There's one last left. But no updates on January 1st. I will update everything before that.
---------------------
"Waise, Agar Main Ne Kabhi Badtameezi Ki Ya Agar Mujh Par Gussa Aya To Kya Karen Ge?" They were both strolling in a garden near their house, indulging in light conversation while enjoying ice cream.
(By the way, if I ever misbehave or if you get angry with me, what will you do?)
"Baqi Sab Chhorro, Yeh Batao Tumahre Andar Itna Confidence Kahan Se Aaya Ke Is Jumle Main Agar Laga Sako? Kya Matlab Agar Tum Ne Badtameezi Ki Ya Agar Mujhe Gussa Aaya? Tum Har Waqt Badtameezi Karti Ho Aur Mujhe Acha Khaasa Gussa Bhi Dilaati Ho."
(Leave everything else, tell me where did you get so much confidence to use if in this sentence? What does it mean if you were rude or if I got angry? You're always rude and manage to make me quite angry.)
"Yeh Mere Sawal Ka Jawab Nahi Hai. Fuzool Nah Bola Karein. "
(This is not an answer to my question. Don't speak nonsense.)
"Acha, Nahi Boltaa Fuzool. Khair Tumhe Kya Lagta Hai Kya Karon Ga? "
(Okay, I won't speak nonsense. Anyway, what do you think I will do?)
"Main Haath Nah Toar Don Mujh Par Uthe To."
(I might break your arm if you try to raise it on me.)
"Yeh Mere Sawal Ka Jawab Nahi Hai. Wo To Theek Hai Toar Do Gi Magar Tumhe Kya Lagta Hai Main Aisa Karon Ga."
(This isn't an answer to my question. It's fine if you would break my bones, but what do you think I would do?)
"Nahi Aap Ab Itne Bhi Bure Nahi Hain."
(No, you're not that bad now.)
"Is Se Ziyada Hon? "
(More than this?)
"....Ab Thore Se Qabil E Bardasht Hogaye Hain."
(...Now I can tolerate it a bit.)
"I Am Honored. Lekin Thora Sa. Bas Itna Jitna Main Qabil E Bardasht Hwa Hoon."
(I am honored. But just a bit. Only as much as I am tolerable.)
"Lekin Main Aap Ko Pasand Ab Bhi Nahi Karti. Zeher Hi Lagte Hain Ab Bhi."
(But I still don't like you. You still seem poisonous.)
"Yeh To Achi Baat Hai. Zeher Hi Lagoon To Behtar Hai Kyun K. .. ." Ahil had paused. He couldn't figure out what to say, how to say it.
(That's a good thing. It's better to seem poisonous because...)
"Main Kabhi Bhi Tumhari Taraf Qadam Nahi Loonga. Pehla Qadam Main Hargiz Nahi Lon Ga Lekin Haan, Tumhari Taraf Se Liye Gaye Kisi Bhi Qadam Ka Ehtram Karoon Ga. Mere Liye Tumhari Marzi Sab Se Ziyada Ahem Hai. .. . Aur Main Yeh Mohabbat Main Nahi Keh Raha. .. Tumhari Jagah Koi Bhi Hoti To Yahi Kehta. "
(I will never take a step towards you. I will never take the first step, but yes, I will respect any step taken by you. For me, your will is the most important. And I'm not saying this in love... I would say the same if it were anyone else in your place.)
"Yeh Har Baar Yeh Kehna Zaroori Hota Hai Ke Tumhari Jagah Koi Bhi Hoti? Kyun Hoti Koi Aur? "
(This has to be said every time that anyone could be in your place? Why should it be someone else?)
"Haan, Taake Tum Yeh Nah Samjhoo Ke Mujhe Tum Se Mohabbat Hogayi Hai."
(Yes, so that you don't think I've fallen in love with you.)
"Haan To Mujhe Koi Aisi Khwahish Nahi Hai Ke Aap Mujh Se Mohabbat Karen. Aur Meri Itni Fikar Kyun Hai Aap Ko? "
(Well, I have no desire for you to love me. And why do you need to care so much about me?)
"Sasur Se Wada Kya Hai, Un Ki Beti Ka Khayaal To Rakhna Parre Ga Na." Frowns appeared on Hoor's forehead and she shook her head. Sometimes he kept his promises, sometimes he was fulfilling his responsibility. He didn't use emotions. Except for anger.
(I made a promise to your father, I have to take care of his daughter, right?)
"Acha Waise Kyun Nahi Uthayenge Haath Kabhi ?" Hoor wanted to hear something beautiful here about how he thought it was a very wrong move and he wasn't like that and couldn't do it. It was as if she wanted to hear that her husband was a very good person.
(Well, why would you never raise your hands?)
"Mere Haath Bohat Qeemti Hain. Tum Ne Toar Diye To Logon Ko Kaise Kaaton Ga?" Hoor's mood was ruined, and even the taste of the ice cream was spoiled. Expecting a straightforward answer was her mistake.
(My hands are very valuable. If you break them, how will I cut people?)
'Fuzool Insaan. Fuzool Jawab..... Haan To Kya Hwa Agar Sawal Bhi Thora Fuzool Tha. Kabhi Kabhi Aise Sawal Karne Ka Bhi Dil Karta Hai.' She turned away with a face, now silent, only focusing on ice cream and not on the man beside her.
(Useless person. Useless answer... Well, so what if the question was a bit useless. Sometimes I feel like asking such questions too.)
—--------------
Nazneen was folding clothes in the room when the door got knocked, and Hira entered.
"Mujhe Meri Dost Ke Birthday Par Jana Hai." she reminded Nazneen. She had already informed Nazneen earlier.
(I have to go to my friend's birthday.)
"Main To Masroof Hoon, Sherazi Se Keh Doon Gi Chore Dein Ge."
(I'm busy. I'll ask Sherazi, and he will take you. He will be here soon.)
"Nahi UnKe Sath Nahi. Mujhe Aap Ke Sath Jana Hai Na."
(No, not with him. I want to go with you.)
"Beta Main Masroof Hoon. Wo Le Jayen Ge. Abhi Ate Hi Hoon Ge."
(I'm busy. He will take you. He will be here soon.)
"Nahi Na. Aap Ko Samajh Kyun Nahi Aata Hai. Wo Mujhe Nahi Pasand. Nahi Ache Lagte Wo Mujhe. Wo Sirf Aap K Husband Hain, Mere Kuch Nahi Hain."Nazneen became worried about Hira's intense anger. She moved closer and comforted her, both sitting on the bed.
(No, he is not good. I don't like him. He is just your husband, nothing to me.)
"Kya Hwa Hai? Itna Gussa? Hira To Aise Nahi Karti. Mujhe Batao. Kuch Hwa Hai? "
(What happened? Why are you so angry? Hira doesn't behave like this. Tell me. What happened?)
"Aap Kisi Ko Bitayen Gi To Nahi."
(Are you going to tell anyone?)
"No."
"Wo....Wo Mujhe Jab Pyar Karte Hain To Acha Nahi Lagta..... Wo Pyar Ghalat Tareeqe Se Karte Hain. Wo Ganda Pyar Karte Hain....Wo Ajeeb Hota Hai..... Ganda Jaise Film Main Hero Heroine Karte Hain."
(Well... when he loves me, it doesn't feel good... he loves in the wrong way. It's a dirty love... it feels weird... dirty, like heroes and heroines in dirty movies.)
