11. Blood blood everywhere.

Peeps, please please know that I'm going to make this looooong! If you don't like it or the slow burns please skip. I can't tell you how much I love this story and since I'm the author I am going to write it my way. (Not tryna be rude❤)

((Special thanks to those who motivate me to continue the story *kissies to y'all*))

I really wish y'all were close so I could send you pehli iftaari ki sweets, however have this chapter instead 🌻🫂❤

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"Aapne bulaya Abbu?"Almeer entered the room with a sense of anticipation, wondering why his parents had called for him. As he sat down beside them, he couldn't help but notice the weight of their silence, a palpable tension that hung in the air.

"Bolein na aap dono khamosh kyu hain?" he ventured, breaking the quietude with his inquiry. His parents exchanged a glance, their expressions betraying a mixture of concern and apprehension.

Dilawer Khan cleared his throat before speaking, his voice measured. "Aynoor ki tabiyat kaisi hai ab?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of urgency. Almeer's brow furrowed slightly as he processed the question, his mind racing through recent events.

"Thik hai wo," he responded finally, his words carrying a note of reassurance. Yet beneath the surface, Almeer couldn't shake off a sense of unease. His parents' subdued demeanor hinted at something more, something left unspoken.

As he waited for their next words, Almeer couldn't help but wonder what lay behind their solemn expressions.

"Zyada toh chot nahi aayi thi usey?" Khanum inquired about Aynoor's condition, Almeer responded with a reassuring shake of his head.

"Nahi, jis ladke ne ball ko kick kiya tha usne hi Aynoor ko blood donate kiya tha. So koi complications nahi hui." His words carried a sense of relief, echoed by the nods of understanding from Dilawer Khan and Khanum.

"Tumne Yazdaan ko jaldi ghar kyu bijhwa diya?" Dilawer Khan's tone turned stern as he questioned Almeer about sending Yazdaan home early. Almeer defended his decision, explaining, "Mai waha tha toh sahi. Yazdaan ka waise bhi waha koi kaam nahi tha."

Yet, his concern shifted to Aynoor as he inquired about her well-being. "Humne kuch faisla kiya hai." However, Dilawer Khan redirected the conversation, indicating a significant decision had been made.

Perplexed, Almeer looked to Khanum for clarity, but she too appeared bewildered. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he pressed, "Kaisa faisla?" His anticipation lingered in the air, waiting for the revelation of what this decision might entail.

"Yazdaan aur Umm-e-Qiswa k nikkah ka faisla." The bomb dropped by Dilawer Khan left Almeer stunned, his mind racing with disbelief.

"What the hell, Abbu? Ye aap soch bhi kaise sakte hain?" The image of his 15-year-old cousin Kiswa being married off to his younger brother was beyond unsettling for him, almost causing him to gag at the thought.

"Almeer, ye faisla bilkul thik hain. Aap bas koi musibat khadi na karna." Attempting to comprehend the situation, Khanum interjected, urging Almeer to consider the decision carefully. However, his shock only deepened at his mother's unexpected support of the decision.

His disappointment was palpable as he voiced his concerns. "Maa, Yazdaan bacha hai abhi," he pleaded, desperation evident in his voice.

Khanum's response, however, was firm, challenging Almeer's perception. "Ye tumhari galat fehmi hai, Almeer," she said, her words hitting him with unexpected force, signifying the gravity of the situation and the shift in dynamics within their family.

Almeer's resistance to the decision was unwavering. "Aap jo bhi kahein, main is faisle ke khilaaf hoon. Mere bhai ki zindagi aap barbaad nahi kar sakte. Aap jaante hain main child marriages ke kitna khilaf hoon, aur phir bhi..." His voice trailed off as he struggled to contain his frustration.

Dilawer Khan's response was callous, adding fuel to Almeer's anger. "Tum toh khush hona? Wo bhi reh lega," he remarked casually.

Almeer's sigh was heavy with disappointment as he looked at both his parents, feeling utterly helpless. "Uss se puucha hai aapne?" he questioned, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Dilawer Khan's chuckle only fueled Almeer's sense of injustice. "Puucha toh humne tum se bhi nahi tha," he retorted, highlighting the lack of consideration for his opinion in the decision-making process.

»»---->

Almeer's head was already dizzy, but when he entered his room and saw Aynoor sobbing, every sense in his body went on high alert. He rushed towards her, his heart pounding with worry, and sat down beside her.

