ہوش والوں کو خبر کیا بے خودی کیا چیز ہے

عشق کیجئے پھر سمجھئے زندگی کیا چیز ہے

hosh vāloñ ko ḳhabar kyā be-ḳhudī kyā chiiz hai

ishq kiije phir samajhiye zindagī kyā chiiz hai

What is the meaning of selflessness? Love then understand what life is all about

_________

***

It was a fine evening and the fading warmth of the summer was peeking inside the living room of the Shahid Haveli. Orange sunlight and white bulbs were contrasting each other resulting in a beautiful combination. The silence around was cut through by the crickets and homeward flying birds. Shah Haveli was surrounded by green fields, stretching Armaan Shah had always adored the evening...and as he gazed at the constantly changing sky he couldn't help but whisper Subhan Allah.

The trip to Masjid was rejuvenating, being a doctor had always forced him to offer his prayers in the hospital itself but after a long time he was able to offer the Maghrib Salah in congregation. He entered  the haveli along with his other cousins,Ahad, Zeeshan  and Fahad. The former was talking animatedly while the later ones was certainly not paying any attention to him. He smiled softly at the usual scene unfolding in front of him and taking fast steps reached them.

"What were you talking about Ahad?" He asked softly, sitting on the one-seater couch followed by the other two on the opposite one.

"Nothing much, just random stuff." Ahad said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Hmm...so how are your studies going?" Armaan asked.

"Good!" The extra raise in Ahad's voice and the uncertain expression though told a different story. Fahad chuckled seeing the little one who was surely not little. Armaan shared a knowing look with Fahad and he too chuckled making Ahad go red in embarrassment.

"How's Saman's studies going?" This time it was Zeeshan.Ahad smirked inwardly as a devilish plan flashed in his not so innocent mind. He masked a disappointed look on his face and spoke,

"Kya bataun bhai! Kuch bhi acha nahi chal raha. Saman bilkul padhai par dhyan nahi deti, main kuch bolta hun to mujhse ladne lagti hai. What can I do about this?" The extremely disappointed voice and a genuinely yet fake gloomy expression could convince any one but the other two. They very well knew who was what.

[What can I say! Nothing's going well, Saman doesn't pay attention on her studies. If I say something she starts fighting with me. What can I do about this?]

"Oh! I will have a word with her later. Don't worry...just keep an eye on her in college. Make sure nobody troubles her" Armaan said with a faint smile on his face. Ahad smiled too and got up to leave.

"Armaan Bhai,you want tea?" Ahad asked.

"Just go and ask for yourself, don't drag my name in." Armaan said, chuckling. Flashing an embarrassed smile to the two Ahad sprinted out of the room.

"This guy!" Fahad exclaimed softly, shaking his head.

"Don't believe his words Armaan, I am sure Saman  must be a little more serious than him." Fahad said with a humour laced tone. His eyes holding adoration and mirth for his younger brother.

"I know, anyway I hadn't had a talk with Saman for quite a long ."

"Yeah me too, I was thinking about this.  Khair tum hi confront karlo use." Fahad said getting up, making Armaan nod.

[You better confront her]

Fahad, Armaan and Zeeshan were the elder guys among the cousins. They had always,responsibly taken care of their younger cousins. Being it their studies or other problems, the parents too had full faith on the boys of the family and they had never tarnished their faiths. Amongst all of them Saman and Ahad had most of their attention as they were the troublemakers of the family and also frenemies. Even though they were  in the same field and in the same class; it had never eased out the elders' tensions...more increased it.

  Saman wasn't someone who could be called a genius or an excellent student. She was consistent but not a high scorer. After all scoring is a whole different thing,unlike many households she or Ahad was never forced to get marks, though sometimes they used to get a good talk.  And Ahad, he was a perfect example of backbenchers. Though not the notorious one, he never studied for studying or for marks and this was the reason why he used to get average marks. It never mattered anyway, he was happy and he had knowledge of his subjects at his fingertips. But then desi parents are desi anyway, sometimes they used to get furious on him for getting low marks but his cousins would always be at his back.

_______

Reaching the first floor Ahad breathed out in exhaustion, and as if the walk to the masjid and then back home was not enough he was forced to climb up the stairs of the haveli. But he won't complain, after all his tea was at stake.
Desi people have an obsession with tea, most of them belong to the male population and Ahad Shah was one amongst them. The one who would go to the moon for a cup of chai.

