• NOTHING HAUNT US MORE LIKE THE THINGS WE CAN'T BUY •

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"M-Mom.. D-Dad..."

Zawal gasped aloud when Zamar uttered-shuttered those two prettiest yet dangerous words.

Zayed Alyan along his spouse Zaina Alyan were all up to surprise their son at his new apartment in a different city.

"Don't shutter, Zamar Alyan! I clearly remember teaching you how to talk, walk, eat and all that dreadful years of potty trai-"

"MOM!" Zamar stared his Mom in horror, who narrowed her eyes at her son in disappointment and look away.

Zawal bought her left fist close to her mouth and press against to stop laughing loud making Zamar glared at her.

Mr. Alyan was busy examining the huge medium boxes whilst the enter apartment, shaking his head occasionally.

Zamar anxiously bit his nails trying to figure out the actual problem.

Zawal, a girl's presence at his home or the Dress, which was currently lying on the floor.
Most definitely the inappropriate dress Zawal held high initially.

"Got money to move in with a girl but look our son ain't got money to feed himself, Stop Biting Your Nails, Badtameez." His Mom said as she shook her head at Zamar.

"What's the matter Zamar? I'm sure there's something to explain." His Father on the other hand said calming, well known of his spouse dramatic typical behavior.

"Haan. Yeh karlo phele aap. Aise laadh pyaar me hi bigad dia hai aapne usko!

Yeh nai ki apne sawal karinge! Woh joh bolega woh sunlege.
Pagal banaye ga ye hume!

Ghar par ladhki rakhi hui hai, itne saare boxes padhe hue hai aur toh aur woh behuda kapde par toh mera muh mat khulao! Tauba hai!"

(Yeah! You do this first. You have spoiled him in such pampered love! You won't question him and instead listen to whatever he says! Hell make us Fool!

He kept a girl at home, they're so many boxes, and then don't open my mouth on that ugly dress! God, help me!)

"Yaar AmmiJa-"

"Yaar nai hu tumari!"
(I'm not your Yaar!)
Zaina, his mom back fired at his son, who just sighed deeply while Zayed Alyan rubbed his temples.

Zawal sat there on the single sofa enjoying the family drama, how badly she wished for some snacks right now.

She didn't knew why Zamar was panicking, its not like his parents won't let him explain and when he does, they'll understand.

"Tell me everything in detai-no you don't! You'll feed me with lies if I ask you, I'll ask this girl here, who's trying to control her silly giggles."

Zawal alarmed when the spotlight turned on her, whereas Zamar jaw dropped at his mother not trusting him.

"Uh-Umm.... You didn't say anything to your parents about us?"

His mother gasped loudly with hand on her chest, his father wide eyed stared at Zamar, who stared at Zawal in horror.

Is she really messing with me and my parents!? Yeh ladhki meri ammi ko mazak me lerahi hai!
(This girl taking it's easy to deal with Mom.)

It's been long Zawal messed with someone and this seems like a perfect opportunity to do it..

"What is she talking about Zamar!?" Zayed asked his son, who vigorously shook his head and eye messaged Zawal,who just shrugged.

'What are you trying to doo, Red Velvet!?'

"Zamar! I'm not going to take this anymore, Zenia was already too much for us!

Now, if you both have something going on, either get married or stay away from each other." His father said with a finality in his voice.

"We trusted you and allowed you to settled in another country and see what you gave us in return!
This is what you serve to the one, who served their entire life for you.

Like every other mother, even I had some desires to go through some struggles of finding a good bride for my only child and son!

But! No, he already have someone secretly behind his parents back!

This is the second time you betrayed me Zamar, you even kept Zinia, Zenab or whatever her name was, a secret between you and your Dad.

Last time I forgave you because you had a genuine reason but now, No! Marry her or whatever and don't you dare come to get blessing!

But then again, I'm your mother after all, I have sacrifice my wishes for my begairat child's happiness. I'll be happy if you're."

By the end of his mother's dramatic rant, Zamar had his head held between his hands as he sat opposite to Zawal, who just sat amused at his mother.

"Hogaya tumara, Zaina? Karliye drame saare? Ya kuch aur bhi baaqi hai?"

(Are you done with your drama, Zaina? Or is there something else left?) Zayed asked his spouse, who nodded as she wiped the corner of her eyes.

"HAI HAI! AUR BHI BOLNA HAI! ISS LADHKI KO TOH KUCH BOLA HI NAHI MAINE! SARA DOSH APNE BETE KO DIYE JARAHI HU!

