Birthday-II | سالگراہ

-Unedited

"Zahra it's only 30 minutes left in Iftaar ( opening a fast), do you think he will come?", Faryal said shifting her gaze back from the wall clock to Zahra. Zahra was lying on the bed with a feeding bottle in her mouth.

"He must be busy Haina. Let it be, I'm not that special. It should not matter to him...and me", She mumbled and heaved a sigh. As much as she wanted to feel better, his absence was bothering her.

"Koe nahi Zahra baki sub tou hain yahan humre sath (It's okay Zahra, everyone else is here with us)", She tried to convince herself.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in", She called out and was busy buckling up the chain of Zahra's silver embroidered khussa. She moved her head back and froze.

"Zohaib", Her face brightened and her eyes lit up as her mouth broke into a smile."Assalam u Alikum!"

"Ap aa gye (You came).....Zahra was waiting for you". His arrival overwhelmed her to the point that she didn't know what to say.

"Walikum Assalam! Sorry, I got late", Zohaib forwarded the bouquet towards her. Her eyes fluttered between the bouquet and his eyes in surprise.

"For me?", She gave him a quizzical look and hesitantly took the bouquet from his hands.

Zahra quickly sat up seeing her daddy. She threw the bottle and crawled towards the edge of the bed. Zohaib moved forward and picked her up in his hands.

"Nahi, pharosun k leye laya hun (No, I have brought it for the neighbor)", He replied in a mischievous tone.

"No", She pouted. "Why would you give it to the neighbor".

"Happy birthday", He said. She held the bouquet up to her nose and sniffed.  A smile crept across her face.

"Thank you", she looked into his eyes. "It's very beautiful". He smiled.

"Honestly speaking, I loved the flowers but still your presence was sufficient".

"You both are ready?", he asked.

"Yeah, I was just waiting for Zahra to finish her bottle", she said. She picked up the bottle from the bed again.

"Zahra finish it beta. Thanks to your daddy, we are already late. Everyone is waiting for us", she said looking at Zahra.

Zohaib took the bottle from her hand and rolled his eyes. "Zahra tell her that your daddy did not do such a thing". He sat down on the bed, placed Zahra on his lap, and fed her the formula milk.

"Zahra tell your daddy that he did",

Faryal went towards the dressing table. She combed her hair again and let them open. She opened a drawer, picked up a pair of silver jhumka. She examined herself, her organza lavender-colored mid-thigh length loose shirt, straight pants, silver embroidered khussa gave her an overall graceful look, exactly the way she imagined.

She moved her gaze at Zohaib's reflection in the mirror. He was wearing a cream-colored kameez shalwar with a black waistcoat over it. He looked handsome. He always does, she reminded herself. She starred at his reflection for a few seconds and then brushed off her thoughts.

"I want to stay here for few days. I've discussed it with mom as well", She tilted her head slightly at one side as she was wearing the jhumka in her ear. Zohaib looked at her, their eyes met through their reflection in the mirror.

"Baba needs my presence", she said but he was quietly looking at her. His silence was making her nervous.

She turned around maintaining their eye contact and she said: "Umm you can take Zahra with you for a night, and can drop her back when you go to work".

He thought for few minutes and then finally nodded his head. That's what she expected as his answer but she didn't know why her heart sank.

"I called few times why didn't you attend it?", he inquired.

"Oh", She facepalmed. "Sorry I think my phone is still in the bag".

"Next time when you go somewhere at least inform me. I got worried. You can do that, right?",

Faryal nodded her head. "I should have informed him, silly me. He was worried for Zahra", she thought.

"Let's go downstairs, Zahra is done", He stood up from the bed.

"Wait", She picked up Zahra's dupatta from the chair and placed it on Zahra's shoulder.

"Zahra is wearing a dupatta?", he smiled.

"Yup, it came with her dress", She gave him a smile back.

She blew Quranic verses over Zahra. "May Allah keep you away from the evil-eye", She grabbed Zahra's both hands and kissed them.

She took Zahra from him while he kept looking at her. The only thing he was able to see was LOVE, the purest and unconditional form of love in her eyes for his child.

"Let's go baba is waiting".

