Charvikatiyar this is to thank you for being kind enough to add translations. Ilysmâ¤ï¸âð¥ð®âð¨
DILAWER KHAN'S WORKPLACE,
"Khan sayeii!!!!"
Dilawer Khan's workplace, the dera, buzzed with activity. Suddenly, a servant came rushing to Dilawer Khan's quarters. Dilawer Khan sat on his chair with a stern expression, clad in a black kameez shalwar, a grey shawl draped around his back, and a Pathani topi on his head. He looked annoyed as the worker approached him in a panicky state.
"Kya hua hai, Ali Baksh??" he asked in his usual stern tone.
(Here was some confusion I had wrote Khanum instead of zemal, so yeah. Zemal and Khurram died. And also, Zemal and Dilawer khan had a past.)
"Zemal Shah... Khan sayeii," Ali Baksh panted, catching his breath. Dilawer Khan's gaze sharpened at the mention of Khanum Shah. Ali Baksh, his trusted and oldest worker, had been with the Khan family since he was 16, and Dilawer Khan was just 12 at that time. Over the years, Ali Baksh had become privy to Dilawer Khan's deepest secrets from his youth, and Dilawer Khan trusted him implicitly.
"Ali baksh, uska naam kyu le rahe ho tum?" Dilawer Khan seethed, his knuckles turning white as he tightened his grip around the arms of his chair, his voice laced with agitation.
"Khan saayei, unka inteqaal hogya hai," Ali Baksh dropped the bombshell, his words hitting Dilawer Khan like a sledgehammer, leaving him feeling as if the ground was slipping from under his feet.
"Kya bakwas kar rahe ho, Ali Baksh?!!!" Dilawer Khan's voice reverberated through the room, filled with disbelief and denial, his own words sounding distant and foreign to him.
"Aaj subah, dil ka dohra padne se unki jaan chali gayi. Khurram Shah puri tarah tabaah hogaya tha, shayad kuch ghum beti k jaane ka aur kuch unke jaane ka wo seh nahi paaya aur abhi kuch lamhe pehle usne khudkushi karli," Ali Baksh's voice trembled with pain as he recounted the tragic events, knowing that no matter how much Dilawer Khan tried to maintain a facade, he was finally falling apart.
Dilawer Khan remained seated on the chair, his hands trembling as he slowly removed his cap. Leaning back, he whispered softly, "Mere Maula..."
"Saayeii, kya ab aap khush hain?" Ali Baksh's voice carried a mixture of pain and mockery, though he knew Dilawer Khan was in no condition to defend himself.
"Khuda gawah hai, Ali Baksh, maine ye kabhi nahi chaha tha," Dilawer Khan's voice quivered with pain as he spoke.
"Aapne Khurram Shah ki tabaahi chahi thi, lekin Zemal Shah..." Ali Baksh's words were cut off by a painful yell from Dilawer Khan.
"Chup hojao, khuda k liye," Dilawer Khan pleaded, closing his eyes and placing a hand over his chest. Behind the closed curtain of his eyelids, he saw the life he had desired, the woman he had imagined beside him.
"Saayeii, aapki zidd ne unki saansein cheen li, magar afsos! Wo uss duniya mai bhi Khurram Shah ki hi hai," Ali Baksh's words pierced Dilawer Khan's heart.
"Kitna badnaseeb hu mai?" Dilawer Khan's voice trembled with pain and suffering.
"Nahi, aap badnaseeb nahi hai Khan. Us paak zaat ne aapko ek paak aurat ataa ki hai, lekin aapne kabhi laa-hasil ko paane ki zidd nahi chhodi," Ali Baksh's words were laden with wisdom, offering Dilawer Khan a stark reality check after more than a decade.
Dilawer Khan's thoughts drifted to Khanum, the mother of his children. She never once complained to him about anything, despite his neglect.
"Wo meri-" Dilawer Khan began, but Ali Baksh interrupted him.
"Muhabbat thi wo aapki Khan, mujhse behtar koi nahi jaanta. Lekin wo aapka naseeb nahi thi. Aur shayad aapki muhabbat aap dono ke bachon ki zindagiyan tabaah na karde," Ali Baksh's words hit Dilawer Khan hard, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.
"Nahi, mai ek beta kho chuka hun. Ab aur kya saza hogi meri?" Dilawer Khan's voice was heavy with remorse as he closed his eyes, placing a hand on his forehead.
