Chapter 37

As Sarim drove through the quiet streets on this dark night, Kubra stared out of the car window, lost in her thoughts. The happiness from Rafey and Uswa's wedding still lingered in her mind.

Kubra felt a bit uneasy. Even though Sarim was kind and tried to make her happy, there was a quiet gap between them.

Kubra sensed that something was bothering Sarim. They weren't living the happy, connected life she had imagined. She could feel him pulling away.

While the city lights passed by, Kubra's mind was full of questions. Why was Sarim acting distant? What was bothering him? But she was too afraid to ask. Her own insecurities kept her from speaking up, even though the words were on the tip of her tongue.

The car continued through the night, the soft hum of the engine matching the subdued feeling inside. Kubra looked at Sarim, his face now guarded and different. The silence between them felt heavy, and Kubra wished she could understand why things had changed. Why has he changed. Kubra wanted to close the gap between her and Sarim.

•••

Kubra had changed and was sitting on the bed, waiting for Sarim, who was locked in his study room for some reason. As soon as he returned home, he received a call, and since then, he has been in the study room.

Now, Kubra was feeling sleepy and was about to lie down when she became alert at the sound of the door opening. She saw Sarim entering.

"Kya hua? Sab theek hai?" Worry was evident on Sarim's face, which caught Kubra's attention, and she immediately asked.

(What happened? Is everything okay?)

"Haan, Talha bhai ki call thi." Sarim casually said and lay down on his side.

(Yes, it was Talha bhai's call.)

Kubra kept looking at his back for a while, hoping Sarim would turn towards her, say something, but it didn't happen. Eventually, Kubra also lay down, turning her face to the other side.

On the first few days of their marriage, Sarim's behaviour towards her was good, as if they were trying to understand each other. But now, from a few days, or maybe since Rafey's wedding functions started, there was an odd silence between Sarim and her. Kubra was left contemplating on her own, unable to ask Sarim anything or complain to him for his behaviour.

Perhaps Sarim didn't like Kubra going to her house repeatedly? Or was there some other reason?

Kubra remembered what Sarim told her. "Rahi baat mohabbat ki, toh woh bhi tumhe mujhse ho jayegi."

Now, she truly started loving Sarim. Marriage is such a thing; it creates a soft corner in your heart for the other person, and when this softness turns into love, who can tell? Now that Kubra wanted to walk on the path of love with Sarim, why did he change his behaviour?

•••

After the walima, Minal was now heading home. Burhan and Minal were meeting everyone at home, and Zara was placing her belongings in the car. When Shahzaib came, he took her hand and led her to the other side of the car, away from prying eyes.

"Shahzaib, yeh kya hai?" Zara was astonished by his unusually formal demeanour. Shahzaib had never dared such boldness before today.

(Shahzaib, what are you doing?)

"Main kya sunn raha hoon, Zara? Tumhara rishta kissey tay hua hai?" Shahzaib's voice carried a significant amount of pain, with a mixture of anxiety and hope in his eyes. He had heard Tabu and Minal, but he still couldn't believe Zara's marriage had been finalized. He held onto the hope that Zara might refuse this.

(What am I listening to, Zara? With whom is your wedding fixed?)

Zara's eyes widened; she didn't want Shahzaib to know about this. She hoped that after she left, Shahzaib would find out, sparing her from answering his questions. It was her cowardice that prevented her from telling the truth while looking into Shahzaib's eyes.

"Yeh sach hai?" Zara's avoidance had already answered all of Shahzaib's questions. Shahzaib, who had been holding Zara's arm until now, withdrew his hand in a trance and took two steps back. He did not expect this betrayal from Zara.

(It's true?)

"Tum mere sath aisa kaise kar sakti ho? Jo humare beech tha uska kya?"

(How could you do this to me? What about what was between us?)

Zara's heart wished to burst into tears, but she restrained herself. In all of this, she had no say; she was merely bowing her head like a puppet to others' decisions. Being a daughter, she couldn't defy her father's wishes.

