Nora's pov.
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the cozy confines of our dining room. The clinking of utensils and the tantalizing aroma of home-cooked food enveloped the air, creating a sense of comfort that was shattered by the unexpected shift in the atmosphere.
As I held my plate just out of my mother's reach, engaging in our usual playful banter, a sense of normalcy hung in the air.
"Mama, bas aur nahi jayega,"
[ Ma, that's it no more now, ]
I protested, a lighthearted smile on my face. The exchange brought a momentary joy, but it was short-lived.
The mood shifted abruptly when Dad interjected with an unusual seriousness,
"Fatima, voh kha legi abhi. Tum dono betho, mujhe kuch kehna hai."
[ Fatima, she'll eat. You guys site down, I have to say something]
A ripple of nervousness coursed through me, an unspoken tension settling like a fog.
" Sab kheriyat baba?
["Everything fine, Dad?"]
I inquired, trying to find reassurance in his seemingly tiny smile. His gaze shifted to my mother, and he disclosed an unexpected piece of news,
"Ek hafte baad hamare ghar mein ek party hogi, mujhe aasha hai tum sab sambhal loge."
The revelation caught me off guard, and I noticed a flicker of tension in my mother's eyes
Reacting swiftly, she suggested,
"Toh main Nora ko Haisal didi ke pass bhej deti hoon."
The proposal left me confused. Of course, my parents had always kept me away from their affairs, and I had been content with that arrangement. However, Dad's next words shattered the fragile sense of normalcy that morning had started with.
"Nora kahin nahi ja rahi hai."
The statement hung in the air, leaving both me and my mother bewildered. Attempting to make sense of the situation, I questioned,
"Baba, mama, aap log kya bol rahe hain?"
My words lingered in the room, met only by my father's distant gaze. A foreboding sense of unease settled within me - something was amiss, and the gravity of the situation eluded my understanding.
"Magar aapko pata hai na,"
Mom interjected with concern etched on her face.
"Mujhe pata hai, Fatima, par hum kitne aur der tak bhaagne ge,"
Dad responded cryptically. The enigmatic remark left me with more questions than answers. Who was running from whom? What clandestine affair enveloped our lives?
Before I could delve deeper into the unsettling mystery, the driver's horn interrupted our conversation. Dad's gaze shifted from me, and Mom sat there looking lost. As I prepared to leave, the uncertainties about our imminent future lingered, promising a revelation upon my return from college.
______________________
I
n the hushed confines of the classroom, Nora sought solace on the last bench, her eyes tracing the contours of the world outside the window. Unseen by her classmates, a mysterious fog seemed to envelop her thoughts, a lingering aftermath of the morning chores that had left her mind adrift in a sea of confusion.
The looming prospect of an upcoming party added an intricate layer to her musings. Trusting her father wasn't the issue; it was the uncharted territory of social interactions that cast a shadow on her confidence. The thought of navigating through unfamiliar faces ignited doubts, weaving a tapestry of uncertainty that clung to her like a persistent fog.
As the bell rang, shattering the stillness of the classroom, Nora's gaze shifted from the window. The room transformed into a hive of activity as her peers scattered, leaving her alone. Meera, her usual companion in navigating the chaos of high school, was absent, deepening her sense of isolation.
Nora sighed, collected her belongings, and descended the staircase into an eerie silence that echoed the rhythm of her heart.
Walking down the stairs was boreing. That too when there's no one!
Abruptly, a forceful hand yanked her into the dimly lit storage room, plunging her into a world of shadows.
Nora gasped, don't know what just happened. The strong hand keep her in place. her cry stifled by a hand over her mouth, terror evident in her widened eyes as an unknown figure emerged from the darkness.
Panic set in as her attempts to break free were met with a strong grip. The room echoed with her silent pleas for answers, but the only response was a chilling whisper,
"Shh, bilkul aavaj nahi nikalna."
[ Shh, not a word ]
Tears welled up as the mysterious stranger chuckled, hidden in the shadows. Despite his assurances that he meant no harm, the ambiguity of his intentions heightened her fear.
