•______________•
" So, if you're too tired to speak, sit next to me
for I, too, am fluent in
silence"
_Ron Arnold_
•_____________•
Draping the net dupatta across her shoulders, she let out a soft exhale as she assessed her frame for one last time in the large vertical mirror.
Clad in black ankle length plain net frock with minimal embroidery at the edges of slim sleeves that ended at her wrists from where her cotton like soft and slender pale hands emerged.
The dark maroon henna patterns remained printed on the palm of her left hand and the back of the same palm making a beautiful contrast with the black of the dress.
The long frock was in a slight fitting near the waist before falling down in little flares.
A layer of net draped the soft inner fabric below as it fell a few inches above her ankles.
Below the black frock was the black choori pajama that ended at her ankles and the soft dainty pale feet with slight pink soles remained clad in plain black velvet khussas that Sajjida Mami had specifically bought for her.
The long black net dupatta with slightly embroidered border of the same color remained draped across her shoulders on front.
The straight silky light brown honey like waterfall fell down her back, few strands sliding on her shoulders.
Small silver jhumkis that Zainab had gifted her, adorned her ears along with the thin plain gold chain wrapped around her neck that she normally wore.
She didn't carry any heavy makeup.
Since they were visiting he lands and she was very much aware of the scorching weather and the blazing sun out there, she wore a thin layer of sunscreen with a light touch of peach coloured lip gloss.
Getting satisfied at her look, she sighed softly and grabbed the small round beige shoulder strap bag and immediately stepped out of her room.
Walking down the staircase carefully, she gazed down at her cousins that had already gathered in the sitting area.
The first one to catch her sight was Javeria who immediately gasped in awe and amazement,
"MaSha'Allah! Kitni haseen lag rahi hain ap Shanzay"!
The others' attention was also snapped towards her at the voice.
She reached the last step, stepping inside the sitting area.
Zainab immediately rushed towards her squeezing her in a tight hug making Shanzay chuckle softly at her behaviour,
"Meri jaan!! Kitni piyari lag rahi ho black dress main. It's as if the colour is made for you".
She parted looking at her in awe.
Sajjida mami also stepped forward kissing her cheek with adoration,
"Qurban! Nazar na lagay meri beti ko kisi ki".
She caressed the top of her head.
Shanzay was getting overwhelmed by the suddenly booming compliments and the sudden attentive gazes she was getting.
She felt her cheeks burn crimson at the attention as she gulped softly and turned her gaze towards Shahmeer, evading the admiring gazes of the other people present in the hall.
Shahmeer seemed to understand that she was getting uncomfortable as he immediately stood up from the sofa at seeing her glance at him,
"Chalo shabash. Let's get going. We'll come back late if we leave late".
And hence she was finally able to walk out of the sitting area along with Zainab and Javeria.
Once they reached the porch, the blinding sunlight welcomed them making Shanzay let out a deep sigh as she raised her hand to her forehead, shielding her face.
From the corner of her eye, she could catch Shahana throwing dirty glances at her as if she was planning to burn her with her mere orbs.
Thankfully Faseeha Mami wasn't there in the sitting area or she didn't know what could have happened.
She really, at this point, wanted to know what bothered Shahana so much for her to despise Shanzay like this?
Why would she give her these glares when Shanzay hadn't even done anything.
She really wanted to know.
"Kala rang bhi kisi Kisi per acha lagta hai aur jis per lagta hai wallah Kamal lagta hai".
Zainab teased playfully making her turn and give her a fake glare deep inside pleading to not tease her anymore.
Her poetic line had caught attention of Mahi bhabhi and Sadain Bhai who were approaching their car, making Shanzay flush beetroot again.
Her glare only caused Zainab to laugh out louder in response making Shanzay let out a helpless sigh.
"Hun! Stop being so over now! She isn't looking that good that you've all started complimenting her. Bus aam si hi tou lag rahi hai"!
Shahana snapped back rudely rolling her eyes.
A soft sigh left Shanzay's lips as she utterly ignored her words turning her gaze elsewhere to where Sadain bhai and Shahmeer were pulling out the cars in the driveway.
However, Zainab couldn't digest the bitter words directed towards Shanzay as she immediately spoke with her brows creased,
"Shahana baji, I think you've hurt your head that's why your eyes are not working properly.
Shanzay is nodoubt looking gorgeous, MaSha'Allah. Ab Kisi say ye such hazam nahi horaha tou hum Kiya karain".
Zainab spoke fanning herself with her hands turning her gaze elsewhere.
