Abhi utha hoon neend se, tumhara khwab dekhke
Abhi tum ek khwab ho, abhi base hijab ho
Main chuke tumko dekh loon, ke sach mein mere paas ho, mujhe thi jiski justaju wahi meri talash ho.
When I was writing the first scene, this song came in my mind, so I'm putting it here 🫰🏻
•••
The soft morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm and gentle glow over the room. Hyra stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. For a moment, she lay there, her senses gradually awakening.
As she shifted, she became acutely aware of Hayder's presence beside her. His arm was wrapped protectively around her waist, and their bodies were pressed close together. A blush tinged her cheeks as the memory of last night flashes in her mind.
Meekly, Hyra turned to face him, her gaze drawn to his face. In slumber, Hayder's features appeared softer, more peaceful than the stern and hard countenance he often wore when awake. She had rarely looked at him properly before, always hesitant to meet his gaze, but now, seeing him so close and vulnerable, her heart leaped in her chest. She notices a mole below his eyes.
With a tender and cautious touch, Hyra extended her hand, her fingers trembling as they brushed lightly over his features. She traced the lines of his cheek, marveling at the smoothness of his skin, the gentleness hidden beneath his usual facade.
A shy smile tugged at her lips, and she continued to explore his face with her fingertips, still fearful of waking him. But as the intimacy of the moment overwhelmed her, she slowly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushed with both embarrassment and a newfound sense of closeness.
Carefully, she eased herself out of his embrace and slid out of bed, taking a moment to watch him peacefully slumbering. The morning light illuminated his face, and for the first time, she realized the handsomeness that resided there, hidden beneath his stern exterior.
•••
As Hayder woke up to an empty bed, his first instinct was to search for Hyra beside him. His eyes roamed the room, but it quickly dawned on him that she must have left earlier. A soft smile graced his face, an unusual yet welcome feeling.
He settled back into the bed, reflecting on how different this morning felt compared to any other in his life. Never before had he slept so lightly, so peacefully, and with a heart that felt unexpectedly lighter. It was as if a newfound sense of contentment had washed over him, a feeling he couldn't quite explain but cherished nonetheless.
Hayder closed his eyes once more, he knew that this morning marked the beginning of new start.
•••
Running his fingers through his wet hair, Hayder emerged from the bathroom. Hyra, with anger-filled eyes, removed the bangles from her wrists, tossing them onto the dresser in frustration. The bangles clashed, echoing the tales of last night's events. This brought a subtle smile to Hayder's face.
His black eyes assessed Hyra, absorbed in her oblivious work with wet hair strewn across her chest and back, some water dripping onto the floor. The wetness had soaked her back, sticking her kurti to her waist. The worry lines on her forehead added to her velvety beauty.
With rose-like lips pressed by her teeth, she seemed to be unleashing wrath today. Her beauty seemed to captivate Hayder. This rage of hers was a different kind of apocalypse.
Without making a sound, Hayder went behind her. In the mirror, he saw her beautiful reflection, even more enchanting than usual. Unaware of his presence, Hyra remained engrossed in her work. Hayder, slowly sliding his arm around her waist, drew her closer.
"Tum mera dil firse behka rahi ho, Hyra." Hayder softly uttered, sending shivers down Hyra's spine. She, still mentally absent since last night, was here he was...
(You're captivating my heart again, Hyra,)
"Lekin kya karu office jana hai warna...)
(But I have to go to the office, or...)
"Please, Hayder... hath na lagaye mujhe, main apse naraz hoon." Hyra said, removing his hand from her.
(Don't touch me. I'm upset with you,)
Hayder suddenly taken aback, but unfazed by Hyra's anger, he embraced her again without delving into the reasons behind her frustration.
"Janta hoon kyu kal raat se tumne yeh baat kai baar kaha hai. Par main tumhe mana lunga, lekin abhi nahi. Raat mein." Running his hand through her wet hair, Hayder spoke.
(I know you've been saying this since last night. But I'll convince you, not now. Tonight.)
Understanding the hidden meaning in Hayder's words, Hyra's ears turned crimson, and her hands grew cold. She just wanted to distance herself from Hayder, fearing she might lose courage again.
"Mat kariye aisi baatein." This time, Hyra sternly removed his hands and moved away. She was timid, but her shyness ignited a fire in Hayder's heart. This time, Hayder didn't grab her; Putting his hand into his pant pocket, he just looked at her, making Hyra nervous with his intense gaze.
(Don't say such things.)
"Aise mat dekhiye warna main chali jaungi." Hyra warned Hayder, but it had no effect on him.
(Don't look like that, or I'll leave.)