"Where the heck are they?" He whispered mentally and once again rotated his gaze around the round corridor. Not finding anyone he sighed  in frustration.

"Come on just few more steps Ahad!"He murmured to himself and again gathering a lot of courage and energy started walking towards the second floor.

Reaching his manzil he smiled triumphantly like a kid who got a candy and made his way towards the only room from where giggling could be heard.[destiny]

"Can I come in?" He asked standing at the doorstep. The girls got frozen for a second hearing his utterly disciplined voice and then at the same time snapped their heads towards him. All of their faces holding shock and shak.[doubt]

"What happened?"

"What do you want bhai?" After a brief silence Sara's tired voice echoed in the room.

"What! I can't believe this! Atleast call me inside." He said masking hurt.

"Who stopped you anyway…" Saman mumbled rolling her eyes.  She was well aware about Ahad and his tactics...and she knew this time too he was here in all his glory for something of his own greed.

"Well I was just wondering if any of you wanted to have tea with me?" He asked getting inside making the girls share a knowing look. He had his signature cheeky grin on his face, and his eyes shone with mischief.

"So you want tea!" Mansha exclaimed in low voice simultaneously shaking her head.

"When did I say that?...I was just aski-" he couldn't complete his sentence as Sara cut him in between.

"Rahne dein bhai...I will make your tea." Rolling her eyes at her elder brother's antics Sara got down from the bed ready to leave only to stop by a call. [Leave it ]

"Sara wait!" Ahad was doing a happy dance mentally but alas! His arch rival intruded in between and he so knew that she would throw some tantrums and conditions. Sara raised her eyebrows at Saman making the later one smirk.

Time for some fun!

"Ahad have you heard a saying...Give and Take?" She said.

Groaning in frustration he glared at  Saman. Why did he even ask for tea in front of her? He wanted to smack himself and then bang his head to the nearest wall. How mistaken was he? Saman had taken a pledge of not letting him live in peace.  Clenching his fist he looked at the other two who were holding back their smiles.

"Keep your deal to yourselves, I don't need tea." He spoke angrily and turned on his heels and dashed out of the room.

"Kya yaar Saman, bechare ko phir gussa dila diya tumne." Sara said sympathetically. Saman threw her hands in air and exhaled. [Come on Saman, why did you do that?]

"I did not know your brother had such a big ego, main toh ham sab ke liye bola." She said furiously. [I was dealing for all of us]

"Leave it girls, we were discussing something." Mansha spoke.

"Yeah where were we?"

Huffing and puffing, Ahad was walking in anger. His dear tea was nowhere in the scene, he could have asked the house staff but they had already gone back...and making one himself meant disaster. He needed a mood refreshing tea not an irking fight.

Swiftly descending down the stairs he suddenly came face to face with Armaan. He looked at his elder cousin and looked away and tried to walk past him but Armaan moved in the same way. He moved to other way making Armaan do the same.

"Bhai hate na!" He exclaimed in irritation. [Bhai move aside!]

"Ahad! What happened?" Surprised at his outburst Armaan asked.

"Nothing"

"Ahad..." Armaan said in a warning tone.

"I asked for tea but then Saman said to give ice cream then they will make tea for me." Ahad said looking here and there an act he does when he is outraged.

"Get them ice creams, it's not like they are asking for your life. The girls don't even go outside. And besides the ice cream store's isn't that far Ahad." Armaan spoke softly making Ahad peer at him with and uncertain expression.

"But bhai-"

"Or else is it your ego that you won't listen to them because you're older?" Armaan knew what was going inside the childish mind of this twenty-four years guy. He kept staring at the shocked face of Ahad with amusement.

"No bhai." Ahad said hurriedly.

"Then go." Armaan said smiling softly. Ahad nodded and started walking down only to stop and turn back after few steps at Armaan's call.

"Ahad take this." Armaan said forwarding a note towards him.

"Bhai rehene dein!"Ahad said mortified. [No it's fine]

"Hmm?"

