Ek umr bitayi hai tum bin
Ek umr beetani hai sath tumhare...

•••

"Hanan? Kya hua tumhe?" Khushnuma almost screeched when saw Hanan coming downstairs. His eyes were bloodshot red, dark circles around his eyes and hair messy.

(Hanan? What happened to you?)

Hanan, who was climbing down the stairs, got startled and looked behind, then again at Khushnuma with raised eyebrow.

"Ankhein itni surkh kyu hain? Aur chehra... fever hai kya." Going to him, she put her hand on his forehead, she was right, he is burning in fever.

(Why your eyes are red? And face... do you have fever?)

"Tum aisi halat mein niche kaise agaye? Idhar aao." First, she scolded him, then hold his arm to lead him to the sofa.

(How could you come downstairs if you weren't feeling well? Come here.)

"Mummy, I am fine." Hanan protested but she didn't hear.

"Baithe raho." She made him sit on the sofa, but he was about to get up, Khushnuma hold his shoulders and glare at him.

(Sit down.)

"Main Ayla ko bulati hoon, check up kar de tumhara." Telling him this, she left.

(I will call Ayla, she will do your check up.)

"Par main theek hoon." Hanan tried to stop her.

(But I am fine.)

•••

"Assalam-Alaikum, Chachi." Khushnuma met Ayat in on the entrance of Azlan's house, Ayat greeted her happily, she was holding a bowl of chicken gravy.

"Walekum-Assalam, tum college nahi gayi?"

(Are you not going to college?)

"Thori derr baad jayenge, pehle yeh barfi ko de dein." Ayat was saying, showing Khushnuma the bowl which she was holding, then she noticed Khushnuma's apprehensive face. "Kya hua, chachi?"

(I will leave after some time. First I have to feed Barfi.)

(What happened?)

"Ayla hai ghar pe?"

(Is Ayla at home?)

"Nahi, woh toh hospital gayi. Kyu?"

(No, she left for hospital, why?)

"Hanan ki tabiyat theek nahi." Worriedly, Khushnuma said. "Main kisi aur doctor ko bula leti hoon." She was about to leave but stopped on Ayat's voice.

(Hanan is sick.)
(I will call another doctor for him.)

"Kya hua unhe? Kal toh theek the."

(What happened to him? He was fine yesterday.)

"Fever hai." Telling her this, Khushnuma again left for her house. Hanan hardly gets sick, and whenever he does, it scares Khushnuma and she over worries for him. Ayat quickly followed after her, forgetting that Barfi is waiting for breakfast.

(He have fever.)

Like an obedient son, he was sitting in the same position as Khushnuma left him. But with a frown, which quickly vanishes away when he saw Ayat.

"Kitna temperature hai?" Ayat asked, but Khushnuma told her they haven't checked.

(What's his temperature?)

Ayat asked the maid to get first aid kit from Ayla's bedroom.

"Aap aise baithe kyu hain? Apko kamre mein aram karna chahiye tha." Ayat scolded Hanan.

(Why are you sitting here? You should rest in your room.)

Hanan opened his mouth to say something but Khushnuma interrupted. "Yeh toh manne ko bhi taiyyar nahi ki yeh beemar hai."

(He is not ready to accept that he is sick.)

"Kyuki main theek hoon."

(Because I am fine.)

"Aap to chup hi rahe." Ayat scoffs at him then turned to Khushnuma. "Chachi, kal humne inse kaha tha mousam sard ho raha hai blanket le lein. Lekin nahi, yeh toh aise hi backyard mein baithe the, beemar toh hona tha."

(You shut up.)

(Chachi, yesterday I told him the weather is cold, take a blanket. But no, he was sitting like that in the backyard.)

Khushnuma's eyes widened on this, now she knows why he fell sick. She glared at him, then again turned to Ayat.

"Yahi toh harkat hai dono baap bete ki, maine kal Shahzain se kaha tha a.c band kar dein achha khasa mousam hai, lekin nahi, sunna kaha hota hai dono baap bete ko. Kisi aur ki sunna toh inki shaan ke khilaf hai."

(Both father and son are same, I told Shahzain yesterday to not turn in the a.c, the weather is already cold, but no, they both don't listen.)

Same time maid came there with first aid box. Taking it from her, Ayat placed it on table and sat beside Hanan.

"Waise nashte mein kya kiya inhone?" While taking the thermometer out, she asked.

(What did he eat for breakfast?)

"Mere zehen se nikal gaya." Khushnuma slapped her forehead, then quickly called maid to cook porridge for Hanan.

(It slipped off from my mind.)

"Main woh nahi khau..." Hanan opened his mouth to protest, but his sentence was interrupted when Ayat put thermometer in his mouth.

(I won't eat tha...)

Closing his mouth, Hanan glared at her. Which she ignored.

Khushnuma sat on the other sofa. Hanan was silently sitting, but had to remove the thermometer when saw Ayat taking stethoscope out,

"O half doctor, yeh mat bhoolo tum janwaro ki doctor ho, wapas rakho ussey." Pointing at the stethoscope, Hanan told her.

