Protector | پاسباں

-Unedited

"The Ramadan moon has been sighted. Pakistanis will observe the first fast of Ramadan tomorrow according to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee", The newscaster announced.

"Mubarak ho", The Durrani's congratulated each other.

"Ahmed confirm the timing of Taraweeh so we all can go to the mosque on time", Dada jan said to Zohaib's Dad.

"Dada jan I'll go and confirm the timing", Huzaifa stated.

"Huzaifa I'll go with you as well", Usman said and went out with Huzaifa. Huzaifa was looking at his mobile and he almost collided with Mahum.

"Ahhh Huzaifa you jerk", Mahum yelled and rubbed her head with an annoyed expression.

"Ankhein istimal krne k leye di hain Allah nay, chehray pay sajany k leye nahi (Allah has given you eyes to use, not to decorate them on your face).

"Okay, If my eyes are decoration pieces then where are yours? Did you give yours on rent?", Huzaifa retorted. There was a subtle hint of amusement glimmering across his face.

"Ah, you know what Huzaifa I'll prefer to ignore an insensitive jerk like you", She rolled her eyes.

"Then ignore me, who cares", Huzaifa mimicked and Usman chuckled. Mahum shot daggers at Usman.

"Tch tch have some shame Usman, he is fighting with your sister and you are enjoying", Mahum said angrily.

"It's your personal matter, what can I do", Usman shrugged.

"Let's go Usman, useless people are wasting our time", Huzaifa and Usman both giggled and left the house hurriedly.

"weirdo, Idiot, donkey, monkey", Mahum whined, stomped her foot on the floor in annoyance and went deeper into the living area.

"Abba jan, we should get ready for the Taraweeh because I think we don't have much time, as the announcement was already late", Taya jan said.

"You are right", Dada jan agreed and with that Zohaib, Uzair, zain, dad and taya abu went to their rooms to get ready to go to the mosque.

Tayi Ammi and mom were discussing the menu for the Suhoor with the help of dadi phupho and dadi jan.

Mahum sat down beside Faryal. She was still cursing Huzaifa.

"What happened?", Faryal asked.

"You know what, Huzaifa will get killed by my hands one day", Mahum replied angrily.

"He is such an insensitive jerk..No, he is a donkey..Even calling him a donkey is an insult for the whole specie", she huffed.

"Excuse me, you are talking about my brother Mahum", Faryal reasoned. She stifled a giggle, her eyes darting between Mahum and Zahra.

"Oh please!", Mahum rolled her eyes.

"He is...", before Faryal could complete her sentence Mahum said "Douchebag".

"No",

"Don't take his side in front of me",

"Aray cool down Mahum, He only teases you", Faryal hugged her.

"Leave it, I don't want to spoil this happy moment because of him", Mahum mumbled.

"By the way, It's your's and Zahra's first Ramadan with us", Mahum said. A smile appeared on Faryal's face after listening to Mahum.

"Yup",

"My baby's first Ramadan and eid. I'm so excited for her eid preparation Mahum. I've planned so many things for her. I just hope they go as planned", Faryal said and kissed Zahra who was sitting in her lap.

"It will In'Sha'Allah go the way you have planned don't worry", Mahum assured her.

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The gents of the house came back from the mosque and the ladies offered their Taraweeh at home together. Everyone was gathered in the living area talking to each other.

"Dadi jan, I have brought everything you told me", Saleem bhai said.

"Thank you beta", Dadi jan said to saleem bhai.

"Saleem bhai did you bring my chocolates", Faryal asked hopefully.

"Oh Faryal bibi mere zehn say nikl gyi thi yeh baat (It slipped out of my mind)", Saleem bhai facepalmed himself. Faryal's smile faded.

"It's okay saleem bhai", She said dishearted.

"You don't have to get upset, I'll grab it for you now", Huzaifa stood up quickly. Faryal grabbed his hand and said " No Huzaifa, it's not that urgent. Take some rest, it's already getting late and you have to go to the office as well."

"But you eat it in suhoor, it won't take much time",

"I eat it as a sweet in the end, don't worry I can manage for one day", She gave him a smile.