"Burhan, iss tarah se Zara ka rishta tay karne se pehle hume kam se kam uski marzi toh janni chahiye."

(Burhan, before finalizing Zara's marriage, we should at least know her wish.)

"Minal, Zara meri beti hai, agar mujhe lagta woh meri iss baat se inkar karegi toh main kabhi bade bhaiyya ko yeh faisla na lene deta." Zara, who had contemplated refusing this relationship to her mother countless times, found her steps frozen at the doorstep upon hearing her father's words. It felt as if a cold frost had descended within her, numbing all her emotions. No relationship meant more to her than her father's trust.

(Minal, Zara is my daughter. If I think she'll refuse this, I would never let my elder brother make this decision.)

Zara quickly opened her eyes and met Shahzaib's gaze. She wouldn't let herself break in front of him; enduring the pain of this journey alone seemed better. She was determined not to give Shahzaib any false hope.

"Tameez se baat karo, Shahzaib. Humare beech kya tha? Nikkah hua tha humara? Ya humari koi mangni hui thi, ya baat pakki thi? Kuch bhi nahi tha humare beech. Maine tumse kabhi koi commitment nahi ki thi. Rahi baat hasi mazak ki woh toh cousins ke rishte se meri sabke sath hai, Rafey se bhi hai." Zara's voice was stern, as if she didn't care that her words felt like arrows piercing the person standing in front of her.

(Speak respectfully, Shahzaib. What was between us? Was there a marriage, an engagement, or a firm commitment? There was nothing between us. I never made any commitment to you. As for the jokes and laughter, I do that with all my cousins, including Rafey.)

Shahzaib pondered over Zara's words for quite a while, as if he couldn't believe it until now. When the realization struck, anger replaced his disbelief, and his light brown eyes seemed to turn dark on their own.

"Deewana toh main bhi tumhara nahi hoon jo tumhari shadi ka sunke suicide ki koshish karu ya sad songs sunu, lekin haan, tumhari iss baat se meri ana ko thes lagi hai. Jee chahta hai ya toh tumhe maar doon ya tumhare hone wale shohar ko." After saying this, Shahzaib didn't stop and walked away. Zara stood there, just watching him. It wasn't her fate to stop Shahzaib from going away.

(I'm not crazy for you to attempt suicide or listen to sad songs after hearing about your marriage. But yes, your words have hurt my ego. I feel like either killing you or your future husband.)

"Zara, kya hua tumhari tabiyat theek hai?" When Minal looked at Zara after getting into the car, she asked. Zara's entire face was red, as she had been trying to contain the emotional storm within her for a while.

(Zara, are you okay?)

"Bas shadi ki thakan hai." Zara reassured her.

(I'm tired from the wedding.)

•••

"Lekin Fuppi aisa kaise kar sakti hain?" When Hayder learned from Hanif Mirza that Zara's marriage had been finalized, he couldn't believe it either.

(How could fuppi do this to us?)

"Zara beti hai unki, unhe pura haq hai uske liye faisla lene ka." Hanif Mirza said in a weary tone. He was also hurt by this news, but words failed to express his feelings.

(Zara is their daughter. They have all rights to fix her marriage anywhere they like.)

"Lekin, Shahzaib...." Hayder wanted to say something but fell silent when he saw Shahzaib entering the living room. Shahzaib cast a glance at the two of them and walked away. Hayder also went after him to talk to him.

(But, Shahzaib...)

•••

"Shahzaib!" The door to Shahzaib's room was open, and Shahzaib was seated on the sofa. When Hayder knocked on the door.

"Bhai, ajaye..." Shahzaib immediately stood up from the sofa and invited Hayder inside. Although he preferred to be alone at this moment.

(Bhai, come in...)

"Tum theek ho?"

(Are you okay?)

"Haan, mujhe kya hua?" Shahzaib said with such nonchalance, as if a cataclysm had not just passed through his heart a while ago.

(Yeah, what happened to me?)

"Shahzaib, tum fikar mat karo, main baat karunga fuppa se, meri baat ko woh log mana nahi karenge." Hayder reassured him.