Hira kept talking, breaking Nazneen's heart into pieces.
"Acha. .. Aap Aisa Karo. Aap Jao Tayyar Ho. Main Chaloon Gi Sath." Nazneen had a car. It wasn't new or fancy like Shirazi's, but it worked. Shirazi didn't have much time to keep taking them around for their work, so he had given Nazneen a small car. It was still named after Sherazi.
(Okay. You get ready. I'll go with you.)
After Hira left the room, Nazneen was in tears. She picked up her phone and involuntarily placed a finger on the microphone.
"Main. Kisi Ko Maaf Nahi Karoon Gi. Kabhi Nahi Karoon Gi. Meri Bud-Dua Hai Allah Tum Sab Se Intiqam Le Ga. Tum Sab Tarpogy Ge. Bhaar Main Gaye Saarae Rishte. Bhaar Main Gaye Sab. Allah Ka Azaab Aaye Tum Sab Par. .. Shadeed Nafrat Hai Mujhe Tum Sab Se. Nahi Karoon Gi Maaf. .. Kisi Ko Nahi Karoon Gi Maaf." Nazneen's voice echoed. After a while, she wiped her tears, applied makeup, and looked for Hira's school bag. There, she found an essay.
(I won't forgive anyone. Never. My wish is that Allah will take revenge on all of you. All relationships are meaningless. I don't care about anyone. Allah's punishment will come to you. I hate all of you intensely. I won't forgive. No forgiveness for anyone.)
My Hero.
The words below were carefully written:
"My Mama and My Baba."
Nazneen burst into tears.
'Main Tumhari Hifazat Karoon Gi. Tumhe Koi Kuch Nahi Kar Sakta Aur Sherazi..." Nazneen wiped her wet cheeks.
(I'll protect you. No one can harm you. And Sherazi...)
'Aaj Tak Tum Ne Kamzor Nazneen Dekhi Thi. Ab Tum Ek Alag Nazneen Dekhoge. Tum Ne Hira Par Gandi Nazar Daali. Main Tumhe Kisi Par Nazar Daalne Ke Qabil Nahi Choroon Gi!'
(Until now, you've seen a weak Nazneen. Now, you'll see a different Nazneen. You casted an evil eye on Hira. I won't let you stay in a condition to be able to cast an eye on anyone!)
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahil was sitting silently in the lounge, engrossed in something on his phone. Hoor, Hassan, and Ahil had come to visit Ayaan's house. Hasan was outside with the kids, while Hoor was sitting inside the room with Dilawar.
Upon hearing footsteps, Ahil removed his gaze from the phone. Holding a cat in her hands, Meerub, a spirited smile on her face, ran to Ahil. Ahil and Meerub weren't friends, but there was still a need to talk to him and show him her things and cats. She was like her paternal aunt, and no matter how bad Ahil was, they would narrate all the stories to him by speaking aloud.
The cat was of a light, sandy color, and Meerub loved it because its color was similar to her own.
"Jerry," Meerub told the name while loving the cat, and moved the cat ahead expecting Ahil would also love her cat.
"Jerry? But this is a cat," as far as Ahil remembered, Jerry was a mouse. Cat was Tom. He had come to the lounge to receive a call.
"No. Jerry."
"But this is a cat. Its name should be Tom."
"No, this is Jerry." Now, Meerub lightly frowned. It was Jerry. Its name was Jerry. Why was this man arguing with her?
"But when this is Tom, how can its name be Jerry?" Ahil also did not realize when he started arguing with a three-year-old. But probably, undoubtedly, this was all related to Dr Hoor Dilawar Khan.
"No. This Jerry. Tom Odhar," pointing with little anger, calling 'udhar' as 'Odhar', she indicated towards the wall. Ahil looked at the wall.
(there)
"There? Inside the wall?"
"Tom peeku paas hai." Ahil took a deep breath. Jerry was a cat; now who were Tom, and Peeku?
(Tom is with Peeku.)
"Who is Peeku?"
"Peeku Meeru friend." Ahil nodded. Peeku must be the neighbour's daughter. Tom was then a cat of Peeku.
"Meeru, Jerry ko le kar kyun ghoom rahi ho?" Hoor came to the lounge at that moment and called out to Meerub sitting on the sofa. Ahil gave her a sideways glance.
"Why is the cat named Jerry? It should be named Tom."
"Meeru likes Jerry. She named it. That's it."
"To bataana tha na usay, woh to bachi hai. Is billi mein Jerry wali kaun si harkat hai jo is ka yeh naam rakha?"
(So, you should have told her. She's just a kid. What kind of action can the cat possibly do that it's named after Jerry?)
"Harkat to aap ki bhi koi insano wali nahi magar naam to rakh diya na Aunty ne insanon wala" Ahil retorted at Hoor's comment. Lips parted. Rude. Witch.
(Action? Well, you don't have any human-like actions either, but you still got a human name)
"Tum... is waqt sasuraal mein na betha hota to dekh leta tumhe. Aur yeh Peeky kaun hai?"
(If I weren't sitting in the in-laws' house right now, I would have shown you. And who is Pico?)
"Padosi ka kutta."Ahil looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
(Neighbor's dog. )
"And Tom?"
"Peeku's baby." Ahil looked around, seemingly trying to digest it. Then he shook his head. The whole family is crazy, he admitted.
"Insanon ka ghar hai ya chidiyaghar?"
(Is it a human's house or a zoo?)
"Chidiyaghar. Applications are open. Apply kijiye, bina interview ke le lenge. Balki application bhi na bhejein to chalega. Shakal dekh kar hi le lenge." Hoor responded with a smile.
(Zoo. Applications are open. Apply, and even without an interview, we'll consider you. If you don't send an application, that's fine too. We'll hire you based on your appearance.)
"Your whole family needs a psychologist. If you want, I can recommend some good psychologists." He just gave advice. Ahil, saying that, picked up his phone and headed towards Ayan's room, while Hoor stared at his back. Then, turning back, she looked at Meerub and smiled, giving her a strong hug. Leaving Meerub behind, she went back to Dalawar's room to see the message on her phone. She used to send messages rarely. When she opened the message, it had already been deleted. She found it appropriate not to ask and hung up the phone.
They never felt that sometimes she wanted them to ask. Every question she hid, she wanted them to ask. Ask forcefully for answers so that there was no other choice but to answer. But that never happened.
—-------------
It was two in the night. Sherazi was asleep. Nazneen's eyes were open. Sleep had eluded her. He laid bad eyes on Hira. How could she sleep? How could she forgive? Nazneen would always forget. She would if it was about her. But if it came to Hira, she wouldn't forgive. Sherazi understood that Hira wouldn't tell Nazneen anything. But as soon as something felt wrong to Hira, she revealed it. Nazneen looked at Sherazi, and hatred welled up in her. How could Sherazi look at Hira like that? Nazneen couldn't make a straightforward decision. She was alone. She couldn't capture Sherazi's collar in emotions. She needed to protect herself, too, because Hira was her responsibility. Grabbing his collar meant hiding her face with makeup for the next few days. She couldn't do that. She had obligations. One of the obligations was Sherazi's offspring, in her womb. It was the second month. Sherazi was undoubtedly hated, but this child was Nazneen's, and that was infinitely dear to her. Nazneen couldn't conceive the thought of harming the child. Sherazi wouldn't care about the child when raising his handl. She couldn't go anywhere as she wasn't as rich. And at least she never wanted to go to the people who got her here. They will ask to marry another man as they told her previously, and like before, they wouldn't give importance to her refusal and forcefully send her off with someone. How could she forgive? How could she forgive everyone?