"Are you sure?",

"yup",

"Ammi jan, I and saba will wake up early to help the house help. You don't have to worry. You know we both have been doing this for years", Tayi ammi said to dadi jan.

"Yes Ammi jan, we both will manage", Mom agreed.

"I have complete faith in my daughters-in-law, I'm so proud of you the way you both have managed the whole family", Dadi jan said in a love-filled tone.

"But now we have another daughter-in-law in the house as well, what about her?", Dadi phupho interrupted.

"Phir say shuru hogya inka (she started again). It's high time, someone needs to put a stop to this Ghar ki bahu (daughter-in-law of the house) bullshit", Huzaifa mumbled in displeasure. He was controlling himself but he didn't know for how much time he will be able to do it.

"It's her time to take part and understand her responsibilities as well just like Ayza did. What do you say Faryal?", She continued.

Everyone paused and looked at Zohaib who was sitting there with furrowed eyebrows. Ayza was already a sensitive spot of Zohaib but no one expected dadi phupho to use her name in such a manipulative way. She was not praising Ayza, she was just using her name.

"Poor child, may Allah give her strength to deal with phupho", Tayi ammi thought looking at Faryal with pitiful eyes.

Zain and Huzaifa exchanged a worried look. They were very well aware that Faryal had never done these things before.

"Aray dadi phupho yeh bahu apki abhi khud bachi hai (This daughter-in-law of yours is still a kid by herself)", Uzair said letting out a nervous chuckle to lighten the situation and trying to rescue Faryal. Dadi phupho glared at him in reply.

As always, Faryal wanted to tell her that she can't cook anything but she was scared that Dadi phupho will think she is lying as according to dadi phupho she had already tasted the meal cooked by Faryal. Everyone was trying to help Faryal, but dadi pupho being adamant was sticking to her own statement.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you dadi phupho, but I'm afraid this is impossible", Zohaib finally said to put an end to the argument. He knew he is the only one who can stop this nonsense.

"Why is it so my child?", Dadi phupho asked.

"She takes care of Zahra all day long which is a tiring job by itself. Moreover, if she would wake up for the preparations of suhoor the chances are she would wake up Zahra as well, so I cant take the risk", Zohaib explained keeping his calm demeanor. He looked at dadi phupho who didn't look satisfied by his answer.

"Dadi phupho she is too young for all this. She will take on the responsibilities once she is ready for it. Anyways when mom and tayi ammi are able to manage things happily with the help of our househelp without Faryal then I don't think so anyone needs to pressurize her. If they feel work burden then we can hire more househelp as well. Right mom?", he added politely.

"Absolutely", Mom agreed.

Dadi phupho pondered over his words and said after some time "Tum logo ki marzi, wese bi meri suntha hi kon hai bhala (I't's up to you guys, anyways who listens to me)".

Zohaib stood up from the sofa, took Zahra from Uzair, and said looking at Faryal "Come to the room". He didn't look calm anymore she has felt that from his tone. Faryal nodded her head and followed him. She was grateful that he has asked her to come to his room.

Huzaifa took a deep breath in relief, Zohaib had not only taken control of the situation but also protected her. He looked at his side and realized Mahum was sitting beside him with a glass of juice in her hand, lost in her own dream world.  He bent slightly towards her and whispered "Mahum",

"Hun",

"I wanted to tell you something", he said smugly.

She looked at his face with narrowed eyes and said "What?",

"Barhi hi koe villain bun gyi hain dadi phupho, ab mein smjha k tum kis pay gyi ho (Dadi phupho has become such a villain, now I understood why are you like this) ", he smiled. His words made her immediately boiled with rage. She starred at his face, his smile was increasing her anger. She moved her hand forward and consciously poured the juice on him.

"What the...", Huzaifa hissed and got everyone's attention.

"Mahum", Tayi Ammi shot daggers at her.

"Oops Huzaifa, it slipped out of my hand", She said batting her eyelashes and her lips turned into a thin line.

"You will pay for it", Huzaifa mumbled and gave a tight-lipped smile to everyone.

