Here's the second Chapter. You're gonna be introducing to the female lead. Please show your support on this one too and tell me your feedback in the comments section below....
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Author's POV (Edited)
The day was bright. Birds were chirping and singing their own national songs. The weather was sunny and warm yet. It was a cold season morning but people were still roaming around here and there in cotton clothes. Winter is less effective in Karachi.
The house's men were leaving early to start their business. They can't waste any single moment. It can count as their tardiness. It was a small colony. It's a very small colony of only 20 people. They all might belong to different families but here in this colony, they lived like one big family.
They strongly believed that for being a family blood doesn't matter, only heart does. They took care of each other. They help each other in good and bad days. They are all middle class but their children are content. The parents fulfill all their wishes so that they can't feel any inferior to those of rich people's children. The colony consists of small 10 houses.
They were scattered in a lane with 5 on each side. The colony contain a small garden which was made by the people living there before. The garden was well kept so the new ones decided not to touch it and started to take care of it. Almost every type of flower was there. That garden was the 'Shan' of their colony.
Almost every house was in hustle and bustle. But one house was catching everyone's eye. It was Bibi Kulsoom's house. She was standing at her doorstep talking with the vegetable sellar. It seems like he was asking way too much money. Bibi Kulsoom being a middle class woman can't afford such expensive vegetables so she was bargaining. Typical Karachi woman! The vegetable sellar almost gasped in surprise and stated
"Bibi Khuda ka khauf kren. Itne kam paison main to Mera sirf nuqsan hi nuqsan ha."
Translation:( Madam, fear God. This little money will cause me loss.)
Bibi Kulsoom looked at him like he had grown two heads and said
"To bhai Tum khud batou tumhari itni mehngi sabzi bhala hum jese gareeb log kese le sakte hai."
Translation:( So, brother,you tell me how can a poor people like us can buy your expensive vegetables?)
Well, she has a point. She needs to keep track of her coins. She can't just waste them. The vegetable sellar knew he had no choice so he finally came to a conclusion
"Chalen na apka na Mera. Ap ye piyaz aur tamatar 300 rupees Mae lelen."
Translation:( Ok, let's make a deal. Buy these tomatoes and onions for 300rs.)
Finally, it was better than 700. Bibi Kulsoom gave him the desired money and he stepped forward from her house not before shaking his head. She was one hell of an adamant woman. One of the neighbor stated to Kulsoom
"Wah! Aapa. Ap ne kia soda kia ha."
Translation:( Wow! What a bargain you did!)
Bibi Kulsoom laughed and said
"Paise bachane k liye kia khuch nhi krna parta ha, Shaista."
Translation:( How much we have to do to save money, Shaista.)
Shaista nodded and Kulsoom closed her door. Her house was small. It had only three rooms. One was living room plus sitting area while the other two were bedroom. The kitchen was relatively small. It was not one's dream house but since they had a roof over their head, they are satisfied and content.
Kulsoom washed the vegetables and took some of them. She needed to make omelette as the bread was already finely roasted with some Ghee. She was in the middle of frying when two arms wrapped around her.
Kulsoom bibi smiled and turned around. She kissed her cheek and asked the obvious question
"Uth gaye ap?"
Translation:( You wake up?)
The girl cheekily smiled and nodded her head. She was Bisma. Kulsoom's only daughter. Her husband died when Bisma was only two years old. Her in laws abandoned as they thought of her as some bad omen who killed their son.
Kulsoom left Punjab and came here with her daughter. She wants a better and secure future for her daughter. Bisma saw that her mother was zoning out so she lightly shook her and diverted the topic
"What's this delicious smell? Is that your infamous omelette?"
Kulsoom smiled at her drama and nodded her head. Bisma squealed. Kulsoom shook her head and sternly stated coming into motherly mode
"Ap Chalo chai banao. Sirf Yahan khare thori rehna ha."
Translation:( You should make tea. You won't have to stand here anymore.)
Bisma groaned under her breath and took the pot and walked towards the sink to wash it. She then said
"Wese khuch kam apni ladli se bhi krwa Liya kren. Sirf mujhe hi qurbani ka bakra kiun banna parta ha."
Translation:( make your dearest one do some work too. Why always I become the scapegoat?)
Kulsoom rolled her eyes at her daughter's exaggeration and explained her
"Let her sleep, Bisma. She was up till late."
Bisma nodded her head and further stated to tease her mother
"G g. Ab to bas ussi ka khayal rakha jaye ga. Dosri beti ki to parwa hi nhi ha."
Translation:( Yes, yes. You will only care for her. No one cares for the second daughter.)
Kulsoom laughed and said
"Boht zaban chalne nhi lag gaye ha tumhari. Ab Chalo jaldi se chai bana lo. Nashta tayyar huchuka ha."
Translation:( Your tongue had gotten big. Now prepare the tea fast. Breakfast had been made already.)
Bisma nodded her head and soon busied herself in making the chai. After that, she poured the tea in cups and settled them in a tray. She carefully held the tray in her hands and walked to the small dining area.
Kulsoom was sitting there reciting Quran. Bisma smiled at her mother and Kulsoom placed the Quran back on its safe place. They both sat down but Kulsoom muttered
"Bisma Meri pyari beti. Jao apni appi to utha do. Bolo akar nashta krlen."
Translation:( Bisma, my sweet daughter. Go and wake your sister. Tell her to come and have breakfast.)
Bisma nodded her head and walked towards her appi's room....