"Mashallah, tum pass se oor khubsurat ho,"
he remarked, a twisted compliment that momentarily loosened his grip. Nora seized the opportunity, pushing him away, and fled, her heart racing with a mix of terror and relief.
The mysterious person chuckled looking at the running figure of nora!
" Kab Tak bhagogi, "
A little laugh got out of his mouth.
Breathless and shaken, she emerged into the daylight, sprinting towards the campus exit. The sight of her uncle, the driver, waiting outside offered a semblance of safety. Seeking refuge in the car, the perceptive driver questioned her. Nora remained silent, the traumatic encounter rendering her momentarily speechless.
Alone in the moving vehicle, she grappled with the aftermath of the harrowing experience. Who was that man? Was he someone form dad's side? Too many questions related to the Mysterious figures got its way, interrupted by a notification that sliced through the silence.
Ting....
Two unread messages beckoned, their origin shrouded in mystery. The air inside the car thickened with suspense as Nora hesitated before unveiling the secrets within. The chilling uncertainty of the recent encounter blended with the cryptic allure of the messages, weaving an intricate tapestry of unanswered questions that lingered in her mind.
Amidst the turmoil, Nora's phone buzzed with the arrival of a new message. The sender's name remained a blank space, adding to the mystery. Her trembling fingers tapped on the screen as she opened the conversation.
Unknown: Aasha karte hai haam jald hi mile meri nora.
A chill ran down Nora's spine as she read the ominous words. Fear clawed at her, and questions swirled in her mind. Who was this person? What did they want from her? The sense of vulnerability intensified.
Nora hesitated but decided to respond cautiously.
Nora: " kon ho tum?"
The seconds felt like an eternity as she waited for a reply. The unknown sender seemed to revel in the suspense, keeping Nora on edge.
Unknown: "kariyat rehke "
Nora's mind raced with a mixture of fear and curiosity. The cryptic messages fueled her anxiety, leaving her with more questions than answers. As the car continued its journey, Nora couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that the shadows from the storage room followed her.
____________________
Lahore,
In the dimly lit room in Lahore, the clock struck 4:15 am, casting shadows on the walls.
"Vho baacha thik hai aabhi, amir?"
he inquired.
"Ji, Khan sa,"
replied Amir, a hint of relief in his voice. A thoughtful
"Hmm"
resonated from Khan sa, his eyes focused on some documents before him. Arsalan Khan, a figure of authority, continued perusing the files, engrossed in the affairs of the hour.
Suddenly, Arsalan set aside the files, rising from his seat with a purpose. The room filled with an air of anticipation.
"Aur Ahmed Ali ke saath kya masla hai?"
[And what's the matter with Ahmed Ali"]
he inquired, a steely edge in his tone.
"Khan sa, after one week, a meeting is organized at his haveli,"
Amir revealed, providing a glimpse into the unfolding events. Arsalan Khan, discerning and perceptive, couldn't shake off the realization that Ahmed Ali continued to play games with him.
Arsalan, after a contemplative pause, glanced at Amir and spoke decisively,
"He'll lack the information in that meeting if he wants to. I'm sure every political leader will be there."
His words hung in the air, marking a subtle shift in the dynamics of power.
The atmosphere around Khan sa was laden with tension, the weight of political maneuvering palpable. The room, adorned with rich tapestries and dimly lit by a chandelier, seemed to absorb the gravity of the conversation.
"Yes, Khan sa, if you want, I can give them a call,"
Amir offered, his gaze unwavering as it met Khan sa's eyes. Arsalan, a man of contemplation, reached for a cigarette from the box, an act that spoke of both deliberation and a need for a moment's respite. The tobacco ignited, tendrils of smoke curling in the air as Arsalan inhaled, a silent prelude to the weighty decision ahead.
Exhaling a cloud of smoke, Arsalan fixed his gaze on Amir, determination etched in his features.
" Bohot baar choda hai uske, es baar nhi.
Jagar bolo aapne aadmiyon ko, aabhi uske gharwalo par bhi najar rakhe"
["I have left him a lot, but not this time. Now, tell our men to keep an eye on his family too," ]
he declared, the words carrying a resolve that hinted at a finality in his patience.
