16 - Gifts and all huh-

So, let me tell you guys that mere exam aarahe hai and i won't post for next month entirely and maybe May mai bhi koi chapter naa aaye. I took time from my schedule to write this chapter for y'all. Please please pray for me this exam is really important for mee😭🙏🏻. Thank you. I love you all🫂🤍

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"Arey waah!! bhabhi aapne bataya nahi k Almeer zan-mureed ban gaya hai," Saba remarked teasingly, her words carrying a hint of mockery. Khanum was taken aback by the implication of her statement, and she shook her head in disbelief.

Responding with a sudden fierceness, Zoya retorted, "Bua ji, iss baat ka khayal rakhein k Almeer hone wala 'Murshid' hain," her tone soft but laden with a warning. Saba's expression faltered as she realized the gravity of her words.

Speaking ill of the 'Murshid,' even if he was your son, brother, or any relation, was considered a grave offense, and Saba had inadvertently committed it. Now, all she could do was bite her tongue in regret as her daughter observed the exchange with an annoyed look.

"Zoya, tum jaake Mustakeem ko sulaa do mai yaha hu," Khanum instructed Zoya, her tone commanding yet reassuring. Zoya nodded in acknowledgment and promptly left to attend to Mustakeem, leaving Khanum to handle the situation.

"Qiswa, bache aap kuch toh le. Hum phir aapko Aynoor se milwayengy," Khanum urged Umm-e-Qiswa kindly, offering her some refreshments. Umm-e-Qiswa forced a smile in response and accepted, taking a kebab and nibbling on it.

"Maaf kijye ga bhabhi lekin, mai phir bhi aapse puuchna chahungi. Aap meri beti aur 'wani' mai aayi ladki ko ek he darja dengi?" Saba's question cut through the air, laced with underlying tension. Umm-e-Qiswa rolled her eyes in exasperation, while Khanum maintained her composure, smiling gently as she responded.

"Nahi Saba. Uska aur Qiswa ka koi comparison nahi hai. Qiswa tumhari beti hai aur izzat se iss ghar mai aayegi lekin Aynoor is ghar k bade bete ki biwi hai aur hone waale Murshid ki bhi. Toh uska makaam humesha Qiswa se uncha he rahega," Khanum replied firmly, her words carrying a sense of finality. Saba's smile faded gradually, replaced by an unpleasant expression, while Umm-e-Qiswa smiled contentedly, reassured by Khanum's words.

All Qiswa wanted was for this marriage contract to end. She had no interest in Yazdaan whatsoever. When the proposal for their marriage had been decided two years ago, she hadn't objected. But now, things are different. She had fallen in love.

"Aap aisa kaise kar sakti hain??" Saba's question was sharp, filled with disbelief, directed at Khanum. Khanum coughed lightly before responding, "Hum he nahi, aapke k bhai ka bhi yahi kehna hai," she replied, her tone reflecting the weight of the situation. Saba's complexion paled at the revelation.

"Par aap log ye baat kaise bhool sakte hain k, uski maa ne aapka ghar ujaada aur uske bete ne aapka beta cheen liya aur phir bhi aap log iss manhoos ladki ko sarr par chada rahein hain??" Saba's voice dripped with venom as she voiced her grievances. Khanum sighed wearily, preparing herself to address the accusations.

"Mera ghar Zemal ne nahi, mere khud k shohar ne ujaada aur rahi baat Kazim ki toh maine apne faisle Rabb par chord diye hain. Aur jahan tak baat hai Aynoor k haquuq ki toh uska shohar iss Haveli mai sab se zyada ikhtiyaar rakhta hai. Wo waaris hai is Haveli ka, aur takht ka bhi," Khanum's response was measured, her words carrying a sense of conviction. Saba was left flabbergasted, witnessing the extent of affection and respect everyone held for Aynoor.

»»————>

Yazdaan emerged from his room, still clad in his sweatpants, his mind preoccupied and unaware of the presence of Saba and Qiswa in the haveli. Carelessly, he made his way to the dining room, completely oblivious to everyone else, and called out for Guley.

