6 - Weird lotus lady.

Comment bhi kar diya karo yaawr! 🫂✨❤🙏🏻

A WEEK LATER🌻

As the days passed, Aynoor settled into life at the Khan Haveli, surrounded by a mix of warmth and tension. While Zoya plotted ways to harm her, Almeer stood as her staunch protector, determined to shield her from any harm. Despite initial apprehensions, Khanum and Yazdaan found themselves growing fond of Aynoor's presence, while Dilawer Khan grappled with regrets over his decision to include her in Almeer's life.

In the midst of this delicate balance, Almeer and Aynoor found themselves in their room once again, engaged in one of their arguments.

"Mai nahi jaaungi!!" Aynoor said, her voice filled with defiance as she stomped her feet, giving Almeer a fierce glare that could melt glaciers.

Almeer sighed, trying to remain patient. "Aynoor, fazuul ki zidd mat karo," he admonished gently, hoping to appeal to her reason.

But Aynoor was adamant. "Mujhe padhna nahi pasand!" she declared, her arms crossed over her chest in a gesture of stubbornness.

Almeer arched an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. "Padhogi nahi toh kya bahar aaloo ki redi lagao gi?" he teased, unable to resist a bit of humor.

"Tauba tauba!! Bhala mai aisa kyu karungi?" Aynoor gasped dramatically, as if scandalized by the suggestion.

Almeer couldn't help but chuckle at her theatrical response. But then his expression softened as he realized there might be a deeper reason behind her reluctance. "Aynoor, tum kyu nahi padhna chahti?" he asked gently, sitting down and sighing, genuinely wanting to understand her feelings.

"Maar padhti hai mujhe," Aynoor said innocently, and Almeer looked at her with a mix of emotions he couldn't quite decipher. Later, he settled on labeling it as sympathy.

"Haath b nahi lagaye ga koi. I promise," he assured her, gently tugging at her long braid. Her giggles filled the room, a testament to the trust she placed in him above all others.

"Meri ek shart hai," she declared, looking at him with wide, innocent eyes. Helplessly, Almeer signaled for her to continue, curious about what she had to say.

"Hukum karein.."

She began, and Almeer braced himself for what was to come.

"Mai Yazdaan k school jaaungi," she announced, her words causing Almeer to feel a sudden onset of acidity. He scrunched his face, looking at her in disbelief.

"Kyu?" he asked, feeling as if his dreams of finding the best all-girls schools for her had just been poured down the drain like a splash of Coca-Cola.

"Dekhein Khan sahab, kyu kaise ye sab mujhe nahi pata. Agar aap chahte hain mujhe school bejhna toh mai Yazdaan k school jaaungi aur kahi nahi," Aynoor declared, firmly putting an end to the discussion. Almeer found himself once again yielding to her wishes.

It did bother him a bit to send her to a co-ed school, but he knew that giving her an education was more important than anything else. Despite his own dreams for her, he realized that her growth and development were paramount.

»»---->

Almeer was standing in front of Dilawer and Khanum, having told them he wanted to discuss something important. Now seated on one side of their bed, Dilawer Khan was engrossed in calculations while Khanum focused intently on Almeer.

"Ab bolo gay bhi ya nahi?" Dilawer Khan's authoritative voice broke the silence.

Almeer cleared his throat and spoke up, dropping a bombshell on them both. "Mai Aynoor ko school bhejna chahta hu, Yazdaan k school."

Khanum's expression showed a glimmer of approval, pleased that her son was taking a stand for his wife. However, Dilawer Khan's reaction was one of fury.

"Tum pagal toh nahi hogye ho Almeer Khan?" he seethed, his anger palpable.

Almeer summoned all his courage. This wasn't about him; it was for Aynoor's sake. "Nahi abbu, mai chahta hu meri biwi padhe. Kabil bane," he stated calmly, determined to stand by his decision.

"Ek wani mai aayi ladki, mere, Dilawer Khan Aafandi k bete k sath padhegi?? Uski itni auqaat hai?? Arey wani mai aayi ladkiya toh mushkil se zinda rehti hai aur tum ne toh is ladki ko sar pe chadha rakha hai." Dilawer Khan's voice boomed with indignation, his face flushed with anger as he delivered what he believed to be a reality check. His veins popped, a clear sign that his blood pressure was rising with each passing second.

