{Just listen to the above song. Their appearance does not at all match with the characters.}

Chapter 11

One thing one learns from history is that no one ever learns anything from history. History repeats itself giving you a chance to rectify the mistakes you committed in past. Despite this chance, horrible actions are repeated. Should not the chance should be availed by refuting to stand with the rotten traditions? The rationale verity should be given more preference than the self-made values. Only Allah's rules and appointed limits are universal and gives no pain to the followers. The man-made rules, wears out eventually. The decades and centuries pass and the rules turn out to be no more applicable. However, the situations where the matter of hearts is at stake should be solved with utter care.

Nonetheless, this unblemished reality lies far-flung from the old mindset of Hamdani men. Even no expectation can be drawn from the deep thinking of younger one – Sadee. It would be utter non-sense to have a hope of his support. He is man with the inherited traits and nature. Why would he think in side of his sister, a girl, in love-matter? By chance, if he does, then still his opinion will be given zero value. When the elders of an Asian family are alive, would the suggestion of a teenager be given any preference? Absolutely not!

"Why can we not let them marry?" Frustrated Sadee asks everyone who are still standing in the living room despite five minutes have been passed since the departure of Meers.

"Sadee, go to your room." Yasmeen scolds him at the instant.

Rolling eyes in disobedience, he huffs. "Not everyone is as obedient as Arnav Bhai." His words made the adamant members of family to look past their arrogance... into the depth of passion. When someone is saying he loves and is also suitable for the alliance then there remains no point for rejection.

"SADAAMM!" Yousaf roars his actual name, hinting the immature boy to stay in limits or better take the leave. His presence stands no importance after all.

On the way, he encounters small feet peeking from the curtain. Totally pissed off over the extreme drama, he holds his baby sister's hand. It was not good for her to stay there. Her innocent brain does not deserve to combat the cruel family discussions.

Sameer Hamdani paces a while on the rug vexing both Yousaf and Yasmeen. In a blink of eye, the internal turmoil hits hard and old figure thumps down on the couch, sensing waves of contraction in his chest. "Baba, you okay?" Yousaf and Yasmeen immediately surrounds the old man.

"167 Months, 3 Weeks, 5 Days, 13 Hours, 13 Minutes and 19 Seconds." Sameer Hamdani murmurs, ignoring the cries of his obedient daughter-in-law to servants about the preparation of vehicle to immediately take him hospital.

The mathematical murmuring has left the peeved minds of both Yousaf and Yasmeen in sheer confusion though.

***

Khushi has her heart in mouth since her ears perceived the news of Dada Jaan's unwell state. Incidents happen but they go worse if you are given the 'culprit' impression. She shrugs away the accusations of conscience and intertwines her fingers out of anxiety. All she wants right now is to be assured of her grandfather's life. For this, she has to pray hard to Allah SubhanawataAala. She cannot bear to lose him at this point of her life when she is already at the edge to lose her Arnav.

Her weak figure quivers and she steps back to take the support of wall behind her. "I am sorry, Ya Allah. I won't fight with him again. Please..." She murmurs to herself while managing her lamenting situation which is quite an impossible task right now.

Her words halt, cutting her heart as the glaze of tranquil blew and she looks up to see Arnav coming with his whole family. Seeing him at this moment stabs her heart. She was half determined to assassinate her love for this man, her dreams to live a life with him, for her grandfather. But now with him standing right in front of her, has numbed her any further wish. There is a ridiculous bang in the oscillations of her heart as she pictures not being his wife.

"What happened to Dada jaan?" Leaving the formal greetings at bay, he comes to the actual point. His eyes travel to each Hamdani for the answer of his question.

"Why you have come now?" Yousaf is in full mood to punch Arnav. His awful behavior has brought the healthy Sameer Hamdani to hospital bed. He kind of deserves abhorrence.

"Uncle, I did not mean to disrespect him. My point was..." He halts his tongue seeing the shaking head of Khushi. With embarrassment, he bows his head low.

Huffing, Yousaf turns and glares at Khushi. She gulps multiple times to bear the accusatory eyes of her dear father.

Now, she does not have the lame excuse anymore that she is not involved in all of this, has not said a word. She has... in front of everyone. She also non-verbally begged for her happiness. She has fought for her love.

Lulling herself to get accustomed to such treatment, she resumes reading supplications in heart.

