Unease | خلش

Unedited:

Tujh say bichrha hai magar ishq kahan khatum hova,

Yeh wo jeeti hovi bazi hai jo haari na gyi.

tou hai wo khwab jo ankhon say uthara na gya,

tou wo khwahish hai jo hum say kabhi maari na gyi.

___________________________

It's been over three weeks since the incident. In these past three weeks so much has changed in their lives. Faryal and Zahra were staying at Khan villa. Zohaib used to pay them a visit every evening and would leave after putting Zahra to sleep. Faryal was still stuck to her words and avoided him as much as possible and was successful in doing that.

Zohaib was extremely patient all that time. As much as her behavior was hurting him, he gave her time. He had sleepless and lonely nights, missing Zahra but yet he gave Faryal the right over his own flesh and blood and didn't complain even once. On the other hand, Faryal was restless too. She had several emotional breakdowns but somehow she convinced herself that all this was better for her than his rejection. And above all, there was one question which was bothering both of them and they have been asking themselves was, "What's going to be the future of their daughter because she can not live without her both parents".

"Which color of the flower do you want Zahra?", Faryal asked Zahra showing yellow and red paint tubes to Zahra.

"red or yellow? Which one Zahra?".

Zahra starred at Faryal with her eyes wide open, and then picked up a green color paint tube from the floor and gave it to Faryal.

"It's green", Faryal laughed. "But don't worry we can paint the leaves and grass by using green color".

"Zahra wants her flower green", Amma Jan chuckled. Faryal turned her head and looked at Amma Jan who was sitting on the sofa.

"She would understand eventually Amma Jan.", Faryal smiled and turned her head back to Zahra. "She is a baby, Ammi's little baby", Faryal said in a baby voice and kissed Zahra's nose.

Faryal poured down a bit of green color on the palette.

"Ammi", Zahra called her and sat down near Faryal, keeping her one hand on Faryal's thigh.

"Yes", Faryal looked up from the palette towards Zahra, but Zahra didn't reply instead she was intently looking at whatever Faryal was doing.

Faryal picked up the red and yellow tubes and poured some patches of them on the palette also.

"Ammiii", this time Zahra dragged her name a bit.

"Ji Ammi ki Jan (Yes, Ammi's soul)", Faryal glanced back at Zahra. Zahra signaled towards the colors probably asking for what was that.

"We are going to draw and paint so my baby can learn to differentiate between the colors, Nana Abu (maternal granddad) has brought these for you yesterday, remember?", Faryal said.

"Let's start", Faryal picked up a brush, she dipped it into the red paint.

"This is red, your favorite color these days", Faryal said to her. They were busy painting and controlling Zahra from touching the colors.

"Faryal bibi can you please check the expiry date of these medicines?", Azra baji said. Faryal placed the paintbrush on the palette. She took the medicine one by one from Azra baji and explained the dates. Zahra moved away.

"That's all Azra baji, if you still have confusion do ask me", Faryal said politely.

"No, I understood", Azra baji said.

Faryal smiled at her and the moment her eyes turned towards Zahra she paused. Zahra was playing with the palette and brush. Her cream-colored lawn sleeveless frock and her face were blotted by red, yellow, and green colored patches.

"Zahra", Faryal gasped. Zahra smiled showing her two front teeth. The sight in front of Faryal was ambushing and cute.

"Aww she is looking adorable", Amma Jan laughed.

"Yeh kya kiya Zahra? (What have you done Zahra)", Faryal shook her head and tried to take the brush and palette from her.

"Ehhh", Zahra shrieked and crawled in the opposite direction.

"Zahra come let's get you cleaned up", Faryal said. She glanced at the wall clock and mumbled "Zohaib comes at this time".

"Nooo", Zahra screamed, she got up on her feet and started running around.

"Zahra-", but before she could say another word Zahra paused and threw the things on the floor. Faryal looked up Zohaib was standing in front of Zahra. He stepped forward and picked her up in his arms. He kissed Zarha's cheek. Faryal kept standing at her place.

"You had quite a busy evening", Zohaib said eyeing the paints all over her. Zahra blabbered in reply showing him the paints on her hands. His shirt was stained by all the colors but it didn't bother him. He looked at Faryal, the moment their eyes met she slowly turned around and gathered all the mess they both have created in the living room.

"Zohaib, come inside beta, why are you standing at the entrance?", Amma Jan called him.

Zohaib walked inside.