Beta, Hijab Me Kartoot Bade Hai Aapke, aise masoom aur pyaare ladhko ko pasana, sab samjh ti hu mai.

Zanni, Zene, Zenab pata nahi kya naam tha us ladhki ka, wohi gang ki lagti ho, sharam an--"

(Oh, Yes! There's more to say! I didn't say a word to this girl here, I blamed my son all along!

Child, Your doings aren't good under your hijab. Trapping innocent and handsome young guys. I understand everything.

Zanni, Zene, Zenab whatever her name was, looks like you belong to the same gang. Aren't you asham-)

"Mom!" Zamar interrupted his mother's accusing speech on Zawal, who had her jaw drop.

"Chup Karo! ek tum ho, kisi kuch bolu toh 'Mom!' 'Ammi!' shuru hojate ho."

(Shut up! You are one, says a words and you get started with 'Mom' 'Ammi'.)
Zaina said to his as gave him a disappointing look while her son rubbed his face.

"Haye, Aunty! Woh kyu chup karrein! Aap meri sune filhal!
Aap joh mujh par yeh jhoote ilzaam lagarahi hai na usse phle sunle apne bete ki.

Kahin aapko hi bura na lag jaye aapne baato ka aur toh aur woh Zenia se compare bhi na karien mujhe, lakh gunna behtar hu.

Upar se jis masoom aur pyaare bande ki baat karahi hai na, aapka beta uske ass pass bhi nahi hai.
Jaise ki inka beta koi Prince Charming ho!"

(Huh! Why should he shut up? Listen to me and them hear him out before titling me with false assumption.

I'm scared you might get embarrassed of your own words and most importantly! Don't compare me with Zenia, I'm alot better then her.

More over the innocent and handsome guy you're talking about, your son is nowhere near it!
As if her son is a Prince Charming!)

Zawal cleared the last part to herself as she crossed her hands not before she flipped her hijab.

"Ek aur baat, humare beech kuch nahi hai, mazak karahi thi bhai aaplog sath. Aur tum, kya ghoor rahe ho? Yaar samjhao na apne Ammi Baba ko, ya woh bhi mai hi karru?" Zawal again said now referring to Zamar, who just stared at her all this time.

(One more thing, there's nothing going between us, I was just kidding with you guys. And You, why are you staring like that? Explain your parents or do you want me to do that too?) 

His mother, Zaina sat dumbfounded and surprised at the girl speaking with every so confident that she knew she was wrong.

She then and there decided she'll reduce watching these dramas which is leaving an deadly impact on her.

"Ahem.. Yeah.. Alright Mom Dad
Hear me out, And Cleary With Sabr Mom—" Zamar cleared his throat as he carefully with chosen correct words explained his parents everything.

From Zaviyaar appearance in England, his parent's death, his relation with Zawal to her presence here + his journey of delivery guy as per his best friend's sister, word to word all way along

"—And that's how she's here! To get the deliveries of her order."

His parents nodded in understanding and looked at Zawal's way with an apologetic smile, his mother rushed by her side and held her hands.

"I'm Sorry Darli'in! I just got emotional–"

"And Dramatic, No problem aunty, it happens. I dont think any parent or mother would be silent if they finds their son with a girl in his apartment." Zawal said jokingly as she side hugged the lady.

"Quit watching those dramas Zaina. Anyways, what profession are you in? These boxed are huge and curiosity got me the best." His father enquired as they finally sat down with peaceful silence for Zamar.

"I'm a lifestyle blogger uncle, a kind of influencer you take and I order products and advertised or promote them or either sometime help people cope with their lifestyles.

Its kind of work from home and I find comfortable with that, I don't need to work for anyone but me."

"That's Great Maa'Sha'Allah, as long as the work satisfies you, it's good for you. So, what did you order this time?"

"These are just boxes of hijabs and abayas, I ordered it from a well known best modest brand called 'Hijabs by HEM', Hoda Esmel Malek.
It came all away from Ontario, Canada so it took a little while to arrive and it's finally here."

"Oh! Interesting, These are too many to be promoted don't you think? I'm Sorry If that offended you."

"Oh no, it didn't and all these aren't mine except one box and the rest are for... Umm... Charity for Muslim Community NGOs with Orphanages."

Zawal hesitantly said as her brother always advised her to hide her good deeds.

