Chapter No: 12
Tania's eyes opened to the sound of the Fajar call to prayer. After performing ablution and offering her prayers, she began reciting the Holy Quran. As per her routine, when she came outside, she saw her father walking in the lawn with a prayer beads (tasbeeh) in his hand. She had been seeing this since childhood, and it had become a habit for her too. She approached him and offered her greetings (Salam). Shahab Sahab recited a prayer over her, returned the greeting, and kissed her affectionately.
Tania asked, "Baba! I was going to make a shake for myself; I thought I'd ask you too. Your room light was off, so I figured you'd be in the lawn. Baba, do you like walking in the morning this much?" To which he replied, "I love the chirping of these birds, their glorification of the Creator, and their gratitude toward their Master. So, I come here to offer my gratitude to my Lord as well. Which blessing has He not bestowed upon me? The more you thank Him, the more you receive." Tania nodded with a smile, and he added, "Make one for me too; I am coming inside."
As Tania started making the shake, her phone vibrated with a message tone. She saw 'Almeer' on the screen. She brushed it aside and turned on the blender. Setting the phone to silent, she came out of the kitchen with a tray. Baba was sitting on the lounge sofa watching the news. "Baba! What time do you have to go to the office today?" Tania asked. He replied, "We will leave at 7:30 today. There is still time; if you want to sleep more or do some work, go ahead. And call the gatekeeper; he said a maid would come, but she hasn't arrived yet."
Tania called him, and he arrived. Shahab Sahab asked, "I inquired about the maid?" To which he replied, "Sir, she had arrived, but she didn't know the address here. She is at a relative's house. If you permit, may I bring her? She has no place to stay; she came here for work." Shahab Sahab asked, "Did she come alone?" The gatekeeper informed him, "There is a man with her; he works as a driver. He is also looking for work so they can collectively send some money back to their parents in the village."
Shahab Sahab said, "Do you have their number?" He replied, "Yes, I have it. I told them I'd ask the Boss before informing them about the job." Shahab Sahab said, "Go and bring both the husband and wife today. I need a driver for the school van; I'll give him work there, and his wife can handle the cleaning and kitchen work. Does she know how to do these tasks?" He replied, "Yes, absolutely. She will cook whatever you ask. She has studied until the 8th grade, and her husband has completed the 10th. There are only government schools up to the 10th grade in the village."
"How old are they?" "The man's name is Fayyaz; he is twenty-two, and his wife is eighteen." "They are very young. Will she be able to manage the house? You told me she was older." "Sir, her mother was supposed to come, but her husband fell ill, so she had to stay with him. This is her brother's son. They have come to the city to earn money for his treatment. Sir! They are from my village; I know they are decent people, just helpless."
After hearing everything, Shahab Sahab said, "Do they have ID cards?" To which he replied, "Fayyaz has one, but I am not sure about his wife." "Satisfy yourself first, then hire them," Shahab Sahab said. "Go and bring them now." He replied happily, "Sir! I'll call him right now and bring them. Are you at home?" He replied, "Yes, I want to meet and satisfy myself because we need a full-time maid who is trustworthy and knows how to manage a home. Make one thing clear: cameras are fitted everywhere in the house. If anything goes wrong, it will be a direct police case." "No, sir! They are not like that; I know them." "Fine, now go without wasting time and come back quickly."
Tania was listening to everything and said, "Baba! What work will such a young girl be able to handle?" To which he replied, "Daughter, village people are quite sharp. They instill the habit of working in their children from the beginning; they aren't comfort-seekers like city people. Plus, it's their helplessness. Sajjad recommended him; his brother has been with Sajjad for years. I went to the village and gathered all the information. Don't worry, once they arrive, I'll only hire them after being satisfied."
At Jameel Sahab's house, guests were continuously arriving. Everyone was asking why such a distant place was chosen. To which he replied, "The children wanted to enjoy the function for a long time, and as you know, it takes two hours for the ladies to perform their rituals. It was my children's decision that the function be held at their grandfather's residence. You haven't been there yet; when you see it, you'll enjoy it. It has been decorated beautifully."