(Don't forget you are animal's doctor, put that back.)

"Aap pehle ussey wapas rakhiye." Narrowing her eyes at him, she points at the thermometer.

(You put the back in your mouth.)

"Tum wapas rakho ussey."

(You put that back.)

"Arey, hume maloom hai hum kya kar rahe hain. Humne api ko dekha hai." She tried to assure him.

(I know how to use this, I have seen api.)

"Dekhke doctor bante hain? Yeh 5 8 saal ki parhai kya mazze ke liye karta hai insan?" But he wasn't assured at all.

(You become doctor b observing? One study 5 to 8 years just like that?)

"Api ne hume bataya tha..."

(She told me how to...)

"Batake bante hain?"

(You become doctor like that?)

"Toh aur kaise bante hain?" Ayat almost shouted, glaring at him. "Teachers bhi jab parhate hain tab bante haina." She was irritated by his questioning and doubt.

(Then how we become doctor?)

(Teachers teaches us then we become doctor.)

"Mummy, kuch nahi hua mujhe..." Now, Hanan turned to his mother, who was looking between them silently, and he whined.

(Mummy, I am alright...)

"Hanan, agar zyada nakhre kiye toh abhi tumhare papa ko call laga dungi." But Khushnuma, as always, is in Ayat's team.

(Hanan, if you show that much tantrum I will call your father.)

Sulking, he again put the thermometer in his mouth, and crossed his arms over his chest.

After sometime, the thermometer beeped, Ayat quickly took it out and check the temperature.

"Allah, Hanan, apke toh bohot high fever hai. Aap baithe kyu hain, lait jaiye..." Ayat put her hand on her lips then gasped, she quickly stood up and put her hand on his shoulders to make him lie, while Khushnuma was scolding him for not taking a blanket. Hanan just accepted his faith.

(Allah, Hanan, your temperature is very high. Why are you sitting? You should lay down...)

Turning on the torch of her phone, Ayat again turned to Hanan.

"Aah!" Opening her mouth wide, she told him to do so too. He did, she checked his mouth, then checked his pulse and heartbeat. After she was assured it is just fever, she relaxed and told Khushnuma not to worry.

"Dawai aur proper rest se theek ho jayenge."

(He will be fine with medicine and proper rest.)

"Aur dawai kon dega?" Hanan, who was laying on the sofa, looked at Ayat, who was sitting on the table, and asked.

(And who will prescribe medicines?)

"Arey isme rakha hai." Putting the thermometer and stethoscope back in the box, she started looking for medicines.

(I have medicine here.)

"Mummy, main apka iklouta beta hoon, mere sath aisa na kare. Pata nahi konse kutte billi ki dawai de de yeh, iska kya bharosa."

(Mummy, I am your only son, don't do this to me. What if she gives me medicine of dogs or cats, I don't trust her.)

Ayat sharply looked at Hanan on this comment, even Khushnuma didn't like what he said.

"Hanan..." Khushnuma was about to scold him.

"Koi baat nahi, chachi, fever dimagh pe charh gaya hai bas. Pehli baat, Hanan, yeh api ka first aid box hai humara nahi toh isme aisi koi dawai nahi, lekin agar zyada bak bak ki apne toh wakai mein apko aisi koi dawai de denge. Sharafat se laite rahe." Her warning made him shut his lips.

(It's okay, chachi, he is under the affect of fever. First of all, Hanan, this first aid box belongs to api, it's not mine so there is no medicine for animals, but if you keep complaining like that, I will give you one. Lay down obediently.)

Same time, Maid came, and once again, Hanan started throwing tantrums for not wanting to eat porridge.

"Hanan, Kasam se, bachhe bhi itni zidd nahi karte." Ayat become irritated by his behaviour.

(Seriously, Hanan, even kids are not that stubborn.)

"Wakai mein! bachho wali zidd na karo, warna waise hi treat karungi abhi tumhe." Khushnuma also warned him, she was holding spoon close to his mouth.

(Seriously! If you keep behaving like a kid, I will treat you like a one.)

He first pouted, then reluctantly opened his mouth for Khushnuma to feed him.

Putting her hands over her mouth, Ayat hold her giggles. Khushnuma didn't see her, but Hanan did, and looked at her furious eyes.

•••

"Ayla, aap jaldi agayi?" Rubab was in the lawn when she saw Ayla entering the haveli, going to her, she asked.

(Ayla, you came early today?)

"Humara sar dard kar raha tha, bas agaye." Ayla informed her,

(I have headache, that's why I came early.)

"Sabki lagta hai shadi ki thakan utar rahi hai. Udhar Hanan bhi beemar hain, idhar aap. Aap jaiye apne kamre mein aram kariye, apke liye chai bhejwate hain." But Ayla didn't get a chance to rest, as soon as she entered aangan, she received a call from Azrin's school's principal.

(Seems like everyone got real tired after wedding. Hanan is also sick. You go and rest in your room, I will make tea for you.)

"Ya Allah!" When the call ended, Ayla held her forehead in her hand. This girl is not gonna let her live in peace.

"Yaha aise kyu kharhi ho?" Kaif, who was also coming from office, saw her and asked.