Shahana's nostrils flared at her words and the sarcasm lying underneath as she gritted her teeth together,
"Tumhain tou main baad main dekhti hn".
Before turning her gaze elsewhere and marching out of there while stomping her feet.
Shanzay turned towards Zainab with a helpless look,
"It was alright Zainab. I was completely fine than why did you bicker with her again"?
"Bicker? Look my little cousin, you may endure all this and even be able to ignore her crude remarks but I can't stand hearing them. Someone needs to show her her place that she isn't on the top and that others also possess the same self-respect and dignity as her".
Zainab cleared placing her hand on Shanzay's shoulder.
Shanzay shook her head slightly,
"Wo Jo bhi kehti hain wo unki apni zubaan, apna mamla hai. Har karwi baat ka jawab dena zaroori nahi hota. Na un k number ziada hojayen gae na humaray kam. Nazar andaaz bhi tou kersaktay hain na hum"?
Zainab shook her head in disappointment,
"Shahana is not someone who'll reflect on her mistakes Shanzay. Your silence would only make her more arrogant ".
Before Shanzay could reply, Javeria spoke approaching them,
"Let's get going. Shahmeer Bhai is calling us".
Hence, Shanzay could only exhale softly as she and Zainab followed Javeria towards where the cars were parked in the driveway.
In the white cruiser, Shahmeer occupied the driving seat while in the black one, Sadain Bhai occupied the driving seat.
Zainab, Shanzay and Javeria had decided to take Shameer's car while Shahana, Shabana and Mahi bhabhi were to take Sadain Bhai's car.
Azfar hadn't been in the house since morning and Basit also didn't insist on coming and hence there were only few people that were going.
As they walked on the red bricked pavement, Shanzay felt a harsh push on her shoulder as someone walked past her swiftly towards where the parked cars stood.
Upon seeing it was Shahana, Shanzay only shook her head lightly as she continued walking beside Zainab.
However, shock raked through their frames when they reached the driveway.
At seeing Shahana already settled down on the front seat in Shahmeer's car, Zainab and Shanzay exchanged confused glances.
Even Javeria who was sitting in the back seat looked confused and taken aback.
A frown rested on Meer's brows too as he kept his gaze ahead with his hand holding the steering wheel in a tight grasp with his knuckles turning white with each passing second and sharp jaw of his visibly clenched.
He definitely wasn't looking happy in the least.
Zainab was the first one to step forward and lean near the partly folded window where Shahana sat,
"Shahana baji, what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to take Sadain Bhai's car"?
Shahana's expressions molded into that of arrogance as she let out a dramatic sigh fanning herself,
"I was going to but than I remembered that Sadain never lowers the windows and that it would be too suffocating in his car".
Zainab didn't buy her excuse as she raised her brows in question,
"You could have asked him to turn the AC on".
Shahana turned her neck giving her a glare ,
"Even if he turned on the AC, I would have still felt sick because of the closed windows. You know how nauseous it turns me".
Such a lie, Zainab knew well she was making up all these.
Shahana hadbeen on many trips to lands with her maternal side cousins and she never had any motion sickness at all.
She really was thick skinned to come up with such a lame excuse and that too, saying it at their faces.
Zainab gazed at her for few seconds before she folded her arms on her chest raising her brow,
"Than why are you even leaving for the lands? If you aren't feeling well, how about you stay at home and rest? After all, you've been to lands numerous times not only with us but with your maternal side cousins too".
Shahana fumed more at her words as she snapped back rudely,
"Oh but I definitely am in the mood to visit the lands today, you can stay at home if you want"!
Before turning her face back towards the windscreen.
Zainab's nostrils flared but Shanzay immediately gripped her arm,
"It's alright Zainab, I'll take Sadain Bhai's car".
Not only Zainab but also Shahmeer was taken aback at her answer.
Shahana could only rejoice at her words, desperately praying that she takes the other car.
She'd rather bear Zainab's torturous and irritating presence in the car than see Shahmeer and Shanzay in the same car.
Shahmeer turned his neck gazing at her frame with a soft sigh,
"Shanzay, if you aren't comfortable don't force yourself. You can take this car with us".
He knew well how reserved she stayed infront of her other male cousins and was much more comfortable with him.
Also, the female cousins she was closest to were Javeria and Zainab.
She'd not be that much comfortable in the other car.
Zainab also almost immediately spoke up,
"Yes, bhai's right . You sit in this car, I'll take the other one".