Jameel was explaining the details to his relatives. Seeing Sherroz, he said, "Son! Did you explain the address to the caterers?" To which he replied, "Abba! They have already arrived there. Our people have given them space, and they are preparing. You tell me, by what time will the ladies be ready? We have to leave at 4:00 PM to reach there by 6:00 PM. The function starts at 7:00 PM. Then, those who want to go home can go, or I have arranged a rest house if anyone wants to stay the night and leave in the morning." At this, he smiled, "I expected this level of sensibility from you." Sherroz had placed more orders for flowers to be taken along.
Seeing Rumesa in her Mayun suit, Sherroz felt a wave of affection for her. She was sitting in the lounge with all the cousins when their mother arrived and said, "Girls! Get ready quickly. And yes, anyone who wants to stay there should pack a suit or two; sleeping arrangements have been made. Rumesa, daughter! Don't forget to pack your sleeping dress." To which she replied, "Mama! I've packed all my things in the suitcase."
Sherroz was wearing Shalwar Kameez today as well. He had sent it out for pressing and also had to pick up his father's suit. When he came to the room to get the car keys, he saw two missed calls on his phone. He unlocked it and saw it was Shahab Uncle. Sitting on the bed, he called back, and Shahab Sahab picked up. After greeting him and inquiring about his well-being, he asked the reason for the call.
Shahab Sahab informed him, "I have a meeting with the Education Department today to get an approval certificate, so I'll be late. I won't be able to come for the Mehndi function today. I was trying to call Jameel Bhai too, but perhaps he isn't picking up." Sherroz's heart sank instantly. "Uncle! So Tania won't come either?" To which he replied, "Naturally, who would take her? I'll be here, and Tania was supposed to go to school today, but since the maid was arranged, she started today. Tania is explaining all the work to her. I must attend the meeting today; I am about to leave. I told Tania we would go today; I even got her dresses for all the days, but this is also important."
After a thought, Sherroz said, "Uncle! Should I come to pick Tania up? The plan is for all the cousins to stay there, but if she wants to return, I'll drop her back. If you don't like the idea, it's okay." To which Shahab Sahab said, "Son! I trust you. If you want to take her, you may. I'll tell Tania. Send a message when you leave to pick her up; I'll explain it to the gatekeeper. I've told him not to open the door for anyone in my absence. It's up to Tania; if she wants to go, she'll get ready. You should also talk to her once."
Sherroz said, "Yes, okay," and hung up. When he came out to share this, he saw his father right in front of him. He was talking on the phone: "It would have been better if you came, but don't worry. Just as Rumesa is mine, Tania is also like my daughter. Work without any worry, and if you get free early, do come; we'll enjoy the function together."
As soon as the phone hung up, he said, "You have to go to Shahab Bhai's house to pick up Tania and bring her straight here; she will go with all of us." "Yes Baba! I've spoken to him. He was calling you, but you didn't pick up, so he called me." Baba said, "I know my son's choice. Once she arrives today, I'll talk. Tomorrow they will surely attend. What do you say, should I have your Nikah performed tomorrow too?" At this, Sherroz turned shy, and they shared a moment of affection.
Sherroz was now looking for Rumesa. Finding her, he approached, "My sister! There's a task; solve a problem for me." Rumesa understood he wanted her to talk to Tania. When he explained the situation, she said, "Okay! I'll tell her that I'm sending a driver, be ready. You go to pick her up. When she's ready, bring her. Just say the driver didn't come, so Baba sent me. Mention Shahab Uncle's name, that you've spoken to him. I'll handle the rest. I'm calling now."
Tania's phone rang. After explaining the work to the maid, she looked at the phone in the lounge; 'Rumesa Calling' was displayed. She picked up, and Rumesa spoke with great love and courtesy, requesting her to come. Tania mentioned, "Baba can't come today; he had to leave for an urgent meeting." Rumesa said, "I've spoken to Uncle; I'll send a driver who will bring you here to our house, and then we'll all go to the farmhouse together."
Tania said, "That's fine, but Baba was saying it's a two-hour journey. How will I return so late at night?" Rumesa replied, "Don't worry about that; some of my friends are staying there too. There are guest rooms in that large house; it's no problem. I've spoken to Uncle; now it's up to you. Whether you value my request or decline it." At this, Tania said, "Don't say that; let me ask Baba once and I'll text you." Rumesa thanked her, and the call ended. Rumesa had the speaker on, and Sherroz was listening.