Everyone roams around panicked. Before the proper emergency checkup could complete, the Tanveer family approaches, too. The father, mother and Owais himself. Khushi lays one look at Owais and then averts her eyes. She cannot dare to look back at him. It will be a sin and disloyalty with Arnav. She is just his.

Kausar comes ahead to give supportive hugs to Yasmeen and her future daughter in law. Due to the sudden fall in Dada Jaan's health, Hamdani had to call the Tanveer family and postpone the ceremony.

Feeling out of box, Owais looks at Arnav and something clicks in his mind. He tries to be friends with him but Arnav gives him a cold shoulder. He feels bad but the given situation keeps his mouth mum. It is not a time to show displeasure about the cold behavior.

After a while, the doctors come out, telling the news of Sameer Hamdani being all right.

"He was quite a fit man. Anyway, it's his age of these little ups and downs in health. High BP and... Just small contractions in heart muscles. We have taken all the required tests. According to my guess it was a mini heart attack. For confirmation, we have to wait for the reports."

"Ca Can we see him?" Arnav asks, apprehensively.

"No, let him rest for straight three hours. We have given him sedatives." Arnav nods and notices Owais knitting his eyebrows at the concern and desperateness of a man who is not a part of Hamdani family.

The revealed sigh surfs among three families and ladies are given the space to sit on chairs. Khushi, however, refutes and prefers to stand on side. She wants to save her figure from Owais. Being a girl she is getting negative vibes from him. His eyes are as if undressing her simple white trousers, knee length shirt and dupatta of same color on head. Moving more on left side, she tries to use Sadee as her shield. She just hopes Arnav's eagle eyes not to capture her discomfort. He would pick up a fight giving a damn to surroundings.

"Khushi, come here darling." Kausar calls her and she dangerously quivers at her spot. As if the mere voice has given her currents. How idiot she was to consider herself special. She is a trivial girl who will marry the man of family's choice under emotional pressure, bear the cold fake mother in law and rapist husband.

Accepting her defeat, she takes determined steps to greet her mother-in-law properly. She cannot risk her grandfather's life... not at the cost of her happiness, her life.

Arnav narrows eyes at the way Khushi greets Kausar Taimor with cheek kisses. Except Yousaf and Yasmeen every member of Hamdani and Meer family is alarmed. Their hearts shallow as they feel the pain of this little girl.

"He is Owais." Kausar hints her about her well-groomed son. He is one handsome and eye-catching man who spreads his manly charm everywhere he goes. People would love to fall sick to be his patient. Grey orbs certainly possess control over people's mind but Khushi is a different story; recklessly insane for a pair of hazel orbs.

Before nodding at him obediently, she internally curses herself zillionth of times, and then softly greets him by words. "Assalam O Alaikum!" The soft voice is instantly adored by Owais.

"Walaikum Assalam." His husky voice is dripping with sex and need. Her insides are killed and the indecency in his eyes tell Khushi to be prepared to warm his bed every night and every time he desires so. What's the point of thinking now? Decision has been taken. She has proved herself a 'fickle'.

To bear her own decision, she will simply imagine Owais as her Arnav and happily take every injustice thrown her way.

Her all patience was about to knock out when her eyes transitorily meet with Arnav's. The deception is explicit. Yes, she deserves his hatred. She has belittled his divine sentiments. His look is justifiable. She has not done a small thing. She has ditched him by greeting the man, whose proposal is accepted by her family, in front of his eyes.

"You all relax, I bring tea." Taimor says, but Arnav holds him by arm. His words are lost and so does his voice. He just notions signaling he will accompany him. Both brothers go and then help everyone take the sips of uplifting tea.

Feeling some refreshing sensations, Khushi and Aakifah decides to go to hospital's Masjid to offer Namaz along supplementary prayers.

Seeing them discussing Namaz time, Aaeidah also joins them to not due her Esha prayer much more.

"I escort you ladies till Masjid." Arnav's humble voice manage to be a salt on the bleeding wounds of Khushi's heart.

"You don't need to bother, Arnav..." The broken voice resonates due to extreme silence. She gulps down the pain, takes a deep sigh and shakes her head to send the tears back. "...Bhai" The last stab of deception is sent towards Arnav Raza Meer and his shredded heart. His existence shakes miserably with the false endearment. He is in shock. He cannot believe she has surrendered to the situation.

Every person standing there excluding Taimor family has their hearts flipped at the separation of these two love-birds.