Shanzay immediately shook her head ,
"It's alright. It's not like the other car has strangers in it. They're also family. I'll take it, you take this one Zainab".
Zainab opened her mouth to speak but Shanzay gave her a glance pleading her not to.
Shanzay knew that sharing the same car with Shahana would be a really bad idea.
She'd not spare her of the taunts or even verbal mocking and than Shahmeer would have to speak in her defence making Shahana grow even more hatred towards her.
It's alright, Sadain Bhai was also a brother to her plus that car had Mahi bhabhi and Shabana too, both of them were pretty easy to get along.
For the peace, she had to do this.
Zainab sighed softly nodding yet it was obvious from her expressions that she wasn't happy.
However, Shahana looked as if she was on cloud nine. Her orbs glinting and smile resting on her lips as she comfortably leaned back on the leather seat.
"Are you sure Shanzay"?
Shahmeer asked again with his usual soft tone making Shahana roll her eyes at the concern his voice held.
Shanzay nodded giving him a soft smile,
"I am".
Shahmeer nodded,
"Alright than. Do give me a call if something happens".
Shahana snickered at his words,
"She's not going with strangers to a war that she'll get into trouble ".
Everybody royally ignored her remarks as Zainab silently sat inside the car occupying the backseat beside Javeria while Shanzay walked towards the other car opening the backdoor and taking a seat beside Shabana.
Shabana seemed surprised to see her instead of her sister as she gave her a polite smile,
"Salam".
Shanzay smiled back,
"Wasalam".
Sadain Bhai turned his neck gazing at her in surprise,
"Weren't you going to take Shahmeer's car, Shanzay"?
Shanzay smiled nervously,
"Shahana baji took it ".
He nodded turning back towards windscreen not enquiring the matter further making Shanzay sigh in relief.
Today was pretty eventful.
She hoped the remaining day would pass peacefully.
"Ap bohut piyari lag rahi hain Shanzay".
Shabana's voice reached her ears making her turn her neck as she gave her a wholehearted smile in response,
"Ap bhi Shabana".
And hence the drive towards the lands started.
🍁🍁🍁
Lush green grass, the beautiful fields of wheat and rice as the golden at the end of wheat glimmered and glinted under sunlight.
The chirping of birds and herd of sheep and goats that passed by along with the slight breezes of wind swaying past them.
The orchards stood with their full glory occupying acres and acres of land as the blazing sun shone down on them illuminating the green and golden brown colours littering the ground.
They pushed open the doors, getting out of the cars that were parked near the trail.
Shanzay slid the slipping net dupatta back on her shoulder as her light brown orbs caught sight of the serene beauty.
The honey cups appearing lighter under the sun widened in amazement and fascination as she took in the beauty.
The light green made such an amazing contrast with the clear light blue sky and the way the orchards of trees stood at a distance .
Even though Shanzay hadbeen with Shahmeer to few lands before that they had passed across earlier but they were nothing compared to these ones.
These lands were much much farther away from those lands and it took a long two hours drive to reach here, since these luscious lands stood on the other side of the village.
Last night, the cousin party had successfully convinced Dada jaan after the baraat and departure of guests regarding visiting the lands next morning and especially these lands that were pretty much far from haveli and they rarely visited but were more luscious and beautiful, definitely worth giving a visit.
Since the waleema (the reception) was decided earlier to be held next day and give a day gap for guests to get rid of their exhaustion and relax down a bit after the hectic wedding celebrations, Dada jaan definitely didn't show any disapproval and allowed them to go only with one condition of coming back before sunset since they were accompanying the women of the haveli.
And hence they were there, basking under the sunlight and enjoying the beautiful view.
This place seemed outwardly and serenely calm and beautiful.
An exquisite display of nature.
The way the orchards formed small forests with grassy grounds appearing like meadows in between.
The way the wooden logs were carved into sitting benches and stools at some placed and the way different species of birds with extremely exquisite patterns on their wings flew across the area.
All in all, the sight was such a serene mess.
It seemed as if one had entered a completely different world.
For the first few minutes she took out her phone taking pics with Zainab and capturing the breathtaking beauty of nature too.
Javeria insisted clicking few of her solo pictures while few along with Zainab and Javeria as they also took numerous selfies.
One of the workers came with a steel tray filled with glasses of sugar cane juice and mango lassi followed by another who brought a huge thaal with diced fruits that were freshly plucked from the farms, cut into even slices.
The cousin party enjoyed the view along with the mouthwatering delicacies.
