Chapter: 09
Sherroz was driving the car with a smile on his face. Until a short while ago, he wasn't ready to go because he thought Shahab Uncle wouldn't recognize him, nor did their family know him. However, at the insistence of his family, he went to their house with the invitation card. Sherroz's mother would have gone herself if she could, but she wanted to rest her feet so she could prepare herself for the upcoming Mayun and Mehndi functions. Shahab Sahib was like a brother to them; there was a deep, years-old connection between the two families. Although a distance had grown due to life's busyness, the sincerity and sense of belonging remained as strong as ever.
Upon returning home, seeing Sherroz humming and smiling, Rumaisa came near him. "Bhai! Is everything okay? You were angry when you left, and now you are so happy? Something has definitely happened; you look different, it seems you are hiding something." Sherroz felt shy at his sister's words and asked, "What do you want to ask?" To which Rumaisa chirped, "You met Tania there, didn't you?" A spark appeared in Sherroz's eyes, which Rumaisa caught immediately. "That's it, Bhai! I understand. You have returned as Tania's captive. Look, our job has become easy; you've been 'fixed' too. I'm going to tell Mamma!"
Rumaisa ran towards Mamma's room saying this, and Sherroz dashed after her, "Wait a minute! Right now, it's just one-sided. I liked her at first sight, but I haven't talked to her about this subject yet; it is also important to know what she wants." Rumaisa said mischievously, "She'll come to the functions, and I'll ask her myself. We won't leave you alone this time; we'll make a firm arrangement. It's good that I found out, otherwise, Mamma had shortlisted one or two families to finalize after my wedding. Now, shall I tell you a secret? One of those families belongs to Shahab Uncle; Mamma mentioned that she likes Tania."
Just then, a voice came from inside, "Have you two created a ruckus? Either come inside or let me rest." Sherroz held his sister's hand, brought her into the lounge, and while seating her on the sofa, said, "Does Mehndi happen before Mayun?" Rumaisa asked, "Why? Do you also want to sit for Mehndi?" Sherroz replied, "No, it needs to be applied to your feet since you don't sit still in one place. Mayun is in two days, so just relax. Right now, I need to talk to Tania myself; let me ask her. Who knows if she likes someone else? Everyone has the right to choose." Rumaisa said, "Leave that task to me, Bhai. I will ask Tania myself if she would like to become the wife of my dear, naughty brother."
Hearing Sherroz's conversation, his mother also came out and called the servant to bring tea and a tablet. Seeing her, Sherroz said, "Mamma! Let me take you to the doctor." She replied, "Son! Your sister's work never seemed to end; thank God everything is sorted now. All the items are ready; tomorrow, the first thing you must do is drop her things at her in-laws'. Tell me, have the orders for sweets been placed?" Sherroz said, "Yes Mamma! I did that today, and I've also told the lighting person; he will come in the morning to decorate the house." Rumaisa reminded him that the furniture also has to be delivered tomorrow. "Bhai, please go to the showroom once and check if it's the same one I finalized." Sherroz promised to make a video and send it, then went to rest on the pretext of a headache. While leaving, Rumaisa told Mamma that Bhai is very happy, to which Mamma said, "Obviously, a brother is happy at his sister's wedding." Sherroz quipped, "The 'calamity' is leaving the house." Rumaisa tried to hit him with a cushion, which Sherroz caught. "Mamma, are you seeing Bhai? Am I a calamity? The real calamity will come now; keep an eye on him Mamma, don't let Bhai go alone this time."
On the other hand, Almeer was consulting with doctors when the nurse informed him that Asiya Begum had to be taken for surgery. Almeer went to his mother, "Mamma! You must not lose courage." His mother said, "Almeer! Forgive me; I caused pain to all of you and Shahab Bhai's family, intentionally or unintentionally. If I am no longer here, you will pay my penance. You must keep asking for forgiveness until their hearts melt. And yes! If possible, come to my grave every day; my heart will be waiting for your arrival, and my soul will find peace through your prayers." Almeer kissed his mother's hand. In the meantime, the nurse and ward boy took her away. Almeer watched his mother go; his heart was restless—would he be able to hear his mother again? Would he see her walking and talking once more? "Why is this life so difficult? I have everything, yet can I not buy my mother's health? O Lord! Restore my mother's life and health."
On one side was Tania, whose trust he had to win, and on the other was his mother; he felt so alone. He thought, "Kash (I wish) Mamma, you hadn't committed those injustices. For the sake of worldly benefits, betrayal in relationships eventually returns. The property for which you defamed Sophia Phuppo served neither you nor Baba." He messaged Tania: "My Mamma is having surgery; pray for her. I need your prayers and support. I don't know when love happened. I was searching for Sophia Phuppo's family to settle a debt; I hope you will understand. I didn't know what Mamma and Baba had done; had I known, I would have told you earlier. I don't believe in force, but I want to spend my life with you. I will wait for your answer."
