"Rafey, mere samajh nahi araha itni bhi kya jaldi hai?" Tabu asked to her only son.
(Rafey, I don't understand, what's the hurry?)
Rafey was sitting on the couch in his room, his phone propped up in front of him, the screen displaying a video call with his mother, who is comfortably settled in her home in Australia.
"Mom, hum kabse engaged hain, shadi toh hogi na humari. Toh issi saal kyu nahi? Uswa ki studies bhi ho chuki hai aur agar woh chahegi toh agey ki study Australia mein kar legi." Rafey tried to make his mother understand.
(Mom, we've been engaged for a while now, so when will our wedding happen? She has completed her studies, and if she wants, she can continue her studies in Australia.)
"Par mujhe abhi bhi samajh mein nahi araha tumhare dimagh mein aya kaha se yeh? Kal tak toh tumne aisa kuch zikar nahi kiya. Fir achanak se shadi ki baat?" Tabu looked puzzled, her brow furrowing as she tries to understand the urgency.
(But I still don't understand where this came from all of a sudden. Until yesterday, you hadn't mentioned anything like this. And now suddenly, talk of marriage?)
Rafey takes a deep breath, his heart racing as he steels himself for the conversation. "Uswa ke liye rishte arahe hain. Kal function mein koi lady badi mummy se Uswa ke rishte ke liye puch rahi thi. Uswa aur main engaged hain but it seems like people here still don't understand that."
(Because marriage proposals are coming for her. Yesterday at the function, a lady was inquiring about her marriage proposals to aunty. Uswa and I are engaged, but it seems like people here still don't understand that.)
Tabu's expression softens as she senses her son's distress. She knows what Uswa means to him. "Rafey, main samajhti hoon tumhari feelings, lekin sirf iss wajah se shadi karna ki Uswa ke liye rishte arahe hain, yeh samajhdari nahi."
(Rafey, I understand your feelings, but getting married just because there are proposals for Uswa isn't wise.)
"Lekin hum engaged bhi kabse hain." Rafey argued.
(But we've been engaged for a while now.)
Tabu's takes a thoughtful sip of her tea, her gaze distant as she contemplates Rafey's words. "Achha tumne Uswa se iss silsile mein baat ki?"
(Okay, did you discuss this with Uswa?)
"Ki thi, usko bataya maine ki ek aunty apne bete ke liye tumhara hath mang rahi hain toh kehti hai hath bhi koi donate karne wali cheez hai, main kyu apna hath donate karu." Running his hand in his hair, Rafey answered her.
(I did. I told her that an aunt was asking for her hand in marriage for her son, and she said, 'Why should I donate my hand?')
At first, Tabu looked at Rafey with wide eyes, waiting for him to say he is joking, but when he didn't, Tabu starts laughing on Uswa's statement, making Rafey smile too.
It took Uswa several minutes to actually understand the real meaning.
"Achha theek hai, tum tension mat lo. Main tumhare dad se iss silsile pe baat karti hoon." Tabu reassures him. Their conversation continues as Tabu asked about yesterday's event and is Kubra happy.
(Alright, don't worry, I'll talk to your father about this.)
•••
Burhan had urgently called Minal, asking her to return home promptly. This unexpected summons led Hanif Mirza to call Hayder home. It was a well-known fact that Hayder was the one who always ensured Minal's safe journey back home. He never allows Shahzaib to drive car for extended period. Unfortunately, Hayder and Hyra's private moment was abruptly interrupted.
•••
"Hyra, yaar, tum mere saath chalo," Rafey said as soon as Hayder and Hyra stepped into the house.
(Hyra, come with me, please.)
"Kya hua, Rafey bhai?" Hyra inquired, her concern evident.
(What' wrong, Rafey bhai?)
"Uswa ka mood off hai. Chalo, zara ussey baat karo," Rafey urged Hyra, ignoring Hayder's disapproving glance. At that moment, Rafey's sole focus was Uswa.
(Uswa is upset. Come, talk to her.)
Hyra nodded in agreement and followed Rafey, leaving Hayder visibly surprised.
Hayder watched as Hyra left with Rafey, his curiosity piqued by their sudden departure. He turned to look at the door, contemplating whether to follow them or go upstairs. He decided to go upstairs first.