In the morning, after Sherazi left, she entered the room, and there was her desk in front of her. She moved forward and opened the desk. Inside was a green stone ring. It was given to her by Hira's real father. 'I will protect your daughter. This society, family, the world... Today, I curse them all. Only Hira is important. Only Hira.' She cleaned her teary eyes, took the ring, and wore it on her finger. She needed courage for this journey. This ring was supposed to give her that strength. It was meant to empower her.
—-------------------
"Zaroorat tumhein therapy ki thi, kar tum ne shaadi li." Ayaan's words were met with the usual furrow on Ahil's forehead.
(You needed therapy, but you did marriage instead)
"Kyun? Mujhe kya zarurat thi therapy ki?" Ahil questioned.
(Why? What was the need for therapy for me?)
"Ye tumhein maloom hona chahiye. Jo bhi masail hain tumhare, kabhi un ke liye tum ne therapy nahi ki. Gussa qabu karne mein mushkil hoti hai tumhein, to tumhein chahiye ke kisi psychologist, counselor, etc., jo bhi is mein madad kar sakte hain, un se madad lo. Unhein zyada maloom hoga ke tumhara masla kis had tak ka hai aur kaise qabu karna hai. Main to zyada nahi janta ab''
(You should know. Whatever issues you have, you haven't had therapy for them. It's difficult to control anger for you, so you need to seek help from psychologists, counselors, etc., who can help you. They will know more about how severe your problem is and how to control it. I don't know much now.)
The door opened. It was Meerub Ayaan Khan.
"Hi, Baba," She greeted Ayaan with a smile, waving her hand, and sat on the bed. As many times as she met Ayan, she always said, "Hi, Baba." After playing for an hour, she would go somewhere for five minutes, and when she came back, she would definitely say, "Hi, baba" On Ayan's refusal and asking her to say salam, when he came back from the hospital, she would say salam once, and the rest of the time, she kept saying hi baba, hi baba.
"Hi, Meeru," Ayan responded.
"To main keh raha tha ke socho, is mein mera ya kisi ka faida nahi hai. Tum waise bhi gusse par qabu kar lete ho, lekin main janta hoon kuch masail hain tumhare bhi maazi ke magar tum ne heal hone ki koshish hi nahi ki. Aage bharo, jo madad therapist waghera kar sakte hain woh hum to nahi kar sakte na."
(So I was saying, think about it. There's no benefit for me or anyone else in this. You already control your anger, but I know there are issues from your past, yet you haven't tried healing. Move forward; the help therapists and others can provide, we can't.)
"I'm perfectly fine."
"Wahi murghi ki ek tang. Ek bar jao to sahi, zaroori thodi hai koi bohot bada waqia ho tabhi jaya jaye. Ab tum jaise parhe likhe log, doctor ban kar bhi therapy ya zehni sehat ko tawajju nahi doge to phir baqiyon ka to Allah hi hafiz hai. Kahi auntie ne tumhari shadi yeh soch kar to nahi ki thi ke shadi kar denge to theek hojayega. Yaqeen karo Hoor ko aisi batein shadeed zehr lagti hain."
(Oh God. Go once, it's not like a significant event has to happen for it to be justified. Now, educated people like you, even if they become doctors, don't pay attention to therapy or mental health, what can we expect from others? You sure Aunty didn't get you married thinking he'll be fine after marriage. Believe me, Hoor hates such things.)
"Tumhari behan ko main hi pura ka pura zehr lagta hoon, koi nai baat nahi hai. Aur main therapy nahi lena chahta."
(Your sister hates me , it's nothing new. And I don't want therapy.)
"Hoor ko agar tum bataoge ya jab bhi tumhare aur uske haalat kuch behtar honge to woh zaroor tumhein yehi bataye gi."
"If you tell Hoor or whenever things improve, she will say the same thing to you."
"Well then, it's better that I don't share anything with her."
"Mujh se bhi tum ne kabhi nahi ki. Kisi ne kisi se to kabhi na kabhi insan keh hi deta hai thak haar kar. Apne doston se nahi karte, to phir ek din us se hi karloge... kar to woh chuka tha. Aur jab us se karoge to woh tumhara sath de gi lekin agar tum apne liye koshish nahi karoge us ki nahi sunoge to main kuch nahi keh sakta. Ho sakta hai tumhein phir Hoor aur apni zid mein se ek ko chunna pare."
(You haven't shared it with me either. Humans get tired and have to open up to someone sooner or later. If you don't share it with your friends, then one day you'll share it with her... And when you do so with her, she will support you, but if you don't make an effort for yourself, listen to her, I can't say anything. You might have to choose between Hoor and your stubbornness someday.)
"And why would I choose her?" He replied.
"Nuksan kiska hoga yaar? Apni zindagi behtar karne ke liye qadam nahi loge to apna nuksan karoge. Tumhein to shukr ada karna chahiye ke tumhari zindagi mein anay wali larki kam az kam zehni sehat par tawajju deti hai aur agar koi aise masail se guzar raha ho to us ka sath bhi deti hai. Woh tumhein theek nahi kar sakti nah karegi. Use yeh fazool batein gussa dilati hain. Lekin haan, use be jaa zid bhi gussa hi dilaye gi agar tum nahi maane to."
(Whose loss will it be? If you don't take steps to improve your life, your own loss. You should be grateful that the girl coming into your life at least pays attention to mental health, and if someone is going through such issues, she provides support. She can't fix you, nor will she. These futile discussions only provoke anger in her. But yes, she will also get angry if you don't agree.)
"Jis hisaab se tum keh rahe ho ke woh gussa karti hai, us hisaab se pehle use khud apne gussa par qabu karne ke ----"
(The way you are saying that she gets angry, she first needs to control her own ang----)
"Aaaaaaaa!" Someone interrupted Dr. Ahil Mustafa Malik in between. Ahil looked at three-year-old Meerub, then turned his eyes towards Ayaan. "Meeru, buri baat. Jab koi baat kar raha ho to aise nahi karte. Pehle baat khatam hone ka intezar karte hain. Aur baat khatam ho to naam le kar bulate hain. Okay?"
(Meeru, bad thing. When someone is talking, don't interrupt like that. We wait for the conversation to end first. And when it's over, we call their name. Okay?)
"Okay."Meerub said, then stopped "Baba okay, baba okay, baba okay." After indicating to Ayan three or four times that she had understood, Ayan shook his head three or four times. When Meerub's reassurance was complete, she got busy again, and Ayan turned his attention to Ahil..
"Haan to main kya keh raha tha?"
(So, what was I saying?)
"Tumhara nahi pata, albatta main yeh kehna chahta hoon ke therapy ki tumhare pure khandan ko bhi zarurat hai."
(I don't know about you, but I want to say that therapy is needed for your entire family.)
"Baatein na ghumao."
(Don't twist things.)
"Main ne kon si baat ghumayi?"
(I haven't twisted anything.)
"Yeh jo tum kar rahe ho na, main sab samajh raha hoon. Ghumalo jitna ghumana hai. Karlo nazar andaz apni mental health ko jitna karna hai. Kab tak karoge?" Ahil remained silent.
(What you are doing, I understand everything. Twist as much as you want. Ignore your mental health as much as you want. How long will you do this?)
"Ab munh band karke baithe raho."
