4 - Jelly Jelly, already?

(I really hope you guys enjoy 🌻)

As sunlight flooded the room, gently rousing Almeer Khan from his slumber, he stretched his limbs and let out a soft groan. Rising from the couch, he took a moment to loosen his stiff joints with a series of satisfying cracks. Memories of the previous evening played in his mind, bringing a subtle smile to his lips as he glanced over at Aynoor, who lay peacefully asleep on his bed. Despite the events of the night before, there was a sense of tranquility in the room as she slept, her breathing steady and calm. Observing the fading bruise on her face, Almeer felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful that she was healing. Yet, beneath that relief lay a deeper emotion-a gnawing sense of pain that stemmed from seeing her hurt.

As Almeer approached Aynoor, he couldn't help but notice the peculiar way she slept, her limbs tangled in the sheets as if she were in the midst of a race in her dreams. Her long hair, freed from the constraints of the chaddar, spilled across his pillow, a sight that stirred within him a primal urge to protect it. Shaking off his reverie, he gently smoothed the comforter over her, ensuring she was properly covered before making his way to the washroom.

However, a thought crossed his mind, and he paused in his tracks. Retrieving his brush and towel from the nearby cabinet, he decided to shower in Yazdaan's room instead. It dawned on him that Noori might wake up while he was gone, and it would be uncomfortable for her to wait alone. With that consideration in mind, he made his way to his younger brother's room, intent on ensuring her comfort even in his absence.

Almeer cautiously returned to his room from Yazdaan's, the towel draped over his shoulder. As he turned the doorknob and stepped inside, he was met with a sight that left him stunned. There stood Aynoor, adorned in HIS favorite T-shirt, paired with her salwar, clutching her frock from the previous day in her hand. His gaze drifted to the water droplets trickling down from the twisted fabric, leaving moist imprints on his expensive and cherished carpet.

The surrealness of the moment threatened to overwhelm him, as he struggled to comprehend how his cherished possessions had found their way into her grasp. For a fleeting moment, he felt a surge of frustration.

"Noori!! ye kya harkat hai??"he asked, his expression a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "Andhe he hogye hain kya sach mai? Ye meri frock hai, maine dholi hai,"she retorted in a tone that implied he was missing the obvious. Almeer's jaw tightened as he struggled to comprehend her reasoning.

"Dho di matlab?? Ye sab tumhare karne ka kaam nahi hai! Jaake isey bathroom mai rakh aao,"He instructed her, his tone softening but firm. Aynoor's puzzled expression persisted as she questioned, "Par kyon?" Almeer sighed inwardly, feeling like she was a walking question mark.

Almeer's expression softened as he saw Aynoor's confusion. "Noori, ye geeli hai, aur yaha is se saara farsh geela horaha hai," he explained calmly. She looked at him with understanding, but then voiced another concern, "Baat toh sahi hai lekin mujhe isey sukhana padega, warna mai kya pehnu gi?" He nodded in understanding, realizing her dilemma. Moving towards her, he gently took the frock from her hand. "Laao, ye mujhe do," he said softly, carrying it to the washroom and placing it on the sink.

Just then, a knock at the door startled him, and he hurriedly rushed to answer it, fearing that Aynoor might inadvertently open it herself. With a sense of relief, he pushed her away from the door and opened it himself, eager to maintain control over the situation.

Guley's voice broke the serene silence that enveloped the room, her words cutting through the tranquility like a sharp knife. "Chote Khan, aapko naashte pe bulaya hai Murshid ji ne.." Her tone was respectful and dutiful, a reflection of the reverence she held for Almeer.

Almeer nodded calmly, acknowledging Guley's message, before turning his attention to Noori. He could sense her displeasure as her eyes bore into him with an intensity that could rival a raging storm. Without a moment's hesitation, he reached out to grab the hood of his hoodie, a reflexive action to prevent her from injuring herself against the wall. But even as he did so, he could see the fire in her eyes, a silent promise of words to come.

"Chordein mujhe," she snapped, her frustration evident in the sharpness of her tone and the reddening of her ears. Almeer released his grip on the hoodie, his own frustration mounting as he fumbled to locate his car keys amidst the clutter on the table.