"Noori, kya hua hai, bache?" he asked gently, placing a comforting hand on her head. Aynoor continued to sob, rocking back and forth in distress. Almeer sat in front of her on the bed, his expression filled with concern and care. Aynoor looked up at him with teary eyes and whispered, "Dard ho raha hai..." Her voice trembled with pain, and Almeer felt his heart ache in response.

"Kahaan pe dard ho raha hai?" he inquired softly, his eyes reflecting his worry. Aynoor pointed towards her stomach, and Almeer's heart sank. Despite his own turmoil, he managed a reassuring smile and gently placed a hand on her stomach, silently offering his support and comfort.

"Ab bhar bhar ke chocolate khaogi toh yahi hoga na," he teased, and she glared at him through tears. Almeer's teasing remark elicited a glare from Aynoor, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Aap mere khaane pe nazar lagate hain," she huffed, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness. Almeer couldn't help but notice how she had gained a little weight since her arrival, making her irresistibly cute in his eyes.

"Tumhe meri nazar bhi lag sakti hai?" he replied, feigning melodramatic tears, causing Aynoor to burst into laughter. "Haa kyu nahi lag sakti?" she chuckled, her laughter filling the room with warmth. Almeer couldn't help but smile at her infectious joy, feeling grateful for moments like these that made life worth living. Despite the recent shock from his parents, being in Aynoor's presence seemed to mend all wounds.

"Kitni baatein karti ho, bandariya," he said affectionately, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Tum yaha ruko, mai dawaai lekar aata hu." With intentions to fetch her medicine, he made a move to leave the room when Aynoor clung to him like a little monkey. Almeer sighed, looking down at her with fond exasperation as she gazed up at him with a pout, shaking her head.

"Mujhe dawai nahi khani, aap yahi rul jaayein please.." Aynoor's voice quivered slightly as she made her request, her eyes pleading with Almeer for understanding. Sensing her reluctance to take the medicine, he couldn't help but smile at her adorable pout.

"Kyu nahi khaani?" he asked gently, his fingers running through her hair in a soothing gesture. But Aynoor remained adamant, burying her face into his side, seeking refuge in his comforting presence. Almeer sighed, knowing he couldn't easily persuade her once she had made up her mind.

Resigned, he settled down on the edge of the bed, his gaze softening as he looked at her. Her victory was evident in the mischievous glint in her eyes as she directed him to sit closer to her. With a smile, Almeer obliged, moving to the pillow side as she had requested.

"Tum sojao, mai yahi hu," he reassured her, attempting to distract himself by reaching for his phone. But before he could divert his attention, Aynoor crawled towards him, her plea for his company tugging at his heartstrings.

"Nahi, aap mere pass sojayein, please," she implored, her voice a gentle plea that melted Almeer's resolve.

*he sighed*

»»---->

"Aajayein." Yazdaan's strained voice echoed as he heard a knock on the door. Almeer, who was about to head to college, noticed that Yazdaan hadn't gotten ready for school, prompting him to check up on him.

"Daani?" Almeer said sadly as he sat down beside him. Yazdaan sat up straight, his expression troubled.

"Aapko meri fikar kyu hai bhai? Don't you hate me?" Yazdaan asked, his voice tinged with self-doubt. Almeer looked genuinely puzzled by the question.

"Why would I hate you? Tu toh meri jaan hai," Almeer replied, side-hugging Yazdaan. Yazdaan felt a lump form in his throat, touched by his brother's affection. He realized that Almeer was unaware of the situation, relieved that their parents hadn't revealed the truth to him yet.

"Is shaadi ki tension tum mat lo. Mai sab sambhal lunga," Almeer reassured, sensing Yazdaan's silence and inner turmoil.

"Aap jaante hai wo mera nikkah kyu kara rahe hain?" Yazdaan's voice trembled with anxiety, his heart weighed down by the burden of impending decisions.

"You know the kind of family we live in," Almeer began, his tone measured and thoughtful. "I had decided none of us will participate in this, unfortunately or I should say fortunately, Aynoor meri zindagi mai aagy. But zaroori nahi hai k sab k sath acha he ho. I don't want you to end up with a life full of regrets."

Almeer's words carried a mix of determination and concern, his touch a comforting reassurance amidst Yazdaan's turmoil. He understood the gravity of the situation, the societal pressures that loomed over them like a dark cloud, threatening to obscure their path.

"Aap rok lenge ye nikkah?" Yazdaan's question held a glimmer of hope, a desperate plea for salvation from a fate he felt ill-equipped to face.