(Now keep sitting with your mouth closed, like a dumb person.)
"Bolo to masla, na bolo to masla. Tum dono behen---"
(If I speak it's a problem, If I don't speak it's a problem. You both, brother and sister---)
"Baba Rainnn." Meerub, seeing drops falling on the window, immediately gestured to Ayan with her finger towards the window.
"Nahi tum baap beti pehle baat karlo, main khamosh hi theek hoon."
(No, you father and daughter, talk first, I'm fine being silent.)
"Aray wah. Jao ja kar dekho tez ho rahi hai ya aahista aahista. Phir mujhe bhi batana. Baba uth kar ja nahi sakte na." Ayan replied, then shifted his gaze back towards Ahil.
(Wow, go and see if she's getting faster or slowly. Then let me know too. Baba can't get up, right?)
"Teen saal ki hai woh. Ab ek baar to sari baat nahi keh sakti. Use to pankha bhi thori der mein dilchasp laga to mujhe bataye gi."
(She is three years old. Now, she can't express everything at once. If she finds something interesting even in the fan, she will tell me in a while.)
"Woh tumhe tang kar rahi hai."
(She's bothering you.)
"Is ka baap hoon, mujhe nahi kare gi to kise kare gi? Bachay tang bhi use karte hain jis ke sath woh comfortable ho. Aur woh tang nahi kar rahi, use meri tawajju chahiye. Bachay aise hi tawajju mangte hain."
(I am her father; if she doesn't bother me, who will she bother? Children bother those they are comfortable with. And she's not bothering; she wants my attention. Children ask for attention like that.)
Ahil stayed silent.
"Jab tum koi zaroori kaam kar rahe ho aur woh tumhe beech mein tokte rahe to tum tang nahi aajate?"
(When you are doing something important, and she keeps interrupting you, don't you get bothered?)
"Mere zaroori kaam ---"
(My important work—)
"Baba Rain slow."
"Oh, aap ne nahana hai barish mein?"
(Oh, you want to bathe in the rain?)
"No Meeru no."
"Chalo koi baat nahi, jab dil hoga to naha lena."Meerub shook her head and picked up the scattered toys from the bed.
(Well, no problem. When you feel like it, take a shower.)
"Haan to main kahan tha. Haan, mere zaroori kaam na hone se duniya khatam nahi hogi. Woh mujhe hospital mein zaroori kaamon mein to nahi tokhti. Ghar par main aisa koi bhi zaroori kaam nahi karta jis mein meri mukammal tawajju na hone se kisi ko khatra ho. Jaise abhi theek hai, main tumse bohat zaroori baat kar raha hoon, lekin agar kuch reh gaya to yeh baat main dobara bhi kar sakta hoon. Lekin use nazar andaz karun ga to us par manfi asar pare ga. Main aisa nahi chahta."
(Yes, so where was I? Yes, the world won't end if my important work isn't completed. She doesn't interrupt me in important tasks at the hospital. At home, I don't do any important work that could pose a threat if I don't pay complete attention. Like right now, I am talking to you, which is very important, but if something is left, I can discuss it again. But if I ignore her, it will have a negative impact on her. I don't want that.)
"Tumhein ghusa nahi aata?"
(Don't you get angry?)
"Nahi. Aata bhi ho to bardaasht karna seekho ga. Kya hum kabhi hospital mein apne seniors par apna ghusa nikalte hain? Nahi, kyunke wahan hum kar nahi sakte. Phir ghar mein kyun? Main manta hoon ghusa qabu karna mushkil hai, kahin nikalne ka dil bhi chahta hai lekin is ke liye bohat si aisi baatein aur aamal hain jo hamein madad kar sakte hain, aur unhi ke liye hamein counseling wagaira leni chahiye." Ayan tried to give Ahil some more insight, but that man didn't seem convinced.
(No. Even if I do feel, I must learn to endure it. Do we ever vent our frustration on our seniors in the hospital? No, because we can't do that there. So why at home? I believe controlling anger is difficult; we desire to express it, but for this, there are many things and practices that can help us, and for those, we should consider seeking counseling and the like.)
( Four or five years old Ayaan was trying to draw Dilawar's attention. He had lost his mother, and his father, due to lots of work, didn't pay attention to him. Ayaan often talked to him, asked questions, but every time he answered yes or no, his eyes focused on the laptop. This was not the first case, nor the last. This was part of a long chain of events.)
Ahel remained silent. He was just thinking.
(Four or five year old Ahil was sitting in the study repeatedly asking Mustafa questions. Mustafa was already angry for some reason, and then Ahel's repeated questioning added more irritation. Mustafa, in anger, scolded Ahel. He was an innocent child. Scared. He moved away. This was also neither the first nor the last incident. However, in the child's heart, there was a fear when addressing his father, a fear that did not go away.)
Mirb Ayan Khan got up from the bed and went to the other side. There was a basket of fruits there. She picked a grape from the basket and placed it on the table. She observed it for a few moments. Then, one by one, she picked more grapes from the basket and placed them outside. Ayan kept watching her in silence.
(Eight-year-old Ayan was eating raw green peas in a container in the kitchen. He liked raw green peas a lot. While eating, the container of peas fell to the ground, and peas scattered on the floor. Ayan immediately sat on the ground and started gathering them.)
"Yeh kya kiya?"
(What have you done?)
"Sorry Tai Ami woh ghalti se—"
(Sorry Tai Ami, it was a mistake—)
"Kya ghalti? Haan? Sara kaam kharab kar dete ho. Tumhari maa khud margayi tumhein hamare sar chhod gayi. Tum ek faltu insaan ho. Na kisi ko tum se mohabbat hai na tumhari zarurat. Bas sar par para bojh ho." Ayan stood there with tears in his eyes, a red face, and an embarrassed demeanor. At that moment, Hoor's mother entered the kitchen hearing the noise. She was twenty-six years old.
(What mistake? Huh? You ruin everything. Your mother died, and she left you as a burden on our heads. You are a useless person. Neither does anyone love you nor do you matter. You are just a burden on our heads.)
"Ayan, zara Hoor ko dekho. Kamre mein akeli hai, bistar se gir na jaye." Ayan shook his head and went, while Hoor's mother, Hooriya, cast a glance at Tai.
(Ayan, go and check on Hoor. She's alone in the room, making sure she doesn't fall off the bed.)
"Sab se pehli baat ke is ke paas maa hai. Dusri baat, agar aapko masla mutar girne par hai to main ek ek mutar utha kar de sakti hoon. Agar masla kaam badh jaane ka hai to woh bhi main kar doon gi. Agar masla paiso ka hai to woh bhi main de doon gi, lekin Ayan ko aindah is lehje mein mukhatib mat kijiyega. Aap ke aage khamoshi ab tak is liye ikhtiyar ki rakhi ke aap badi hain. Warna ghalat baat to main Dilaawar ki bhi khamoshi se nahi sun sakti, phir aap to bohat door ki baat hain. Mujhe badtameezi par mat aksaiyega kyun ke agar maine kabhi dosron ke samne zaban kholi to mun chhupati phirengi. Woh mera beta hai. Use mera beta samajh kar izzat dain. Warna main bhi wahi sulook shuru kar sakti hoon. Aur yeh cream. Yeh rakhein. Kal mujhe woh pata nahi kaun de gayi thi, aap ki jannay wali. Unho ne mujhe yeh rang gora karne ki cream di aur janti hain kis ke liye? Hoor ke liye. Khuda ki qasam, is waqt Ayan lounge mein na baitha hota to maine itna zaleel karna tha na is aurat ko. Main ne tameez se inkaar kiya magar israar karke rakh diye. Aur saath hi saath mashwara de dala ke is ka naam use suit nahi karta to yeh cream istemal kar lo warna naam badal lo. Woh Hoor hai, woh khoobsurat hai. Woh meri beti hai. Woh kabhi aisi nahi banay gi. Main use apni rangat par fakhr karna sikhaoon gi. Main ne yeh sab sun lia, woh nahi sunay gi. Mere bachon se door raha karen, yeh darkhwast nahi hai, warning hai!"