"Achha? Main jane dunga tab na," Hayder dismissed her threat.
(Really? As if I'll let you leave.)
"Mat jane dijiye, toh main ro dungi." This time, she issued another threat. Hayder had mentioned yesterday that he disliked her tears.
(If you won't, I'll cry.)
And this wasn't an idle threat; tears welled up in her eyes this time. Hayder's heart sank, and he approached Hyra with concern.
"Achha main kuch nahi keh raha hai. Lekin yeh batao tum gussa kyu ho?"
(Fine I won't say a word, but tell me why are you upset?)
"Kyuki... kyuki..." Hyra couldn't figure out what to say.
(Because... Because...)
"Kyuki?" Hayder knew exactly what Hyra wanted to say but pretended to be unaware.
(Because?)
"Kal apne..." She couldn't complete her sentence, entangled in the folds of modesty.
(Yesterday you...)
"Kal maine?" Hayder asked softly, knowing Hyra would never say it.
(Yesteray I?)
"Kitni buri baat hai," Hyra said in anger. "Main kaise bahar jau? Main sabko kya shakal dikhaungi?" She was speaking as per her maturity, and her words made Hayder angry.
(How awful is this!)
(How can I go outside? What face will I show to everyone?)
"Jo shakal hai wahi dikhao, aur yeh toh sab married couple mein hota hai, pagal larki."
(Show the same face, and this happens in every married couple, crazy girl.)
Hyra's face reddened even more, and she sat on the sofa, pressing her hands in distress.
"Hyra, be practical. Kis baat ki narazgi hai tumhe akhir?" Hayder sat beside her.
(What's the reason for your displeasure after all?)
"Achha yeh batao gussa kyu ho? Meri mohabbat se ya apni bekhudi se?" Gently, Hayder asked again. Everything just become fine between them yesterday; he didn't want to distance himself from Hyra by getting angry.
(Tell me, why are you angry? Is it because of my love or your own carelessness?)
He wanted to solve Hyra's dilemma, but she didn't speak.
And how long could Hayder control his anger?
"Bas karo, Hyra. Aisa bhi kya ho gaya jo tum itna gussa ho. Aur agar tumhe mera kareeb ana nahi achha laga toh theek hai, aaj ke baad main tumhe nahi touch karunga." Angry, he was about to leave when Hyra grabbed his hand.
(Enough, Hyra. What happened that you're so angry? And if you don't want me close, that's fine; I won't touch you from now on.)
"I'm sorry; main apko gussa nahi karna chahti thi." Her voice was very soft, as if trying to control her tears.
(I didn't want to make you angry.)
Hayder looked at her face, where embarrassment was evident. He made her stand in front of him and asked, "Kya problem hai, mujhe batao."
(What's the problem? Tell me?)
"Mujhe nahi pata. Mujhe kuch samajh nahi araha, mere sath kya ho raha hai, mujhe kya chahiye, kuch samajh nahi araha." She said with helplessness, lowering her eyes.
(I don't know. I'm not understanding anything, what's happening with me, what I want, I don't understand anything.)
Hayder could understand her restlessness, but he also knew that understanding everything in one day was not easy for her.
"Theek hai, iss barey mein zyada na socho. Abhi mujhe office jana hai, shaam mein aunga tab baat karenge. Abhi ke liye, mat socho kuch bhi."
(Okay, don't think too much about it. I have to go to the office now; we'll talk in the evening. For now, don't think about anything.)
Hyra nodded slightly; there wasn't much she could do either.
•••
As Hyra walked out of the room, there was a visible change in her demeanor. She radiated a sense of happiness, and her joyful spirit was evident on her flushed and glowing face.
Rafey, who had been sitting in the dining room, with others, notices her red face, and couldn't help but worry. He asked to Hyra with genuine concern, "Hyra, tum theek ho? Tumhara chehra itna red hai, fever hai kya?"
(Hyra, are you okay? Your face is so red; do you have a fever?)
Hyra touched her own cheek in surprise, feeling the warmth on her skin. "Nahi toh..."
(No, I...)
Kubra was also shocked by Rafey's comment, and looked at Hyra with worry.
Shahzaib, who had been engaged in his phone until now, glanced up at Hyra's flushed face. Being a bit clueless about the situation, he casually remarked, "Hyra ne shayad cheeks par tint lagaya hoga, aaj kal fashion hai, larkiyan bohot shokh se lagati hain."
(Maybe Hyra applied blush on her cheeks, it's a trend these days; girls apply it with enthusiasm.)
Hanif Mirza raised an eyebrow on Shahzaib's words, and asked. "Tumhe bada pata hai larkiyon ke fashion ke barey mein."