"Assalam u alikum Amma jan", Zohaib bent down in front of Amma Jan. Amma Jan held his face between her hands to kiss his head but instead, she frowned. "You have a high fever". Faryal paused hearing Amma Jan's words and her features tensed.

"I'm doing well Amma Jan.", Zohaib said. Amma Jan kissed his head and told him to sit beside her.

"I can see how well you are. Did you take medicines?", Amma Jan questioned.

Zohaib shook his head, "I'll be okay, don't worry".

Agha Jan and Zain appeared, Zain was holding Agha Jan's arm protectively. Zain had taken him out for the walk as prescribed by baba Jan. There was not a single day Zain let Agha Jan alone. He was always around him.

"Zohaib tum kub aye beta? (Zohaib when did you come son?)", Agha Jan smiled.

Zohaib greeted them and asked Agha Jan about his health. "I feel better", Agha Jan gave him a weak smile.

"Zahra what are you up to?", Zain chuckled. Zahra smiled coyly, by now she has put the patches of paints on Zohaib's face as well.

"Faryal, give Zohaib a clean shirt of your baba", Amma Jan stated.

Faryal nodded. Zohaib took Zahra to Faryal's room. Faryal joined them with a T-shirt in her hand. She silently forwarded it towards him, he took it from her.

Zohaib was trying to clean Zahra's face with tissue paper but the paints were already dried. He was worried that the paints might react on her baby skin.

"These paints are harmless for kids, they are organic.", Faryal said. Zohaib stopped and looked up. She said something to him after weeks.

"I didn't say anything", he replied.

"Come Zahra", she said softly. Zahra wasn't ready to leave her daddy, but eventually, Faryal convinced her. She knew very well her Ammi is going to put a stop to her messy joys.

Faryal cleaned up Zahra in the washroom and then picked up another summer dress for her from the closet and sat down on the bed. Zohaib went inside the washroom.

"He is going to think I can't take of Zahra", she mumbled to herself. The washroom door clicked open. Zohaib strode forward and sat down on the bed, with his back pressed to the headrest. Once Zahra was done she crawled towards him and sat down in his lap.

Faryal glanced at him, he looked pale. When he talked with Zahra he smiled weakly. Faryal's heart ached.

She stood up and went downstairs towards the kitchen.

"Faryal bibi I can help you if you want", Azra baji said.

"I can manage Azra baji, don't worry", Faryal said looking into the fridge.

"I'm just preparing tea and some sandwiches for Zohaib so he can have the medicine. Please cook something good for him for the dinner. He is very picky when it comes to eating and now when he is sick he is going to throw a lot more tantrums while eating", Faryal laughed.

"I'll cook something for him",

"Thank you!", Faryal smiled and prepared the sandwiches for him according to his taste. A few minutes later she was done with everything. She put down the cup of tea and sandwiches on the tray alongside medicines and a glass of water.

"Get well soon Zohaib", she mumbled and took the tray in her hands, and strode out of the kitchen.

"Zain", she called out.

"Yes bhabhi", Zain turned around.

"Can you please give this to Zohaib?", she asked.

"Sure bhabhi", Zain agreed.

She handed him the tray and Zain went upstairs. Faryal heaved a sigh in relief and went back to the kitchen to clear the mess she has created there.

Zain put down the tray on the nightstand. Zohaib looked at him questioningly, "Bhabhi sent it for you".

Zohaib nodded. After spending some time with Zohaib Zain left. Zohaib glanced at the tray it has everything he needed but not what he wanted. He wanted her presence.

"Aik baar haal hi poch lethi mera (She could have asked about my health once)", he thought. Her silence was hurting him. "How could she not pay attention to me?".

He played with Zahra and then decided to leave. He picked up Zahra in his arms and went downstairs. He gave Zahra to Faryal's baba.

"I'll leave now", Zohaib said.

"It's too early, have dinner with us Zohaib", Amma Jan said. Zohaib usually went back to Durrani's house after having dinner with them and putting Zahra to sleep.

"You are not feeling well as well", Amma Jan added.

"Raat ruk jao Zohaib (Stay here for the night Zohaib), get some rest.", Baba Jan said.

"I'm sorry but I'll have to leave", Zohaib bid adieu to them and left the Khan villa whilst Faryal was busy in the kitchen helping Azra baji. Faryal heard the car horn and frowned because everyone was already home. She peeked outside the window and saw Zohaib driving away from the car. The watchman closed the main gate but she kept staring at it.

Later at night when she saw the untouched tray she had sent for him, all her worries transformed into fear.

