𝟏𝟒. 𝐀𝐣𝐞𝐞𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐢 𝐘𝐞𝐡

He's done it.

Mr. Angrez have finally stepped in the fort he was originally here for. We're at the site that will not be the same anymore come August.

I was shocked but also proud of myself for delaying this very moment as much as I could.

My eyes are on him as he takes in the fort and wonders what made him pit forth the deal.

Was it his frustration speaking for him? Or does he actually want us to be happy and not be the reason for the current mood of our house?

Or is he doing it for the sake of this project?

My conscience is pushing me towards the third option but I wasn't certain.

"So, what do you think?" He asks, looking around before his gaze meets mine.

"It ain't easy."

"I'm asking about the project." He says.

"I'm talking about the project too." I defend while he regards me with a glint in his eyes. "Restoration is still doable but renovation especially at the different levels it's built on might still be up for debate. Looking at the site in person, I guess the actual project itself needs more work."

"Agreed."

We hang around for a bit longer in empty silence that engulfs us for the nth time today where we are not bickering with each other. I flip my wrist to take note of the time and decide to call it a day.

"So," I start, gaining his attention.

"So," He continues, flashing me a lazy smile.

"I think we should head back."

"Ok, then. See ya!" With that said he spins on his heel and begins walking away.

Isn't he supposed to be carpooling with me--- ohhhh, the deal!

Right.

But, where is he going to stay for the next 48 hours?

"Hey!" I yell, making him stop and turn. I try and phrase the question that's in my mind but refuse to roll off my tongue, without sounding concerned. "You-- where-- I-- urgh."

"I'll be fine." He says, giving me a two-finger salute and disappearing out of my sight.

I guess he will be.

I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding and book an Uber for myself. Allah jaane how is he going to go and where?

Does he have his cards or his ID to check into a hotel?

I hope he eats something before hitting bed.

Should've bought him a bottle of bisleri before sending him away. I really hope he'll be fine----- whoa, whoa, whoa.

I snap out of my thoughts, literally shake my head to clear my mind.

I don't need to worry about him. I school myself. He's a big boy and can navigate his way around the city.

I hope he is safe.

And that no burglars loot him looking at his outfit that screams old money.

I hope he can fight and defend himself. I should've given him my pepper spray---- STOPPPPPPP.

"Mr. Angrez volunteered to not come home." I say aloud. "Whatever he is going to do is his lookout. I shouldn't be worried about that. Focus on the deal. The. Deal." I say to myself making my way toward the pick-up spot.

⚜️

As the vehicle nears Barkat Villa, I am going paranoid with the worry of 'Mumma kiya kahenge'.

She is going to lose her shit, grill-- no, fire and roast me for letting her darling nephew go. I also can't not tell her about the deal because she'll figure out something is off seeing his disappearance.

*gasp* what if she phones him to come back? That way I will not be able to carry out my mission. But will he come back? I don't think so. He might if his 'Saira mumma' insists so much.

And if he does, there's no stopping the grin on his face if and when he comes on mumma's insisting. Showing off those pearly white teeth and twinkling hazel eyes with pride.

And I can't let that happen. Which means, I can't tell mumma the truth. I'll have to feed her some lies. Some many lies.

The vehicle pulls to a stop at the gates and I push the door open stepping in the warm Ishaa air. With every step I take in the direction of the front door, I manage to collect an ounce of energy to face Mother India.

The door is opened by Fatty who flashes me a smile before looking behind me. "Bhaiya where is?"

Ignoring his question I move to face the big sharks and yell an "Assalamalaikum" which came out more wobbly and high-pitched than I expected.

"Walaikumsalam. Aagya bacha?" Machi asks, kissing my forehead. "Chalo, freshen up and let's eat."

OK. So far so good.

"What's for dinner?"

"Your favorite."

"I'll be down in 5 minutes!" I announce, moving towards the stairs only to be followed by Fatty.

"Baj, Muaaz bhaiya kahan hai?"

"Shhhhh!"

"Arey, kiya shhhh? Humari night out hai aaj. I was going to take him with me to this place--"

"Well, too bad. He left without you." I say, making my way to my room.

"He can't leave without me cuz he didn't know where I was taking him." He says in a 'duh' tone "Mazakh mat kiyo and tell me where he is."

I turn to him and say in a sharp tone. "Fatty, dimagh mat kharab karo and apna kaam karo jao. I've had a very long day today. I need food now and a good night's sleep right after."

"Well, if you tell me where he is, I'll let you loose." I clamp my eyes shut.

I'll let you loose. Mr. Angrez's voice rang in my mind when I heard this phrase.

I groan and spill. "He is not coming back home."

A brief moment of silence passes.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" He asks, confusion laced in his voice. But the change in the color of his face shows panic erupting.

I give it a try, slowly and calmly this time. "Fatty, mere bhai, he is not coming home today. Mr. Angrez decided to stay at a hotel and give us all a break."

