Living a life as a girl in the Wadi family was not easy.

Constantly they were taught to safeguard their respect and live up to their name. They were Pashtuns. That is what was etched in their mind since when they were old enough to talk and listen. Pashtun ran in their blood. They stood proudly defending their place.

As women, many would believe that they were undermined or ill treated in the typical way how the society treated them even nowadays. But actually, it was the complete opposite. Women in Wadi family were well respected, educated and modest women and Darab Pamir Wadi made sure of it. He deemed it compulsory that all women in the family were to complete their schooling years till higher secondary level.

As the eldest living member of the family, he wasted no time in making his family, one of the most respected, in Abbotabad. He recognized modernity, but at the same time managed to integrate tradition and culture into it, thus bringing into his family a generation of highly educated children.

He loved all of his children and his grandchildren. Losing his beloved was a soul berieving experience for him. But he didnt let the loss of Sakina Darul Wahab deter the upbringing of his family. He was ever more determined to raise a bunch of kids into society, lest the vile clutches of society put the blame on Sakina, after her demise.

Some of them decided to settle in other countries like New Zealand, Dubai and Sweden, making the old man's heart weak. It didn't sit well with him, that his children were drifting away from him gradually. But they paid him frequent visits and showered him with sufficient love, respect and care. Everyone knew, that even if the Earth were to open up, Darab Wadi would never let harm to befall, any of his grandchildren, God forbid. No one dared to question that, for they need not know the consequences of it.

Zohal Kabir Wadi was part of the Wadi family. Being the inquisitive, headstrong and unique girl, she decided to pursue her education further, unlike most of her cousins, who had put a halt to their higher studies.

Darab Wadi always being the robust elder, who persuaded women to indulge in education and their career interests, was the principal person to encourage her in her path to future.

Thus he, though with much reluctancy, permitted her to leave to London to pursue her studies. He loved his Zohal to no end. As he always said, she was the Jewel in their family. Being the spoiled daughter of the eldest Wadi brothers, Zohal Wadi occupied an important role in the family.

And now that Zohal wadi was returning after so long, Darab wanted everything to be perfect. So he made sure all the Wadis around the globe were present here at their home. He wanted his Zohal to be happy, and what better than to have a full house with all her cousins from Dubai and Sweden. But Darab also had another motive, which he intended to finally bring to the surface. A matter which many were aware of, but with the passage of some years, it lay in the dark for too long. He knew his Zohal was a mature woman now, putting behind her spoilt years of life and he knew it was time. He didn't want his Jewel to leave him again, but he wanted her to be happy, and she wouldn't necessarily go far.

Years ago, the marriage had been finalised, with the consent of both them and also the parents, of course. Zakir Salaam Wadi and Zohal Kabir Wadi were supposed to marry at the ripe age of 18. But Darab had claimed that it was too early and he wanted them to settle down first. It was a very happy and rejoicing ordeal to everyone in the family. It was something which everyone were looking forward to. 

As everyone waited longingly for Zohal to arrive, the doors to the Grand Villa were thrown open, letting the much awaited person inside.

She had grown.

Darab couldn't help but notice.

She was a grown lady now. Her pale complexion flavoured the beige shalwar kameez she was adorning, which flowed down her body in elegance, not too tight to hug her body and not too lose to make her look scrawny. It was tailored perfectly as if it had memorized her body features to the dot. She had a loose pink dupatta which she had thrown over her hair, successfully covering the beauty inside. She was tall enough and beautiful enough to be a model.

Darab couldn't help but smile and swell with pride as he took in his Jewel, elegance dripping each of her movement.

Her calm features turned into a full blown smile as soon as she saw Darab, and she rushed forward and engulfed him in a bone crushing hug.

"I missed you, Dada."

She whispered. Her lavender scent engulfing him in an album of the past. In a dream, in a memory too old to remember, but enough to rekindle his love for her.

And that's all it took for the tears to shine in his eyes.

Indeed his grandchilren were his weakness.

"Me too, Jewel. Me too."

He whispered, pure ecstasy dripping from every syllable.

Not a minute passed by and each and everyone in the family had engulfed her in bear hugs. After all, it was after 6 whole months they were holding her. She had visited 6 months ago.

But when it did come to Zakir, both were quite shy, not knowing what to do. They hadn't seen each other for a long time. With Zakir in Sweden and Zohal in London, they hadn't contacted each other. So Zakir decided a hand shake would do, making almost everyone to smile at them knowingly. There were snickers and smug looks and even embarrassing comments from the couzins, which they ignored awkwardly.
And that's why, Darab wanted to fina'lise the matter, what with the family being together after so long and the two being uncomfortable around each other's presence, he deemed it the right time.

It was high time, before something worse happened.

***

Zohal was relaxing with a hot cup of dark tea made by their housekeeper Alina, in the common living room. She had her legs propped on the circular tea table while making herself comfortable in the plush sofa.

The loveseats, couches and sofas in the common room were arranged lavishly in order to accommodate a quite number of people, as the family itself was very large. Therefore the testable was also quite large, and the large plasma television was also quite far from where she sat. A movie channel was running on the television, but Zohal paid it no heed. For her mind was running round and round in different circles.

Alina's tea helped her a little to lay off some of the heavy matter weighing her down, but still.

Oh, how she had missed the special tea. How she had missed the Villa, her Uncles, Aunts and Brothers and Sisters. Her grandfather and each and every helpers employed. She even missed the little bushes and trees in their backyard. Now everything was there on a silver platter. Her wait,patience and pain from years of living away were finally merited.

But then why was a dark shadow warning her in the back of her mind?