"What happened?" Kausar immediately questions.

"Time has changed but girls still feel shy." Yasmeen covers the situation giving the implication that the presence of Owais is causing butterflies to dance in Khushi's stomach. How opposite is actual situation! Kiran rolls her eyes. She regrets to be friends with Yasmeen.

Aakifah and Aeidah remain still to their places whilst Khushi reach the center of corridor by somehow dragging feeble yet heavy steps. Both rush behind her making the excuse.

Once the corridor is passed, khushi hits her back with the wall.

Her mouth parts and the painful moan squeezes out of her dried throat.

It stirs up the sister love in Aakifah's heart. "Khushi..." She wants to support her sister in her low time.

"Hush..." Her voice surprisingly comes louder, asking of no condolences on the grave of her heart. She has herself read the QULLS!

With open mouth, she helps herself to breathe at the least by deeply inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Her grandfather has survived but she is sure her lifeline has shortened.

***

His manly hands grip the washroom basin hard, popping his veins. Curving his fingers, he rams his fist into the wall at right. The physical pain surges through his muscles but it's zilch in comparison of what his whole existence is dealing with.

"I was fighting, right!!!??? Why she had to back off?" He blabbers to himself, going insane as the forbidden endearment keeps ringing in his mind. Destiny is bitch. When he wanted her sensational plea to be rude and fast on bed, she has called him with this stupid endearment.

"UGHH!!!" She will have to answer his questions. She cannot end the play of eye-game leaving him in mid. He would not tolerate such rebellious behavior.

Splashing the water on his face, he wipes the water drops with his handkerchief. His blazing eyes are red, indicating the hurricane of pain. His love is rejected.

He keenly observes his reflection in mirror. He who could not persuade the family of the girl he loves for the proposal does not deserve to be called a man. His throbbing veins are bursting with stinging slap of her endearment. He wants to grab her and kiss her to the point of senselessness. The kiss would be a punishing one, tough. Then he will ask her to call him her husband. Yes, only this endearment and relation is suitable for them.

Realizing the situation, he feels more peeved that their relation does not even allow him to see her whereas he desires to love her to his heart's content. His head bows low in shame and disappointment. She has done good to her gift; after all she had won him in bet. She had the right to rule his life, his happiness and desires.

Feeling low, he steps out and luckily glimpses Khushi sitting on one of the chairs.

"She should have been on floor 2. What is she doing on first floor?" He thinks in mind and takes hopeful steps towards her.

She remains oblivious to his presence on the next seat until he calls her name. Her heavy sigh and red eyes clip Arnav's tongue. He would not bring her in dock to quench the thirst of answers.

Keeping a straight face, he keeps looking around, giving others the vision that they are strangers, they do not know each there at all and there is no such type of relation among them in which people weave dreams to be each other's soulmates.

***

After it seems like ages, Khushi raises her had from Sajdah and folds her legs rightly for Qaidah. The stretched prostration has formed the mark of hassock design on her forehead. But it is not a center of concern. The concern point is her heart; she has taken the decision of sacrificing herself in the respect of her grandfather but his stupid heart... From past one hour, she has wept, wailed, hiccupped sobbed and repeated again.

The stupid heart is not taking a name to calm down especially after committing the sin to call him with endearment really not applicable to the relation they share. The nature of their relation is different. Arnav Raza Meer has nurtured the love among them artistically. He has been doing so from past 14.7 years.

"Khush..." Aakifah merely murmurs, taking the rules of Masjid into consideration. It is not good to disturb other people.

Aaeidah gestures Aakifah to leave Khushi on her own. She is prone to misfortune. This affliction is not a small scratch. Infact, this has proficiently stabbed her heart in such a way that it will keep bleeding till the 'Day of Judgement'.

The night falls deeper and winds grow chiller but the families keep praying. Both Hamdanis and Meers want the Tanveer family to go but surprisingly, they are being pain.

"I know it's a moment of grief but we guess there would not be any suitable time more than this, right?" Qamar Tanveer suggests to do the engagement of Owais and Khushi right after Khushi returned spending two hours in front her Magnificent Allah who loves Justice and never burdens His people more than their endurance potentiality.

Khushi hardly gathers herself to not get embarrassed by falling unconscious. Her wails, her tears have not reached to Allah. She childishly depresses knowing that her duaa is not straightway reached to Allah despite she started and ended her supplication session with Darood-e-Ibrahimi.

