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Shiza's POV (Edited)
It was one fine morning. The sun was shining brightly and it rays stood proud and firm over the horizon. The dusty wind and the chilly breeze combine to make a unique mixture. I woke up a little early today. I offered my morning prayer and then sat down for an hour to recite Quran. Today, I have been feeling restless since night. I was unable to sleep due to this weird and awkward feeling that kept churning inside me. I kept twisting and turning in bed for about two hours and then finally gave up.
I sat up eyes wide on the bed and stared at nothing in particular. I have no memories to remember in times like these. Sometimes I felt really bad that I don't have any such memories which can take me out of my loneliness and brought me into a world of crowd. But Alas! I am not that lucky. Being an orphan from a very young age had its own problems. I don't remember my parent's name nor I have any picture of them. I just knew that they died when I was only two years old. Fate really played a cruel game with me.
How unfortunate I am that I don't even had a single memory of my parents. I don't know how they were. How did they look like? I didn't even know if they were good by heart or not. I just knew that my father was a farmer. I was born into a village. My parents were hard working people as per I heard from the few people who happened to know few unimportant details. I belonged to a poor family.
My parents did everything to keep me full. They were tight in money but they did their best in providing me the best. Sometimes my eyes filled up at the thought that I didn't even get to spend half of my time with them. Parents are very important aspect of every children's life. How come I didn't get to spend my time with my parents! It hurts me to say that I am an orphan. That I don't have a mom whom I can share my worries with. Who would caress my hairs while I'll be laying down in her lap. I don't have a father whom I can hug as long as I can. Who can stood by me as my pillar. I'm alone and alone for myself.
I love Beenish and Khala like my own but the void inside of me is still there. I wanted to experience the fatherly warmth and the motherly touch. But I guess I have to wait long for that. I shook my head off of these depressing thoughts and stood up. I should hurry now. I have to go to work too. Well, I have days. I work in the Mir's Haveli from Tuesday to Friday.
As today is Friday that means I have got a weekend afterwards. I opened my cupboard and took out my attire. I quickly ironed it and then took a shower. I wrapped the towel around my hairs and came out. My dress was teal blue in color. The dupatta was multi color. I dried my hairs with the towel and applied lotion and balm on my lips. I wore my studded earrings and at last I wore my dupatta and headed to the living area.
Shiza's Dress
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Beenish was sitting on the chair alone. As I took my seat infront of her, I can't help but asked
"Where's khala?"
Beenish sighed and answered
"Ammi has gone to the market with Shaista Khala. Will be back before Jummah."
I nodded my head. Beenish again busied herself in finishing her meal. After I washed the breakfast's plate, I came inside my room. I unplugged my phone and put it in my purse. I once again checked myself in the mirror before heading out. Beenish was cutting vegetables when I entered the kitchen. I drank water and informed her
"I'm going to work. Will be back at evening."
Beenish nodded her head and said
"I'm making vegetables curry today. Should I save a plate for you?"
There was a cheeky smile on her face. I laughed and said
"Of course, one can't miss the vegetable curry made my you."
At my remark, she laughed out loud. I smiled and exited the house. Once again I started my walk. I was in a lively mood. Maybe the thoughts of my parents gave me positive hope. I wished this day went well. But only I knew that it was the very start of my destruction....
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Author's POV
Lubna and Yusra were sitting in the posh garden. They were sipping from their fine porcelain cups. They both were finding solace in the cool breeze that penetrated through their skins calming their inner turmoil. Lubna took a deep breath and stated in their usual cold mood
"I think we have to do something."
Yusra's brows furrowed in puzzlement and she couldn't help but ask the next question
"Why? Is something the matter?"
Lubna nodded her head and placed the cup on the table infront of her. Lubna fully turned to Yusra and said
"Today while I was walking down from Ammi jaan's room, I heard something."
Yusra's ear perked up at the thought of new gossip. Her face tells that all! Yusra asked eagerly unable to control her excitement
"What did you hear?"
Lubna sighed dejectedly and said
"Perhaps Ammi Jan is giving more credit to that peasant that she deserves."
Yusra was totally confused. She couldn't understand Lubna's secretive talks. Yusra shook her head and almost cried in irritation
"Bhabhi please don't talk in riddles. Tell me clearly."
Lubna sighed and said
"Ammi Jan has been thinking of providing a shelter to that care taker of her inside the Haveli."