"Ohkay! Maa'Sha'Allah Sounds Good. Order some for your new Aunt too then, my wife deserves the best, doesn't she?" Zayed fatherly smiled at Zawal, who nodded as returned one.

His spouse blushed and lightly smacked her spouse's arm, who chuckled which made Zawal look at them with awe.

Well, Zamar weirdly saw his parents getting all hushy mushy with words and teasing smiles at each other.

"Get a room guys! He said loudly making his father roll eyes similar to his son while his mother blushed more.

"Give this dress, what if you might expect a 'Sibling'?" Zawal mischievously winked and throwed the long forgotten short dress at Zamar, who cringed in return.

"I don't wish to have any, it's too late."

❖❖❖

"Khol bhi do Yaar, Red Velvet!"
(Open it already, Red Velvet.)

Zamar groaned from the other side of door as he banged it with the huge box of package, he sighed in relief as he heard few ruffling from inside of the Iyad house.

"Hey Delivery Guy!" Zawal chirped as she held the door open for the delivery guy, who glared in return and instead walked in grumpily.

"Are you sure, you aren't participating in any kind of historical dramas or something? Cause this box is so fucking heavy."

Zamar dropped the package box on the floor and tiredly slouched on a sofa bedside it as he breathe heavily.

"What's relation between historical dramas and heaving items?"

"Oh! You know I read somewhere that ancient times and people use wear and use heaving objects or clothing and-"

"OH MY GAWD! OH MY GAWD! OH MY GAWD! IT'S FINA-FREAKKINGG-LLYYYY HERE!" Zamar startled as Zawal screamed excitedly unpacking the package.

He kept his chest right over his heart and craned his neck to take a look at the package and frowned as he examined something which wasn't clear to his mind before leaning back to how slouched he was.

"Yaar, Pani toh pila do, dehydration sa hua jaraha hai. Ajj kamino ne accelerator bhi engaged rakhi thi.

Purra ek floor chadh kar ayya hu yeh yeh bade se dabbe ke sath, 'Purra Ek Floor! Thak Gayi Halat!'"

(Dude, Get me a glass of water, I feel dehydration. Those mean people even had the accelerator engaged!

I climbed upto one whole floor with these heavy box! A Whole Floor! That got me tired!)

Zawal rolled her ethereal eyes at his drama as he held out his index finger to gesture 'Ek'/'One'.

Meanwhile, Zamar fetched out his phone and pulled up Zaviyaar's number on his screen, bringing it to his ear as he decided to rung his friend.

"Where's Pluto? He isn't home yet? It's almost over evening." He enquired Zawal as he gulped another sip of water.

"Firstly, stop addressing him as Pluto! Mickey Mouse me Kuttey ka naam tha, yaad hai mujhe!

Secondly, Nope. Brave isn't home. He's out with Zaryaab Bhai for shopping."
(That's Mickey Mouse dog's name, I remember clearly!)

"Shopping?" Zamar narrowed his eyes and asked ignoring her firstly as he got more interested in knowing his best friend's whereabouts without him.

"Yup. His Walimah Shopping.
Brave said as you both are finally here, he'll get done with his Walimah as soon as he can."

"Kiska Walimah?"
(Whose Walimah?)

"Zaviyaar Iyad ka Walimah aur kiska hoga Yaar!"
(Zaviyaar Iyad's Walimah, who else, dude!)

Zamar jaw hung low as he actually wasn't aware of his so called best friend's walimah while Zawal pursued her lips to stop laughing at his dumbfounded expression, which clearly wore of his awareness.

"Wow! I didn't know that.
You said me not to address him as Pluto right, as it's Mickey Mouse's dog's name?

Tum hi batao, aisi Kutto wali harkatein karta hai, isko Kutta nai toh kya bulau?

Ek toh yeh Kamine Saturn- ah -Zaryaab ne bhi nai bola, dekhlunga yeh Kamine Kutt'on ko? Zaviyaar Iyad, bhai kar tu ab mere begair apna Walimah."

(You say me, if he keep doing doggy acts, what should I address him, if not a dog!

And these bastard Saturn-Uh Zaryaab didn't inform me either, watch out, Bastard dogs.
Zaviyaar Iyad, Now get done with your Walimah without me.)

Zamar declared with much dedication as he gritted his teeth feeling betrayed.

"Joh bhi hai. Bass yaad rakhna, nicknames rakhne me bade bure ho!"
(Whatever it is. Remember you're really bad at nicknames.)