"Guley!!!" his voice echoed through the room, and Guley hurriedly appeared, responding to his call. "Ji yazdaan baba?" she inquired, her expression attentive as she awaited his request. Yazdaan paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on her, before he spoke, "Sarr mai bohat dard horaha hai. Kuch khane ko milega?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. Guley nodded understandingly and promptly left to fetch something for him.

As Yazdaan observed her retreating figure, he couldn't help but notice the transformation in Guley. From a young girl working in the haveli, she had now become a married woman, possibly with children of her own, although he wasn't entirely sure. She had become more like a family member over the years, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern as he noticed how weary and drained she looked. Shaking his head in silent worry, he turned to leave the dining room.

However, his departure was interrupted by a sudden yell from the kitchen. Yazdaan's instincts kicked in, and he sprinted towards the source of the commotion, finding several maids surrounding Guley, their faces filled with concern.

"Kya hua hai??" Yazdaan's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, his tone filled with authority as he approached the scene. A young maid stepped forward to explain, "Yazdaan baba, Guley ki kaafi din se tabiyat kuch kharaab hai aur aaj to ye...." Her words trailed off as she gestured towards the unconscious Guley.

Yazdaan let out a weary sigh, his mind racing with concern as he assessed the situation. "Issey bahar leke aao!!" he ordered firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. With urgency in his steps, he made his way towards the main entrance, where he called out, "Junaid!!!!!"

Junaid appeared promptly, accustomed to Yazdaan's summons. "Ji baba?" he responded, his tone respectful as ever.

"Gaadi nikaalo aur haa, Guley k shohar ko contact kar sakte ho toh jaldi karo," Yazdaan instructed, his words imbued with a sense of urgency. Turning his attention back to the maids carrying Guley, he directed them with authority, "Jao isey gaadi mai rakh aao," prompting them to comply.

As Yazdaan began to search his pockets for his wallet, he was interrupted by Khanum's call from afar.

"Yazdaan!!" Khanum's voice interrupted him, causing him to halt in his tracks. He turned around to see his aunt and cousin sitting on the couch, accompanied by his mother. Rolling his eyes at the interruption, he responded curtly, "Abhi nahi maa, I have more important matters to attend to."

Khanum's expression shifted to one of surprise, while Qiswa couldn't hide her annoyance. 'Haa.. haa kyu nahi. Hum toh marey jaa rahein hain na ye Shehzaade hum apna waqt de,' Qiswa thought to herself, inwardly rolling her eyes at Yazdaan's dismissive attitude.

Saba attempted to salvage the situation, her words coated in sugar, "Yazdaan beta, bua se nahi milogy?" she asked, her tone gentle. Yazdaan smirked in response, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he replied, "Nahi bua. I'm busy." His words made them cringe inwardly, and Qiswa couldn't help but suppress a snort. 'Itna busy k nahane ka bhi time nahi hai janaab k pass. EWWW,' she thought, secretly pleased to see Yazdaan share his disdain for the marriage contract.

»»————>

"Khan, abhi toh hum ghar wapis aaye thy. Ab phir kahan jaa rahey hain hum?" Aynoor's voice broke the silence inside the G-wagon as they embarked on their journey. Almeer glanced at Aynoor, her eyes searching for answers.

"Ek jagah dikhaani hai tumhe," Almeer replied with a smile, his eyes reflecting a hint of mischief. Aynoor looked at him with a mixture of confusion and anticipation, "Konsi jagah?" she inquired again, seeking more details.

"Surprise hai," Almeer responded, his hand gently caressing her head, trying to maintain the element of surprise. Aynoor sighed contentedly, trusting Almeer's intentions, as he began to drive.

The silence between them didn't last long, as Aynoor reached for the end of a shawl draped around Almeer, playing with it absentmindedly and taking in its scent. Almeer smiled warmly at her, his attention focused on her, but his smile held a certain gravity as he anticipated her next question.