"Bilkul," Almeer's response was firm, filled with resolve. He would not let his brother bear the weight of this burden alone. He would stand by him, protect him from the storms that threatened to engulf their lives.

A sense of relief washed over Yazdaan, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he uttered, "Thank you bhai," his gratitude tinged with guilt for the emotions swirling within him, for the sacrifices he knew his brother would have to make on his behalf.

"Chal chal ab zyada senti na ho. Aur school kyu nahi gaye tum?" Almeer's attempt to lighten the mood was met with a sigh from Yazdaan.

"Dil nahi kar raha tha mera," Yazdaan admitted truthfully, his voice laden with a heaviness that mirrored the weight on his shoulders. Almeer listened, understanding the depth of his brother's emotions.

"Kal se ye sab nahi chalega. Also, Noori kuch din nahi aayegi. I want her to heal properly," Almeer's words carried a sense of determination, a quiet resolve to prioritize Aynoor's well-being above all else. But for Yazdaan, each mention of her name was a painful reminder of the distance between them, a void he struggled to fill.

»»---->

Almost midday after the Khan family had finished their lunch, Aynoor felt the restlessness of boredom creeping into her room. With a slight improvement in her condition since Almeer had changed her bandage in the morning, she decided to venture over to Yazdaan's place to engage in some playtime. Though the wound lingered in the back of her mind, being a child meant that it quickly faded into the background of her thoughts.

Dressed in a short white kurti adorned with intricate red and golden artwork, complemented by a matching white salwar and her dupatta draped casually over her shoulders, Aynoor appeared as if she had stepped out of a dream. This outfit, a gift from Almeer on her twelfth birthday, was only the second time she had worn it, yet it already held a special place in her heart.

Skipping her way towards Yazdaan's room, which was just a few steps away, she rapped lightly on the door. Her hair cascaded freely down her back, a departure from its usual braided state, as Almeer had been preoccupied with a college presentation and had forgotten to style it for her.

"Kholo bhi!!" she insisted, knocking once more, her eagerness evident in her voice. Attempting to twist the doorknob, she soon realized it was locked, prompting her to resort to more forceful measures. With determination, she began to bang on the door.

"Ghonchumal, marr marra toh nahi gaye??" she called out, her concern evident in her urgency, banging on the door once again. This time, the door swung open, revealing a very, very displeased Yazdaan.

Yazdaan stood there, his expression a mixture of anger and frustration, though beneath the surface, there was a hint of pain that Aynoor couldn't quite grasp. Dressed in casual grey sweatpants and with his hair tousled, the transition into adolescence had begun to alter his appearance. Suddenly, he seemed taller, with just a hint of facial hair adorning his boyish face.

"Kya masla hai tumhara?" Yazdaan seethed, his frustration evident in his tone. Aynoor couldn't help but flinch at his sharp words, causing Yazdaan to inwardly curse his own harshness.

"Tumhara mood aisa kareley jaisa kyu hai?" she questioned, her voice laced with concern as she tried to understand his demeanor. However, Yazdaan simply sighed, his expression giving away little.

"Nahi hai. Tum kyu aayi ho ye batao," Yazdaan replied casually, turning away from her. As his face was obscured from her view, the facade he presented to the world began to crumble.

"Khan college gaye hain aur mai bore ho rahi hu," she pouted, her disappointment evident in her words. The mere mention of 'Khan' caused Yazdaan's stomach to churn uncomfortably. Annoyance flickered across his features as he questioned,

"Toh?"

Aynoor regarded him with a cute expression, choosing to overlook his surly attitude as she stepped into his room.

"Toh chalo na kuch khelte hai," she suggested, her optimism undiminished by his demeanor. Yazdaan glanced at her briefly, his young mind grappling with emotions far beyond his years. Sometimes, fate had a cruel way of toying with one's heart.

"Nahi," came his curt reply, not because he lacked the ability to offer more, but because speaking further threatened to unravel the fragile composure he clung to.

"Kya ruuthi hui begum jaise nakhre dikha rahe ho? Chalo na game khelte hain. Khan aayenge toh mai chali jaungi," Aynoor urged innocently. Yet, the realization that Almeer was the center of Aynoor's universe, the one she cared for above all else, caused Yazdaan's fists to clench with a mix of frustration and longing.

"Mai tumhara naukar hu?" he spat out, the venom dripping from his words like poison. This time, Aynoor couldn't brush it off as a joke. Childish she may be, but she wasn't foolish.

"Tumhe aaj ho kya gaya hai?" she asked, genuine concern coloring her voice as she observed his sudden change in demeanor.

