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.)
Hyra's heart was racing, she had never imagined that he would remember this complaint of her on their wedding night, nor had she thought that he would resolve it in this way. Her heart was pounding so fast, as if it would jump out of her chest.
Hayder had spoken his mind, and now he awaited her response. He looked deep into her eyes, as if searching for his answer in Hyra's gaze.
"Nahi," Hyra's voice was barely audible and distant, and it took great effort to utter that one word.
(No,)
Hayder had not expected this answer, and in line with his nature, he felt a surge of anger at the rejection. He wanted to forcefully take her to the bed, but he restrained himself. He remembered his conversation with Hyra a little while ago. He had told her to do things of her own accord, so now he couldn't take her to the bed against her will.
"So jao, lights on rahengi," Hayder said softly, then got up and left.
(You can sleep. I'll keep the lights on,)
Hayder couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. He had apologized to Hyra and even confessed his feelings, but if she still chose to distance herself and put up barriers, he wasn't going to beg on his knees. There was a limit to how many tantrums he could endure, and his own pride was at stake here.
Hyra felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness as Hayder left like this. He had been close, and her heart had been pounding so intensely. Now, with him gone, an eerie silence surrounded her.
There isn't a huge distant between them, and he is right there on the bed. Hyra tried to console her heart. But the inner silence was now more terrifying than that horror movie. Why couldn't she said yes? Why did she say no? Even she couldn't understand herself.
•••
Tabu didn't take much time to talk to her husband. She talked Ibtisham about Rafey and Uswa's marriage, but didn't mention that it was Rafey's wish. Ibtisham Mirza, as always, shrugged his shoulders.
Ibtisham was busy and couldn't just keep traveling to India repeatedly, and that too just to keep fix dates. He didn't want to send Tabu either. He told Tabu that he would discuss this matter with Asim over the phone.
Tabu was surprised by her husband's clever idea. She held her head in astonishment and then said that he shouldn't do this either. "Aisi baatein phone toh nahi hoti. Agar aap bohot zyada busy hain toh baba kar lenge iss silsile mein baat, waise bhi woh bade hain ghar ke."
(You can not discuss these things over phone. If you are so busy, then baba can talk to Asim bhai about this,)
"Jaisa tumhe theek lage. Ab zara Rafey se bhi kaho ki wapas ajaye, bohot waqt reh liya waha, aye yaha pe kaam pe dhyan de." After finishing his breakfast, he told his wife and got up.
(As you wish. And tell Rafey to come back now. He have stayed in India for quite long time.)
•••
Hanif Mirza had received Tabu's call a little while ago, and afterward, he decided to have evening tea downstairs.
Both Asim and Rabia were delighted with the decision, but Asim requested some time to finalize the dates. He wanted to hear Uswa's opinion on this matter.
"Isme Uswa se kya puchna, uski graduation complete ho gayi, aur aisa koi parhne ki usme junoon bhi nahi ki ab master's karegi woh," Rabia said after Hanif Mirza left.
(There's no need to ask Uswa about this. She has completed her graduation, and there is no passion in her to pursue a master's degree.)
"Theek hai agar ussey agey nahi parhna, lekin iska yeh hargiz matlab nahi ki uski shadi kara ke ussey farigh kar dein. Shadi bohot badi zimmedari hoti hai, agar woh taiyyar hogi tabhi uski shadi hogi. Meri beti mujhpe bojh toh nahi," Asim said lovingly, holding his wife's hand.
(Doesn't matter if she's not interested in further studies, it doesn't mean we should rush her into marriage. Marriage is a huge responsibility. She'll get married when she's ready. My daughter isn't a burden on me.)
For a moment, Rabia's heart skipped a beat. "Dubara aisa mat kahiyega, Asim. Agar Arzoo ne sunn liya toh ussey lagage humne Hyra ko bojh samajh ke utar diya." Rabia scolded him and looked towards the door.
(Don't say that again, Asim. If Arzoo hears this, she'll think we treated Hyra as a burden and rushed her into marriage.)