(Shahzaib, don't worry, I'll talk to fuppa. He won't refuse me.)

"Kis barey mein baat?" Shahzaib looked at Hayder in shock as if he didn't know what Hayder was talking about.

(About what?)

"Tumhari aur Zara ki..."

(About you and Zara...)

"Kaisi baat kar rahe hain aap, bhai? Mere aur Zara ke beech toh aisa kuch nahi." Shahzaib averted his gaze from Hayder and spoke.

(What are you talking about, bhai? There is nothing like that between Zara and me.)

"Tum pasand karte hona ussey." It wasn't a question; Hayder knew Shahzaib's feelings well. Somewhere, Hayder was also convinced that Zara had feelings for Shahzaib.

(You like her.)

"Tha, ab nahi karta. Waise bhi humare beech aisi koi commitment nahi thi, mujhe ussey shadi nahi karni." Shahzaib denied his feelings, as if Hayder couldn't discern the truth from his eyes.

(Used to, not anymore. There wasn't any commitment between us, I don't want to marry her.)

Hayder stared at his younger brother for a long time. He had always wanted to bring happiness to Kubra and Shahzaib, fulfilling all their desires. But he had never understood Kubra's feelings for Rafey, nor could he do anything for Shahzaib now.

As the silence enveloped them, Hayder took a step closer to Shahzaib. Without uttering a word, he extended his arms, enveloping Shahzaib into a comforting embrace.

Feeling the warmth of Hayder's embrace, Shahzaib's defences crumbled. The denial he had clung to began to waver, and the reality of heartbreak hit him. In that vulnerable moment, Shahzaib, unable to contain his emotions any longer, embraced Hayder tightly.

Hayder, ever the protector, held Shahzaib even tighter, as if trying to shield him from the pain.

"Beeti baaton ko dil se lagane se kuch hasil nahi hota. Piche kya hua ussey bhoolna behtar hai warna fir zindagi wahi ruk jati hai. Haqeeqat ko sirf uss hadd tak face karo ki woh humari personality ko na badal de."

(Clinging to past matters doesn't yield anything. It's better to forget what happened and move on; otherwise, life remains stagnant. Confront reality only to the extent that it doesn't change our personality.)

•••

"Aap baat kariye na fuppi se ek baar." At night, Hyra also thought about talking to Hayder about this matter.

(You should talk to fuppi once.)

"Koi fyada nahi, Shahzaib ko nahi karni shadi." Hayder declined Hyra's suggestion and lay down on the bed; he had a headache.

(No use, Shahzaib doesn't want to get married.)

"Kaisi baat kar rahe hain aap? Shahzaib bhai pasand karte hain Zara api ko." Hyra went to the bed and sat beside Hayder, then began to speak.

(What are you talking about? Shahzaib bhai likes Zara.)

With tired eyes, Hayder looked at Hyra, then sat up and took Hyra's hand, bringing her closer.

"Shahzaib aur Kubra ko maine apne bachho ki tarah bada kiya hai, mujhe pata hai unke dil mein kab kya hai. Shahzaib ki pasand se wakif hoon main, lekin Zara ki shadi ka sunke Shahzaib ko takleef hui hai, ussey lagta hai Zara ne ussey dhoka diya hai aur ab... Woh Zara se nafrat karta hai." Slowly, Hayder explained to her. His voice carried a sense of helplessness.

(I have raised Shahzaib and Kubra like my own children; I know what's in their hearts. I am aware of Shahzaib's preferences, but hearing about Zara's marriage has caused him distress. He feels betrayed by Zara, and now... he harbours hatred towards her.)

"Kya jinse pyar karte hain unse nafrat itni asani se ho jati hai?"

(Is it so easy to turn hatred towards the ones we once loved?)

"Mohabbat aur dhoka do aisi cheezein hain jo insan ki fitrat badal deti hain." Upon hearing Hayder's words, Hyra blinked as if understanding the meaning behind his words.

(Love and betrayal are two things that can change a person's nature.)