"Tumhe us se koi masla nahi hona chahiye," he stated firmly, before retreating to his bed and taking a seat. Aynoor felt a pang of sadness at his words but resolved to lift his spirits. After all, he was her best buddy.

"Hot chocolate piyo gay?" she asked sweetly, attempting to offer him some comfort. Yazdaan wiped his face and looked at her, his heart skipping a beat. In that moment, he couldn't bear to see her.

"Aynoor, aakhri baar keh raha hu mai tumse dafa hojao," he said abruptly, his tone a mix of frustration and desperation as he tried to distance himself from the feelings he knew he couldn't act upon.

»»---->

Almeer and his friends were gathered in the vibrant college garden, their jubilant chatter mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Having just returned from their triumphant presentation, they basked in the glow of their success.

"Almeer, you gotta admit that you put the least work in this one!" Kifayaat ribbed, his tone laced with playful banter as he affectionately swatted Almeer's shoulder. Almeer couldn't help but grin, acknowledging the kernel of truth in Kifayaat's jest.

"True though! You always work more than each one of us, what changed?" Sahiba chimed in, her curiosity genuine as she leaned forward, eager to hear Almeer's response. The question hung in the air, prompting Almeer to briefly reflect on the recent whirlwind of events.

Almeer had indeed been preoccupied lately, especially with Aynoor's injury requiring a significant portion of his attention. However, he wasn't about to admit that.

Before he could respond, Ahad interjected with a mischievous grin, "Guys, humari bhabhi ko chot aayi thi so he was occupied with that. Y'all singles don't understand." His tone dripped with humor, eliciting teasing glances from everyone towards Almeer, except for Hania and Hamza.

"Stfu," Almeer retorted sharply, aiming the jab at Ahad, who only laughed louder in response.

"You didn't tell us we would have come to see her," Sahiba remarked, her caring nature shining through as she voiced her concern. Almeer forced a smile, though inwardly, he felt a twinge of discomfort at the fact that everyone was talking about Aynoor.

"No, it's fine," he replied, his response coming out more strained than he intended. He wasn't accustomed to discussing Aynoor with others, preferring to keep her a private matter. The sudden spotlight on her made him uneasy.

Ahad, ever the provocateur, sensed Almeer's unease and decided to playfully needle him further. "Unlucky for you guys, Aynoor is now my friend," he quipped with a sassy grin, his words hanging in the air like a playful challenge.

Instantly, all eyes turned towards Almeer, recognizing the underlying tension in the air. They were well aware of Almeer's protective nature, especially when it came to Aynoor. Ahad's casual proclamation of friendship with her struck a nerve, stirring a ripple of discomfort among the group."What do you mean?" Hamza asked ahad looking at Almeer and ahad replied,

"Well, fortunately our bachi bhabhi was admitted in the same hospital where my dad works aur mai aur Hania were there because Hania wanted to show him her mom's reports, so yeah... that's how we met," Ahad narrated the entire story with a casual air, oblivious to the tension building around him. Almeer clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin with each passing word.

"Will you shut up now?" Almeer seethed, his tone sharp with frustration. The rest of the group shared a collective desire for Ahad to cease his commentary, knowing all too well how sensitive Almeer was about Aynoor. Despite their silent pleas, Ahad persisted, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort he was causing.

"Arey, let me tell them how cute she is!! Guys, she's so pretty. Trust me, she'll grow up to be a..." Ahad's sentence was abruptly cut short as Almeer flung his backpack at his face in a fit of rage. Ahad winced as pain shot through his nose, a trickle of blood staining his shirt.

"There's only so much I can tolerate. Thank god that you're my friend," Almeer muttered tersely, his frustration palpable as he turned on his heel and stormed away from the group. A somber atmosphere settled over the remaining friends, each feeling a pang of remorse for allowing things to escalate. Sensing Almeer's need for space, Hamza rose from his seat and hurried after him.

»»---->

Almeer stood in front of his sleek G-Wagon, lost in thought, when Hamza came rushing up to him, concern etched on his face.

"Almeer!! Yaar, are you okay?" Hamza's voice was filled with genuine worry. He wasn't just concerned about Almeer's tendency to prioritize his wife over his career; he also harbored concerns about Hania's well-being.

"Hmmmm..." Almeer let out a noncommittal hum, running his fingers through his hair in a gesture of frustration. His gaze drifted to his car, a faint smile playing on his lips as he recalled Aynoor's fondness for the vehicle. Hamza noticed the subtle shift in Almeer's demeanor and felt compelled to voice his concerns.

