Chapter No: 11
When Tania reached her father's office, she was left stunned by the sight before her. Shahab Sahab stood up to welcome her and, gesturing toward his chair, said, "Come, Tania! Sit in this seat." Tania looked at her father with deep respect and said in a soft voice, "Baba! This seat belongs to you, and it is you who looks best in it. I will assist you in whatever way I can, but I cannot take your place by sitting in this seat." Shahab Sahab smiled and gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite him, and she sat down.
It was a highly modern and beautiful office, where large screens displayed live footage from every corner of the school. For the first time, Tania realized how vast her father's network was. The classrooms, staff room, canteen, playground, and even the main gate and visiting room were under the surveillance of the cameras. Shahab sat in his office, monitoring every single moment. It felt less like a typical school office and more like the office of a chief executive officer (CEO) of a large company. Shahab Sahab was busy on his laptop; he looked up and asked, "How was breakfast?" Tania replied briefly, "It was good."
"How did you like everyone?" Shahab asked again. Tania gave a simple answer, "They were fine." "There is a Mehndi ceremony this evening. Jameel Bhai has strictly insisted that we leave on time. The farmhouse is a bit far from the residential area; it could take two hours. You must get ready on time so we can arrive punctually because they said we have to join them in welcoming the groom's family. With a heavy heart, Tania said, "Yes, alright." Meanwhile, Shahab Sahab called the peon and instructed, "Go to the staff room and tell all the teachers to gather in the meeting room before leaving for the day. I want to introduce Miss Tania to them."
In the meeting room, Tania saw that a considerable number of staff were present. Shahab Sahab introduced Tania as the 'executive coordinator' and announced the handing over of responsibilities for the new branch to her. Tania also addressed everyone with great enthusiasm, stating that she would carry this mission forward according to her father's dream.
On the way back, when Tania praised her father's entire setup, Shahab said, "Tania! This is not just the result of my hard work alone. This building you see—the money Jameel Bhai's father gave me for business, I invested it in this construction. And when the school was ready, all the expenses were borne by Jameel Bhai and his father. Even today, they transfer a handsome amount into the school's account so that no child is deprived of education. Despite having so much wealth, these people never showed any arrogance. And now Shahroz is their strength; all the funds for the labs of my new project have been provided by Shahroz." Shahab Sahab paused and asked, "How did you like Shahroz? I've asked twice, and you haven't told me." Tania avoided the topic by saying, "Baba, let's go home; I'm feeling hungry." Shahab Sahab understood that she did not want to discuss this subject at the moment.
On the other hand, at the hospital, Almeer's mother, Asiya Begum, had regained consciousness. Upon the nurse's notification, Almeer went inside. As soon as she opened her eyes, she asked in a low voice, "How is Tania? Did Shahab Bhai forgive me?" Almeer desperately held his mother's hand. "Yes, Mamma! Everything is fine; he has forgiven you. You just rest." Asiya Begum called Almeer closer and spoke in the manner of a final wish: "Almeer, do one thing for me. Your grandfather bought a house in my name far from the city. I don't want to go back to Jahangir's house. I want to live in peace. You bring Tania there after her departure (Rukhsati). I want to break all ties with Jahangir." Almeer immediately called the son of Shehbaz (a long-time servant) and instructed him to clean the house and maintain strict confidentiality.
After reaching home, Shahab Sahab ordered food from Tania's favorite restaurant at her request. After eating, he spoke to her advisively. "Daughter! Get ready well today. You are just like your mother, Sofia, in every matter; she also used to hide her sadness, but I would understand. Now, you live life to the fullest; this is your life. If one chapter of life turns out badly, you don't ruin the entire life. I have chosen Shahroz, but I don't want any compulsion. Just know this: I do not want to keep you in Almeer's Nikah. He is Jahangir's son, and I have no good expectations of him."
After Shahab Sahab went to rest, Tania was sitting on her bed when a message arrived from an unknown number: "I hope I haven't disturbed you. Can we talk on a call?" Tania asked, "Who are you?" The reply came, "You don't know my name? Are you joking?" Tania replied sternly that she was not joking and told him not to trouble her again. A call came, but Tania disconnected it. In the meantime, Rumaisa's call arrived.
"Tania! Bhai wants to talk to you. He was messaging, and I thought there might be a misunderstanding, so I made the call. Why did you cut it? Rumaisa clarified. Tania said, "I don't answer calls from strangers; he should have told me his name. " Rumaisa handed the phone to Shahroz.
"How are you?" Shahroz's soft voice came. Tania said angrily, "I am very angry." I have no relationship with you that allows for jokes." Shahroz apologized. "Sorry! I should have told you my name. You are right; good girls truly don't pick up calls from strangers. I just want us to become friends." Tania replied bluntly, "I don't want to be friends with anyone; your time will be wasted. What you are hoping for is not possible right now."
After a silence, Shahroz asked, "Do you want to stay with Almeer?" At this question, Tania's self-control shattered. "This is my personal matter! There is no shortage of girls for you; you can marry someone else and take them with you. I am not a toy that someone asks for to fulfill a dying mother's wish or that someone takes because of the burden of favors. I am a living human being!"
Shahroz listened to the whole thing patiently and said, "Tania! You are misunderstood. I am not asking for your hand because of a favor to your father, but because of my own preference. You have time; think about it. No one will pressure you. No one will force you. But next time, do not think that I want to bring you into my life because my elders or I invested in Uncle's work. Shahroz said Allah Hafiz and disconnected the line, leaving Tania at a new crossroads.
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All rights are reserved by the author. All legal rights and ownership of this novel, "Along with the Spring" (Bahaar Ke Sang), are reserved in the name of the author, Ishrat Khanum (PenName: Zoaq-e-Isha / Ishrat Zahid). Republication, distribution, or transmission of this story, text, 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 solely for entertainment. All characters, names, places, and events included herein are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to any actual person (living or deceased) 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 (aka: Zoaq-e-Isha / Ishrat Zahid)