Next day:

Faryal took out a dish from the oven, with her hand covered by an oven mitt.

"Khusbho tou bht achi aa rahi hai (It smells good)", Amma Jan said holding Zahra in her arms.

"I wish it tastes good", Faryal said.

"It will", Amma Jan assured her. "What the name of it, I forgot".

"Banana oatmeal cookies", Faryal said.

Once the cookies cooled down Faryal packed some of them in an air-tight jar and left the remaining for everyone. Amma Jan looked at her intently.

"I've saved some for Zohaib", Faryal stated looking down at her hands.

"Hmm", Amma Jan hummed and a smile crept on her face.

"I've cut the onions and tomatoes, Faryal bibi what should I do now?", Azra baji asked.

"Are you cooking today?", Amma Jan asked in disbelief.

"Yup", Faryal nodded happily. "I've learned daal makhani from Tayi Ammi, I thought I should cook it for dinner. Zohaib likes it". Faryal almost whispered the last sentence. Her features tensed after mentioning his name.

"Fary go back to your home, we do miss you but no matter how many days you spend with us still you have to go back one day. Everything we have belongs to you but your husband and house need your's attention."

"Zohaib didn't ask me yet to come back. I'll go when he will tell me to.", Faryal replied meekly.

"He doesn't want to pressurize you Fary, you have to decide when you want to go back. I'm very grateful to him for his thoughtfulness. There are few men who have the heart to do this for his in-laws and Zohaib is one of them.", Amma Jan said softly.

"Just a few more days Amma Jan", Faryal said and hugged her.

"If it wasn't necessary we would never have let you go away but we need to let you go", Amma Jan kissed her head.

*****

"Should I set up the dinner?", Azra baji asked.

Faryal looked at the wall clock, it was past 9 p.m but Zohaib didn't come yet. "Yes", she nodded. She has been waiting for him since the evening.

Zain, Amma Jan, Faryal, and her baba sat down at the dining table. Agha Jan was asleep in his room.

"Azra come, have dinner with us", Amma Jan stated.

"Amma Jan I've already had the dinner", Azra baji replied.

"Okay then you can go and take some rest you will be tired we will manage the things here", Amma Jan said and then Azra baji left after a few minutes.

"Fary cooked the dinner today", Amma Jan said.

"Umm it's delicious", Baba said. "I've not eaten anything as yummy as this".

"You are just exaggerating baba", Faryal smiled.

"I'm clearly not", Baba Jan said. "Zohaib didn't come today?".

Faryal looked up from her plate and said, "He must be busy".

"How is he feeling now?", Baba Jan questioned again.

Faryal didn't know what to say. Zain glanced at her and said, "I went home after my classes and he wasn't home. I'm sure he is fine that's why he went for work".

"Okay",

"How're your studies going Zain? we caused you so much trouble sorry for that son", Baba said.

After that Zain and Baba Jan kept talking. On the other hand, Faryal didn't eat anything and kept playing with the food whilst lost in the thoughts.

"Fary why are you not eating?", Amma Jan frowned. Her words broke Faryal's trance.

"I've had enough, Zahra is sleepy and I need to put her to sleep", Faryal stood up.

"But the dinner", baba said eyeing her plate.

"I'm full baba", saying that she went upstairs. Zahra kept asking for her daddy but somehow Faryal put her to sleep.

"Patah nahi tabiyut kesi hogi unki (I don't know how he will be feeling now)", she mumbled. She had a gloomy look on her face.

She picked up her cell phone from the nightstand and without a single thought she dialed his number. His cell phone was switched off.

Tears finally brimmed her eyes, threatening to spill down her cheeks." I used to move the mountains for you with my courage and yet the stone of love feels heavier this time Zohaib". Only he had the power to make her feel things that no one else could ever make her feel and she hated herself for giving him so much influence over her.

"Isn't it what you wanted? he is making it easier for you to stay from him. You should be jumping with joy and feel relieved instead of crying right now", her inner self mocked her.

"The bravest thing I've ever done is to let him go even though every inch of my heart craves for him", She wiped her tears.

*****

Huzaifa knocked at the door lightly a few times. It was almost 12 o'clock when he came back from the office and Nadia baji told him that Zohaib was unwell and has skipped his meals.

He turned the knob, the door was unlocked. He crossed the threshold of the pitch dark room, holding a tray in his hand. He switched on the light. He shifted his eyes towards the bed, Zohaib was lying on the bed covered in a comforter. The memories flashed back in front of his eyes of a few months ago and a pang of fear crept into his heart.