"Abbu mai pehle bhi keh chuka hu, wo wani mai aayi ho ya jo bhi... wo meri biwi hai. Bas ye makaam usey har haq deta hai," Almeer retorted, his voice firm and determined. He refused to let anyone undermine Aynoor's right to education, regardless of her background.

Dilawer Khan let out a mocking laugh, his disbelief evident in his expression as he tossed his calculation book onto the bed.

"Is ladki ko itni aazadi jo tum de rahe ho na, Almeer. Kuch saal mai tumhe chord kar chali jaayegi," Dilawer Khan's words pierced through Almeer's resolve, striking at the core of his fears. He couldn't deny the possibility that Aynoor might someday outgrow their relationship.

"Sahi keh rahe hai abbu. Aynoor apne aur mere beech k rishte ko nahi samajh sakti, aur jab wo ye sab samajhne kaabil hokar agar wo mujh se, is rishte se aazadi chahe gi mai usey rokunga nahi, kyuki wo uska haqq hoga. lekin abhi wo meri zimedari hai, aur mai usey khwab dekhna sikhana chahta hu," Almeer responded, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his heart. He knew that Aynoor's understanding of their relationship would evolve over time, and when the moment came for her to choose, he would respect her decision.

Khanum's eyes moistened at Almeer's words, her heart swelling with pride and sadness. Deep down, she harbored the hope that Aynoor would never choose anyone over Almeer, for their bond was woven with the threads of destiny and unwavering devotion.

»»---->

"Aynoor mai kehta hu tayaar hojao!!" Almeer's frustrated voice pierced through the air, aimed at Aynoor who was blissfully snoring on his bed, completely oblivious to the chaos she was causing.

Yazdaan knocked on the door, his expression mirroring his annoyance. "Bhai!! uthi nahi ye daaku rani??" he exclaimed, his patience wearing thin with Aynoor's stubbornness.

"Ye toh jaise murdon se shart laga k baithi hai. Uthne ka naam he nhi le rahi," Almeer lamented, his voice tinged with exasperation.

Both brothers exchanged a glance, silently commiserating over their predicament. Meanwhile, Aynoor remained resolutely unconscious, refusing to stir from her deep slumber.

Yazdaan, unable to tolerate the situation any longer, took matters into his own hands. Ignoring Almeer's attempts to intervene, he marched over to the bed and seized the jug of cold water. Without hesitation, he emptied its entire contents over Aynoor, hoping to jolt her awake from her peaceful repose.

"Ya Allah!!! Qayaamat aagi!! Bachaoooooo!!" Aynoor's sudden outburst filled the room as she thrashed around in panic. Yazdaan, unfazed by her theatrics, swiftly swatted the back of her head with his left hand.

"Tumhara drama dekhne ka time nahi hai mere pass, chalo utho school jaana hai," he commanded, his tone stern and no-nonsense.

Reluctantly, Aynoor glanced between Yazdaan and Almeer, noticing the uncharacteristic firmness in Almeer's expression. With a resigned sigh, she finally dragged herself out of bed, begrudgingly accepting the inevitable.

Now, they were on their way to Yazdaan's school, with Almeer accompanying Aynoor. Yazdaan was in 8th grade, and Almeer had decided that Aynoor would join 6th grade, deeming her unqualified for any higher level of education.

"Baat suno, darne ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Jo bhi tumse teacher sawaal puuche agar jawaab aata ho de dena agar nahi aata ho toh bta dena," Almeer advised her, offering some words of reassurance as they embarked on this new journey together.

Yazdaan's dismissive snort at his brother's advice was met with a glare from Aynoor. She bristled at his comment, her irritation evident as she shot him a stink eye from her seat in the back of Almeer's car.

"Ye darey gi?? Ye daaku hai daaku! Bhai isko chordein aap teacher ka khayal rakhiye ga," Yazdaan remarked, provoking a reaction from Aynoor.

"Khan, isey samjha dein mujhse panga na le!" she retorted sharply, her tone laced with defiance. Despite her petite stature, she was not one to be underestimated or trifled with.

»»---->

They were now sitting in the principal's office, where Aynoor's curious gaze wandered around the grand room, taking in its elegance. Meanwhile, Almeer's attention was solely focused on her, his anxiety palpable as he nervously fidgeted in his seat.

"Ya Allah, itni tension toh mere khud k exams pe bhi nahi hoti thi," he muttered to himself, his worry evident. Aynoor glanced at him, puzzled by his words.