"Aapki bua mujhe pasand nahi karti na?" Aynoor's question held a hint of concern as she voiced her unease. Almeer paused for a moment, considering her words, before responding.

"Does it matter?" he asked, his tone soft yet firm. Aynoor looked at him, puzzled by his response, prompting him to continue.

"Noor meri jaan, we all love you. Khan haveli ka har fard tumse muhabbat karta hai, tumhari izzat karta hai aur people who aren't a member of our family unka opinion matter nahi karta, thik?" Almeer's words carried reassurance, emphasizing the unwavering support and affection she had within the Khan haveli. Aynoor nodded in understanding, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Ji. Lekin maine toh socha tha mai uss cute girl se friendship karun but..." Aynoor trailed off, her thoughts drifting to the desire for companionship. Almeer interrupted her gently, "Toh karlo. I am sure wo bhi tum apna friend banana chahe gi." His reassurance brought a smile to Aynoor's face, and in turn, Almeer couldn't help but smile too, pleased to see her happy.

"Acha aap batayein toh hum kahan jaa rahey hain?" Aynoor inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice as she looked at Almeer expectantly.

"Bata diya toh surprise kaisa?" Almeer teased, a playful glint in his eyes, eliciting a pout from Aynoor in response.

"Surprise k bahane kahi kidnap toh nahi kar rahe?" she joked, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. Almeer's eyes widened momentarily, taken aback by her playful accusation, before he caught on to her teasing.

"Kidnap he karna hota toh koi pyaara sa bacha choose na karta mai. Tum jaisi aafat ko kyu karta?" he retorted with a smirk of his own, his words laced with humor. Aynoor's mouth fell open in mock indignation, before she made an angry chihuahua face.

"Nooor!!" Almeer winced as Aynoor pinched him, a playful expression of pain crossing his features. Aynoor couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, reveling in her mischief.

"Aafat hu na? Toh sambhaale iss aafat ko. Koi return exchange option nahi hai aapke pass. Sunaa aapne??" she exclaimed, punctuating her words with a playful shout in his ear. Almeer's ear rang from the sudden volume, but he couldn't help but chuckle at her antics.

"Domestic Violence ka case kardunga tum par mai Aynoor Almeer Khan," Almeer fake-threatened, his tone light-hearted as he addressed her by her full name. A blush crept onto Aynoor's cheeks at the sound of her name, a reminder of her love for it, and she couldn't help but smile back at him, enjoying their playful banter.

»»————>

Yamaan sat in his chamber within the Yousoufzai haveli, the air thick with anticipation as he awaited the findings of the private investigator he had hired. A man in a professional suit stood before him, holding out a file. Yamaan accepted the file with a sense of eagerness, his curiosity piqued by what revelations it might contain.

"Saayein, ye rahi unki file," the investigator stated, his voice carrying a note of importance. Yamaan nodded in acknowledgment, his fingers already itching to delve into the contents of the dossier.

"Good," Yamaan replied with a nod of approval, his gaze fixated on the file before him. With a swift motion, he opened it, his eyes scanning the pages with intense focus. However, as he read through the details, his hands stilled, a furrow forming on his brow.

"Toh Shadaab Shah ne Kazim Khaan ka katl kiya tha? Lagta toh nahi wo apne bhai jaise dost ko aise he maar dale ga?" Yamaan's voice held a mix of disbelief and concern as he voiced his doubts. He found it difficult to believe that someone like Shadaab Shah would resort to such drastic measures against his close friend.

The investigator nodded in response, affirming the suspicions laid out in the file.

"Aap sahi keh rahe hain saayein, Shadaab Khan ne kabhi ye ilzaam qubool he nahi kiya. Aur saboot na hone ki wajah se uski behan ko wani kardiya gaya," the investigator confirmed, his tone reflecting the complexities of the case. Yamaan absorbed this information, his mind whirling with possibilities as he processed the implications of Shadaab Khan's innocence.

A wicked smile spread across Yamaan's face, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes as he chuckled softly. With a decisive gesture, he closed the file, his mind already formulating his next course of action. Turning his attention back to the investigator, he issued his orders with an air of authority.