"Maine Hyra ke time bhi tumse yahi kaha tha, lekin yeh faisla toh Arzoo ka tha, main kaise uske faisle ko mana kar deta. Waise bhi Hayder mein uske gusse ke alawa aisi koi kami nahi jissey Hyra ke sath koi na insafi kardi ho humne." Asim reminded her. "Hyra aur Uswa dono mere liye barabar hain."
(I said the same thing during Hyra's time, but it was Azroo's decision. How could I opposed it? Besides, Hayder's short temper is the only problem, otherwise we didn't do any injustice to Hyra.)
(Uswa and Hyra are equally dear to me.)
Although perhaps, Hyra was even dearer to him. She was the last remnant of his late brother, and in looks, she took after her father with her straight nose, hazel eyes, and brown hair, but her height came from her mother. and her courage, however, was a mystery, seemingly inherited from no one.
•••
Hyra had come downstairs with Hanif Mirza, but she had no idea that he had come downstairs to finalize Rafey and Uswa's wedding date.
Hyra was happily munching on cake and chips with Uswa.
"Kya hua hai?" Uswa couldn't tolerate Hyra's unusual silence and decided to ask directly.
(What happened?)
"Kya?" Hyra, who was about to put a chip in her mouth, paused and asked.
(What?)
"Tumhara chehra itna laal kyu hai? Aur tum itni chup chup kyu ho?" Uswa asked her question more explicitly.
(Why is your face red? Are you hiding something from me?)
Hyra was startled by Uswa's question. She had learned to keep many things to herself since she returned from Dawar's house. And lately, Hayder had been speaking in such a way that it made Hyra feel embarrassed. Sharing with someone else was out of the question.
"Kuch bhi toh nahi hua hai, wehem hai tumhara bas," Hyra tried to dismiss her question.
(Nothing's happened, it's just your imagination.)
"Koi wehem shehem nahi mera. Tumhe bohot achhe se janti hoon main. Batao kya chupa rahi ho?" Putting her hands on her waist, Uswa tried to imitate Hyra, but Hyra picked a piece of cake and stuffed it in Uswa's mouth.
(I'm not imagining. I know you very well. Tell me what are you hiding from me?)
"Kaha na kuch nahi." Hyra mumbles, and looked away. Uswa was silent for some time, as she was munching the cake.
(I said there's nothing.)
Before they could continue their conversation, Rabia had arrived. "Achha hua tum bhi yahi ho, Hyra," Rabia said with a smile as she sat on the bed. She then turned her attention to Uswa.
(It's good that you are here too, Hyra,)
"Kya hua, mummy?" Uswa inquired, remembering all her past mistakes, which might have finally become known to Rabia, prompting her to come and scold Uswa, for which she needed Hyra's testimony.
(What happened, Mummy?)
Rabia smiled at Uswa and gently held her hands. With a warm and loving tone, she informed Uswa, "Baba aye the, tumhari aur Rafey ki shadi ki tareekh rakhna chahte hain woh..." Before Rabia could finish her sentence, both girls reacted with eager anticipation.
(Baba came here to discuss and finalise the date for your and Rafey's marriage.)
Hyra's eyes sparkled with joy as she inquired, "Sach?"
(Really?)
Uswa's excitement mirrored Hyra's, and she couldn't contain herself as she exclaimed, "Meri shadi? Wow, kab hai?"
(My marriage? When it is?)
Upon hearing Uswa's words, Rabia smacked her head, then shot her a disapproving glance.
"Tauba hai, dekho zara iss larki ko," Rabia turned to Hyra and expressed her concerns. "Koi sharm lihaz nahi. Larkiyan yun munh kholke shadi pe khushi ka izhar karte hue achhi lagti hain?"
(Just look at this girl,)
(She have no shame at all. Most girls would blush and shy away upon hearing such news, and here she is openly expressing her happiness.)
Uswa, sulking slightly, tapped her mother's shoulder to get her attention and then began gesturing in sign language, attempting to communicate.