"Aap bahar jaa rahe hai?" Noori's voice, though quieter now, still held a trace of irritation as she questioned his departure. Almeer met her gaze, his nod accompanied by the subtle movement of his wavy hair, adding an air of casual elegance to his response.

Meanwhile, Aynoor, with her innocent eyes filled with hope, approached Almeer tentatively. "Mai bhi aajau?" she asked, her voice carrying a blend of innocence and longing. Almeer, caught off guard by her request, paused for a moment before replying, "Nahi, Noori. Mai bas 1 ghante mai aajaun ga. Tum yaha se bahar nahi jaana." His words were firm, but beneath the surface, he couldn't help but feel a pang of tenderness towards the young girl, her innocence tugging at his heartstrings even in moments of frustration.

"Ab aise kya dekh rahi ho?" he asked, his confusion evident in his furrowed brows. She huffed and stood in his way, determined to make her point. "Aap mere bagair naashta karengy? Mujhe bohat bhook lagi hai, lekin mai aapke bina bahar nahi jaaungi," she declared, her tone a mix of hunger and stubbornness. Almeer couldn't help but smile at her determination.

"Mai naashte pe nahi jaa raha meri maa!! Mai tumhare liye kapde lene jaa raha hu, taaki phir hum dono naashte pe jaa sakein. ok?" he explained patiently, his smile softening his words. But she remained adamant, questioning his intentions.

"Mai aise kyu nahi jaa sakti.....Ek min! Aap kon hai?" she asked with wide eyes, catching him off guard. Almeer mirrored her expression, equally bewildered by her sudden inquiry.

"Kya matlab hai tumhara?" he asked, his confusion deepening. But she continued, oblivious to his bewilderment.

"Kaise ghonchu-mal hain aap! Matlab ye ki, jaise ki mai Aynoor, Aynoor Khurram Shah, aur aap mujhe Noori bulaatein hai..... waise he, aap kon hai aur mai aapko kis naam se bulau?" she explained matter-of-factly, as if enlightening him about the most obvious fact in the world.

Almeer's initial amusement quickly turned to annoyance. Gritting his teeth, he bent down to her level, his authority dripping from every word he uttered.

"Pehli baat, mai Almeer Khan Aafandi hu. Dusri baat, mere aur tumhare beech ka rishta samjhne k liye tum abhi bohat choti ho toh tum mujhe apna dost samjho. Teesri baat, tum mujhe jo marzi bula lo, lekin BHAI??sochna bhi mat!!! Aakhri aur sab se zaroori baat, Tumhara naam, Aynoor khurram Shah nahi!! Aynoor. Almeer. Khan. Aafandi hai, Samjhi?"

he asserted firmly, each word laden with authority. She nodded in a trance, her understanding limited to just his tone and intensity.

"Toh, kya mai aapko.... Aaloo bulaau?" she innocently suggested, attempting to come up with a nickname. His eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of exasperation and amusement crossing his features.

"Tum kya thodi si pagal ho? Mai kis angle se aaloo lagta hu tumhe?" he asks, his eyes widening in disbelief at her suggestion.

"Nahi, ab Almeer ka nickname aaloo he banta hai toh isme mer kya kasoor." she replied matter-of-factly, unfazed by his reaction. He shook his head at her innocence and chuckled softly.

"Noori, mujhe bhari jawani mai pagal na karo. Aur ha, yahi rehna, mai tumhare liye kapde lekar aata hu." This time, she simply nodded in agreement, realizing there was no room for arguments with his authoritative tone.

»»---->

A knock echoed through Almeer's room, and Aynoor's face lit up with anticipation, assuming it was Almeer returning. With a smile stretching across her face, she hurriedly made her way to the door and swung it open, only to be met with a polite lady from the previous day. Khanum barely concealed her frown as she took in Aynoor's attire.

"Aap?" Aynoor looked at the lady, her smile faltering slightly as she tried to comprehend the unexpected visitor.

"Good morning, Aynoor beta," Khanum greeted, pushing aside her unease to offer a friendly salutation.

"Ji..." Aynoor replied, uncertain how to respond. She understood the words but struggled to grasp the implications.

"Beta, mai tumhare shohar ki maa hu. Almeer mujhe maa bulaata hai, toh aajse tum bhi mujhe maa he bulao gi, acha?" Khanum explained gently, hoping to ease Aynoor's confusion.