Meanwhile, Rafey had just informed Hyra why Uswa's mood is down. They had all been looking forward to a movie night, and Uswa had been particularly excited. However, things took a turn when Minal and Zara announced that they are leaving, prompting Shahzaib to cancel his plans, citing a lack of enthusiasm, and Rabia told Kubra to stay in as well, fearing the evil eye on her fresh engagement. Uswa's initial excitement had now turned into disappointment.
When Hyra stepped into Uswa's room, she found her friend sulking on the bed, arms crossed tightly, and a deep frown etched across her face. Standing nearby was Sami, who seemed rather pleased about the canceled plans.
"Bohot achha hua, mujhe ghar pe chorhke ja rahe the na. Achha hua," Sami exclaimed, clearly relieved that they wouldn't be going out without him.
(That's great; you were leaving me alone at home, weren't you? Good thing.)
"Sami, main maar dungi tumhe," Uswa threatened, grabbing a nearby pillow and tossing it at him.
(Sami, I'll hit you.)
Rafey shot Hyra a sheepish look, silently conveying the gravity of the situation. Hyra nodded in agreement, understanding the tension in the room.
•••
"Kuch din aur ruk jati aap. Itni jaldi kyu ja rahi hain," Hayder asked to Minal, after Hanif Mirza informed him of the plan.
(You should stay for few more days. Why are you leaving so soon?)
"Nahi, beta, ghar mein zaroori kaam hai. Fir kabhi aungi," Minal replied.
(No, dear, there are important things to do at home. I'll come another time)
Kubra, who had been busy with preparations and the function since their arrival yesterday, chimed in, "Zara ko rehne dein." She wraps her arm around Zara.
(Let Zara stay.)
"Tumhari shadi mein ek mahine pehle bhej dungi Zara ko," Minal smiled at Kubra in an attempt to reassure her. But Kubra's disappointment was evident.
(I'll send Zara to your wedding a month in advance.)
"Achha theek hai, shayad koi zaroori kaam ho. Hayder, jao raat se pehle chorh aao Minal aur Zara ko," Hanif Mirza suggested, turning to Hayder.
(Alright, maybe there's something important. Hayder, go and drop Minal and Zara before night.)
"Ji, baba, main bas fresh ho jau," Hayder replied before making his way to his room.
(Okay, baba, let me get fresh up first.)
"Fresh ho jao, aur nashta bhi karlo, itni bhi jaldi nahi ab," Minal called after then turned to Zara. "Jao, Hayder ke liye nashta bana do." Since the cook hadn't arrived yet, Minal instructed Zara to prepare breakfast.
(Get fresh up and have breakfast first.)
(Go and make breakfast for Hayder.)
"Fuppi, main bana dungi," Kubra quickly said.
(Fuppi, I can make breakfast.)
"Bilkul nahi. Ab tum ek kaam na karna. Cooking ke liye maid waise bhi haina, toh tum ab kitchen se durr hi rehna. Balki main Hyra se kehti hoon tum pe nazar rakhe, kyuki tumse toh kitchen se bahar raha hi nahi jata," Minal playfully teased Kubra, well aware of her passion for cooking.
(No, you shouldn't do that. You stay away from the kitchen. Besides, you already have a maid for cooking, so you don't need to be in the kitchen. I'll ask Hyra to keep an eye on you because you can't stay out of the kitchen.)
Hanif Mirza realized that Hyra hadn't come upstairs with Hayder and asked, "Hyra hai kaha?"
(Where is Hyra?)
"Shahzaib, dekhke aao Hyra kaha hai," he instructed Shahzaib.
(Shahzaib, go and check where is Hyra.)
•••
Hyra eventually made her way upstairs after successfully lifting Uswa's spirits. She suggested that the three of them should go out, which brought a smile to Uswa's face. Meanwhile, Sami sat down with a noticeable pout. They had planned to watch a horror movie, but because Sami is underage, he isn't allowed. However, Sami, always quick with a comeback, argued that if Hyra, who had the courage of a bird, could go, then so could he. But there was no use of it, he wasn't going.
•••
Hyra stood before the dresser, its ornate frame casting intricate shadows across her reflection. Her delicate fingers brushed through her dark brown hair, rhythmically navigating the strands with a brush as she prepared herself for the day.