"Tum pareshaan mat ho, main handle kar lunga Shahzaib ko." Hayder realized that Hyra might not fully grasp the situation. A faint smile appeared on his face at her innocence, and he gently placed his hand on Hyra's head and said.

(Don't worry; I'll handle Shahzaib.)

•••

Two days later, Ibtisham and his family also departed. Uswa cried so much while leaving that she continued shedding tears until the flight landed in Australia. She refused to speak to Rafey. She believed it was his fault that made her leave her home, her family, and her country.

"Ghar kitna suna lag raha haina." Rabia and Arzoo were preparing dinner when Rabia, watching the evening unfold through the window, remarked, "Aisa lagta hai jaise Uswa apne sath sari raunak le gayi."

(The home feels so empty, doesn't it?)

(It feels like Uswa took all the joy with her.)

Tears welled up in Rabia's eyes. If Uswa was crying there in Australia, Rabia was no different. She, too, shed numerous tears in solitude, praying for her daughter's better future.

Arzoo, who was kneading dough at that moment, paused. The absence of Uswa had truly brought a deep silence into the house. But there was Hyra, and it seemed as if no one would notice her presence or absence.

Being the same age and growing up in the same environment, Uswa and Hyra were so different. Uswa, the lively and playful one who always smiled, and Hyra, the shy and timid girl with tears often hiding in the corners of her eyes.

"Main yateem hui thi, apne mujhe majboor banaya." Hyra's words echoed in Arzoo's ears. Arzoo felt a pang in her heart; she had indeed treated her daughter unfairly.

(I became an orphan; you made me helpless.)

"Arzoo!" Rabia had been calling Arzoo for a while, but when Arzoo didn't respond, Rabia placed her hand on Arzoo's shoulder.

Startled, Arzoo looked at Rabia, who was watching her with concern. "Kya hua?"

(What happened?)

"Kuch nahi, bhabhi, bas main..." Arzoo put on a fake smile and said. She was going back to kneading dough when she noticed dough was ready. Arzoo went to the sink to wash her hands. Rabia, too, didn't pay much attention to Arzoo's behaviour and started making roti.

(Nothing, bhabhi, I just...)

"Bhabhi, aap Laraib ke parents se baat kariye, Laraib ko yahi bula lein na. Uske bhi due date nazdeek hain." There was silence in the kitchen for quite a while, broken by Arzoo. She had composed herself now. She knew how to handle her emotions. For 23 years. This is what she had been doing—hiding all her sorrows behind a fake smile, always diverting attention away so that no one would notice her deprivation.

(Bhabhi, you should talk to Laraib's parents and bring her here. Her due date is also approaching.)

"Chahti toh main bhi yahi hoon, pehla pota ya poti hai humara, mere toh kitne arman hain, lekin Uswa ki shadi mein Laraib ka jaisa behaviour tha, main toh ussey iss barey mein koi baat nahi kar sakti." Taking a deep breath, Rabia told her,

(If I wanted, I am here too. Our first grandchild holds so many dreams for me, but Uswa's behaviour during Laraib's wedding was such that I can't discuss this matter with her.

(I want to, it will be my first grandchild, I have so many dreams. But Laraib's behaviour during Uswa's wedding was such that I can't discuss anything to her.)

"Dawar ne bhi alag zidd rakhli hai, keh raha hai woh baat nahi karega Laraib se aur uska faisla akhiri hai, jissey woh kisi surat nahi badlega."

(Dawar has also taken a firm stand, stating that he won't talk to Laraib, and his decision is final—he won't change it under any circumstances.)

"Allah humare bachho ka naseeb achha kare." Hearing Rabia's words, Arzoo silently prayed.

(May Allah bless our children with good fortune.)

"Aur yahi wajah hai, mujhe iss bachhe ki koi khushi mehsoos nahi ho rahi hai." Once again, thoughts of Hyra crossed Arzoo's mind.

"Ameen." Rabia mumbles.