"Fine." Ahad said helplessly and taking the note walked away.
___________

"Sara...here's your ice cream, now make me a perfect cup of chai fast." Entering his sister's room where his cousins too were, Ahad spoke. Every one of them were once again frozen at their places seeing the package in his hand. Hesitantly moving towards Ahad,Sara took the package from his hand and stared at him baffled. Ahad nodded smiling or more smirking.  Sara gazed at the other ladies who were still in a surprised state only to get a gesture from Saman. She instantly understood what was said and peeked inside the package and then again turned towards the girls.

"Sachme Ice creams hain." She whispered. [It's really ice cream]

"Hey! Will you make my tea or not?" Ahad's annoyed voice snapped them out of their shocks making  all of them nod.Ahad turned on his heels and went outside the room making Sara give the package to Saman and follow him.

"Sara wait!" Mansha exclaimed and gesturing Saman to follow joined Sara.

"Ice cream was for all of us," she said making Sara smile and move forward.

"I had no idea that Ahad would get us ice creams. Seriously it was no less than a mountain crumbling on me." Standing in  the kitchen Saman spoke moving her hands in different directions, a very subtle yet certain habit of hers. Sara shook her head as she added the sugar  in the tea.

"Come on Saman! Get over it." Sara said turning towards her cousin who wasn't ready to believe that Ahad had done the act on his own.

"Yeah right! Get over it Saman, anyways this ice cream is so delicious." Mansha said taking another big scoop of the delicacy. Saman rolled her eyes for nth time  and with complete concentration and dedication started working on completing the frozen treat.

Pleasant aroma of the brewing tea was getting mingled in the soothing silence of kitchen, only to get interrupted by a loud call and fast steps of Ahad.

"What happened bhai?" Sara asked raising her eyebrows at her brother who was looking as restless as he could.

"Farha aapi had called me!" He said or more exclaimed in an impatient voice. Confused at his behaviour Saman exchanged a look with Mansha who seemed to be as oblivious as Sara and herself.

"So?"  Saman asked.

"She said she got some news for us but she said she won't tell me alone." Ahad said. Impatiently.

"So what Ahad?" Irritated, Saman asked rolling her eyes.

"Stop asking so many questions. Call her." Ahad yelled making the three cringe.

"Don't yell-" Saman started but was stopped by Mansha who knew where this was going to.

"Don't fight. I am calling aapi." Mansha said swiftly and started looking around in search of her phone.

"Here call from mine." Ahad said giving his phone to Mansha who nodded.

"You could have given her earlier. Idiot." Saman said gritting her teeth making Ahad glare her.

"Shut up."

"Bas karo!" Sara exclaimed in a bored voice simultaneously rolling her eyes. Before the  tom and Jerry could say anything Mansha gestured towards the phone as the call was connecting making everyone watch her curiously.

"Assalamoalaikum aapi!" Mansha's chirpy voice eased out the other three and within no time they were standing beside her and intently tried to listen to their conversations.

"I am fine Allhamdulillah! How are you?"

"Put it on speaker…" Saman whispered making Mansha nod and do the same.

"Couldn't be better!...where are the rest of monkeys?" Farha's happy voice echoed through the phone.

"Aapi! Do we look like monkeys?" Sara complaint earning a small chuckle from Farha.

"Oh so all are around...fine then let's get to the point...we will do the complaining parts later." Farha said.

"Okay."

"So Ahad must have told you about the news?"

"Yes aapi." Saman replied impatiently.

"Okay so get ready to hear the news." Farha didn't know how tough it was for these cousins to be patient or maybe she knew but was deliberately taking all her time. Fun shouldn't be missed, right?

A good few seconds passed yet Farha didn't utter a word. Nor did they but their anticipation was clearly written on their faces. Farha giggled.

"Aapi!" All four of them cried at the same.

"Fine...fine. So...Sara, Saman and Mansha-" before Farha could complete Ahad cut her in between.

"Aur main?" He asked. [And me?]

"Ahad would you like to be called Khala?"

"No! Why will anyone call me Khala. I will be a mamu." Ahad said mortified.

"Exactly so stop your blabbering and listen first." Farha spoke making him nod, even though she wouldn't see it.

"Wait a minute!" Sara exclaimed loudly.

"Now what?"