As Hayder entered, the room seemed to tighten as he hesitated, then finally spoke, "Main fuppi aur Zara ko drop karne ja raha hoon." His voice, though even-toned, carried a sense of gravity.
(I am going to drop Zara and Fuppi to their home.)
Hyra had already knew this, her hazel eyes tracking his arrival in the mirror. She responded with a simple nod, her gaze still fixed on his reflection.
"Sath chalo mere," Hayder's command cut through the air. The atmosphere tensed, the subtle scent of Hyra's floral perfume mingling with the gravity of the situation.
(Come with me.)
Hyra's eyes widened at his authoritative tone. The room seemed to close in around her. She knew that Uswa's mood had already soured due to the canceled plans, and not joining them would only worsen it. She couldn't easily disregard her commitment.
"Kyu?" She managed to ask.
(Why?)
"Atey waqt akela honga, meri company ke liye chalo."
(I'll be alone on the way; come for my company.)
Hyra bit her lip, her internal conflict mirrored in the subtle tension in the room. Memories surfaced of a time when Hayder had resisted taking her along.
"Sha... Shahzaib bhai ko le jaye, woh achhi company denge. Waise bhi woh upset hain, unka mood fresh ho jayega," Turning to him, Hyra hesitantly offered,
(Take Shahzaib bhai; he'll give you good company. Besides, he's upset, and this will lift his mood.)
Hayder's dark eyes narrowed as he dismissed the suggestion, "Maine Shahzaib ka nahi pucha, tum chalo." His unwavering gaze added weight to his words.
(I didn't ask about Shahzaib. You come with me.)
Hyra took a step back, her heart racing. "Me.. Meri commitment Uswa ke sath hai," she explained,
(I... I've a commitment with Uswa.)
"Konsi commitment?" Hayder inquired, his stance unyielding.
(What commitment?)
"Hum movie dekhne ja rahe hain," Hyra replied, her voice gaining a bit more strength.
(We're going to watch a movie.)
"Yeh plan kab bana?" The room seemed to hang on each word.
(When did you make this plan?)
"Rafey bhai ka plan hai," Hyra responded.
(It's Rafey bhai's plan.)
"Kon kon ja raha?"
(Who all are going?)
"Main, Uswa, Rafey bhai," she answered, her fingers subconsciously fidgeting with the ring she wore.
(Me, Uswa, Rafey bhai.)
"Koi nahi ja raha." The room seemed to hold its breath, as Hayder ordered.
(No one is going.)
"Kyu?" Hyra's voice wavered.
(Why?)
"Bas Maine keh diya. Dupatta lo aur mere sath chalo," Hayder insisted, his commanding presence drawing nearer.
(Because I said so. Take your dupatta and come with me.)
Hyra's internal conflict intensified, her emotions playing out across her expressive features. "Aap... apne kaha tha aap mujhe datenge nahi," she reminded him, her fear and vulnerability exposed in her eyes, her breath hitching as she recalled the promise he made just yesterday.
(You... you said you'll never scold me.)
Hayder stepped back, looking at her with sharp gaze, which made Hyra look down. Meekly, she again raised her eyes, but Hayder left.
•••
The soft clinking of utensils filled the air as Zara moved about, her focus intent on preparing breakfast for Hayder. The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the room, mingling with the sizzle of eggs in the frying pan.
Just as Zara was pouring the tea into a cup, Shahzaib entered. He looked as casual as ever in his well-worn jeans and t-shirt, his dark hair tousled from sleep. His met Zara's, and he flashed her a warm smile.
"Mujhe bhi ek cup chai mil sakti hai?" Shahzaib asked, his voice easygoing.
(Can I get a cup of tea too?)
Zara hesitated for a moment, her usual composure slightly shaken by Shahzaib's presence. This hesitation didn't go unnoticed by him, but he chose not to comment on it. Instead, he waited patiently for Zara to pour a cup of tea for him, then she added a sugar cube in it, and put it forward for him.
Taking the cup from her, Shahzain placed a small velvet box on the kitchen counter beside him. Zara's inquisitive gaze shifted from the box to Shahzaib, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"Yeh kya hai?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
(What's this?)
Shahzaib leaned casually against the counter, his eyes fixed on the box. "Tumhara Birthday gift," he replied with a hint of a mischievous smile.
(Your Birthday gift.)
Zara blinked, taken aback. "Aaj mera Birthday nahi," she pointed out, her voice tinged with bewilderment.