•••

Dawar sat behind his cluttered desk, engrossed in the hum of the office. The soft glow from the desk lamp illuminated scattered papers and a half-empty coffee mug. The door creaked open, and Hayder entered with a stormy expression. His eyes bore into Dawar, who remained focused on his work.

Ignoring the brewing tension, Dawar continued typing, his fingers dancing over the keyboard. Hayder, however, wasn't one to be dismissed easily. He cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the ambient office noises. Dawar finally looked up, meeting Hayder's angered gaze.

Hayder's voice was sharp, slicing through the quiet office air. "Tumhara dimagh puri tarah se kaam karna band kar chuka hai kya?"

(Has your brain completely stopped working?)

"Nahi, abhi main tum nahi bana hoon." Dawar's expression remained composed.

(No, I haven't become you.)

"Dawar, I'm serious. Janta hoon yeh wali deal tum handle kar rahe the, lekin bhabhi ko iss condition mein tum chorhke jane ka soch bhi kaise sakte ho?" Hayder's eyes narrowed, his frustration palpable.

(Dawar, I'm serious. I know you were handling this deal, but how could you even consider leaving bhabhi in this condition?)

Dawar leaned back in his chair, maintaining his calm demeanour. "Woh apni maa ke ghar hai, jaha ussey sabse zyada sukoon hai, mere hone na hone se kya farq parhta hai."

(She's at her mother's house, where she finds the most peace. What difference does my presence or absence make?)

Hayder got angry at Dawar's attitude. He was well aware of the issues between Dawar and Laraib, but he didn't like the way Dawar was ignoring Laraib, especially when she was in such a condition.

Taking a deep breath, Hayder controlled his anger and sat down in front of Dawar.

"Kya yeh faisla wakai mein akhiri hai? Maafi ki koi gunjaish nahi?"

(Is this decision really final? Is there no room for forgiveness?)

Dawar sighed, his eyes meeting Hayder's with a hint of remorse. "Tumhe lagta hai itna bada faisla main jaldbaazi mein lunga?"

(Do you think I would make such a significant decision in haste?)

"Mujhe lagta hai ki tumhari shadi mein jitni bhi problems hain, unka ek solution talaq bhi hai, lekin akhiri nahi."

(I believe that, despite the problems in your marriage, divorce is one solution, but not the only one.)

"Main uske liye sab kar chuka hoon, ussey alag ghar mein rehna tha maine woh bhi kiya. Ab aur kya karu? Apni family ko ek dam se chorh doon?" The frustration within Dawar was now surfacing; he was genuinely exhausted from all of this.

(I've done everything for her, even lived separately. What else should I do? Abandon my family, completely?)

"Tumne ghar chorha tha lekin uske baad tumne hafto tak bhabhi se theek se baat nahi ki thi. Main janta hoon isme tumhari galti nahi hai, lekin agar tum samajhdaar ho, woh na samajh hain toh tumhe unhe samjhana chahiye. Jaise unki family unke liye important hain waise tumhare liye tumhari family important hain." Hayder tried to explain to Dawar. They both knew each other well, and that's why Hayder didn't want Dawar to make a decision that would lead to the most regret for him in the future.

(You left the house, but afterwards, you didn't talk properly with Bhabhi for weeks. I understand it's not your fault, but if you're sensible and she's not, you should make her understand. Just as her family is important to her, your family is important to you.)

"Tumhe kya lagta hai maine koshish nahi ki? Ya ab inn sab ke baad main maze mein hoon?" This time, Dawar got angry and frustratedly asked.

(Do you think I haven't tried? Or do you think I'm enjoying this after everything?)

Hayder remained calm and leaned forward, his expression urging Dawar to reconsider. "Ek koshish aur karlo, Dawar, kyuki main janta hoon tum khush nahi ho. Koi bhi rishta asan nahi hota, lekin iss tarah khatam kar dena bhi toh sahi nahi. Aur mujhe lagta hai shayad baby ke aney ke baad unki soch aisi na rahe? Shayad jab woh khud maa banne ke ehsas ko samjhengi toh tumhari situation bhi unhe samajh aye."