"Aap shayad bhool chuke hain, Khurram Shah ki beti Chote Khan ke nikkah mein hai. Aur saara gaon jaanta hai ki Chote Khan use apni biwi maan chuke hain. Mujhe darr hai Khan Sahab, kahi aap ki tarah, Chote Khan ki-"
"Khuda na kare Ali Baksh!!! Mere bete ko bahut unsiyat hai us ladki se," Dilawer Khan cut him off, placing a hand on his own chest in an attempt to calm himself. Ali Baksh simply nodded in understanding.
"Kya aap choti bibi ko jaane denge waha?" Ali Baksh inquired again, and Dilawer Khan responded immediately, his voice firm with determination, "Hargiz nahi!! Agar wo waha chali gayi toh shayad kabhi wapas na aaye, aur mai apne bete ko is aziyat se guzarta nahi dekh sakta."
"Toh kya aap unhe batayenge nahi?" Ali Baksh pressed further.
"Main nahi jaanta Ali Baksh, lekin ye baat Almeer se chhupi nahi jayegi, phir aage jo uska faisla ho," Dilawer Khan ended the conversation, his breath slightly labored as he coughed.
"Aap thik toh hai???" Ali Baksh moved towards him, concern etched on his face, but Dilawer Khan held a hand up in the air to stop him.
"Mujhe akela chord do."
»»ââââ>
Almeer found himself seated on the floor beside Aynoor's bed, a place that had become her sanctuary since she arrived. Initially, it was his space, but he didn't mind relinquishing it for her comfort. However, the atmosphere now was tense and different. Almeer, usually composed and collected, was visibly shaken. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his hands trembled with the weight of the news he had just received.
He glanced over at Aynoor, who lay peacefully asleep, unaware of the turmoil brewing within Almeer. He hesitated to disturb her serenity with the burden of his worries. Despite the chaos raging inside him, he couldn't bear to disrupt her tranquility.
(Sorry for the interruption, but I wanted to take a moment to share that I intend to narrate this story at a deliberate pace. My aim is for you to savor every nuance of this beautiful relationship, to feel the depth of their love and the anguish of their struggles as profoundly as I do. In short, this is a slow burn; I invite you to immerse yourself fully in their journey. Thank you for your understanding.)
Aynoor stirred in her sleep, perhaps sensing Almeer's lingering gaze upon her. She yawned lazily as she slowly woke up, her eyes blinking open. Almeer, noticing her awakening, cleared his throat, trying to hide the intensity of his emotions that welled up as he looked at her.
As Aynoor sat up fully, her eyes met his, twinkling with sleepiness yet radiating warmth and innocence. Despite the puffiness in her cheeks from sleep, her eyes shone brightly, casting a spell on Almeer. He felt a pang of pain in his heart, a familiar ache that he couldn't shake off.
"Aise tukur tukur kyu dekh rahe hai Khan ji??" Aynoor's playful question snapped Almeer out of his reverie.
"Kuch nahi, tum jaldi kyu nahi uthti??" Almeer responded, trying to compose himself. He found solace in her face, nowadays, the only source of peace.
"Kyu uthu jaldi?? Maine konsa khet mai jaa kar mehnat mazdoori karni hai??" Aynoor retorted with a playful smirk, her innocence shining through.
"School jana hai tumhe, tayaar hojao," Almeer maintained his calm demeanor, gently reminding her of the task at hand. However, Aynoor's reaction puzzled him as she turned towards the plushie he had gifted her.
"Billu, ye tumhare abba kuch naraz naraz lag rahe hain," she said, burying her head into the plushie's soft fur. Almeer's shock was palpable as he processed her words, feeling a rush of nervousness.
"K-k-kya, kyaaa bola tumne??" Almeer stuttered, taken aback by her unexpected comment. He had always perceived her as innocent, but......
"Haa toh, aap naraaz nahi hain kya?" Aynoor's innocent question left Almeer face-palming, unsure of how to respond to her childlike honesty.
"Main naraaz nahi hu Noori, lekin tumne us se pehle kya bola? Achi ladkiya aisi baatein nahi karti," Almeer attempted to convey his concern gently, hoping she would understand his perspective. However, Aynoor met his gaze with defiance in her eyes.
"Kyu?? nahi hain kya aap billu k abba???" she challenged, tugging at the plushie named Billu and presenting it to Almeer as if it were evidence to support her argument. Almeer couldn't help but feel as though the stuffed cat was judging him, adding to his discomfort.
"Nahi Noori, faltu baatein naa karo. Jaake tayaar hojao," Almeer redirected, trying to steer the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic. But Aynoor was not about to let it go so easily, determined to make her point known.