"No, not right now. I want Baba Jaan to witness this engagement." Yousaf denies using appropriate words. The engagement ceremony in the presence of his daughter's in-laws who wanted Khushi's hand for middle brother would perish the roots of relations. It can also bring difficulties for his elder daughter. Another reason of his decision is the right and keen judgment about the passion of Arnav. He knew he would set the whole hospital on fire with Owais in it.

"Mm, okay. That's good plan, too. We should wait till Sameer Sahab opens his eyes." The monetarily relief Khushi felt about having at least 3 days' break – from all this engagement thing until Dada Jaan hales – succumbs with the revised plan of Tanveers. They are hell bent on the engagement today. As if it does not happen today, they will bear some extreme major loss. She humps at her luck. Her Ludo tricks have failed to give her the experience to judge the destiny tricks.

***

The thudding heart knows no tranquil or it has already been deprived to this feeling of contentment forever.

She settles her dupatta on head and takes quick steps to reach by her grandfather. He has called her immediately after gaining consciousness spending 48 hours under the effect of sedatives and weakness.

Tanveer family, Sadee, Maheen and Meers except Arnav and Raza Meer went home. The whole three families could not spend the whole night in CMH (Civil Military Hospital). Khushi was adamant to stay there and give the good news to her dear Dada Ji about her willingness upon Owais' proposal herself.

Arnav sits beside his grandfather and simply buries his face in his chest. Time has flung by and he is grown into a man of 28 from a boy of 4. But his Dadu's chest and lap are still his places to cry on and take support afterwards.

"Arnav, my bacha... maybe this oldies eyes are disabled. She was not your pair Allah has made." Rahim Raza earnestly apologizes to his grandchild whom he has been motivating by sharing assumptions of his experienced eyes.

"Dadu, she is mine Khushi." Arnav shares his anguish with his confidant ignoring the presence of Yousaf Hamdani who is now returning after buying the needed medicines prescribed by the doctors.

"She has chosen her family. You choose your heart. Don't run after her anymore otherwise this life will become burden on you."

"The breathing-process, dadu, the breathing process, not life. And I have decided to adopt a child, go Italy and spend my life in nurturing that baby and handling business there. If I stay here, I will kill each and every one who forced her to take this decision." He would never marry any girl except Khushi. So, to spend a good life, he will adopt a newly born and then spend his life.

"Your Dadu's life is not assured now. Don't ya dare leave him!"

"Dadu, I am helpless." Arnav turns into sobs realizing how much his grandfather loves him.

Yousaf sighs deep after listening to the grandchild and grandfather conversation, and tries not to say anything. He silently hands the medicines to nurse.

Sensing the approach of Tanveers, Arnav immediately sits up straight, rubbing his palm multiple times over his cheeks and jaws to disguise the marks of weakness.

Rahim Meer grabs his bicep feeing his anger bubbling. Arnav has to respect the decision his Khushi has taken, otherwise, on the other hand, his manly ego will force him to punch this guy black and blue.

Soon, Hamdani and Meers also come listening to the news about Sameer Hamdani's conscious state but they are unaware of the beatings of his heart.

"No, Dada Jaan." Khushi shakes her head, tightly gripping her grandfather's hand. From past 6 minutes, she is inside, her grandfather is just staring at her from head to toe. He is trying to say her something but his dry throat is not allowing normalcy in speaking. She sits down on stool and kisses his held hand with pure chivalry and adoration. "You don't have to say a single thing. I am ready to marry your chosen man... by my heart." khushi lies sincerely for her grandfather but she cannot ignore the deep hollow created in herself. She will always remain incomplete. Sameer Hamdani chuckles so hard that tears drip from his both sides, getting soaked in pillow.

"Dada Jaan." Khushi shakes her head, telling him of her naught stamina about his tears. She wipes his face while shedding the cascade of tears herself.

Sameer Hamdani holds her hand and then kisses her. This gives Khushi all the reward of the sacrifice she has planned to do for this man. "You are my best Bacha." He praises his baby girl who could not bear a scratch on him and instead planned to keep wounded all life. "...but you are also an idiot bacha." Sameer says and she could not agree more. She is an idiot to weave dreams of Arnav's name.

Their conversation gets disturbed when Yasmeen along Tanveer family enters in. She wanted to keep them out until Khushi's meet with her grandfather ends but they were being so itching stubborn to meet the old man right at the instant.