He stepped forward, placed the tray on the table, and then walked up to the bed.

"Bhai", Huzaifa called out. Huzaifa carefully removed the comforter from Zohaib's face, Zohaib was drenched in sweat and looked pale. He was hugging Zahra's soft toy.

"Bhai", Huzaifa called him softly. Zohaib slowly opened his eyes.

"Yeh kya hal banaya hova hai ap ne apna? (What have you made of yourself?)", Huzaifa said in a worry-laced voice. "Why are you covered in a comforter in such hot weather?",

"I'm fine Huzaifa, I was just feeling a bit cold", Zohaib mumbled.

"Cold?", Huzaifa farrowed his eyebrows and held Zohaib's hand in his. "You are burning with fever. Let's go bhai I'll take you to the hospital". Huzaifa stood up.

"No", Zohaib sat down with his back pressed to the headrest. He rubbed his forehead and said, "The fever will come down, don't worry".

"Have you taken the medicine?", Huziafa asked. Zohaib shook his head.

"Bhaii", Huziafa pressed his lips together and shook his head in displeasure. "Nadia baji told me you have been skipping the meals too, aesa kese chale ga bhai? (How will it work brother?)".

Zohaib looked at him deadpanned.

"Come on, get fresh. I'm famished and I want to eat with you", Huzaifa grabbed Zohaib's hand and pulled him. "Stop giving me these uninterested looks please, get up Bhai".

Upon Huzaifa's constant insistence Zohaib went to the washroom and came back after a few minutes. Huzaifa placed the tray on the bed between them. Huzaifa served him food.

"When Faryal and Zahra are coming back? I mean it's almost three weeks since they have gone", Huzaifa asked.

"Over three weeks", Zohaib replied." And I don't know when they are coming back".  Huzaifa frowned and starred at Zohaib for a few seconds.

"Agha Jan is fine, I've talked to him. I understand Faryal got affected but she can come back home now", Huzaifa said.

Zohaib stayed silent.

"Bhai is everything alright between you and Faryal?", Huzaifa asked hesitantly. He had a feeling that there was something off about his brother.

Zohaib looked at the distant wall.

"I know I am not supposed to interfere but trust me if you have any issue we can work on it. Maybe we can find a solution together.", Huzaifa said sincerely.

"Muje tou yeh bi nahi patah k kuch bacha bi hai hmre beech theek krne k leye ya nahi (I don't even know if something has left between us to make amends of)", Zohaib shifted his eyes towards Huzaifa. A wave of hurt passed through Zohaib's features.

"Don't say this please.", Huzaifa tried to comfort him.

"She was crying on the night of my mehndi when I came to your room. I asked her but she didn't tell me anything. Kuch hove tha tub? (did something happen at that time?)", Huzaifa asked.

"Everything has turned upside down Huzaifa", Zohaib rubbed the frown lines on his forehead.

"Things have not turned upside down Bhai. Look closely, she has just stopped putting her efforts into the relationship, that's all that is left without her. If you don't feel anything for her after months of marriage, then she is not yours to keep. She is another man's blessing. It's a high time we should stop acting selfishly. Be real about how you feel and stop wasting her time. She deserves someone who thinks she is too important to lose". Huzaifa provoked Zohaib's already messed up mind.

"She is my wife Huzaifa, for God's sake. Why would she be another man's blessing", Zohaib snapped.

"Then tell her, you can not live without her. Tell her how painful it is for you to bear her silence. Tell her what you have made out of yourself for her.", Huzaifa replied calmly.

"As if she would listen to me?", Zohaib heaved a sigh. "She was never this hard to be understood".

"Then make her listen, don't give up like that", Huzaifa said instantly. "She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table, and you understand this better than me for sure. Right?".

Zohaib nodded.

"You love her", Huzaifa smiled. Zohaib stilled and looked up at Huzaifa. "Confess your feelings bhai take away all her insecurities. Faryal deserves every ounce of your love. She is naive, crying will be her extreme reaction unlike my wife who knows how to punch hard", Huzaifa laughed. He was trying to lighten up the atmosphere. Zohaib's lips stretched into a small smile.

"You got beaten up by your wife", Zohaib raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Phir bi mera dil us pay fida hai. (Still, my heart is crazy for her) ", Huzaifa laughed.

"How is Mahum?", Zohaib asked.

