White Roses Episode 01 Life is illusion

 

White roses as a symbol of love 

And He gave you form and features and then perfected your shapes.[64:40]

Life is illusion

This story is about a girl who is exceptionally beautiful and wise. She defies people's perceptions and doesn't conform to the norms of this world. Aneesa had always created a world in her own thoughts that was exactly what she desired. However she would feel distressed by the behavior and decisions of the people around her, and her future seemed obscured in darkness and that crazy girl used to be scared of herself in the darkness. 

    At around 12 o'clock at night, the moonlight was spread so wide that it seemed as if morning was to break. The moon, like a coin, was spreading light like the daytime. The light of moon was piercing through the eyes to Aneesa. 

  "This moon doesn't fully emerge, if it does, then this...this much brightness...atleast there shouldn't be this much brightness." She was thinking about the moon. 

The stars were advancing, and among them, one "Ali" written in the sky by stars caught her eyes. She didn't realize when her eyes closed. 

When her eyes opened again, it was 2:45 a.m, and her alarm was ringing. It was time for Tahajud Prayers. She wake up, to present before Allah everything she always used to say. Everyone in the house was sleeping. 

   She got up; fear was in her heart, but she had to seek forgiveness for her sins. She performed her Prayers with this thought that she would be forgiven. During the Prayers, her hands and body trembled. Sometimes, she raised her empty hands during prayers, without communicate to Allah. But convey a lot even without words. And Allah knew, even she didn't say it.

Tonight, she was crying again. 

"My life was not so difficult...maybe I've made it difficult by myself...or maybe Allah made it difficult...perhaps He didn't like my deeds."

"I did something very wrong to you, didn't I?"

"I have done wrong to myself as well. Today, I'm facing the consequences of that...I get embarrassed everywhere...but you save me...If you had to save me, then why do you humiliate me?"

"Is my sin so great that you won't forgive me? Maybe yes!!!! But you promised...promised to forgive, and I took away your rights...what rights of yours have I taken? Forgive your right atleast. "

"Don't let me become lost, save me from disgrace. I want a graceful and beautiful in my destiny. "

One after another, drops of warm tear were falling on her cheeks. She knew that what sin she had committed. She never wanted to repeat it in her life. The punishment she had received once by Allah, was enough. But she couldn't stop bad things from happening again in her life. She also had a fear that punishment for her actions might be effect her loved ones too by Allah. She could never tolerate the burden of all her sins and consequences of these sins being borne by someone else. 

"I know you have respected me...you know?????Everyone thinks I'm innocent and beautiful. Yes! I admit...I'm beautiful, but am I good character girl? ...Is that me?...If ask myself, I'm not...Yes...I'm not...you also know that."

Warm tears were coming to an end and her eyes were appeared swollen to her. With the the end of her tears, the time of Tahajud was also ending. The call to Fajr Prayer was echoing. She performed her Prayer and recited Surah Yaseen.  

    "Why is fear visible in darkness? The darkness of night, when the black color spreads everywhere. " She questioned to herself. 

But she didn't have any answer because that one who could answer was fighting a battle within himself. 

☆☆☆☆☆

With the fading darkness, the first ray of the sun fell on the ground. A small bungalow-like house, nestled among several homes, began to stir with sounds coming from the kitchen. Naheed Akhtar was making rotis. Simultaneously, tea was brewing. The house had an open courtyard. Five rooms were built in a row, with a veranda in front of them. On one side of the courtyard, there were plants, and on the other side, there was an empty space with charpoys laid out for sitting.

Aneesa, dressed in her white college uniform, was hurriedly searching for something in her room. Her long, loose hair was untangled.

“When you look for something, you can never find it, and things you don't need keep popping up,” she muttered.

“Where did it go?” She kept opening the same drawer repeatedly, hoping to find it.

“Sahira Bhabhi.” She saw her sister-in-law passing by and called out softly. Sahira came inside.

“What happened?”

“I can't find the gift you packed for me,” she said, climbing onto a stool to check on top of the showcase.

“Here it is.” Sahira took a quick glance around the room and found it immediately.

“Oh, right.” Aneesa quickly got down and took the gift box from Sahira's hand.

"Come on, I'll tell Shahroz to drop you at college. You have a paper today, right?" Sahira said, adjusting her dupatta.

"Yes, today is the last paper, thank God this ordeal will be over," Aneesa said wearily, putting on her abaya and covering her face completely with a veil.

"Is father awake?" Aneesa asked, yawning and covering her mouth with her hand as she came outside with Sahira, holding her clipboard.

"Yes," she replied softly.

Shahroz was ready and waiting.