Getting the green signal that everyone can meet him, Aaeidah also drags Arnav inside with the lecture to apologize for the divine confession he made the other day.

"You know what she has done?" Rahim Meer goes nearer his friend and his control upon his emotion state loses, letting tears to drip. Sameer goes curious to know what his bubbly child has done nnow. "...Called him 'bhai'." Sameer bursts into laughter confusing Rahim. His laughter is quite opposite than assumed reaction.

"Where is that idiot?" Sameer asks about Arnav and Rahim points towards him who is hiding behind the other people. "Come here, Arnav." He calls him with the authority in his voice. He knew now he would not take the leave without meeting him.

He steps closer and many fears take birth in Tanveer family. They had also brought the ring and sweets for engagement but here something seems upset.

"Dadi ji, I am sorry for my behavior." Arnav apologizes but not for his confession. He would never feel ashamed of it.

Sameer hushes his next words and just simply places Khushi's hands in his. "167 Months, 3 Weeks, 5 Days, 13 Hours, 13 Minutes and 19 Seconds. With the addition of more 8 months, this changes to 174 months, 4 weeks, 9 days, 8 hours, 22 minutes and 25 seconds. Total seconds... 464, 491, 994.4." Arnav chuckles with happiness wrapped in gloom. His Sameer Dada is certainly genius in Mathematics. Comprehending what exactly Sameer meant, the jubilancy embraces every fallen face lifting them into bright smiles with mist eyes.

Arnav admires the desired feminine hand in his hand and then winks at her. He would not play hero here by refusing the acceptance after the several centuries of agony asking them to marry his love with another man they like. Instead he will proudly cherish his right.

Kausar fumes witnessing a cheesy romance at the grave of the last chance of his son's good future. After all, like typical women, she also thought to use a woman as a rehabilitation center for badly raised boy on the name of Nikah. "If you knew, your daughter had some man on line, why did you bother us?" Paying no heed to manners, she throws venomous words.

All the happiness of Khushi halt as she absorbs in the taunt directed towards her character. Her face sullen but he gives her a reassuring squeeze.

"There is no fault of my daughter in it. We were blind to see their love. Moreover, which girl would not fall in love with Arnav?" Yousaf finally breaks the pot and bares his heart.

He was away when Rahim Raza told Sameer about Khushi's assassinating endearment.

"Yousaf, come ahead." Sameer calls for his son, sterly. He speaks further when Yousaf Hamdani stands near his bed. "Yousaf, I was wrong. Instead of correcting me, you kept forcing your own girl. How cruel of you! She is your blood. How could you go stone in front of her tears? I am so envious of Rahim right now. He has rightly taught Arnav to fight for his right." Sameer had adored the defensive side of Arnav. Elders are humans, too. They also need guidance.

"You cannot imagine what he went through today?"

Sameer looks inquisitively for the answer. "Your this baby girl massacred him. His breaths had stopped. He was quivering badly. You know Khara Khara marr gya tha!" People who believed that he was oblivious to Arnav and Khushi in that span of time get shocked, too.

Sameer mocks Arnav in humorous way and all snigger.

Arnav gets embarrassed. His wife to be called him that endearment. Uh, he has to defend himself. "Dadi Ji, you have no idea how angrily I wanted to glare back at her just the way I did two years back, but altered my actions to give her decision the rightful respect. I knew she died, too, numerous times, in that mini span. I did not want to upset her more by demanding my answers." Khushi falls in love with him all over again as he bares his emotions.

"I cannot have a son more devoted to his lady-love than this." Raza circles notes from over Arnav and Khushi's head.

"And I cannot have a daughter more obedient than her." This stirs Khushi and she instantly jolts up to hug her father. Arnav also joins her and they cherish the joint-wishes.

Owais with his family excuses after greeting the old man for the last time. He is man and they mostly don't keep grudges. They leave for good, letting the two families smile after a long stretch of woes. Nonetheless, only Khushi and her mother knows how Kausar Tanveer will paint her character in front of the world. Nothing matters more than the heartily contentment and slips your way when you keep unadulterated believe on Allah.

***

The Arnav-Khushi are going to be one now. Yuhoo! Romantic scenes or themes or tips are warmly welcomed.

Feel free to congratulate me on my 3.85 SGPA. CGPA is 3.64 now. I am quite happy... Hope this semester goes well, too. Stats sucks, though.