***
"Faiza, kuch baat karni hai tumse," Anisa Begum, Faiza's mother said when she saw her daughter.
(I want to talk to you about something)
"Ji bole. Ham sunn rahe hai," Faiza said but her eyes were still glued to her laptop.
(Tell me, I am listening)
"Faiza, kuch zaroori baat karni hai. Laptop band karke hamari baat suno," Anisa Begum said with a glare.
(It's important. Shut your laptop and listen to me)
Faiza shut her laptop and looked towards her mother.
"Rishta aaya hai," Anisa Begum said caressing her daughter's hair.
(The proposal has come)
Faiza's eyes widen while a grin spread across her lips. Her eyes were twinkling in excitement.
"Ya Allah. Ammi aapko idea bhi nahi hai ke ham aapke liye kitna khush hu. Allah ka shukr hai ke aapne move on tou kiya. Ham pehli beti hoyenge jo apni ammi ki shaadi dekhenge," Faiza said jumping in excitement.
(Mother, you don't have an idea how happy I am for you. Thank God, you finally moved on. I will be the first daughter who will see her mother wedding )
Her mother's eyes widen at her daughter's imagination. Anisa Begum slapped her arms while throwing daggers at her.
"Jo muh mai aata hai bol deti ho. Ham apni baat nahi kar rahe the," Her mother said slapping her head.
(You talk without thinking twice. I wasn't talking about myself)
"Ya Allah. Hamare liye rishte aaya hai. Ham jaante hai ke ham bohot khoobsurat hai par ham itni jaldi shaadi nahi kar sakte. Accha, ek kaam kare. Ladke ki photo dikhaye. Aise thodi kisi se bhi shadi kar sakte hai ham," Faiza babbled without thinking twice.
(The proposal has come for me. I know that I am beautiful but I can't get married so soon. At least, show me the picture of the man. I can't marry anyone without seeing the picture)
"Ya Allah. Kya hoga ye ladki ka? Tumhaare liye rishta nahi aaya hai. Sehrish ke liye aaya hai," Her mother said glaring at her while her excitement died down.
(What will happen to this girl? The proposal hasn't come for you. It's for sehrish)
"Aapi ke liye aaya hai. Tou aapko pehle bolna chahiye the na. Hame laga ke aap hamari baat kar rahi hai," Faiza said as her lips pursued into a pout.
(It's for her. You should have told me sooner. I thought that you were talking about me )
"Tumhaari bhi ek do saal mai shadi kara ke ham fursat mai ho jayenge. Bachpana chod do Faiza. Ab badi ho gai ho tum," Anisa Begum explained her.
(I will get you married in two years. I will be at peace. Stop being childish. You are becoming young)
Faiza leaned her head on her mother's shoulder while wrapping her hands around her mother.
"Ham apni ammi ko chod kar kahi nahi jayenge," Faiza said with a pout.
(I won't leave my mom)
"Sukoon mai nahi dekh sakti apni ammi ko," Her mother said in a sarcastic tone making her huff.
(You can't see your mother in peace)
"Aapko zara bhi qadr nahi hai hamari," Faiza said in a dramatic tone.
(You don't value me)
"Accha suno. Ham ladke aur uski ki family ko bohot acche se jaante hai. Bohot acche log hai. Ladka bhi bohot accha hai. Par ham chahte ke aap sehrish se iss baare mai baat kare. Wo tumse zyada free hai. Agar usse koi pasand hai tou wo tumhe khul ke bata sakti hai," Anisa Begum told her daughter.
(Listen, I know the boy and his family very well. They are very good people. But I want you to talk to sehrish about it. She is free with you. If she likes someone, she will tell you about it)
"Accha, ham baat karne ki koshish karenge. Par ek baar ham wo ladke se milna chahenge," Faiza resting her hand on her chin.
(Okay, I will try to talk to her. But I want to meet the boy first)
Anisa Begum raised her eyebrows at her daughter's words.