As soon as the phone was disconnected, Sherroz said, "This lady speaks so lovingly with you, but there's always an issue with me. I can't even play a little prank." "Bhaiya! Have some patience. Baba has told Mama everything. Technically, she belongs to someone else right now, so how can she be frank with you? She is an Eastern girl. Uncle and Auntie have raised her differently. You know, she is just like you. You'll have to wait a little; control your heart." "That's exactly what isn't happening," Sherroz sighed.
Tania texted Baba, and after a while, a message came: "You get ready and go; if I am to come, I will come directly there." Tania went to her room, took out her suit, and looked in the mirror. She saw herself in a green and shocking pink outfit. It was a long shirt with palazzos, paired with golden sandals and earrings. She kept them on the side table and went out.
She took the maid to the servant quarters and told her that all the necessary items were there. Seeing the portion, the maid said, "Bibi! Even the servant rooms here are so solid. Village rooms aren't solid; we are used to living without fans, sleeping on string cots (manjee) in the courtyard. You city people live in paradise." Tania laughed at her words and said, "Stay here; when there's work, I'll call you. That's your kitchen on the side; I've placed everything there. Further ahead, near the outer door, is the bathroom." "Even the bathrooms here are as big as rooms," the maid said in wonder.
Tania laughingly explained, "This is an intercom. When you hear a bell from here, pick it up and talk. Either Baba or I will call." Then she asked, "Bibi Ji! Can I talk to my village with this?" Tania said, "You are so simple and innocent. This is only for inside the house; we use it to call whoever is staying here or the gatekeeper at the gate." "I understand now, Bibi Ji." "And you'll understand the rest gradually. Now tell me, did you make today's food?" "Yes, I made it exactly as you instructed. I know how to cook everything, but you city people also eat English food; I don't know that, but I'll learn." Tania said, "No, Baba and I don't eat that at home; we go out for those meals. Now you can rest if you want."
"What is this bundle?" Tania asked. The maid replied, "It has my family's things and my clothes." Tania said, "Open that cupboard on the wall and fold them neatly inside. And listen, keep your room clean now; it was made so that if a servant is kept, they can stay here. Right now, your husband has gone with Baba; until then, lock the door from inside. And yes, if there's any trouble, press this button on this phone and call me." "Okay, fine." "I'll also arrange a phone for you. In the future, when I have to go to school, I'll be able to talk to you on that number. You'll also be able to talk to your village from that number." "You'll give me a 'mobeel'?" her eyes sparkled. Tania said, "It's called a mobile, not a mobeel." "Yes Bibi! I don't know English; I'll learn." "Yes, I have to teach you a lot, but you are a good girl."
Tania came back; now she had to text Rumesa. Over there, Sherroz was waiting. Rumesa checked, and the message had arrived: "I will come; Baba has said so. Please send the driver." Both siblings cheered. Sherroz said, "Yes, boss!" Rumesa was watching her brother's happiness. "Bhai! Where did you lose your heart? Mama and I were worried thinking what if Tania refused." "Let's see," Sherroz said softly. "May Allah grant my brother his love; after so much difficulty, he liked a girl. I hope Bhai doesn't change his mind again," Rumesa prayed.
Tania looked at the time and thought she should shower and dry her hair to be ready on time. After her shower, she began drying her hair, constantly checking her phone. "Baba hasn't called back yet. It would have been better if Baba were here today," she consoled herself. She did her makeup—a light BB cream, kohl, and light eyeshadow. Applying lipstick, she looked at herself. She thought of applying mascara but then decided, "I'll do it tomorrow; this is enough for now." She brushed her hair and left it open. her hair was silky and long; whenever she left it open, onlookers couldn't help but praise it. She put on bangles, wore her earrings, and looked at herself in the mirror in her golden sandals. She applied a light deodorant and came out.
Checking her phone, she saw Rumesa's message: "The driver has left to pick you up; please don't be late, we are all waiting for you. We are all about to leave in the cars." Tania replied 'Okay'. Meanwhile, the gatekeeper informed her that a car from Jameel Sahab's house had arrived. Tania went to the maid's room; she was lying on the bed. After explaining things to her, Tania came out. As she went to open the back door, the front door opened.