"Don't stress your little brain dear Huzaifa, your knees might get hurt", Mahum replied in a low voice.

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Once they reached their room, Zohaib put down Zahra on the bed, gathered her toys in front of her, and arranged the pillows around her.

"You wanted to say something?" Faryal asked looking at him but he didn't say anything. He went to the washroom and slammed the door behind him. She was confused over his behavior.

"What happened to your daddy Zahra? Mein nay tou kuch nahi kiya ab (I haven't done anything)", She sat down beside Zahra and mumbled in confusion. After some time he reappeared and strode towards the closet.

"Zahra do you think I should ask him again?", Faryal whispered to which Zahra smiled.

"I'll take this as a yes", She kissed Zahra and went towards him.

"Naraz hain ap? (Are you upset)", Faryal said standing beside him but he ignored her.

"There is no need to talk now", He said with a stoic expression while searching for something in his closet.

"At least tell me the reason, have I done something?", She demanded stubbornly. He closed the door of the closet with a loud thud. He pulled her from her elbow and pushed her against the closet.

"The problem is that you don't do anything. Normally you are a chatterbox but Why don't you say something when you are supposed to say it?", He asked looking into her eyes with an anger-filled voice.

She was looking at him with wide eyes, her breath hitched seeing his outburst.

He heaved a sigh, closed his eyes to calm himself, took few steps back, and said "Breath".

"Take a deep breath", he said calmly.

Faryal shifted her gaze from his face and fetched a breath. Zohaib opened his eyes and looked at her.

"When you don't want to do anything you can deny it then and there", Zohaib said finally.

"If your consent would not matter to yourself, how would it matter to anyone else? There are two ways to handle a situation. You either fight it or accept it. If you are unable to accept the situation you really need to fight it. ", He added in a low composed tone.

Faryal was looking at her hands. Zohaib placed a finger under her chin and made her look into his eyes.

"This world is a very cruel place to live in. If you want to survive here you need to learn how to protect and take care of yourself. I'll be not around you forever, even Zain and Huzaifa. Today it's dadi phupho tomorrow it can be anyone else. Your consent should matter to you that's how others will understand your boundaries.", Zohaib said each and every word with utmost sincerity.

"Understood?" He asked and wiped a tear at the edge of her eye.

"No matter how much I try, Muj say nahi ho patha. I get scared. I just don't understand why does she dislike me so much, I haven't done anything wrong to her", She voiced her emotions with glassy eyes. He knew she was a pampered child, her family had made sure to provide her a life very smooth for her.

"Not everyone has to like us, and that's okay",

"It hurts Zohaib"

"There is nothing to get scared about. Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say 'No', you move", Zohaib said and Faryal nodded her head still looking into his eyes.

(A/N: this is my favorite dialogue from Captain America: Civil war. I really wanted to use it in the book, Akhir kaar use ho hi gya😂 )

"I'll try", Faryal replied.

"Speak up for yourself. Next time if you were silent in this kind of situation, I would never talk to you again in my life", He paused.

"and I swear, I mean it". He said seriously.

"No, I promise I'll try my best", She replied quickly. Both were talking to each other in low murmurs, maintaining eye contact.

"You should because sometimes I get confused between you and Zahra", He said to alleviate her mood.

"Confused between me and Zahra? How?" She asked in bewilderment.

"You both are cry babies, I can't differentiate who is the younger one", He smiled.

"Baby?..seriously Zohaib? I'm a grown-up adult.", Faryal whined in embarrassment and slapped him lightly on his chest.

"How old are you?", he asked.

"21 years old, legally and officially an adult....and mother of a child.", she beamed.

"Are you?..huh still too young Ms. Cry baby", He said teasingly.

"I'm.not.a.cry.baby", She replied confidently.

"I don't think so",

"Hehe it's not funny", she stuck out her tongue.

"Prove it then", He challenged her.

"From now on keep your eyes peeled Mr.Zohaib Ahmed Durrani", she huffed.

"Nothing is impossible for you, right? Ms. Faryal Ismail Khan", he teased her further.