Shanzay herself drank a glass of mango lassi since her throat felt parched due to the slightly warm weather and the blazing sun along with few slices of guava on which the spices were sprinkled making her taste buds tingle in delight at the rich taste they offered.
Devouring these delicacies while sitting on the soft grassy grounds under the shade of thick canopied tree hit different as she felt calmness and joy coursing through her being.
Sitting beside Javeria, Zainab and Mahi bhabhi while devouring these delicacies, she was sure she'd cherish these moments for a lifetime and would definitely want to come here again.
There were only two weeks left in her leaving the village and returning back to Rawalpindi and the thought of leaving this serene place and parting from these sweet people saddened her alot.
She sighed softly relishing the warmth, the moments provided, saving them in her memory.
Shahmeer and Sadain Bhai sat a little distance away from them, sitting in the shade of the canopy of a tree as they conversed lightly.
Seeing Shahmeer laugh softly at something Sadain Bhai was saying, Shanzay felt relieved that he was feeling better now and was not depressing over whatever happened last night or the thing that bothered him.
She turned her gaze towards left side of the grassy grounds, near the orange orchards where Shahana stood sitting on the log of the tree as Shabana clicked her pictures.
Mahi bhabhi spoke something, more like cracked a joke making them all chuckle softly.
Shanzay felt extremely relieved and happy as she relished those moments smiling softly as she too conversed with them.
She was normally shy and introverted.
But the people around her were warm and the environment was extremely calming, soothing one's nerves hence she slowly became more comfortable, now taking part in the conversation too.
It was barely an hour of them being there when Shahmeer's phone rang and his brows creased up as he quickly said something to the person on the other side.
He first said something to Sadain Bhai than reached their group as he spoke,
"I'm sorry, I just got a call from my squad. Harris said that the DIG demands an urgent meeting and the raid has to be done tonight. I'll have to leave. Hopefully I'll be back till the Waleema tomorrow and if by any chance I miss it, I'll make it back in a day or two. Dada jaan say main khud baat kerlun ga. Tum log kuch aur ghantay yahaan enjoy karo, aur shaam say pehlay pehlay wapis chalay jana ".
Shanzay gasped and Zainab mirrored her reaction as she asked,
"Weren't you on a break bhai"?
"It's an emergency so they had to call us all, Zainu. Tum Shanzay ka khayal rakhna aur agar koi masla ho tou Basit ko call kerdena".
He replied softly.
"But bhai, how will we go back than if you are leaving now"?
Javeria asked pushing her slipping glasses back on her nose bridge.
Shahmeer ruffled her hair gently as he spoke,
"Don't worry little nerd, I've called Basit. He'll be here with you guys in two or three hours and you'll leave with him later. He'll bring chachu's car. Take care all of you, I'll get going than".
They nodded softly.
Seeing the retreating figure of Shahmeer who was now approaching his car while taking to someone on phone made a strange feeling rise up in Shanzay's chest.
It was the feeling, more like a churning in her chest as if something wasn't right or maybe something not so good was going to happen.
Deep inside a part of her wanted to stop Meer as she felt shudders running down her spine but she couldn't.
He had an important thing to do, he had to save lives and nothing could be more important than that.
She was just thinking too much and nothing else.
It was just her own thoughts anyways.
She tried to avert her mind elsewhere .
A soft sigh left her lip as she turned towards Zainab who was saying,
"I don't know why he still likes his job when all he has to do is tire himself all the time with raids and operations".
"He's committed to his profession and loves it. It's more than just a duty to him since it's something he does wholeheartedly and enjoys doing it".
Shanzay spoke softly as she leaned back on the tree's trunk for support, sitting in a more comfortable position.
Few minutes later, Mahi bhabhi accompanied Sadain Bhai as they both visited the numerous orchards littering the lands.
Javeria also stood up walking towards Shabana and Shahana also accompanying them in taking pictures.
Shanzay and Zainab were left alone.
"Sometimes, I feel like even if Shahmeer bhai is doing the job he wants and loves, there is a part of him that hates it too".
Zainab remarked as she also leaned back on the tree beside Shanzay, stretching her legs settling in a comfortable position.
Shanzay turned towards her at her words as her orbs reflected confusion,
"What do you mean"?
A sigh left Zainab's lips as she gazed ahead at the trio taking photos standing near the far north side of the grounds busy taking pictures and giggling as if laughing on something.
"This job is distancing him from Dada jaan, from his uncles and even from his own father. Doing this job is a struggle for him. He is literally one man army standing against his own family struggling to do the bare minimum he can for people who need him but than again, I feel like he is slowly getting tired himself. It's exhausting after all".
