Misunderstanding |غَلَط فہمی

Muje baar baar sada na de,

Meri hasraton ko hawa na de,

Mere dil mein aatish-e-ishq hai,

Meri aag tuj ko jala na de.

------------------------------------------

Unedited:

Zohhaib rolled over on the bed, turning his side, and stretched his hand forward, the bed was empty. He groaned and opened his eyes.

"They are not here, again", he mumbled in displeasure.

He got down from the bed and went inside the washroom to get freshened up. A few minutes later he walked back into the room.

"Nobody care for me", he huffed and stored out of the room to find Faryal.

Faryal was sitting in mom's room, making lists.

"Faryal I can't find my blue T-shirt, can please find it for me", Zohaib said.

"It's in the cupboard, I hanged it yesterday.", She said nonchalantly.

"It's not there, I've checked it already.", he said. Mom's eye flickered between them. "Come find it for me".

"Fary I'll do the remaining, go help him", Mom said.

"Chalen Fary? (Shall we go Fary?)", he asked smugly.

Faryal pressed her lips together and nodded. He picked up Zahra and they walked up to back to their room.

He sat down on the bed and put down Zahra beside him. She went towards the attached walk-in closet. went through his T-shirts.

"Here you are", she mumbled and took out a navy blue T-shirt. She walked back into the room.

"Look I told you, I have hanged it", she showed him the shirt with a victorious smile pestered on her face.

He turned his head towards her and gawked at her. "Umm, I don't want to wear this one, find the gray one for me".

"But you wanted the blue T-shirt", she frowned.

"I changed my mind", he shrugged.

She looked at him in disbelief and again went towards the closed. He repeated the process a few times.

"Zohaib I hope this time your decision was final", she narrowed her eyes and showed him a black T-shirt. He opened his mouth to say something but she quickly added, "I've got other things to do".

"Han jao baki sub ki fikr karo, wo zyada zarori hai tumhre liye. (Yes you go and take care of everyone else, they are more important)", he stated and shifted his eyes towards a distant wall but her gaze was fixed on him. He was getting annoyed.

She fetched a deep breath strode towards him.

"Zohaib", she called him softly.

"You've got other things to do, don't waste your time here", he replied with a blank face.

"I didn't mean that", she said meekly and stood in front of him. She placed her hands on his shoulders.

He looked up, their eyes met. "Do you remember when was the last time we have actually talked?", he questioned.

"Umm..", she bit her tongue.

"It's over a week", he blunted.

"I want to help mom in everything", she said.

"Mom and Tayi Ammi can manage everything together. Helping them doesn't mean you have to get occupied by it completely",

"You know Zohaib I've grown up lonely, this is the family I always wanted. I'm happy doing all this. Mom doesn't ask for help that doesn't mean she would never need it. If somebody wants my help I can not deny it", she said.

"Mujhe nahi smjhna (I don't want to understand)", he lowered his head and pressed the apex of his head against her abdomen. He groaned. She enveloped his neck in her both hands.

She thought for a moment and then heaved a sigh, "Okay, I accept it's my fault. I didn't ignore you purposely but yet I should have kept the balance".

"Yup",

"Lekin kehthay hain na k kuch itna bi nahi bighrtha hai k theek na kiya ja sake (But they say something is not that damaged that it can't be repaired)", she said.

"Let's go out", he said quickly. He backed off and looked up again. "I won't take much time, we will come back soon so you can continue whatever you want to do".

"Okay", she smiled. "If that's what makes you happy Mr. Grumpy".

He shook his head and smiled at her.

"But have breakfast first", she said.

"No, I'll grab something outside", He picked up Zahra and they went downstairs together.

"Can you inform mom? We will wait for you here", He said to her. She nodded and went away.

"Zahra we are going out, wait a bit for your Ammi", he said happily.

"See she is back", he smiled as Faryal reappeared. Faryal was going towards Zohaib.

"Faryal", Mahum came in between.