(How do you know a lot about girls' fashion?)
This made Rafey and Kubra chuckle.
"Apni girlfriends ko deta hoga na tint." Rafey commented, not leaving a chance to tease Shahzaib.
(He must give it to your girlfriends, right?)
Shahzaib, realizing that his comment had backfired, simply bowed his head and muttered, "Tauba karo, main bohot shareef hoon, meri koi girlfriend nahi."
(I'm very decent, I don't have any girlfriend.)
"Hyra, tum nashta karo. Inka chalta rehta hai." Kubra told Hyra with a warm smile.
(Hyra, have your breakfast. He's always like this.)
Nodding her head, Hyra picked the kettle to pour tea for herself, when Shahzaib asked her to refill his cup too.
"Hyra, mujhe bhi chai de do."
(Hyra, give me some tea too.)
As the conversation continued, Hayder walked into the dining room. "Assalam-Alaikum!"
His presence caught Hyra's attention, as her heart skipped a beat. Her newfound shyness caused her hand to tremble, and she accidentally spilled some hot tea on Shahzaib's hand.
"Ouch!" Shahzaib exclaimed in pain, his focus shifting from fashion to the burning sensation on his hand.
"Sorry, bhai..." Putting the tea pot down, Hyra passed Shahzaib tissue
"Theek hai tumne tint nahi lagaya, natural pink hain, jalao toh nahi." Shahzaib said to Hyra in scolding manner.
(Okay, you didn't apply blush, it's natural pink, don't hurt me like this.)
"Main woh..." Before Hyra could say anything, Hayder approached, pulled the nearby chair, and sat down. Staying there now seemed impossible for Hyra, and she abandoned her sentence halfway and left
"Issey kya hua? Bura toh nahi maan gayi?" Rafey asked.
(What happened? Did she mind it?)
"Main toh mazak kar raha tha." Shahzaib quickly clarified himself.
(I was just kidding.)
"Jante toh ho chirhiya dil ki hai Hyra, aise mazak na kiya karo." Kubra advised. However, Hayder remained silent, eating his breakfast seemingly unaware of the conversation.
(You know Hyra is sensitive; don't make such jokes.)
"Tumhari flight kabki hai?" After breakfast, Hayder asked to Rafey, who was going back to Australia today. Ibtisham wanted Rafey to join the office before marriage.
(When is your flight?)
•••
Hyra did exactly as Hayder suggested, not dwelling too much on it. Indeed, the less she thought about it, the more beautiful everything seemed. Throughout the day, she finds herself lost in thoughts about Hayder.
A few months ago, she hadn't expected or imagined that Hayder would love her so profoundly. And now, with this boundless love from Hayder, she was grateful beyond words.
•••
And then, in those days, preparations for 2 weddings began at home. Azma Randhawa had to go to Canada to stay with her brother, and she wanted Sarim's marriage to happen before she leaves. One week before Rafey and Uswa's marriage, Kubra and Sarim's wedding date was fixed.
Tabu had planned to come a month earlier, but circumstances had prevented her arrival. Neither Minal got permission from her in-laws. Both were concerned about how the preparations would go on with the company of three men, but contrary to expectations, Hyra not only took over all the responsibilities but handled them exceptionally well. And this was shocking for everyone in the house.
"Kaddu ko dekhke kaddu hi rang badalta hai." This was Uswa, who had always been on Hyra's team. But now, seeing her sister happy and knowing the reason for her joy, she didn't waste any time in joining Hayder's team.
(Even a pumpkin changes its color when it sees another pumpkin.)
•••
"Tum chahti ho main apni behen ki shadi guest ki tarah attend karu?"
(Do you want me to attend my sister's wedding like a guest?)
Laraib's another pointless stubbornness. Dawar couldn't understand how to explain to Laraib why he wanted to stay at his house even before the wedding.
"Dawar mera woh matlab nahi tha, main bas..." Laraib couldn't come up with what to say.
(Dawar, I didn't mean that. I just...)
"Toh kya matlab tha?"
(So, what did you mean?)
"Main nahi ruk paungi waha, aap jante hain meri condition aisi hai, mujhe apne ghar ka comfort chahiye. Maine waha adjust nahi kar paungi." Laraib said in a soft voice, feeling like she had given a strong point, and after this, there was no room for further argument.
(I won't be able to stay there; you know my condition. I need the comfort of my own home. I won't be able to adjust there.)
"Adjust? Apne ghar mein rahenge hum, kaisa discomfort hoga tumhe? Balki waha sab tumhara khayal rakhenge."
(Adjust? We'll be in our own home; how would that be uncomfortable for you? Besides, everyone there will take care of you.)