(Firstly, he has a mother. Secondly, if you have an issue with peas falling, I can pick up each pea. If the issue is work-related, I can handle that too. If it's a money issue, I can give that as well, but don't address Ayan in that tone in the future. My silence till now was a choice because you are the elder one. Otherwise, I can't hear wrong things even if Dilaawar says it; then you are much farther. Don't challenge me on rudeness because if I ever speak out in front of others, you will have to keep your mouth shut. He is my son. Treat him as my son. Otherwise, I can also start the same behavior. And this cream. Keep this. Yesterday, I don't know who gave me this, the one you know. She gave me this cream for skin lightening, and you know for whom? For Hoor. I swear to God, if Ayan hadn't been sitting in the lounge at that moment, I would have humiliated this woman so much. I politely refused, but she insisted. And along with that, she advised me that if this cream doesn't work then change the name. She is Hoor. She is MY daughter. She is beautiful. She will never become someone like that. I will teach her to take pride in her complexion. I heard all this, she won't have to. Stay away from my children; it's not a request, it's a warning!)
"Thank you Ayan. What would I do without you? Without you, I can't even do anything. How much help you provide me."Hooriya went into the room and praised Ayan, making him feel valued that he was not worthless. One year old Hoor had been in Ayan's lap. When Hooriya went forward to take Hoor in her arms, Ayan stepped out of the room, but with the sound of "Aan," in Hoor's high-pitched voice, Hooriya had to catch Ayan to hold Hoor back. Then for the next few minutes, Ayan remained with Hoor, and Hooriya took care of other tasks.
Ayan loved Hoor and Arslan because they were his siblings, but more than that, he cared for them because they were the children of the woman who made Ayan's childhood beautiful. She filled it with colors. Due to his past, he couldn't connect with her more than that. Life hadn't given him much time. He couldn't attend her funeral, and this regret lingered throughout his life.
Meerub filled her fist with four or five grapes and then threw them on the ground, as if she wanted to play like throwing a ball. Ahil kept looking at Ayaan as if he would get angry. Now, he will scold Meerub, but Ayan neither had plans to do nor he did.
"Meeru... yeh to khaane ki cheez hai. Khaane ki cheez ko zameen par phenkate hain?" Meerub raised her face in response to Ayan's call. She was sitting on the floor.
(Meeru... this is food. Do we throw food on the ground?)
"Tell me, do we throw food?" Meerub shook her head in denial. "Good girl, Meeru. Meeru knows everything. Do you need a ball to play?" Meerub nodded in agreement. "So, when you need something, what do you do? You tell and ask for it. Okay?"
"Okay, Baba, okay, Baba, okay, Baba, okay, Baba." Ayan nodded as if saying yes, this many times is enough, I understand. "Come on, now pick this up and put it back, then I'll tell someone to find your toys for you." Meerub continued to pick up grapes. The temptation of toys proved beneficial. Ahel removed his gaze from father and daughter.
(Seven-year-old Ahil was playing with toys. There was a water jug on the table as well. While playing with toys, his hand accidentally hit the water jug, and water spilled onto Mustafa's important documents. He wanted to pick up the papers, but due to getting wet in the water, they had become extremely fragile. So, they tore apart. He immediately felt fear, thinking about what would happen if his father found out? He was still contemplating in fear when Mustafa entered. Seeing the condition of the papers, in anger, he slapped Ahil on the face. He scolded him for a long time. Wania was also present, but she was not reprimanded. Shazia dried the papers and then applied adhesive to join the torn papers..
Woh phate kaghaz jhur gaye the, woh toota dil nahi jhura tha.)
(Those torn papers got mended, that broken heart never did.)
Meerub put the grapes back. Then, her attention was drawn to Ayan's phone. She picked it up and motioned towards Ayaan to open it for her. Ayaan opened YouTube.
"Tumhein pata hai Ahil, hamare muashray mein is baat par bohat dhyan hota hai ke walid ka kaam maali tor par zarurat puri karna hai aur woh baat theek hai bilkul. Zimmedari hai, apni aulad ki zimmedari baap nahi uthayega to kaun uthayega. Lekin hum yeh baat bhool jaate hain ke jazbati talluq bhi zaroori hota hai. Ek waqt aata hai jab aulad ko paiso ki zarurat nahi rehti, lekin tab jazbati talluq bhi qaim nahi ho pata kyunki shuru se baap ka rishta hi sirf paison tak mehdood kar diya gaya tha. Main yahan qusoor waar kisi ko nahi kehta, lekin main zaroor chahta hoon ke main apne bachon ke liye mojood rahoon. Sirf tab nahi jab unhein paise chahiye, tab bhi jab unhein koi masla ho, koi khushi ho, kuch bhi ho, woh mere paas aaye." Ahil nodded.
(You know Ahil, in our society, there is a lot of emphasis on the fact that a father's job is to fulfill the financial needs, and that's absolutely correct. It's a responsibility; if a father doesn't take responsibility for his children, then who will? But we forget that emotional connection is also necessary. There comes a time when the children don't need money, but at that time, the emotional connection can't be established because from the beginning, the father's relationship was limited to just money. I'm not blaming anyone here, but I do want to make sure that I am present for my children. Not just when they need money, but also when they have any problem, any joy, anything at all, they should come to me.)
(Twelve-year-old Ahil and his friend were playing outside. In the street, there was a car whose window had broken due to their ball hitting it.
"I'll tell my dad. He'll see. It's okay," his friend said.
Ahil stood there. He couldn't say anything. His biggest fear was, what would happen if his dad found out?
He wasn't one of those kids who, when faced with a problem, first thought of telling their dad. He was one of those who, when faced with a problem, first feared that their dad shouldn't find out.)
Ahil's thoughts were scattered. This was all so strange. It was difficult. Why was Ayan telling him about this? Did he know what Ahil's issues were?
"Why are you telling me about this?" Ahil asked.
"Kya matlab kyun bata raha ho? Main aksar tum se baatein karta rehta hoon, dost ho tum mere. Mera dil kar raha tha kehne ko to keh diya. Koi bhi cycle todna aasan nahi hota. Lekin cycle jari rakhna bhi aasan nahi hota. Apna bhi dil tutta hai, dosron ka bhi torte hain. Main tumhare masail nahi janta, main to apne hawale se keh raha hoon. Lekin main wohi insan nahi hoon jiske aise masail hoon, ho sakta hai tumhein madad mil jaye."
(What do you mean, why are you telling? I often talk to you, you're my friend. I wanted to say it, so I said it. Breaking any cycle is not easy. But keeping the cycle going is also not easy. Our hearts also break, and we also break others' hearts. I don't know your problems, I'm just speaking from my perspective. But I'm not the only one with such problems; maybe you can get help.)
