured her, stretching his legs comfortably.

(He’s not a child. He’s probably around somewhere.)

"Apko fikar nahi hoti bachho ki?" she asked, irritation creeping into her voice.

(Don’t you ever worry about the kids?)

"Dekho pehli baat," Hanan sighed, looking at her patiently, "Momo aisa koi kaam karti nahi ki main uski fikar karu, aur rahi baat Shahnan ki toh woh bachha nahi hai ki har waqt uske agey piche rahu, ungli pakarh ke chalau. Usko space do, yahi hoga, ajayega."

(Look first of all,)

(Momo isn’t the kind make me worry about her. And as for Shahnan, he’s not a kid anymore. I don’t have to hover around him every second, holding his hand. Give him some space. He’ll be back.)

Hanan’s reasoning made sense, but Ayat couldn’t shake the unease twisting in her chest. It wasn’t just concern—it was something heavier, something she couldn’t name. Her heart had been pounding for a while now, as if trying to warn her of something.

"Hanan, hume toh kabhi kabhi aisa lagta hai apko Shah se pyar hi nahi, itna laparwah toh koi apni aulad se nahi hota." She said in frustration, rubbing her temples.

(Hanan, sometimes I feel like you don’t love Shah at all. No father is this indifferent toward their child.)

Instead of getting offended, Hanan let out a soft chuckle. "Jab tak chota tha woh kar li maine uski parwah, ab woh ek adult, he can take care of himself. Isliye tum bhi uski fikar karna chorho, mera khayal rakho bas."

(I cared plenty when he was younger. But he’s an adult now, he can handle himself. So you stop worrying about him, worry about me only.)

He reached for his phone, but before he could check it, Kabir rushed into the room, his face pale, his movements frantic.

"Hanan… Hanan…" Kabir’s voice was strained, almost breathless. He hesitated when he noticed Ayat but quickly turned back to Hanan. "Idhar ana,"

(Come here,)

Something in his tone sent a ripple of tension through the room. Hanan and Ayat exchanged a glance, both instantly alert. Hanan gestured for Ayat to stay calm before rising to follow Kabir to the side.

"Shahnan kaha hai?" Kabir whispered urgently.

(Where's Shahnan?)

"Pata nahi, kahi gaya hai shayad. Kyu?"

(I don’t know. He went out somewhere. Why?)

Kabir inhaled deeply, as if bracing himself. "Mere dost ki call ayi thi, humare ghar ki car ka accident hua hai, koi larka drive kar raha tha." His voice was measured, careful.

(I just got a call from a friend. One of our cars was in an accident. A boy was driving it.)

Hanan’s breath hitched.

"Ehan aur Kian ghar pe hain bas Shahnan..." Kabir hesitated, his courage faltering. How was he supposed to say this?

(Ehan and Kian are at home, only Shahnan…)

But Hanan had already stopped listening.

His world tilted.

The words accident and Shahnan collided in his mind, leaving no room for anything else. His chest constricted, and for a moment, it felt as though the air had been sucked from the room. His legs threatened to give out beneath him.

•••

The entire Khan haveli was in a state of shock, their breaths caught in their throats. Everyone wanted to rush to the hospital, desperate to see Shahnan, but Kaif refused. He allowed only men to go.

Ayat, however, couldn't be left behind. Staying home was impossible. Her sobs wracked her body, her hands trembling as she clung to reality. She wouldn't be able to breathe properly until she saw her son with her own eyes. So, despite everything, she went with them.

Hanan’s strides were long, unrelenting, his entire being fueled by urgency as he stormed through the hospital corridors, barely aware of the path he walked past by. His heart pounded with each step, his mind trapped in a vicious cycle of fear and dread.

Kabir had already used his influence to get Shahnan admitted, and treatment had begun. But none of it meant anything until Hanan saw his son.

•••

Far away from the chaos, Eifa slept, unaware of everything.

She had drifted off after Ehan left, exhaustion weighing down on her. But when she woke, her head heavy, something felt wrong.

A suffocating sense of unease coiled around her chest like a vice. The darkness of her room pressed against her, swallowing her whole, making it hard to breathe. Fumbling, she switched on the light, but the glow didn’t chase away the eerie feeling. It clung to her, thick and ominous.

Tying her long black hair into a messy bun, she slipped off the bed. She was still in the white lehenga from earlier, she hadn’t even changed before falling asleep.

She should go to the shared girls' room, sleep there for the rest of the night. But when she stepped into the lounge, she stopped.

Shyra and Kulsoom were standing there, their faces drawn, their eyes clouded with worry.

"Aap log ab tak jag rahe hain?" Eifa asked, her voice slightly hoarse from sleep.

(You’re still awake?)

The two women turned to her, but it was Kulsoom who spoke first, her expression unreadable. "Eifa, tumhe pata bhi hai kya hua hai."

(Eifa, do you even know what happened?)

Confusion flickered across Eifa’s face. "Kya hua hai?"

(What happened?)

"Shahnan ka accident hua hai, woh ICU mein hai." Shyra said, her voice tight. The words hit like a physical blow.

(Shahnan had an accident, he’s in the ICU.)

"Achha hua tum uth gayi, hum Kaif bhai ke ghar ja rahe, tum bhi chalo..." Shyra was saying, but it was as if Eifa had stopped listening.

(It's good that you woke up. We're going to Kaif bhai's house, you should come too...)

Eifa’s breath got stuck in her throat. Her vision swam, her thoughts splintering into static. The blood drained from her face, and before she could process anything, the ground beneath her gave way.

And she collapsed.

•••

I honestly forgot Nida mamu ki beti thi ya khala ki😬 phir maine socha ki Nida and Ayla had friendship (if I remember correctly,) toh khala (Nigaar) ki beti nahi ho sakti, woh toh choti hogi Ayla se 🤔 toh mamu ki beti 🐒

And if I'm wrong, ab yeh ap log ka masla hai, mera nahi.

Khair, how's the update?

-Ufaq