It was the same feeling she had first felt, 13 years ago, specifically, on the 18th of June.

On the day her Mother and Father had died.

"Zohal."

A deep voice brought her out from the reverie.

Zohal quickly lifted her eyes, to be met with a 'hands crossed across his chest, scowling' Lateef.
And that did not mean anything good.

"Yes, Big bro?"

"Zohal, what's the matter? What are you thinking about?" Lateef Wadi sat down opposite to her on the big purple sofa.

"Nothing." She answered with as much as nonchalance as she could muster up.

"If you're having second thoughts on this, you know you can act on it." He replied knowing she'd get the hint.

"No........I am fine. Just need some time to adjust." She replied smiling slightly at the frown that set between Lateef's brows.

She knew that, even if the whole world decided to wrong her, his brother would stand in front of her just like a solid barrier. It warmed her heart to think that her brother was concerned about her so much.

She had respected and cared for Zakir as her brother. But that was it. She hadn't  wanted to marry him. In fact, that was the exact reason, she had gone to London. She had wanted to clear her head. And the scholarship that she obtained had become handy in playing a part her plan. She had used that opportunity to be away and give herself a little space.

But now, seeing him after such a long time, she just didnt know. What her feelings were.

Maybe it sparked a little hope inside her. Just maybe, a seed was being watered? Just maybe, she may be able to see a flower blossoming in near future?

Lateef had known Zohal's uncertainty years ago, perfectly. That's why he was initially hesitant on this matter of marrying his cousin to his sister. But as Zohal, herself had consented, he had known he could have done nothing about it, even if he had wanted to.

Now that she was a changed woman, with changed feelings he just hoped his little sister wasn't digging a grave for herself.

***

Lateef, Nasreen and Nouman were Samir Wadi's children. But Sameera, their mother had died when they were young, and the three children were nursed by Mahera, Zohal's mother.

Lateef didn't want her to give in to Shaitan's games, as he said to Darab. He also didn't want Zohal's marriage to be put off further. The dangers lurking out there, only strengthened his views on marrying her off quickly, to a well respected man of firm words. Strong enough to protect the jewel at all times, while not posing as danger to her.

Though he wasn't much in favour with his cousin marrying his sister, he wanted the two to be happy, he wanted his sister in safe hands.

So as the responsible brother he was, he reported to his Dada. He suggested that sooner the marriage would take place, the better.

That evening, as everyone of the Wadi family had seated themselves in the dining table, Darab decided to bring forth the matter to light.

Wiping his mouth with the spotless, white napkin, he caught everyone's attention by clearing his throat.

"I decided it is time, that Zohal and Zakir should marry."

He said, clearing his throat. He wanted to tread the topic slowly.

Everyone halted and stared, surprise evident in their faces, at the elder.

"Zohal and Zakir have been waiting for too long. If everyone agrees I deem it should commence on next month."

He said in a confident voice, awaiting their reactions.

The crowd broke into smiles, after a long breath of silence.

The youngsters grinning and laughing and slapping Zakir playfully on the back. The adults congratulating each other. Surprisingly, the soon to be bride with a tilt to her lips. The groom smiling bashfully.

Darab just wanted time stop, as he looked at each  person present, their jolly mood prominent. He sent a silent prayer to God, thanking for all the blessings and grateful for the moment, despite the harsh past he had gone through.

But his wishes of time stopping weren't granted.
And the happy moment didnt last long, broken by the intervention of a person.

A young girl, to be exact, Darab noticed. A woman, around the age of his Zohal.

The first thought that ran through his mind, was as to how she got in. He was sure that last time he had clearly warned the guards to not let in strange people. There were enough enemies surrounding them, he didnt want any harm touching his people.

The girl eyed everyone with a shy glance. She had chocolate brown curls pooling around her. She wore a loose shirt with a pair of jeans. Darab noticed that she wasn't a woman of their culture, immediately. But not wanting to judge any person, he looked at her as would a grandfather look at his grandchild.

Mumbling a hello, her eyes wandered around the table looking. She finally smiled, after recognizing a familiar pair of eyes.

Darab couldn't help but notice the warmth and familiarity that radiated off her eyes, as she smiled at a certain someone.

She cleared her throat. "Uh-Hi. I-I was let in by the guards. I am Noushin. Nice to meet you all." She said nervously.

Najma Salaam Wadi couldn't help the dread feeling which arouse in her stomach.

What was she doing here?

She just didn't want her to stir any problems in the family.

Zakir cleared his throat abruptly, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Uh- Dada? She is Noushin. My friend from Sweden. She is visiting Pakistan for a little time. So I invited her to come here." He said not looking at his Dada.

And a shiver ran along his spine, when his Dada clenched his jaw.

Despite being quite old, the power, authority and vigor that he managed to bring around everyone he encountered with, was dangerous. And that's why everyone respected him. And he knew the wrath he would face if he angered him.

He didn't want his Dada to be disappointed in him, because of his conduct, while in Sweden.

But still, what could he do? Noushin was his best friend.

Fortunately for him, his Dada decided to be generous.

"Come come, child, welcome. Please Join us for dinner."

He smiled warmly at the girl and ordered a maid, to serve the new guest.

Darab Wadi, being a Pashtun, knew, though his heart had turned uncomfortable with the new presence, he had to treat his guests with honour and hospitality, as had his Father taught him.

But he didn't forget to throw a pointed look towards Zakir. And the boy in question gulped and quickly looked down, in fear.

Najma Wadi hoped Noushin wouldn't cause any trouble with the coming up wedding in tow.

***