"Shohar kon?" Aynoor's question revealed her lack of understanding, prompting Khanum to smile gently at her confusion.

"Almeer Khan, tumhara shohar, pagli," Khanum explained affectionately, hoping to clarify the situation for Aynoor. However, Aynoor's response indicated that she was still grappling with the concept.

"Aap bhi mujhe aaloo ji ki tarah pagli bol rahi hai? Lekin ab toh wo mujhe Noori bolte hai, aapko pta hai mujhe koi Noori nahi bolta unke ilawa lekin aap bol sakti hain," Aynoor ranted, expressing her confusion about the terms and her insistence on being called by her preferred name. Khanum was momentarily speechless, observing Aynoor's innocence and unconventional perspective.

As Aynoor continued to speak, Khanum couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the genuine affection and concern Aynoor displayed towards her son, despite her confusion about societal norms.

"Aaloo ji?" Khanum asked, puzzled by the nickname. Aynoor smiled proudly and explained, "Jaise unho ne Aynoor ka Noori bana diya waise he maine Almeer ka aaloo bana diya," She chuckled, finding humor in her own creativity.

Just before she could contain her laughter, Almeer entered the room without knocking. He didn't even glance at them as he spoke, "Noori, mujhe nahi pata tumhe kya pasand hai isiliye mujhe jo kuch acha laga mai le aaya. Jaake change kar aao phir naashta karte hai," he instructed, placing multiple bags on the couch. However, upon hearing his mother's laughter for the first time in a while, he looked up and saw her with Aynoor, both smiling at him.

"Maa, aap yaha?" he asked, walking over to her with surprise and curiosity.

"Yaha baitho," Khanum motioned towards the bed where both Almeer and Aynoor were seated. Almeer complied, sitting down beside her. Then, Khanum turned to Aynoor and instructed her, "Aynoor, jaake wo samaan andar rakh aao, aur change bhi karlo."

Almeer looked at his mother suspiciously, while Khanum couldn't help but feel touched by her son's protectiveness. However, unlike them, Aynoor cluelessly got up and rushed towards the pile of clothes Almeer had brought for her. She was basically dragging the bags, which made Khanum chuckle.

"Itne saare kapde laane ki kya zarurat thi?" she asked her son, who looked at her questioningly. "Ab issey yahi rehna hai, zarurat kaise nahi thi?" he replied with a smile as Khanum caressed his hair and face.

"Mai yaha tum se request karne aayi thi k is ladki ka khayal rakhna, k iski koi galati nahi hai... lekin yaha aake meri rooh ko sukoon mila. Phir bhi Almeer, meri ye baat yaad rakho ye ladki ab tumse judd gayi hai. Ye tumhari zimedaari hone k sath sath tumhari izzat, tawajah, muhabbat ki haqdaar hai," Khanum delivered her message with intensity, her words laden with meaning. Almeer nodded, ready to respond, but she continued without pause.

"Is haveli mai bhale he dusri aurat laane ka riwaj na ho lekin, mai is baat se bekhabar nahi k tumhare Abba, Kazim aur is haveli se wabasta har mard bahri taaluq banata hai, lekin tumse aise kissi gunaah ki umeed nahi karti mai," she concluded, her gaze unwavering. Almeer felt a mix of shock and pain at his mother's words, but he also felt a surge of determination. He wasn't like the other men in the Haveli, he wouldn't succumb to their weaknesses, and he wouldn't let Aynoor experience the same pain his mother had endured.

"Maa, wo mere nikkah mai hai aur muhabbat wagera ka toh sawal he paida nahi hota lekin wo, meri zimedaari hai. Usey is rishtey ki ehmiyat ka andaaza nahi hai lekin mai bacha nahi hu. Maine usey puure hosh-o-hawaas mai qubool kiya hai, uska mujh par aur mujh se waabasta har cheez par haq hai. Aur rahi baat humare beech kissi teesre ki toh, uske haquq mai kabhi koi shareeq nahi hoga. It's a promise," he asserted, his voice steady and resolute.

»»---->

Dilawer Khan, Khanum, Zoya, and Yazdaan sat down for breakfast in the tranquil dining room, Almeer and Aynoor entered.