Amir, momentarily taken aback, displayed a subtle confusion in his expression. The gravity of the situation dawned upon him, understanding the depth of Arsalan's resolve. The intricacies of power dynamics unfolded in this exchange, revealing Arsalan's unwavering commitment to asserting control in the face of a perceived challenge.
The room, dimly lit and filled with the residue of lingering smoke, bore witness to a moment of decision.
In the stillness of the moment, Arsalan Khan's contemplative gaze shifted skyward. A subtle smirk played on his lips as he muttered,
"Thoda ham bhi to khel le ge Ghar Ghar ka khel"
- a phrase pregnant with implications, a strategic move in the intricate game of power. With that enigmatic proclamation hanging in the air, he departed, leaving a trail of uncertainty in his wake.
Amir, a witness to Arsalan's cryptic declaration, gazed pensively at the retreating figure. A sense of disquiet settled upon him as he grappled with the weight of the unspoken consequences. What would become of Ahmed now? The ominous question echoed in Amir's mind, a haunting melody of concern and apprehension.
The departure of Arsalan marked the beginning of a silent storm, a brewing tempest that threatened to engulf not only Ahmed but also his family. Amir's furrowed brow mirrored the turbulence within, a reflection of the impending challenges that lay ahead.
The city, normally bustling with life, seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the repercussions of Arsalan's parting words. The intricacies of "Ghar Ghar ka khel" resonated beyond the immediate, weaving a narrative of power dynamics that transcended the walls of political intrigue.
In the hushed ambiance of Arsalan Khan's lair, Amir, fueled by the gravity of his leader's command, swiftly dialed a number. The connection resonated with a familiar voice on the other end -
"Hello Baber, Ahmed Ali ke family ki information nikalo oor uske Ghar walo pai Nazar rakho!"
Amir's directive, laden with purpose, set in motion a clandestine operation that would unravel the intricacies of Ahmed Ali's domestic realm.
A subtle nod of comprehension passed between the unseen conspirators as Baber acknowledged the mission at hand. The air thickened with anticipation, each passing second carrying the weight of impending revelations.
"Bhaijaan unki beti or begum pai bhi?"
Baber's inquiry, though routine, elicited a momentary confusion in Amir's expression. The thought of delving into the lives of women, even those affiliated with Ahmed Ali, prompted a subtle dilemma. Yet, a reassuring realization quelled his reservations - Khan sa, a man of principles, would ensure the sanctity of the information gathered, sparing the women from the web of political machinations.
With a composed resolve, Amir affirmed,
"Yes Baber. Get their information too, and till night, send it to Khan sa. And yes, from tomorrow onwards, do track them."
The instructions hung in the air, a testament to the meticulous planning set in motion by Arsalan Khan's decree.
The call concluded with a decisive click, leaving Amir to ponder the revelations that awaited. The intricate dance of power extended beyond the political battlefield, infiltrating the very fabric of familial bonds. The city, an unwitting witness, carried the undertones of a narrative unfolding beneath the surface, hidden from the prying eyes of the unaware populace.
As Amir navigated the complexities of loyalty and duty, a nagging thought lingered - Ahmed Ali has a daughter too? The realization added a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama, as the stakes heightened, entangling not only the key players but innocent lives on the periphery.
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Words count: 2,367
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Hello loves,
First of all sorry again.
For the late update.
So happy that you guys are enjoying it and asking for an updates means alot to me!
Just know everyone comments and love they show means the world to me.
I was not gonna post this chapter today but as some of my loves posted on my last chapter for an update so here it is.
I'll truly dedicate this chapter to them!
Tho tomorrow is my maths paper but ya
Somethings it's fine.
So enjoy it guys. Share it. Do vote and comment alot.
And as its my exam season but if you show triple love like UK 100+ votes on this chapter then I'll sure make an update.
Ya so the target is 100+ votes on this chapter Neto fir milte hai after 4 months 🤭🤭
Alright I need to study now,
Enjoy!!
See ya!
💗💗💗