"Us mehfil mai jitne bhi log thy un sab ka bio data nikal wao. Kuch toh hai jo galat hua hai," Yamaan commanded, his voice laced with determination. The investigator nodded in understanding, recognizing the significance of Yamaan's directive.

"Ji behtar," the investigator replied, his tone indicating his readiness to carry out Yamaan's orders. With that, he exited the chamber, leaving Yamaan alone with his thoughts.

Leaning back in his chair, Yamaan assumed a pensive posture, a smirk playing on his lips as he contemplated the unfolding events. "Har raaz ki ek gehraai hoti hai," he murmured to himself.

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"Khan!! Mai toh yaha pehle bhii aayi hu," Aynoor remarked, her eyes twinkling as she watched Almeer shutting the huge gate of the garden. Almeer turned to her with a knowing smile, his expression filled with amusement.

"Jaanta hu mai," he replied nonchalantly, his tone playful. Aynoor couldn't help but pout in response, her curiosity piqued by the mysterious surprise Almeer had in store for her.

"Toh phir ye kaisa surprise hua?" she asked, falling into step beside him as they walked towards the pond where the swans gracefully glided across the water. Almeer chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the serene surroundings as he led her forward.

"Khannnnnn.." Aynoor's joyous shriek filled the air as she caught sight of the swans, her excitement palpable as she rushed towards them. Almeer watched her with a fond smile, his heart swelling with affection at her delight.

Yes, this was the place—the garden where Almeer had first laid eyes on Aynoor. It had been his property ever since he turned 17, and he still vividly remembered the day when he had first encountered Aynoor, playing with the swans and rabbits amidst the verdant landscape. Over the years, he had transformed the open field into a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility, surrounding it with towering walls and a grand gate. Now, there were intricately built homes for the swans, rabbits, and other birds and animals that called this place their home.

"Kaisa laga?" Almeer inquired, his gaze fixed on Aynoor who was bustling around, chasing after rabbits, swans, deer, and little cows with boundless energy and joy.

"Bohat bohat bohat acha!!" Aynoor exclaimed, her happiness radiating from every pore. Almeer couldn't help but smile warmly at her infectious enthusiasm as he settled down on the bench he had placed near the tranquil pond.

Joining him on the bench, Aynoor gazed around with wide eyes, taking in the beauty of their surroundings. "Khan, sab kuch kitna pretty haina?" she remarked, her voice filled with wonder. Almeer met her gaze, his heart swelling with affection as he responded, "Bohat," his voice soft with admiration.

As they basked in the serenity of the garden, a rabbit hopped over to Aynoor, who quickly scooped it up, showering it with affectionate caresses and kisses. Amused by her playful antics, Almeer shook his head fondly, a chuckle escaping his lips. Suddenly, Aynoor nudged him with a sense of urgency, prompting him to turn to her with a quizzical expression.

"Ji, mohtarma?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity. Aynoor's voice held a sharpness as she commanded, "Uthein!" Almeer looked at her with bemusement.

"Kyu bhyi?" Almeer questioned, a hint of confusion in his voice as Aynoor nudged him insistently.

"Uthein tohh!!" Aynoor reiterated, her tone firm as she rose to her feet, a determined glint in her eyes. Almeer watched her with bemusement, still unsure of her intentions. However, he couldn't help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm as she sheepishly added, "Chalein ab ek photo le meri," her request carrying a playful command.

Rolling his eyes playfully, Almeer teased, "Bina salary ka naukar hu kya mai?" as he retrieved his phone from his pocket. Aynoor countered with a witty retort, "Bina salary k shohar hain," leaving Almeer momentarily speechless. It seemed no one could ever win an argument with her.

Resigned to her request, Almeer shook his head with a chuckle, realizing that resistance was futile. And so, for the next hour, he found himself diligently clicking away as Aynoor posed for countless photos.