"Shukar hai tum yahan mil gyi (Thank God I've found you here). I want your opinion, please come with me. I'm getting so indecisive.", Mahum grabbed Faryal's hand. Faryal looked at her and then at Zohaib in the background. The smile on his face slowly disappeared.

"Can you please help me now? I don't have much time.", Mahum pleaded.

"Mahum I-",

"Chalo bi Fary (come Fary)", Mahum pulled her. Faryal turned her head back, her eyes met with his. A wave of hurt pass through his features, he turned around and left the house with Zahra.

*****

Faryal dialed Zohaib's number, but he didn't attend. She dialed again and again but still didn't get any response. Meesha was observing her intently.

"Ya Allah, what have I done?", she mumbled and rubbed her forehead.

"Aese idhr udhr chalne say masla hul nahi hona (This strolling won't resolve your problem)", Meesha stated. "What happened Fary?".

Faryal turned her head towards Meesha and shook her head. "Kuch b nahi (It's nothing)".

"It's nothing, huh? are you for real?", Meesha was unconvinced. "Just look at your face. Bathao b kya masla hai (Tell me what's the problem)".

"Zohaib is mad at me", Faryal said reluctantly. Meesha gave her a look that clearly told her to continue.

Faryal fetched a deep breath and told her whatever happened in the morning.

"Fary why are you such an idiot?", Meesha facepalmed. "You should have explained it to Mahum. I know she would have understood".

"He has taken out Zahra with him since morning and it's almost afternoon now. I know I've messed it up badly but he knows how impossible it is for me to say no to anyone", Faryal sat beside Meesha, she was on the verge of crying. Meesha glanced at her, she understood.

"Whatever was supposed to happen has already happened. Zohaib can not stay mad at you I know that. Please don't be upset Fary", Meesha side hugged Faryal.

Faryal placed her head on Meesha's shoulder and remained quiet.

"I hope so", Faryal said in almost a whisper.

"What are you wearing tonight for the mehndi", Meesha tried to divert her mind.

"Nahi hona muje tayar (I don't want to get ready)", Faryal threw a fit.

"Haww why won't you get ready? that impossible when I'm here", Meesha said lovingly. "Show me your dress. Come on".

"Get up Fary",

Faryal stood up disheartedly, she took Meesha towards the closet and picked out a dress.

"Mom gifted it to me", Faryal said showing her the outfit she was going to wear tonight.

"Wow, it's so pretty", Meesha said. Her eyes fell on something red, she moved forward and took it out from the cupboard.

"What's this?", Meesha asked.

"Sari, Tayi Ammi gifted to me on Zahra's birthday",

"Have you tried it yet?", Meesha raised an eyebrow.

"No, it needs alteration.",

Meesha examined it, "Why do you want to alter it, it's perfect. The blouse would cover your skin as you prefer. Just the neckline is a bit deeper than your preference".

"A bit deeper", Faryal repeated Meesha's words to show her disagreement.

"Yes a bit deeper. You should have worn it for Zohaib at least", Meesha said. "Budqismati say wo abhi ghar pay nahi (Unfortunately he is not at home) but you at least try it out Fary".

"Mees-",

"Are going or should I make you do it with my ways", Meesha glared at her. "Goooo". Meesha pushed her inside the washroom ignoring her protest.

"Fary why are you so naive", Meesha heaved a sigh and walked deeper into the room.

The door clicked open, she turned around and her eyes fell on Zohaib. He entered the room with a sleeping Zahra in his arms.

"Hi", she greeted him in low voice. He nodded in reply. She glanced towards the washroom and then back to Zohaib and smiled mischievously.

"Ab itni bi budqismati nahi hai wese (by the way it's not that unfortunate)", she mumbled and walked past him and left the room.

Zohaib carefully laid down Zahra on the bed.

He took off his T-shirt opened the closet to pick up another one but instead he opened his drawer and took out a red velvet box. He opened the lid of the box, an emerald stone on the ring shone.