"Did she say Khala? Oh my god...oh my God. She said Khala….Saman we are going to be Kahals!" Being the only smart one amongst the four Sara easily comprehended the news making Farha giggle from the other side while her cousins were gobsmacked. Grinning ear to ear Sara took the phone from a shocked Mansha and asked,

"We are going to be Khala aapi?"

"Yes!" Farha replied happily and laughed at Sara's squeal.

"What happened to the other monkeys?" Farha asked.

"They are frozen..." Sara said laughing at the three.

"Oh my Allah!" Saman squealed
Turning towards Mansha she started shaking her to and fro.

"Saman stop!" Mansha shouted stopping the overly excited Smana and took the phone from Sara.

"Mubarak  aapi" She squealed.

"Allhamdulillah!" Farha whispered from the other sides making them three girls whisper a Ma sha Allah.

"Ahad kaha chala gaya?" Farha asked.[Where's Ahad?]

"Yahin hun aapi." After a long time Ahad spoke still hazed at the surprise bomb.[I am here]

"Why are you silent?"

"Main mamu banne wala hun?" He asked innocently. [Am I going to be an uncle]

"Yes!" Farha said.

"Ab samajh aaya gadhe ko." Saman murmured earning a deathly glare from Ahad. [He got it now, donkey]

"Okay I am hanging up. Seems like your jiju is back."

"Say our Salaam and congratulations to jiju. Allah hafiz." Mansha said pressing the red button.

Saman eyed her cousins who too were looking at her and on cue the three started squealing and giggling. Ahad shook his head seeing them but a small smile adorned his lips as the news was certainly a great one, surprising but happy. He was going to be a mamu! That's a big deal.

"What about our elders? Do they know?" Sara asked  after their little celebration.

"Of course they know but those cunning people. Didn't tell us." Saman huffed.

"Let's see what they are doing." Sara exclaimed excitedly.

"But what about my tea?" Ahad asked making the three jerk their heads towards him and then gesture towards the boiling tea with a tilt of their heads.

He grinned.

__________

Elated, the four monkeys as Farha calls them, made their way towards the living room  from where few excited voices could be heard. They exchanged looks with each other and grinning like idiots made a grand entry. The ladies of the house was seated on the couches and were talking amongst themselves. Huge smiles on their lips and eyes gleaming in happiness. On the other side of the room Fahad, Armaan and their Dada Jaan were engrossed in  a serious talk. Business and all.

Ahad nodded at the three girls and made his way towards the men while Saman, Sara and Mansha walked to their aunts and moms. Reaching them they took seats on the only empty couch, Sara hurriedly took the seat making the other two sit on the hand rest.

"Pata to chal hi gaya hoga?" Nausheen begum, Farha and Mansha's mother asked, making the three nod like innocent kids.

"Chachi jaan, don't worry, kisi ko pata chale na chale in logon ko sab pata chal jata hai. Even if the news is from the moon." Mahi said, throwing a teasing glance at her sister-in-laws.
[They can get the news the fastest.]

"Bhabi!" Saman whined, making everyone laugh. They sure were laughing and smiling too much today.

"Amma, how are you feeling? You're going to be a great grandmother." Saman asked cheerfully and knelt beside her grandmother's legs.

"Allhamdulillah...I can't say anything except this. Allah has allowed me to see this day. That's all matter." Ruqaiya begum said fondly. Ruqaiya begum was woman of great wisdom.Her being the wife of Zalquernain Shah had always come with many obstacles and test, being in the personal life or in her husband's struggling early carrier days. It was tough times for her and her husband back then, years of struggling, years of painful taunts and years of shedding sweat and tears. And now as she watched the smiling and laughing faces of her children and grandchildren she realised the pain was all worth it.

"Aww Dadi jaan how cute!being emotional and filmy." Saman teased earning a smack from her grandmother on her head that was lying on her dear Dadi Jaan's lap. Everyone laughed seeing the exchange between them.

"What's up ladies. All smiles and laughter? Bade khush hain sabke sab!" Ahad's beaming voice made them look up only to find Ahad marching towards them leisurely while Armaan and Fahad followed him. [ you all look so happy!]

"Why you want to caste your evil eye on us?" Ruqaiya begum teased, making the rest chuckle at his expense.

"Uff Dadi Jaan, kabhi toh acha soch lein is na cheez ke bare mein." Ahad said. [ just once think good about me]

Shaking her head Ruqaiya begum got on her feet, ready to return back to her room.

