Chapter : 55 - The Last Page Of Us.

It was 11 in the morning, and I was busy packing my suitcase. As I started taking my clothes out of the wardrobe, my eyes fell on his handkerchief, and my hands froze. Slowly, I picked up the kerchief, and in an instant, all the memories from yesterday flashed before my eyes.

___❤___

"Acchi laghne lagi ho tum, mujhe, Ezzeh," Tamir said, looking straight into my eyes without blinking, and it felt like my breath stopped.

(You've started to grow on me, Ezzeh)

"Jii?" was all I could manage to say. He smiled at my surprise state and then turned to look at the moon.(What?)

"Aur mohabbat bhi hogayi hai," he said, and my voice felt lost. This man, standing beside me, was looking at the moon and confessing his love.

(And I've also fallen in love).

"Kya?" came my second ridiculous question.

(What?)

"Bas dar hai....Kahin aadat na ban jou," he was still gazing at the moon as he spoke, and for a moment, it seemed like he was talking to himself.

(I'm just afraid... afraid I might get used to you).

"Agar ban gayi toh?" My mouth, as usual, wasn't cooperating, it never says the right thing.

(And if you do?)

"Toh phir, Nikkah karna padega mujhse," Tamir said calmly, finally turning his gaze from the moon to look at me with his deep black eyes.

(Then I'll have to marry you).

Hearing those words, I felt a strange sense of peace. I didn't know what I was feeling, but the glow on his face, the love I saw in his eyes, and the words he spoke-they all felt real.

And I wondered, how did he fall in love with me so quickly?

"We've just met, Tamir, and on the very first meeting, you're-"

"It's not our first meeting, Ezzeh. This is the fourth time we've met.

Aur maine aapko paanch dafa dekha hai toh use hazaar guna aapke baarein mein socha hai. Jitna waqt chahiye le li jea, mai intezaar karunga aapke jawaab ka," Tamir said before heading inside the house.

(And even though I've seen you five times, but I've thought about you more than thousand times. Take all the time you need, I'll wait for your answer).

___❤___

His words, his face, his eyes-it all started coming back to me. And when I looked at his kerchief, I noticed a teardrop had fallen on it. When I touched my cheek, it was wet. Am I crying right now, remembering that man?

Yaah Allah, what is all this? I don't even know him well, so why am I feeling all these emotions for him? What is it about him that's making my heart stop me from leaving?

You've put me in a test, haven't You, Allah? There, my engagement is arranged, and here, my heart is restless to meet him.

"Ezzeh, is your packing done?" Uns's voice abruptly stopped all my questions and thoughts.

When I turned around, she was walking into the room.

"Almost everything's done," I tried to smile, but it didn't quite work.

"When's your flight?" Uns asked as she helped me put my clothes in the suitcase.

"It's today evening, at five," I replied half-heartedly. I didn't know what suddenly come over me, but my entire mood had been thrown off because of that one particular person named, Tamir Nader.

"Do you really want to go?" Uns gently put the clothes down on the bed, took my hands, and asked softly.

"I have no choice," I said, looking down.

"Ezzeh," Uns called softly, lifting my chin and giving me a small smile.

"Meet Tamir once, Ezzeh," she said, and just hearing his name made my heart race.

"What good will that do?" I asked, pretending not to understand.

"Maybe this racing heartbeat of yours will calm down when you see him," Uns teased, and my face turned red with embarrassment.

I don't think my heart will calm down, it'll probably get even more restless when I see him, I wanted to say, but couldn't bring myself to.

"No, Uns, it's better if I just go back to the USA," I said, admitting defeat with helplessness in my voice.

Her words made me realize I didn't want to go back at all, but at the same time, I didn't want to meet Tamir either.

"What's the issue, Ezzeh? I sent you Tamir's number-just call and meet him," Uns said firmly before walking out of the room, leaving me with another dilemma: should I call him or not?

"Call him," my heart encouraged.

"If you call him now, you won't be able to leave, Ezzeh," my mind cautioned.

"If you listen to your mind, you'll lose your love, Ezzeh-call him," my heart urged again.

"But, Ezzeh-"

"I'm calling him!" Before my mind could confuse me any further, I started dialing Tamir's number.

After three rings, he picked up.

"Mil sakhte ho?" I asked eagerly as soon as he answered, and then realization hit me-I should've said my name first. He might not realize it's me.

(Can we meet?)

"Kab milna hai, Ezzeh?" he asked softly from the other side, and I was surprised to hear him say my name.

(When do you want to meet, Ezzeh?)

"You have my number?" I asked, confused.

"No, but I recognize your voice," came his clear response, and I was surprised at how easily he said such things.

"Where should we meet?" Tamir asked gently.

"Anywhere will do. When will you be free?" I asked, trying to hide my eagerness to meet him.

"Abhi aajaou?" his voice now held a sense of urgency.

(Should I Come now?)

"No, Tamir, just tell me when you'll be free," I laughed, finding his eager tone even more cuter than his soft one.

"I'm heading to bhai's office right now, but I'll be free by five," Tamir carefully explained his schedule to me.

"Alright, then send me the office address, and I'll meet you there at five," I said, and abruptly hung up the call.

What is it about him that's making me so confused? It's not love, I don't love Tamir, then what is it?

I stood in the room in front of the suitcase, holding my phone, my eyes still fixed on his number.

And every time I thought about him, my stubborn heart grew more restless.

Leaving everything aside, I went to perform wuzu.

I woke up to the sound of the Azaan. Slowly opening my eyes, I checked the time, it was 1:00 PM.

As long as the Azaan was going on, my heart felt at peace, but the moment it ended, the restlessness began again.

Thinking about yesterday's events, I started feeling disgusted with myself. What kind of person am I? When she was right in front of me, I didn't value her, but now when I love her deeply, she is no longer with me.

Proposals are coming in for my Sahara's hand, and if I give up, Aunt will hand her over to Tamir, and if Tamir refuses, Hamza will come with his father to ask for her hand. In all of this, the only one who will suffer is my Sahara.