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Shiza's POV
I stifled a yawn. My yawn is very unwomanly, is that even a word. I don't know. I sat up on the bed blinking my eyes removing the sleepiness off my eyes. My bedroom is a small size room. It contained two single beds with one big cupboard. I shared this room with my sister. It was small but still enough for us. I stood up and went to the bathroom for fresh up.
After getting fresh, I came out and took out my clothes for today. I pat dried my hairs and wore my earrings. With that said, I grabbed my purse and the door to my room opened.
Bisma was standing there smiling ear to ear. I bobbed my head at her and asked her
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head and answered
"No, nothing. You look too good today."
Shiza's Dress
I stared at my attire and just shook my head. It's my normal outfit. But Bisma won't understand that. She thinks that I look good in every wear. I smiled at her and walked towards her. I pinched her cheeks and stated
"Thank you so much."
She laughed and said
"Ammi Bula rhi ha nashte k liye."
Translation:( Mama is calling you for breakfast.)
I nodded my head and we both went to the small dining area. There was her. When she saw me, she beamed and stood up. She kissed my forehead and said
"Ao, nashta krlo jaldi se."
Translation:( Now eat your breakfast)
I smiled and sat down. Kulsoom khala always cared for me like a daughter. I was an orphan. She took ahold of me when I was 3 years old. Since then she was treating me with utmost care. I can't survive a day without her. She is my mother and my father. She gave me the love of parents for which I'll be forever grateful to her. I was in the middle of the eating, when khala asked me
"Will you go there today?"
I hummed and said
"Yes. I have to check her BP."
Khala nodded her head and said
"I have make fresh bread for her. Take them with you while leaving."
I side hugged her and said
"You has a heart of gold, thank you."
Khala ruffled my hairs and Bisma mocked
"Kabhi aesa pyar mujhe bhi krliya kren."
Translation:( Shower this type of love to me too sometimes)
She sulked causing both of us to laugh at her face. I checked the time and I am getting late. I stood up in hurry and said
"Ok, I'll be late. See you soon."
I kissed khala on cheeks and took the box from her hands and left the house. I started my walk. Usually it take only 30 minutes to reach the Mir Haveli. You all must be thinking that how can a middle class girl like me have any connections with the Mir?
Well, I worked there as a care taker. I took care of the head of the Haveli. She is sick and had hired me to take care of her. They offered me suitable fee so I agreed. Also, I don't find any problem in taking care of an ailing woman.
I was walking down the streets when I saw a homeless child sitting alone. He looked so poor and starved. My heart churned painfully. How could parents leave their children like this? As I approached him, he crawled back in fear. I knelt down infront of him and said softly
"Hey, hey. I will not hurt you. I promise. Are you hungry?"
He stared at me for sometime and then nodded his head. I took out the bread from my bag and gave it to him. Well, the bread was my share but I can't let this kid go starved. He stared at the bread for some time and then took it. He immediately started eating it and I felt pain all over my body. Ya Allah! Please help this innocent child.
I stood up and quietly placed few money beside him. With that, I took my leave to the haveli. As I reached the premises, I took a deep breath. Well, here I come. I opened the gate and entered inside. As usual, I passed a small smile to the guards and walked towards the front door. The maid was already out so the door was already opened.
As I entered inside, I heard shouting voice. Well, here goes nothing! It was so loud. I stood rooted in my place. Should I go inside or not? I was still contemplating but what can I do? I can't stand here till they patch up. It will be considered as me coming late.
So, I took a deep breath once again and started my walk but I bumped into someone. Ouch! I looked up and saw him. Breath stopped, eyes locked! My palms began to sweat and nervousness enveloped my whole body. He held that aura that made everyone shiver. My thoughts were soon interrupted when he stated rather harshly at me
"Watch where you're going!"
I immediately muttered a small apology and he went away. But I could hear him muttering 'stupid' under his breath. I breathed a sigh. Well, that was close! He always terrifies me. He was always in a mood and his eyes held different kind of fire in it. It's like one wrong word and he'll burn the whole world down. I tried to keep my distance from him but I don't why fate is so merciful to me. I always end up interacting with him. No matter how hard I try, I always came between his way and he would scold me or insult me.
I sighed and further walked inside. As I reached the dining area, I saw Zohra Aunty. She was sitting holding her head. I didn't want to be curious but still my manners didn't let me live so I asked
"Is something wrong, Zohra Aunty?"
At my voice, she looked up and stared at me. Her stare was not at all good. She stood up from her place and walked towards me. I stood there awkwardly. I shouldn't have asked anything. I was looking down when she finally decided to speak
"Who are you to ask me that?"
I remained quiet. Get ready for another second hand insult, Shiza. When she didn't hear any answer from me so she stated
"Stay away from our family business. You're just a care taker for Ammi Sahiba. So know your limits. Don't let me remind that to you again."
I nodded my head still looking down. Her words hurts so much. Tears brimmed in my ears but I refused to fall them. Zohra Aunty scoffed and left. My nails were digging in my palms. I finally took a deep breath and made my way to Shehnaz Ammi's room. I knocked at the door and entered inside. There she was sitting on the bed. She smiled in my direction and I sat down on the chair. I asked her
"How are you? Are you feeling well?"
She chuckled and said
"I'm good, beta. Don't worry."
I smiled in her direction and said
"C'mon, let me check your BP."
She nodded her head. With that said, I stood up to start my daily work. Ya Allah! Let this day pass easily without any problem!
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Hey guys here's the second update. Tell me did you like it. Do vote comment and share. Also follow me on my insta @iwrites11. I'll be posting about the further updates timer there. So don't forget to check it out. I'll meet you soon with another chapter.
Till then loads of love
Allah Hafiz
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