"Kuch kaha aapne??" she inquired, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion. Almeer shook his head, trying to dismiss his muttered concern.

"Tum confident rehna, ghabrana mat thik hai?? Mai yahi hu," he reassured her, grasping her hand in an attempt to offer comfort. Aynoor looked at him, noticing his trembling hands, and suppressed a laugh before nodding in agreement.

"Haa. Aap hai na, maine kyu he darna hai," she replied with a reassuring smile, finding solace in his presence.

Just then the principal entered the office, and Almeer promptly stood up to greet her, extending his hand for a handshake. He had managed to conceal his anxiety, presenting himself in a professional manner as the principal took her seat.

"It's a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Khan," she greeted warmly.

"Likewise," Almeer responded politely. Despite the Khan family's wealth and influence in the village, they also had connections and a reputation in the city.

"May I know who this sweet little lady is?" the principal, a middle-aged woman, inquired with a gentle smile, directing her attention towards Aynoor.

Almeer glanced at Aynoor, who appeared bewildered as she looked back and forth between him and the principal. Almeer felt the need to clarify Aynoor's relationship with him to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. Taking a deep breath, he met the principal's gaze head-on.

Almeer's tone was serious and curt as he stated, "She's my wife." The principal's expression briefly paled, but she quickly composed herself.

"I understand the customs and traditions of your village, but may I ask why..." She paused, choosing her words carefully, "even you?" Her hesitance was palpable, and Almeer acknowledged her cautiousness.

"Yes, it was a result of my brother's murder. He was her brother," Almeer explained, hoping to provide some clarity. He preferred to keep the explanation concise, and the principal swiftly concealed her initial shock, nodding in understanding.

"I want her to study here, and you can assess her abilities right in front of me. Then you can decide which class she'll be in," Almeer continued, firm in his request. The principal nodded again and turned her attention to Aynoor, who seemed bored.

The principal retrieved a few papers from her desk and slid them toward Aynoor, ready to proceed with the assessment.

"Come on, kid, solve as many as you can," the principal said sweetly, but Aynoor looked at her puzzled.

"Ji?" she responded, confused.

Almeer glanced at Aynoor and leaned down slightly.

"Noori, ye questions solve karo, jo jo tumhe aata ho," he instructed. Aynoor nodded in understanding.

She then looked at Almeer and said, "Aap ye sawaal padh k bta dein." Almeer looked at the principal for approval, and she nodded.

As Almeer started explaining each question, Aynoor began answering them rapidly, impressing both Almeer and the principal with her quick thinking and intelligence. Almeer couldn't help but feel proud as he watched Aynoor excel, her determination shining through despite the initial confusion.

"Hogya!!" Aynoor exclaimed, looking at both of them. She had solved the papers for 6th and 7th graders with ease, and now the principal had given her the 8th class paper. Aynoor's performance on this paper was commendable too, showcasing her intelligence and capability.

"Okay! She's pretty smart for her age. But the most we can do is keep her in 8th because she's too young for higher classes," the principal remarked.

Almeer nodded in agreement, glancing at Aynoor.

"Honestly, I wanted to keep her in 5th, but I guess she's oversmart."

The principal chuckled softly. "Sure she is! When can she join?'

Almeer smiled at the principal and looked at Aynoor. "From tomorrow, as we need to buy uniforms and all. But, please ensure that your staff take good care of her. I will not tolerate any mistakes from your staff regarding her. I need her to be dealt with softly. Okay?" His tone held a firm edge, and the principal nodded in understanding.

"You don't need to say that."

»»---->

Almeer and Aynoor were on their way to the shopping mall as they had to buy school supplies and other necessities for Aynoor. Almeer was still astonished by how intelligent Aynoor was. He glanced at her when they stopped at a signal, but she seemed engrossed in looking outside the window. Following her gaze, Almeer realized she was watching a lady selling lotuses from her woven basket.

Before he could ask her if she wanted to buy some, Aynoor spoke up, "Mujhe ye kamal dila dein gy??"

Almeer looked at the back of Aynoor's head as she kept her eyes fixed on the lady selling lotuses. "Thik hai, tum ruko, mai jaata hu," he said, preparing to get out of the car since the lady was on the other side of the road.

"Nahi!!" Aynoor stopped him. Almeer stilled for a moment and asked, "Kya hua noori?"

"Mujhe bhi saath le jaayein," she said.