"Nahi, mere saath koi masail nahi hain. Main bilkul theek hoon."
(No, I don't have any problems. I'm perfectly fine)
"Okay, achi baat hai phir." Ayan had used strong language in his heart, giving a couple of scoldings to Ahil. A little later, Ahil and Hoor went back home.
(Ok. nice, then.)
"Haan, kya bana phir?"
(Yeah, what's up then?)
"Bohat hi koi Awwaleen kisam ka dheet bhai hai aap ka, Wania. Woh to yeh bhi nahi maana ke uske sath koi masla hai. Seedha seedha keh diya main to bilkul theek hoon." Ayaan jerked his head at Wania's question.
(He's quite a stubborn brother, Wania. He doesn't even admit that there's an issue with him. He straightforwardly said I'm perfectly fine.)
"Haan, mujhe yahi ummeed thi. Woh yun kisi se nahi kehta. Mere se kabhi kabhi keh deta hai kyun ke hum dono ki umar mein farq hi kitna hai? Sath hi palay badhe hain. Lekin koi baat nahi, kam az kam aap ko yun karte dekh kuch na kuch sochega to sahi. Dono miyan biwi hi dheet hain." Ayaan nodded. He completely agreed.
(Yes, that's what I was guessing. He doesn't tell anyone like that. Sometimes he tells me because we both have a considerable age difference, right? Plus, we've grown up together. But no problem, at least seeing you do it, he might think something. Both husband and wife are stubborn.)
"Woh aisa kyun hai?" Wania took a deep breath and sat there, contemplating.
(Why is he like that?)
"Bohat si wajahat hain. Main saari nahi bataungi. Lekin maine aap ko ek baar bata diya hai. Mama Baba ke rishte ne hum teenon par bohat asar kiya. Badi to main hoon, lekin bara beta to wohi tha na. Hum dono mein farq hi kitna hai? Sirf gyarah mah ka. Baba ghuse ke bahut tez the. Main beti thi, mujh par nahi nikalte thay. To woh gusaa aksar us par niklata tha. Sab samajhte hain ladkiyan jazbati hoti hain, theek hai. Lekin sab yeh kyun samajhte hain ladkon mein jazbaat hote hain nahi? Bachpan se hi un ko kaha jata hai ro mat, ladkiyon ki tarah na ro. Ladke ho, mazboot bano. Koi mare to jawabon se ro mat, kyunki ladkiyan roti hain. Ladke waapas marte hain badla lete hain. Main yeh nahi keh rahi ke ladke badla na lein, lekin unhein bhi rone dena chahiye. Unhein bhi ijazat honi chahiye ke jazbaat ka izhaar kar sakein. Woh hamesha hi kyun serious hoon? Aap unhein kisi aur jazbe ke izhaar ka mauka nahi dete phir woh saare jazbaat ander hi rehte hain. Kisi ke dukh ka ehsas hum karte hi nahi jab tak woh gusse mein na tabdeel ho jaaye. (Internet). Phir woh gussa karein to woh mukammal tor par villain ya bure insaan. Aaj bhi gussa qabu karne ki koshish karna ya is ke liye therapy karna maayub samjha jata hai. Kyun? Kyunki gussa mardangi ki alamat samjhne laga hai yeh muashra. Jo gussa na kare, cheekein chalaye na woh kaisa mard hua? Bas, woh bhi isi sab mein kahin phansa hua hai. Woh gussa kar jata hai lekin hud se age nahi barhta. Lekin woh gussa qabu karne ke liye kuch karta bhi nahi hai. Kehta hai bas jaisa hai jo hai, theek hai. Jabki theek nahi hai. Maine Hoor se keh diya ke ladke to aise hi karte hain, maine galat kaha. Us ka ehsas mujhe Hoor ke jawab se hua. Woh baat theek kar rahi thi, lekin meri aage se sune baghair bas suna kar wapas chali gayi. Foran larai shuru hojati hai. Khair, Ahil bura nahi hai. Woh bhi ek normal si family, ek happy family chahta hai lekin woh yeh baat nahi keh pata hai na samajh pata hai. Khud ko zimmedariyon mein itna masroof kar liya hai ke bas wahi machine-like zindagi... Pata nahi kya banega in---"
(There are many reasons. I won't tell all of them, but I've told you once. Mama and Baba's relationship had a significant impact on all three of us. I might be the eldest, but he was the eldest son. What's the age difference between us? Just eleven months. Baba used to get angry very quickly. I was the daughter, they didn't scold me. So, his anger often directed towards him. Everyone understands that girls are emotional, alright. But why does everyone think that boys don't have emotions? From childhood, they are told not to cry like girls. 'You're a boy, be strong. If someone hits you, don't cry back because girls cry. Boys hit back.' I'm not saying that boys shouldn't retaliate, but they should also be allowed to cry. They should also have the permission to express their emotions. Why are they always so serious? You don't give them a chance to express any other emotion, so all those emotions stay inside. We don't feel someone else's pain until they transform from anger (Internet). Then When they get angry, they either become a complete villain or a bad person. Even today, trying to control anger or seeking therapy for it is considered defective. Why? Because society has started to perceive anger as a sign of masculinity. Who doesn't get angry, who doesn't shout, what kind of man is he? Well, he is also stuck in the same societal expectations. He does get angry, but he doesn't go beyond a limit. However, he doesn't do anything to control his anger. He just says, 'I am as I am, it's fine.' While it's not fine. I told Hoor that boys do the same, I was wrong. I felt that through Hoor's response. She was making a valid point, but without hearing further, she just walked away. Immediately, an argument starts. Well, Ahil is not a bad person. He also wants a normal family, a happy family, but he can't say it or understand it. He has made himself so busy with responsibilities that it's just that machine-like life... I don't know what will become of–)
"Mama..." Ali's crying voice calling for Mama had interrupted Wania's conversation in between.
"In my opinion, we should now focus on our own issues," Ayan said.
"I'm coming... Yes, you are right, we have many problems of our own," Wania replied.
"Wania... Don't worry. Everything will be fine," Ali, now crying, entered and rushed to Wania. Wania gently asked why he was crying. Ali lifted his pants from his foot, showing Wania a wound. He had fallen while playing.
"Oh, let me apply some medicine. My brave son, don't cry like this. Boys don't cry like girls---"
"Waniaaaaaa..." Ayan softly interrupted Wania's name. Wania's attention shifted towards Ayan. "You were saying something just now, and now you're doing the same thing again." Wania immediately sensed Ayan's point. They might agree in words, but in real life, they didn't act on it.
"Is it hurting? Come, it'll be fine in a while. It's okay; when it hurts, come to Mama, I'll apply medicine. Let me put some now." Wania kissed Ali's cheek and took him outside to apply the medicine.
—--------------
Hoor and Ahil were sitting in the lounge with Momal and Ali on their laps respectively. Momal and Ali started narrating the stories, how and when they would play and how much fun they would have together.
"Mamu mein teeno games jeeta tha jabkay Momal saari haar gayi."
(Mamu I won all the games whereas Momal lost all the games)
"But I won all the games the day before."
"Lekin mamu kehte hain raat gayi baat gayi. To ab hum purani baat nahi kar rahe aur mamu jab koi game khatam hoti hai to hum high five karte hain. Aisay." Momal and Ali gave high-five to each other.
(But Mamu says we don't talk about old things . So, now we are not talking about old matters. And mamu when the game ends we give high five like this.)