"Tum kya karogi mil kar?" Her mother asked.
(Why do you want to meet)
"Ammi, kuch bhi final karne se pehle ladke se milna zaroori hai. Abbu nahi hai tou kisi ko tou milna padega na. Ham ek baar mil lenge uss ladke se tou hame tassali ho jayegi. Aakhir ye aapi ke future ki baat hai," Faiza said holding her mother hand.
(Mother, we need to meet a boy before finalizing anything. Father is no more. But someone needs to meet the boy in his place. I will be at peace if I will meet the boy once. It's all about her future)
Though Faiza is immature sometimes she knows how to handle a situation. That's one of the fine qualities of her.
"Accha. Mil lena tum. Fir sehrish se baat karna rishte ke baare mai," Anisa Begum said smiling at her daughter.
(Okay. You can meet him. Then you can tell sehrish about the proposal)
"Waise hame nahi lagta aapi ko koi pasand hai. Unhone kabhi zikr nahi kiya," Faiza said lost in her deep thoughts.
(I don't think she likes someone. She never tells me about it)
"Tumne khaana khaa liya?" Her mother asked looking at her with a raised eyebrows.
(Have you are lunch)
"Ammi, ham bahar se khaa kar aaye the," Faiza said in a low voice as she was scared of her mother's wrath.
(I had food in a restaurant)
"Faiza, kitni baar kaha hai ke bahar ka mat khaaya karo. Par tum kabhi hamari baat nahi sunti. Kal tumhaara pait dukhega na tou hamare paas na aana," Her mother said glaring at her.
(How many times I have told you not to eat junk food. But you never listen to me. Don't come to me if you feel sick)
Faiza nodded her head with a pout.
"Accha. Ham agli baar dhyaan rakhenge. Par abhi ham Arsh ke ghar jaa rahe hai. Kal hamara test hai aur hamari zara bhi padhai nahi hui hai," Faiza said as a cue to leave.
(I will take care of it next time. I am going to the Arsh house. It's our test tomorrow and I haven't prepared well)
"Theek hai. Par jaldi ghar aa jaana. Arsh se ko kuch sikho. Tumhari umr ka hai par kitna mature hai. Nahi pata tum kab badi hogi," Anisa Begum said in a displeased tone while Faiza mouth gaped open.
(Okay. But come home soon. Learn something from Arsh. He's the same age as yours but he is so mature. I don't know when you will become mature)
"Kabhi kabhi toh aisa lagta hai ke aap hamari ammi hi nahi hai," Faiza said with a huff.
(Sometimes, I feel like you are not even my mother)
***
"MashaAllah, tum kitni pyaari lag rahi ho," Arsh mother said cupping her cheeks. Faiza scrunched her nose when she realized that she was just wearing a mustard color kurti with a cigarette off white pants.
(You are looking so beautiful)
"Shukriya aunty," Faiza said in a hesitant tone.
(Thanks)
"Mai tumhari ammi jesi hu. Tum mujhe ammi bol sakti ho," Arsh mother Sabiha said.
(I am like your mom. You can call me mama)
Faiza nodded her head nervously while her eyes were searching for Arsh.
"Wo apne kamre mai hai. Tum room mai jau. Mai tum dono ke liye snacks le kar aati hu," Sabiha said in an excited tone and make her way to the kitchen.
(Arsh is in his room. You can go to the room. I will bring snacks)
Faiza went to his room barging the door open. Her eyes went wide when she noticed him watching something on his laptop without his shirt on. Her mouth felt dry at the sight of her.
"Ya Allah. Jaldi se shirt pahno. Zara bhi sharm nahi hai aaj kal ke ladko mai," Faiza said loudly while she instantly turned around.
(Oh God, wear the shirt quickly. Nowadays boys don't have any shame)
Her sudden presence startled Arsh. He instantly wore his shirt while cursing her for barging in his room like this.