❖❖❖

#Next Day

"Where are you guys heading to?" Zamar enquired to the lady also knowm as his dear mom, who pushed her already placed shades on her nose and had her head high.

His gaze froze when Zawal came in the frame too and stared at her, and unknown emotion build up his heart while another twirled in his mind.

Her eyes lowered shield with dark naturally thick eyelashes as a frown adorned her brows as she searched for something in her handbag.

Her perfect hijab around her beautiful features with her own shades on her hijab at the moment was making a fuss in his heart.

He arked his perfect eyebrow when his mesmerizing orbs finally fell on his Dad was already seated at the driver seat of his Tesla as dark shades proudly rested on his nose too.

"Shopping for what I heard is, for your Best Friend's Walimah." His Dad answered him and he silently groaned-

Oh! How much he was actually irritated with those three simple words; Best Friend! Walimah! Best Friend Ka Walimah!

His eyes flew it's to the founder of fireworks in his heart, the girl who was silently snickering at him behind his mom.

He narrowed his eyes at Zawal's smug face, which for a moment took his ofd guard at her expression distraction.

"Yes Zamar, you didn't mention it that it's your Best Friend Zaviyaar and Our Zaira's Walimah.

You're such a useless guy, I don't know what made Zawal think that you'll be a punctual Delivery Guy.

Fire Him Zawal, he's useless peice of-."

"MOM!"

"Let me Complete, Begairat Bekaar Insaan. Toh as I was saying.
(Useless Person.)

Zawal Darli'in, Fire this useless peice of flesh, blood, bones and brainless guy. He's was no use.
Anyways we'll leave, this boy here will just waste our time and you have your food on time.

Don't stick to that tasteless food, otherwise you'll be Boneless along with Brainless.
Allah Hafiz, Take Care, Love You."

Zamar rolled his eyes on mother, who got herself comfortable at the passenger seat of his Tesla, not before dropping a kiss on his forehead.

"I can drop you guys off to the best mall in the city, if you want to-"

"No Son, We want to be there soon and you'll die out of hunger if you don't eat in next few minutes.

You had your breakfast at 10 in the morning, it's 2:30 pm right now! Go.
Plus I kelp the milk for boiling on really low heat, it won't over boil even if you crawl upstairs.

What I want to say is, increase the heat to medium whenever you reach home and have your food right after and SLEEP!Look at those eyebags! Taubah.

Now, Zawal Darli'in get in fast! We're already late due to this useless!" His Mom announced followed by his Dad, Zayed--

"Zamar, I've been here even before you were welcomed in this world and your Mom has her spouse to make her reach wherever she wants, Don't Worry."

"But Zawal doesn't."

"We'll get her one spouse from mall now Dafa Ho Bete aur Chalo! Allah Hafiz! ZAWAL GET IN PLEASE."

His mom said and rolled back her window up and sat ready to be driven while Zawal went all red controlling her laughter between the family encounter.

"I hope you don't mind me and hate me until you're back with my parents, Red Velvet." Zamar sighed as he said to Zawal, who chuckled and pitying tapped his shoulder.

"Hehe, Don't Worry Delivery Guy! I love their company already, Allah Hafiz!
And Yeah, Have food! Plus Keep An Eye on Milk! See Ya!"

"That's what I want, don't change your opinion, Red Velvet." He breathed out to no one in particular and more to himself as he gazed his retreat fading car.

"Did I really got eyebags?...Dost ka Walimah hai Yaar, abb toh na aien.."

(It's my best friend' Walimah, at least not now.)
Zamar mumbled to himself as he bend and examined his reflection in side mirror of a random car.

"Oh Bhae! Itne bhi khoobsurat nahi ho tum, aisa kya dekhraha hai?"
(Yo Bro, You aren't so handsome, what are you looking at then?)

Spoke Zaryaab Fatih as he rolled down the glass of his car, the same car Zamar was admiring himself in its reflection.

"Yo, Mars! Where were you yesterday?" Zaviyaar said as he stepped out of the passenger seat of Zaryaab's car.

Zamar choosed to ignore his so called best friends, rolling his eyes and turned on his heels and started to walk away from his lads, who shared a confused look.

"What's wrong, Bro?" Zaryaab mischievously asked as he jogged towards Zamar and he threw his arm over his grumpy lad's shoulder, who brushed it off and entered the elevator.

Zamar passed a dead look to him and pressed his floor number along with the option of closing the elevator door.