(Today isn't my birthday.)
Shahzaib chuckled softly. "Janta hoon next month hai tumhara birthday, aur yeh bhi janta hoon tum Birthday celebrate nahi karti. Aur ab... pata nahi hum kab mile, maine socha aaj hi tumhe tumhara present de doon"
(I know, it's next month, and I also know you don't celebrate birthdays. And now... who knows when we'll meet again, so I thought I'd give you your present today.)
Zara's initial confusion slowly transformed into a hesitant smile.
"Thank you, Shahzaib," she said, her gratitude evident in her eyes as she accepted the box.
"Dekho toh..." Shahzaib started saying, but his sentence was interrupted when Hyra marched in.
(Open it...)
"Mujhe yeh wakai mein kabhi samajh mein nahi... Eh..." She was talking, her voice a blend of exasperation and annoyance, but she paused mid-sentence, her eyes shifting between Zara, Shahzaib, and the velvet box in Zara's hand.
(I'll really never understand... Eh...)
"Main galti se agayi," Hyra quickly said as she realized her presence in the room was nothing but interruption. Shahzaib stopped her before she could make her exit.
(I came here by mistake.)
"Hyra, main sirf chai lene aya tha, ja raha hoon," he assured her, and left.
(Hyra, I just came here for tea, I was leaving now.)
Hyra again turned to Zara, who was now putting breakfast in tray.
"Chalo, nashta karlo." Zara looked at her and forced out a smile.
(Come, have breakfast.)
•••
As the car glided down the familiar streets, Zara sat in the backseat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. She clutched her handbag tightly in her lap, fingers brushing against the soft velvet box inside.
Unable to resist the temptation any longer, she pulled the velvet box from her bag and carefully opened it. Inside lay a pair of anklets. They glittered in the soft light, the delicate design capturing her attention.
However, instead of the joy and gratitude that she should have felt, tears welled up in Zara's eyes. She blinked them away, her lashes glistening with the unshed drops.
She knew that what Shahzaib and she feels for each others is genuine and deep, but her family's reputation was like an unbreakable chain, binding her to a future she had little say in. The thought of not being able to be with the man she loved was a heavy weight on her shoulders.
Quickly, she wiped away the tears with the back of her hand, not wanting Hayder to notice her inner turmoil. Minal hadn't told anything to her family yet.
As the car continued its journey, Zara placed the velvet box back in her handbag, a veil of sadness hidden behind her composed facade. The anklets would remain a bittersweet reminder of the love she couldn't openly embrace.
•••
The dimly lit theater is filled with the eerie sounds of the movie. Hyra, Uswa, and Rafey are seated in the middle row. The tension was palpable, and Hyra clutches Uswa's arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear as she watches the screen.
The tension in the movie continued to build as the shadowy figure crept closer to the protagonist. The dimly lit room and eerie music added to the atmosphere, making every jump scare more spine-tingling.
Hyra's anxiety reached its peak as the suspense grew, and she couldn't bear to watch any longer. She gasped and buried her face in her hands, muttering a soft prayer under her breath.
"Allah! Main nahi dekh sakti," she mumbled, her fingers tightly clutching at her own hair.
(Allah! I can't watch this.)
Uswa, sitting beside her, couldn't help but giggles at Hyra's reaction. She nudged Hyra gently and tried to reassure her. "Arey, kuch nahi hota. Movie hai."
(It's just a movie.)
"Dekho, Rafey bhi nahi darr rahe. Tum kyu darr nahi," Uswa pointed out, gesturing towards Rafey, who was sitting beside Uswa.
(See, Rafey isn't scared at all.)
Rafey, who had been discreetly glancing at his phone, looked up and gave them a tight smile, then quickly returned his attention to the device.
"Nahi, mujhe nahi dekhna. Yeh chala jayega toh batana," Hyra replied firmly, her hands still shielding her eyes from the horrors on the screen.
(No, I don't want to see this. Let me know when this is over.)
Uswa decided not to push her further. Instead, she turned her attention back to the movie, reaching over to Rafey's popcorn bucket to grab a handful of the salty snack, having finished her own earlier.