Flashback:

"I can not decide which one she is going to like", Huzaifa said looking at the rings displayed in the jewelry shop.

"Me too", Uzair looked around. "Huzaifa just because of you and Mahum mama forced me to buy a ring for Roshni. We could have left it up to our mothers they know better what they both are going to like".

"Where are we stuck, these women" , Uzair sighed.

"Ah women!", Huzaifa shook his head. "We can call them crazy yet they have wrapped us around their fingers perfectly", Huzaifa laughed.

Zohaib was standing behind them silently listening to their banter. He realized Faryal didn't have a wedding ring yet she never asked for it. His eyes were roaming around the shop and got fixed on one. He asked a salesman to show it to him. The emerald ring shone in the warm lighting of the shop.

"Wow, it's beautiful", Huzaifa said to Zohaib.

"Thanks for the help Zohaib", Uzair said happily.

"Help?", Zohaib frowned. "I didn't help you I'm buying this".

"We brought you with us for help, if you remember", Uzair said.

"You should decide by yourself", Zohaib shrugged and handed the ring to the salesman for the packaging.

Uzair and Huzaifa bought the rings too but after turning the shop into a mess.

Flashback ends.

He closed the lid of the box and shoved it inside the drawer again. He mindlessly picked up a shirt.

"Meeshu I told you it needs alteration", Faryal said supporting the neckline in her hands. He turned around. She looked up and froze. There was a pregnant pause as she saw him starring at her, his gaze showed.... she couldn't decipher.

A shiver ran through her spine, butterflies erupted in her stomach and heat rushed towards her cheeks and neck. His eyes were locked at her face for a while and then it descended down. He gulped, his adam apple bobbed up and down.

She turned around to get away from him but he quickly grabbed her hand in no time she was pressed against the closet. He felt the rise and fall of each breath and was inches from the slightly parted full lips.

"Zohai-",

And without a warning he pressed his lips against hers, muffling her words. He was slowly and delicately kissing her lips. The planet rotating beneath them seemed to stop its endless cycle, and the infinite universe of worlds clashed as the space between them suddenly ceased to exist. Time stopped in its tracks. There was nothing left on Earth, or in the entire universe for that matter.

She felt like her legs turned into a jelly. She placed her trembling hands on his naked chest for support. She didn't know how to respond to the tsunami of emotions erupting in her body and tears welled in her eyes due to nervousness.

The moment he realized she was breathless he backed off. They were breathing heavily. He looked down at her tear-filled eyes and then felt her trembling hands on his chest and his eyes flew open.

"Did I scare her? I should have asked for her consent", he mentally cursed himself. He covered her slightly visible cleavage with the palu of sari. She was numb. He picked her up in his arms in bridal style and placed her on the bed. He filled a glass of water and brought it near her mouth. She took a few sips and then turned her head away. She was sweating heavily.

"I'm sorry", he said.

She snapped her head towards him. He looked remorseful. He turned back and went inside the washroom to calm his nerves.

"He regrets it", she thought and tears fell from her eyes. She closed her eyes and laid down beside Zahra hiding her face in the pillow.

*****

Mahum was humming a happy song and walking across the corridor. Huzaifa peeked out of his room, he grabbed her hand from behind and pulled her inside his room.

"Ahh", Mahum screamed.

Huzaifa quickly covered her mouth to muffle her screams. "Stop it, or else everyone will come here".

She elbowed him on his stomach. He yelped and removed his hand.

"How romantic", he mumbled and rolled his eyes.

Her roamed eyes across his room, there were a lot of changes. The old retro car photo frames were exchanged with the classic paintings, new curtains and beddings, and his bean bags were replaced by a chesterfield sofa.

"You have made these changes?", she asked in surprise.

"Yup", he pressed his back against the wall. "I thought my room was boyish and since we both are going to share the room in few days I made the changes with the help of mom. You can do whatever you want to do afterward but for now, I just tried",

"I loved it", Mahum beamed.