"Kya keh rahi ho?" Rabia looked genuinely puzzled and asked.
(What are you saying?)
With a hint of mischief in her eyes, Uswa remarked, "Mummy, agar aap dumb charades nahi samajhti toh mujhe munh kholke hi apna jawab batana hoga na."
(Well, mummy, if you can't understand dumb charades, then I guess I'll have to open my mouth to express my consent.)
This response earned Uswa a smack on her arm from Rabia, but it also brought a smile to her mother's face. Cupping Uswa's cheeks, Rabia lovingly kissed her forehead and said, "Khush raho."
(Be happy,)
"Khush rehti hoon toh aap daat deti hain." Uswa mumbles softly, and pretended to be sad.
(You always scold me whenever I am happy.)
"Betiyon ki khushiyan maa baap ko buri nahi lagti. Bas mujhe darr hai tumhe nazar hi na lag jaye," Rabia said, gazing at her daughter with love in her eyes.
(Parents don't dislike their daughters' happiness. I just worry that what if you catch any evil eyes.)
"Waise, Mummy, kitna achha hoga na ki main uppar hi hongi na," Uswa replied cheerfully, not fully grasping the depth of her mother's words. Then, she turned to Hyra and added, "Aur hum hamesha sath rahenge."
(By the way, mummy, it'll he so nice that I'll be upstairs,)
(And we'll always be together,)
"Lekin main tumse badi hongi ab iss rishte ki lihaz mein," Hyra told her.
(But I'll be the older one because of this new relationship.)
"Woh sab toh theek hai, lekin Uswa, tum hamesha uppar nahi rahogi. Rafey Australia mein rahega zahir hai," Rabia showed Uswa the reality, wiping the excitement off her face.
(That's good, Uswa, but you won't always be upstairs. Rafey will live in Australia, obviously.)
"Australia?" Uswa's voice trembled with surprise. She hadn't even thought about it. Rafey lived in Australia, and it was obvious that he would eventually take over Ibtisham Mirza's business there.
•••
Today, for the first time, Dawar felt a sense of distance between himself and his family when Asim Mirza called to inform him about Uswa's wedding date being fixed. The specific date hadn't been set yet, but Ibtisham wanted it to be within the next month since he was available during that time. Asim wanted Dawar's input on the suitable date, but Dawar seemed distant as if estrangement had enveloped him.
There was discussion going on about Uswa's wedding, and he learned about it over the phone. If he was in Mirza House, he would undoubtedly have played a role in these discussions. However, now he was simply informed of the decision.
"Dawar, apne chai nahi pi." Laraib reminded Dawar by placing her hand on his.
(Dawar, you haven't even had your tea,)
"Huh?" Dawar looked at her, but his face lacked expression.
"Chai!" Laraib reminded him.
(Tea!)
"Mera mann nahi." Dawar replied before getting up and retreating to his room. He had no appetite for anything at the moment. His current state of mind was such that he couldn't even share anything with Laraib. Laraib often found this frustrating. Since they learned of Laraib's pregnancy, Dawar had wished many times for then to move back to Mirza House.
(I'm not in the mood,)
"Main din bhar office mein rehta hoon, aise haal mein tum akeli hoti ho toh mera dil nahi lagta," Dawar would lovingly explain. However, Laraib remained unaffected. Dawar's attempts to persuade her had ceased. Now he no longer spoke to Laraib on this topic. And he wouldn't say anything now either, but his heart had grown quite dim.
(I spend the whole day at the office, and in this condition, when you're alone, it worries me,)
Laraib sensed Dawar's silence but chose not to say anything. Dawar occasionally became moody when he missed his family, but then he would simply reconcile himself to it.
•••
Hanif Mirza had summoned both Hayder and Hyra to his room. Hayder and Hyra were walking together when they almost collided at the door. Hayder paused, looked at Hyra, and then gestured for her to go in first with a soft smile.