Shanzay pursed her lips deep in thoughts before she finally spoke,
"Nana jaan doesn't like Meer doing this job, but still, he is his grandfather after all. Why would he make things difficult for Meer especially when Meer is out there trying to give justice to deserving people"?
A soft chuckle left Zainab's lips as she lazily propped her chin on her palm,
"Yahaan ki siyasat tumhari samajh main nahi aye gi Shanzay. Jab baat hakoomat aur pagri ki ho na, tou koi pouta ya beta nahi hota. Jo is pagri ko nuqsan pohunchata hai wo dushman hota hai aur bus".
"But how is Shahmeer trying to harm Nana jaan's reign? He is only helping people and nothing else".
Shanzay couldn't understand at all.
A soft sigh left Zainab's lips as she turned towards her,
"There are some things that you won't understand and neither would I. But trust me, sometimes I look at bhai's orbs and the pain in them, the conflict in them is so obvious, it agonizes me that I can't do anything for him".
Shanzay exhaled softly gazing ahead at the clear light blue sky,
"I don't know how badly or severely he is suffering. Maybe to an extent that he can't even let it out, share his agony with anyone and the sufferings and struggle he is going though. But I hope, that someday all this comes to an end, everything turns better and he achieves the dream he hasbeen struggling for years. I hope nana jaan accepts him as who he is and I hope, that one day his struggles would finally bear fruits. His efforts would be worth it".
"Ameen".
Zainab spoke letting out a soft sigh.
It was after few seconds that she spoke again,
"What about your friends in Rawalpindi? Do you talk with them"?
Zainab spoke stifling a yawn.
Shanzay chuckled at her words,
"I can't go a day without talking to them. Just before getting ready for this lands tour, I had a group video call with them.
They won't let me live in peace if I don't update them on each and every day of my life".
Shanzay smiled remembering her friends.
"You seem to have a very good friendship with them".
Zainab commented.
Shanzay nodded,
"Nodoubt, we do. We have known each other for years now. I met Waniya and Manahil during my intermediate years in college while became friends with Ayat during the junior year of my university and now we have that bond that's simply unbreakable".
It was nearly half an hour as they chatted before Javeria rushed towards them,
"Api, Shabana aur Shahana baji dadi k baagh ki taraf ja rahi hain. Ap ayen gi"?
"Does nano have her own garden here"?
Shanzay turned gazing at Javeria in amazement.
Javeria nodded as Zainab spoke explaining,
"Dadi has many lands of her own here that Dada jaan named hers long ago. Two years ago, she wanted to turn few of them into home for the small animals that live in these orchards. Mainly the birds or the turkeys. Later, nana jaan also put few peackoks in them that his friend gifted him. It's like a whole mini zoo".
"Really? I'd love to see them".
Shanzay's orbs lightened up in excitement.
Zainab stood up dusting her clothes,
"Than let's get going, we have an hour or two till Basit arrives".
And hence the girls started their journey towards the respective location.
🥀🥀🥀
The sky glinted a light blue shade as the sun stood, few hours away from setting.
The weather had turned a bit cold as the slight chilly breezes swept by.
She stood beside Sadain bhai's car leaning against it as she gazed at Javeria, Zainab and Shabana who were guiding the middle aged workers to pack fruits for the people in the haveli.
Basit also accompanied them as he helped the workers in loading cartons in the car's trunk.
Sadain Bhai had gone to the Dera to meet the other workers and make sure everything was going on smoothly while Mahi bhabhi remained busy as she sat on the wooden bench in the slight right corner conversing with someone from her family.
Shahana, unable to stand outside in the scorching heat, which wasn't that scorching by the way since the day was already moving towards dusk and the slight chilly breezes swept by, sat inside Sadain bhai's car busy with her phone as she leaned back against the leather seat busy scrolling through her phone.
There was still some time before them leaving hence she stood up and turned to where Zainab and others stood at the far end of the trail.
She wanted to approach them but seeing Zainab extremely busy with writing something on the register with Javeria counting something on her fingers as Shabana conversed with one of the female workers, she understood they were pretty occupied at the moment and it wasn't suitable to disturb them.
Hence, persuading herself with great difficulty, she turned towards the folded window as she leaned a bit gazing inside at the seated frame of Shahana who seemed to be chewing bubble gum not even bothering to raise her head and glance at Shanzay when she knew well, it was Shanzay who had leaned near the window.
Shanzay gulped as she finally parted her lips and spoke keeping her voice polite and low,
"Shahana baji, I need to go to the restroom".