"Noor yaar, bass kardo. 287 photos le chuka hu mai," Almeer finally pleaded, genuine exhaustion evident in his voice as he attempted to put an end to the impromptu photoshoot. Aynoor, who had been engrossed in exploring every nook and cranny of the garden, looked at him with a mixture of amusement and surprise. However, upon seeing his tired expression, she relented with a sigh, rising to her feet and dusting off her dirty clothes.

"Aap toh itni jaldi thak jaate hain, Khan," Aynoor remarked, her playful tone tinged with amusement as she glanced at Almeer. His eyes widened in mock indignation at her teasing remark.

"Khuda ka khauf karo ladki," Almeer retorted with a smirk, his tone playful yet feigned seriousness. Aynoor laughed, leaning onto him as they shared a moment of light-hearted banter.

"Jaayein jaayein... Aaye bade," Aynoor teased, her words dripping with playful taunting as she egged Almeer on. In response, he affectionately pinched her nose, prompting her to playfully attempt to jump on him. However, he evaded her grasp, running away with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Soon, both of them were engaged in a playful chase, weaving through the garden with laughter echoing in the air. Their figures dancing amidst the beauty of the garden, they looked like characters from a fairy tale come to life.

"Ruk jaayein!! Khaan aaj toh aap gaye!" Aynoor called out, trying to catch her breath as she pleaded with Almeer to stop.

Eventually, Aynoor came to a stop, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she smirked at Almeer. "Mere pass aajaye, Khan," she declared, her tone teasing yet determined. However, Almeer shook his head with a sassy retort, "Mai pagal hu jo apne paer par kulhadi maarlu?"

"Sharaafat se aajye warna..." Aynoor warned playfully, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Almeer chuckled in response, teasingly remarking, "Size dekha hai apna tumne?" Aynoor laughed evily, rubbing her hands together in anticipation as she walked towards the pond, her intentions clear.

"Acha farz karein, Khan!" she exclaimed, her tone laced with playful challenge as Almeer understood her motive.

"Koi pagal pan nahi karogi tum!" Almeer exclaimed, a mixture of warning and fond exasperation evident in his voice as Aynoor teased him. Aynoor simply laughed in response, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Farz karein agar mai isme gir gayi... Toh aayenge?" Aynoor playfully pointed towards the pool, her daring challenge hanging in the air. Before she could take a single step forward, Almeer sprang into action.

He swiftly caught her by the waist, intending to prevent her from taking the risk, but in his haste, he lost his footing. With a sudden slip, both of them tumbled to the wet ground, their laughter mingling in the air as they lay sprawled on the grass.

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the sound of their laughter echoing in the tranquil surroundings. Almeer couldn't help but smile at the infectious joy reflected in Aynoor's eyes.

"Pagal na ho toh," Almeer joked, flicking her forehead lightly as he shifted her onto his lap. Aynoor turned to face him, her smirk evident as she teased, "Dekha, Aynoor se panga lene ka natija?" Almeer shook his head,

"Pagleth."

They sat there for a moment, enveloped in the tranquil ambiance of the garden. Almeer reached into his pocket and withdrew a couple of papers, handing them to Aynoor. Aynoor looked at the papers with a mixture of curiosity and confusion, her brow furrowing in puzzlement.

"Ye kya hai?" she inquired, her tone tinged with intrigue as she glanced up at Almeer for an explanation. His response was laced with playful sass as he retorted, "School kya ande bechne jaati ho? Padho kya hai," a teasing glint in his eyes.

Aynoor couldn't help but chuckle at his witty remark, playfully elbowing him before resting the back of her head against his chest. She began to peruse the contents of the papers, her eyes scanning the words with growing interest. With each passing moment, her eyes widened in astonishment as she absorbed the information before her.

"Ye garden......" Aynoor began to speak, her thoughts trailing off as she processed the significance of the documents. Before she could articulate her thoughts, Almeer smoothly completed her sentence, his voice carrying a hint of pride,

"Ab tumhara hai."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

Qiswa :

Agar response nahi aaya na to dekh lena phir😤