کھیالوں میں لاکھوں باتیں یوں تو کہہ گیا
بولا کچھ نہ تیرے سامنے

Khayalon Mein Lakhon Baatein
Yun Toh Keh Gayaa
Bola Kuch Na Tere Samne

I spoke volumes in my thoughts
But I couldn't say anything to you

___________

***

"Calm down kids. It's fine for you to be playful but please do not kill each other." Amjad Shah spoke with mirthful tone seeing Ahad glare his cousins who were certainly teasing him for something. Everyone got silent after that making him smile and get up to leave. He was soon followed by the rest of the elders and the went towards Dada Jaan's room.

It had spiked Ahad and Saman's interest and as if telepathically informed about each other's thought they looked at each other. Ahad raised his eyebrows making Saman shake her head and gesture towards Mahi who was peacefully having her breakfast.

"Bhabi...bhabi." Ahad whisper called Mahi making her look up with furrowed eyes for she was seated just in front of him. Her furrowed brows got more furrowed after the gestures Ahad did with his eyes and hands. Meaning, that she did not get anything. Ahad smacked his head and helplessly looked at Saman. Saman too tried to ask about the sudden elders meeting but as Mahi possessed great communication skills she did not understand anything. Finally mouthing nothing and shaking her head vigorously Saman concentrated on finishing the last bits of her food.

After cleaning the dinning table when Saman and Ahad went in the living room Fahad too entered with them and
whispered something to Armaan making him nod and then both of them left. All the while the two had their eyes on them and certainly their behavior were suspicious. Finding Mansha and Zeeshan in a conversation the two made their way towards Sara and Noor who were too seated near them.

"Sara, come here for a moment." Saman called making her look up and arch her eyebrows. Nevertheless she got up and neared them, of course with a suspicious look on her face.

"What's the matter?" She asked.

"Elders are behaving suspiciously. Something's surely fishy." Ahad spoke, calmly with all the seriousness he possessed. Saman too nodded and watched Sara's reaction who herself looked serious and curious.

"But what?" Sara asked.

"How will we know? Didn't you see first the elders went to Dada jaan's room, then Fahad bhai came to call Armaan bhai." Saman said wriggling her eyebrows...Sara nodded.

"So now?" She again asked making Ahad and Saman exchange looks and then stare Sara.

"Let's hear them." Ahad spoke.

"Are you crazy bhai? That's wrong!" Sara exclaimed. Saman panicked and gestures gestured Sara to lower her voice which earned her a bored look.

"Come on! It's not like we will hear all of their conversation. Just a bit." Ahad reasoned. Saman nodded. Sara shook her head.

"You guys go-" Sara couldn't complete her words as Mahi entered the living room with a broad smile plastered on her face.

"What's with that smile?" Saman whispered making Ahad look at her and shrug his shoulders.

"Let's go." He said.

"No wait." Saman said and grabbing Sara's hand dragged her towards the sofas where Zeeshan, Mansha were eagerly waiting for Mahi to say something. Joining them Saman rasied her eyebrows at Mahi who showed her palm as to wait.

"Bhabi!" When after a long time Mahi didn't say anything Ahad exclaimed earning a giggle from her.

"Something very important is being discussed in Dada Jaan's room. Wanna know what?" Mahi said.

"What?" It was Zeeshan who was astonished as to why he wasn't called for that important discussion.

"Calm down Zee boy. Let me speak!" Mahi said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"So, Noor ke liye ek rishta aaya hai." [A proposal has come for Noor]

Silence.

"Really?" Noor asked in a soft whisper and if it weren't the silent room it would be unheard. Mahi nodded and then casted a curious look at them.

"Zeeshan, you might know him. He is in construction business and a great guy. Elders were really pleased with him." Mahi spoke, ignoring the uncomfortable look on Zeeshan's face. Sara, Saman and Ahad exchanged looks, this was certainly unexpected.

"I don't know." Zeeshan murmured and without making eye contact with anyone he walked out of the room.

"Anyways, Noor can you please come with me?" Mahi asked making Noor nod and follow her out.

_________

Bouncing like kangaroos Saman reached the living room where only Ahad was sitting with his eyes fixed on his phone. She stopped and frowned, keeping all her happiness away she decided to take revenge first. She silently tip toed towards him, but before she could do anything he faced her making her stop dead in her track. He raised his eyebrows.

"What?" He asked.