"yea..", she stopped when suddenly they heard Zahra's cry. They ran towards her. Zohaib quickly picked up Zahra in his hands and sat down on the bed.

"It's alright Zahra, look daddy is here", Zohaib said while rubbing her back. Zahra kept crying, tears coursing down her cheeks. Faryal settled down on the bed beside them.

"Zahra meri jan, what happened? Did you get hurt?", Faryal said in a calm loving way. Zahra looked at her and pointed towards her soft toy.

"Oh, you naughty elephant", she picked up her soft toy.

"Stop troubling my baby, understood?", she said to it pretending to be serious. She moved her gaze towards Zahra who was not crying anymore.

"Zahra, it won't trouble you again, Ammi has schooled it."

" Where did it hurt you?", She comforted Zahra. Zahra starred at her Ammi with a tear-streaked face, and then placed her hand on her head.

"Aww, abhi theek krthi hun mein (I'll fix it now)", she smiled. She moved forward and kissed her head few times. She unknowingly placed her hand on Zohaib's thigh for support. Zohaib looked at her, she was really close to him. He was close enough to know she smelled of lavender. Her features danced in the light, except her eyes which were hidden behind a lock of her chin-length hair. He involuntarily leaned his head slightly towards his right side to see her eyes. He felt something tug inside of him.

"Tadaaaa", she cheered. Zahra chuckled. Faryal smiled and wiped Zahra's tears. Her eyes flickered up to him, her breath caught in her passageway, heart-stopping for a second, and then quickly shifted her eyes down again. She felt jittery under his scrutinizing gaze. She moved back to make a distance between them and turned her face to hide from him. There was an awkward silence when no one knew what to say.

Zohaib looked at Zahra, cleared his throat, and said, "So....you have become a doctor now? healing patients with a kiss? bullying my innocent child with all this", Amusement twinkled in his eyes and played with the corners of his mouth.

She felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks. She nibbled on her lower lip and stared at her hands, avoiding his probing gaze. She could hear his low and soft chuckle.

"It's not about the degree or the title, it's all about the love and belief", she smiled.

"Zahra has a strong belief in me, whatever I do or say she understands. As you said earlier I don't have to be a pediatrician to understand how to treat my child." She turned her face, looked him into his eyes, and continued,"Yaqeen insan ko dagmaganay nahi detha, darne nahi detha, peche huthnay nahi detha. Sabt qadum aur pur azum rakhtha hai (Trust does not let us stumble, get scared or back off. It keeps us steadfast and determined)",

"Kya cheez ho tum? (What are you?)", he glanced at her in disbelieve. He was unable to understand her, one moment she looks vulnerable like a child, and the other moment she becomes as strong as a mountain that nobody can shake her belief.

"Zahra's Ammi", she replied proudly.

Her reply left him totally flabbergasted. He paused for a moment, cleared his throat, and said, "Hmm Can you please make Zahra sleep today?"

"Sure", she smiled.

He nodded his head and handed Zahra to her. He picked up his car keys and left the room.

"Zahra daddy said you have to sleep with me today yayyy, come on get ready for bed. And you know what Ammi will tell you a bedtime story as well", she said excitedly.

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Flashback:

"No way Ayza, I won't let you do that. Can you please listen to me for once.", Zohaib stated in an annoyed tone.

"Zohaib I'm fine", She said.

"You are almost seven months pregnant", He said with wriggled eyebrows. "I won't let you fast, end of discussion please",

"But I want to",

"pregnant women are allowed to quit fasting during Ramadan. you can make up for the missed fasts later. It's not a big deal", He hugged her from the back, placed his chin on her shoulder, and wrapped his hands protectively around her baby bump.

"I have normal pregnancy", she justified.

"you do, but please do it for my peace of mind", he whispered. Ayza heaved a sigh and nodded her head.

"I can help mom and tayi ammi in the house chores then",

"No",

"That's not fair Zohaib, It's been months since I'm staying at home. First, you wanted me to take a leave for this whole period and stay at home. Now you are not letting me take part in house chores", She turned around in his embrace and looked into his eyes.