"Tumhe itni manners hona chahiye ke tum kisike room mai bina knock kiye nahi aa sakti," Arsh said glaring at her.
(You should know how to knock on the door)
Faiza let out a sigh and sat on the bed.
"kya dekh rahe the tum?" She asked when she notices him shutting his laptop.
(What were you watching)
Arsh awkwardly rubbed his neck and avert his gaze away.
"Aisa kya dekh rahe the tum. Tum wo tou nahi dekh rahe the na," Faiza said faking a gasp making the color drained from his face.
(What were you watching? Don't tell me you were watching that)
"Get your mind out of the gutter. I was studying," Arsh said making her chuckle.
"Accha. Theek hai. Actually, kuch kaam tha tumse. Meri helps karo na padhai mai. Kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai," Faiza said with a pout.
(Okay. I need you to help me in studies. I am unable to understand anything)
"Konsa wala lesson hai?" Arsh said opening the textbook.
(Which lesson)
Faiza showed him the questions and he sighs knowing that it was the easiest one.
Arsh took the notebook and start scribbling the solution. In almost two minutes, the answer was written in the book with a complete solution.
"Yaar, tum toh genius ho," Faiza praised him to which he nodded his head.
(You are genius)
"Focus," Arsh reminded her.
"Dekho, solution bohot easy hai. You just have to concentrate. Pehle question ko samajhne ki koshish karo. We derive the value of x and find the profit. Pehle equation banao fir solves karna," Arsh explained to which she nodded her head.
(Listen, the solutions are easy)
(Try to understand the question first)
(First, make the equation then solve it)
After some minutes, she finally got the right answer.
"Ab bohot pad liya maine. Break lena zaroori hai. Mind fresh rahega," Faiza said closing the book.
(I have studied a lot. I need a break)
"You have just solved one question," Arsh said looking at her narrowed eyes.
The knock on the door disturbs their conversation.
Sabiha, Arsh's mother entered the room with the tray in her hand.
"Mai tum dono ke liye momos banaa kar laaye ho. Zara chak kar batana kesa hai," Sabiha Begum said in excitement.
(I made dumplings for both of you. Tell me how it is)
Arsh sigh and lay down on the bed with the support of his elbows.
"Ammi, aap kitni pyaari hai. Hame bohot accha laga ke aapne hamare liye banaya," Faiza said with a smile while Arsh raised his eyebrows at the word 'Ammi'.
(You are so cute. I felt so happy knowing that you cook for me)
Faiza starts gobbling on the plate of steamy momos.
Arsh's phone starts ringing and he excused himself.
"Hame khaana banane ka itna shauk hai. Par Arsh bahar hi khaata hai. Nahi pata ghar ka khaana khaane mai kya takleef hai," Sabiha Begum said.
(I love to cook. But Arsh never ate homemade food. I don't know what's his problem)
"Aapke beta ke bohot naatak rahte hai. Aap bole tou ham sahi karde unhe," Faiza said trying to lighten up the situation.
(Your son has so many tantrums. If you tell me, I will fix him)
"Wahi tou ham chahte hai. Aap thik karde hamare bete ko. Jab se aapse dosti hui hai Arsh ki, tab se woh bohot khush rahne lage hai. Ham bas yahi chahte hai ke Arsh hamesha aise hi khush rahe," Sabiha Begum said caressing her head.
(That's what I want. He is very happy with you. I just want him to be happy like this always)
Faiza choked on the glass of juice while a tinge of red appeared on her cheeks.
"Aunty, ham samajh rahe hai ke aap kya kehna chah rahi hai. Par aisa kabhi nahi ho sakta," Faiza said in a low voice.
(I understand what you are trying to say. But it can't happen)
"Kyu?" Arsh's mother asked.