Tamir doesn't love her, and Hamza is only interested in wealth. He knows Uncle Hassan, for the sake of his honor, will give a hefty dowry. And if that happens, Sahara's worth will be judged by the dowry she brings.

No, I can't let this happen. My Sahara is not some object to be sold like this. She is... she is my Allah's beloved woman, who deserves to be treated with love and respect.

Thinking all of this, my heart grew anxious. I got up from my bed and went to perform ablution. I had no intention of going to the mosque, so I took out the prayer mat and began to pray the Dhuhr prayer.

As I stood in prayer, tears began to flow down my cheeks, falling onto the ground. This was the first time in my life that, at the very start of my prayer, I was begging Allah for something through my tears.

After completing the prayer and reciting the Tasbih, I raised my hands in supplication.

"Forgive my sins, I know how many sins I have committed, but Allah, You are the One who forgives. Please grant me forgiveness, pardon me, Allah, and do not punish that woman who only loved me purely because of my sins.

Yaah Allah, the men who are in line for her may be good, but they are not worthy of my Sahara.

She is a pure woman, Allah, and she deserves a loving husband.

And I know that I am not worthy of her, so please write in her destiny a righteous man, and give her all the happiness in the world.

Aur mujhe... Mere paas toh siwai uske kuch hai hein nahi maangne ke liye, lekin tu toh raheem hai, Tu chahe toh mujhe us aurat ke mukaddar mein likh sakhta hai, aur mai tujhse waada karta hoon ki uske liye mai ek mukammal mard banunga, kyunki mujhe uske alawaa koi aur accha nahi laghta, Allah.

Mai bebas hoon, meri bebasi ko samajh aur mujhe, Sahara jaisi paak aurat seh nawaaz de".

(As for me... I have nothing to offer her, but You are Merciful. If You wish, You can write me in her destiny, and I promise You that I will become a complete man for her. Because no one in this world is better for me than her, Allah.

I am helpless, understand my helplessness, and bless me with a pure woman like Sahara)

Ameen.

After saying this, I got up from the prayer mat, went to the shelf, and took out the Quran. I sat down and began reading again.

I know the Quran by heart, but my heart longed to see and read every word again.

After reading the Quran for an hour, I went into prostration.

"Agar tujhe laghta hai ki mai us aurat ke kaabil hoon, toh mujhe woh dede, aur agar tujhe laghta hai ki mai uske kaabil nahi hoon, toh mujhe usse dur karde, Allah," I said this in a state of prostration, tears flowing down my face. After that, I stood up, touched the Quran to my eyes, and placed it on the shelf.

(If You believe that I am worthy of that woman, then grant her to me, and if You believe that I am not worthy of her, then distance her from me, Allah).

Then I sat on the couch, took out the book from my office bag, and began flipping through its pages.

Is kitaab mein mera pura saath saal ka safar juda hua hai.

(This book contained my entire journey of the past seven years).

As I turned the pages, I reached the last one.

I picked up a pen, and on that last page, I poured out my helplessness and pain, then closed the book forever.

I was about to put it in my suitcase when Aziz's call came through.

I placed the book on the table and answered the call.

"Come to the office quickly, Samir!" Aziz's distressed voice came through.

Hearing the anxiety in his voice, it felt like something terrible had happened, so without thinking, I grabbed my car keys from the nightstand and drove straight toward his office.

After finishing my prayer, on my way to office, I first called Samir and then after entering to my cabin I took out the container of halwa that Uns gave me.

I had not called her even once since this morning. I should have called her. But, I just don't have the courage to talk to her.

How should I talk to her? How will I face her now?

"Aziz, what happened? Are you okay?" I was lost in my thoughts when Samir suddenly burst through the door, running inside.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Samir," I said softly.

"You... You're crazy, Aziz! You scared me, you shameless person!" Samir shouted loudly and started to leave.

"Wait, Mr Farsi!" I said while trying to calm him down and walked towards him.

"What is it?" he asked, turning back with a stern look.

"If I had called you normally, you wouldn't have come, that's why... I need to talk to you," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder.

He turned and just stared at me.

"Leave me and first look at yourself, Aziz. What have you done to yourself? You've got dark circles, and you're not sleeping properly. I might have lost everything, but you have everything. Then, why are you doing this to yourself?" Samir's voice carried concern for me. And the truth is, while I do have everything, I'm about to lose it all. But how can I tell him that?

"I'm perfectly fine. Come, sit down first," I said, avoiding his question as I sat back in my chair.

"Bring everything inside," I said on the phone to the peon while Samir sat across from me, his face full of confusion.

"What are you ordering?" Samir asked, putting his phone on the table.

"I ordered lunch for you. Eat before you go," I said as I finished my call, and the peon brought in plates and food covers.

I thanked the peon and passed the plates to Samir, then started opening the containers.

"I'm not hungry, Aziz," Samir said in a dry tone, his gaze fixed on the office window.

"Not hungry since last night? You'll faint Idiot! Eat something!" I said firmly, placing a piece of bread on his plate. He hasn't eaten anything since last night, only had tea in the morning, and now he isn't hungry again.

"You may not care about yourself, but we care about you, Samir. And I need you, idiot," I said, not knowing why, but sometimes expressing your feelings is necessary. I couldn't stand seeing him in this state, and I absolutely couldn't lose him-he's my only friend.

"Aziz-"

"Eat, Samir," I cut him off, not giving him a chance to speak, and started serving curry onto his plate.

"So, what were you doing?" I began the conversation.

"Nothing, just packing," Samir said, taking a bite of bread. My own bite stopped mid-air near my mouth.

"W-what did you say?" I asked, surprised.

"I'm going back to Paris," he said calmly, taking another bite.

"Are you out of your mind?" I tried to shout, but ny stubborn cough made it difficult to even get angry.

"I'm not going forever. There's a fashion show, and I've been working on this design for seven years.

Aur, mai Sahara mein koi risk nahi le sakhta," Woh apne brand ki baat kar raha tha.

(I can't take any risks with my brand, he explained).

This was Samir's biggest project yet, and no matter how much I wanted to stop him, I couldn't.