(Give it one more try, Dawar, because I know you're not happy. No relationship is easy, but breaking it like this isn't right. And perhaps, after the arrival of the baby, her perspective might change. Maybe when she experiences the feeling of becoming a mother, she'll understand your situation too.)

Dawar still looked at Hayder with anger; Hayder's words had no effect on him. That's why Hayder thought of trying another approach. "Kya tum apne bachhe ke liye nahi rehna chahte? Tum yaha na ho aur delivery hui toh?"

(Don't you want to be here for your child? What if you're not here when the delivery happens?)

Dawar's gazed faltered at the mention of his child, and his shoulders dropped. Looking tired and drained, he settled into his chair. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he then looked towards Hayder.

"Tumhe pata haina agar iss meeting ke liye main nahi jaunga toh tumhe Dubai jana hoga?" Hayder's expression changed drastically at Dawar's statement. He hadn't thought about this.

(You know if I don't attend this meeting, you'll have to go to Dubai, right?)

•••

Hayder arrived home, the weight of the office confrontation still lingering. He found Hyra in the living room, and without preamble, he asked her, "Tumhara passport haina?"

(You have a passport, right?)

Hyra nodded hesitantly, her eyes reflecting curiosity. "Haan, Dawar bhai ke paas hoga?"

(Yeah, Dawar bhai have it.)

For a while, Hayder looked Hyra without saying anything. Then, he ran his hand through his hair and asked. "Tumhara adhar choti mummy ke paas hai, tumhara passport Dawar ke paas hai. Tumhare paas tumhare khudke koi documents hain? Jissey proof ho tum Hyra ho."

(Your Aadhar card is with choti Mummy, and your passport is with Dawar. Do you have any documents proving you're Hyra?)

Hyra's gaze shifted to the floor, a meek and confused tone entering her voice. "Mere paas college ID hai, woh chalega?"

(I have my college ID. Would that help?)

Hayder opened his mouth to say something but then closed it and shook his head.

"Main Dawar se tumhara passport le lunga."

(I'll take your passport from Dawar.)

"Main chai lau apke liye?" Hyra tilted her head and asked,

(Should I get tea for you?)

"Haan, le aao." Hayder told Hyra and went towards Hanif Mirza's room.

(Yes, bring it.)

While making tea, Hyra suddenly realized why Hayder was asking about her passport. "Inhe mera passport kyu chahiye?"

(Why would he want my passport?)

"Hoga kuch!" Then she shrugged, not dwelling too much on it, and poured tea into the cup.

•••

Hyra learned at the dining table from Hanif Mirza that Hayder is leaving for Dubai tomorrow.

"Toh kal jane ke liye sari taiyyari ho gayi?" Hanif Mirza asked. Hyra, who was busy with the food, looked up, first at Hanif Mirza, then at Hayder. Who is going where?

(So, all set to leave tomorrow then?)

"Almost." Hayder glanced at Hyra, then answered.

Hyra also looked towards Hayder. Where is Hayder going tomorrow? Why didn't he inform her? she wondered.

•••

"Aap kal kaha ja rahe hain?" After dinner, when Hayder and Hyra returned to their room, Hyra asked Hayder, who had been on his phone. Since the evening, Hayder had been with Hanif Mirza first and then downstairs with Dawar. Hyra was upset that Hayder hadn't told her anything, and her voice reflected her displeasure.

(Where are you going tomorrow?)

Hayder looked at Hyra, then realization dawned in his eyes. He had forgotten to talk to Hyra about it. Since the evening, he had been figuring out how to quickly arrange a visa for Hyra, and that's why he was with Dawar.

"Dubai jana hai, ek important meeting hai." Sensing Hyra's displeasure in her voice, Hayder gently took her hand and pulled her closer.

(Have to go to Dubai, I have a meeting to attend there.)

"Oh," Hyra's heart sank.

"Kal hi jana hai, isliye tum apni packing theek se kar lena, waha main meeting ke liye ja raha hoon, tumhe shopping pe nahi le ja paunga." Hayder gave her instructions.