He could see Zaviyaar, who was calming walking up to them, was now running to them and successfully reached them before the door would close.

"Haye Maria, kya hogaya?"
(Hey Maria, what happened?)

Zaviyaar teasingly said as Zaryaab controlled his laugh at old nickname by them, which Zamar loathes.

"Mujhe kya honna hai, Zavia?"
(What would happen to me, Zavia?)
Zamar sarcastically smiled at Zaviyaar, who hid his laugh under his poker face expression.

Unlike Zaryaab, who was finally laughed out loud as if a laughing gas was released in the metal box.

"Shut Up, Zarnaab." His laugh died down when a unison voice of both of his friend fell upon his ears making him mask up a poker face too.

"Anyways! I don't have any idea about your ignorance and all but but! I've something to get you back—"

"Ahan? I'm zero interested to know what it is." Zamar announced as the elevator pinged open at his floor while he stepped out brushing Zaviyaar's palm on his shoulder.

"Bhai ka Walimah ki khabar nai sunega?"
(Don't you want to know the news of your best friend's Walimah?)

"Uske mood se toh lagaraha hai tujhe hi khabar me daldega woh."
(Noticing his mood, looks likes he'll make you a dead news.)

Zaryaab whispered to Zaviyaar, who nodded in return nonetheless followed his best friend in the long hallway.

"Dude, it's my Walimah next week—"

"Yeah? Send me the invitation card or make it easier, text me the venue and time, I'll see If I'm able to make it there, Alright?"

"And Oh! I'll wear the same tux I wore in Zaryaab's wedding, huh after all it even was a inspiration for some people."

Zaviyaar and Zaryaab's lips curled into an 'O' as they slowly realised his reason of ignorance and grumpy mood.
It was clear he was drastically and dramatically upset over yesterday's fact.

"Acchaaa toh yeehh baat hai! Waise tere 'someone' se yaad ayya, Zawal batarahi thi ki tu ghar ayya tha kal..

Aur.. Nar–" Zaviyaar's laugh took a toll over his sentence as he quickly composed with his cough. "–Naraz hogaya tha shydh.

(Oh! That's the point, by the way your 'someone' reminds me of yesterday, Zawal said you were at our house and maybe was a little up—upset.)

We were on the way to pick you from your office then Zaryaab mentioned you had a meeting at noon.

We decided not to actually shop anything but just take a look at the good stores, so that we don't have to visit and try all of the brands and waste our time.

Trust me, kuch nai kareeda! Tere begair kaise karte Mariaaa!"
(We didn't shop anything, how could we without you Mariaaa!)

Zaviyaar explained and lastly kept his palm over his heart and threw the other hand over Zamar's shoulder.

Zamar narrowed his eyes at him and jerked his arm away as he fetched out the apartment keys off his pocket.

"Chal, abb har shadi wale ghar ka koi naraz uncle na ban, dhoom macha lengeeee, Yeh Kamine ka walimah hai bhaiiii!"
Zaryaab excitedly exclaimed with his bright grin pulled up his lip.

(C'mon, now don't get upset like every other brown family uncle at weddings. Let's Enjoy, it's his Walimaaah.)

"Tu macha le."  (You Enjoy.)
Zamar said with a straight face as he twisted the key of his apartment in the keyhole.

He stepped inside and held the door ready to close on their faces but Zaviyaar was quick enough to place his hand on the door and tilted his head to see his grump lad.

"Nahi ayega?"
(You won't come?)

"Nahi aunga!"
(I won't!)

♣︎♣︎♣︎

OKAY.. THIS IS RANDOM BUT..
WHAT WOULD YOU CALL A MALL WITH BELONGS TO LIHA?

..
..
..

MalLiha..

.. *awkward chirping of birds*..

JDKDKD THAT WAS LAMEST BUT THENGS EH!
———

Fun Fact (You may or maynot wonder) : Hoda Esmel Malek is a character from my another book 'Kalopsia' *tears* which is also collab book along with HadiaaMirza

Yes,it's and #SSP
ShamelessSelfPromotion.

————

Anyways,

Oops—

Also! Get attired In Your Best Outfits!
Woooho! It's Zavia-uh-Zaviyaar's Walimah Next!

Maybe Without Zamar Alyan..
Whatcha You Think?

Would You Miss Your Dost Ka Walimah If They Shop Without You? Ouch! That's kinda painful to think—

-MaLihaMirza