"How long will you be there?" I asked my next question.

"I'm going for a week. I'll be back soon," Samir's voice was filled with both pain and hope.

"Reh loge, yaah mai bhi aou?" I asked, looking at him.

(Will you be okay there, or should I come).

Samir paused while eating, then looked up at me with soft eyes and a slight smile.

"Reh lunga," Usne bade bebasi seh kaha.

(I'll manage, he said helplessly).

"When's your flight?" I asked.

"8 PM tonight," Samir said after finishing his last bite.

Looking at his condition, I decided that he should get an another chance. Sahara needs to understand that she also loves Samir, otherwise not just one, but four lives would be ruined. And maybe mine too!

"Samir-"

Before I could console him, my phone rang, and as soon as I saw the ID, a smile spread across my face. It was a call from Sweetheart.

"One minute," I said, picking up the call.

From the other side came her greeting, and just hearing her voice brought an inexplicable peace to my heart.

Mai aadi ho chuka hoon is aurat ka.

(I'm getting used to this woman).

"Walaikum assalam, begum," I said, trying to stifle my cough completely.

"What happened to your voice, Nader?" It didn't take her even a minute to understand.

"Nothing serious, sweetheart," I lied.

"Are you sure? You didn't even call me in the morning," Uns said, her voice now tinged with sadness.

"I fell asleep," I lied again.

"Oh, okay. Did you have lunch?" she asked softly.

"Yeah, just finished. What about you? Have you eaten?" I asked gently.

"I'm about to," Uns replied.

"Nader, mujhe lene aa sakhte ho?" she suddenly asked.

(Nader, can you come pick me up?)

"Aade ghante mein aa raha hoon," I said instantly and got up to leave.

(I'll be there in half an hour).

"Shahjahan, not yet. Come at night when you finish work," Uns said while laughing, and her laughter echoed in my ears, making all my worries disappear. Her voice was enough to lift my mood.

"Alright then, I'll come at 7 PM. Be ready, and we'll have dinner out," I said softly. A smile began to spread across my face; this was the first smile I had since the morning, and the only reason was her.

"So soon, but you usually come at 9, right?" Sweetheart asked in a puzzled tone.

"Yes, but I'll get there early today; just be ready, sweetheart." I replied while sitting back down in the chair.

"Okay, take care of yourself, Nader," Uns said with great affection from the other side.

"And you too take care, and keep calling me," I said back with equal affection.

"Joh aapka hukum," her cheerful voice came through, bringing peace to my face.

(As you command).

"Alright, I'll hang up," Sweetheart said.

"Okay," I replied, and she hung up. I was smiling at the screen when Samir's voice interrupted me.

"Why did you lie to bhabhi? You should've just said you're not well," Samir asked sternly.

"Woh pareshaan ho jaati, aur mai nahi chahata ki woh mere liye pareshaan ho," I replied, smiling at Samir.

(She would worry, and I don't want her to be concerned about me).

"You're crazy, Aziz," Samir said with a laugh.

"She says the same," I answered, chuckling.

"Let's go home; get some rest so you can look fresh in front of Uns Bhabhi" Samir teased.

"I'll leave at five," I said, lowering my eyes, feeling a bit shy.

We were chatting when I heard a knock on the door again.

"Come in," I said, and Tamir entered with a file in hand.

After greeting us both, he sat beside Samir.

"Here are the house pictures, our company formalities, and here's your check, bhai," Tamir said while handing over the file.

I picked up the check first.

"What's the amount? How much should I write?" I asked him, picking up a pen.

"How can I ask money from you?" Tamir said while adjusting his suit.

"But I didn't tell my brother to build my house," I replied, looking at him.

"Bhai-"

"Tell me the amount, Tamir," I interrupted.

Taking a deep breath, he finally mentioned the amount, and I wrote it on the check, signing it and handing it back to him.

"Thank you, Tamir," I said, picking up the file.

"Our service is always available for you, bhai," Tamir said with a smile, and Samir took the file from my hands and started looking at the pictures.

"When will the house papers be ready?" I asked seriously.

"I'm going to the lawyer this evening; it will be ready in two days.

"Bas, itna bata di jea ki ghar kis ke naam karna hai?" Tamir asked as he stood up.

(Just tell me whose name to put the house in?)

"Jiske liye banaya hai, usi ke naam karo" I said with a smile, and both their gazes fell on me.

(Put it in the name of the person for whom it's being built).

Samir smiled too, and so did Tamir.

"Bhabhi is absolutely right, you are completely crazy, Aziz," Samir said, almost teasingly.

"And you too," I shot back.

"Tumhara hein sangat ka asar hai," he replied playfully.

(It's all because of your influence).

"Oh really?" I said, surprised.

"Yes," Samir replied, laughing. Just then, Tamir's phone rang.

As he looked at the phone, a strange smile appeared on Tamir's face, and he looked more shy than before.

Me and Samir lifted our eyes and asked Tamir with a gesture.

"Ezzeh is calling me, I'll be right back," Tamir said, blushing, and hurried out with quick steps.

"Hello, I'm coming downstairs," he said, and instantly disappeared from our sight.

As he left, Samir and I didn't waste a second and began looking out at the view from the large window in front of my cabin.

Downstairs, Ezzeh was arrived, and Tamir quickly walked over to her from the right side and stood in front of her.

"Tamir toh chupa rustam nikla, Aziz," Samir said, glancing at him with seriousness.

"Exactly! I can't believe he's really my brother or if he's actually adopted. I am also surprised by his speed," I replied.

We were gossiping about him when Tamir looked up from downstairs at us, and I instantly pulled the curtains closed.

When Ammi asked about my hand with Sahara, I felt like I was having a heart attack. Because I could never keep Sahara happy when my heart beats only for Ezzeh. And if that did happen, Samir Bhai would be the one to bury me.

Aziz Bhai successfully avoided the topic at that time, but now I had to talk to Ezzeh if I wanted to speak with my parents. And just when I was about to get Ezzeh's number from Aziz Bhai, I received a call from her. The way she asked to meet filled my heart with a strange hope, and I decided to finish bhai's work first.

