"Baba! Aap ek baar Ibtisham bhai se baat toh kariye." Minal said, while writing names on the wedding cards.

(Baba, you should call Ibtisham bhai.)

Not many days have left for Hayder and Hyra's marriage, Hanif Mirza wanted to marriage to take place as soon as possible.

"Kis liye?" Hanif Mirza was busy playing candy crush in his ipad.

(For what?)

"Sage bhanje ki shadi hai. Achha nahi lagta agar woh nahi ayenge. Aap ek baar bhai ko call kariye, unhe kahiye ajaye." Putting the cards and pen down, Minal said.

(His nephew is getting married, he should be here. You call him and tell him to come.)

"Gair hai woh ussey phone karke bulao? Itna hi ehsas hota sage rishto ko toh khud ajata."

(Is he a guest whom we should invite? He should consider these things.)

Hanif Mirza was still angry with his son. How could Ibtisham believed others and thought Hayder could do something like this.

"Baba, kya aap meri baat se ab tak gussa hain?" Both Hanif Mirza and Minal didn't notice when Ibtisham Mirza entered the living room, holding his trolley bag, and his blazer hanging on his left arm.

(Baba, are you still angry at me?)

"Bhai! Aap kab aye? Assalam-Alaikum." Minal was too excited to see her brother that she forgot to greet him.

(Bhai! When did you come?)

"Walekum-Assalam! Gudiya! Kaisi ho." Putting his hand lovingly on his sister's head, Ibtisham asked.

(How are you?)

"Assalam-Alaikum, Baba." Ibtisham Mirza went to his father, and bowed down a little to take his blessings.

"Walekum-Assalam!" Gruffly, Hanif Mirza put his hand on Ibtisham's head and greeted back.

"Baba, ab tak naraz hain mujhse." Sitting on the floor in front of his father, Ibtisham asked like a child.

(Are you still angry at me?)

"Minal, issey pucho itni narazgi ka khayal tha toh pichle 6 saal se kyu nahi aya milne." Crossing his arms, Hanif Mirza questioned.

(Minal, ask him why didn't he care about me anger earlier, why hadn't he come to meet us in last 6 years.)

"Baba, bas... kaam itna tha fursat nahi mili... ab toh agaya hoon na. Maaf kar dijiye." Holding his ear, Ibtisham apologies.

(Baba, I... I was really busy with business, but now I am here. Forgive me.)

"Baba, na naraz rahiye bhai se." Minal said in the favour of her beloved brother.

(Baba, please don't be angry at bhai.)

"Ek shart pe. Issey kaho ab yeh jaldi jane ka nahi kahega."

(Only on one condition. Tell him he won't leave soon.)

"Baba, aap jab tak kahenge main yahi rahunga." When Ibtisham promised, it is when Hanif Mirza smiled.

(Baba, I will stay as long as you want me to.)

"Waise baki ghar wale kaha hain?" Ibtisham looked around in the empty living room and asked.

(Where is everyone?)

"Shahzaib aur Hayder toh office gaye hain. Baki sab shopping pe." Minal told him, then run toward to kitchen to make refreshments for him.

(Shahzaib and Hayder are in office. And everyone else has went out for shopping.)

•••

Tabu, Kubra, and Zara were really happy with Hayder's marriage.

Kubra always wanted her brother to marry, though the situation was little somber but nevertheless, she was happy. Hyra was a nice girl, little amusing though.

Tabu promised herself that she would not let Hayder feel the absence of his mother, though she can not replace Farhana, but she will do everything that a mother do for her son.

"Waise, Kubra, apas ki baat hai, tumhe kya lagta hai Hayder bhai aur Hyra ki shadi ke baad ban jayegi?" Tabu was busy looking for jewelleries when Zara whispered in Kubra's ear.

(Kubra, it's between us, do you think Hayder bhai and Hyra will be happy with each other?)

"Aisa kyu keh rahi ho? Kyu nahi banegi? Dono Insha'Allah bohot khush rahenge." Kubra whispers back.

(Why are you saying this? Why won't they be happy with each other? They will be very happy.)

"Insha'Allah! But still, Hyra mein abhi bhi bachpana hai, aur Hayder bhai toh..." Zara fake shudders.