Rafey looked up at Uswa, he never knew she enjoy horror movie this much. And on the other side, he didn't particularly enjoy horror movies, not because of the supernatural elements, but because of the graphic scenes involving blood and gore. Just the thought of it made him feel queasy. He couldn't let Uswa see this side of him, so he pretended to be engrossed in his phone.
As the movie reached a climax, the music intensified, and Hyra couldn't resist the urge to peek. She slowly removed one finger from her face to see what was happening on the screen. Unfortunately, her timing couldn't have been worse. The music reached a deafening crescendo just as a side character met a gruesome fate, being hanged to death.
Hyra's reaction was immediate and loud. She screamed, and she practically leaped into Uswa's shoulder, knocking over the popcorn tube in her lap.
"Scene hai sirf," Uswa laughed, trying to console her friend while secretly enjoying her reaction.
(It's just a scene.)
•••
After movie, Rafey decided to lighten the mood by taking Hyra and Uswa out to dinner. They were at a cozy table on the restaurant's patio, bathed in the warm glow of fairy lights, and the sound of laughter filled the air. Despite the lighter atmosphere, Hyra still appeared shaken by the film.
"Movie thi, kitna darogi ab," Uswa teased, trying to cheer her up with a playful smile.
(It was just a movie. Don't be scared now.)
"Movie thi? Mera dil nikal aya tha. Aisi movies banate kyu hain," Hyra muttered, her irritation evident as she recalled the terrifying scenes.
(Just a movie? My heart was in my mouth. Why do they make such movies?)
Rafey who was sitting opposite them, sensed the need to change the topic. He leaned in and suggested, "Achha ab movie ki baat nahi karte, kuch aur baat kar lete hain."
(Alright, let's not talk about the movie. Let's talk about something else.)
"Haan, yeh khana kab ayega?" Uswa chimed in, her eyes scanning the restaurant for any sign of the waiter.
(Yeah, when is the food coming?)
•••
After a delightful dinner at the restaurant, Hyra indulged in her favorite gulab jamun, her spirits had lifted considerably. The combination of good food and Uswa's cheerful company had managed to chase away the lingering fear from the horror movie.
However, as she returned home, the familiar unease of sleeping alone in her room began to creep back. Hyra sits on the edge of her bed, her anxiety mounting as the minutes tick by.
Hyra had always been apprehensive about sleeping alone. It was a fear she could never quite shake, and Hayder hadn't returned yet. The horror movie they she watched earlier had only intensified her unease. She wraps herself in a cozy blanket, trying to find comfort in its warmth. Every creak of the house makes her jump. The horror movie's images flash in her mind.
"Hayder kab ayenge?" She asked to herself. She looked at the wall cloak and wondered.
(When will Hayder return?)
With a sigh, she decided that she couldn't face her bedroom alone this night. She walked quietly to the living room, her heart still pounding. She figured she could watch TV and distract herself until Hayder came home.
She noticed that she wasn't alone in her late-night vigil. Hanif Mirza was pacing around the living room. His aging features were etched with concern, and he glanced at the clock frequently.
"Baba," Hyra walked in, and called him.
"Hyra, beta," he said softly, noticing her presence. "Soyi nahi ab tak?"
(You are still not asleep?)
"Eh, woh..." Hyra didn't know how to tell him that she was scared,
(Well...)
"Hayder ka intezar kar rahi thi?" Hanif Mirza gave her a kind smile, and asked.
(You were waiting for Hayder too?)
Hyra nods her head. This made Hanif Mirza smile wider, thinking things are normal between them.
"Main bhi ussi ka wait kar raha tha. Pata nahi itni derr kyu ho gayi ussey aaj." He went to sit on the sofa, then patted the empty spot next to him on the couch.
(I was waiting for him too. Don't know what's taking him so long.)
Hyra quickly went to sit with him. Happy with the company. But now, another uneasy feeling crept in her heart. It's really late and why hadn't Hayder returned yet.
•••
The gentle ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to echo in the quiet room, punctuating the passing minutes. Hanif Mirza and Hyra exchanged conversation and shared stories while they waited, but their thoughts were clearly focused on Hayder.
After what seemed like an eternity, the front door opened, and Hayder finally entered. Hanif Mirza and Hyra stood up and went to him. Hayder was surprised to see them awake
"Hayder, itna time kyu lag gaya? Kaha the?" he inquired, his concern evident in his tone.
(Hayder, what took you so long? Where were you?)