"Aap aisa kaise keh sakte hai?? Ye humara bacha hai!!! Aapka aur mera! Kal he toh liya tha, aap isey qubool kyu nahi kar rahe??" Aynoor's voice quivered with emotion as she placed her hands on her waist, gesturing emphatically in front of Almeer's face. Almeer felt a rush of shame and nervousness, his cheeks reddening under her intense gaze. He struggled to find the right words to explain.
"Aynoor, ye ek plushie hai, aur hum insaan hai. Aur tum khud bachi ho, bachon ke bachey nahi hote," Almeer attempted to reason gently, but Aynoor's frustration was escalating rapidly. She began to scream and yell, tossing pillows in his direction. Almeer's patience snapped.
"Aynoor!!! stop it!!" he yelled, immediately regretting the harshness of his tone as he saw tears welling up in her eyes. He wanted to comfort her, to make things right, but she retreated to her plushie, seeking solace in its embrace. Almeer sighed, feeling utterly defeated.
Just then, his mother entered the room, drawn by the commotion. "Chote Khan, ye aapke kamre se shor kyu aaraha tha??" she inquired, her gaze shifting to Aynoor, who was sobbing into her plushie. Khanum rushed to Aynoor's side, concern etched on her face as she held the distraught girl close.
"Aynoor, bache kya hua?? Aap roo kyu rahi hain??" Khanum's eyes darted to Almeer, her expression accusing him without words.
"Kya kiya aapne??" Khanum's voice was laced with concern as she turned to Almeer, who let out a heavy sigh. Drawing closer to them, he attempted to downplay the situation. "Kuch nahi kiya maa, aap jayein mai isey sambhaal lunga," he replied, hoping to deflect the question and shield himself from further embarrassment. But he knew it wouldn't be that easy.
"Nahi!! Kyu? Kyu jaayein ye? Inhe bhi toh pata chale aap kitne bereham hain," Aynoor's accusatory words pierced through the room, causing Almeer to flinch inwardly. He wanted to intervene, to stop this from escalating, but before he could, Aynoor turned to Khanum, her tears flowing unabated.
"Maa, ye bohat burey hainn!!" Aynoor's cry tore at Khanum's heartstrings, and she instinctively cupped Aynoor's cheeks, seeking to comfort her.
"Kya kiya isne?? Btao mujhe bache," Khanum implored, her worry mounting as she looked to Almeer for an explanation. Her concern deepened as Aynoor's next words hung heavily in the air. Khanum glitched for a second there.
"Ye humare bache ko apnane se inkaar kar rahe hain!" Aynoor's sobs conveyed the depth of her hurt, and Khanum's gaze shifted to Almeer, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. Almeer could only hang his head in silent remorse, grappling with the consequences of Aynoor's stupidity.
Almeer couldn't believe his ears as Khanum posed the question to Aynoor, her voice tinged with totally fake concern yet also with a hint of amusement.
"Konsa bacha??" Khanum's voice shook slightly, betraying her bemusement at the situation. Aynoor's response, however, was delivered with utmost seriousness.
"Ye bacha, billu naam hai iska. Ye mera aur Khan ji ka bacha hai lekin ye maante he nahi," Aynoor explained, her eyes fixed on Almeer with a mixture of determination and exasperation. Almeer felt like he was being interrogated in a comedy show, and he was the unwitting star of the act.
"Tum jaake school k liye tayaar hojao mai akal thikaane lagati hu iski," Khanum said soothingly, her voice carrying a tone of both reassurance and amusement. She gently stroked Aynoor's hair in a comforting gesture. Almeer couldn't help but shake his head at the absurdity of the situation, even as Aynoor's crocodile tears continued to tug at his heartstrings, reminding him of the work he had ahead to earn her forgiveness.
As Khanum exited the room, leaving Almeer to stew in his embarrassment, he could practically feel the heat rising in his cheeks. Just as the door clicked shut, a familiar sound filled the airâan unmistakable snort that could only belong to his dear mother.
Almeer couldn't help but roll his eyes, knowing full well that his moment of humiliation was now a source of amusement for her. With a resigned sigh, Almeer braced himself for the inevitable teasing that was sure to follow once he emerged from his hiding place of shame.
»»ââââ>
"Insaan lag rahi ho aaj toh, Daaku raani," Yazdaan remarked with a grin, his eyes dancing with mischief as they scanned Aynoor's attire. He couldn't help but tease her about her unconventional outfit choice, especially compared to the standard school uniform. He, on the other hand, looked every bit the studious student in his neatly pressed uniform, complete with a meticulously styled haircut.