"What happened ammi?" Munazza asked.

"Nothing, you guys continue. I wilk go take some rest." Immediately Noor got up and held her grandmother's hand, old age had made her week and she needed help in walking.

"Rameesha, Nausheen let's  check the dinner." Munazza spoke making her sister-in-laws nod and follow her towards the kitchen. Meanwhile Fahad and Armaan too joined them and they got involved into smooth talks with each other. Chuckling at something Mansha said Fahad got up to leave only to stop by Ahad.

"Bhai! Don't you think we deserve a treat?" Wriggling his eyebrows Ahad asked making Fahad frown at his younger brother.

"For what?"

"For becoming Mamus and Kahals.." Ahad said as if it was the most obvious thing.

"Huh?" Fahad couldn't understand why Ahad asked treat from him?

"Ask your jiju for the treat. Why me?" Fahad said sitting back.

"Come on bhai you know he isn't here, he is your friend by the way. Atleast you can give treat from his side when your time will come we will ask Muneer jiju. Simple."

"Ahad!" Mortified and embarrassed at the unfiltered statement of Ahad, Mahi exclaimed.

"What Ahad bhabi? It's not like you guys won't-" before he could complete his sentence Saman smacked his head harshly making him groan loudly.

"Chup kar jaa!" She said clenching her teeth.[ enough]

"Churail…" mumbling under his breath Ahad rubbed the back of his head. He will see her later.[ witch]

"Okay fine, if it's about money then wait-" He said and fishing out his phone from his pocket dialed someone's number. Putting it on speaker he gestured Fahad to wait. Mahi exchanged looks with Fahad unable to decipher the meaning behind Ahad's act. On the other hand the three girls were silently witnessing everything, low-key knowing very well Ahad would convince Fahad bhai for a treat. So they were laid back, while Armaan too sat with an amused smile as the clown of the family was bent upon going out today. Even though he wanted to stop Ahad from embarrassing already embarrassed Mahi bhabi he didn't do anything.  Fun shouldn't be missed anyways.

"Hello, Ahad?" A manly voice echoed from the other side and on the cue the girls started laughing hysterically. Mahi's eyes widened in disbelief and she looked at Fahad with pleading eyes whonow face palmed himself. If he thought that Ahad would let go easily he was so damn wrong.

"Assalamoalaikum jija ji."

"Walekum assalam saale sahab." Muneers's reply came with a hint of smile to it.

"First of all congratulations jiju from all of us." Ahad said smiling genuinely.

"Thank you very much." Muneer replied.

"Jija ji right now you are on speaker and all your sala and salis are listening to you."

"Why?"

"Dear jiju, don't you think we poor people deserve a small treat for the good news is really a great one?" Ahad spoke smiling mischievously.

"Of course you do, but I am not there or else I would have given you all a huge treat." Muneer said.

"Oh don't fret jiju. I have a brilliant plan." Ahad said and winked at Mahi who mouthed 'no' but today there was no place for any no. Today Ahad had planed to shoot two aims with one arrow.

"Hmm?"

"As you are not here why not your friend, our Fahad bhai take us out on your behalf and when in the near future In sha Allah his time will come you will give us a blast...what say?" Completing his sentence Ahad wiggled his eyebrows at Fahad and Mahi. The later though was ready to kil him.

"That's one good plan Sale Sahab. What do you say Fahad?" Muneer's teasing tone wasn't hidden.

"Come on Fahad, say something, Mahi bhabi's around Ahad?" Muneer asked.

"Yes, bhabi what do you say isn't my plan great?" Ahad asked.

"Won't you stop him?" Mahi asked glaring Fahad who himself seemed to be enjoying everything.

"Okay fine! Let's go." Fahad spoke making Mahi's eyes widened. Shaking her head in anger she got up to leave but before that Fahad grabbed her hand and made her sit back. With an amused smile playing on his lips he leaned towards her and whispered something making her nod, yet the fury hadn't subsided.

"Go get ready... max 10 minutes." Fahad said. Squealing in excitement they all almost ran to get their things from their respective rooms.

"Armaan, join us." Fahad said.

"It's fine bhai, I am not in mood." Armaan replied politely. He was never a big fan of outings and he was way too tired to consider the option.

