Vo Gali Thi Ishq Ki (TELEPHONE BOOTH)

1.Qurbat!

-.TRANSLATED CHAPTER.-

"Mahi! Mahi! kaha mar gai ye ladki!"
(Mahi! Mahi! where did she die now?)

Saira Begum's high pitched voice echoed in the living area of Hamadani Haveli which is gleaming blindly today. The huge beautiful golden and glass jhumar (chandelier) is looking extra golden, the creme wall is free of every dust and the tiled floor; well one could see the reflection of itself in it. Even after so much pressure of work people of the Haveli looking happy and excited.

Among all the hustle and bustle Saira Begum's voice reached Mahi's ears who was working in the kitchen preparing feast for everyone. She was tired but the happiness was radiating the most from her face, switching off the nob and after instructing servants to look after, she rushed in the living area where Saira Begum was waiting for her in all her glory. Even at the age of 76 Saira Begum is a really scary woman.

"Ji Beejaan?"
(yes bijaan)

A scared looking Mahi stood in front of Bijaan, fumbling with her fingers. Though Bijaan was so happy today but around Mahi she can't hide her displeasure.

"Ye kya huliya bnaya hua hai?
"(look at.your appearance?)

Bijaan narrowed her fading black almost grey - wrinkled eyes and snapped at Mahi, who was wearing an old green suit with the kitchen stains on it and her hair were sticky due to working since 5 am in the morning.

or sare kaam ho gaye ya nahi abhi?"
(is everything done?)

Bijaan voice was stern and demanding.

"Ji..ji.. Bijaan bs last touches reh gae h."
(Yes, bijaan almost done,)
She fumbled in fear.

"Thik thik hai! jaldi karo!"
(Fine fine! Be quick)
Bijaan waved her hand nonchalantly and added strictly.

"Or haa Zayan ke samne aane ki koshish bhi mat karna jbtk main na kahu!"
(And yes don't dare to come in front of zayan)

Mahi felt a pang of unbearable pain in her heart. Its nothing new she is hearing it since she stepped into this Haveli when she was just eight. She got used to every bitter words her supposedly family throw at her but she still can't get used to hearing how she doesn't have rights to speak to her own husband. She is a burden for everyone at this house except her Mamu who is her Father-in-law also. He is the only man who favours her but unfortunately he is really sick for 2 years and Mahi days of utter misery has started since then. She can't express her sorrow anymore to him because she doesn't want to trouble him.

Saira Begum, the grand dutchess of Shamsabagh has five children, her two sons and three daughters. Abdullah Asr Hamadani ; the Bade Nawab of Shamsabagh and the father of Zayan Asr Hamadani and Haniya Abdullah.

Rubina Bin Yaqub; second daughter married to the nawab of Faridabad Hamid Bin Yaqub; His son Roshan , Zaid and daughter Muskaan.

Third daughter Asmara Qalb married to the biggest landlord of Karachi her two daughters Pari and Rahila.
Fourth Son Bilal Asr Hamadani; the chote nawab of Shamsabagh has two sons Moin and Mohib Asr Hamadani.

And Saira Begum's youngest daughter Shama Laraib married to the secretary of Hamadani firm, Laraib Sikander and had only daughter Mahira Sikander.

Every children of the clan is dear to Saira Begum however Mahira has twisted fate. She is the daughter of the woman who brought shame to entire Hamadani Khandaan by falling in love with the mere secretary of Hamadani firm. He was well educated and belonged from a middle class background and Saira Begum was against this relationship. She wanted her son in law from an elite background like the other two. She was the woman of honour; class and status. It is all that matters to her, it was her pride. Saira Begum's ego wasn't allowing her to accept their relationship. So they ran away and since then Haamdanis broke all the ties with her.