Her voice came out reluctant and slightly nervous.
Shahana popped the gum as she began chewing it again.
It was after a whole minute that she replied without raising her gaze from her cellphone,
"So what"?
Shanzay cleared her throat before speaking,
"Others are busy so I can't ask them about the way. Can you please guide me where the restrooms are"?
Shahana raised her kajal laced orbs from the phone's screen as they landed on her hesitant and reluctant face.
Shahana raised her brow in question not saying a single thing.
Seeing her not reply, Shanzay let out a soft sigh as she was about to stand straight and turn planning to rather go and ask Zainab when Shahana's voice echoed,
"The way ahead, the one through the orange orchards.
Take the left path and you'll find a white marbled small cabin like area. The restrooms are there".
Shanzay turned her neck to see her going back on her phone as she began swiftly typing something.
Shanzay pondered for a second.
Should she really trust Shahana's words?
Could she really?
The woman had done nothing but to degrade and humiliate her with every chance she got.
Was she really willing to help her now?
It just seemed so out of place for her to help Shanzay.
Sensing Shanzay not move an inch from the window frame, Shahana turned her gaze back to her face which gave away the inner turmoil she was going through,
The arched brow of hers rose ever so slightly as she popped the gum before speaking,
"If you don't trust me sweetie, why did you even bother to ask from me in the first place, hmm? If you don't trust me, go to that sweet supportive cousin of yours. She'll definitely guide you better since she is more trustworthy".
She stressed the last syllables as she gave Shanzay a last look before turning her gaze back to the phone's screen.
Shanzay let out a sigh as she parted her lips,
"I don't doubt you Shahana, I just.....".
Utter sadness invading her gorgeous honey brown orbs.
She paused causing Shahana's fingers moving on the screen to halt as she waited for Shanzay to complete.
"I just don't understand why you hate me so much".
Shanzay spoke in a small voice, laced with underlying sadness.
A low sarcastic chuckle left Shahana's lips as she dropped the phone on her lap turning towards Shanzay,
"Oh really sweetie? Are you blind or what? Or do you take us for fools"?
Her tone was venomous and oh so sarcastic, Shanzay was shaken for few seconds unable to even come up with a response.
Shahana gave her a nonchalant glance,
"Since you know how much I despise seeing you, why don't you take this pretty face of yours out of my sight. Maybe, I'll hate you a little less".
The sharp tone of her sliced past the air hurting Shanzay's heart.
A soft shaky sigh left Shanzay's lips as she raised her orbs meeting Shahana's piercing gaze,
"Than I hope that you do hate me a little less, Shahana baji".
She spoke softly leaving a stunned Shahana who seemed to be taken aback at her words for few seconds as Shanzay straightened up and began taking steps in the direction she was told.
Walking on the trail moving through the orange orchards and than turning towards the left side, she indeed found a white marbled small cabin like house and when she twisted the knob stepping inside, there indeed were restrooms in there making her heave out a sigh of relief.
People weren't that bad afterall.
🥀🥀🥀
Getting tired of sitting for so long, she straightened up on the seat and picked up her purse, and opened the door getting out of the car as she stretched her arms trying to relieve her stiff muscles as she barely stifled the yawn seeing Sadain bhai from afar approaching the area where she stood.
She stepped aside when the corner of her orbs caught a light beige colour as she turned her neck with her brows creased gazing at the source.
It was a small, dainty and round beige shoulder strap bag that remained resting on the brown leather seat looking pretty eye catching.
Something flickered in her orbs as a second later she pursed her lips before opening the door and the other second, unnoticeably pushing the bag till it fell down before ever so smoothly sliding it under the seat away from anyone's sight.
She closed the door the other second as she set her hair on her shoulders and turned off her cell phone slipping it inside her purse before turning towards the trail from where Mahi bhabhi, Sadain Bhai and Shabana were coming.
Her face neutral, expressions giving away nothing as she gazed at them.
Shabana reached her as she smiled softly gazing at her,
"Ap humaray saath wapis jayen gi baji"?
Sadain Bhai and Maheen had also stopped with their attention diverted towards her.
Shahana shook her head clearing her throat as she flipped her shoulder length hair back,
"Nahi. I'll be taking Basit's car. Chachu's car is much more spacious hence I'll be going with them".
Shabana nodded as Mahi bhabhi spoke up,
"Acha, tou phir Shanzay ko bula letay hain. Wo humaray Saath jayen gi na"?
"Nahi"!