" Ab aap ke sath." Ali gave ahil a high-five then and Momal gave to hoor, next Ali gave hoor a high - five and Momal gave to ahil. " Ab aap dono karen." Hoor cast a side glance at ahil. These children always put them in such situations.
(Now with you.)
(now you two do this)
"Karen na."
(Do.)
Hoor and Ahil straightened their hands. Hoor was a little behind. They were close. He clapped. But something went wrong, the clap was not of two hands. Now either they were very close, or Dr. Hoor's hand was fast, or in the words of Dr. Hoor, "who could avoid fate." Hoor immediately withdrew her hand from Ahil's face with wide eyes. Ya Allah this time it was actually by mistake! Momal and Ali laughed. Hoor stared at them both. They were laughing at her now. They both laughed and went to play. Hoor straightened her posture and looked at Ahil who was glaring at her. Ya Allah Just give me the courage to get up from here once, I will take care of the rest. Hoor licked her lips.
"Ghalti se." And before he could do something, she immediately got up and ran.
(By mistake)
"Tum, tumhe nahi choroon ga.'' Ahil went after her, and Hoor ran faster. Looked around, something, a weapon with which she could defend herself from this man. Everyone else was downstairs. On that floor, except for Momal and Ali and the children, only Hassan was there who was sitting there on an old couch with headphones on. Meerub was seen standing in front of her with a feeder in her hand. Hoor ran and grabbed meerub and lapped in front of her. At that time only Meerub Ayaan khan could save her phupho. Meerub happily took out her feeder and laughed her lungs out. She also wanted to play.
(You, I will not spare you.)
" Tum nahi bachogi is bar, har dafa mere sath hi kyun aisi harkat karni hoti hai tum ne? "
(You will not be spared this time, why do you have to act like this every time with me?)
" Bola na ghalti se laga. "
( I told you it is a mistake )
"Calculated aur planned ghalti, hai na. "
(yes calculated and planned mistake right?
" Ab har baar thori na plan karoon.." Hoor clenched her eyes.
( Now I will not plan every time.....)
"yeh niklana sach. maan lo ab toh ke woh harkat toh tum ne jaan kar ki thi, aur yeh bhi. "
(see! The truth is out of your mouth. now accept it that you did that act knowingly and this too)
" Ab har baar thori na jaan kar karoon gi. Waisay bhi woh purani baat ho gayi. aur Ali ke mamu kehte hain raat gayi baat gayi."
(Now does it mean every time I will do it knowingly? Anyway, that's a thing of the past. And Ali's uncle says that we don't talk about old matters.)
"Woh mamu hi Iss waqt tumhare samne khara hai. Aur bas tumhare maamalay mein hi raat gayi baat gayi hoti hai, meri baari to raat hi khatam nahi hoti, tab to saal purani baatein bhi tum le aati ho. "
(It is his uncle who is standing in front of you at this moment, and in your case only old matters don't come up; for me, you always bring old things.)
"Haan to khud kon sa bhoolay hain. Taanay hi diye ja rahe hain pichle do hafton se." Hoor got angry.
(So, what have you forgotten? You have been taunting me for the last two weeks. )
Meerub's back was touching hoor and she was holding her in front of her. Her hands held Meerub's chest. Meerub lifted her leg and wanted to touch Ahil. Also kept looking at him to know if he knew what she was doing. Ahil took a look at this younger trouble and then back to older trouble. Where was he stuck?
"Nahi, tum phupho bhatiji ne koi qisam khai hui hai mil kar ke jis ko mauqa mile mere sar dard ki wajah ban jaye?" Meerub had placed the feeder back in her mouth.
(No, have you both aunt and niece conspired to make any of you, whoever finds an opportunity, be the reason for my headache?)
"Acha theek hai bas, mujhe bohot se kaam hain woh karne dein. Ja kar apna kaam karein."
(Alright, fine. Let me do my work. Go and do your own work.)
"Haan theek hai karlo ga kaam lekin, thappar ka badla thappar. Hamare beech maafi nahi hoti, yeh to maloom hai na."
(Yes, fine, do your work. But, tit for tat. There is no forgiveness between us, that's clear, right?)
"Haan, magar ghalti ka badla ghalti." Hoor shrugged.
(Yes, but revenge for a mistake is still a mistake)
"Bilkul, main ghalti se tumhe thappar maro ga, ek planned aur calculated ghalti."
(Exactly, I'll mistakenly slap you, a planned and calculated mistake.)
"Sharam nahi aye gi?"
(Won't you feel ashamed?)
"Nahi, main bay sharam hoon."
(No, I am shameless.)
"Mujhe to pehle se hi maloom tha ke aap ne sharam aur lizaat bech khaiya hai."
(I already knew that you have sold shame and dignity.)
"Kash tumhein bachi hoti to kuch tumhein bhi mil jata."
(Wish I had sold it to so you would have gotten something too.)
"Shut up."
"Ab bachi ke samne itni munh mari bohot hai, warna tumhari tarah hi apne shohar se ladegi bade ho kar."
(Now that's enough arguments in front of the little one. Otherwise, she will fight with her husband just like you when she grows up.)
"Aap jaisa nahi dhundho gi main us ke liye, is liye fikar na karein. Koi acha, parha likha, shareef, tameez daar larka dhundho gi." Ahil glared at them and turned back. He was glared back with 4 eyes.
(I won't find someone like you for her, so don't worry. I'll look for a good, educated, decent boy for her.)
"Huh.' Hoor imitated him and held Meerub properly, why was she being punished for no reason? Hoor put Meerub beside Hassan in the lounge.
"Hassan, agar Raima tumhare munh par thappar mare to kya karoge?" Just randomly, when the question arose, Hoor thought it should be clarified with Hassan as well. After all, he was his brother!
(Hasan, what will you do if Raima slaps you?)
"Main saari zindagi munh hi nahi dhounga." He used to watch movies and read books.
(I won't wash my face for the rest of my life.)
"Tum dono bhai seedha jawab nahi de sakte? Tum se main ne poocha hi kyun?"
(Both of you brothers can't give a straight answer? Why did I even ask you?)
"Kyunki aap bhai ko ek laga chuki hain aur ab fikarmand hain, is liye."
(Because you have already slapped brother, and now you're worried, that's why.)
"Tumhein kaise pata? Tum ne headphones lagaye hue thay."
(How do you know? You had headphones on.)
"Main bhi us taareekhi high-fiyo ke waqt lounge mein hi tha, headphones kanon par thay, meri gunahgaar aankhein to sab dekh rahi thi. Khair, ab aap chunke mujh se madad maang rahi hain to main madad kardeta hoon. Aap seedha seedha bhai se maafi maang len."
(I was also in the lounge during that historical high-five, with headphones on my ears. My guilty eyes were seeing everything. Anyway, since you're asking me for help now, I'll help. Just straightforwardly apologize to my brother.)
"Maafi??? Kyun??? Ghalti se hua. Jaan boojh kar thodi na kiya maine."
(Apologies??? Why??? It was an accident. I didn't do it intentionally.)
"Plan—"
"Haan haan theek hai, planned aur calculated ghalti. Piche hi par gaye ho dono haath dho kar mere."
(Yes yes, it's fine, a planned and calculated mistake. Forgive me both of you.)
"To phir woh ghalti nahi rahi bhabhi, maafi mangen aur baat khatam."
(So it wasn't a mistake then, bhabhi, ask for forgiveness, and end the matter.)
