Chapter: 10
Written by: Ishrat Khanum (Pen Name: Zoaq-e-Isha/ Ishrat Zahid)
The silence stretching through the hospital corridors was weighing on Almeer's nerves. The red light of the operating theater remained lit, a constant reminder that his mother's life was being decided inside. He checked his phone once more; Tania's message was still 'Unread.' An agonizing restlessness washed over him—the same Tania for whom he was willing to sacrifice everything was killing him today with her silence.
On the other hand, Tania sat lost in her room. She had opened Almeer's message but couldn't summon the courage to read it. Her father's words echoed in her mind: "I have made you strong; I don't like a weeping Tania." She took a deep breath and was about to delete the message when her eyes fell on Almeer's last words: "I don't believe in force, but I want to spend my life with you..." Tania's hands trembled. A tear escaped her eye and fell onto the mobile screen. She should have hated Almeer, but his helplessness was melting her.
As the morning sun rose, Shehroz's house was buzzing with activity. Rumaisa was delighted looking at her Mayon outfit, while Shehroz kept checking his watch. "Bhai! Have you started waiting for Tania already?" Rumaisa teased. Shehroz smiled, "I am waiting for the one who is coming into my life as a spring (Bahaar)." Shehroz's mother interrupted, "Shehroz! Go call the furniture man, and yes, remind Shahab Bhai to arrive on time." Shehroz picked up the phone immediately, but his heart was restless to meet Tania.
Meanwhile, the doctors emerged from the operation theater. Almeer rushed toward them. "Doctor! How is my Mom?" The doctor removed his mask and said gravely, "Asiya Begum's surgery was successful, but it will take time for her to regain consciousness. It's too early to say anything for certain." Almeer prostrated in gratitude, but the burden on his heart didn't lighten. He knew that upon waking, her first question would be about Tania.
By evening, Shahab Sahib arrived at Shehroz's house with Tania. The house was glowing with lights. Rumaisa hugged Tania as soon as she saw her, "Tania! You came, I'm so happy!" Tania tried to smile, but her eyes were unconsciously searching for someone. Shehroz stood at a distance, watching only her. He looked very attractive today in a blue waistcoat and white Shalwar Kameez. When Tania's eyes met his, Shehroz greeted her with a nod, causing Tania to lower her gaze.
During the function, Rumaisa took Tania aside, "Tania! Do you know how much Mom likes you? And Shehroz Bhai... he chants your name like a prayer." Tania's heart skipped a beat. She realized everyone here was dreaming of a beautiful future for her, while she was still trapped in the tangles of the past.
At that moment, the phone in Tania's purse vibrated. It was a call from Almeer. Tania turned pale. On one side were Shehroz's loving eyes, and on the other was Almeer's plea. She cut the call, but a message arrived instantly: "Mom has regained consciousness; she is asking for you. Tania! Just talk to her once, maybe this is her last wish." Tania's steps faltered. She looked at Shehroz laughing with his friends, and then at the screen where Almeer's desperation was written. She felt like she was being crushed between two worlds.
Sitting in the hospital waiting area, Almeer was breaking. He kept thinking of Tania, whose trust he had lost. On the other side, a long conversation was taking place between Shahab Sahib and Jameel Bhai over the phone. Jameel Bhai couldn't stop praising his son Shehroz—how he had maintained his values even while living abroad. Respect for Shehroz was growing in Shahab Sahib's heart, to the point where a wish emerged: he wished for a son-in-law like Shehroz. He expressed this wish subtly to Jameel Bhai, who responded with joy.
In the final hours of the night, Tania was in the washroom when her phone rang repeatedly. Shahab Sahib entered the room and saw "Almeer Calling" flashing on the screen. He picked it up in anger, "Why have you called?"
From the other side, Almeer's voice came, "Uncle! Please let me talk to Tania once, I want to clarify everything."
"Whatever talk happens now will be in court! I am preparing the Khula (divorce) papers; do not call Tania again," Shahab Sahib thundered. Almeer pleaded, "Uncle! Just let her decide once, whatever her decision is, I will accept it."
Shahab Sahib's temper flared, "Listen to one thing! Take back the things you kept with us as a trust—or tell me where to send them. Neither I nor my daughter want to fall prey to Jahangir's enmity. He was like that yesterday, and he is the same today. He never respected relationships. We are simple people; Allah has given me everything. After the divorce, I am marrying Tania to my friend's son. Thank God this all came out before the Rukhsati, or what face would I have shown to Sofia?" He disconnected the call in a rage.
Tania came out of the washroom and saw her father holding the phone. "Baba! Whose call was it?" she asked fearfully.
"It was Almeer! If he calls again, don't pick up. I've spoken to the family lawyer; two days from now, you're coming with me to Sajjad's office to file the Khula case." He left the room. Tania felt as if struck by lightning. She thought his anger was temporary, but he had announced a final verdict. She cried out in her heart, "O Allah! Send me some helper."
Just then, Rumaisa called. Tania picked up with a heavy heart. "Tania! Are you asleep?" Rumaisa's cheerful voice rang out.
"No Rumaisa, is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine! Tomorrow at 11 AM we will pick you up. All us cousins have planned a breakfast outing; it will be fun if you join." Tania hesitated, "But Rumaisa, I don't even know you all."