(Hyra is still very childish, and Hayder bhai is...)

In return, Kubra glare at her. She can not mock her brother like that. "Hayder bhai itne bure bhi nahi. Bohot achhe hain. Waise bhi, unke liye Hyra hi sahi hai. Issi bahane shayad gussa kam ho jab unki Begum zara si uchi awaz pe rone lagegi."

(Hayder bhai isn't that bad. He is very nice. And I think Hyra is perfect for him. I will see how he will be angry at his wife who start crying with slight raise of voice.)

On her words, Zara burst into laughing, catching Tabu's attention.

Zara quickly bit her lips, and Kubra looked at other side.

"Aunty ko jewellery dekhne do chalo hum apni shopping karte hain." Zara was getting bored, she poked Kubra on her arm and suggested.

(Let aunty buy jewellery, we should do our shopping.)

Kubra nods her head, and they asked for Tabu's permission to leave.

Kubra was looking out for footwear, while Zara was doing her clothes shopping.

"Kubra? Kubra Mirza?" A male voice called her from behind. Confusingly, Kubra turned, and saw a young man standing in front of her.

The man didn't look older, maybe around her age, and had a charming personality.

Kubra's eyes clouded with confusion. She didn't recognise him, who apparently knows her name.

"Sarim! Sarim Randhawa." The man, Sarim- introduces himself.

But Kubra was still confused.

"Come on yaar, we were in high school, I used to sit behind you." This made her gasp loudly.

"Sarim! Allah! Chashmish... I mean..." She loudly said without realising, until she said it and quickly shut her mouth.

"Koi baat nahi, I know I've changed." Smilingly, he told her.

(It's okay.)

He has. The Sarim she remembers was scrawny and used to wear heavy specs. Now, the man in front of her was tall, masculine and without any huge glasses.

He was wearing black shirt with its sleeves rolled upto to his elbow, his hard biceps visible in his fitted shirt.

"Toh.. kaise ho, maine suna tha tum Canada gaye the higher studies ke liye." Kubra was still embarrassed by her outburst. She tried to make small talk to remove the awkwardness.

(So... how are you? I've heard you went to Canada for higher studies.)

"Haan, gaya toh tha, but abhi kuch mahine pehle baba ki death ho gayi toh wapas ana parha..." He shrugged his shoulder.

(Yes, I went there, but few months ago my father passed away, so I had to return...)

"Oh, I am sorry."

"It's okay. Bas aaj kal unka business join kiya hai apne uncle aur cousin ke sath kaam kar raha hoon."

(I joined my family business. I work with my uncle and cousin.)

"That's nice." Kubra didn't know what else to say.

"Tum kaisi ho? Anything new? Shadi ho gayi ya career bana rahi ho?"

(How are you? Got married or pursuing your career?)

"Dono hi nahi. Parhai complete karke ghar hi pe baithi hoon." Smiling, Kubra told him.

"I am doing nothing. After my studies, I am just idly sitting at home.)

"Kyu? Tum toh class mein hamesha top karti thi, mujhe toh lagta tum doctor hi banogi." Sarim was shock to know she wasn't doing anything in her career. To him, everyone should be independent.

(Why? You always used to top in class. I thought you will pursue your career in medical field.)

Wether it's normal household chores, both girls and boys should know how to do so. If it's career, both girls and boys should chase it. No one should be dependent on anyone for basic necessities.

"Top karne ke alawa koi option nahi tha. Hayder bhai A grade se niche marks ko samajhte hi nahi the. Woh daate iss liye itna parhna parhta tha." Honestly, she told him.

(I didn't have any other option beside scoring good marks. Hayder bhai thinks anything below A grade is a fail. I didn't want to be scolded by him so I used to study hard.)

Same time, Zara came there. "Yaar, yaha ke collection toh bohot purane hain maine abhi apni cousin ki shadi mein aise hi dresses liye the."

(Dude, everything here is old collection. I bought these dresses on my cousin's marriage.)

She looked between Sarim and Kubra, confusingly, she looked at Kubra.

"Zara, yeh Sarim hain mere ex classmate. Sarim, yeh Zara hai meri cousin." Kubra introduced them.