"What?!" He shrieks. "Why would he do that so abruptly?"

I turn on my heel, throwing my hijab and my tote bag on the bed. "I don't know. Maybe he's wanted a break himself."

"Baigan ke baatan. I know you fought with him." He accused.

"I didn't!"

"Of course you did. He was fine this morning, all smiles and cheery unless you two left and only you came back."

"That is a serious accusation, Fateh Abdullah. What proof do you have?"

"Since you're asking me for proof, you definitely know something I don't." He challenged folding his arms and giving that lawyer's stare, clearly taking me off guard.

Bloody lawyer's son.

"I, uh..."

His lips stretch wide in a smirk as though he knows he's got me. Which he did.

"Mr. Angrez and I struck a deal," I mumble falling back on the bed.

"Go on,"

"I had a mini outburst and said he was the problem to all the problems in the house. And that Mumma and Abbu are unhappy and not on talking terms with each other because of him. And that Abbu has tied himself to the room because he is in the house."

"So you made him leave?"

"He volunteered." I emphasised. "He was the one who put forth the deal saying that he'd not come home for 48 hours and I was to go see if abbu shows concern for him. If he does, your bhaiya is not the problem to his room arrest and is not the reason for the ongoing war in our house." I narrate because I can't keep anything from my family. Allah miya didn't give me the capacity or the ability to hide something.

"Fatty," I call. "I've only told you about this. Please, don't forward it to anyone and help me feed lies to the family today. I can't lie all on my own. They'll know right away."

He gives the situation a thought, falling silent for a couple of moments before nodding his head in agreement.

"Ok, I guess."

He leaves my room shortly after which I freshen up and change, preparing a list of excuses I can tell the family to explain Mr. Angrez's absence. A sudden thought pops in my head that makes me reach for my phone and type in the following:

'Salam, I don't know if you've saved my number yet but it's Muskaan here.

I hit send, typing the next message when I receive his reply almost instantly.

Oh, hello Ms. Noor.

I delete whatever I'd written to reply to his hello with a 'hey'.

Miss me already? He writes back. That cocky human.

Not one bit. I'm enjoying having my home and my family to myself again.

That's cuz you know when I can come back, you'll lose them to me again.

This man---- urghhhh! I suck in a breath, keeping my nerves in check and exhale from my mouth.

'If' you come back that is. Once I do my part of the deal, that ain't happening. I stab the Send icon with my thumb.

You don't know that for certain, Ms. Noor. But you could be right or wrong.

Guess only time will tell.

You wanted to say something? I frown reading his question, raking my mind for what I had actually texted him for.

Just wanted to ask if you've checked in a hotel and if you need clothes or whatever? I can ask Fatty to deliver them to you.

That's sweet of you to care for me. Thanks, I'm touched.

I roll my eyes, couldn't say if this was sarcasm or if he was actually touched.

But, no thanks, I've managed just fine.

Have you had dinner yet?

I regret sending that text instantly. My thumb moves to delete but it was of no use because be was already typing a response. I sound like his wife or something.

Ordered a sandwich.

A sandwich 🤣. I snort.

What's wrong with that?

You can't survive the rest of the night on a sandwich. I've seen you gobble down rotis every single day like it's your last.

Say Mashallah 😒.

I reply with the laughing/crying emojis.

Huh. I'll be fine.

OK, you're the boss. I send. I was about to put my phone away when he texts again.

What's for dinner by the way?

Idk, but Machi said it's my favorite.

What is your favorite?

Too many things to remember.

I hear mumma calling my name from downstairs gor dinner. I yell back, making my way out of the room.

Wow *claps*

Did anyone ask about me?

Not yet, but they will now. I reply honestly. Because I was honest.

Mmmmm. Ight, Ms. Noor, I'll let you loose. Have a good dinner.

I will.

Tossing my phone on the bed, I make my way downstairs not before checking if the light in my parent's room is on. Which, it was that meant Abbu is inside. So, he still thinks Muaaz is in the house. I will have to change that, but, dinner first.

"Assalamalaikum," I say, entering the hustling bustling dinning area. It was so good to see everybody together again like old times. All minus one.

"Walaikumsalam, meri jaan." Mummy says, urging me to sit.

"Muaaz ko awaaz do. I'm yet to see his face after he came back from work."

"Baji ko chain nahi aata uske beghair." Ranchu jokes, coming to sit across me.

"Khana bhi hazam nahi hota." Machi adds and the couple share a laugh only to shut up with mumma's glare.

"How was work today?" Dada jaan asks, helping himself with roti.

"Super tiring." I answer. "I'm going to hit bed right after this." I say gesturing towards the dinner.

"Bete Muaaz?" Mumma calls again, frowning when she hears no response. "Is he in the bathroom? Fatty, go check up on him." She orders, taking a seat.

Fatty shoots me a look.

"Mumma-- wo-- Mr. Angrez is not going to join us."

"What do you mean?" She frowns.

"He is not home."

"Not home?" Ranchu questions.