"Madam! Please sit in the front; I am not your driver. He got stuck somewhere, so Baba sent me. Hurry up, everyone is about to leave. Today is my sister's Mehndi; I have to reach quickly to welcome the guests. What are you thinking? Sit down; you can be angry later. If you stare this hard, you'll cast an evil eye." Tania suppressed her anger; she was not in the mood for any unpleasantness right now. She didn't say a word the whole way.
Outside Jameel Uncle's house, all the cars were indeed ready. Rumesa and the other cars had already left; only two or three cars were waiting. Sherroz took the lead, and the other cars began to follow him. Tania looked at him in surprise. "The car behind is Mama and Baba's, and the one behind that is Tania's friends. You aren't being kidnapped; you can trust me that much. Now, if your anger has lessened, may I have permission to play some music?" Sherroz asked playfully. Tania said, "Why do you need my permission? Your car, your choice; do whatever you want." Sherroz said, "Don't be upset with Rumesa; the driver was supposed to come, but some guests arrived and he had to go to the airport to pick them up. He will go directly to the farmhouse. I was the only one left, so Baba told me to make sure I bring you with full respect and honor."
Tania looked at her phone; there was a missed call from Baba. "Oh! Why didn't I see it?" Meanwhile, Sherroz's phone began to ring. Sherroz fixed his eyes on the screen and turned on the call via his earbuds. After the greeting, he said, "Yes Uncle! She is with me, but her intentions are dangerous; if she had her way, she'd kill me." Something was said from the other side, so Sherroz took out an earbud and handed it over, "It's your father." Tania said, "Tell him I'll call." Sherroz put it back and said, "Uncle! She doesn't want to talk via my phone; please call her on hers. I am driving on the Ring Road anyway. Yes, yes, the speed is normal. Okay, take care."
The phone hung up, and Tania saw her phone vibrating. Following Shahab Sahab's instructions, Tania said, "Yes, I will take care in the future. Yes, my mood is fine." At this, Sherroz looked at her, "You even lie to your father? How is your mood fine?" Tania said, "I am quiet now; can I talk?" "Yes, certainly." Sherroz turned the car onto a dirt path where the road wasn't paved yet. Tania hung up and saw, "Where are we going?" Sherroz said, "We are going to the farmhouse; haven't you ever been to a farmhouse?"
Just then, a car was parked ahead. Sherroz called out through the window, "Brother! Move aside, we need to pass." "Yeah sure, sorry! I'm trying. The car stalled suddenly; I've called for another one, this one is dead." He dropped the hood of the car, and it was none other than Almeer! Both looked at each other, and Sherroz drove the car past him. Almeer stared at the car disappearing into the dust, wondering who Tania was with, dressed up so beautifully? "I won't let Tania belong to anyone else; now it's a matter of my honor..." Almeer's anger reached the seventh heaven.
Tania was in a total state of shock and suddenly asked, "How many farmhouses are here?" Sherroz replied, "Quite a few; whoever wants, buys land and builds one. This place has been inhabited since Grandpa's time. Our servants are there; we used to come here for picnics in childhood. It was Rumesa's wish to have her functions here."
"Almeer! What happened, son? Why are you so angry?" Asiya Begum, sitting in the back of the car, spoke. "The car will be here soon; come inside and sit." "Mama! I'm fine, just relax." Soon, the other car arrived, and he started putting the luggage in it. He sat in it and drove ahead, leaving the driver to show the stalled car to the mechanic. Almeer's heart was deeply hurt. "So this was the reason for not picking up my calls, for not replying to my messages... What did I do so wrong? If only you had asked once, Tania... you never really knew Almeer."
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All Rights Reserved by the Author. All legal rights and ownership of this novel "Along with the Spring" (Bahaar ke Sang) are reserved by the author Ishrat Khanum (Pen name: Zoaq-e-Esha/ Ishrat Zahid). Reproduction of this story, writing, or any part thereof in any form (including photocopying, recording, social media sharing, PDF, or publishing on any other website) without the prior written permission of the author is strictly prohibited. Any violation may lead to legal action under the Copyright Act.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction intended for entertainment purposes only. All characters, names, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) or actual events is purely coincidental. The views expressed in this story belong to the characters and do not necessarily reflect the personal opinion of the author.
Written & Created by: Ishrat Khanum (Zoaq-e-Esha / Ishrat Zahid)
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