"Noori, ab ye kya zidd hai?? Mai lekar aata hu na," he tried to make her understand. She finally looked at Almeer, and he was taken aback for a moment because her expressions were confusing him.

"Please," Aynoor pleaded. Almeer sighed at her request and looked at the lady who was wearing a black saree, with silver-colored heavy jewelry. Her eyes were very mysterious, and she looked pretty scary with thick lines of kajal in her eyes. Despite having a basket full of flowers, she wasn't trying to sell them. Then his gaze drifted back to Aynoor, and he sighed. He just wasn't powerful enough to deny her.

"Acha chalo..."

Aynoor and Almeer both crossed the road hand in hand, and finally, they were close to that flower lady. Aynoor suddenly freed her hand from Almeer's grasp and ran towards the lady. Almeer almost felt his heart drop when he saw her running. She stopped near the lady, and Almeer also ran up to them.

"Ye kya harkat thi Aynoor??" Almeer seethed. Aynoor was just looking at him weirdly and then smiled.

"Kachwey jaise chalte hain aap," Aynoor teased. Almeer's eyes widened at her response.

"Kenchi jaisi zubaan hai tumhari!" he said, laughing. Aynoor looked at him with admiration in her eyes and said, "Chalein ab mijhe kamal dilayein!" Almeer nodded at her whim and looked at the lady, who was looking at both of them with moist eyes. Almeer hesitated a little and cleared his throat, while Aynoor asked the lady,

"Aap roo rahin hain? Kyu?" Aynoor asked, and the woman looked at Aynoor and held her hand.

"Ye Rab ka bakhsha hua ishq hai tum dono k pass.... Is khoobsurat rishte ki qeemat deni hogi, imtehaan hoga..... Judaai," the lady said as a tear fell from her eye while she kept caressing Aynoor's hand. Aynoor looked at her weirdly.

Almeer's expressions hardened at the nonsense that lady was spouting. He pulled Aynoor's hand out of the lady's and pulled her closer to himself.

"In phoolon ki kya qeemat hai??" Almeer asked the lady, who smiled sadly at them.

"Inki koi keemat nahi," the lady said as she wrapped the lotus in a bouquet and handed them to Almeer.

"bina qeemat k mai ye nahi le sakta," Almeer said firmly. A little laugh escaped the lady, and she put her hand on Almeer's head.

"Waqt aaye toh himmat rakhna, yehi meri qeemat hogi," she said cryptically before walking away. Almeer looked at her, perplexed, but she had already vanished into the crowd.

"Ye kya anaab shanaab bol rahi thi??" Aynoor asked him, and he shook his head, saying, "Mujhe koi idea nahi." Aynoor also shrugged and held his free hand as he carried the bouquet of lotus.

"Acha chalein, mujhe bhook lagi hai," Almeer said, and both of them started to walk away. As they moved, Almeer heard the woman's voice again, singing softly,

"Injj Vichrey...... mudd ni aayeee.... Jaani dooooor gaye. (A separation with no turning back, my beloved went very far away.)" He glanced back, but the woman was nowhere to be seen.

»»---->

They were coming out of a huge stationary store, Almeer holding twelve bags full of her stuff. They had offered to give him a worker who could carry around the stuff as they shopped, but he refused, wanting to be the one to carry her burdens.

"Mujhe zoor ki bhook lag rahi hai," Aynoor whined, and Almeer shook his head, knowing she was going to be hungry.

"Chalo, tumhe food court lekar chalta hu," he smiled at her pouty face, but she looked at him in shock.

"Kyuu?? Maine kya kiya aap mujhe court kyu lekar jaayenge?" she asked in pure shock and fright. Almeer couldn't help but laugh at her silliness.

"Kya piece likha hai mere naseeb mai aapne!!" he said, looking up, smiling at what Allah SWT had written in his fate.

"Kya deewano ki tarah budbuda rahe hain??" Aynoor looked at him suspiciously. He smiled at her defeatedly.

"Kuch nahi mohtarma, chalein aapko khana khila deta hu." She smiled at him and skipped around with him.

"Thik hain chalein."

Almeer was astonished and on the verge of choking looking at Aynoor, who was eating non-stop. It was her third burger, and not only that, she also had a loaded cheese pizza as a side dish. Tomato sauce and cheese were smudged on her face, but he couldn't help but smile at how cute she was.