Two gasps were heard. One belong to Yusra but the other....well it belong to Zohra. She had been listening to their conversation from afar. Both Lubna and Yusra's head turned towards her. Lubna and Yusra stood up and both looked like a deer caught in red light. They were very aware of how much Zohra dislike unnecessary gossips. They both looked at each other and their faces were contorted in fear of getting insult by their Bari Bhabhi. Lubna immediately tried to handle the situation
"Bhabhi, we were just about to go to the kitchen."
Yusra also nodded her head in approve. But Zohra was least interested in their lies. So she directly asked
"Did what you said earlier was true?"
Lubna's brows furrowed. She didn't understand what she was saying so she asked
"I didn't understand what you're asking?"
Zohra clicked her tongue in annoyance and said
"Is Ammi Jan providing a shelter to that peasant in Mir's Haveli?"
Lubna nodded her head and clarified
"I just heard Ammi jaan saying that. I don't know if she'll really do that."
But Zohra knew that it was not at all a mere idea. She was well aware of the love that Ammi jaan held for that good for nothing care taker. Zohra always hated her to the guts. Her mere presence irked her.
She was barely tolerating her for few hours. She can't tolerate her for the whole day. Also, she didn't deserve to be living with them. They are Mirs! And she....well she's nothing infront of them. The worry of Zohra's face was visible. Yusra who had seen the expression on her face decided to add fuel to the fire
"Dekhen na bhabhi Ammi jaan to ye boht ghalat krrhi Hain. Wo kese ek gareeb se larki ko hamari is aalishan Haveli main jagah de sakti Hain."
Translation:( See sister in law, mama is doing really wrong. How can she let that poor girl a place inside our grand Haveli)
Yusra's words were on point. It added more anger for Shiza inside Zohra's heart that there was already before. Lubna seemed to enjoy the trouble of her bari bhabhi. Yusra then stated
"I think you should find some permanent solution of getting rid of that peasant."
Zohra nodded her head. She has to do something before it was too late. She looked up at them and stated in her stern voice
"You both go and check the kitchen. The lunch will be served shortly after."
Both nodded obediently and left the garden. Zohra sat down on the chair and started thinking of various way to terminate Shiza from their lives permanently and suddenly an idea struck her mind....
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Shiza's POV
I reached the haveli. I stepped inside and found the whole living area empty. Usually people were there sitting around. But today no one was there. I sighed. Just then a maid came in my sight. She was holding a tray which contain empty plates. I walked to her and asked her
"Do you mind telling me where's everyone?"
She answered politely
"Choti begum is resting in her room while Lubna and Yusra baji has gone for shopping."
I sighed in relief. I then questioned her
"Is Shehnaz Ammi in her room?"
The maid nodded and answered
"Yes, she has just eaten her food. Now, she's resting."
I nodded my head and made my way to her room. I lightly knocked on the door before entering inside. There she was sitting on the bed with her back settled against the headrest. A smile formed on her lips when she saw me. I passed her a welcoming smile and sat down on the bed. She kissed my forehead and lovingly caress my hairs. I closed my eyes relishing the warmth provided by her. She then compliment me
"You look radiant today, mashallah."
I blushed slightly and thanked her. Shehnaz Ammi has always been a motherly figure to me after khala. She was always there. I feel relaxed while talking to her. I looked at her and noticed that she looked pale. My face instantly lost its smile and I asked her
"Why are you looking so pale? Is your health ok?"
She laughed a little and said casually
"It was nothing, dear. I just had a fit of cough last night."
She said it like it was not at all a big problem. But it is! She's an asthma patient. I shook my head at her carelessness and said in a offending voice
"You are supposed to take care of yourself. Why are you so light about your health?"
Shehnaz Ammi laughed and said
"Don't worry too much. I am fine."
But I was not the one to back down. I stood up and asked her
"Where's your medicine?"
She shook her head and tried to explain me
"Beta Mae theek hu. Kiun itna pareshan horhi hu?"
Translation:( I'm fine, dear. Why are you worrying so much?)
I sighed in worry and sat down beside her. I held her cheek and stated
"Shehnaz Ammi, why don't you understand? Your health is important. You can't neglect it. Think about your family. How will they feel if I tell them about your carelessness? They will be worried. You yourself said that your eldest grand son loves you very much. How will he feel if he gets to know that his lovely grandmother is neglecting her health?"
Her eyes softened at my little speech and she kissed my forehead. She then sighed and said
"May Allah grant you every happiness, daughter. You are a gem."
I smiled and once again asked
"That doesn't mean that I forget. Now, tell me where's your medicine?"