When I received her call again, and she said she is waiting, my feet quickly moved to see her. I had been thinking about her for the past 14 hours and 30 minutes, and now that she was just a short distance away, everything felt like a dream.

Ezzeh was right in front of me, and I was walking towards her. She was wearing a yellow outfit, with her dupatta draped loosely over her shoulders. Only a few strands of her hair were visible, and her delicate necklace caught my attention. On her left wrist was a watch, and her right wrist had several bangles. She wore black heels, and her face, as always, radiated a beautiful glow.

Aur chera par humesha ki tarah noor tha. Itna noor ki, dil chaha use mere siwai koi aur na dekhe. Bas mai dekhun aur mera khuda dekhe.

(She glowed so much that I wished no one else could see her-only I could look at her and let my Allah witness it).

I greeted her, and she smiled back in response.

"I thought you would arrive at five o'clock, but you've come earlier than expected," I teased.

"It's not five yet," Ezzeh replied, looking confused as she checked her watch. Then, she gave a nervous smile and began to glance around.

"Would you like some coffee?" I decided to change the subject, noticing her nervousness.

"Sure," she smiled back, and I was about to grab my car keys when my mind stopped me.

If we take the car, we'll get there in five minutes, but if we walk, it'll take almost 15 to 20 minutes. That means I'd get to spend an extra 15 minutes with Ezzeh if we walked. Listening to my mind, I took my hand out of my pocket.

"Ah, Ezzeh, I lost my keys, actually" I said with a nervous smile.

"Then how did you get here?" she asked.

"By car-uh, I mean taxi," I replied with an awkward smile.

"Oh, okay. Then let's take a taxi from here-"

"No!" I said suddenly and loudly.

Ezzeh looked a bit taken aback.

"I-I mean, the cafe is nearby; if we walk, we can reach there in 15 minutes," I tried to explain to her.

"Alright, let's walk then, besides, both your brothers are watching us, so it's better that we leave from here," Ezzeh said, and I instantly looked up only to see both of them staring us, and in an instant I noticed Aziz bhai pulling down the curtains.

They're both gossip kings, I murmured under my breath.

Ezzeh was walking in front of me while I followed behind her. The guard opened the gate, and as she walked through, her dupatta brushed against the ground.

I carefully took her dupatta in my hand, and we both stepped out of the office.

Ezzeh turned around and saw me holding her dupatta, and I felt flustered.

"Woh nai, woh dupatta, zameen par,"-- mai buri tarah seh stutter karne laga.

"lets walked together, Tamir," Ezzeh's words snapped my mind back.

How beautiful the word "together" sounds when she says it.

"Shall we go?" she asked gently, noticing my silence.

"Y-yes," I replied, lowering my gaze as I walked alongside her.

Why am I feeling so shy? And why am I stuttering so much?

"You work in Paris, right, Tamir?" Ezzeh started the conversation.

"Yes, Ezzeh," I said, keeping my eyes on the ground.

"So when are you going back?" Hearing this question from her made me lift my eyes and look at her.

"It depends on your answer," I reminded her.

"What if the answer is no?" Ezzeh was teasing me.

"I'll do my best to ensure your answer isn't 'No'," I said, looking into her eyes and her footsteps paused.

"And if the answer is yes?" Ezzeh's second test came.

"Then I will take you with me," I replied with a smile.

"Is this the cafe?" My ears suddenly perked up. What was she saying, and what was I hearing? Did I misunderstand her?

"What did you say?" I asked her being confused.

"I asked if this is the same cafe you were talking about where we would both reach in 15 minutes," Ezzeh clearly pointed her hand toward the cafe and asked.

Aur mujhe hairat uske sawaalon seh zyada waqt par hui, itni jaldi kaise aa gaye hum dono?

(I was more surprised by the time than the her question, how did we arrive so quickly?)

"Shall we go inside?" Ezzeh's words broke my thoughts.

"After you," I said, opening the door for her.

"Two cups of coffee, please," I ordered the waiter while Ezzeh was busy looking at her phone. There was worry on her face.

"Are you worried?" I asked.

"No," she replied, putting her phone aside and looking at me. Her gaze made my heart race, and I had to look down. Because I literally can't look at her for too long. I have a weak heart, especially when it comes to her.

"Tamir, can you answer one of my questions?" Ezzeh asked seriously, just as our coffee arrived.

"Go ahead," I said, placing the cup in front of her.

"How do we know when we love someone?" Her question made me pause. I put my cup back down and looked at her.

"Should I give my own example?" I asked with a smile.

"Yes, please," she replied, with a slight laugh.

"When I saw you for the first time, you really captivated me, Ezzeh. So much that I stayed up all night thinking about you. At first, I thought it was just attraction, nothing more" I said then continued.

"Phir jab din guzarne lage tum aur bhi yaad aane lagi. Aur pata hein nahi chala kab tum zehen seh meri dua mein bhi shamil hone lagi.

Aur tum woh pehli aurat ho, Ezzeh joh mere dil ke saath meri dua mein bhi raaj karne lagi ho.

Kyun ki joh shaqshs dua mein shamil jo jaata hai woh phir zindagi seh nahi jaata.

Isliye mere liye mohabbat woh hai jahan hum mehboob ko uske maalik seh maange, jisne tumhare dil mein us shaqshs ka khayal daala hai," I finished speaking, and she sat quietly, listening intently to my words.

(But as days passed, I started thinking of you more and more. And without realizing it, you became a part of my prayers too.

You're the first woman, Ezzeh, who has ruled both my heart and my prayers. Because when someone enters your prayers, they never leave your life. For me, love is when you ask the One who placed that person in your heart to give them to you).

"Does that mean I'm in your prayers too?" she asked after a moment of silence.

"You always will be," I said with a smile.

"Lekin mujhme toh kuch aisa khaas hai bhi nahi Tamir, jisse lage ki mai aapke kaabil hoon?" she said, looking down.

(But there's nothing special about me, Tamir. Nothing that makes me worthy of you?)