"Lekin is baar waqai mein planned nahi kiya tha, sach mein ghalti hui. Maafi nahi mango gi main."
(But this time, it really wasn't planned, it was a genuine mistake. I won't apologize.)
"Thappar hi kha len phir, issi qabil hain aap phir."
(Then just take the slap, that's what you deserve.)
"Badtameez. Meri hi ghalti thi tum se baat karne aayi. Aur woh tumhari mano bali terrace par chhalangay maar rahi thi, gir na jaye."
(Mannerless. It was my mistake to come and talk to you. And she, your cat, was jumping around on your terrace, don't let her fall.)
"Woh mano bali nahi mano bala hai. Mano bala aap ke bhai ke ghar mein hoti hai meri ab."
(That's not a she; That's a he. )
"Mano my New Sister." Meerub immediately took the feeder out and conveyed her important message to them. Both of them just nodded in response.
"Bhai to chale gaye, koi kaam ho to bata den, warna phir thehr kar shuru karenge baqi."Hasan, lifting, saw scattered items around. The upper part, where they were sitting, was the reason for the mess as they were rearranging and setting. He had come upstairs to help them, but since children came in between, the work had paused.
(Brother has left, if you have any work, let me know; otherwise, we'll continue where we left off.)
"Nahi, tum jao. Baqi baad mein. Bhai aa jayenge ab." Ahil had gone to the hospital to pick up Ayan. In the day, Waniya had brought the kids with her when dropping Ayan. A month had passed since the incident; Ayan could work now, but he was still avoiding driving. He didn't work much, not like before, but had gotten tired sitting at home all day, so for a little while, he would go to work.
(No, you go. Later. Bhai will come now.)
"Aap kyun bhai bol rahi—"
(Why are you calling him bhai—)
"Ayan bhai ki baat kar rahi hoon main, Hasan. Tum bhi na kuch bhi bolte rehte ho."Hoor glared at him and sat beside Meerub as Hassan went downstairs.
About an hour later, Ayan, Ahil, Hoor, and Waniya were upstairs. Hasan had left the kids downstairs. There were boxes scattered everywhere with items, and there was dirt on the sofas. The kitchen supplies were also just placed there. They were not moving far, but still, the work was not easy at all. They were not shifting stuff from downstairs because most of the stuff downstairs was still there, and they had bought stuff themselves to set up the upper portion.
(I'm talking about Ayan bhai, Hasan. You keep saying anything.)
"Main aur Waniya yeh bartan waghera bawarchi khane mein laga dete hain. Tum log yahan lounge ko tarteeb do." "Ayan and Waniya, having stated their point, moved towards the kitchen. Ahil placed the boxes of utensils in the kitchen so that Ayan wouldn't have to bear too much weight on his back or arms. Waniya and Ayan continued to work in the kitchen and also did some cleaning.
(Waniya and I set up the utensils and other things in the kitchen. You guys organize the lounge here.)
"Mujhe koi lambi si cheez chahiye, yeh oopar konon mein jaale laga rahe hain, woh utaarne hain." On the other side, Hoor stood on a chair to remove the cobwebs; she was entangled in this mess.
(I need something long; those corners up there have cobwebs that need to be removed.)
"Is lounge mein tumhari zubaan se zyada lambi to koi cheez nahi hai." Waniya and Ayan looked at each other, then without saying anything, they continued with their work. Their arguments reached them. Hoor clenched her fists, he was always ready with taunts for her tongue.
(In this lounge, there is nothing longer than your tongue.)
"To ab kya is lambi zubaan se chaat lun jaale?" Hoor angrily said, not realising what had been said and once again, Dr. Hoor had shown her long tongue. Ayan and Waniya looked at each other again. This time, they also glanced at the kitchen door. Ahil frowned. This girl kept talking nonsense!
(Should I now lick the cobwebs with this long tongue?)
Hoor got up from the chair and walked towards Ahil, a few moments later, she came back with a wiper in her hand.
"Aap taanay dein beth kar, main khud hi safaai kar lungi!"
(Sit and taunt, I'll clean it myself!)
"Yeh to bohat acha kiya."
(That's good.)
"Ja kar apna kaam karen, yeh main saaf kar rahi hoon, wahan sofa ke peeche jo flatoo dabay hain unhein rakh kar aayen."
(Go do your work. I'm cleaning here. Bring those flat boxes from behind the sofa and put them in their place.)
"Ek hi baar rakh doon ga, Ayan aur Waniya baji bhi bartan nikal len."
(I'll keep them once when Ayan, Waniya baji, get the dishes out too.)
"Is hisaab se to main bhi ek hi baar saaf karloon gi jab sab hojayega. Lekin ek baar main aap do teen dabay hi utha sakte hain na. Jitna ho sake utna to karlen."
(In this calculation, I'll clean only once when everything is done. But at once, you can lift two or three boxes, right? Do as much as you can.)
"Nahi, mera dil nahi kar raha. Main moral support de sakta hoon."
(No, I don't feel like it. I can provide moral support.)
"Yeh moral support nahi hai. Aap sirf mera sar kharahe hain."
(This is not moral support. You're just eating my brain and annoying me.)
"Main tumhe woh mehsoos karwana chahta hoon jo tum mujhe mehsoos karwati ho." Hoor cleaned a web and it fell on Ahil's head.
(I want you to feel what you make me feel.)
"Badtameez. Yeh kya harkat hai?"
(Mannerless. What kind of behavior is this?)
"Haan to maine wiper se saaf kiya ab agar neeche gira to meri kya galti? Waise bhi bola tha hat kar apna kaam karen lekin nahi, moral support deni thi. Yeh lo jalo ko den ab moral support." He angrily shook his head to remove it.
(So I cleaned with the wiper, now if it falls down, it's not my fault. Anyway, I said, move and do your work, but no, you had to give moral support. Here, now give moral support to the cobwebs.)
He grabbed her dupatta and removed the cobweb with it, then threw it back on her face. Hoor, annoyed, removed the dupatta and threw it on the sofa. There wasn't any particular need for the dupatta, and Ahil had already cleaned the cobweb with it.
"Kitna kaam karliya tum dono ne? Bartan lag gaye hain saare." Ahil and Hoor turned to look at Waniya. Then they looked at each other. They had not done anything.
(How much work have you both done? All the dishes are occupied.)
"Haan, bas ladte rahna tum dono. Hum log tum dono ki madad karne aaye hain, koi ehsaas bhi hai? Ayan ki tabiyat nahi theek phir bhi woh kar rahe hain aur tum dono lad rahe ho. Bachon ko bhi dekhna hai maine, unke khane ka waqt hai. Ab main aur Ayan ja rahe hain, waise bhi Ayan itna kam nahi karenge, unhein araam karna chahiye. Baqi ab tum log khud karo." Waniya, after scolding them, turned and went downstairs with Ayaan.
(Yes, just keep fighting, you two. We came to help you, is there any shame in you both? Ayzan is not well, yet he's working, and you two are fighting. I need to see the children too, it's their meal time. Now Ayan and I are leaving, anyway Ayan won't work so much, he should rest. The rest , you can do it yourselves.)
"Sab aap ki wajah se hua hai."
(It's all because of you.)
"Haan, tumhari zubaan khamosh nahi reh sakti, is mein bhi mera hi qasoor hai."
(Yes, your tongue can't stay silent, that's also my fault.)
Both were busy with their work. The argument continued. Over the next four or five days, the upper portion was set up.
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