(Zara, he is my ex classmate Sarim. And Sarim she is my cousin Zara.)

"Hi!" Zaa smiles at him.

"Hello! Chalo fir main chalta hoon. Good to see you." Sarim smiles at her and left.

(I should go now.)

After him, Zara whistles. "Handsome hai."

(He ie handsome.)

"Shut up! Tumhara bas chale har dusre bande ke sath mujhe ship kardo." Rolling her eyes, Kubra put the sandal back from where she picked it. She was still holding the sandals which she was checking when Sarim came.

(You ship me with every guy.)

"Shipping ka toh maine naam hi nahi liya." Wiggling her eyebrows, Zara said.

(I didn't even say anything about shipping.)

"Shut up."

"Waise handsome toh wakai mein the na." Throwing her arm around Kubra's neck, Zara asked.

(Admit it, he is handsome.)

"I didn't notice. Tumhari tarah har dusre larke ko check out nahi karti main." Shrugging her arm away, Kubra answered.

(I don't check out every guy.)

"Number liya uska?"

(Did you ask for his number?)

"No! We just bumped into each other and made small talk. Koi bohot gehri dosti nahi thi school mein humari ki old times ke liye numbers lein baat kare."

(We weren't friends in school that I would have asked for his number to keep in touch with him for old times sake.)

"Mujhe toh achha laga woh." Zara commented.

(But I like him.)

"Tumhe kon achha nahi lagta?" This wasn't really a question.

(Whom you don't like?)

•••

"Assalam-Alaikum, uncle." Uswa has returned home after her college, and Rabia instantly sent her upstairs to greet Ibtisham. He was her soon the be father-in-law after all.

Rafey was sitting on the sofa, he points at Uswa to sit beside him, on which she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Walekum-Assalam! Kesi ho, beta?" Ibtisham was busy in his phone, carelessly, he asked.

(How are you?)

"Theek!" Uswa smiled at him.

(Fine!)

Same time, Kubra came there with coffee for Ibtisham.

"Arey, Kubra beta, tumne woh jo speakers ke barey mein bataya tha na, woh main le aya hoon, saman mein hoga baad mein de dunga." Taking the mug from her, when Kubra was leaving, Ibtisham called her. Still not taking his eyes up from his phone.

(Kubra dear, I got the speaker which you wanted. It's in my suitcase I will give it to you later.)

"Ji, uncle." Smiling, Kubra nods her head.

(Okay, Uncle.)

"Waise beta coffee bohot achhi banayi hai tumne." Taking a sip of the coffee, Ibtisham praised her. His tiredness was gone.

(Coffee is really good.)

"Thank you." Kubra loved cooking, and whenever someone compliments her, it made her proud of herself.

Uswa stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to excuse herself, she was really hungry and wanted to rest a little too.

She saw Ibtisham was busy in his conversation with Kubra, and Uswa silently left, not wanting to catch his attention.

Rafey witnesses her going away silently, and it ruin his mood. He thought Uswa got upset because Ibtisham didn't talk to her properly.

Ibtisham should have considered the fact she is going to be his daughter-in-law, should have at least made a small talk to her, asked her about her studies or anything.

Did he even brought anything for Uswa? Or all the shopping was done only for Kubra?

•••

"Rafey! Woh unke marhoom bhai ki beti hai. Ussey unhe zahir hai zyada mohabbat hai." Tabi tried to appease him.

(Rafey, she is his dead brother's daughter. Obviously he loves her more.)

She knew Rafey's nature very well. Since childhood, he was ignored by his father, Ibtisham was always busy in his business, this turned their relationship bitter. Now, whatever Ibtisham do, Rafey was always displeased.

"Toh main konsa keh raha hoon na kare mohabbat, lekin Uswa bhi toh meri mangetar hai. Unhe iss tarah se Uswa ko ignore nahi karna chahiye tha." Said Rafey.

(I am not telling him to not to love Kubra. But Uswa is my fiancee, he shouldn't have ignored her.)

"Rafey... achha main tumhare dad se baat karti hoon." Tabu didn't know how to calm her son, he is sensitive when it comes to Uswa.

(Rafey... Okay I will talk to your father.)