"Aap ho woh kaafi nahi hai, Ezzeh?" I asked in return.

(You being you is more than enough, isn't it, Ezzeh? )

"I'm just an ordinary woman, Tamir. You deserve someone better-"

"That's why I'm sitting here with you because I know I'll never find anyone better than you, Ezzeh," I said, finishing my sentence in one breath.

Mai isse yeh kaise kahun ki Maine kitni minnate ki hai iske liye, Mai kaise kahun ki yeh pehli aurat hai jise Mai khuda seh maang bhaita hoon.

(How could I explain to her how much I've prayed for this moment? How could I tell her she's the first woman I've ever asked God for?)

"Meri baat ko samjho Tamir, aap bahut acche ho, aapki bhi koi aarzu hogi na ki aapko aisi ladki chahiye joh aapke liye woh sab kare joh aapko pasand ho----"

(Understand what I'm saying, Tamir. You're such a good person. Don't you have a type or a desire for the kind of girl you want, someone who will do all the things you like----)

"Mujhe humsafar chahiye, Ezzeh. Kaam waali nahi," I said, looking straight into her eyes.

(I don't want someone who just fulfills duties, Ezzeh, I want a companion).

"Kaamon ke liye Mai jitne chahe utne mulazim rakhne ke liye taiyaar ho, mujhe apni zindagi mein bas ek aurat chahiye jise dekh kar meri saari pareshani dur ho jai, jise dekh kar mere chehre par muskurahat aaye, jise dekh kar mujhe apni khush nasibi ka yehsaas ho, aur woh aurat aap ho, Ezzeh," I said, laying my heart bare before her.

(For work, I'm willing to hire as many employees as needed, but in my life, I just want a woman who, when I look at her, all my worries disappear. Someone who brings a smile to my face, who makes me realize how lucky I am. And that woman is you, Ezzeh).

"But I'm not even beautiful compared to you, Tamir," she said.

"That's the problem with women, Ezzeh. Even when they're so beautiful, they still don't believe it," I said with a smile.

"So that means you don't have an ideal woman?" she asked.

"In what way?" I asked.

"Matlab ki aapko kaisi ladki pasand hai Tamir?" Ezzeh asked with patience, though she was clearly trying to control her restlessness.

(I mean, what kind of girl do you like, Tamir?)

"Meri aankhon mein dekho, jawab mere saamne bhaiti hai," I replied, smiling.

(Look into my eyes; the answer is right in front of you).

"Toh, tumne tai kar liya hai ki tumhe yahi defective piece chahiye?" Ezzeh asked sarcastically.

(So, you've decided you want this defective piece?)

"Defective? Umm.. Abhi dil ke haathon majboor hoon toh kaam chaha lunga," I teased her.

(Defective? Umm... well, I'm helpless in front of my heart, so I'll manage).

"Soch lo?" she raised her eyebrows, asking.

(Are you sure?)

"Soch liya," I said, looking at her directly.

(I've thought about it).

"Mujhe khana bilkul bhi nahi banane aata," Ezzeh said.

(I don't know how to cook at all).

"Mai bana lunga," I replied.

(I'll cook).

"Mai der seh soti hoon," she added.

(I sleep late).

"Mai bhi tumhare saath der se songa," I said.

(I'll stay up late with you).

"Mujhe taiyar hona bhi pasand nahi hai," she threw in another point.

(I don't even like getting ready).

"Mujhe tum har adah mein acchi laghti ho," I responded.

(I love you in every way).

"But tell me, do you even love me or not?" I asked, feeling confused.

"Agar mohabbat na hoti toh is waqt apni USA ki flight chod ke tumhare saath coffee na pi rahi hoti," Ezzeh said, taking a sip of coffee with a smile, and I was shocked.

(If I didn't, I wouldn't have canceled my flight to the USA and be sitting here drinking coffee with you).

"What?" I couldn't believe what I heard.

"Yahi ki, Ezzeh Ahmadi neh apna sakht dil, Tamir Nader ko de diya hai," she said, and I could feel my cheeks heating up, my heart was beating even faster than before.

(That Ezzeh Ahmadi has given her hardened heart to Tamir Nader).

"Aur, Tamir Nader neh apna narm dil, Ezzeh Ahmadi ko de diya hai," I said, and this time, it was Ezzeh's face that turned red.

(And Tamir Nader has given his soft heart to Ezzeh Ahmadi).

Bas ab, aur nahi seh sakhta mai, mere saare aaza kamzor ho rahe hai uske saamne.

Salaam hai teri karigari par, Allah, inse zyada toh kuch aur khubsurat ho hein nahi sakhta.

Yeh hai, toh saara jahan hai.

Yeh hasti hai toh mere chera khilne laghta hai.

Yeh mujhe dekhti hai toh mai iski annkhon mein apni puri zindagi dekhta hoon.

Mai Ezzeh Ahmadi seh mohabbat kar baita hoon.

(I couldn't take it anymore; all my organs felt weak in front of her.

Praise to Your craftsmanship, Allah, because there's nothing more beautiful than this.

She is the entire universe.

When she smiles, my face lights up.

When she looks at me, I see my whole life ahead of me.

I have fallen in love with Ezzeh Ahmadi).

"Janab-e-aali, will you just keep looking at me, or are you going to feed me something?" Her first command came.

"So, my Jannat is hungry?" I teased.

And that's all it took-Ezzeh blushed even more, and her shyness was enough to tell me that I couldn't live without her anymore!

After performing the Asar prayer, I went to Ammi's room. As I stepped inside, I saw Ammi lying on the bed, with Sahara resting her head in her lap, talking to her. I took off my hijab, placed it on the side of the bed, and laid my head next to Sahara's on Ammi's lap, closing my eyes. Ammi now gently stroked both Sahara's hair and mine.

"When will Aziz come?" Ammi asked softly.

"He'll come by 7 in the evening," I replied with my eyes still closed.

"Kush ho, Aziz ke saath?" Ammi asked another question.

(Are you happy with Aziz?)