Dilawer Khan's prideful demeanor wavered as he witnessed Almeer's unexpected tenderness towards Aynoor, realizing his son had truly embraced her presence. Despite his initial intentions of using Aynoor for revenge, seeing Almeer pull out a chair for her with a gentle demeanor caught him off guard.

"Tum yaha baitho," Almeer Khan's gentle command echoed in the room, eliciting surprise from everyone except Aynoor and Khanum.

Zoya's eyes blazed with disdain as she interjected, "Ye ladki is table pe hamare sath nahi baithe gi!," her voice tinged with venom. Seeking reassurance, Aynoor looked to Almeer, who responded with a reassuring smile, affirming their connection amidst the disapproving glares of others.

Almeer took a moment to compose himself before addressing his family, his words carrying a weight that demanded attention. "Aap sab Aynoor k baare mai pehle se jaante hain, aur abbu aap... aapne he isey mere liye chuna hai toh aapse koi khilafat mai nahi sun ne wala," he asserted firmly, his gaze sweeping across each member of the family gathered around the table. His declaration left them all in a state of confusion, their expressions reflecting a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

"Kehna kya chahte ho tum, Chote Khan?" Zoya interjected, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. Almeer, however, chose to direct his message primarily to his parents.

"Maa, abbu, aur Zoya bhabhi, aap, is se milein ye, Aynoor Almeer Khan Aafandi hai. Meri biwi aur is ghar ki bahu. Aur jo iska makaam hai, isey usi hisaab se yaha treat kiya jaaye," he continued, his tone unwavering and authoritative.

His words hung in the air, casting a momentary silence over the room as Dilawer Khan absorbed the weight of his son's declaration. Despite the initial shock, Dilawer maintained his composure, choosing not to address the matter further in front of everyone.

Zoya's words cut through the air like a sharp blade, igniting a firestorm of anger within her. "Konsa makaam hai iska yaha? Wani hui ladkiyon ka koi makaam nahi hota aur tum kya iss kamzaat ko mere baraabar ki jagah dene wale ho?" she spat, her voice dripping with disdain and bitterness.

Almeer, sensing the tension in the room, chose to ignore Zoya's venomous words and instead focused on Aynoor, whose trembling lips betrayed her inner turmoil. He could see the hurt in her eyes as Zoya's words pierced her heart, and he silently vowed to shield her from further harm.

"Noori, ye Yazdaan hai mera chota bhai, matlab tumhara bhi bhai hau ab ye," Almeer said, his voice gentle and reassuring as he reached out to her. His words were a balm to Aynoor's wounded spirit, and she found solace in the warmth of his gaze.

As Aynoor's tears threatened to spill, Almeer's heart clenched with a mixture of protectiveness and admiration for her resilience. Despite her vulnerability, there was a strength in her simplicity that he found endearing.

Meanwhile, Zoya seethed with rage, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she watched Almeer's interaction with Aynoor. But Almeer paid her no mind, his focus solely on comforting her.

"Lekin ye toh mujhse choti hai!" Yazdaan's observation brought a smile to Aynoor's lips. "Haa toh kya hua? Mai toh jaha bhi jaati hu sab se choti ban jaati hu. Par kya tum mere dost bano gay?" Her question was innocent yet genuine, prompting an eager nod from Yazdaan.

Yazdaan shifted from his seat to join Aynoor, drawing Almeer's attention. As he watched them interact, Almeer couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. Aynoor's undivided attention to Yazdaan stirred something within him, something he couldn't quite define.

"Tum juice piyo na, ye bohat tasty hai mera favourite hai ye," Yazdaan offered, surprising everyone with his newfound enthusiasm. Aynoor accepted with a smile, her laughter echoing through the room as she enjoyed the juice served by Yazdaan, who seemed transformed by her presence.

"Tum paranthe nahi khaate?" Aynoor's curiosity about Yazdaan's food choice caught Almeer's attention. His initial smirk faded into a frown as he listened to their conversation.

"Nahi, kya tasty hote hain?" Yazdaan's question earned a nod of approval from Aynoor. Just as he reached for her parantha, a piece of it came flying onto his plate.

"Lo, khana he hai toh puura khao," Almeer's possessive gesture didn't go unnoticed by the others at the table. While Khanum suppressed a chuckle at her son's protectiveness, Zoya seethed with resentment, and Dilawer looked on with disappointment. Almeer's actions spoke volumes about his feelings for Aynoor, stirring a mix of emotions among those witnessing the scene.