(Why are you standing here?)

"Azrin!" That's all she could manage to say, as she stare at Kaif blankly. "She fought with her classmate."

"Achha? Who won?" Kaif didn't thought gotten into a fight means literally, he thought it was maybe some fun activity.

(Really?)

"Kaif!" Ayla almost shouted, glaring at him.

"No, I mean..." He now understands why Ayla was holding her head in her hand, his eyes widened because of her anger. "I mean that's not good." Not wanting her to take her anger out on him, he said.

"Miss Arfa ne school bulaya hai." Putting her phone back in her bag, she told him and left.

(Miss Arfa called me there.)

"Main bhi chalu?" Following after her, he asked. He has never went to Azrin's school before.

(Can I come with you?)

Ayla nods her head, as she opened the door of driving seat and sat in.

Kaif, after getting her positive reply, was about to go to his car, but when saw she is going by her car, he also went to sit with her.

•••

Both Ayla and Kaif were furious after meeting with Miss Arfa, but for different reasons. Ayla was angry at Azrin for starting the fight, and Kaif was angry at Miss Arfa who keep complaining about Azrin's behaviour.

"Agle saal humara school ban jayega, Azrin ka wahi admission hoga." Kaif muttered angrily as they left the office.

(Next year our school will be build, Azrin will study there.)

"Waha jake konsa inki adatein theek ho jayegi?" Ayla asked.

(As if she is gonna behave there.)

"Bachhi hai, woh toh shararatein karegi na."

(She is a kid, she will do mischiefs.)

"Kaif..." Before they could talk more, they met Malini Maam and Azrin.

Emmad, with whom Azrin fought with, was also there with his parents.

Though, Emmad's mother was very angry and wanted to complain to Ayla, but her husband hold her hand and stopped her.

Though, Ayla was apologising profusely, but Emmad's father waved it off, saying kids do these things often, and Emmad also provoked her by calling her bandar, both are at fault.

"Aap jante hain Emmad ke father ko?" When they were returning, Ayla asked.

(You know Emmad's father?)

"Woh humare office mein kaam karte hain." Kaif nods his head, as he took Azrin's bag from her and put it in the car.

(He works in our office?)

"Tabhi!" Now Ayla understands why Emmad's father didn't let his wife say anything. All three of them get in the car.

(That's why.)

•••

"Azrin, apne jo kiya bohot galat tha, apko aise nahi marna chahiye apne classmates ko." Kaif was driving the car, while Azrin was sitting in backseat, Ayla turned to her and scolded her.

(Azrin, what you did today is very wrong, yoo shouldn't hit your classmates.)

"Aur itni shararatein aap seekh kaha se rahi hain? Ye railing pe slide karna kaha se seekha?"

(And from where you are learning this? Who taught you to slide on railing?)

"Arsal bhai." Looking down, Azrin mumbles.

"Of course." Ayla face-palmed, "Azrin, Arsal bhai... Arsalan bhai jo karte hain unhe karne do, zaroori nahi hai tum bhi wahi karo." Ayla keep scolding Azrin, while the small girl bowed her head down.

(Let Arsalan bhai do whatever he is doing. You don't have to follow him.)

"Ayla, jane do, bachhi hai woh." Kaif interrupts, when he couldn't bear to see Azrin upset.

(Ayla, leave it, she is just a kid.)

Ayla didn't say anything at all after that, and Azrin relax, giving her father a huge smile.

•••

"Azrin, jaiye nani apki uniform change kar dengi." When they entered the haveli, Ayla told her, calmly.

(Azrin, go, nani will change your uniform.)

"Main papa ke sath rahungi." Tightly holding Kaif's neck, Azrin whines.

(I will stay with papa.)

Kaif, who's heart melted and wanted to take Azrin with him, saw Ayla's blank face, put Azrin down.

"Hum baad mein khelenge, pehle jao change karlo." Pinching her cheek, he told her. Azrin happily nods her head and ran off.

(We will play later, first go change your uniform.)

"Kya hua? Mood kyu off hai?" Kaif asked to Ayla.

(What happened? Why your mood is off?)

"Apko nahi lag raha aap Azrin ko bohot zyada bigarh rahe hain? Aaj unhone jo kiya bohot galat tha." Crossing her arms over her chest, she raised her eyebrow at him.

(Don't you think you are spoiling her? What she did today was very wrong.)

"Ayla, bachhe larhte hain. Hum bhi kitna larhte the. Aur Hanan aur Ayat ko dekho, woh toh ab tak larhte hain. Kal hi Ayat Hanan ko takiye se maar rahi thi."

(Ayla, kids fight a lot. We also used to fight. And look at Hanan and Ayat, they still fight with each other. Yesterday Ayat was hitting Hanan with pillow.)

"Fine!" Uncrossing her arms, Ayla took a deep breath out. "Shayad hum galat hain, hume nahi ata Azrin ki parwarish karna..." Looking away from Kaif's face, she mumbles.

(Maybe I am wrong, I don't know how to raise Azrin...)

"Tum kaha ki baat kaha le ja rahi ho? Maine aisa kuch nahi kaha, you are a really good mother..."