"She is trying to adjust but I understand it's hard for her even it's hard for me too. I'm planning to pay her a surprise visit next week that's why I'm working overtime these days. Seeing her unhappy is making me restless", Huzaifa said.

"You bring your daughter and wife back, without them the house feels so spiritless. Zain is also staying with them, he is obsessed with Agha jan and Amma jan".

Zohaib nodded. Huzaifa took the tray in his hands and put it aside. He picked up a first aid box and took out medicines for Zohaib and poured water in a glass for him. He forwarded it towards Zohaib and yawned.

Zohaib took the medicine from Huzaifa and gulped it. "Huzaifa you should go and get some sleep it's already midnight".

"I can sleep with you in case you need some help", Huzaifa stated.

"No, you don't have to trouble yourself. I'm alright. Thanks for coming here and talking to me. I feel much better", Zohaib said.

"If you need me, give me a call and I'll be there", Huzaifa said.

"I will", Zohaib smiled. "Good night Huzaifa".

"Take care Bhai, good night", Huzaifa smiled and went away.

Zohaib picked up his cellphone and

He heaved a sigh and opened the drawer to put the medicine inside it. His eyes fell on an unfamiliar notebook. He took it out and went through it, it was Faryal's notebook. He was about to put it back in the drawer when something fell out of it on his lap.

He looked down, it seemed a note. He picked it up and unfolded the paper.

[A/N: Italics are the notes Faryal has written down when Zohaib wasn't home. The bold italics are the lines she has cut down with a line over them. I wish I could add a line over the text but unfortunately, Wattpad doesn't have an option for it. Sad life :(  And in between the brackets are Zohaib's reaction while reading the letters. And I've added 2 more letters.]

I don't know from where to start because Zohaib you always understand me even without saying a word.

("What is this?",  Zohaib mumbled and continued reading the letter.)

Everyone is taking care of me and Zahra like they always do, you don't have to get worried for us. I'm absolutely fine, although it's the first day since you have gone but Zahra is missing you terribly. We can not blame her for that she is a baby she can not understand that her daddy has to pay back to society and fulfill his professional obligations too but one day when she will grow up she will be a proud daughter. She loves you a lot.

Zahra should be forever daddy's girl just like me. I want Zahra to love you more than me, I mean just 1% more. (Zohaib's lips twitched up in amusement)

I mean 0.5%.

0.000001%.

Nooo I take my words back Zahra should love me more and you should love Zahra more. That's how it should be. Why would she love you more than me?

And I miss you too, please come back soon. Nothing feels the same.

("You are something else Faryal", Zohaib mumbled and shook his head. He picked up the other note and unfolded it.)

"Zahra's birthday is in a few days and I am feeling excited yet extremely nervous. I've been gifting her the things Ayza bought for her and dressing her up every day with everything new to make her feel special since her birthday month has started. She deserves all of your attention too. Neither do I have an idea about if you remember that and nor do I know how to discuss it with you. I just don't want to hurt you, I can't bear to see you getting hurt.

I understand it will refresh all your wounds but that does not mean we will ignore our daughter's happiness. Being Zahra's parents it's our duty to give her the best, everything doesn't necessarily have to be grand but it should give her the warmth of our love. Until now I never understood why my baba wanted everything extraordinary on my birthday when he was going through a lot but...I realized that's how parents are. Selfless. Unconditional. And courageous, even when they are wretched up or the worst when they are no more.

I wish I could take away all your pain to make peace with reality, and I wish we could live as a happy family. Never mind. I think that's enough for tonight's rant haha. If I didn't stop now I'll for sure end up crying, you are right I'm a cry baby. Zahra's asleep. Don't worry I gave her a one kiss from your side. We miss you, please come back soon :(

Fi'Amanillah (May Allah protect you).

Apki Faryal (Your's Faryal).

(Zohaib froze for a moment)

Apki dost Fayal (Your's friend Faryal).

Regards,

Faryal.

(Zohaib hurriedly unfolded the third note)

Gosh Zohaib, I'm mad at you right now, like really really mad at you. Although Zahra said my heart would melt down for you, she is right but you don't have to know all this. Just consider me mad at you, okay?

Now you will ask me why am I even so angry? Ab yeh bi muje bathana hoga (Now I'll have to tell you this also?)

Why did you tell Huzaifa I'm a kid? I can't believe it. I understand Huzaifa is a sweetheart but still, It was soooo embarrassing.

(Zohaib could imagine a whining Faryal and he smiled)

You can not roam around and call me a kid.

