Ye Zindagi ka usool hai
Jou bicharr gaya usse bhool ja

Jou mila hai usse dil se laga Kar rakh
Jou nahi mila usse bhool ja

Na woh dhoop tha na woh chaandni
Na cheragh that na woh roshni

Woh khiyal tha koi khuwab tha
Woh tha aienaa usse bhool ja

Woh jou tere dil kay qareeb tha
Woh na jaane kiska naseeb tha

Tujhe hans ke usne bhola diya
Tou bhe muskura Kar usse bhool ja

Saboohi

I stretched my arms, feeling the silky sheets caress over my skin like sweet honey. My tired toes extending in poor help to ease the tightening muscles. I opened my eyes, wide, so that my lashes touched the roof of orbital ring around my eyes. The unfamiliar white ceiling looking down at me. I groaned lowly. Extending my legs to extreme levels. My eyes trailed from the unfamiliar ceiling to the rust sheets over me. And then to the figure lying besides me.

I gasped.

And ducked my face inside of the sheets. Giggles burst through my teeth and I smooched a hand over my mouth. My senses awakening and roaring with the sunlight.

I was married.

I was married to Jahan.

I pulled the sheets down, avoiding any other movement that might make the man spring awake. He lay far away. And dozed in the sheets on the king sized bed, I felt like being on the next planet because of how much space was between us. I smiled seeing his back turned to me as he barely snore. Tearing the sheets of my body, I stood up. Letting my feet relax against the fuzzy slippers besides the bed.

I stood up like a woman on mission and marched to the windows that were adjoined with balcony's glass doors. I ran my fingers over the fabric of the curtains, feeling the soft and smooth surface slide from my hands. Peeling the curtains apart, I let the sun rays wash inside the large room. Loving the feel of the sun on my first wedding day. Running a hand through my hair, I slid the glass door before hurrying to grab my white robe. Stepping out in the balcony, I gazed at the mountains that strained the valley. The towering pine trees and the grassland.

Carefully closing the door behind me. I let my eyes flicker to the man seeing him still sleeping, unmoved. Walking towards the wardrobes, I pulled out a cute white shalwar kameez before marching to the bathroom.

I was thankful to Afaaf as she said already organized most of the things for me and informed me last night to ask for anything I couldn't find. Peeling off the night dress, I turned the shower letting the water cascade down my body. Enjoying the warm water against my tensed muscles, I took my time showering, brushing my teeth, drying my hair and then straightening them. I walked out of the bathroom and hurried for the vanity table.

Looking through the cabinets and drawers I found my makeup box and my jewellery. Applying some lip tint, I applied mascara. Braiding my hair I let them rest on my back. Satisfied, I made my way to the door not before slipping on my white bow pumps.

I peeked out, hearing silence on the floor. Shyness bore on my skin with goosebumps and I bit my lips. Peeking down from the crown of the stairs, I saw Afaaf and her sister talk and laugh about something. Their figures sporting beautiful colourful dresses. Their faces glowing as they laughed. Their hair pinned nicely. My lips tucked down as I looked at them.

Maybe I should change my clothes.

I looked down at my white clothing and hurried back in. Lying on the sofa, I twirled my unbraided hair in agony of what to wear. Looking at the sleeping man, I huffed. Sauntering to my suitcase, I pulled it open and looked through my clothes. A red and gold number caught my eyes and I pulled it out. Seeing a long maxi dress reveal before me. Giggling to myself, I swept my clothes. Grabbed the red lipstick, made the perfect wink of the eyeliner and strapped my golden heels.

Pulling the long duppatta through my shoulders. I walked out much satisfied now. The staircase was decorated with flowers and everywhere I looked I saw white.

Why did this haveli have so much white?

Crossing the pillars. I stepped in the large hall seeing it spotless with neither of last night's ministrations. I smiled remembering how everyone made me and Jahan open all the gifts we received inspite of our wedding.

Low murmuring came from the kitchen area and so I walked in the direction. Biting on my bottom lip, I walked in the kitchen seeing Dadi Gul Jan, Aunt Serina, Afaaf and Faraal work on the stoves and islands.

I greeted getting everyone's attention. Their eyes turning to me.

" Walaikum Assalam, come Saboohi." Aunt Serina said lovingly and Dadi Gul Jan smiled at me.

" You look lovely, sit here and I'll bring something for you." Dadi Gul Jan walking out of the kitchen.

I nervously looked at Faraal and Afaaf seeing them smile at me. Faraal pulled out a stool from under the island and beckoned me to sit.

" I hope you slept well." She chirped working with the rolling pin and I nodded.

" How did you manage to wake up so early? Last night was tiring." Afaaf said and I smiled.