"Come on, I will surely not be able to handle these pranksters alone. I request, anyways they fear you more." Fahad said with a hint of smile in his voice making Armaan chuckle.

Agreeing to Fahad's request Armaan got up to get his car's keys as he didn't want Ahad to drive, knowing very well that boy was dangerous on road.

As soon as the living room got empty Fahad turned towards his huffing and puffing wife whose hands were in his grasp.

"Mahi," he called softly making her look away.

"Look I am sorry...even if I hadn't done anything." He spoke in a teasing voice making her glare him.

Why didn't you stop Ahad, it was so embarrassing." Mahi spoke.

"Come on Mahi, you really get embarrassed too easily. He was just joking." Fahad said chuckling lightly.

"Leave my hand." Mahi said trying to get her hands free, but failed.

"Sorry jaan." Fahad spoke peering in her eyes making her stop the efforts of freeing her hands.

"Don't jaan me! Leave my hand Ammi must be looking for me."

"Why? You won't join us?" Fahad asked frowning.

"Not today." Mahi said getting up making Fahad frown.

"Come on Mahi, I said I am sorry."

"It's fine Fahad. I am not in the mood of an outing right now." Mahi spoke softly placing her hand on his chest.

"Please." Fahad whispered leaning towards her making her smile faintly. How could she deny now? The man standing in front of her had such a spell casted on hee that she could never get out of. Nor she wanted to. She slowly nodded her head making Fahad grin.

________

Noor lifted up hed eyes and then again looked down. Zeeshan was walking at a distance of few steps from her, while she walked behind him with slow steps. It wasn't like she was specifically following him, they both were heading towards the living room. Noor had found Zeeshan and Dada jaan already in their grandparent's room when she had come with Dadi jaan.
As if he knew she was deliberately not passing him, Zeeshan was walking way more  slowly.

Noor sighed in frustration and taking haste steps walked past him. She had no patience for his games or whatever. But as soon as she stepped inside the living room she was welcomed by eerie silent. No one was there. Baffled, she looked here and there thinking of it as a prank but found none of her cousin there.

"Kahan gaye sab?" She heard Zeeshan's voice from her behind and turned towards him. [ where is everyone?]

"How would I know?" She spoke clenching her teeth. The man standing in front of her had the audacity to irk her with his stupidity. Or maybe it was just her own reasons.

Zeeshan sure was caught off guard by her reply. She had a look of annoyance on her face which made him flustered. Fumbling with his words he murmured something incoherent making her raise her eyebrows. Her mere stare was enough for making him nervous mess. He opened his mouth to say something but was stopped by the ringing of his phone.

"Hello?" Without looking at the caller's name he spoke.

"Hello bhai. It's me Ahad." Ahad's loud voice boomed from the other side making him frown.

"Bhai listen. Fahad bhai made a sudden plan of outing with us. And in haste we forgot to take you and Noor api. Can you guys come on your own." Ahad said.

"What do you mean you forgot us?" Zeeshan asked irritated.

"We mean that we forgot. Come fast now I will send you the adress." Ahad spoke and hung up.

"What happened?" Seeing him frowning deeply Noor asked. He looked up and shook his head lightly.

"It was Ahad. He said they had made a sudden plan of outing and apparently forgot to us here."

"What?"

"They asked us to join them." Zeeshan spoke.

"I don't want to go."

"But why?"

"You want to go then go ahead." Noor spoke calmly and started walking away.

"Come on Noor, tum to bura man gayi." With a hint of mirth Zeeshan spoke making her stop in her track. She looked at him with raised brows.[You got offended!]

"Han toh? Why do you care?" [So what? ] She said angrily and walked out of the room leaving him shocked at her response. This was the first time he was seeing Noor like this, so angry. He had rarely seen her in anger, and even if she was she wouldn't speak harshly to anyone. Noor was a soft person but he had no idea why that softness was no where near him. Other times Noor and him had few interactions but she never spoke with him like this. This time it felt she was irritated by his mere presence, he had no idea why?

"What happened Noor?" He whispered to himself and kept staring at the door she had disappeared from.  He informed Ahad and others that both of them were not coming.

One thing Zeeshan knew that somewhere he was responsible for her behavior.

_____________

Assalamualaikum everyone.

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