"Where is he?" Machi asks.

*crickets, crickets.*

"Muskaan," Mumma takes my name in the special tone only reserved for special occasions.

Panic grips me and i forgot every lie I'd rehearsed before coming downstairs. "Uhhhh,"

"Tell them baj," Fatty cuts in. "Tell everybody that bhaiya has gone out with some colleagues for dinner."

Uhhhhhhhhhhhh,

"Yes, yes, he has gone out with some of the guys for dinner." I nod, absentmindedly, trying to meet everyone's gaze.

"And why didn't you go?"

"Why didn't I go?" I ask myself looking at Fatty for help who raised his brows instead. "Because it was an all mens thing. Hehe."

That seemed believable? Looking at the faces of everyone around the table it sure did. Aur kar bhi kiya sakte they?

We resume eating, thankfully,but i can still the restlessness on Mumma's face.

Sorry, mom. I need to get this things out of my head for the sake of my sanity.

I scratch one thing off my agenda mentally, my mind thinking about the actual phase of the deal itself.

Confrontation with Abbu.

Which I will do, but pait pooja first.

⚜️

I was in Abbu's room to deliver him a cup of tea because he was suddenly craving one at around midnight.

"There you go." I say, handing him the cup of steaming hot beverage.

"Thank you, mera bacha." He takes the cup from my hand after sipping from his glass of water. "Sit,"

I sigh, plopping down on the bed by his feet.

"How's work?" He inquired.

"Ok, I guess. Visited the site today and realised how much work the project needs on paper itself before it can be implemented."

"Is it that bad?"

"Yes, I don't know whose idea it was to come up with such absurd plan for a monument like Golkonda fort. Uska elevation itna ajeeb hai, we can't even raise the elevation properly."

"Things will come around."

"I hope so."

Silence befell us which pushed me into breaching the sensitive topic.

"How is he?" Abbu suddenly asks.

"Who, Abbu?"

"Your mumma ki jaan." The way he almost grumbled had me snort in response. "Tang to nahi karra?"

"No, Abbu." I reassure him, putting his protective father side at ease. "Just that he eats alot. Like, a lot." I stress.

"Just like his father." He muttered, blowing at his tea. "Where is he now?"

The million dollar question.

"He's out with some of our colleagues." I lie smoothly, bouncing my shoulders.

"Colleagues?"

"All the men in our office."

"Like who?"

I stare at his face for a second longer than I should've before coming up with a random name. "Asfar."

"And?"

"Kanishk, Satyam, Bharat. All men." He sips, giving me a couples second break from the interrogation.

"So they've gone out for dinner?"

"Mm-hmm." I answer, scanning my nails.

"Where?"

"I don't know. I didn't want to come across like I was interested or jealous of him. That's why did ask." I shrug.

Oh my God! Where is all that coming from?

"Did he say when he'll be back?"

"Nope. But j did tell him I'd leave the keys in the flower pot." I deserve an Oscar for lying with a straight face.

I praise myself staring at my fingers before Abbu calls my name.

"Muskaan,"

"Ji," I look him in the eye.

"That's the story all of the others would believe in. Not your father." He smiles.

"Abbu it is what it is. I'm not--"

"Tell me the truth."

In a second, my tongue comes loose and I sigh. "We made a deal." I narrate the incident, stating tge hypothesis and all the conditions that are required for the experiment.

After listening to me silently, Abbu clamps his eyes shut and exhales heavily.

"Ask him to come back."

"Ok-- what?!" I shriek. "Why should he come back? It's because of him you--"

"He is not the problem, Muskaan."

"But, Abbu, you and mumma fought because of him that day and have barely spoken to eachother since. If it's not him then--"

"That doesn't concern you, Bubba." He cuts me off, in a calm voice. "All you need to know is Muaaz is not the reason behind me restraining myself to this room. There are things between his father and yours that need working on. About your mother and i fighting, I was upset that she went behind my back and offered him a place to stay here when she knew I was not on talking terms with his father. And she is not wrong either. I'd have done the same if I were in her place."

"So am I supposed to stop being mean to Mr. Angrez just because all of this was a massive ghalat fehmi? Whaaaaaatttt? Whhhhyyyyyyy?" I fall back on the bed, my head starting to spin from the shock.

"Muskaan,"

"Abbu, this is not fair. I can't be suddenly nice to him overnight. I was supposed to make his life terrible while he is here. And now you're asking me to abort my mission."

I hear a chuckle over my loud groan and I take a peak at my father who was shaking his head at me.

"I'm not asking you to be nice to him. You've already carried out the experiment which didnt go in your favor."

"Thanks for failing me." I mutter.

"Just your word and call him back."

"Does that mean I can continue my mission on being mean to him?"

"Absolutely not."

"But whyyyyyyyy?"

"Because you need to focus on your work. And you can't let silly missions distract you."

"Abbuuuuuuuuuu!"

☕️✨️

It's a green light from Abdullah Sr.

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