"Baba, meri car kharab ho gayi, bas woh theek hone mein derr lag gaya." Putting his coat on the sofa, Hayder explained to Hanif Mirza, his eyes lingered on Hyra for a second, then he removed his eyes off her.
(Baba, my car broke down, so it took a while to get it fixed.)
Hanif Mirza nodded, then he voice another concern that had been bothering him. "Minal ke ghar sab kaisa tha?"
(How's everything at Minal's home?)
"Unke yaha toh sab theek tha. Kyu? Kya hua, baba?" Hayder responded with confusion, not fully understanding the reason behind his father's inquiry.
(Everything is fine at her home. Why? What happened, baba?)
"Kuch nahi bas... Minal mujhe thori pareshan lagi, aur Zara bhi iss baar kitni chup chup thi. Allah khair kare," Hanif Mirza replied, his voice laced with concern for his daughter.
(Nothing, Minal seemed a bit worried to me, and this time, Zara was so quiet. May Allah keep everything fine.)
"Baba, aap fikar na karein sab theek hoga. Agar pareshani wali koi baat hui toh fuppi apse chupayengi nahi," Hayder reassured him, wanting to ease his grandfather's worry.
(Baba, don't worry; everything will be alright. If there's anything troubling, Fuppi won't hide it from you.)
Satisfied with the answer, Hanif Mirza nodded once more and excused himself, "Haan, sab theek hi hoga. Tum bhi aram karo ab, subah se nikle ho ghar se." With that, he left Hayder and Hyra alone in the living room.
(Yes, everything will be fine. You should also rest now; you've been out since morning.)
Once they were alone, Hyra turned her attention to Hayder, concern etched on her face. "Khana laga doon apke liye?" she offered, her voice hesitating and filled with care.
(Should I get dinner for you?)
Hayder declined her offer with a simple, "Nahi, mujhe bhook nahi," and made his way toward their room. He was upset with her that she picked Uswa's commitment over him.
(No, I am not hungry.)
Hyra watched him with confusion until he disappeared from her sight. It was then that she realized she was alone in the living room, and a sense of unease washed over her, as she remembers the film. Quickly, she followed after Hayder.
•••
Hyra quietly entered their room, expecting to find Hayder there. However, to her surprise, the room was empty. Her gaze instinctively drifted to the closed washroom door, realizing that he must be inside. Hyra decided to make herself comfortable on the sofa. She feels safe with Hayder's presence.
Time seemed to pass quickly, and she eventually drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
Hayder had just entered the room after changing into comfortable clothes. However, when he saw her peacefully sleeping on the sofa, his jaw clenched with frustration.
Anger simmered within him as he contemplated waking her and instructing her to sleep on the bed.
Abhi mujhe mera hi promise yaad karwayegi. That promise only intensified his frustration. He moved to sit on the bed, his gaze fixed on her as she slept.
Agar usse mere gusse se itna hi dar lagta hai, toh daat khane wala kaam kyun karti hai? Hayder couldn't comprehend what it would take for Hyra to sleep in the bed. When he asked for the sofa to be removed, she brought another one. When he had confessed his feelings for her, she still chose to sleep elsewhere.
Hyra's peaceful slumber continued, unaware of the storm brewing within Hayder. He slammed his phone onto the side table, and laid down, he switched off the lights.
In the darkness, Hyra stirred and slowly opened her eyes. The room had grown dark, and the absence of light sent a shiver down her spine. A scene from the movie replayed in her mind, and the sudden darkness triggered that fear.
Panicked, she sat up quickly, her eyes wide with apprehension. The room felt suffocating, and her heart raced as she desperately tried to make out her surroundings.
"Uswa!" In the unsettling darkness of the room, Hyra's voice trembled as she called out for Uswa, hoping for the comforting presence of her.
"Hyra?" However, it was Hayder's voice that responded, which was full of surprise that why she is calling for Uswa.
"Hayder, light on kar dein." Hyra's voice was shivering.
(Hayder, please turn on the light.)
Hayder quickly sat up in bed and reached for the switch to turn on the bedside lamp. As the room was bathed in soft light, Hyra took a relief breath out, and put her hair behind her ear.
Hayder saw fear in Hyra's eyes, and without hesitation, he got up and made his way to sit beside her on the sofa.