Who throws tantrums whilst eating? YOU.

Who leaves the wet towel on the bed? YOU.

Who sulks more? YOU.

Who is more stubborn? YOU.

The list goes on but still, I'm a kid, right? But ain't complaining about all these things you do, I can never. I find you cute like this.

The responsible, gentle, and organized man for the world is a childish, carefree, and messy young boy around me. With ruffled hair and a cheeky smile. Whose eyes shine with mischief and his presence gives me the warmth and comfort. How can I complain about all this?

I love it.

I admire it.

Nope, I just find you cute, that's it.

But that doesn't mean I'm not mad right now, I am. Next time don't call me a kid in front of anyone.

(Zohaib laughed out loud this time)

What am I even writing, Koe baat nahi (doesn't matter ) I'm not giving this to you anyways. Like I'm talking to you yet I'm not.  I'm counting the days for your arrival. Be safe Zohaib. We miss you a lot.

("I miss you too Faryal", Zohaib starred at the note and heaved a sigh. He picked up the last note.)

"Aj dil nahi likhne ko, aise kijyen khud smjh lijyen (I don't feel like writing today, understand it by yourself today).

Zohaib looked at the note intently the ink on the paper was smudged at various points. "She was crying", he frowned and kept staring at the note. This was the smallest yet the heaviest one out of all she had written for him.

"You were never this hard to understand Faryal. One moment you yearn for my presence and the other moment you are moving away from me so fast that it has caused havoc inside me", he closed his eyes.

"But I won't let you go, no matter what you can't go away like that", he said determinedly.

He picked up his cell phone and realized it was switched off. He connected the cell phone with a charger and turned it on. Several notifications popped up but the one got his attention and ee smiled as he realized Faryal had called him. That was the first time in those 3 weeks that she has called him and unfortunately, he had missed it.

"She will be asleep by now, I'll call her tomorrow", he thought.

He saw the messages from his seniors about the Medical convention of 3 days he was supposed to attend and suddenly an idea popped up in his mind.

*****

Zahra was playing with baba Jan early in the morning.

"Baba if you are getting late for work I'll take Zahra from you", Faryal said.

"No", baba Jan glanced at his wristwatch. "I can spend some more time with my Zahra, I'm waiting for Zain we both are going together", he tickled Zahra, and Zahra chortled.

"Zain is giving medicine to Agha Jan", Faryal stated. Everything around her was fine but the gloominess in her heart was not leaving. She checked her cell phone but Zohaib hasn't called back.

"Maybe he will come to meet Zahra in the evening", she thought.

"Assalam u Alaikum!", She heard Zohaib's voice and turned her face. Zohaib was standing in front of baba jan.

"Daddy", Zahra clung herself to Zohaib and he quickly took her into his arms. Faryal blinked her eyes in disbelief, she couldn't feel anymore the gloominess she felt seconds ago. Baba and Zohaib were talking to each other.

Amma Jan also joined them.

"Actually I've to attend a Medical convention in the Azad Kashmir", Zohaib glanced at Faryal "For which I'll have to take Zahra and Faryal with me". He shifted his eyes back to baba Jan.

"You are attending that convention, that's great", Baba Jan said. "Although we are going to miss both of them terribly, you can take your wife and daughter along. They are yours to keep. Fary are you okay with it?" Baba asked.

But before Faryal could reply Amma Jan said, "Okay hi Okay hai bhai (It's completely fine). What would she say? Zohaib beta start the preparations. For how many days you are going?".

"20 days", Zohaib said. "And we are leaving tomorrow".

"20 days convention?", Amma Jan frowned. Baba Jan looked at Zohaib in bewilderment, he knew Zohaib lied.

"Yes 20 days", Zohaib said. "Right uncle?", he wasn't just lying but also including her baba into it.

"Yeah, if Zohaib is saying it can be 20 days", baba Jan shrugged.

Zohaib smiled in victory. He turned his head towards Faryal, she was already looking at him.

"Ab kahan bhaago gi? (Where will you run away now?)", he thought and mentally patted himself for coming with this plan.

"The weather is going to be cold there, pack your things accordingly", he said. She nodded.

"If you need anything for yourself or Zahra I can take you for the shopping", he added.

"Zahra doesn't have warm clothes", she said.

"I'll take you for shopping in the evening, I need to leave for work now, I'm getting late. Allah hafiz".

"Allah Hafiz", she mumbled.

*****

Hello!

I hope everything is great at your side.

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