Uswa was his choice, while Ibtisham liked his niece Kubra for Rafey. Last time when they came to India, father son were too angry to talk to each other, Ibtisham wanted to ask for Kubra's hand from Hanif Mirza, but Rafey has immediately refused him, saying if he will force him, he will left the house. In the end, Ibtisham had to give up, before leaving India, he asked for Uswa's hand for Rafey.

Rafey was really happy with this proposal.

•••

As soon as the wedding day was approaching, Hyra was becoming more and more anxious. And tired, Rabia and Arzoo used to take her shopping for everyday, and since a week, her parlour treatment also started. Why she needed parlour treatment that she didn't know, couldn't ask. She was just doing whatever Rabia and Arzoo told her to do.

Her wedding was fixed in such a hurry and not many days have left, but everyone made sure everything is perfect, that she was happy.

Asim made sure Hyra had everything that she liked, if she even looked at a dress, shoes, or jewellery, it would be in her shopping cart already.

Everyone was happy with this marriage. Everyone except Hayder.

"Hayder, kyu dil chota kar rahe ho. Manti hoon tum dono ki shadi kafi alag situation mein ho rahi hai par Hyra bohot achhi larki." Tabu tried to convince him. It was the function of haldi, and Hayder didn't leave his room, and no one dared to call him outside to attend his own function. Until Tabu had enough and came to talk to him.

(Hayder, why are you disappointed. I know you two are getting married in a very different situation, but Hyra is a really nice girl.)

"Woh chahe jitni achhi ho, meri ideal nahi." Hayder was sitting on the sofa, while Tabu sat in front of him.

(No matter how nice she is, she isn't my ideal.)

"Toh kya hai tumhari ideal? Ek achhi khasi pyari si, masoom, sabse mohabbat karne wali larki tumhari ideal nahi hai, toh kon hai? Kisi aur ko pasand karte ho?"

(And what's your ideal? A nice, pretty, innocent girl who loves everyone isn't your ideal, then what is your ideal? Do you like someone else?)

"Kisi ko pasand nahi karta main. Lekin iska yeh bhi matlab nahi kisi se bhi shadi karlu."

(I don't like anyone. But that doesn't mean I can marry anyone just like that.)

"Kaisi baat kar rahe ho, Hayder? Kisi toh nahi, tumhare chachu ki beti hai. Aur tumhe toh khush hona chahiye tumhari shadi khandan mein ho rahi hai. Yeh tumhare liye fyade ka sauda hi hai."

(What are you saying, Hayder? She isn't just anyone. She is your uncle's daughter. And you should be happy that you are getting married in the family. this marriage will benefit you.)

"Shadi sauda nahi hoti." Hayder's face sulked on her words.

(Marriage isn't a deal.)

He wasn't thinking about marrying yet, but still this wasn't how he wanted to get married.

"Haan lekin galat insan se shadi karke humara nuksan toh hota hai." Standing up, Tabu went to sit beside him. And lovingly explained him.

(Yes and you can not marry a wrong person.)

"Aur apko aur baba ko aisa kyu lagta hai Hyra sahi meri liye?"

(And what makes you and Baba believe Hyra is the right one for me?)

"Humare khandan ki hai. Bachpan se humne ussey dekha hai, humare mahol se achhe se waqif hai woh, joint family mein adjust karne mein ussey koi dikkat nahi hogi. Koi nayi larki ati toh kabhi na reh pati itni badi family ke sath, baad mein tumhare liye mushkilein hoti family aur begum ko ek sath handle karne mein." Tabu counted the benefits.

(She is from our family. We know her from childhood, she knows the environment of our house, she won't have trouble adjusting in joint family. If any new girl will come to the house, she won't able to adjust in this huge family. And later it would have been difficult for you to handle wife and family.)

Tabu's last comment was on Laraib.

Laraib was the only daughter of her parents, she always lived alone with her parents only. To her, cousins, aunts, and uncles were distant relatives. She understands Dawar loves his parents a lot, and his siblings are his life, but she could never understand why does he care for Arzoo and Hyra so much. They were just his aunt and cousin, why does he goes on an extend to make Hyra happy, why does Arzoo's opinions matters so much to him. And Laraib could never understand if Hanif Mirza was elder brother of his grandfather, why do they still live together? And why do Dawar always invites Hayder for evening tea? Laraib had trouble adjusting with everyone. The inner conflict between the newly wedded didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

"Chalo na, Hayder, bahar function hi tumhare liye ho raha hai aur tum yaha aise baithe ho. Kam se kam humare liye hi chalo." Tabu tried to pacify him like she is talking to a 5 years old.