"You didn't need to make all these changes, I'm going anyways.", Her smile disappeared.

"It is still going to be your room", he replied.

"Why can't you stop me from going abroad Huzaifa. You said by yourself that I can study here, I just don't understand why you are so adamant to send me now", Mahum said in frustration.

"Don't waste the opportunity, that's all I want. Remember you wanted to fulfill Taya Jan's wish.", he said calmly.

"Then you will come with me", she folded her arms on her chest.

Huzaifa came forward and held her hands. "Mahum try to understand. You don't have to break your father's heart and at the same time I can not leave dad alone, he needs my help in the company. They are letting us get married without any hurdle then why can't we think about their happiness too. We both can pay visits to each other. It is just a matter of two years."

"Huzaifa you are right but I just don't want to live without you", she whined.

"Fikr na karo dosri shaddi nahi karun ga tumhri ghair mojodgi mein kyun kay khudkushi aik bar hi ki jathi hai (Don't worry I won't get married a second time in your absence because suicide is only attempted once)", he said playfully.

"It ain't funny", she narrowed her eyes at him.

"You talk a lot and made me forgot why I brought you here, come", he made her sit on the bed.

He took out a khaki-colored envelope from the drawer and handed her. She peeked inside the envelope, he has brought gajray for her.

"What's that for?", she questioned as she took out the gajray from the envelope.

"I hurt you that day when you wanted to wear them, so I brought these for you today. Accept it as an apology", he said softly.

She put on the gajray on her wrist and starred them. "Tomorrow is our nikkah and you will become mine", she was playing with the gajray.

"Hmm", Huzaifa smiled.

"And on the first day of our marriage, I'll have to leave. Sirf aik din ki dulhan hongi mein (I'll be just one-day bride)", she laughed ruefully.

Mahum looked him into the eyes and said "Reh lo gay mere baghair (Will you be able to live without me)". He turned his face away.

"Koshish karun ga (I'll try)", he grabbed her hand and placed it on his heart.

She leaned closer, held his jaw and turned his face towards herself, and said "Look me in the eyes and say that".

"Koshish karun ga (I'll try)", he replied.

"Aur agar na reh sake ( And if you can not do that?".

"Don't make it more difficult for both of us Mahum", he heaved a sigh.

"I wish I could have stopped you", he thought.

*****

Faryal stepped inside the hall taking slow steps as Zahra was holding her finger. She glanced around, the white and pink exquisite fresh floral decor and different types of lightning looked incredible. Faryal looked down Zahra was lost in the decore as well.

She sat down on the floor on her feet. "Zahra I know you are thinking of a way to get to all these things haina?", she picked up Zahra in her arms and stood up. "But I am going to spoil your plan", she laughed. Zahra groaned.

"Let's go and see what your Chachi is doing?", Faryal walked up to the place where everyone was sitting.

Mahum, Meesha, and Inaya were sitting on the floor cushions. Two girls were applying henna on the hands of Mahum and Inaya.

"Fary come", Mahum called her. "We were waiting for you".

"Zahra was asleep, I was waiting for her", Faryal said.

"What is the name of the groom", the girl asked.

"Huzaifa", Mahum smiled. "Write it in capital letters".

"Write Huzaifa on my hand too", Inaya said mischievously.

Mahum's smile vanished.

"NO DON'T YOU DARE", Mahum told strictly to the girl.

"Why? he was almost my groom-to-be", Inaya winked and high-fived with Meesha.

"He is mine", Mahum said. The possessiveness was dripping from her voice. She nonchalantly moved her head and her eyes fell on Huzaifa. He was standing at the far end of the hall and looking at her.

"You want to see my effect on him", Mahum smirked. "There you go".

Mahum smiled at him and then blew a kiss to him. Huzaifa beamed. Meesha whistled and it broke his trance. He quickly turned around and collided with a wall. He rubbed his forehead and left the place.

"Did you see?", Mahum laughed. Inaya, Faryal, and Meesha joined her too.