" I am an early riser. No matter how late I sleep, I always manage to wake up early." I informed playing with the beads on my duppatta.

" Hm Saboohi. This colour really suits you." Afaaf said easing up some of my nervousness and I grinned.

" Thank you."

" Could I help with something?" I asked, standing up from the stool seeing the women turn their eyes to me. I blinked at them fearing if I had uttered something wrong.

" New brides don't work in the kitchen dear. You could just sit and chat with us." Aunt Serina said.

" But I really do wanna help." I said resisting the urge to pout. Moma would have uttered a thousand things if I had pouted. Shaking my head internally, I glanced at Afaaf seeing her set out a pie.

" Would you like to decorate it?" My eyes lit up as I grinned.

" I'd love too." She smiled back pulling down some strawberries and jellies and some fresh cream.

I started my work on the pie and warmth filled within on how everyone here treated each other. Making me dive in thoughts that for a successful household it's not only one person who holds everyone up, it's the individual efforts that make families and households successful.

I ran a hand over my forehead, putting the last of the strawberries on the top. Faraal appreciated before she flipped the breads on the stove.

" Breakfast is ready. Faraal darling, would you please call everyone downstairs." Faraal nodded before walking out.

" Saboohi, Jahan did not wake up?" Afaaf asked, her eyes on the dishes as she assembled them.

" No." I said softly.

" Then, why don't you go and wake him up. We'll have breakfast together then." She suggested and I nodded.

Walking up the stairs, I gathered all the courage. Once inside the room, giddiness swallowed my stomach and I contemplated what to do. May be I should make some noise so that he wakes up himself? Or should I wake him up. The tingles ran from my scapula till the tips of my fingers. And fireworks burst inside of my stomach.

I shifted on my feet and leaned towards the sleeping man, seeing his dark hair falling onto his eyes, kissing his eyelashes. And his ears red, probably because of how much he tossed with the pillow. His arms were under the sheets and his lips were tucked tightly. I kept my hand over his shoulder and slightly nudged him.

" Jahan! Wakeup!" I whispered bending to his ear level.

" Jahan." I applied more pressure seeing him not respond.

What is wrong with this man?

" Jahan. Wake up. Everyone's waiting."

He seemed like a big stone, unmoved, unresponsive. I huffed and stood up straight. Letting my eyes run over his features, I slid my hand to his cheek and gently caressed his growing stubble.

" Jahan." I murmured softly.

The man sprang his amber brown eyes and looked at me. Like he was seeing me for the first time. His eyes grew large and he jerked away from my touch. I gulped and took a step back and he sat up in bed. His breathing labouring and before I could react he was standing up and walking towards the door. Making me frown.

" Jahan-" I called after him. Utterly confused at his reaction.

Following behind him, I saw him descend the stairs.

" Jahan, what's wrong? Did I do something-"

" Dadi Gul Jan." I pressed my palms to my ears as he yelled on the top of his lungs.

" Dadi Gul Jan! Mom!" The pillars might have shook with how he roared taking the ceilings over his head.

I followed behind him with quivering steps as he crossed the veranda and then the hall.

" What's going on?" Afaaf rushed out of the kitchen haphazardly, looking at the scene unravel.

" Where's Dadi Gul Jan?" Jahan yelled as he breathed heavily.

Doors opened behind me and I turned seeing Dadi Gul Jan look worriedly at Jahan.

" What's wrong?" She asked the man. Her forehead creased in worry. I turned back to look at the man seeing fury danced like flames in his eyes.

" You made me do it." He yelled at the woman.

I gasped in terror as he walked past me and into Dadi Gul Jan's room. Throwing away the things on her bed and around the room, he yelled as if wounded in pain.

" Look what you made me do. Look at me. You made me unfaithful. You made me a cheater. I cheated on her. I become unfaithful."

He yelled. Angry tears bursting down his red face as he pulled at his hair. Zaryaab rushed inside the room, catching the uncontrollable man in his arms and Dadi Gul Jan tried to calm him whilst she cried.

" No Jahan no." The woman kept repeating.

Aunt Serina ran in. Her figure stilling at the sight of her son.

" No. You made me unfaithful to my wife. I cheated on her. I broke all promises. All of her trust. She won't forgive me. She won't"

He slid to the floor and tears brimmed my eyes. Clenching my teeth tightly, I stood just outside the door seeing the man howl in agony.

" I am her culprit now. You made me her culprit." He yelled at no one in particular. He pulled his knees up and placed his head on it. His grandmother and mother sat besides him, hushing him up whilst Faraal ran in with water. I stood still, feeling the pain waver down his tears. My heart twisted in my chest.

His amber brown eyes flickered to me and I tensed.