"Arey aap ko nahi pasand kya?" Aynoor's innocent question caught Almeer off guard. He nodded curtly, his expression stern as he replied, "Tum chup chaap khana khalo." Despite his glare, Aynoor simply ignored his directive and continued her conversation with Yazdaan.

Meanwhile, Almeer couldn't help but notice Zoya's intense glare directed at Aynoor from across the table. Aynoor, however, remained oblivious to Zoya's animosity.

Suddenly, Zoya got up from her chair and approached Aynoor, grabbing her by the shoulder. Aynoor panicked and stood up, her eyes wide with fear as Zoya's grip tightened.

"Dafaa hojaao is ghar se yaha tumhari koi jagah nahi hai. Baba sayii issey mulazimo k sath rehne ko bejh dein," Zoya spat out venomously, her words dripping with malice as she attempted to push Aynoor to the ground. Before she could do so, Almeer intervened, pulling Aynoor protectively towards himself.

"Bhabhi!! Apni hadd mai rahein!" Almeer's voice was filled with authority as he growled at Zoya, asserting his position.

"Almeer!!! Ye kya tareeka hai apni bhabi se baat karne ka?" Dilawer Khan's voice boomed across the room, his disapproval evident as he witnessed the escalating tension. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Yazdaan and Khanum quietly left the room, leaving Almeer to confront Zoya's outburst.

"Ye he sawaal aapne inse kyu nahi kiya?" Almeer's gaze bore into his father's eyes, his expression unwavering. Dilawer Khan felt a pang of regret, realizing that Almeer was determined to stand by this girl, and now he regretted arranging her marriage to his son.

"Ye ladki is ghar mai apne bhai k gunaah k badle aayi hai! Iske saath yahi hona hai," Dilawer Khan asserted firmly, his voice resonating with authority.

"Iske bhai ne gunaah kiya toh beshak jaa k usey goli maar dein lekin! Aynoor pe kissi ki nazar bhi mai bardaasht nahi karunga," Almeer declared, pulling Aynoor protectively behind him.

"Apne bhai ka khoon bhool gaye ho tum?? Ye ussi kaatil ki behan hai!! Aisa kya kardiya is ladki ne ek raat mai jo tum hum sab k khilaf hogye ho?" Zoya's voice was filled with venom as she screamed at Almeer, her frustration boiling over. However, Almeer maintained his composure, his face expressionless as he responded.

"Jo unke saath hua wo unki kismat thi, aur saza aur jaza ka haq sirf Allah ki paak zaat ko hai maine bhi apne bhai ka faisla apne Rab par chord diya hai. Aap bhi aisa he karein," Almeer stated calmly, knowing that his words would likely fall on deaf ears.

"Kal tak toh tumhari aisi sonch nahi thi toh aaj achaanak is ladki k aate he tumhe kya hogya?" Dilawer Khan's gaze bore into Almeer, his eyes searching for answers, trying to comprehend what had caused his son's sudden change in perspective.

Meanwhile, Zoya's rage reached its peak as she swiftly reached for the boiling hot teapot, intent on pouring it on Aynoor's delicate hand. Almeer's sharp senses caught the movement, and in a split second, he instinctively placed his own hand over Aynoor's, the scalding tea searing his flesh. For a moment, he was unable to process what had just transpired.

Seeing this, Zoya threw the teapot on the ground, her anger evident in every movement. Before she could utter a word, Dilawer Khan intervened with authority, "Zoya beta, apne kamre mai jaao." His commanding tone brooked no argument, and she left the kitchen in a huff.

"Aapko dard ho raha hai?" Aynoor's innocent inquiry caught both Almeer's and Dilawer Khan's attention. Almeer, still processing the pain from the scalding tea, managed a faint nod. Dilawer Khan couldn't help but feel conflicted. While he believed he was justified in bringing Aynoor here as retribution for her brother's crimes, seeing Almeer's pain made him question his decision.

"Almeer, is ladki ko servant quarter mai chord aao. Abhi. Ye tumhare baap ka hukum hai," Dilawer Khan commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

.

Ab kya karega Almeer?