"You need rest",

"I'm taking rest, you are treating me like God forbid I'm suffering from a chronic disease. You need to relax, It's just a normal thing. Every woman goes through it I'm not the only woman. You are really getting bossy these days", She laughed.

"I only want to make sure you are fine", he said huskily, bent down, and pecked her cheek.

"you are worrying over nothing", she tried to convince him. "I just don't understand why are you so restless Zohaib?"

"I just pray this kid arrives safely Ayza, I don't want any more kids after that. I can't see you like this",

"What happened to your "I.want.six kids" mission. You wanted lots of kids. Didn't you?", she said with a wide, amused smile, her eyebrows rising with the question.

He laughed, tightly hugged her, and inhaled her sweet scent to calm down his jumbled thoughts." We can adopt kids", he replied.

"Zohaib",

"Hmm?"

"I love you",

"I love you more",

"Come, let me show you thing's I bought today", Ayza broke the hug, grabbed his hand, and took him towards the bed. She opened the packages one by one, showing them to Zohaib.

"Aren't these dresses and toys for toddlers?", he asked in bewilderment.

"Yup", she replied cooly.

"We don't have to buy lifetime things for our child now",

"There are so many things to do, aur waqt kum hai mere pas (and I don't have much time)", she said nonchalantly.

"Come let's go somewhere?" Zohaib grabbed her hand and stood up.

"Where?"

"Kahin bi (anywhere), I just want to spend some time alone with you."

"For ice cream", He offered more like a question.

"For ice cream", Ayza laughed confirming his words, "And long drive".

Flashback ends.

"Theek hi kehthi thi tum Ayza, waqt tou such mein hi kum tha tumhre pas (You were right Ayza that you didn't have much time). A lump formed in his throat and tried to fight back tears.

He was lying on the hood of his car, staring at the dark sky.", Khushboo k jazeero say sitaro ki hadon tuk, is shehr mein sub kuch hai bus aik teri kumi hai (from the island of fragrance to the limits of stars, this city has everything except you)".

His mobile ringing got him out of his reveries. He looked at the screen and attended the call.

"Assalam u Alikum Mom",

"Zohaib where are you beta? Are you Okay?", mom said worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry I...just needed some fresh air", he completed his sentence unsurely.

"It's already midnight",

"I'll come home in a while mom",

"Take care beta", Mom said and dropped the call. She knew the emotional turmoil of her son very well. After hearing Ayza's name from dadi phupho she knew he will not be fine with it. She just poured salt over his already fresh wound.

After few minutes he seated in his car and started the engine. He stopped at a filling station for a petrol refill. His gaze shifted to the tuck shop which was still open.

"She wanted chocolates", he thought and got out of the car. He entered the shop and looked around.

"How can I help you sir", the salesman asked.

"Give me some chocolates please",

"Which one do you want?", the salesman signaled him towards the various kinds of chocolates. He had no idea which one she likes.

He thought for a few minutes and said "Give me one box from each of them".

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Zohaib placed the chocolates on the nightstand at Faryal's side. He moved his eyes towards the bed where Faryal and Zahra held each other in a tender embrace. Both of them were wearing the same night suits. He bent down, covered them into a quilt, and went to the closet. He took the piece of paper from the pocket of his work shirt and opened it.

"I want you to know someone cares about you. NOT ME BUT SOMEONE ;)"

A slow smile worked its way across his face. "What I'm gonna do with you" he muttered and shook his head.

He folded the note again and put it in the drawer where he has kept her other notes which she has been sending him every day with his lunch.

"Two broken souls, unknowingly trying to heal each other. Maybe they need just a little help to fix each other just like the missing pieces of the puzzle which looks like a mess but once it gets fixed it looks awesome."

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Assalam u alikum/Namaste! I hope you are doing well.❤

How was today's update?

Which part of the chapter did you like?

A/N: In the past few days the prayers and care you all have showered upon me is overwhelming and humbling. I don't have words to thank each one of you. I'm recovering, Alhumdullilah. If possible please remember my baba in your prayers he is not well. Sending love and peace to all of you.

Until next time Fi'amanillah.❤