(Come on, Hayder, this function is for you, and you are sitting here. At least come outside.)

"Theek hai, lekin bahar mujhpe koi haldi nahi lagayega." Hayder put his condition forward.

(Fine, but no one will put haldi on me.)

"Thora sa toh lagani hogi rasam hai, tumhari jhooti haldi hi jayegi Hyra ko."

(But we have to put haldi on you, after it, we have to send the haldi to Hyra.)

"Achha bas halka sa gaal pe rakhenge bas." Raising her hand, she showed the measure of a pinch with fingers to show him they will apply only this much amount of haldi.

(Okay, We will apply it a little bit only.)

And Tabu fulfilled her promised, everyone were already scared of him to apply haldi on him, only Tabu and Asiya Begum put haldi on his cheeks. And then, he left, quickly washing his face.

After him, others played with haldi, happily.

Downstairs, Hyra was completely drenched in haldi paste, it was Uswa and Sami's mischief. Who pour the bowl of haldi and flowers on her. But she didn't mind. She was happy.

"Main bhi tumhe haldi laga doon?" Uswa was went to take cold drinks from kitchen for everyone when Rafey came behind her and whispered.

(Should I also put haldi on you?)

"Rafey?" She got scared by his sudden appearance. "Aap kaha se aye?" She looked around to see if anyone is there. No one was there.

(How did you come here?)

"Darwaze se." he points at the door.

(From door.)

"Jaha se aye hain wahi se jaiye. Mummy ne dekh liya toh bohot datengi." Pushing him away from her, she hissed.

(Leave, mummy will scold us if she will see you.)

"Tum itna darrti kyu ho badi mummy se?" In a low voice, he asked. Unbudged by her push. Compare to him, she had a very little body, and her strength was of a mouse.

(Why are you so scared of your mother?)

"Kyuki woh bohot datti hain. Aap please jaye." She was looking at the door, afraid someone might come.

(Because she scolds me a lot. Please leave.)

"Chala jaunga, pehle tumhe haldi laga doon." Stubbornly, he said.

(I will leave, but first I will put haldi on you.)

"Sochiyega bhi nahi, maine abhi apna face wash kiya hai." All her dress was ruined by haldi, but her face was clean, fresh from any makeup as she has just washed it, she looked clean. Compared to him, who was still completely drenched in haldi.

(Don't even think of it, I just wash my face.)

"Achha?" Amusingly, Rafey raised his eyebrow. Taking steps forward.

(Really?)

Uswa immediately started walking backward, until her back hit kitchen counter, she was in the corner, there was no escape for her.

Rafey put his hands on the either sides of her, caging her completely. While his mischievous eyes on her, and a playful smirk tugged his lips.

"Rafey!" Startled, Uswa called him. Disturbed by his proximity.

Just few days ago he was hesitate to come in front of her, and now, here he is, teasing her.

She put her hands on his chest to push him away from herself, but had no strength to do so. She felt weak.

"Itne pyar se mat bulao." His heart throbbing loudly, which she felt as her hand were on his chest.

(Don't call me with so much love.)

"K.. koi ajayega." In undertone, she told him. But Rafey didn't seem to hear her. His mind was far away from here, he just wanted to keep looking at her, be close to her.

(Someone might come.)

"Rafey!" Uswa's feeble voice came.

Controlling his heart, Rafey bowed down and touched her cheek with his, painting her cheek with haldi. Also red with blush.

Clearing his throat, he left. He couldn't stay near her anymore without losing himself.

While Uswa stood there still. Slowly, she took her hand to her cheek to touch the haldi, her lips bloomed into a beautiful smile.

Shyly, she left the kitchen, totally forgetting about cold drinks.

•••

Wedding day arrived. Hyra was wearing a beautiful off white ash grey lehenga. Though she liked red better, but Hayder doesn't like loud colors, and that's why Tabu bought a simple color for her. But nevertheless, she looked breathtaking. Beautiful she was always, but being dressed up as a bride enhanced her beauty.