(What are you saying? I didn't say anything like that.)

"Only you think so, baki kisiko aisa nahi lagta. Even Azrin ko bhi aisa nahi lagta. Unhe lagta hai mamma bas bewajah datti hain." Her anger explode. "Unke liye papa world ke best papa hain aur mamma..." She dropped her sentence in the middle. Kaif keep looking at her with disbelief.

(No one else seem to think so, not even Azrin. She thinks mamma scolds her for no reason at all.)

(For her papa is world's best papa and mamma...)

"Itne saal se akele parwarish kar rahe hain Azrin ki hum. Aap toh the bhi nahi, Kaif, apko nahi maloom jab woh paida hui thi toh kitni complications thi. Kitni kitni raat hum sote nahi the bas unhe goud mein leke ghoomte rehte the kamre mein. Aap nahi the, hum the jo..."

(I am raising her alone all these years. You weren't even here, Kaif, you don't know how much complicated her birth was. Many nights I didn't even sleep, just holding her in my arms, walking around the room. You weren't here, I was the one who...)

"Ayla, bas karo." Kaif stopped her from saying anything further. Her words were hurting him.

(Enough, Ayla.)

"Main nahi tha, main janta hoon. Ab hoon, ab apni beti ke liye woh sab karna chahta hoon jo mujhe karna chahiye tha, ussey woh sari mohabbat dena chahta hoon jo pichle 5 saal se sirf apne dil mein rakhi thi."

(I know I wasn't here. But now I am here, I want to do everything for my daughter. I want to give her all the love.)

"Aur tum mujhe baar baar blame kyu karti ho? Kaif, aap nahi the. Kaif, aap chorhke gaye, main chorhke kyu gaya? Kyuki tum chahti thi. Mere presence se tumhara bp shoot ho jata tha. Uss waqt mujhe jo sahi laga maine kiya tumhare aur Azrin ke liye." Kaif draw a sharp breath in to stop himself saying anything further.

(And why do you keep blaming me? Kaif, you weren't here. Kaif, you left us. Why did I leave? Because you wanted me to. Your blood pressure used to shot up in my presence. That time, I did what I felt was right for you and Azrin.)

"Look, I am sorry if you feel Azrin doesn't love you because of me, but that's not true, Azrin loves you the most. Lekin agar tumhe abhi bhi mujhse shikayat hai toh main chala jaunga. Aur iss baar dubara kabhi nahi aunga." Announcing this, Kaif left.

(But if you still have complaints with me, I leave. And I won't return again.)

While kept looking at his back until he was out of her sight.

•••

Hanan was sitting on his bed, typing away on his laptop, when he hears a knock on the door, before he could raise his head or say come in, he heard footsteps, which means the person has entered the room without waiting for his permission.

He looks up and saw Ayat coming in, she first sat on the bed beside his foot and glare at him.

"Abhi hum apko mana kar ke gaye the laptop wagera aap nahi use karenge. Ek din aap kaam nahi karenge toh kya ho jayega? Aur konsa kaam karte hain aap? Office toh aap jate nahi, pura din ghar pe rehte hain."

(I told you not to use laptop or anything. It won't be a big deal if you won't work one day. And what work you do? You don't even go to office, you are always at home.)

"Arey!" On her accusation, he put the laptop aside. "Yeh toh main nana ke office ka kaam kar raha tha." He explained.

(I was working on a project for Nana's office.)

"Toh woh sab baad mein bhi kar sakte hain. Ek din nahi karenge toh salary kat jayegi? Agar kat bhi jaye toh humse le lijiyega." She picked his laptop and closed it. Getting up, she went to place it on his study table.

(So you can do all that later too. If you don't do it for a day, will your salary be deducted? Even if it is deducted, take it from me later.)

"Achha yeh sune, jiske liye hum wapas aye hain." Then she again returned to his bed. Sitting in criss cross position, she said in low voice. Hanan mimicked her sitting position and nods his head, fixing his eyes on her face.

(Okay listen to this, for what I returned.)

Ayat takes a deep breath and began to speak, her words tumbling out in a rush, she wanted to leave no words unsaid, she told him everything that she heard in the aangan between Kaif and Ayla.

Hanan listens intently, his expression growing more and more serious as she speaks. When she finishes, he leans back on the bed, his eyes narrowed in thought.

"Wow, that's a lot to take in." Hanan finally got his voice back and said. Ayat nods, her eyes wide.

"I know," Ayat said. After what they heard from Kabir and Shyra, they decided to drop their idea of helping Kaif and Ayla to get back. Because first, whatever Kaif did was very wrong, and second, Kaif and Ayla are already separated, so there is nothing they could do. But now, what Ayat heard in aangan made her sympathetic to Kaif.

"Ab hume agey kya karna chahiye?" Hanan asked.

(What should we do now?)

"Hum nahi chahte Kaif bhai jaye. Aap chahe toh api ko support kar sakte hain lekin hume yaha api galat lag rahi hain." Ayat put her opinion forward. Hanan and Ayla has always supported each other, Ayla could never let anyone, not even Ayat, complain about Hanan, while Hanan is always ready to fight anyone who speaks against Ayla.