Saman shook her head and composing herself gestured him to follow her.

"Where?" Ahad again asked making her glare him.

"Saman?"

"Do minute chup nahi raha jaata na tumse?" [Can't you stay silent for two minutes?]She said making him frown. Nonetheless he followed her silently the rest of the time, till they reached the first floor's living area.

"Now, go call Sara and Mansha." Saman said turning towards him with her chin held high.

"Go call them yourself. Why will I do your work?" Ahad snapped.

"You-" she pointed her fingers at him."you left me alone when Armaan bhai caught us. Don't you think you should fall in my feet and apologize? Be grateful I am asking just this." Clicking her fingers right in front of his eyes she strode towards the couches and collapsed on the one seater. Ahad clenched his teeth, he had so much to say but he had comprehended that she had some news just by the look on her face, so decided against his will to strangle her and went to call Sara and Mansha.

Soon Mansha and Sara with Ahad were seated on the couches around Saman. All curious. Attentive and serious.

"First of all! What kind of partners are you people? You just ran awaya leaving me alone." Saman said making the three roll their eyes at her.

"Don't roll your eyes."

"Then what should we do? Did you call us here to complain?" Sara said.

"No. Armaan bhai told me something." Saman said finally calming down.

"What?"

"The proposal for Noor aapi, the guy I know who he is." Saman said. That was it, a chaos erupted amongst the three.

"Silence people." She yelled making them stop.

"Wait a minute. You heard that?" Sara asked.

"Nope." Saman said popping P sound.

"Then how can you know him?" Sara yelled.

"I said Armaan bhai told me."

"What?" The three of them shouted in unison. Disbelief and horror was clearly written on their faces. Armaan was known for his silence in the house. The times he had talked to them without any work could be counted on fingure. And the fact that he himself told Saman was unacceptable.

"Oh come on don't overreact. He told me, I am not lying!" Saman exclaimed getting up from her seat. The three exchanged glances, still sceptical.

"Fine don't believe me." Huffing, Saman glared them and then walked away. Leaving the three in state of utmost confusion and curiosity.

"What if she's saying the truth?" Ahad asked making Sara and Mansha shrug their shoulders and then shake their heads.

Too much of confusion!

_____________

"Bhabi what you told everyone... Is that true?" Noor asked as soon as Mahi and her came in a much secluded place. Mahi turned towards her and first gestured Noor to sit. Noor's anticipation was clearly written on her face. Mahi smiled softly and took her hand in hers,pressing it softly.

"It's true. Don't worry too much dear. Your parents will talk to you soon. Right now they are in Dada jaan's room." Mahi spoke.

"But bhabi...this..." Noor looked down unable to complete her sentence. Her nervousness could be easily comprehend by the look in her eyes. Knowing how faint hearted and fragile Noor was, Mahi tried to calm her by passing a reassuring smile.

Noor had an idea that this topic was to be discussed, now that she was done with her graduation. It was nothing problematic to her but she couldn't help the nervousness that was surrounding her. All she wanted was, that the things turn out well. Sitting silently in her parent's room, Noor was trying to calm her chaotic mind. She needed to think properly.

Soon her parents entered, she looked up hoping that Armaan too would be there but he wasn't. He was her strength and the only person she could rely blindly. She trusted her parents and their decision but the sense of security her brother provided was unmatchable. Disappointed she heaved an inaudible sigh.

"Noor did Mahi inform you?" Her mother asked making her nod slowly. Her father and mother exchanged a brief look. The rest of the time she did nothing but listened to them. They were informing about the proposal and she wouldn't be lying, she was surprised. It was an unexpected proposal for her but it looked like her parents were aware of it beforehand. And the way their faces held a smile and eyes sparked with happiness she knew they were really serious about this. Maybe positive for going forward.

"Noor, we will never force you. But I hope you know what you have to do." Her mother spoke calmly making her look up at her. She wasn't a fool to not understand the underlying meaning...and somewhere it did break her heart. She wasn't denying that the proposal was suiting for her but atleast her parents could avoid saying that words. She got up after few moments and passing a small smile to them walked out.

Everything was so complicated and so worrying that she felt her heart clenching. She had to face this kind of situation anyway, she was aware of it but maybe feeling like this was inevitable. She made her way towards her room, she needed to have some space and think very clearly.