(We have to leave tomorrow, so make sure you pack properly. I'll be going for a meeting there, won't be able to take you shopping.)

"Ma... main apni packing kyu karu?" Hyra asked in confusion.

(I...why do I need to pack my stuff?)

"Toh kya tum waha mere kapre pehnogi?" In return, Hayder asked.

(So, will you wear my clothes there?)

"Main apke sath ja rahi hoon?" Surprised, Hyra removed his hand off her and looked at him.

(I'm going with you?)

"Haan,"

(Yes,)

"Kyu?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

(Why?)

Hayder looked at Hyra in surprise. He hadn't expected her to ask why. He had thought Hyra would be happy to hear that they were going out of the country.

"Kyuki... kya matlab hai kyu? Ghoom lena tum." Hayder was confused what say to Hyra's 'why'.

(Because... What do you mean why? You can explore Dubai.)

"Mujhe nahi ghoomna." Hyra refused.

(I don't want to explore anything.)

Hayder raised one eyebrow and looked at Hyra with a scrutinizing gaze, causing Hyra to lower her head and become defensive. "Ghar ka dhyan rakhne ke liye koi hona chahiye na."

(Someone should be here to take care of the house.)

Hyra's words softened Hayder's entire demeanour, and a smile appeared on his face. "Mere khayal se Shahzaib aur baba ghar ka dhyan rakh lenge. Tum waha mera khayal rakhne chalo."

(Shahzaib and Baba can take care of the house. You can take care of me there.)

"Aap bachhe nahi hain." Hyra looked at Hayder intently. She knew Hayder was just trying to pacify her, as if calming a child by giving them a lollipop.

(You are not a kid.)

"Tumhe kyu nahi jana hai?" By now, Hayder understood that Hyra didn't want to go, but he couldn't figure out why.

(Why you don't want to come?)

"Main.... main kabhi plane mein nahi baithi, mujhe darr lagta hai." Hyra realized that avoiding the issue wouldn't help now. Lowering her head, she confessed. She knew Hayder might be judging her for being afraid of boarding the plane.

(I've... I've never been on a plane; I'm scared.)

"Insan har cheez kabhi na kabhi pehli baar karta hai. Jab tak try nahi karogi kaise keh sakti ho darr lagta hai? Aur fir main rahunga na tumhare sath." Hayder wanted to explain to her gently, but for some reason, whenever he tried to convey anything, a certain hardness crept into his voice.

(Everyone experiences things for the first time. How can you say you're scared until you give it a try? And then, I'll be there with you.)

The realization of that sternness hit Hayder after he finished speaking. He feared that now Hyra might interpret his words differently.

"Mera jana zaroori hai kya?" Hayder was right; Hyra didn't understand anything. "Meeting apki hai, main kya karungi waha?"

(Is it necessary for me to go? The meeting is yours; what will I do there?)

"Kaha na mera khayal rakhne chalo."

(I just told you to come with me to take care of me.)

Hyra opened her mouth to refuse, but Hayder silenced her by placing his hand on her head. "Hyra, zidd nahi."

(Hyra, no stubbornness.)

"Aap... apne mujhse kaha tha apni marzi ki kiya karo, lekin aap mujhe meri marzi ki kabhi nahi karne dete."

(You... you told me to do what I want, but you never let me do what I want.)

"Jab jayaz zidd karogi toh karne dunga tumhari marzi ka."  Hayder tapped her forehead with a finger and said,

(When you make a reasonable request, I'll let you do what you want.)

Hyra took a deep breath, puffed her cheeks, and crossed her arms over her chest.

•••

Uff, there is so much to write in this chapter, but... well, let's just say my mind isn't in the right state to write more, and I already promised an update today, so here it is.

Khair, kaisa tha update? Boring? Theek theek?

Oh, I needed to talk about something, but now I'm too tired to discuss anything.

-Ufaq

P.S, Ramadan is around the corner and I get asked this question a lot : Will I take a break from writing? My answer is no. I don't take break or anything. Mera mann karta hai likhti hoon, nahi karta toh nahi likhti, simple😁