"Mujhe galat mat samajhna, but I think you are getting too much invested in that girl," Hamza expressed cautiously, his tone tinged with apprehension. Almeer regarded him with a puzzled expression, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"What do you mean by too much invested? She's my wife damnit!" Almeer's retort was delivered with such force that Hamza was momentarily taken aback, his earlier concerns momentarily overshadowed by the intensity of Almeer's conviction.

"So you have accepted her?" Hamza asked, still trying to wrap his head around the revelation. He had always assumed that Almeer's reluctance to discuss his wife stemmed from a sense of shame or regret, but now he was discovering a different side to the story, and it left him utterly stunned.

"You high or something? I accepted her the day she came into my life," Almeer replied firmly, a small smile gracing his lips as he spoke. His electric blue eyes shimmered with warmth at the mere thought of her, a testament to the depth of his feelings.

"Then why don't you ever talk about her? I always thought you never said anything because you were forced and you regretted it," Hamza ventured, sharing his candid thoughts with Almeer. That was one of the things Almeer appreciated most about Hamza - his transparency and willingness to speak his mind, even when it touched upon sensitive topics.

"I would rather die than discuss my wife with a group of college students," Almeer quipped, a hint of amusement in his tone, but Hamza could sense the underlying seriousness in his words. It was clear that Almeer's feelings for his wife ran deep, and he held them close to his heart, unwilling to share them with just anyone.

"I see... I am not sure how to react because I can't really guess what a person feels in this kind of situation, but I really am concerned about why you're not focusing on your studies as much as before? Is it because of her?" Hamza's tone was brimming with genuine concern as he voiced his worries, and Almeer couldn't help but appreciate the care in his friend's voice.

"No, it's not because of her. I do know how to handle studies and work; I've been balancing both all my life. But recently, I've realized that I am going to be the next 'Murshid' of the village, so my priorities are pretty clear now," Almeer explained, his words carrying a weight of wisdom. Hamza looked at him with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"And what are your priorities?" Hamza inquired, his brows furrowing together as he sought clarity.

"Aynoor," Almeer uttered, the single name slipping from his lips with a sense of reverence that sealed Hamza's thoughts.

"Got it," Hamza responded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he looked at Almeer. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy, wishing he could experience the depth of emotion that Almeer harbored for Aynoor. Yet, he also felt a surge of hope, knowing that such profound emotions and connections were possible.

Almeer nodded in acknowledgment, his smile reflecting a mixture of contentment and longing. However, before the conversation could delve any deeper, Hamza interjected abruptly.

"I can't help but ask about Hania? Do you..." Hamza's question was cut short as Almeer shook his head decisively.

"No. Never," Almeer replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for further discussion. With that, he made his way towards the driver's seat and swiftly climbed in, waving a brief goodbye to Hamza before driving off into the distance.

»»---->

It was nearing dawn as Almeer returned to Khan Haveli, his steps heavy with exhaustion. His usual routine led him straight to his room, but he was intercepted by Khanum in the hallway, her concern evident in her gentle inquiry.

"Chote Khan, itni der kyu laga di?" she asked, her voice carrying a mother's worry. Almeer approached her, taking her hands in his and kissing them tenderly one by one before responding in a soft tone.

"Aaj meri presentation thi, isiliye," he explained, his weariness evident in his voice. Khanum nodded understandingly before posing another question.

"Acha beta, aap apne room jaa rahe hai?" she inquired, and Almeer nodded in confirmation.

"Almeer, did you talk to Yazdaan?" Khanum's query hung in the air, causing Almeer to sigh heavily.

"Maa, I'm really tired, aur mai abhi aapse behas nahi karna chahta," he replied, his tone tinged with exhaustion and a hint of avoidance. With that, he made his way towards his room, the weight of the day's events bearing down on him.

As he entered his room without the formality of knocking, his gaze fell upon a sight that froze him in place. There she lay, Aynoor, lifeless on the ground, her still form sending a shockwave through Almeer's body. Motionless, she lay in a pool of crimson, and for a moment, Almeer forgot how to breathe. A wave of dizziness washed over him as the reality of the situation sank in, sending his heart into a frenzy of panic.

It took him a moment, his trembling heart struggling to comprehend the scene before him. And just as the truth dawned upon him, a piercing scream tore through the silence of the haveli.

"AYNOOR!!" Almeer's voice echoed through the halls, carrying with it a depth of anguish and despair that shook the very foundations of Khan Haveli.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

Mujhe dedo thodi.