"Main bas nahi reh paungi waha, shadi wale ghar mein waise bhi kitni bheed hoti hai."
(I just won't be able to stay there, and there's so much crowd at a wedding house.)
Dawar couldn't say anything more because of Laraib's stubbornness.
"Main toh mummy ke yaha bhi jab koi shadi parhti thi toh..." Seeing him silent, Laraib wanted to say more.
(Whenever a wedding happened at my mom's place, I used to...)
"Yeh tumhari mummy ka ghar nahi hai, Laraib." Dawar said firmly but with anger in his voice. "Aur agar tumhe itna hi aram aur sukoon tha apni mummy ke yaha, toh wahi raho. Koi zaroorat nahi hai shadi mein bhi aney ki."
(This isn't your mom's place, Laraib,)
(And if you were so comfortable and at peace at your mom's place, then stay there. There's no need to come to the wedding.)
Dawar's words shocked Laraib; for quite some time, she couldn't believe that Dawar had actually asked her to go to her maternal home.
"Aap... kya keh rahe hain?"
(You... what are you saying?)
"Yahi, ki Uswa ki shadi main guest ki tarah attend nahi kar raha, hazar kaam hote hain shadi mein, kya iss umr mein main apne papa ko gali gali ki khak chann wau ki aaj caters walo ke yaha jana hai toh kal banquet, kya fyada mere iss kabil hone ka jab mere hote hue bhi yeh sab kaam papa khudse karein ya Hayder aur Shahzaib ka sahara lein. Yaha akele rehne se behtar hoga tumhare liye ki tum apni mummy ke yaha hi chali jao." Dawar finished his sentence and left the room.
(That I'm not attending Uswa's wedding like a guest. There are a thousand things to do at a wedding. What's the use of me being here when papa had do everything himself, or he had to take the help of Hayder and Shahzaib? It would be better for you to go to your mom's until the wedding.)
•••
"Kahi ja rahi ho?" It was Sunday, and Hayder was at home, but it seemed like Hyra had very important things to do other than giving him any time. Since morning, she had been busy with one thing or another. Now, when she entered the room, hastily put on sandals, grabbed a shawl, and picked up her purse to leave, Hayder asked,
(Are you going somewhere?)
"Boutique ja rahi thi," she told Hayder.
(I was going to the boutique.)
"Kiske sath?" he asked.
(With whom?)
"Shahzaib bhai ke sath."
(With Shahzaib bhai.)
"Main nahi hoon kya jo Shahzaib ke sath ka rahi ho?" Hayder was clearly irritated by this revelation.
(Am I not here that you're going with Shahzaib?)
"Nahi woh mujhe laga shayad apko achha na lage waha jana."
(No, I thought maybe you wouldn't like going there.)
"Chalo main le chal raha hoon." Hayder grabbed his keys from the side drawer and gave the command, and Hyra couldn't resist his command.
(Come on, I'll take you.)
Hyra mentioned that Shahzaib was taking her, but she probably forgot to mention that Kubra, Uswa, and Rabia were also accompanying her. Now, with four ladies in the boutique, Hayder found himself patiently enduring the shopping ordeal. What else could he do here?
•••
Hayder and Shahzaib left no stone unturned in ensuring everything was perfect for Kubra's wedding. And Kubra picked everything herself and had her preferences for the wedding, but still, there was a void that neither of the brothers could fill—the absence of their mother.
Kubra was remarkably patient, never allowed her inner turmoil to surface. However, today, as she observed how Uswa was demanding something from Rabia, and how lovingly Rabia was picking everything for Uswa, it dimmed Kubra's face. While the vibrant dresses held promises of joy and a new chapter in her life, the absence of her mother cast a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere.
Hayder saw her face changing colors, and it seemed as if a profound pain had pierced his heart; he couldn't fulfill his sister's deep-seated longing.
"Kubra api, yeh dekhein!" Hyra placed a beautiful pink dupatta with intricate golden embroidery on Kubra's head, seeking her opinion. It broke the circle of Kubra's thoughts, and Hayder's as well.
(Kubra api, look at this!)
"Nahi, yeh nahi," Hyra rejected it herself.
(No, not this one.)
Kubra looked at Hyra with a smile, who had been helping Kubra choose dresses for a while.
When Allah takes away one thing, He often gives many other things in return. So what if she didn't have her mother? She had baba who loved her immensely, brothers willing to sacrifice everything for her, and a caring sister-in-law. With so many relationships, why did she start feeling lonely?
•••
After returning from shopping, Kubra went straight to her room. She wanted to be alone for a while and let her tears flow freely. Today, she longed for her parents to be with her. She still held a framed picture of her parents in her hand when Hayder entered.