He knew he had to be cautious around her, but sometimes she was just too adorable, and he wanted to pull her cheeks non-stop.

"Thoda aur soda milega?" she asked, bringing Almeer out of his daze. He smiled at her and nodded.

"Tum ruko, mai lekar aata hu phir ghar chalte hain," he said, and she nodded.

Almeer made his way to the counter, his appearance turning heads as he moved through the bustling food court. Clad in a stylish grey sweatshirt paired with perfectly fitted jeans and designer shoes, he effortlessly combined casual comfort with undeniable allure.

His hair, initially meticulously styled in the morning, now sported a charming dishevelment, adding to his rugged appeal. But it was his piercing electric blue eyes that truly captivated those who met his gaze, their intensity hinting at depths beyond his years.

Approaching the counter with a confident stride, Almeer greeted the girl attending to customers. Despite being slightly older than him, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness as she met his gaze. His presence seemed to cast a spell, momentarily causing her to falter in her movements.

"One lemon soda please," Almeer's voice was smooth and composed, his tone carrying a hint of warmth that softened the air around him. His request was simple, yet delivered with an effortless grace that spoke volumes about his poise and self-assurance.

The girl, momentarily taken aback by Almeer's magnetic presence, quickly composed herself and began to fulfill his order. Though she tried to maintain her composure, the subtle flush on her cheeks betrayed the effect he had on her.

As Almeer waited for his drink, he glanced around the food court, his gaze eventually settling on Aynoor, who was eagerly awaiting his return.

"Here's your soda, sir," the girl handed him the soda. Almeer accepted it carefully, ensuring there was no physical contact. Despite being well aware of his charm, he preferred to maintain a respectful distance, especially with strangers. With a nod of thanks, he made his way back to Aynoor, weaving through the crowded food court.

Reaching Aynoor, he presented her with the soda, his tone lighthearted. "Ye lein madam, aapka soda. Ab chalein?" His playful demeanor elicited a giggle from Aynoor, who seemed to enjoy his banter.

As they began to walk towards the exit, Aynoor suddenly came to a halt, causing Almeer to stop behind her intentionally. He glanced around, wondering what had caught her attention this time.

"Kya hua ab tumhe?" he inquired, his tone betraying a hint of annoyance mixed with a tinge of fatigue. Standing amidst the hustle and bustle of the food court, he awaited her response, curious yet slightly impatient.

But she kept looking towards something, and as soon as Almeer caught what she was looking at, he almost yelled, "Sochna bhi mat Noori!! Ghar chalo!!"

He started to drag her with him, but she wasn't budging. She held onto his sweatshirt and gave him puppy eyes, "Khan please," she pleaded.

"Nahi Aynoor, ye tumse bhi bada hai, nahi, bilkul nahi," he said dismissively.

"Khan, please!!!!!!!!! Aap mere pyaare aaloo ji hain na??" she started creating a scene.

Almeer sighed, feeling exasperated. "Aynoor, maine tumhara kya bigaada hai??"

She just ignored him, understanding that she had convinced him. She was smiling victoriously to herself, knowing well that he couldn't resist her charm.

Almeer looked at the tiny little azaab in his life who was walking straight into the toy shop, realizing that he had been outsmarted once again.

AT THE COUNTER,

"I'd like to pay for that huge ass plushie," Almeer grumpily says to the man behind the counter, motioning towards the oversized Lucifer cat plushie Aynoor was dragging, which was nearly as tall as her.

"That's how kids are, young man," the cashier chuckled, amused by Almeer's expression.

Almeer nodded in response, saying, "Don't you think I'm too young to raise kids?"

The man took the payment and laughed out loud. "Have a nice day ahead, young man."

»»---->

As they drove home, the sky darkened, and Almeer glanced at Aynoor, who was sleeping peacefully. His attention shifted to the oversized cat plushie occupying the back seat, and he shook his head in resignation. "Pagal kardegi mujhe ye," he muttered to himself.

His thoughts were interrupted by the ping of his phone. Almeer checked the text, expecting a message from his best buddy, Hamza, perhaps about college plans. However, the contents of the message left him sighing in distress.

Hamza Bro ⁚ Pls come to college tomorrow, i barely stopped Hania today, she was about to come to your house. I'm telling you, she's not in her senses.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

Please do comment on every line that you like so that it's easier for me to choose stuff for insta. *pretty pweaseeee🥺*