"Haan Ammi, bahut khush hoon uske saath," I answered with a smile on my face, and memories of every moment spent with him started coming back to me.

(Yes, I'm very happy with him).

"Does he respect you, Uns?" This time, Ammi's question made me open my eyes, and I sat up to face her.

Seeing me, Sahara also sat up, and when I looked at Ammi, her gaze was lowered, and her eyes began to fill with tears.

"Ammi, what's wrong?" I gently asked, placing my hand on her cheek.

"Does he respect you?" Instead of answering, Ammi repeated the question.

"Sar, aankhon par rakhta hai woh mujhe," I told her.

(He treats me with great respect).

"Really?" Ammi looked up and asked.

"Yes, Ammi," I said, feeling a bit confused.

"You've lifted such a heavy burden off my shoulders, Uns," Ammi said this time, placing her hand on my cheek.

"But Ammi, what's the matter?" My heart was growing restless.

"Nothing, I just don't want you both to go through any pain which I went through," Ammi said, lowering her gaze back to her lap, and at that moment, I realized that the conversation was no longer about Sahara or me, but about Abbu.

Joh takleefe us shaqshs ne meri maa ko di hai, uske baad toh mujhe unhe izzat dene ka bhi mann nahi karta.

(The pain that man caused my mother makes me not even want to show him respect anymore).

"I'm sure Aziz is a very good man, but if he ever breaks your heart, don't endure the pain like a helpless woman, Uns," Ammi said with great concern this time.

"Kyun ki maine tum dono ko bade minnaton seh maanga hai, aur mai tum dono ko apne jaisa nahi banana chahati," she added. Hearing Ammi's words, both of our hearts broke.

(Because I have prayed so hard for both of you, and I don't want you to become like me).

"But I want to be just like you, Ammi-so strong. If it weren't for you, who knows what Abbu would have done to us," Sahara said, tears streaming down her face.

"But there's something I don't understand, Ammi. Abbu loved you, didn't he? So why does he treat you like a stranger?" Sahara's question made Ammi lift her gaze and give a faint smile.

"Hassan neh kabhi mujhse mohabbat hein nahi ki, mohabbat toh maine ki thi. Unhone toh bas nikkah kiya tha mujhse," Ammi said with an expressionless face.

(Hassan never loved me. I was the one who loved him. He only married me).

"If you knew what kind of man Abbu was, why didn't you leave him?" Sahara asked, her curiosity growing with every question. It was something we both knew the answer to but never openly discussed.

"I was helpless, Sahara, but you two are not. I had no one to support me, but you two have me. If anyone causes you pain, stand firm like a rock," Ammi's voice was strong this time.

"But Ammi, what difference does it make who loves whom, whether it's a man or a woman?" Sahara asked, holding Ammi's hand.

"Bahut bada fark hai, Sahara.

Agar mard mohabbat karta hai na toh woh aurat ko sar aankhon par bithata hai aur jab aurat mohabbat karti hai toh woh mard ki gulaam banke rehti hai," Ammi neh sirf baat nahi kahi thi balki apni puri zindagi bayan kardi thi in lafzon seh.

(There's a huge difference, Sahara. If a man loves, he places the woman on a pedestal, but when a woman loves, she becomes his servant, Ammi didn't just say these words; she summarized her entire life in them).

Meri maa mohabbat karti gayi aur woh shaqshs unhe zillat karte gaya.

"So, should we not love, Ammi?" Sahara asked, seemingly confused but curious.

"Love is such a thing, my dear, that it happens with anyone. Look at me, I also fell in love. The love was pure, but the person was wrong," Ammi replied.

"And if someone breaks your trust, should we give them a second chance, Ammi?" Sahara asked another deep question.

"If they are truly remorseful and ask for forgiveness, then forgive them and give them one chance," Ammi said.

"And if after the second chance, they break your trust again?" she asked once more.

"Then that person, through their actions, is telling you they are not worthy of your trust," Ammi concluded, and Sahara once again laid her head in Ammi's lap.

I sat beside Ammi and rested my head on her shoulder, closing my eyes, thinking about her words.

Mohabbat, bharosa, izzat. Yeh teen chize hein toh hai jiski wajah seh ghar abaad hote hai aur tabha bhi.

Agar mohabbat mein izzat aur bharosa na ho toh mohabbat kis kaam ki?

(Love, trust, respect. These are the three things that build a home and can destroy it too.

If there is no trust and respect in love, then what kind of love is it?)

_____________| AZIZ NADER |____________

I came home at five from the office. As soon as I arrived, I thought it would be best to talk to Ammi first.

Tamir, Ezzeh ke saath khush hai, aur Samir, Sahara ke bhagair tuth jaiga. In chaaron ku zindagi ke liye mujhe Ammi seh baat karni hein hogi.

(Tamir is happy with Ezzeh, and Samir will leave without Sahira. I need to talk to Ammi about these four lives).

After placing my office bag on the couch in the hall, I made some coffee and, holding the tray, knocked on the door of Ammi's room.

"Come in, Aziz," she said. I don't know how she always knows it's me.

"How do you always know it's me, Ammi?" I asked as I entered.

"When you love someone, you can tell they're coming just from their breath.

Aur yeh toh tumhari aahat hai, pata kaise na chalta, mujhe?" Ammi said with a proud smile as I placed the coffee tray on the bed and rested my head on her lap.

(However It's just your footsteps, how can i not recognize them?)

"Have you seen your condition, Aziz? Your wife has been gone for just two days, and you've already made yourself sick!" Ammi scolded gently.

"It's nothing like that, Ammi," I reassured her.

"Well, if that's the case, then how come you were fine after getting drenched in the rain with Uns that day, but now look at your state without her?" Ammi teased, and I couldn't tell if it was a compliment or a jab.

"By the way, your daughter-in-law is coming today. Phir shayad mai theek jo jaou?" I said with a smile.

"When are you going?" Ammi asked.

"I'll leave at seven." I said.

"Then go get freshened up," Ammi advised.

"Yes, I'll do that, but first I need to talk to you," I said as I sat up.

"What is it?" Ammi asked seriously.