She laughed and then told me
"It ended yesterday. But I think there's a spare in Zain's room. Can you take it from there?"
My breath hitched at the question. His room!! No, I can't go there. It would be so awkward. What if he's inside? The mere presence of him gave me chills it not to forget that awkward drive. No! I certainly can't go into his room. Shehnaz Ammi might have noticed my change in behavior so she asked
"What happened? Is something wrong?"
But I shook my head and said
"No, it's nothing. I'll just go and take it."
I exited her room. I climbed up stairs and with each step my heartbeat quickened. My heart was hammering inside my chest. I stood infront of his door and decided to knock. I knocked at the door and waited patiently at the end to hear any answer. But minutes passed and I didn't hear anything. I lightly opened the door and to my relief it was empty. That concludes that he isn't here.
This put my heart at rest. His room is dark. The walls were painted in black and gray. His scent was roaming around the whole room. His room screamed power. Everything looked so neat and expensive. I tried not to touch anything. I opened the drawer and started searching for the medicines. Soon after I was able to find it and did a happy dance mentally. I was about to leave when a husky voice from behind made me stop dead in my tracks
"What are you doing here?"
My breath stopped and my soul almost left my body. I turned around and find him standing there. His hairs were wet so it resulted that he was in the shower. He was dressed in a navy blue button down shirt with black pants. He was staring keenly at me. His presence and gaze were making me uncomfortable. Oh my Allah!
How will I answer him. When he didn't hear any response from my side, he started taking steps in my direction. I as a reaction moved back. But soon he was standing right infront of me with me caged between him and the wall. I averted my eyes and tried to find a way out. Suddenly I hear his voice. This time it was only above a whisper.
"I asked you something. What were doing in my room without my permission?"
His voice held authority and irritation in it. His closeness was making me dizzy. I tried to answer but no words came from my mouth. He was so close in losing his temper. I showed him the medicine and finally said in a timid voice
"We were out of medicine so..so I...I came here to get it. Shehnaz Ammi has told me."
His gaze was calculative like he was reading me from the inside. He was making me uncomfortable so I politely told him
"Can you please move aside?"
He gave me space and I made a beeline to the door. But before I could leave he grabbed my wrist from behind and turned me towards him. A gasp left my lips and he looked deadly at me. He seethed at me with pure rage and annoyance
"Next time don't you dare stepped inside my room!"
With that he left me with a jerk. I immediately sauntered out. I rushed downstairs and tried to calm my abnormal heartbeat...
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I was all set to leave. It was evening and my work was finished. After the noon's incident, I didn't get entangled with Shah Zain for which I was grateful to. I didn't want to get insulted again. I tried to maintain my distance from most of the family as they all seemed to have a grudge against me. I don't know why they hate me but I don't have courage to ask them. I made my way to the door to leave when Zohra aunty stopped me. I looked at her. She rarely called me. Maybe, ShahZain told her about my entry in his room. Oh Allah! Now, she will scold me too. I closed my eyes ready for some insulting words but she said
"I have a favour to ask you."
I looked up at her eyes wide. Of course, that would be my reaction. Zohra aunty hated my guts. She never even talk to me like a normal person. She was always insulting or scolding me. So, her very normal question is weird for me. I answered
"Yes, do ask."
She sighed and then showed me a dainty piece of ornament. It was really beautiful and it looked super expensive. She then said
"Can you keep it with you?"
My eyes widened at her sentence and I said
"What? What...I mean are you serious?"
She nodded her head and further said
"Yes. I am serious. I want you to keep it with you."
I couldn't help but asked
"But why me?"
She looked annoyed at my questions but what can I say. She answered
"I need to get it repaired by the Jeweler and he happens to be in your area. It's really expensive and I don't trust the maids here. I can't hand it over to them. So please take it to the Jeweler tomorrow and get it repaired."
Her voice held plea. I was stuck. My heart was telling me to help her while my mind was saying the opposite. I can't chose. She was looking hopefully at me. At last my heart won and I agreed. A smile broke onto her lips and she handed my the neck piece. She then said
"I'll delivered the money to the Jeweler. I will text you the address."
I nodded my head and left the haveli. If only I know that how much of a grave mistake I have committed...
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That's it guys. I know I'm late. But the wedding season is on and I have a wedding to attend. Plus there are tests going on in my coaching so I was busy. But here's an update. Tell me how you like it. Do vote comment and share. also follow me on insta @iwrites11.
I'll meet you soon with another update
Till then take care
Allah Hafiz
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