When the message arrived on Tania's mobile, she saw it was from "Sir Almeer." She wanted to open it when Shahab Sahib entered the room. "Daughter! I am going out; I thought I'd take you along. Let's go look at some dresses for the wedding." Tania said half-heartedly, "Baba! I have so many, I'll wear any of them." Shahab Sahib said, "Daughter! I don't want my daughter to look less than anyone. There will be girls wearing the best of dresses; I earn only for you. Come quickly, I am waiting in the car."
Tania got ready quickly and came out. Shahab Sahib was giving instructions to the gatekeeper. Both reached the shopping mall. Despite seeing so many brands, Tania didn't like anything; her heart was stuck on the message. Suddenly, she heard the sound of her father talking to someone. She turned around and saw Sherroz. Baba was meeting him with great affection. Sherroz came to Tania, "How are you, Miss Tania?" Tania gave a brief reply. Sherroz felt she was a bit downcast; he asked, "Is everything okay?" but instead of answering, Tania started looking at dresses. Sherroz ignored her reaction and spoke to Shahab Sahib, "Uncle! I had to get a shirt and shalwar for the Mayun. I also have to deliver items to Rumaisa's in-laws; please help me out." He suggested some good brands, and Sherroz left. Shahab Sahib said to Tania, "Daughter! Why weren't you talking to Sherroz properly? You weren't like this. What will he think? It will reflect on mine and your mother's upbringing." Tania apologized, "Sorry Abba! I will take care in the future."
Shahab Sahib bought dresses for all three days, along with matching jewelry and sandals, and they returned home. Tania went to the kitchen to make tea. Shahab Sahib started talking to Jamil Bhai on the phone, who couldn't come himself due to a meeting and was apologizing. He praised Sherroz greatly, saying that despite living abroad, he has great manners. Tania brought the tea just as the phone call ended. Baba told her that Jamil Bhai had called to ensure they would definitely come tomorrow. Tania remained silent; she wanted to go to her room as soon as possible to read the message.
After drinking tea, Shahab Sahib stood up, "Daughter! I'm going to rest; you set these things and let me know if you need to go to the salon etc., I'll book an appointment." He placed his hand on Tania's head and said emotionally, "I have tried my best not to let you feel the absence of a mother. I can read the sadness in your eyes; you still haven't come out of the shock regarding Almeer. Life is the name of moving forward; people come and they go. I am living without Sophia; when I see you sad, I wonder what I will say to your mother. Did I ever leave any stone unturned?" Tania hugged her father and cried bitterly; she was feeling a deep loneliness inside. He wiped Tania's tears, "I have made you a strong Tania; I don't like a weak, crying Tania." Tania promised she would compose herself.
Tania came to her room. Now, she no longer had the same interest in reading the message. She decided she would not let any shadow fall on her father's pride and upbringing. Whatever decision Baba made regarding Almeer, she would accept it, and she wouldn't even let him know that she had ever loved Almeer. She would not leave her father's side.
Meanwhile, Almeer had checked WhatsApp several times, but Tania hadn't even seen the message. He was remembering everything about her. He called the office, and the secretary informed him that Tania's father had submitted her resignation and she would no longer continue working. Almeer asked about his father and found out he had left for a flight to the UK. He had stated he was on a private trip and should not be disturbed. Almeer felt a surge of intense anger; he understood exactly what luxuries his father had gone for. "This is indeed karma; Baba is destroying everything with his own hands. The respect earned over the years is being auctioned off today. Another news headline will appear about Jahangir and that actress. Baba! You don't have the slightest realization of what state Mamma is in." Almeer sat down, holding his head.
(To be continued...)
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All Rights Reserved by the Author. The entire rights and ownership of this novel "Bahaar Ke Sang" are legally reserved in the name of the author Ishrat Khanum (Pen name: Zoaq-e-Isha/ Ishrat Zahid). Any reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this text, story, or any part thereof in any form (including photocopying, recording, social media sharing, or PDF) without the prior written permission of the author is strictly prohibited. Legal action can be taken under the Copyright Act in case of violation.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction intended for entertainment purposes only. All characters, names, places, and events included are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real persons (living or dead) is purely coincidental. The views expressed in this story belong to the characters and do not reflect the personal opinion of the author.
Written & Created by: Ishrat Khanum (Alias: Zoaq-e-Isha / Ishrat Zahid)