(Why)
"Ham dono bohot alag hai. Par ham dono ek dusre acche dost hai. Ham kabhi nahi chahenge ke ek aur rishta banne ke chakkar mai hamari dosti kharaab ho jaaye Arsh se," Faiza indirectly crush the hope of the poor lady.
(We are very different. But we are good friends with each other. I don't want to spoil the relation we have)
"Koi baat nahi. Ham samajh sakte hai," Sabiha Begum said forcing a smile.
(It's okay. I understand)
"Par aap zara bhi tension naa le. Ham ek se ek ladki dhund kar laayenge Arsh ke liye," Faiza said in a reassuring tone.
(Don't take tension. We will find a good girl for Arsh)
"Phir theek hai," Sabiha Begum said with a genuine smile.
(Then it's fine)
Arsh entered the room and passed a goofy grin to Faiza. His mother took it as a cue to leave.
Faiza's phone beeped and she saw her Ammi message. It was the picture of the guy who sends the proposal for her elder sister and his number.
Arsh felt his throat dry when he saw the picture of the guy on her mobile.
"Kon hai ye? Aur tumhaare paas iski pic kya kar rahi hai?" Arsh asked raising her eyebrows.
(Who is he? Why are you having his picture with you)
"Ab ham dono ko late nahi ho raha hai padhne ke liye," Faiza asked in a sarcastic tone while crossing the arms over her chest.
(Aren't we late for studies now)
"I am serious. Bata kyu nahi deti ki kon hai ye?" Arsh asked clenching his jaw.
(Tell me who is he)
Faiza smirks as the little vixen evil mind was on the roll. She decided to prank him.
Faiza moved towards the window and maintained the serious expression.
"Actually, Arsh baat kuch aur hai. Hamare liye rishta aaya hai. Ammi ka bohot mann hai ki hamari waha shaadi ho jaaye. Aur tumhe bhi pata hai ke ham ammi ke liye kuch bhi kar sakte hai," Faiza said in a low voice.
(I want to talk to you about something. The proposal has come for me. Mom is very happy. And you know I can do anything for her)
She bit her inner cheeks to control the smile which was forming on her lips.
The mere thought of that makes his blood boiled. Arsh just can't imagine the thought of Faiza with anyone else. He was possessive of her from the moment he set his eyes on her. He doesn't even let her befriend any male guy. But Faiza was too naive or ignorant to understand his feelings.
"You gotta kidding me. Tum kisi se bhi shaadi kar hi nahi sakti. You are only 20. I won't let you marry anyone. Understand?" Arsh said raising his voice while the veins in his neck popped out.
(You can't marry anyone)
"Par wo bohot acche hai. Hame bohot khush rakhenge," Faiza said stifling the smile.
(The boy is very good. He will keep me happy)
"The hell with that. You are going to decline the proposal. Itna shauk hai shaadi karne ka tou 3-4 saal ruk jao. Let me tell you one thing clear. You aren't getting married to anyone," Arsh said looking at her dangerous glint in his eyes.
(If you are so keen to get married, then wait for some years)
"Tum kabse itne hot ho gaye?" Faiza asked with a chuckle.
(When you become this hot)
Arsh pinched the bridge of his nose to calm himself down.
"Chill karo. Abhi ladka final nahi kiya maine. Aur rahi baat shaadi ki tou mai 2 saal se pehle shaadi nahi karni wali," Faiza said with a grin to which he relieves the sigh.
(Relax. I didn't say yes yet. I won't marry anyone in at least 2 years)
Faiza turned towards him and looked at him with amused eyes.
"Tumhaari ammi chahti hai ke meri tumhaare saath shaadi ho jaaye," Faiza said and burst into laughter.
(Your mom wants me to get married to you)
"Everyone needs to know that you and me, it's never gonna happen," Faiza said with an amused expression.
"We both don't know what the future holds for us," Arsh said in a sincere tone in which he holds something.
A promise maybe.
A sincere promise he is willing to fulfill.
***
How's the first chapter?â¨
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-Faraal