(I don't want Kaif bhai to leave. If you want, you can support api in this matter, but I think she is wrong.)

"Dekho woh galat nahi hain, I guess insecure hain, kyuki itna sab hone ke baad ek Azrin hi unki zindagi ki sabse badi khushi hai, aur ab Kaif bhai ke aney se Azrin ki attention aur pyar dono divide ho gaye hain." Just like Ayat predicted, Hanan was supporting Ayla.

(She is not wrong, I guess she is insecure. All she had is Azrin, and now Azrin's love and attention got divided.)

"Hanan! Ek baat bataye, aap chachu se zyada pyar karte hain ya chachi se?" Ayat's question made him confused. Why she is suddenly asking this when they are discussing Kaif and Ayla.

(Hanan! Tell me one thing, who do you love more chachu or chachi?)

"Definitely chachi se. Woh apko kabhi nahi datti aur hamesha apko support karti hain, chachu ki daat se bachati hain. Aur aap unse zyada close hain."

(Of course chachi, she never scolds you, always supports you, she even protects you from chachu's scolding, and you are more closer to her.)

"Aisi baat nahi hai, main mummy papa dono se equal pyar karta hoon." Offended that how could she even think like that, Hanan told her.

(It's not like that. I love them equally.)

"Exactly." Ayat slapped her hands together, as she proved her point.

"Lekin agar iss baat ko leke chachu chachi se naraz ho jaye toh samajhdari hai? Nahi."

(But will is make sense if chachu gets upset with chachi because of it? No."

Now Hanan understands her point. Slowly, he nods his head.

"Theek hai dono ka ab miya biwi ka rishta nahi raha, but maa baap toh dono hain, kya Azrin ke liye civil tareeqe se co-parent nahi kar sakte?" Ayat was talking while Hanan keep nodding his head.

(Fine if they are not husband wife anymore, but they are parents. Can't they behave civil with each other for Azrin?)

"Lekin ek baat hume nahi samajh ayi." Putting her hand under her chin, she said, thinking deeply.

(But I don't understand one thing.)

Hanan waited for her to continue, but when she didn't, he asked. "Kya?"

(What?)

"Shuru shuru mein toh aisa koi masla nahi tha? Abhi Kabir bhai ki shadi tak toh teeno bilkul theek the, fir achanak se api ko kya hua?" She told him what made her confused.

(Api wasn't like this earlier. In Kabir bhai's wedding, they were happy, then why she is behaving like this?)

"Maybe kisi ne kuch kaha ho?" He guessed.

(Maybe someone said something to her?)

"Maybe!" Ayat nods her head. Thinking what could make Ayla say this.

"Zyada mat socho, pea size jitna dimagh hai garam ho jayega." Hanan knocked Ayat's forehead and told her, seriously.

(Don't think hard, your pea size brain will heat up.)

"Ouch! Maar denge, Hanan, hum apko." She slapped his hand off. "Aur humara dimagh pea size jitna nahi."

(I will smack you, Hanan.)

(My brain isn't pea size.)

"Toh kitna hai?" Messing her hair, he asked.

(Then what's its size?)

Ayat put her hands over her head and glare at him. "Shukar manaye apki tabiyat theek nahi warna..."

(Be glad you are sick otherwise...)

"Warna?"

(Otherwise?)

"Tabiyat theek hone dein apki, tab batayenge." Saying this, she got down from the bed to leave.

(I will tell you when you will be better.)

She was wearing her slippers when Hanan held her wrist.

Pulling her on him, he complained. "Laptop bhi rakhwa diya, tum bhi ja rahi ho, yeh toh galat baat hai." Her hair falls on her face, which he put behind her ear with his free hand, revealing her face which instantly turned red because of their proximity.

(You have put my laptop away, now you are also going, that's not fair.)

"Han... Hanan..." Putting her hands over his chest, she hesitated. Hanan was amused by her behaviour. Earlier, how she used to come close to him without any shyness, and now when he gets closer, she is hesitated.

"Uss din kya keh rahi thi tum?" Hanan rested his hand on her cheek, while drawing circles with his thumb near her lips. Ayat was looking down, while he keep looking at her.

(What were you saying that day?)

"Aap sirf humare hain..." He reminded her of her bold move, a low gasp left her mouth.

(You are only mine...)

Ayat didn't know what to say, her cheeks turned red, as she gaped.

Pinching her cheek, Hanan leaned toward her. Before he could do what his heart wanted, a voice interrupted them.

"Hanan, tum lunch mein..." Khushnuma has entered his room without knocking, and quickly turned away when saw Hanan and Ayat so close to each other.

(Hanan, what will you have for lunch...)

Hanan and Ayat were startled by her presence, as Hanan quickly left her hand, and Ayat stood up, fixing her hair.

"Mummy..." Hanan opened his mouth to say something, but Khushnuma didn't hear, she left the room. Mentally face-palming for not knocking before entering.

When she left, Ayat turned to glare at Hanan.