"Kya hua, Hyra, theek ho?" he asked gently, his worry evident in his voice.
(What's wrong, Hyra, are you okay?)
Hyra shook her head, her voice barely a mumble as she confessed, "Mujhe... mujhe andhere se darr lag raha hai."
(I... I'm scared of the dark.)
Hayder was taken aback by her admission. It was the first time he had ever heard her express such fear of darkness. He couldn't help but feel concerned and curious at the same time.
"Kya ho gaya? Aaj se pehle toh kabhi darr nahi laga." He inquired, wanting to understand the source of her fear.
(What happened? You were never scared of the dark before.)
Hyra hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for the right words. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "Woh... shaam mein movie dekhi thi. Horror movie thi, toh bas..." She was speaking while fidgeting with her fingers.
(I... The movie which I watched was horror movie. That's why...)
Hayder blinked, struggling to understand how a movie could induce such fear in Hyra. Then it dawned on him; this was Hyra, the same woman who had been frightened by a storm that night.
His expression softened as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, offering comfort.
"Darrti ho toh kyu dekhti ho aisi movies?" he couldn't help but scold her.
(If you are so scared, then why do you watch such movies.)
"Uswa ko pasand hai," Hyra mumbled in response. She leaned into his comforting presence, finding solace in his embrace.
(Because Uswa likes them.)
Hayder sighed softly, realizing that Hyra often went along with the preferences of others, even when it made her uncomfortable. He caressed her hand with his thumb. "Tum apni pasand se bhi kabhi kuch kar liya karo, Hyra. Tumhari khud bhi koi marzi honi chahiye. Uswa ko pasand hai horror movie dekhli, Dawar ne kaha toh ghar chorhke chali gayi, mamma ne kaha shadi karli. Tum apni marzi ki bhi kar liya karo kuch."
(You should do something according to your own preferences sometimes, Hyra. You should have your own choices, too. Uswa likes watching horror movies, that's why you watched it with her. Dawar told you to go with him so you left. Mamma told you to get married so you said yes. You should make choices that reflect your own will.)
"Mujhse koi puchta hi nahi." Hyra's voice, barely above a whisper, carried a tinge of sadness as she replied.
(No one asked me for my preference.)
Hayder's heart clenched at her words, echoing in his mind. "Mujhse koi puchta hi nahi." It was a painful reminder of the unspoken struggles that had defined their relationship.
"Dhyan se suno tum, mujhse aur iss shadi se koi umeed na rakhna," he recalled the words he had spoken to her on their wedding night.
(Listen to me carefully, do not expect anything from me and this marriage.)
"Tum toh kabhi meri biwi banke rahi hi nahi," his recent complaint to her echoed in his mind, mocking him with its hollowness. Hayder realized the depth of the chasm that had grown between them, and it filled him with a profound sense of regret and sorrow.
(You also never behaved like my wife either.)
As the weight of a recent realization settled on him, Hayder cleared his throat, his voice barely above a hushed whisper. "Hyra," he called out to her, his breath barely disturbing the silence. She turned her head towards him, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains.
"Agar tumhe darr lag raha hai, tum chaho toh mere sath bed pe so sakti ho." He asked her, almost timidly.
(If you are so scared, you can sleep with me on the bed.)
Hyra's heart skipped a beat, and she slowly untangled herself from the embrace they had shared. Wide-eyed, she stared at him,
Hayder, with a soft smile which made dimples appear on his cheeks, reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek.
"Tumne uss raat kaha tha meri zindagi mein agar tumhari jagah nahi toh bed pe bhi nahi honi chahiye..." He spoke, his voice gentle and reassuring, "Lekin meri zindagi aur dil mein sirf tum ho, sirf tumhari jagah hai."
(You said that night that if there is no place for you in my life, then there shouldn't be a place on the bed either...)
(But in my life and heart, there's only you, only your place.)
•••
Ufffff, thakk gayi yaar main😫 and I am not satisfied with this chapter. Idk why... but something is missing. But alas, itna time ho gaya toh maine socha ab post kardu.
Khair, how's it? 🐣
-Ufaq
P.S. my mind wants to take a break from writing ig. Isko lag raha sharar khatam karke bohot bada kaam kiya hai, bhaisaab ko kon samjhaye abhi itni sari stories hain unko bhi likhke complete karna hai🐒