"By the way, the destruction you have done in the hotel cost me a lot", Meesha said. "But it all worth it".

"I had lost my mind", Mahum giggled.

"Thank God you did that. Or otherwise, I would have to get married to him", Inaya heaved a sigh of relief.

"Your's henna is done", the girl said to Mahum.

"Thank you, it's so pretty", Mahum said.

"Faryal it's your turn now", Meesha told her.

"I can not apply it now. I can't take care of Zahra with it", Faryal made an excuse. The heaviness in her heart was enough to consume her mood.

"Zain come here", Meesha called Zain. "Can you take care of Zahra?",

"Sure", Zain nodded.

"Take Zahra from Faryal", Meesha ordered him.

"Apply henna on her hand", Meesha instructed the girl. "You love applying it and how come you won't apply it that too in front of me".

Faryal extended her hand. The girl started applying henna to her hand.

"Write Zohaib, her husband's name too just as you have written on our hands", Meesha said.

The girl nodded. Faryal didn't say anything, she knew Meesha would make her do that even if she doesn't want to.

"You know what we all are crazy in love but I just love the way Faryal and Zohaib Bhai love each other. The deep, sensual type of love. It's divine, soft, special, embracing, and soul full", Mahum said dreamily.

"Love", the word stopped the world around Faryal.

"Zohaib how does it feel when someone falls in love?",

"If it keeps you awake at night and still makes you dream. If it makes you weak in the knees and still becomes your strength. If it makes you restless and still gives you peace, it is love. Pure love. Because only love can be everything all at once".

"I'm in love with him", the realization dawned upon her. Her own thoughts knocked the wind out of her lungs. She quickly snatched her hand back from the girl.

"It's not done yet", the girl said.

Faryal stared not only at her incomplete henna but half spelled name of Zohaib.

"Let me complete the name", the girl said. Faryal stood up.

"What happened?", Mahum frowned.

"Yeh kafi hai (It's enough)", Faryal replied and hurriedly climbed the steps. She entered the room and closed the door behind her with a thud.

"How did it happen?", she mumbled and looked at her hand. "How can I fall in love with him?", her lips wobbled and tears welled up in her eyes. She strode towards the washroom, turned on the tap, and let the water flow on her hand. She rubbed off the henna.

"How can I love him", she kept mumbling and the tears continued to seep down her cheeks. She swallowed down a sob and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

Once the henna was rubbed off she turned off the tap and starred at his incomplete name on her palm.

"How can I fall in love with you Zohaib", a loud sob erupted from her mouth, she couldn't hold herself anymore.

She placed her hands on the countertop for support.

"Falling in love with you was completely unexpected. I've only seen him as a friend I don't understand how it changed. But he...he only sees me as a friend and considers me a child. I'm so stupid".

"Neither I can unlove him now and nor I know how to live without him. I want him in my life", she sniffed and added "as a friend and my husband".

"But it's impossible... I was in his room just for the show, what will happen when everyone will go back to Lahore. Will he expect me to leave his room again? How will I live lonely again after having the best time with him and Zahra? Maybe that's all we had", she wailed.

"Faryal", Huzaif's voice came from the outside. "Are you there? Zahra is asking for you."

Faryal paused, "Yes I'm coming". She said.

"Okay", he replied.

Faryal washed her face, adjusted her hair and dupatta, and stepped out of the washroom.

"Zahra was asking fo-", Huzaifa stopped when his eyes fell on Faryal.

"Come Zahra", Faryal took Zahra from him.

"Why were you crying?", He asked looking at her swollen eyes and red face.

She remained quiet.

"Kisi nay kuch kaha hai? (Did anyone say something to you?)", he questioned.

"Is it about Zohaib bhai?",

She shook her head.

"Then who hurt you, tell me Fary", he placed his hand on her head.

"My own expectations", She looked up and smiled with swollen eyes.

His heart ached at the pain in her eyes. He moved forward and gave her a brotherly hug.