Shahana immediately spoke the other second making all of them turn their gazes towards her.
Shahana cleared her throat as she tucked her curled locks behind her ears,
"Actually, she wanted to accompany Zainab and Javeria earlier when I took Shahmeer's car. So maybe, she'll take chachu's car with them this time. Also, that car is pretty spacious and can easily fit six people so there won't be a problem".
She spoke trying to sound as uninterested and nonchalant as she could.
A small frown rested between Shabana's brows as she spoke,
"But than, where is she? I haven't seen her for a long time".
Her words visibly held concern.
Shahana rolled her eyes at her words,
"Where else could she be? She never leaves Zainab's side even for a minute. Who knows, maybe she accompanied Zainab and Javeria to the guava orchards with Basit. How would I know? It's not like I'm keeping tabs on anyone. I've much more important things to do in life than bothering about what others are doing".
Sadain Bhai had already settled in the car and had revived the engine.
Mahi bhabhi let out a soft sigh as she nodded,
"Okay than, let's get going. It's getting pretty dark. Dada jaan khafa hnge agar dair hogayee".
Hence, Mahi bhabhi also settled in the front seat closing the door behind.
Shabana gazed at Shahana for one last time before turning and opening the door, settling down at the back seat as a minute later, the sound of roaring engine pierced through one's eardrums and the other second the car drove away leaving dust behind making Shahana cough softly as she covered her face with her arm.
A minute later, she began walking towards the other side as her heels clad feet began moving towards where the other car was parked
She opened the door, smoothly sliding in the front seat as she closed the door behind.
Fifteen minutes later, Zainab, Basit and Javeria emerged from the trail with two workers holding the cartons filled with guavas as they approached the car.
Javeria and Zainab settled in the backseat as Basit helped the workers in settling the cartons in the trunk.
"Where is Shanzay"?
As soon as she settled inside the car, Zainab asked with confusion marring her features.
Shahana gulped leaning back on the leather seat,
"Where else, wasn't she taking Sadain's car"?
Zainab's brows creased softly,
"No, she wasn't, I remember her saying to Javeria earlier that she'll go back with us if it's not a problem".
Shahana let out a scoff as she turned in her seat gazing back at the scrutinizing orbs of Zainab,
"Than where do you think she is? Have I hidden her somewhere? Is she a baby or what? Earlier, she was with you, how would I know where she is now? Do you think I give a damn to where she is or what she is doing"?
Zainab let out a huff of her own,
"Than tell me in normal human language, did you see her going in Sadain bhai's car"?
Shahana's brows rose ever so slightly,
"Oh I didn't, because I wasn't paying attention. I was seated inside this car"!
She snapped back rudely.
Zainab gritted her teeth as she was about to snap back when Javeria spoke remembering something,
"Oh, I remember seeing Shanzay standing beside Sadain bhai's car earlier before we left for the guava orchards with Basit Bhai. Could she really have gone with others"?
She asked turning towards Zainab who seemed to be deep in thought as she, the other second, immediately unzipped her bag and pulled out her cellphone but a frustrated sigh left her lips seeing it dead.
Damn, she forgot that the charging had ended when they were taking pictures earlier.
She threw it back in her bag before turning towards Javeria stretching her hand infront of her,
"Give me your phone".
Javeria let out a soft sigh as she pushed her slipping glasses back on her nose bridge,
"Api, apko tou pata hai k Ammi mujhe tablet bahar le ker janay nahi deti, tou kaisay laati main yahaan"?
Zainab let out an irritated sigh as she rolled down the window tucking her head out completely,
"Basit, can I have you phone for a minute? I need to call Shanzay".
Shahana who was gazing down at her red painted nails immediately stiffened at her words.
From outside, Basit's voice echoed,
"I was in a hurry when I left haveli earlier, hence forgot to charge my phone. The battery is dead".
A sudden relief hit shahana's frame as she leaned back on the leather seat in a comfortable position.
Zainab did great control on herself as she turned towards Shahana's frame at front,
"Shahana baji, can i have your phone"?
She tried to sound as polite as she could.
Shahana stifled the smirk as she pulled out her phone from the purse and waved it in the air,
"It's dead too. I didn't charge it in the morning".
She stated nonchalantly.
Zainab helplessly gazed at Basit who was now settling inside the driver's seat,
"Than how are we going to make sure that Shanzay left with Sadain Bhai and others"?
Shahana let out a dramatic chuckle at her words,
"If she didn't leave with them, where do you think she is now? Hiding somewhere in the lands or got lost somewhere in the orchards? It's not like she is a kid who doesn't know her way".