"Kya hua, Baba? Koi zaroori kaam tha?" Hanif Mirza usually called Hayder to his room for work, so Hayder inquired as he took a seat on the sofa.
(What's going on, Baba? Is there something important?)
"Hyra ne tumhe Rafey aur Uswa ki shadi ka toh bataya hi hoga." Hanif Mirza began, and Hayder, who hadn't heard this news, glanced toward Hyra, who avoided his gaze, she didn't know she have to tell this to Hayder.
(Hyra must have told you about Rafey and Uswa's marriage?)
"Main Shahzaib ke barey mein soch raha tha. Achha hoga ab hum uski shadi ka bhi sochein." Hanif Mirza got to the point.
(I found myself contemplating Shahzaib. Perhaps it's time we also consider his marriage,)
"Jaisa apko theek lage, Baba." Hayder obediently nodded.
(Whatever you think is best, Baba,)
Hyra's gaze remained fixed on the bedsheet as she absentmindedly traced patterns with her finger. She couldn't understand why Hanif Mirza had called her here.
"Mere purane dost hain, Affani sahab, unki nawasi Shahzaib ki umr ki hi hogi, aur unhone kai baar baaton baaton mein iska zikar bhi kiya tha..." This piqued Hyra's interest, prompting her to look up. First, her eyes met Hayder's, who was attentively listening to Hanif Mirza. She was about to speak, but before she could, Hayder spoke up.
(I have an old friend, Mr. Affani, and his granddaughter might be around Shahzaib's age. He've mentioned it a few times...)
"Baba, agar aap bura na mane toh..." Hayder glanced at Hyra, who had closed her mouth, now intent on hearing what Hayder had to say.
(Baba, if you don't mind...)
"Mujhe Shahzaib ke liye Zara pasand hai." Hayder revealed.
(I like Zara for Shahzaib,)
"Apni Zara?" Hanif Mirza sought confirmation.
Hayder nodded. "Ji! Zara ko hum bachpan se jante hain, aur woh bhi humare mohol se achhe se waqif hai. Pata nahi koi bahar ki larki aye toh humare sath adjust kar paye ya nahi, Zara ko aisi koi problem nahi hogi." Hayder repeated the words Tabu had once spoken to him when he married Hyra.
(Yes, Zara. We've known her since childhood, and she's well-acquainted with our environment. We don't know if an outsider could adapt as easily as Zara, who won't have any issues.)
Hanif Mirza leaned back, taking a moment to contemplate Hayder's suggestion. "Tumhari iss barey mein kya raye hai, Hyra?"
(What's your opinion on this matter, Hyra?)
Hyra, who had fallen silent again due to Hayder's words, was startled. "Baba, main... meri raye?"
(Baba, me... my opinion?)
"Tum iss ghar ki badi bahu ho, tumhari raye bhi utni ahem hai jitni Hayder ki." Hanif Mirza emphasized, and Hayder couldn't help but smile, pleased with Hanif Mirza's choice of words.
(You're the elder daughter-in-law, and your opinion matters just as much as Hayder's,)
Hyra had sensed the warmth in Hayder's eyes, so she lowered her head and replied, "Baba, jaisa Hayder kahe, woh sahi keh rahe hain."
It was the same thing she had wanted to say a while ago, albeit for different reasons. Hyra knew that Zara held a special place in Shahzaib's heart.
(Baba, what Hayder says is right.)
"Shabash, yeh ki haina farmabardar biwi wali baat." Hayder teased, causing Hyra's face to turn even redder.
(Well done. Now you've spoken like an obedient wife,)
"Theek hai, main Minal se baat karunga iss barey mein." Hanif Mirza decided.
(Alright then, I'll talk to Minal about it,) Hanif Mirza decided.
"Baba, main jau?" Hyra didn't want to endure any more of Hayder's intense gazes and was eager to escape.
(Should I go, Baba?)
"Haan, beta jao." Hanif Mirza said, placing his hand on her head, and Hyra practically ran off from there.
(Yes, my dear, you can go.)
