𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 36

M e h r b a n o

The birds were chirping outside in the garden among the tree branches. In my childhood, I often wondered what these birds talked about and whether they truly understood each other, much like we humans sometimes don’t.

I looked into the mirror and stared at myself for a minute. I just put a nude lipstick on my lips and it gave my face an instant glow. It had been days since I had put on makeup. My lips curled into a little smile.

I wasn't as happy as I used to be with my mother nor I was as sad as I was with Ehan but the true happiness and a glimpse of sadness stays in our heart forever which reminds of the bad times.

Just as I remember the whole time I spent with him and it will take years to vanish that memories out of my brain but eventually they would fade, I encouraged myself for a better future.

I had taken a brave step that my mother couldn't take for herself. I hope I won't end up like her. Life would have something for me also.

I grabbed my dupatta and covered my hair and chest with it properly. I walked out of the annex, only to see a happy family.

A man surrounded by his wife and children. My biological father was having breakfast with his beloved family.

I stopped at my place with my gaze fixed at them. He smiled at his elder daughter and patted her head affectionately. His daughter was getting all his love and affection that I also deserved but we don't always get what we deserve.

I felt hurt as always.

I was robbed of my rights. I deserved love, attention and affection as much as his other children but he never considered me as his own.

It stings my heart.

This family shouldn't have the power to hurt me. My mother's words echoed around me and I turned my face to the other side and walked to the main gate. I walked for a few minutes and reached the taxi stand.

After fifteen minutes, I was standing outside the place where I had spent some happy time. I was standing outside the university from where I had graduated.

I walked through the lane to the administrative block. I could see students moving around. Once I was at their place. Less happy but content.

I knocked at the door of Farhanda Hashmi. She is one of the senior faculty member here. Before coming to the University I prayed to see her because I only came for her.

"Come in" I opened the door when she said from the other side.

"Aslamo alaikum ma'am!" I greeted her warmly.

"Walekum salam. Have a seat!" She pointed at the chair opposite her. Her eyes were fixed at me as if she was trying to recognize me.

"How are you ma'am?" I asked once I settled on the chair.

"I am fine" She nodded and smiled.

"I hope you have recognized me" I asked.

"That's what I am trying to do young lady...if I am not wrong you are Mehrunisa" She answered.

"It's Mehrbano" I corrected her with a small smile. I was happy that she remembered me.

"Oh yes Mehrbano! It's you. How are you sweetheart!" She rose up from her chair. I followed her. She came to me and wrapped me into a warm motherly embrace.

"I am fine ma'am and I am so glad that you remember me" I smiled at her.

"How could I forget you Mehrbano. You were one of the finest students of your batch. Pardon me for not saying your name accurately" She smiled, settling on her chair.

"It's okay ma'am. I know my name is a little difficult" I said.

"Oh not at all. It's as beautiful as you young lady!" She shook her head and called somebody to bring juice for us.

"So Mehrbano! Are you working somewhere?" She asked nicely.

"No ma'am I couldn't pursue my career. I got married" I told her.

"How is married life going then?" She asked further.

"I am currently separated from my husband" I told her.

"Oh! I hope you are doing well" She gave me an empathic look.

"I am trying ma'am. I just came here for that only. I have many issues in my life but now I just want to focus on my career, for this I need your help ma'am" I revealed my reason to visit her.

"Continue Mehrbano! I am here to help you" She nodded.

"Ma'am! My mother died before my graduation. I got married after that and..it wasn't an easy marriage. For two years I tried my best to make things work but...it didn't work out. He wasn't interested. I am deciding to file for divorce because he isn't agreeing to give me divorce. And my father isn't supportive. I have had issues with my father since my childhood after he got married for the second time. Right now ma'am I just want to get a job and a place to live.  I am asking for a favor ma'am if you could arrange a job and a safe residence for me I will forever be grateful to you!" I opened my heart to her.

It wasn't easy to show your weakness to others but right now it was my only hope to move on.

"I am really sad to know that something like that happened to you Mehrbano! You are a wonderful person. I must say it's their loss who didn't value you. I am glad you came to me. There is a friend of mine in the city, she owns a boutique. I will recommend you to her and I hope she won't reject" She gave me a flicker of hope at the end.

"Thank you so much ma'am! You know very well it's too tough to get a job these days. I will try on my own but I want to leave my father's place as early as possible" I said.

"It's not a problem. Just give me your phone number and I will inform you by tomorrow evening" She asked me confidently, maybe her friend won't reject her suggestion.

"Thank you once again!"

After I left her cabin I walked through the corridors of university and remembered the old times. I never had a large number of close friends but everyone got busy in life and forgot what we had.

I left university in the hope that some arrangements would be made for me. Ma'am Farhanda had always been my mentor. She always valued her students and I was no doubt one of the finest one in my batch. I hope it would benefit me.

In the evening, I was preparing dinner for myself when I heard footsteps at the door and before seeing I could tell it was Ehan.

"Mehr!" He called as he walked inside through the open door.

I looked at him but said nothing. It was of no use. I could block him on my phone but I couldn't block him from my life.

"Why don't you pick my calls?" He asked me desperately.

He looked like a mess. His shave was overgrown unlike usual days. He always have a clean jaw. I had hardly seen him with a beard. He looked very different.

"Why do you come here again and again?" I questioned him calmly.

"I am so sorry for everything Mehr! Please forgive me" He came near to me.

"There is nothing to forgive. You didn't do anything wrong" I taunted him.

"No, I did everything wrong. I have.. wronged you. I know I was always wrong. I am so sorry!" He was desperate to get me back. It was written on his face how much he was affected by me finally leaving him.

Deep in my heart It stings watching him like that. I have never wished ill for him. I never wanted to hurt him in any way but now time was changed.

"There is no need of forgiveness!" I muttered.

"You do believe me na I didn't cheat on you. She wasn't in my life. She was nowhere. It was only you. I am ashamed of what she did but that wasn't true" He repeated the same words he had already said.

"I know" I believed him.

A part of me was relieved that he didn't do worse to me by cheating on me but what he did wasn't any less and I am not ready to forgive him this time.

"Just give a chance Mehr I can't take it anymore. I can't bear your ignorance!" His eyes glistened at the end.

"It doesn't matter anymore" I uttered sadly.

In the past two years he hadn't spoken much to me as he had spoken in the last few days. He hadn't given any explanations ever nor did he was used to talk longer than needed and now he was desperately asking for another chance.

"It does..of course it does. Just give me a chance to amend everything and trust me I will change myself" He kept on saying.

"No" I ended what we had.

He left empty handed with tears in his eyes. I never thought I would see water in his eyes were. He was ice himself who never melted for me. Why he melted now when I have lost all my hopes!

The next day I waited whole day for Ma'am Farhanda's call and as she said she called in the evening.

"Yes Mehrbano there is a good news for you. Sama has appointed you on my suggestion. I will arrange a residence for you. Come to my place by tomorrow!" She gave me the happiest news.

My eyes filled with tears. If it wasn't ma'am Farhanda I couldn't get a job this early.

"Thank you so much!" I said happily.

"You deserve to shine girl and I hope you won't disappoint me as Sama only agreed on my request" She reminded me.

"I won't be a disappointment ma'am!" I said confidently to her.

After hanging up the call, I looked around the annex and smiled as if mama was there to see my smile. I was happy to leave this place. The memories I have of this home are bitter, better to be forgotten.

Mama was right, I have to move on.

If I can't move on with a man, I will do it on my own!

Mehr is going to start a new chapter of her life which is going to change her life.

How was the chapter?

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