"Shahana baji, ap chup karain apsay baat nahi ki main nay"!
She snapped back getting irritated at Shahana's sarcastic words.
"Haan tou mujhe bhi tumhari bakwas sunnay ka koi shouq nahi"!
Shahana snapped back in an equally rude tone.
Basit let out a soft sigh raising his both hands in air,
"Okay okay! Laro tou nahi tum dono".
Zainab spoke in a worried tone,
"It's her first time here in these orchards and they are pretty dense also the paths are pretty confusing, what if she actually got lost? She didn't even call to inform that she left in the other car, it's just so unlike her".
Basit pondered for a second as he turned his neck gazing back at Zainab,
"But since she came in the morning, she never left your side for once. Also, the last time Javeria saw her was beside Sadain bhai's car so I'm guessing that she indeed left with them".
"But how can she leave with them just like that"?
Zainab stated almost helplessly causing a snicker to leave Shahana's lips,
"Kiyun, Dushmanon k Saath gayee hai wo jo tum itni tension le rahi ho? Wo bhi family hi hai. Nuqsan thori pohunchayen gae usay".
Basit nodded to that,
"That's right. I agree with Shahana baji. Maybe she indeed left with them. If she can come with them to the lands, she can also leave with them too. I don't see a problem in it".
Zainab felt like pulling her hair out in frustration to make these people understand,
"But that's the problem Basit! She informed no one, not even me that she was leaving with others"!
"You seem to know her well".
Shahana commented gazing at the trail ahead across the windscreen.
Zainab gritted her teeth,
"Yes, I do. I know her better than anyone present here"!
"Than what are we supposed to do"?
Basit asked turning towards the back seat where Zainab was seated in.
Zainab shook her head stubbornly,
"I'm not leaving till I'm sure that she left with Sadain Bhai and others".
Shahana rolled her eyes as she turned towards the folded window gazing across the lush orchards as soft winds blew across her face,
"Than what do you want? Kiya chahti ho tum? Deray per jakar wahaan say telephone call kerwalo Sadain ko ya phir.......intezar karo k wo log gari wapis layen aur tumhain yaqeen ho k wo un k saath gayi hai k nahi".
Basit immediately raised his both hands in air,
"Behnon, mujh masoom ko tou tum log baksh hi dou! Koi bewaqoof hi hoga jo aik ghanta Laga ker deray per jaye aur phir wahaan say wapis aye.
Na gari main itna fuel hai aur na hi itna time. Dada jaan ka hukam tha k Shaam say pehlay pehlay wapsi ho aur Shaam tou hui pari hai. Qatal kerwana chahti ho tum dono mera? Dada huzoor nay tangain tor deni hain meri agar dair hui humain tou".
He stated helplessly.
Javeria cleared her throat after few seconds as she spoke,
"I think Shanzay indeed left with them. Where else would she go? Plus Zainab api, these lands are littered with our family's trusted workers so if she had gotten lost, they would have helped her but nothing of that sort happened nor did any worker told us anything. Plus it's already getting pretty late, I highly doubt Shanzay would be anywhere in the orchards. And I told you that I saw her standing beside Sadain bhai's car earlier.
What if she actually left with them"?
"But she didn't even give me a call".
Zainab murmured helplessly.
Javeria replied softly,
"Your phone was dead, what if she tried calling you but couldn't reach you".
Zainab became silent after that.
Basit let out a soft sigh,
"Hence, don't fret anymore over this. I don't think it's that big of an issue. Shanzay definitely left with others so stop worrying. We need to get going since it's already getting pretty late, hmm"?
At the end he asked gazing at Zainab's frame from the rear view mirror.
Zainab hummed half-heartedly as she turned her face gazing across the folded window.
She couldn't be here stuck in between these orchards, could she?
Was she thinking too much?
Maybe, she indeed left with others and was on her way back to haveli.
Zainab let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes as she leaned her head back against the headrest of the seat trying to let go of the slight strange fear invading her heart.
The car began moving on the trail, getting farther and farther away from those luscious orchards.
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Word Count: 7,065 words
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A long chapter for you guys and my poor fingers literally hurt at this point due to typing for so long *sighs*
So, what did just happen 😳
Whose gonna rescue our poor baby now? 👀
Shahana, what did you do yarr?!
What wrong did that cinnamon roll ever do to you?!
Any guesses, where is our precious Shanzay 🤔
Don't forget to share your thoughts on the chapter
Till next time 🙌