Faryal went ahead with Zahra in her hands whereas Zohaib followed them. They reached downstairs in no time.

"Ma'Sha'Allah you and Zahra are looking so pretty and similar", Mahum came towards them.

"Thank you", Faryal replied. She moved her head and her eyes fell on the two familiar figures standing at the door.

"Assalam u Alikummm", Faryal sang in a high-pitched tone and went towards them. Her scream got her everyone's attention. They turned their head's towards her.

"Ayza's parents", Zohaib froze. His eyes were wide, would be an understatement. Faryal took quick steps toward them and hugged Ayza's mother.

"I'm so sorry we got late", Aunty said.

"Don't feel bad about it. You both are here that's what matters the most", Faryal replied. They broke the hug, aunty first kissed Faryal's forehead and then took Zahra from her hands.

"Zahra look beta, nanu and nana jan (maternal-grandmother and maternal-grandfather) are here", Faryal said to Zahra. Zahra seemed happy. Uncle placed his hand on Faryal's head lovingly.

Baba jan came forward and greeted them. "Thank you bhai sahb for joining us", Baba Jan said to uncle.

"Faryal is our daughter too, we are grateful that you considered us for the invitation", Uncle said and took baba Jan in a brotherly hug.

The rest of the family came and greeted them with a surprised look on their faces.

"I think we should sit down for the dua (prayer) now, because we don't have much time left for the Iftaar (opening a fast)", Huzaifa said.

"He is right, everyone please settle down in the guest room", Dad said.

"Huzaifa beta did you check everything thing at the orphanage. Everything is done there. Right?", baba Jan asked.

"Ji uncle ap befikr rahen sub ho chuka hai (Yes uncle don't worry everything is done)", Huzaifa assured baba jan.

Everyone settled down in the guest area. The arrangements were made on the floor. Mom, tayi ammi, dadi jan, meesha and mahum were helping Amma jan while Huzaifa, Zain, Uzair, Usman, dad, taya abu and even Zohaib were totally involved with baba jan. It did not seem like that there were different families gathered together. They looked like one whole strong family.

Faryal draped the dupatta over her head, Zahra was sitting in her lap. Zohaib came and sat down beside her. The Qari sahb offered the dua (Prayer). A few minutes later they heard the Azaan and opened their fast.

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Faryal bent down to blow the candles. Her hair was about to touch the cake, Zohaib stretched his hand and grabbed it in one hand as he was holding Zahra in the other one.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR FARYAL, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU", everyone sang together. Faryal smiled. She took the knife and cut a piece of cake.

"Baba", She turned towards her Baba Jan with a smile pestered on her face. He took a bite from it first, then fed it to her. She placed the piece of cake on the plate and hugged her baba jan. He wrapped his hands around her tightly.

Everyone paused and looked at them silently. Amma jan was crying looking at her son and grand-daughter. It's been years now but their wounds are fresh. It's one of the days of their life that they don't know what they should feel, celebrate the arrival of their beloved Fary or mourn the biggest loss of their life.

"Fary", Baba Jan called out her name after few minutes.

"Hmm",

"Subko lagay ga hum apna cake bachana chahthay hain (Everyone will think that we are trying to save our cake)", He added with a smile.

Faryal laughed and broke the hug. Baba jan took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead.

"Happy Birthday meri jaan".

"Thank you baba", She stood up on her toes, kissed his cheek first and, then his hands.

"Thank you baba jan for everything".

She turned her gaze across the lounge.

"Hume bi cake milay ga? (can we have a cake?) Please", Meesha wiped tears from her face while Fahad Bhai wrapped his hand around her for emotional support. A hardcore girl like Meesha had only one weakness, that was her best friend.

Faryal smiled and nodded her head.

"But first let me feed it to my daughter", She picked up a small piece and fed it to Zahra. Faryal looked around nervously, she didn't know from where to start as there were so many people.

"It's okay, give it to the Zohaib also. We all can wait", Ayza's mother understood her perplexed expression.

"Yeah", Mom agreed.

She brought the piece of cake near Zohaib's mouth and he took a bite.

"Happy Birthday", He said genuinely.

"Thank you", She smiled.