" I betrayed her. I am no longer loyal to her." He murmured lastly.

His cousin walked past me and into the room. Seeing Jahan's state, he gave me an apologetic look before closing the doors. I sniffed and wiped away the lone trail of tears.

" Saboohi, come." A gentle hand touched my shoulder and I titled my head, seeing Afaaf give me a warm smile. I nodded my head and followed behind her. We pulled out seats and sat down, the breakfast laid out on the table before us.

" Maybe, um.. maybe I scared him." I scratched my forehead seeing the woman shake her head.

" It's hard for him Saboohi, I cannot imagine what he has gone through. He's just broken badly."

" Yeah." I said quietly.

" Zaryaab was like him in the starting-" she informed. Wrinkling her eyebrows as if thinking back in time.

" Yeah. What did you do then?" With interest, I leaned closer on my elbows.

" I had to treat him with utmost love and care. No matter what I thought about him." She shrugged her shoulders and smile genuinely at her. I liked Afaaf.

" Shoooo. And look who's here!" Giggling sounded and I looked up seeing Shaya and Mohid.

" Hey." I said.

Shaya greeted me. Taking the chair opposite to me, she let the boy down as he ran to his mother. We made small conversation until the other started to fill in. Everyone acted very normal like nothing had happened and I didn't let the smile falter from my lips. Khan Dada and Uncle Ali had returned from their morning walk unaware of what had occured but we sat around the table having breakfast. Jahan didn't join us. Neither did anyone ask for him.

I put my plate in the sink and then turned seeing Aunt Serina fill a tray with food.

" Saboohi darling, I hope I am not asking much from you. Can you please take this for Jahan." I tensed hearing her. Shifting on my feet uncomfortably, I nodded.

Taking the tray, I ascended the stairs and strolled to our room. The man was seated on his side of the bed when I opened the door. Closing it behind me I smiled.

" Breakfast here."

He didn't glance at me. But the tick in his jaw didn't go unnoticed by me.

Okay! So we had to go to the hard way.

I placed the tray of food before him like a stubborn lady and spread jam on a bread slice. Put some cheese omelette and closed in a sandwich. Forwarding the plate to him, I spoke.

" Eat."

" I am not hungry." He gruffed.

I comfortably sat on the bed, letting my legs rest over his. Taking the bread in my hand, I thrust it to his mouth. The man tensed, his amber eyes widening as he looked at me. I rolled my eyes.

" I am not gonna move an inch until you eat." I deadpanned.

He narrowed his eyes and tried taking the sandwich from me.

" Saboohi, I'll eat." He groaned, irritated.

" I'll feed." I sang and then laughed seeing him huff.

" Eat. Eat. Eat." I laughed as he took a small bite and then leaned against the pillows.

" Can my please move off of me. You're heavy." He complained, chewing and I gasped. Sitting more firmly, I narrowed my eyes.

" I am not gonna move even when you're done with food. Because I am certainly not heavyyyy." I yelled at his face.

He didn't respond. His expressions turned blank. And he let his eyes close. I fed and he ate. When he was done I slid down the bed and kept the tray on the coffee table he had or more like we had in our room. Flickering my eyes to him, I saw him look at me curiously. And so I smiled and walked over to the vanity. Picking up the small black velvet box, I walked back to him.

" Now show me what present did you get me?" My eyes lit up as I extended the box to him. Resisting the urge to squeal, I giggled instead and forwarded the box to him yet again.

" Saboohi, I don't-"

" Yeah. Open it what's inside." I cut through his words and tucked my feet under my knees. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair before sitting up properly. He opened the box revealing a beautiful ring.

" Wow." My mouth fell agape and my eyes widened.

Wiggling my fingers in front of him, I deliberately gave him the sign. The man breathed out loudly and slid the ring through my ring finger.

" I love it." I said examining the ring.

It was beautiful and I was instantly in love with it. I said a small thank you feeling my skin burn with heat. But nonetheless I grabbed the man's hand.

" Let's go." I said pulling my duppatta to my shoulder.

" Where?" He said standing and frowning at me.

" Downstairs. Everyone is there waiting for us."

He chuckled as I pulled him along with me, hurrying to the door. I smiled. The least he could do right now was respond to me.

" Saboohi, it's fine we don't have to go and-"

I knew for some reason that he was hesitant because of what had occured this morning and so masking all commotions, I made up a real quick response.

"No. We have to go together. What will everyone say if I just go alone, swinging my arms? They'll feel as if I am not happy with you." I whispered like a dirty secret. Seeing the man stare at me before he shook his head.

We walked downstairs, hand in hand, oddly. Everyone was seated in the hall, talking. Upon our appearance their eyes turned to us and Khan Dada welcomed politely. I took the seat besides Faraal while Jahan sat opposite to me.