"I'm not convinced by your answer but I won't pressurize you. If you want to share anything you can tell me. We can solve it together", he said softly.

"Huzaifa I'm fine now. Don't worry, please. Thank you so much for being there for me", she hugged him tightly.

"Just remember I'm always there for you", he said again.

She nodded.

"I'll go now, Zahra must need your attention", he backed off.

"Thanks", Faryal gave him a half-smile and he left the room.

Faryal fed Zahra and readied her for bed in a rush so they can sleep before Zohaib's arrival. She dimmed the lights and laid beside Zahra on the bed. Zahra was tired that's why in no time she fell asleep.

Faryal was starring at Zahra and kept kissing her in between. The mere thought of a lonely room was scaring her.

"I'll stay away from him, if I didn't I won't be able to deal with my broken heart. Because I want more and he never gave me any hope of a forever. It wasn't his fault".

*****

Zohaib was sitting in the chair in lawn starring at the dark sky with a blank face but his thoughts were haywire.

"Zohaib", Dada Jan's voice came from behind. Zohaib turned his head back and gave a half-smile to Dada Jan.

"Why are you sitting here alone while everyone is having fun inside", Dada Jan asked softly and settled down on a chair beside him.

"I don't know", Zohaib replied in a low voice. The truth was that he didn't have the courage to face Faryal after how the things turned out between them. He was cursing himself for forcing himself on her.

"I should have asked for her consent", he kept telling himself.

"Dada Jan can I love two people at same time?", he questioned.

"The answer is yes and no", Dada Jan smiled.

"How it can be both?", Zohaib asked and gave him a quizzical look.

"Muhabbat mein hur cheez ki maafi mil sakthi hai lekin shirk ki gujaish nahi hothi. Kisi dosray ko muhabbat mein hissa dar bannanay ki maafi nahi kyun kay shirk tou khuda bi maaf nahi krtha (There can be an apology for everything in love except accepting someone else and giving them a part in it. There is no apology for adding someone else because that's what even God won't forgive).

"But if I think about your condition it is also possible to love two people at same time. Each relation between two persons is absolutely unique. You love each person differently because of who they are and the uniqueness that they draw out of you. Loving one does not mean unloving the other one, love is all about acceptance. That's why the answer lies within you, my boy",

"And how would I know the answer?", Zohaib asked.

"Does your love for Faryal changed your feelings for Ayza?", Dada jan raised an eyebrow.

Zohaib shook his head.

"Or does your love for Ayza changed anything you feel for Faryal?",

"No more", Zohaib replied.

"You got your answer already", Dada jan smiled.

"Can I begin anything new with all of yesterday in me? Wouldn't it be an injustice to Faryal? I showed her every jagged edge of mine and still, she stayed. I have never planned on loving her this much, but my feelings for her are just insane", Zohaib said.

"You were carrying a heavy weight which nobody was able to feel. It hurt you, it exhausted you, it was affecting your life. You carried it alone, until Faryal came in your life and saw what no body else could see. That's what getting diagnosed with a chronic illness is like Zohaib. You accept your feelings in front of her and then let her decide whatever she wants. It's her call", Dad Jan said.

"You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, young man, but you do have some say in who hurts you. This time it is you who is hurting you. Tell her whatever you feel for her and let her decide what she wants to do with your heart", Dada Jan patted his back.

"Thank you Dada jan", Zohaib hugged Dada Jan tightly. "Thank you so much".

"Be happy my boy", Dada jan laughed.

*****

Zohaib carefully opened the door of his room and tiptoed inside. His eyes shifted towards the bed, the Faryal and Zahra were fast asleep. He sighed in relief.

He walked up to the bed and settled down on his side. He glanced at them, they were glued to each other. His eyes traveled down towards Faryal's hand. He could see the incomplete and light traces of henna.

"What has she done with her hand", He frowned because he knew very well how much she liked applying the henna on her hands.