Hayder watched her go with a gleam in his eyes, which Hanif Mirza noticed.
"Lag raha hai mousam badal raha hai." Hanif Mirza commented with a smile.
(It seems like the weather is changing,)
"Pata nahi! Apki bahu mujhse bhagne ke raste talash karti hai." Innocently, Hayder complained.
(I don't know! Your daughter-in-law seems to be constantly looking for ways to escape from me,)
"Haan toh tumne ussey daraya bhi toh kitna hai." Hanif Mirza pointed out.
(Yes, but you have also frightened her quite a bit,)
"Haan toh ab maafi bhi toh mang chuka hoon na." Hayder replied.
(Well, I did apologize.)
"Toh woh tumhe maaf bhi toh kar chuki haina." Hanif Mirza encouraged him, giving Hayder a gentle pat on the cheek.
"Yeh apse kisne keh diya? Shayad apne gour nahi kiya ki woh abhi bhi mujhse bhag rahi hai." Hayder's eyes expanded on Hanif Mirza's words, and he tried to remind Hanif Mirza.
"Abki baat aur haina."
"Matlab?" Naively, Hayder asked.
Hanif Mirza shook his head at his grandson's innocence. Hayder had always been highly intelligent, consistently excelling in school and college. He now managed the family business with great skill. However, there were a few life lessons he had yet to learn.
•••
After Hyra hurriedly left Hanif Mirza's room, she stopped in the hallway, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She was relieved to have escaped the glances of Hayder.
•••
After the wedding dates were set, Rafey's heart was eager to meet Uswa. He knew that she would be happy, but he still wanted to hear it from her. So, he went downstairs, where the sounds of kitchenware could be heard. It wasn't hard to guess that Uswa was in the kitchen at this hour, most likely experimenting with snacks. Now that her college days were over, she spent her evenings trying out various cooking experiments. Sometimes they turned out delicious, and she'd make sure everyone in the house tasted her creation. Other times, when things didn't go as planned, the neighborhood dogs enjoyed the feast. Rafey had a smile on his lips as he made his way to the kitchen.
"Kya mujhe ek cup coffee mil sakti hai?" Rafey leaned against the doorframe, casually crossing his arms over his chest, and asked Uswa.
(Can I have a cup of coffee too.)
Uswa was surprised at his sudden appearance but didn't faze. Instead, she responded in her usual manner.
"Rozz issi waqt coffee ka kehte hain aap, isliye aj pehle se hi bana diya maine." She gestured towards a mug emitting hot steam. Clearly, she had just brewed the coffee.
(You always ask for coffee at this time, so I prepared it in advance today.)
Rafey went inside, picked up the mug, and then took a peek into the pot to see what Uswa was cooking. However, he couldn't quite figure it out. It was evident that her culinary experiment today wasn't a success. Rafey then looked at Uswa, who was wearing a simple green cotton kurta. Her face was free from makeup, but the heat in the kitchen had given her cheeks a rosy hue.
"Uswa tum khush ho?" Rafey asked her.
(Are you happy, Uswa?)
"Apko kaha se main khush nahi dikh rahi?" Uswa had turned her back to him while tending to her dish. She seemed to avoid looking at him directly. Rafey was reminded of Uswa's initial behavior when he had returned from Australia, back when she used to be distant with him.
(From where I look unhappy?)
Rafey found every aspect of Uswa endearing. Whether it was her straightforward way of speaking without pretense, her occasional shyness, her readiness to stand up for herself, or her immediate apology when she made a mistake—everything about her felt right.
"Aap itna kyu muskura rahe hain?" Uswa shifted her dish on the stove, her eyes briefly meeting Rafey's. She couldn't quite decipher the meaning behind his smile. However, she could feel her heart racing, so she redirected her attention to her cooking, taking deep breaths to calm herself.
(Why are you smiling so much?)
"Kyu na muskurau? Aaj main bohot khush hoon." Rafey smiled even wider.
(Why shouldn't I? I am very happy today.)