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"Hmm, Zohaib where is Faryal's gift?", Meesha asked Zohaib with raised eyebrows. Everyone gave gifts to Faryal except Zohaib.

Faryal glared at her, signaling her to stop but she glared back and said "Kuch laye b ho? (Did you bring anything?)"

Zohaib dug out a small box wrapped in a gift paper from his waistcoat pocket.

"This for you", He gave it to Faryal.

"Thank you!", Faryal replied. She was surprised, again.

"Open it Faryal, let's see what he has given you", Dadi jan stated. Faryal nodded her head and carefully removed the gift paper, she knew all eyes were on her.

"Wow", she exclaimed when her eyes fell on a white gold butterfly floating pendant. Only one wing of the butterfly was attached to the chain while the other one was hanging. The sides of the wings were embellished with tiny diamonds.

"It's magnificent", she smiled and turned it around so they all can see it.

"She does not like pendants", Meesha said, confusion was evident on her face. "Zohaib you don't know this?", she continued in disbelief.

"Oh", Zohaib looked at her with wriggled eyebrows, he had no idea about it.

"No, I like pendants", Faryal said quickly.

"You didn't. You always said that you can not wear anything around your neck because it annoys you", Meesha reminded her.

"We can exchange it", Zohaib offered.

"It was in the past, I changed my opinion now", Faryal added.

"Fine", Meesha huffed. She knew Faryal was pretending.

"She has a bad habit of kidding in a serious situation don't mind please", Faryal gave a tight-lipped smile. "I love it".

Meesha glared at Faryal and then Zohaib. She grabbed Faryal's elbow and dragged her towards Zohaib.

"Jo pendant laya hai pehnaye ga bi wohi ( Whoever brought the pendant will make her wear it as well)

"Meesha", Faryal whisper yelled.

"Come on", Meesha said looking at Zohaib. Zohaib picked up the pendant from the box. He went behind Faryal, slightly pushed her hair to the side, and buckled up the chain. Faryal subconsciously grazed her finger on the butterfly and a smile appeared on her face.

"Great! now compliment her", Meesha demanded.

"What?", Faryal and Zohaib said simultaneously.

"What? Did I ask you both to climb a mountain? Stop overreacting", Meesha rolled her eyes.

"You are looking beautiful", Zohaib said.

"She always looks beautiful, say something else. Make her feel special", Meesha replied in a bored tone. "Idiot", she mumbled to herself.

Zohaib looked around and then stared at Faryal for few minutes. The living area was filled with people but there was a pin drop silence now. Faryal was thankful that elder males of the family were not there to witness Meesha's madness.

"Thank you for everything you have done for each and every person present here today, especially for Zahra. You are an incrdible person Faryal. You deserve all the happiness in the world", he said in a one go. His voice was laced with sincerity. Faryal looked into his eyes and realized he was genuinely saying this to her, there was no hint of pretending.

"Thank you", She replied. Her happiness knew no bound.

"That's it", Zohaib looked at Meesha. "If I have your permission can I sit now", he asked in a sarcastic way.

Meesha seemed in deep thoughts.

"Please take a seat", Faryal said to Zohaib.

"No stop", before Zohaib could take a step Meesha spoke.

"You both didn't take any picture together, give me your phone Zohaib", she spoke.

Faryal snapped her head towards her, "Stop targetting him Meesha, It's more than enough now".Meesha ignored Faryal, stretched her hand forward, and demanded stubbornly. "Your phone".

Zohaib heaved a sigh and handed his phone to her.

"Bhai tum tou pakka jannat jao gay (You are surely going to the heaven)", Uzair said to Fahad bhai, thier eyes were fixed on the scene happening in front of them.

"Qasmay (I swear)", Huzaifa took a sip from the tea while Fahad bhai laughed at their remarks.

"Stand here", Meesha pointed. Faryal and Zohaib stood together awkwardly with a quiet gap in between.

"Seriously?", She said with a displeased expression." You call it a pose", she rolled her eyes.

"Mahum please come here, help me", Meesha said looking at Mahum.

"Why not", Mahum happily came forward.