"Mujhe kyu ghoor rahi ho? Tumhari galti thi, lock karke ana chahiye tha na. Aur Mummy ko bhi shadi shuda bete ke kamre mein knock karke ana chahiye." But Hanan had no hint of embarrassment on his face, he blamed Ayat and Khushnuma.

(Why are you glaring at me? It's you fault for not locking the door. And mummy should knock before coming in.)

"Aap bohot bure hain, Hanan." Shaking her head, Ayat told him, and left.

(You are very bad Hanan.)

"Ab tum kaha ja rahi ho?" Hanan asked from behind, but she didn't stop. After she left, he got down from his bed and picked his laptop.

(Where are you going now?)

•••

At night, Khushnuma decided to talk to Shahzain.

"Ab toh Kabir aur Shyra ki shadi ho gayi na. Main bas kal Ammi se baat kar rahi hoon Ayat ki rukhsati ke liye." Shahzain was sitting on dining table while Khushnuma was serving him.

(Now Kabir and Shyra are also married. I am going to ask Ammi about Ayat's rukhsati.)

"Lekin bohot jaldi nahi ho jayega?" Shahzain asked. "Abhi toh sab theek hua hai."

(What's the rush?)

(Everything just become normal.)

"Sab bohot theek ho gaya hai. Koi jaldi nahi." Saying this, she sat down. Shahzain hadn't witnessed what she has. That's why he was having a second thought, but Khushnuma was sure the time is perfect.

(Everything is fine. There is no rushing.)

"Achha theek hai, tum karlo ammi se baat. Lekin iska Ayat ki parhai pe koi asar nahi hona chahiye." Khushnuma nods her head assuringly.

(Okay fine, you can talk to ammi tomorrow. But remember these things shouldn't affect Ayat's studies.)

•••

Ayla sat alone in her room, her eyes fixed on the wall in front of her. She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that had settled in her chest. She had made a mistake, a big one, and now she didn't know how to make it right.

She had hurt Kaif's feelings, and the thought of it made her stomach churn. She knew what she said was completely wrong, but at that time, Rehnuma's words and Azrin actions made her scares, what if Rehnuma is right, and Azrin is better off without her. The fear of losing Azrin was so strong that she ignored Kaif's feelings.

"Mummy, agar Kaif ki shadi ho gayi toh Azrin unke sath reh sakti haina." Rehnuma and Rukhsar were sitting in the lawn, and Ayla, who was coming out, heard Rehnuma's words, which made her stop.

(Mummy, if Kaif remarry, Azrin will live with him then.)

"Kya? Kaisi baat kar rahi ho? Tumse kaha tha na Kaif ki dusri shadi ki baat nahi hogi." Rukhsat put the cup down on the table and looked at her daughter.

(What? What are you saying? I told you not to talk about Kaif's marriage again.)

"Lekin isme galat kya hai? Aur mujhe wakai mein lagta hai Kaif ki shadi ho jaye toh aap log Azrin ki custody ke liye fill kar dena."

(What's wrong in it? And I really believes if Kaif remarry, you should fill for Azrin's custody.)

"Rehnuma! Soch samajh ke bola karo. Aur konsa Azrin humse bohot durr hai, ek hi ghar mein rehte hain hum."

(Rehnuma! Think before speaking. And Azrin doesn't live far away from us, we live in the same house.)

"Theek hai abhi ek ghar mein hain, Ayla shadi karke chali jayegi tab? Tab custody issue banegi. Issey achha abhi se prepare rahe." Rehnuma was unaffected by her mother's scolding and continued saying what was in her heart.

(You live together for now, but if Ayla will remarry, then what? Then Azrin's custody will become an issue.)

"Aur waise bhi, mujhe lagta hai Ayla se zyada better Kaif khayal rakhte hain Azrin ka. Apne dekha nahi, Ayla toh har baat pe datti rehti hai, aur Azrin Kaif se zyada close hai, sirf kuch mahino mein hi." Ayla didn't stop to hear what Rehnuma had to say anything further, or what Rukhsar said. She just left.

(And I think Kaif is better at handling Azrin than Ayla. Haven't you seen how Ayla only scolds Azrin, and Azrin is more closer to Kaif.)

Ayla never knew they are considering Kaif's marriage, but even if they are, they have no right to discuss about her life. She is gonna marry again, or not, that's her problem, not theirs. And her 2nd marriage is not possible... Her thoughts were interrupted by Azrin's whimper,

"Azrin!" Leaning toward her, Ayla put her hand in her hair and called her softly. Azrin keep mumbling something in her sleep maybe due to a nightmare, and Ayla held her protectively in her arms.

"Api!" A faint knock came on her door, as Ayat called her. It alarmed Ayla, as she quickly went to open the door.

"Ayat, kya hua?" Putting her hair on her left shoulder, Ayla asked, worriedly.

(Ayat, what happened?)

"Hume neend nahi arahi, yaha so jaye?" Scratching her head, Ayat asked, sheepishly.

(I can't sleep, can I sleep here?)

Ayla took a relief breath out. "Ayat, dara diya." Shaking her head, she told her. Then moves aside to let Ayat enter the room.

(You scared me.)