Uswa, without saying a word, continued to stir her dish, carrying a plate of chopped vegetables to the pot. When she glanced at Rafey again, she couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind his smile. Her heart pounded loudly, but she maintained her composure to keep from blushing.
"Uswa, yeh tumhare liye," Rafey said, taking a small velvet box from his pocket and pointing it towards Uswa.
(Uswa, this is for you.)
At first, Uswa was confused when she saw the box. However, she turned to Rafey, who was still smiling.
"Janta hoon mom tumhe kangan pehna chuki hain, lekin main khud bhi tumhe kuch dena chahta hoon." Rafey opened the box, and took a beautiful rose-cut diamond ring out.
(I know mom have already gave you bracelets, but I also wanted to give you something.)
Taking her hand gently, Rafey slid the ring onto her ring finger. "Meri zindagi mein aney ka shukriya."
(Thanks for coming into my life.)
"Rafey, main yeh sab nahi kar sakti," Uswa replied, taking a hesitant step back from him.
(Rafey, I can't do this.)
•••
"Dawar, tumhe jo lena hai lo, aur chalo," Hayder said to Dawar while attempting to control his temper. Dawar had been browsing bracelets for a while.
(Dawar, you can take whatever you want and let's go,)
"Yaar, dono hi achhe lag rahe hain, mere samajh nahi araha konsa loon. Tum batao konsa loon?" Dawar asked, showing both bracelets to Hayder. However, Hayder didn't even glance at the bracelets; instead, he stared at Dawar, which made Dawar realize that Hayder's anger was escalating. So, he immediately turned the bracelets toward himself.
(Both of them look good; I can't decide which one to choose. What do you think?)
Dawar and Hayder had always been like this. From childhood to adulthood, if they ever had an argument or disagreement, Dawar was always the one to initiate reconciliation. This time was the same too.
"Yeh wala pack kar do." After much contemplation, Dawar finally chose a bracelet
(I'll take this one.)
"Aur woh anklet bhi pack kar dena." Dawar then gestured towards a platinum anklet displayed on a showpiece.
(And also pack that anklet)
"Hyra ke liye achha rahega na?" Dawar asked himself, knowing that Hayder wouldn't ask.
(For Hyra, it will be suitable, right?)
"Hyra liye?" Hayder was surprised by his statement.
(For Hyra?)
"Haan toh," Dawar replied. He then proceeded to the payment counter. However, Hayder was still pondering the fact that Dawar had bought the anklet for Hyra. Dawar often bought gifts for Uswa and Hyra, and since his marriage, he had purchased quite a few gifts for Laraib as well. However, Hayder had never given Hyra a gift. As Baba rightly said, Hayder's reserved nature often kept him distant from Hyra.
(Yes,)
They left the jewelry store and were heading towards the mall's exit when Hayder suddenly stopped.
"Dawar, tum chalo, main ata hoon." He said to Dawar and turned back.
(Dawar, you go ahead, I'll catch up,)
•••
"Hyra, yeh tumhare liye." Hayder pushed the shopping bag forward and said softly, but a frown appeared on his face the next moment.
(Hyra, this is for you,)
"Kya kahunga kis liye laya hoon?" Hayder asked, as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. He knew Hyra would definitely ask 'why.'
Throwing the shopper on the bed, Hayder sat there. Selecting the gift wasn't as challenging as giving it to Hyra.
Hayder picked up the shopping bag once more and placed it on a side table. "Yaha akey dekhegi toh samajh jayegi..." He left his sentence unfinished. Hyra wouldn't come on bed side, she won't understand this is for her.
(When she'll come here and see, she'll understand...)
A look of frustration crossed Hayder's face, as he picked up the shopper angrily and went to cupboard to put it there.
•••
Sooooo? How's it?
Yaar, Main bohot koshish karti hoon ki jaldi jaldi update karu but... life busy, kabhi yeh toh kabhi woh, toh kabhi kya😭 waqt hi nahi milta. Sorry for late update 🥺👉🏻👈🏻
-Ufaq