"That's exactly why you're coming—for an introduction! We'll have a chat so you don't feel like a stranger in our family. I've spoken to Uncle, and we only called after getting the green light from him." Rumaisa winked at Shehroz, who was listening to everything on speaker. This was Rumaisa's plan: to bring Tania and Shehroz face-to-face before her wedding.
Tania put the phone down, her heart divided. On one side was the sincerity of these people, and on the other was her aching heart. She realized her father was right. People who could do such things to her mother could harm her too. Her father was deeply caring and wanted to rectify the mistake made in ignorance as soon as possible.
Tania lay on the bed, these thoughts swirling. She prayed to Allah for the best outcome, "O Allah! Grant me the strength to make the best decision." Tears wet her cheeks as she prayed. When morning came, the call for Fajr prayer echoed in her ears: "Prayer is better than sleep." She sat up, checked the time, and went for Wudu (ablution). Shahab Sahib had also woken up; he knocked on Tania's door, and receiving no answer, he opened it to find the bed empty. He understood she was in the washroom. Since her childhood, Shahab Sahib had instilled the habit of prayer in her. He believed prayer was a way to thank Allah. Back then, young Tania would ask innocent questions, and her father's detailed answers would satisfy her. She had never missed a prayer; it was her life's routine.
After praying, Tania felt peace. She recited the Quran and went for a walk in the lawn. Her father was already there, watering the plants. "Baba! Let me do this," she said. Shahab Sahib told her that Jameel Bhai and his wife had called last night, requesting that Tania join the cousins for breakfast. "I agreed, believing Tania wouldn't refuse my word. Did I do something wrong?" Tania replied, "No Baba! I have never broken your trust, and I won't start now. It's just that my mind is very tangled. You know I entered into this Nikkah with Almeer only at the request of a dying mother. Whatever you wish, it shall be done." Shahab Sahib looked at Tania's dull eyes and for a moment wondered if he was being unfair by forcing this separation from Almeer.
Tania mentioned that Rumaisa had called; they were coming at 11 AM. Shahab Sahib told her to get ready and he'd make his own breakfast, but Tania took the water pipe from his hand and insisted on cooking for him. She knew he took medicine and preferred having breakfast with her. She set the table while her father brought the newspaper; he was ready for school. He instructed her to keep her phone with her and message him when she left the house.
While clearing the dishes, Shahab Sahib mentioned he had hired a woman who would start tomorrow. "You must guide her; I take less salt. Now, you must assist me in the school administration. I need an honest person to sit in my chair when I'm out. I have property matters to handle as well. After me, you must oversee all of this." Tania said, "But Baba, I am going out today." Shahab Sahib smiled, "I mean in the future, you will handle this hustle. I want to introduce you to the staff; I need a coordinator for the new branch. My daughter is very skillful." He kissed her and left, telling her to dress well and that he didn't like a sad Tania.
Tania decided on a purple frock with light thread work. She picked matching earrings, a watch, and a bracelet, then went for a shower. While drying her hair, her phone rang. It was "Sir Almeer Calling." She silenced the ringer so as not to be disturbed. She applied light lipstick and kajal, looking in the mirror and wishing, "May my fate be as beautiful as I am." The phone rang again; this time it was Rumaisa saying they were nearly there and that Shehroz was coming to pick her up.
Tania was in the lounge when the gatekeeper announced Shehroz Sahib's arrival. Tania went out, and Shehroz opened the front door for her. Tania offered a greeting, and Shehroz asked, "Are you comfortable? Let's go." When Tania wrapped her dupatta over her head, Shehroz smiled. "I'm not kidnapping you; your father knows. I called him first, and only then was I allowed to have you called out. Relax."
Tania stared out the window. Shehroz couldn't understand her silence. "Tania! Why does it feel like you haven't come of your own will? Did Uncle force you?" Tania replied without looking at him, "No, it's nothing like that. I'm just a bit reserved by nature; I don't open up easily." Shehroz said, "That's actually a good thing."
At the restaurant, they went to the rooftop where everyone else was gathered. Rumaisa hugged her and asked, "Did Bhai bore you?" Shehroz spoke up, "She is even more silent than I am!" After breakfast and some teasing from the cousins, they took group photos to preserve the memories. On the way back, Rumaisa said Shehroz would drop her. Shehroz mentioned that Shahab Uncle had called, asking him to drop Tania off at his school so they could go home together.
Tania's mood was much fresher now. Shehroz noticed and said, "You look good like this; sadness doesn't suit your face." Tania replied, "No one chooses to be sad; sometimes life brings you to a point where you can't smile even if you want to." Shehroz stopped the car and said seriously, "Almeer was your past; forget him. I am your today. I'm not surprised you are shocked; I chose you the first time I saw you. When my father spoke to Uncle, he told us about the Nikkah. I told him that everything should happen with Tania's consent. If you don't want to stay with Almeer, I welcome you with an open heart. I will wait for your answer." Tania got out, and Shehroz drove away. She watched him leave, thinking that despite knowing everything, Shehroz was moving toward her, while her father was calling her into the office. "Should I leave Almeer and hold Shehroz's hand? How have I come to such a crossroad..."
(To be continued...)
Copyright & Disclaimer All rights reserved by the author, Ishrat Khanum (Pen Name: Zoaq-e-Isha / Ishrat Zahid). No part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. This is a work of fiction; any resemblance to real persons or events is coincidental.