Ayat went to lay on the other side of Azrin, while Ayla once again laid down where she usually lay, on Azrin's right side. Azrin was now again sleeping peacefully.

"Api," Ayat suddenly called her.

"Hmm?" Ayla didn't open her eyes and hummed.

"Kaif bhai aur apke beech actually mein hua kya tha?" Ayat's question made Ayla open her eyes, as she looked at Ayat. Then she glance at Azrin, she is a heavy sleeper, doesn't wake up easily.

(Something happened between You and Kaif bhai?)

"Ayat, kya kya sochti rehti hain aap. So jaiye." Not wanting to bother Ayat, Ayla said. Ayat has already gone through a lot, now, when she is finally happy and content, Ayla doesn't want her to worry about her life.

(Ayat, what do you keep thinking about. Sleep.)

"Api, humne apki aur Kaif bhai ki baat suni thi." In a low voice, Ayat confessed. Ayla sat up and glare at Ayat.

(Api, I heard you and Kaif in the aangan.)

"Humara intention nahi tha, sachhi mein." Ayat quickly explained by pinching the skin of her neck.

(I didn't do t intentionally, really.)

"Aap na sochiye inn sab barey mein."

(You don't think about it.)

"Aap humse kuch share kyu nahi karti? Yeh toh ammi jaan bhi kehti hain hum bohot samajhdar hain, aap hi nahi manti."

(Why you never share anything with me? Even ammi jaan says I am very sensible. But you don't believe it.)

"Ayat, aisi baat nahi hai. Lekin koi zaroorat nahi apko yeh sab jaan ki, ya inn sab mein khudko uljhane ki."

(Ayat, it's not like that. You don't have to worry about these things.)

"Achha theek hai, hum zyada kuch nahi puchenge, lekin hume kam se kam yeh bataye apne aaj Kaif bhai se aise baat kyu ki. Api, I know you, and that was totally not like you." Sitting up, Ayat said.

(Fine, I won't ask anything further, but at least tell why did you talk to Kaif bhai like that.)

"Kuch baatein ho jati hain, Ayat, jinse fir sahi galat nahi samajh ata..."

(Some things happens, Ayat, which blinds us to see what's right or wrong...)

"Riddle mein baat na karein. Konsi baatein?"

(Don't talk in riddles. What thing happened?)

Ayla put her finger over her lips to ask Ayat lower her voice, then she points at Azrin. Ayat pursue her lips together seeing her niece sleeping peacefully.

Ayla signalled her to follow her and they went to sit by the window.

Ayla told her whatever she heard from Rehnuma. And Ayat's eyes keep getting wider hearing all of this.

"Api, Rehnuma api ne jo bhi kaha bohot galat kaha tha, lekin iska yeh matlab nahi aap Kaif bhai se aise baat karein."

(What Rehnuma api said was very wrong. But that don't mean you can talk to Kaif bhai like that.)

"I know. Hume unse aisi baat nahi karni chahiye thi. Papa bhi toh hamesha lenient the, humne toh shayad hi unse daat suni ho. I was being unfair to Kaif." The faint light of night lamp and moon illuminated Ayla's face, which was full of guilt and embarrassment.

(I shouldn't have talked to him like that. Papa was also lenient with us, he never scolded us.)

"Toh, api, aap maafi mang lein Kaif bhai se. Aisa na ho pichli baar ki tarah woh fir bin bataye chale jaye..." Ayat put her hand on Ayla's hand and advised.

(Api, you should apologise to Kaif bhai. What if he leave again...)

Ayla, who was looking down, looked up at Ayat.

"Kya hua?" Ayat asked.

(What happened?)

"Kuch nahi, bas yeh soch rahe hain ki itni samajhdar aap kab hui." Smacking Ayat's head lightly, Ayla teased.

(Nothing, I was thinking when did you become so mature.)

"Ow, hum hamesha se samajhdar the, aap log nahi mante bas." Rubbing her head, Ayat complained. Ayla laughed on her reaction.

(I was also intelligent, but you all don't believe me.)

•••

Khushnuma first discussed with Rubab about the rukhsati, she had no objection over it, and they decided to talk to Naziya Begum.

Ayat's exams would start after 2 months, Rubab was thinking it would be better if the functions starts after it. So that wedding functions would not affect Ayat's studies. But Naziya Begum decided the dates in next month, saying Ayat could study after rukhsati too.

•••

"Mummy, main Ayat ko shopping pe le jau?" After hearing about the dates, Hanan went to Khushnuma and asked.

(Mummy, can I take Ayat to the shopping?)

Khushnuma was instructing the maids for something, as she turned to him.

"Main mana karungi toh nahi jaoge?" Raising her eyebrow, she asked.

(Will you listen to me if I refuse?)

Hanan think about it for few seconds then answered. "Aap.. mana nahi karogi."

(You... won't refuse me.)

Khushnuma shook her head on his diplomatic answer. "Chale jao."

(You can go.)

Hanan nods his head and was about to leave when Khushnuma again called him.

"Aur suno, jo bhi shopping karni ho karo, lekin Ayat ke shadi ke dresses main lungi."