"Afsos! tum aaj bhi jaanwar lag rahe ho. Padhe likhe jaanwar," Aynoor playfully shot back, sticking her tongue out at Yazdaan in jest. Her comment was accompanied by a playful smirk, her eyes gleaming with humor. Despite the teasing, there was an underlying warmth in their banter, a testament to their camaraderie.
"Zyada udoo mat phuljadiya, mere he class mai aana hai. Saari akkad nikaal dunga," Yazdaan teased further, his tone mischievous as he exaggerated his threats. Deep down, though, he held a genuine fondness for Aynoor and would go to great lengths to protect her.
"Yazdaan! Aisa kuch nahi karogay tum," Almeer interjected firmly, his tone tinged with warning as he addressed Yazdaan through the rearview mirror. Despite the lighthearted banter, Almeer was quick to remind Yazdaan of his responsibility to ensure Aynoor's safety.
"Nahi karunga bhai kuch bhi," Yazdaan replied, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. He understood all too well Almeer's overprotective streak when it came to Aynoor. With a knowing smirk, he decided not to push the matter any further.
Meanwhile, Almeer stole a glance at Aynoor, noticing her subdued demeanor beside him. He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt gnawing at him, even though her mood seemed fine outwardly. Determined to lighten the atmosphere, he refocused on the road ahead, plotting a way to cheer her up.
Upon their arrival at the school, Yazdaan eagerly jumped out of the car and teasingly tapped on Aynoor's window, beckoning her to join him.
"Chalein, Maharani sahiba..." Aynoor responded with a playful tongue-out gesture, but before she could react further, Almeer intervened.
"Yazdaan, tum entrance ke pass iska wait karo, abhi aajayegi," Almeer directed, taking charge and locking the car doors to prevent Aynoor from escaping. Frustration flashed across her face as she demanded to be let out, her cheeks flushed with irritation.
"Kholein ye..." Aynoor's voice verged on a yell, her impatience evident. Almeer softened at the sight of her agitation, his protective instincts warring with his desire to appease her.
"Maaf kardo please..." Almeer's voice softened, dripping with innocence and regret, as he pleaded for forgiveness. Aynoor couldn't help but glance at him, her heart softening at the sight of his earnest expression. Despite her anger, she couldn't deny the special place he held in her heart. Yet, she remained oblivious.
Almeer's distress was palpable as he searched her eyes for any sign of forgiveness."Kya karu jo tum mujhe maaf kardo?? " His desperation only fueled Aynoor's amusement, though she concealed her smile with a cough. Inwardly, she relished the attention and care he showered upon her. At home, she was cherished, but it was Almeer's unique treatment that made her feel truly special, like a princess in his presence.
"Noori please......" Almeer's pleading tone bordered on a whine, and Aynoor couldn't help but smile at his desperation. His puppy-dog eyes gave her a flicker of joy.
"Toh chocolate dilayen gy??" Aynoor's voice carried a hint of command, but it only added to her adorable demeanor. Almeer reached into his pocket and produced two chocolate bars, handing them to her with a smile. Aynoor's face lit up with joy as she accepted the sweet treats, and Almeer felt a wave of relief wash over him. He knew he was forgiven.
"Ab kiya maaf??" Almeer asked hopefully, and Aynoor's smile widened as she posed her own question.
"Billu ko humara bacha maante hai??"
»»ââââ>
"Sab ladkiyan mujhe ghoor rahin hai, Ghonchu," Aynoor whispered to Yazdaan, playfully nudging him with her elbow. They were seated together in the classroom, amidst curious stares from their classmates. Aynoor felt a bit self-conscious, but Yazdaan seemed unfazed by the attention.
Yazdaan shrugged, his expression relaxed. "Tum bhi ghooro tumhare pass bhi toh do aankhe hain," he retorted, pulling out textbooks for both of them. Despite his casual response, Yazdaan was subtly keeping an eye on the boys around them, ready to ward off any unwanted attention directed at Aynoor.
They were in the classroom, segregated into boys' and girls' sections. However, Yazdaan had stopped Aynoor, bringing out a desk and table for both of them and placing it between the rows. They stood out, but Yazdaan didn't care. He had insisted that Aynoor sit with him.
"Ye konsi kitaab hai?" As Aynoor was about to ask Yazdaan about the book, the teacher entered the classroom, prompting everyone to offer their greetings. Now, all attention was on Yazdaan and Aynoor.
The teacher was a stern-looking woman in her late twenties, directed her gaze towards Aynoor and posed an accusatory question, "And who might you be? Isn't it rude to not introduce yourself to the class?" Her tone carried a hint of mockery.