" It's sad I'll have to leave so early." Shaya said.

" But remember to be here when Afaaf goes into labor." Afaaf hit her husband's knee playfully. Rolling her eyes at him.

" I'll be there too." Faraal squealed.

" What do you guys have to say about the gender." Aunt Serina asked and I turned my eyes to the couple.

" It's too early to say-" Zaryaab got her off and spoke in.

" I want it to be a girl."

" Hmm. Mohid's will be a brother to a baby girl." The boy looked with large eyes to his great grandfather as the man tickled him.

" Saboohi, you tell us about yourself? How was your teenage? Your school life?"

Faraal directed the questions towards me and I tensed.

Teenage.

Gulping I averted my  eyes to my duppatta and made ridiculous circles on it.

" I-i.. um-"

" I think we should head out for dinner." I looked thankfully at Bazid and so did the others. His self who was quietly scrolling through his phone now looked up at us.

" Where did you get this idea from?" Uncle Ali chuckled.

" Look, this new restaurant serves amazing food and why an occasion, we could just head out and have dinner and enjoy." He convinced.

" Hm. I would be a great change."

" then should I book reservations."

" Okay then. Seems like a plan."

" Saboohi go get dressed. We're going out." I smiled and stood up from my place as did the girls.

The stood before the vanity table, contemplating if I should change or not. A knock sounded and Afaaf peeked in. Smiling to me, she easily made her way inside.

" Should I change?" I asked assessing my self in the mirror.

" No, not at all. You look lovely."

" Really?"

" Yes. Why would I lie, silly." We exchanged a laugh and she pulled out few white and red half bloomed roses.

" I'll help you with your hair." She said and I nodded sitting on the stool. She brushed my hair and then pulled them in a neat bun. Pinning my strands, she tucked the roses on the sides.

" Perfect." She announced and I grinned.

" Thank you." Grabbing my matching clutch. I sprayed some perfume and walked down. As I entered the hall, the smile feel from my lips seeing everyone seated as I had left them.

" Aren't we going?" I asked suddenly feeling sad.

" Oh babhs. The restaurant had reservations for only two, so I book for you and Jahan." Bazid said grinning with his twinkling smiles. Everyone offered a smile and I nodded my head.

" But-" I started when a voice from behind me cut me off.

" Let's go Saboohi." Jahan said buttoning his suit jacket before he left with the keys. I stood staring at his back until everyone beckoned me.

" Go go."

" Go after him."

" Jaldi jaldi goo!"

" Hurry up. Run!"

They seemed more excited than me and so I silently waved and made my way after Jahan. We settled in the car and silence prevailed. The dark night enveloped us safely as we drove through the main road. Jahan was quiet and I couldn't break the ice either. We arrived at the restaurant and Jahan walked in, leaving me to stare at his back.

We sat down as our host guided us. The table we sat on was on the terrace and gave the view of the river on the back. The ambiance was so soothing and calm. Fairy twinkling lights decorated all around and the table were covered in black posh runner and candles. I felt nervous and shy all of a sudden being so alone with him. Jahan sat, staring at the river. Not making a single conversation with me. Yet still I gave him all the time he wanted.

He ordered the food as I told him that he could go on with the order and stuff. When the food arrived we ate in silence. Enjoyed dessert in silence and then drove back home in silence.

My inner self felt humiliated. But my outer cover knew what I had signed for. I had signed my fate with my own hands and I couldn't change it. I peeled off my clothes and undid my hair. Staring at my reflection, I gauzed as tears brimmed my eyes and then flowed down my cheeks. I sniffed and pulled on the faucet. Splashing cold water on my face, I slipped on my white night gown. Letting my hair cascade down my back. I walked out of the room seeing the dim glow of the lamps illuminate the room.

Jahan was fiddling with something on the writing table when I walked to the bed and slipped inside the covers. Pulling the covers over my stomach I stared at the man as he did his work and then switched off the lamps, letting the light from the balcony stream in.

Jahan made his way to the bed and lied down. I turned on my side so that I could see his back. He lay there, far away on his planet. But then he turned. His eyes flickering to my brown ones. As we stared at each other from our planets.

" I am sorry for this morning, Saboohi." He said quietly.

I blinked for once and nodded. He nodded as well and then turned his back to him again.

I closed my eyes just to have him add,

" And for the devastating dinner as well."

I grinned in the dark. He remained quiet after that. His sincere apology did something to my heart and I wished to cross my planet and reach his. And embrace him tightly. But instead I rolled on my back and stayed,

On my planet.

•

Chand Raat Mubarak Babes!! And Eid Mubarak to everyone who's already celebrating! ❤❤❤❤❤❤♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