(And listen, you can buy anything for her that you want, but I will buy dresses for her for wedding functions.)

"Theek hai, mummy." Carelessly, Hanan said. He wasn't going to take her for lehenga shopping either. This was just an excuse to go out with Ayat.

(Okay, mummy.)

•••

"Arey yaar, hum abhi college se aye hain." Ayat whined when Hanan told her they are going for shopping. She has returned from college hour ago, was not dressed in casual clothes and relaxing in the lounge.

(I just returned from college.)

"Na toh tum college se chalke ayi ho, na shopping pe jaogi chalke. Chalo sharafat se taiyyar ho." Hanan points at upstairs and ordered.

(You didn't come back by walking, neither you will walk to the mall. Go and get ready.)

"Lekin mamma chachi kar lengi na shopping. Aksar toh chachi ne hi humare liye dresses khareedti hain." Ayat didn't budge from sofa and told him,

(But mamma and chachi can do the shopping for me. Chachi always buy dresses for me.)

"Chal rahi ho ki nahi?" Hanan raised his eyebrow.

(Are you coming with me or not?)

"Nahi." Ayat shook her head.

(No.)

"Bohot ziddi ho." Muttering, he went to her. Ayat didn't know what he was going to do, as she looked at him suspiciously.

(You are very stubborn.)

But before she could react, Hanan already picked her up in his arms.

"Arey!" He has started waking toward her room.

"Hanan, niche rakhe hume." No matter how much she protest, Hanan only put her down when they reached her room.

(Hanan, put me down.)

"Yeh kya tareeqa hai koi dekh leta kon?" Ayat scolded him.

(What's this? What if someone saw us?)

"Kon dekhega? Aunty mere ghar pe hain, Ayla api Hospital mein, uncle office mein. Kon dekhega." Hanan was relax. He went to her cupboard.

(Who would? Aunty is at my hone, Ayla api is in hospital, uncle is in office.)

"Still, Hanan." Ayat turned to him, looking at him with disapproval. But Hanan ignored her.

"Yeh cupboard hai ya aam ki dukan? Yellow ke alawa kuch nahi?" Hanan turned to her and exclaimed.

(Is it your cupboard of mangoes stall? There isn't anything other than yellow?)

"Itne sarey colours toh hain. Dusra wala khole, waha bhi hain." Sitting on her bed, Ayat told him. Hanan, who was looking into her cupboard, turned to her.

(I have so many colours. Open the second cupboard, there are more clothes.)

"Aur tum aram se baithi raho?" Sarcastically, he asked.

(And you will just sit there?)

"Haan toh, bahar jane ka plan bhi apka hi hai."

(Yeah so, it's your plan to go out.)

Frowning, he again turned to the cupboard. After looking through dresses, he finally picked a baby pink kurta and denim jeans for her.

"Yeh nahi." But Ayat rejected, scrunching her nose.

(Not this.)

"Kyu? Itna pyara toh hai." He again looked at the kurti to see if there is something wrong with it, then pushed it forward for her.

(Why? It's pretty.)

"Achha laiye." Puffing her cheeks, she got down from bed and take the clothes.

(Fine, give me.)

•••

"Mousam kitna achha haina. Bike se chale? Bohot time hua maine bike nahi chalayi." When they reached porch, Hanan asked her, then wish fully added.

(It's such a nice weather. Let's go on bike. It's been so long since I last rode a bike.)

"Yeh sunne ke baad toh hum bilkul nahi jayenge apke sath bike pe." Ayat quickly stood away from him and told him. The scar on her elbow has faded, but she remembers it very clearly how she fell from his bike.

(I am not going on a bike with you after hearing this.)

"Itne saal se chalayi nahi iska yeh matlab thori ki bhool gaya. Kuch nahi hota. Ruko main bike ki key leke ata hoon." He told her and ran off inside.

(I haven't rode it in years doesn't mean I forgot how to ride a bike. Nothing will happen. Wait, I will get bike keys.)

His bike was still in good condition after all these years, drivers have taken care of it, but Hanan didn't take it out. It was an old model now, and compare to Kabir's bike, Hanan liked that one better. That's why he went to Huzaifa's house to ask for Kabir's bike keys. Kabir and Shyra are on their honeymoon, Rukhsar had the key and gave him.

Irritatedly, Ayat sat behind him on the bike, she never liked riding bikes. The exposure to weather always ruin her hair, and the seat is also not very comfy, but Hanan likes bikes more.

"Baithna ata nahi, fir girogi toh kahogi Hanan ne gira diya." Before wearing the helmet, Hanan told her. Then he hold her hands and put it on his waist.

(You don't know how to sit on a bike, and when you will fall, you will blame me.)

"Aise baithte hain." In doing so, he has pulled her closer to him.

(Sit like this.)

Ayat, who wasn't sitting properly, got startled, and thought she would fall.

"Hanan!" Removing her right hand from his waist, she slapped his back then placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Aap theek se chalayenge toh nahi girenge." She told him.

(I won't fall if you ride it carefully.)

•••

How's it? Do vote and comment❤️

-Ufaq