________

Early evening, the same day Armaan Shah was sitting on the terrace, gazing at the splendid beauty of Allah's creations. It had been quite a happening day with many things unfolding one by one. First the news about Noor's proposal and then a long surgery in the hospital. He had returned half an hour earlier and after praying Asr Salah and freshening up he came upstairs for fresh air.

Armaan was aware how troubled Noor must be feeling and he knew that even if he had asked his parents to not pressurise her, they would have done the opposite. Maybe unknowingly. Armaan did not Noor to feel under any pressure...this matter was something only she should have right to make decision on.

Hearing footstep from the stairs he turned around and found Noor walking towards him. She looked nervous, he could easily point out what her expressionless face was hiding. His baby sister.

"Assalamualaikum." She greeted making him reply softly.

"Come sit." Armaan said. Noor nodded and sat beside him on the swing, her eyes still looking down.

"Noor, relax-" Armaan spoke making her look up, eyes filled with uncertainty. "You know that you can say anything to me. Right?" Noor nodded. Armaan smiled fondly and patted her head softly.

"What should I say bhai?" Noor asked.

"Whatever you wish to. I am sure ammi must have informed you about the proposal ." Noor again nodded.

"What do you think about it?...don't ponder about everyone else's opinion. " Armaan spoke.

"I don't know bhai, I...I am just a mess right now."

"Hmm, I guess that's normal." He said

"Listen Noor, whatever your decision will be, make sure it has nobody else's influence. Ask yourself and most importantly ask Allah." He wrapped his hands around her shoulder.

"I am planning on praying Istekhara, In Sha Allah." Noor replied.

"As you wish. Noor, you're my baby sister. I will never let any harm reach you, and whatever your decision will be I will support you."

"Jazak Allah bhai." She whispered, voice heavy and head hung low.

"Now don't cry. It's not like you're getting married today." With a light laugh Armaan spoke making Noor chuckle too. Wiping her tears she smiled at him. Armaan rubbed her arm slowly and smiled.

"Let's go. It's almost dark."

___________

Another long sigh left Zeeshan's mouth. The night sky had covered everything like a blanket, the birds had gone back home so did everyone. Yet he was still here, sitting silently and staring at nothingness. It felt like he was lost, as if he had forgotten the way back home. He had stormed out of the house early morning after the news Mahi bhabi had broken to them.

He did not wish to go back.

He wasn't that strong.

He didn't want to find about what they were talking. He didn't want to break himself. He didn't want to see the reality.

What if he lost her forever?

He looked up at the starry sky and then at the far stretched land. The horizon where the land met the sky was far, way too far to reach. Just like her and him. She was the sky of comfort and he was barren land. How could they meet? A silent drop of salty water escaped his left eye and disappeared in the darkness.

The night was approaching it's peak and as much he wanted not to return he had no other option left.

Maybe him and her were not meant to.

The silent Haveli welcomed him. The dim lighting was telling that the residents jad entered deep slumber. Good for him, he didn't wish to face anyone at the moment. Parking his car at it's place he stepped down and ran his eyes around the lawn that was illuminated by moonlight. Unexpectedly he spotted a feminine figure standing near the porch.

It didn't take hin much time to comprehend who she was.

She was cald in a light blue dress and the large shawl was wrapped around her head and shoulders providing her the cocoon of comfort and protection. Her eyes were closed as her face faced the moon.

Under the dark sky she stood with the hallo of moon, for she was the only light he ought for.

His slow steps took him towards her and maybe she heard him, her eyes shot open. He stopped at a distance of few steps from her, directly across her. Her dark eyes went wide seeing him unexpectedly in front of her.

"Aap..." [You]She breathed out and if it weren't for the deadly calmness of night her voice would be lost. He heard her, but didn't respond.

No.

How could he lose her when she was so much for him?

She looked down awkwardly making him realise that he was staring her. He looked away instantly.

"It's not safe to stay outside this late. You should head inside." He whispered calmly making her cast a brief glance at him. Nodding her head she turned on her heels and without looking back once disappeared from the main door.

And for the very first time in years his heart whispered a prayer, a cry to his lord...a plea to make her and him meant to be.

_____________

Assalamualaikum everyone.

I wanted to update on Eid but I couldn't wait. :)

How was the chapter, the story has now strated to unfold slowly. Believe me there's so much ahead waiting for all of you.

I hope it was interesting.

Thank you for reading.

Follow on instagram- @_ayesharehan_