Aynoor, not fully comprehending the situation, furrowed her brow in confusion. Meanwhile, Yazdaan was keenly observant, noticed Aynoor's discomfort. He glanced at her, seeing her snap her fingers while attempting to understand the teacher's words. It was evident that English wasn't Aynoor's strong suitâher struggle with the language was apparent to Yazdaan.
"Are you deaf?" the teacher's voice boomed, her frustration evident as she addressed Aynoor. Yazdaan immediately stood up, refusing to let the teacher's tone go unchallenged.
"No, she's not. And she's definitely not going to introduce herself to rude people," Yazdaan retorted bluntly, a smirk playing on his lips. The teacher's embarrassment mingled with her anger at his boldness.
"Is that how you talk to your teacher? I simply asked for her introduction," the teacher snapped back, her patience wearing thin.
Unfazed, Yazdaan took charge, addressing the class with authority. "So, everyone! This right here is Aynoor Khan. I believe that's enough introduction for you guys," he declared, gesturing towards Aynoor, who kept her gaze lowered. There surely was Khan blood in his veins.
Attempting to break the tension, a bespectacled student from the adjacent desk leaned forward, "Hi Aynoor, will youâ"
But Yazdaan swiftly intervened, cutting him off mid-sentence. "I believe you should stop right there! She's not here to make friends. And my family definitely won't appreciate it if any one of you tries to irritate her or cling to her, even girls. Thank you, teacher. Can we now continue with the class? Because we actually pay tons of money to STUDY here." His words were firm, leaving no room for further discussion.
»»ââââ>
Almeer sat in the bustling college canteen surrounded by his friends, a diverse group with backgrounds as colorful as their personalities. Despite his unique upbringing, he embraced friendship with everyone, and his circle was filled with lively and jovial individuals.
Sahiba, Ahad, Kifayaat, Hamza, and Hania stared at him with a mix of shock and curiosity. Sahiba and Kifayat, both hailing from elite families with well-known politicians as fathers, shared a cousin bond. Ahad came from a lineage of doctors, but defied convention by studying business. Hamza's father managed a news channel, while Hania's parents were prominent figures in the entertainment industry, her boldness a reflection of her upbringing.
Almeer, accustomed to his friends' reactions, anticipated their disbelief at his recent marriage.
"Kya baat hai bhai!! Chalo shaadi chahe jaisi bhi condition mai hui ho, dulhe miya treat to deni padegi," Kifayat teased, eliciting laughter from everyone except Hania, whose expression remained inscrutable.
"Shut up!" Almeer playfully slapped the back of Kifayat's head, eliciting laughter from Ahad. Ahad then draped his arm around Almeer's shoulder, teasingly suggesting a treat.
"Ab hum shut up nahi hosakte bhai. Chalo jeb dheeli karo," Ahad joked, extending his hand towards Almeer for money.
"Tu hamesha bikmanga he rahega," Hamza chimed in, adding to the banter as laughter filled the air. Hania, who had been observing silently, suddenly interjected with a serious tone.
"How can you do this, Almeer?" she questioned, her expression a mix of anger and disapproval.
Almeer sighed, running his fingers through his hair in frustration before responding to Hania's probing.
"What are you trying to say, Hania? I can do whatever I want!" he retorted curtly, aware of her lingering attachment to him.
"But you love me!!!" Hania declared shamelessly, her words drawing disapproving glances from the entire table of friends. They exchanged knowing looks, familiar with Hania's persistent delusions.
Almeer's response was firm, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Have I ever said that? Maine kabhi tumhe mudd k bhi nahi dekha, Hania," he stated, his words cutting through her illusions like a knife. "You, of all people, will never impress me. And now, there's no need for me to even look at anyone else," he added, his resolve palpable in his voice.
Hania's bitterness was evident as she pressed further, "Is she pretty? Prettier than me?"
Almeer met her gaze head-on, unflinching. "I'm sure that I did not forget to mention that she's just 11, but let me tell you, she is way more special and important to me than you'll ever be. Anyone, for that matter," his response was straightforward, leaving Hania feeling stung by his words.
With that, Hania got up abruptly and left the table, her departure met with audible sighs from the others. Ahad, ever the mood-lightener, interjected playfully,
"Iska toh chalta rehta hai, tum batao bachi babhi se kab milao gay?"
â§ÍâºË*ï½¥à¼â¾ãâ½à¼ï½¥*Ëâºâ§Í
Reviews dete jaaoð»â¤.
Comments(0)
Join the discussion — sign in to leave a comment
Sign In to CommentNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!