chapter 17

Arif goes to Fiza's parents' house. When Fiza was ill, he used to visit her twice a day. But, since Fiza has left for Mumbai, Arif comes to meet Fiza's parents in the morning before going to his office. Every day Arif has his breakfast with Junaid and Shabana.Arif reaches their home on time. He senses the tension going on between Junaid and Shabana. They are not talking to each other. Arif speaks a lot on various issues ranging from daily life troubles, weather, and politics to start a conversation, but none of them reacts much to it. So far, Shabana herself used to serve food to Arif, but today Shabana is spending more time in the kitchen, giving various excuses.'Aunty, come and join us for breakfast.' Arif calls.'Coming.' Ten minutes have passed, and when Shabana doesn't come, Arif goes to the kitchen and brings Shabana forcibly. Junaid and Shabana are both having breakfast quietly.'What happened? Why are you not talking today?' Arif breaks the silence.'No, nothing has happened.' Shabana tries to hide her tension with Junaid.'Yes, nothing has happened as family's reputation never mattered to you.' Junaid aggressively interrupts. Seeing Junaid so angry after a long time, Arif gets nervous. Arif last saw Junaid so angry when Junaid came to know about Aman and Fiza's relationship. When Fiza told her parents about moving to Mumbai, Junaid was very angry at that time too, but instead of shouting at Fiza in anger, he stopped talking to her. Junaid only gets furious when it comes to the family's reputation. Shabana is a person who always tries to make everyone happy. It must be Fiza again. Arif says inwardly.'What happened, uncle?' Arif asks Junaid.As soon as Arif says this, Junaid unleashes all his anger on Arif. 'Don't try to act smart. It can't be that you don't have Fiza's update. You support her in everything. She can't be so brave without your support.'Arif has no clue about which Junaid was talking.Shabana interrupts Junaid, 'Why are you shouting at him? What has he done?''It's all his fault. Without his indulgence, Fiza wouldn't have been able to think of Aman. That day when I asked him to marry Fiza, he said that he would marry Fiza only if Fiza would love her with all her heart. His parents or we didn't have a love marriage, so aren't we happy? Love gradually happens while living together. Who will explain this to this fool? He is waiting for Fiza to love him. He will keep waiting here, and Fiza will get into new relationships with various guys every other day.'I can see your post-marriage love, and I see the same thing every day at my home too, where one person's needs get fulfilled, and the other is cowering in fear. One may go to any extent to fulfill his own needs, while the other forgets her happiness to keep others happy. I don't want such love with my wife. I want my wife to be my friend. She shouldn't be scared of me. She should feel free to discuss anything and everything with me. Arif says inwardly.'What did Fiza do now?' Arif asks Junaid.'She has gone on a trip to Goa with her colleagues.' Shabana says.Arif feels bad that Fiza didn't tell him about her trip to Goa. Hiding his emotions, he says,' That means she is fine there. We don't need to worry about her anymore.''Why didn't she die as soon as she was born?' Junaid grumbles and goes to his room.'He is so mean that he doesn't think twice before cursing his daughter.' Shabana says, and tears roll down her eyes.'Don't worry, aunty. I will talk to him.' Arif tries to console Shabana.'No matter how much you talk to him, he will never forget to curse his daughter. It is how he takes revenge for not having a boy all his life.' Shabana says in anger.Arif couldn't find words to console Shabana. He keeps silent for some time and then says,' I think I should leave now. Otherwise, I will be late at the office.'Wait for a while. I will make tea for you. But today is Sunday. Why are you going to the office today?''Some factory workers want to meet me. So, I have to go to the office.'Why didn't Shalini tell me about Fiza's trip to Goa? Should I ask her? Arif thought. Later he changes his mind and calls Fiza.'Good morning.' Fiza picks up the call.'Good morning, dear. I think you have forgotten me.''We talked only two or three days ago.''Can't we talk every day?''What will we talk about every day?''We can talk about food, weather, movies, music.''Really? You had said that these are cheesy. Now, what has happened that you changed your mind?''Nothing.'Fiza's roommate tells her to hurry as everyone has already gathered for breakfast. Arif hears what the girl told Fiza.'Is someone calling you?' Arif asks. Since Fiza did not tell him about going to Goa, Arif did not bring it up.'Actually, I came to Goa yesterday. We did sightseeing yesterday, and today we are going for water sports.''Well, enjoy your day, but take care of yourself. I will hang up now.''Okay, bye.''Bye.'After breakfast, Fiza and others go to Calangute Beach for water sports. There are kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing, banana riding, parasailing, water surfing, and more. Everyone enjoyed the water sports of their choice. Fiza does parasailing and banana rides. After returning to the resort, they freshened up and quickly left for the airport to catch their flight at 6:40 pm.Fiza had a wonderful weekend. It is the first time she has traveled without her family. After coming to Mumbai, she is learning to do everything alone. This trip has increased her confidence in herself. They reach the airport on time. As there is some time left for the flight to depart, Fiza calls Arif.'Hello!' Arif picks up the call.'Are you busy?''No.''What happened? Are you upset about something?''You are on a journey. So, you should talk to your travel companion, not me.'"I am now at the airport, returning to Mumbai.''Okay, we will talk after you return. Bye.''Bye.'Unlike every time, Arif didn't complain about why I hadn't told him about my Goa trip. Did anything happen to him? Fiza says inwardly.(Continued ... )