"Ammi, Tamir loves someone else, so---"

"So?" she asked before I could finish.

"So he don't want to marry Sahara," I completed my statement.

"Then tell Tamir to come and talk to me, just like you talked to Khalid!" Ammi's suggestion spun my mind.

"What do you mean? What did Abbu tell you?" I asked, confused.

"Tumhe kya laghta hai, Aziz? Khalid mujhse kuch chupa sakhte hai?" Ammi asked being proud of her husband.

(What do you think, Aziz? Can Khalid hide anything from me?)

"Khalid Nader ke pait mein kuch nahi chupta," I remarked sarcastically.

(Khalid Nader can't hide anything).

"He is your father," Ammi retorted.

"Maine dost samjh ke unhe bataya tha," I replied.

(I thought of him as a friend, but I'm starting to get annoyed at Abbu).

"If he hadn't told me, your marriage would have happened with Nihar," Ammi said.

"As if I would have married her," I said, feeling proud of myself.

"You're very shameless, Aziz," That's the last thing I needed to hear from her.

"So, tell me, Ammi, you won't think of Sahara for Tamir, right?" I asked, confused.

"Well, I won't ask for Sahara's hand for Tamir, but what will happen to Sahara then? Hassan will marry her off to some business partner's son, and that will be a marriage for business, not love," Ammi said, looking worried.

"There's someone for Sahira too; in fact, he's at our house," I hinted.

"Who, Samir?" Ammi caught on to my hint.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Samir will have to talk to his parents," Ammi noted.

"Yes, he will do that. Besides, he's going to Paris today; I'm sure he'll bring them along when he returns. Just make sure Hamza doesn't talk to Uncle Kareem because I'm not feeling good about Hamza's intentions," I said, thinking about the walima incident.

"Don't stress, Aziz; everything will be fine. Drink your coffee and bring Uns back quickly," Ammi said with a smile, and we started chatting while sipping our coffee.

___❤___

Before going straight to my room, I decided to meet Samir. When I entered his room, I saw his suitcase packed, but he wasn't there-perhaps he was taking a shower. I was about to leave when my eyes fell on a thick book resting on the coffee table.

It looked like an ancient diary, with a small lock and a beautifully crafted cover.

I didn't want to, but somehow I walked over to the book and picked it up. How could he have such a thick book? Has he been writing for a long time? He doesn't even write normal text, so what could he possibly be writing in such a thick book? Driven by curiosity, I opened it and looked at the first page.

And just reading the first page, without making any noise, I quietly took the diary and went back to my room, and placed it in a bag.

After refreshing myself, I put on a light blue shirt and cream trousers, rolling up the sleeves. Picking up the bag, I started driving towards Reza Mansion.

Until morning, I only had a cough, but now I had a cold too. Even after taking medicine, I wasn't feeling better. I felt like cursing all the doctors, but then I remembered my wife is a doctor too, so I just swallowed the medicine and drove to her house.

I parked the car a little distance from the house, and after five minutes, I entered. As I was about to go inside, I saw my sweetheart coming down the stairs quickly, and I signaled her to be careful.

She slowed her walk, then came towards me, and as she approached, I embraced her.

"Assalamualaikum," I said.

"Walaikum assalam," my sweetheart replied while still in my arms.

A couple of minutes later, she pulled away from me, and I placed my hands on her waist, looking into her eyes.

Bas, use dekhna kaafi tha, aur meri saari parshani gayab ho gayi.

She kissed my cheek, and suddenly her hands touched my neck, and her smile vanished.

"Do you have a fever?" she asked, looking worried.

"No," I started coughing in front of her.

"Nader, why didn't you tell me?" she was upset.

"Begum, I-"

"Sit down, I'll get you some hot water," she said, heading towards the kitchen with quick steps, and I couldn't tell her that I didn't need hot water, but rather her presence; being close to her would make me feel better.

As I was sitting on the couch, Hassan Reza entered through the door, and seeing him, I stood up. I greeted him and hugged him.

"My Son-in-law is here and no one else is at home?" he asked, sounding a bit angry, though he smiled.

"I apologize, Aziz. As everyone are slow here," he said, but there was a strange anger in his voice.

"Amira," he called out loudly, and auntie and Sahara started coming down, with auntie Amira also hurrying down like Uns, but the difference was that Uns had a sparkle in her eyes, while Aunt Amira looked fearful.

Oh Allah, what trial is she facing? I complained to Him as I looked at auntie.

"Aziz is here, Amira, go and bring something to him," uncle said with a smile. Just before auntie could come to me, I went to her and greeted her, and she placed her hand on my head.

"Sit down, I'll get some tea," auntie said and went to the kitchen, and Sahara was standing in front of us.

Sahara didn't look too well either; seeing her, It felt like she haven't slept for days.

"Aziz, sit down," uncle said as he settled on the couch. Handing him a fake smile, I approached Sahara and handed her Samir's diary.

With puzzled eyes, she looked at me, and I responded with a smile.

"Samir is going to Paris, Sahara, just read this book once," I said, then sat back in front of uncle. When I glanced at Sahara again, she was going upstairs with that bag in her hand.

About five minutes later, Uns returned slowly with a tray carrying two glasses of water.

She greeted uncle, served him the water, and then came to offer me some.

"Are you ready, Sweetheart?" I asked slowly.

"Just need to put on my Abaya," she replied.

"Put it on and come fast," I said with a smile, and she started heading up to her room.

"Are you here to pick her up?" uncle asked while drinking water.

"Yes," I replied directly.

"Why did you come? You could have sent the driver," he said, placing the glass of water down.

"Guest hoti toh driver bhejta, lekin Biwi hai meri, kisi ke upar bharosa nahi kar sakhta," I said, looking into his eyes seriously.

(If she were just a guest, I would have sent the driver. But she's my wife. I can't trust anyone else).

"Even though she is your wife, but it's also important not to tighten the reins too much," listening to him, I felt like I wanted to leave right then.

Kaisa shaqshs hai yeh? Ek shauhar aur ek baap hoke aisi baatein kar raha hai.