" I love you and I'll make everything better between us Faryal, I want you in life as my companion", he thought.

The memories of their kiss flashed in his mind and he smiled.

"As much as I regret scaring you, I can not deny the fact that I loved it. That was our blissful moment".

He laid down on the bed and tried to think of a way to confess his feelings to her.

*****

Faryal was sitting in the living area with a sleeping Zahra in her lap. Zahra woke up in the early hours of morning that's why Faryal took her out of the room. She played for a time being and then fell asleep in her Ammi's lap. It was early morning so the house was as silent as a feather. The sun was peeking through the mountains.

"Faryal what are you doing here so early", Mom asked as she crossed the threshold of the living room.

Faryal turned her head towards mom and greeted her. "Zahra woke up that's why I took her here. Zohaib was asleep I didn't want to disturb him", she said.

"Go and take some rest, we have a long tiring day ahead", mom said.

"I'm fine mom, Zahra is asleep. If I moved she would wake up", Faryal gave a tight-lipped smile.

Mom kissed her head lovingly. "I'll prepare the tea for us. Let's have mother-daughter time".

Faryal smiled.

Mom went away and came back after a while with a tray in her hands. She handed a cup to Faryal.

"Thanks, mom", Faryal said. It was much needed because her head was still throbbing due to crying.

After that, the living area started getting crowded with the family members. Zahra was also awake by now.

"Good morning", Zohaib called out as he joined them. His eyes automatically roamed around and got fixed on Faryal. She was talking with Zahra and didn't spare him a glance.

He walked up to them, bent down in front of them, and kissed Zahra while his eyes were fixed on Faryal. She kept looking down.

"Good morning", he whispered.

"Good morning", she replied but didn't glance at him.

"Breakfast is served", Tayi Ammi said.

Everyone started getting up from the places and went towards the dining area.

"Faryal can you please pass me the juice", Zohaib said using his old technique trying to get her attention.

Faryal filled the glass and gave it to him.

"Can you please pass me the boiled egg", he said.

She took a boiled egg and placed it on his plate. She is giving her everything except her attention.

"Please pass me black pepper", he stated.

She was about to move her hand forward but mom intervened.

"Zohaib it's right in front of you, why can't you pick it up for yourself. Let her have the breakfast", Mom said.

Zohaib nodded but didn't pick it up for himself and silently ate the breakfast. Faryal picked up the black pepper cellar and placed it beside his plate. He didn't touch it.

"I want you to look at me", he groaned. "I'll talk to her after breakfast".

She stood up from her seat and disappeared along with Tayi Ammi. His face fell looking at her retrieving figure.

"Zahra why is she mad at me  I just kis-", he stopped as he realized he was talking with Zahra. "I know I acted as an idiot if she don't want to talk to me at least she could look at me. Let see for how long she can ignore me".

"I'll confess my feelings to her today", he whispered.

*****

Assalam u Alikum/Namaste,❤

I hope everything is great at your side.

How was today's update?

Which part of the chapter did you like?

P.S: I'm so sorry for breaking my promise. The thing is that I suddenly decided to rewrite the whole chapter right before I was going to post i. Its just I didn't feel right when I reread my own words. I wanted to show the emotional breakdown and insecurities of Faryal. Up till now, she has been the one who was sponging all the pain from Zohaib. No matter how positive and altruistic she is, the pain she absorbed from him must turn into pain for herself. Girls are considered as the rehabilitation center for men in our society. If a boy does not take his career seriously, get him married. If a boy does not move on from the past, get him married, etc are the bitter truth of our society. In most cases, boys don't change and it's the girl who has to suffer.

Faryal was fortunate enough to have a person like Zohaib who was caring and respectful towards her but still, her insecurities are valid and he must clear that before taking a further step in their marriage (I believe).

I know you don't like me saying this but if I had not changed the chapter today this was going to be the last chapter of this book, Zohaib-Faryal happy union. Few more chapters to go now. And don't worry I'll write the epilogues which will include their moments.