"Bhai, aap..." Kubra quickly wiped away her tears upon seeing Hayder at the door and placed the frame upside down in a side drawer.
"Disturb toh nahi kar raha?" Hayder asked as he entered. Although Kubra had wiped away her tears, her red eyes revealed the state of her heart.
(Am I disturbing you?)
"Main bas..." Clearing her throat, Kubra tried to say something when Hayder came over and picked up the frame.
(I was just...)
This was the picture from when Kubra was a week old. Kubra was in her mother's arms, 2-year-old Shahzaib sat on his father's shoulder, and 7-year-old Hayder stood beside his mother.
"Yeh choti si Kubra itni badi kab ho gayi?" Hayder asked with a gentle smile. "Ammi abbu hote toh yakeenan tumhe dekhke unhe bohot fakhar hota."
(When did this little Kubra grow so big?)
(If Ammi and Abbu were here, they would be so proud to see you.)
"Ammi abbu ki bohot yaad arahi hai, bhai." Kubra's voice trembled, and the tears she had held back now spilled down her beautiful eyes.
(I miss Mom and Dad a lot, bhai)
Setting the frame aside, Hayder hugged his sister. He too miss their parents at every step in life. Whenever he achieved first position in school or college, or received a prize, he wished ammi abbu were there to applaud for him. When he signed a significant business deal, thought of abbu crossed his mind, wondering how he would feel seeing Hayder in such moments. And every time he returns home, his heart yearned for the presence of ammi, imagining her waiting for him.
"Pagal, ro mat. Kya hua ammi abbu humare sath physically nahi, unki duaye hamesha humare sath hai." He said, patting Kubra's head lovingly.
(Crazy, don't cry. Even though ammi and abbu aren't with us physically, their blessings are always with us,)
Kubra composed herself a bit and wiped away her tears.
Hayder's eyes were also filled with tears, but he didn't cry. He had learned to control his tears long ago. When he saw Kubra crying just a week after the death of their parents, and no one in the house could console her, he wiped away his tears. Holding little Kubra in his small hands, he took her to their parents' room, followed by Shahzaib. Since then, Hayder had built his entire world around his siblings. Little Kubra ate from his hands, and Shahzaib couldn't sleep alone; Hayder would share his bed with him.
"Yeh dekho main tumhare liye kya laya hoon." Hayder showed her a red wedding dupatta.
(Look, I got something for you.)
"Yeh kya hai, bhai?" Kubra asked,
(What's this?)
"Yeh ammi ki shadi ka dupatta hai," Hayder said, unfolding it and placing it on Kubra's head. "Ammi ka ek hissa jo tumhe unke hone ka ehsas dilayegi."
(This is Ammi's wedding dupatta,)
(A part of Ammi that will make you feel her presence.)
Kubra held the corner of the dupatta with trembling hands. She had seen this dupatta in her parents' wedding photo. Now, having it on her head, she felt as if her mother's touch had reached her.
"Thank you, bhai." Kubra didn't know how to express her gratitude for the happiness Hayder had given her with this dupatta.
"Tumhara hi toh hai." Hayder said in a scolding tone, then playfully tapped her cheek.
(It's your.)
Once again, Kubra started crying, and Hayder hugged her. Shahzaib, who was about to ask Kubra something, stopped at the door upon seeing the emotional scene.
"Group hug!" Shahzaib exclaimed, and joined them.
"Ouch!" Shahzaib forgot, perhaps in excitement, that Kubra couldn't endure such a tight hug. She quickly separated from the 'group hug.'
"Arey, yeh kya? Yeh ansu abhi se kyu beh rahe hain, rukhsati ke liye sambhal ke rakho." Shahzaib didn't know what was happening before he entered, and Kubra's tears surprised and upset him. To lighten the mood, he teased Kubra,
"Waise bhi tumhe ek baar rukhsati ke waqt rona hoga, uske baad toh Sarim royega ki kya mental piece mil gayi."
(What's this? Why are tears flowing already? Save them for the rukhsati.)
(Anyway, you'll cry once at Rukhsati, after that, Sarim will cry about the mental piece he married to.)
"Bhai!" Kubra complained, looking at Hayder.
"Shahzaib!" Hayder scolded his younger brother, pretending to be stern.
•••
Itne sarey shadi ke scenes likh liya hai ki ab koi scene banta hi nahi🥲 *moye moye*
Koi scene ati hai mind mein toh khayal ata arey yeh toh usme ho gaya tha🥲🥲 *more moye moye*
Khair, how's the update?
-Ufaq