"Reins are meant for animals, uncle. Not for humans," I said again, with great patience.

And before he could say anything further, auntie Amira came into the hall with several servants, bringing all the food items and placing them on the table.

"Here, have some tea," auntie offered, handing me a cup.

"Thank you, Ammi," I said, looking at her.

A strange smile appeared on her face that wasn't before. Without saying anything, she served tea to uncle and went back to the kitchen.

"By the way, I wanted to talk to you about something," Uncle said, taking a sip of tea.

"Yes, please go ahead," I replied, also taking a sip.

"If Uns asks you anything regarding work, just say no. It's not appropriate for the women of the Reza family to work," he said casually, as if it were something to be proud of.

"Absolutely, Uncle," I said, putting down my cup of tea and smiling at his face.

"Uns Reza ko toh mana kar dunga mai, magar.... Uns Nader ko toh kabhi mana nahi kar sakhta," I said, smiling, but this time his smile completely faded.

(I can refuse Uns Reza, but I can't refuse Uns Nader).

"Our women don't work, Aziz," Uncle's tone changed.

"And we respect every decision of our women, Uncle," I replied with the same smile.

"Uns is my daughter, and she won't work, Aziz," Uncle said, taking a sip of tea very casually.

"And she is my wife, Uncle, and she will work, and no one can stop her," I said gently as I picked up my cup to take a sip while he slammed his cup on the table.

I wasn't angry at him, instead I felt pity for his condition.

"Okay, then tell her to come to my hospital. I will give her job, so she doesn't roam around here and there," Hussan Reza was crossing every limit, and I was trying my best to control my anger.

"Mai abhi zinda hoon, Uncle, jab tak uska shauhar hai, Use kisi bhi jagah bhatak ne ki zarurat nahi hai," I said with a smile, standing up.

(I'm still alive, Uncle, Until her husband with her, and I won't let her wander anywhere).

"And she is capable enough to get a good job without anyone's mercy," I said being proud of my Uns capability.

Before he could say anything more absurd, I saw Uns coming down the stairs with both her bags in her hands.

Without saying anything, I went to my wife and took both bags from her hands, one being her large handbag and the other probably containing some of her things.

"Aziz, I can pick them up," she said.

"I'm there for you, Sweetheart. let's go," I said, holding her hand and saying goodbye to Uncle we headed towards the door.

From behind, I heard Amira Aunty's voice, and when I turned around, she was coming toward us, handing Uns a bag.

"Give this to Zaina," Aunty said.

"What's in it?" Uns asked.

"I made kheer for her," Aunty said with a smile.

"And for me?" I asked.

"I have packed for you too, dear," Aunty said, smiling.

"Take care of yourself, Ammi" I said with a smile and just then Uns gaze fell on me.

"And you take care of your health too," Aunty said, placing her hand on my head, then hugged her. After saying goodbye to her, we both started walking toward the exit.

As soon as we stepped outside, Uns halted.

"Where's your car?" she asked, looking around.

"It's parked a little further away," I said, kissing her hand.

"Why?" came the question from Sweetheart.

"So that we can take a short walk together," I said, smiling, and she began to smile too.

Then I held her hand tighter, and we walked together in silence.

When Aziz Bhai placed the bag in my hands and said that Samir was going to Paris, my heart stopped for a moment.

Kya itni sih hein mohabbat karta tha woh mujhse ki haar maankar jaa raha hai?

Bas inta hein intezaar kar paaya woh mere liye?

Kya itni sih hein zarurat thi mai uske liye?

(Did he love me so little that he was leaving, admitting defeat?

Is that all the patience he had to wait for me?

Am I of so little importance to him?)

By the time I reached the room, my heart was upset with him for no reason.

Sitting on the bed, I picked up his book. This diary was very old yet beautiful.

It had a small lock to open, and the first page of the book stopped me in my tracks.

Kitaab ke pehle panne ne hein mere, haath rokh diye.

'Mohtarma' likha tha pehle panne mein, woh bhi khubsursti seh likha gaya tha.

("Mohtarma" was written on the first page, beautifully inscribed).

Gathering my eagerness, I turned to the next page.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 / 𝗨𝗿𝗱𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Reading his words, my mind froze, and a flood of tears began to flow.

The last page of the diary was soaked with my tears, while my heart was racing.

Does this idiot love me this much?

Yaah, Allah, what was I doing?

Mai uske saath na reh ke bhi uski zindagi ke har hisse mein thi, uske zehen aur dil mein thi aur ab bhi hoon.

(Even though I wasn't with him, I was a part of every aspect of his life, in his mind and heart, and I still am).

Yaah Allah, tell me, what should I do now?

Without much thought, I headed straight to the airport. I didn't even know the timings of his flight.

After reaching the airport, I kept calling him.

"Not today, Samir. At least today, please pick up my call?" His phone was switched off. I checked the time, and it was 8:30 PM.

"Samir!" I called out his name in a trembling voice.

The name I can't live without.

I went to check the board, and the last flight to Paris was at 8 PM.

I didn't come to stop him, I had just come to see him, to talk to him one last time. If only I could have seen him, spoken to him, maybe I would have found some peace.

If only I had come a little earlier.

___❤___

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 ❤

I truly appreciate your patience and continued support.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and share your thoughts about 𝗠𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗶'𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

What do think will happen next with our beloved #𝗠𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗮?

I am curious to know your thoughts about them.

And what do you think about our Shy Boy and his Mehbooba?

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻?

And last but not the least, what do you think about our beloved #𝗨𝗻𝘇𝗶𝘇?

And for 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, the 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 are in next part, swipe up to read those letters and 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀.

And here I as the chapter is long, I am increasing the comments and votes for you all as I am I looking forward for only genuine feedbacks. So, let's aim for 𝟭𝟭𝟭𝟵+ 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟵𝟵𝟵+ 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 : Please make sure your comments are meaningful-avoid continuous single letters, words, or only emojis. This helps maintain the quality of our community, and I'll have to mute anyone who spams. I know you'll understand, as we're all here to enjoy great storytelling!

With love,

Author Almas ❤