"Interesting", Huzaifa mumbled. "Two lunatics together, Ap ko Allah hi bachaye Zohaib bhai (God bless you Zohaib)."

Meesha kept instructing Mahum after that,  while Mahum made sure she was doing everything alright. Faryal kept glaring at both of them but as usual, they ignored her, whereas the rest of the family were silently enjoying their photoshoot.

"Mahum now wrap his hand around her waist", Meesha instructed. Mahum moved forward.

"No way Mahum, everyone is looking at us", Faryal whisper yelled.

"Let me do my work Faryal", Mahum replied seriously.

Faryal pursed her lips, moved her eyes towards Zohaib who seemed as awkward as herself.

"Move naww", Mahum pushed Faryal toward him and wrapped his hand around her waist.

His touch was like an electric shock, forcing her heart to pound. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She was getting nervous.

"Smile", Meesha called out.

Zohaib was very well of her state. "Easy, don't panic", he muttered and tightened his grip on her to comfort her.

"Come one guys, smileeee", Meesha yelled again.

They both gave a tight-lipped smile.

"Lovely", Meesha exclaimed.

"It's enough please, I'm going", Faryal turned around.

Meesha ran towards her and held her arm. "Stop Fary, just one more".

"Please Meesha",

"No, just ONE MORE. Zohaib kiss her on her cheek now",

"You are gone crazy Meesha", Faryal said in a low anger-filled voice. "Stop embarrassing us in front of everyone".

"What's embarrassing in showing love to your own life partner?", Meesha replied cooly.

"Insane", Faryal muttered and turned around but Meesha stopped her again.

"Do it happily or you know I won't leave you until you do it", Meesha warned her.

"Hatho (Get aside), I haven't eaten cake yet. Let me go.", Faryal stated.

"I won't",

"Meeshaaa", she whined.

"Why is the photoshoot stopped?", Dadi Jan asked loudly.

"Don't worry dadi jan, we are just discussing something", Meesha gave a thumbs up to dadi jan.

"It will be the last one", Zohaib asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Promise, it will be the last one", Meesha assured him.

"Fine", Zohaib replied, he grabbed Faryal's hand and pulled her towards him. Meesha adjusted her camera. Faryal was taken back by his sudden move, she gazed up at him wide-eyed.

He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly. She froze at his touch, the wind knocked out of her.

"Great", Meesha said. "Stay like this. Don't move. I've to take few pictures".

"Done", Meesha grinned after few minutes.

Zohaib straightened up, looked at Faryal who was already looking at him.

"Pori dunya mein tumhe yehi jalad mili thi dost bananay k leye (In a whole wide world, you only found this executioner to befriend with)", He said in a low voice and smiled.

A smile appeared across her after listening to him. At that exact moment, Meesha took a picture.

"Ma'Sha'Allah, both are looking so adorable", Dadi phupho said. Everyone looked at her in surprise. Dadi phupho was using sweet words for Faryal, Ah! It seemed a miracle.

"They both are going to have very beautiful kids. It's been almost 4 months since they got married, they should have given us good news by now", Dadi phupho added.

"In ka sudharna mushkil hi nahi na mumkin hai (It's not difficult but impossible for her to get improved)", Huzaifa shook his head.

Zohaib's grip got loosened on Faryal. Dadi phupho made it awkward for him. A fear arose in Faryal's heart that what if he again distance himself and Zahra from her now, ignore her like he used to do earlier.

She thought for a few seconds, gathered her wits, and said "Zahra is enough for us". Zohaib looked at her in astonishment.

"What?", Dadi phupho asked as she didn't hear her properly.

Faryal gulped and repeated her words loudly, "I said Zahra is enough for us....actually more than enough".

"Phupho they will surely have lovely kids one day. Don't you think so it's very soon and unfair to pressurize them for having a child when their first child is already an infant. Please give them some time to adjust and decide things by themselves. For an intelligent woman like this should not be a big deal", Ayza's mother said this time.

Dadi phupho smiled, she only focused on the part "An intelligent woman".

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Assalam-u-alikum/Namaste!❤

How was today's update?

This birthday sequence is getting lengthier than I initially thought so I had to split the chapter into two parts. I'll post the next part once I complete it.