Sitting beside Hayder, she smiled shyly at every guest who came to congratulate them. And those who were once talking bad about her character felt envy, she was lucky to get married to Hayder. He was such a well established man.

"Sir, aap thora maam ke kareeb aiye." Photographer was instructing them to pose for pictures.

(Sir, move a little closer to maam.)

Unwillingly, Hayder went to stood beside her.

They were on the stage, when Hayder stood beside her, whomever was looking at them, held their breaths, they both look perfect together.

"Maam ke waist pe hath rakhiye aur..."

(Put your hand on her waist...)

"Kya bakwas hai." Hayder become angry with his cheap poses. "Ban gayi pictures ab aap jaye." Making Hyra sit on the sofa, he dismisses the photographer and also sat down beside her.

(What rubbish.)

(We are done with pictures. You can go now.)

Feeling embarrassed by his behaviour, Minal quickly apologies to the photographer and ask him to take pictures of the guests.

Hyra's face sulked. She wanted to take more pictures. If he didn't like it, he should have sat down, and let her have photo shoot, why did he dismissed the photographer.

I will ask Uswa to take my pictures later. Hyra thought to herself.

•••

She was sitting in his room, on his bed which didn't look inviting to a newly bride. His room was simple and plain, there wasn't any decorations for her. But this was her least concern, her main concern was her husband, who was roaming around the room angrily. His sherwani coat was thrown on sofa and he was now in white shalwar kameez, looking charming even in simple clothes.

"Tum... ussi waqt Kubra ke sath kyu nahi utar gayi." Hyra didn't realise when he came to sit in front of her on the bed, his sudden appearance made her jump.

(You... why didn't you get off with Kubra that time.)

"Kam se kam aaj hum dono iss azab se na guzar rahe hote." He gritted his teeth.

(At least we both wouldn't have been suffering from this.)

"Apne car kyu nahi roki jab maine kaha tha. Apki galti hai..." She didn't like how he was blaming her when he was equally at fault, in fact he was more at fault than her, if he was going to attend a meeting, he shouldn't have taken anyone with him in his car.

(Why didn't you stop the car when I asked you to. It's your fault...)

"Meri galti hai, tabhi shayad saza bhi mujhe hi mil rahi hai."

(It's is my fault, that's why I am getting punished.)

Saza? Was marrying her that bad? Hyra's heart sank in.

"Dhyan se suno tum, mujhse aur iss shadi se koi umeed na rakhna. Maine yeh shadi sirf aur sirf baba ki wajah se ki hai." His every word pierced through her soul.

(Listen to me, Do not expect anything from me or this marriage. I only married you because of my baba.)

He didn't wait for her reply, he wasn't expecting any reply from her, she never opens her mouth in front of him. Hayder stood up and was about to go to washroom to change.

"Maine bhi yeh shadi sirf mamma ki khushi ke liye ki hai. Warna aap mere ideal bilkul nahi." Hyra's words made him stop on his track.

(I also married you because of my mother, otherwise you can never be my ideal choice.)

Turning to her, he saw her standing beside the bed, looking at him with challenging eyes.

Her words irked him, going to her, he held her arm tightly in his hand. "Dubara mere agey zuban mat chalana warna zuban kaat dunga." He warned her in a low, dangerous tone.

(Don't you dare to talk back otherwise I will cut your tongue.)

"Ouch!" A soft whimper left her mouth, she tried to free her arm from him. Her eyes brimmed with tears. He was holding her arm very tightly, it might leave bruise later.

He left her arm. "Ek aur baat, iss kamre mein jo hua, issi kamre mein rehna chahiye. Bahar kisi se agar tumne koi shikayat ki toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga." Before leaving, he told her.

(One more thing, what happened in this room should be stay in this room. If you complain to anyone about anything, you will see the worst side of mine.)

"Apse bura waise bhi koi nahi." Hyra mumbles to herself, wiping her tears.

(You can not be anymore worst.)

•••

Hayder bhai, what is this behaviour?😑 Poor Hyra baby

How was the chapter?

-Ufaq