"Shall we go, bhai?" Aneesa asked her brother while looking at her father. She usually didn't have breakfast, but sometimes she did.

"Yes, let's go. I was waiting for you," he said. Both of them had now left.

On the branches of these very trees, swings were hung,

In this very atmosphere, the swings of childhood were pushed higher

25 May

Today was the last paper of second year exam. The paper ended at 10 o'clock. Everyone was meeting each other. There was hustle and bustle in the college. It was a great scene. Aneesa was lost in her thoughts, sat on the steps. Everyone else was thinking that what they'll do in the future. But she was worried about her results. 

"I don't know what will dad do if my result isn't good. They won't admit me to a good university, nor will they let me do what I want. Ahhhhhhh!" 

Lost in these thoughts, she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was her friend, or rather, her forcefully-made friend, Sania Noor, whom she was tolerating for the two years. Sania was sister of Mam Zoha, who taught Biology to Aneesa. She oftenly disgraced students during lecture. Also she was not liked by most of students. Sania saw her sitting alone and went to join her. She sat down next to Aneesa. 

"How did the paper go?" She asked Aneesa. 

"Alhamdulillah."

"What does that mean?" Sania asked on surprising way. 

"They have become better." Looking at the ground, Aneesa was giving answer. 

But Sania was looking onto her face. Both of them had covered their faces. All the girls here would go out wearing a veil. In Mianwali, women cover themselves from men, except for their father, brothers and husband. 

"Really? But you used to say that Physics is difficult." Sania was surprised. 

"Yes...so? Does that mean that my paper can't be good?" 

Sania ignored what she said with a smile. 

"You won't ask me how my paper went?"

"Tell me." Aneesa said thoughtfully. 

Sania, with a smile, started narrating everything from giving paper since yesterday to leaving the examination hall. And Aneesa was sitting there with impatience. 

She didn't want to listen to Sania, and perhaps she was not even hearing. Her eyes were wandering around looking at girls and boys nearby. In the crowd, her eyes were probably searching for someone. Suddenly, she stood up. Placing the bag on her shoulder, she started to straighten the strap. Sania stopped talking. 

"What happened? Why did you stand up?"

"I need to meet someone."

"Who?" Sania asked curiously. 

"It's very important. Maybe I won't see her after today."

"More important than what I'm saying"? Sania asked.

Regret was visible in Aneesa's eyes. Sania was getting angry. 

"My words are not finished yet, and you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Aneesa gave her a glance and walked away from there. Sania was angry, but Aneesa had left without paying her any attention. 

Somewhere in the distant crowd, Aneesa had recognized Madiha Ali. Now she was calling her out. 

"Madiha...Madiha Ali..."

Madiha had recognized the voice; she turned, and even from under the veil, it was not difficult to recognizing Aneesa. She walked toward her. Madiha Ali was sixth semester student. 

"How did the exam go?" She asked as they embraced. 

"They went well."

"What are your plans for future?"

"Right now, I haven't thought much. I'll consult my sisters too, let's see what they suggest. "

"How are your sisters?"

"They're all fine."

As they talked, both sat down on a bench while nobody was else around. They has removed their veils. 

"You should pursue MBBS just like your sister, Samaira." Madiha had advised her.

Aneesa took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and drew a sigh. 

"At least you should not do that."

"Why?"

"My heart doesn't agree with me to pursue MBBS." It was a lifeless voice. 

"I don't think that Allah has bestowed me with the power to heal."

Aneesa replied by looking at her hands, lifting the fingers of one hand and intertwining them with the fingers of the other hand. 

"How do you know it?"

"I sense it...I just know. It's not within my capabilities. I can't do all of this. "

"So...what will you do then?" Madiha looked at her with questioning eyes. 

"I'll do something...or else...dad will do something big." 

A forced smile was on her face. She didn't want to say anything to anyone. So, she wanted to divert the conversation. 

" Alright...forget that...look at this."

Aneesa put her hand in the bag and pulled out a gift. 

"I have brought something for you!" Happily announcing, she extended gift towards Madiha. Madiha was looking at her in astonishment. 

"For me?"

"Yes! For you. Come on. Take it. It's not very expensive...compared to what you have given me..."

Smiling , Madiha accepted the gift. "Thanks..."

With a glint in her eyes, Aneesa looked at Madiha.  

"Is this our last meeting?" Aneesa blinked her eyes multiple times in a moment. Surely, she had held back tears. She didn't want to cry. 

"Maybe." A shattered hope, a hopeful answer came from Madiha. 

Aneesa stood up, feeling that she might break down if she stayed little longer. One last time, she hugged Madiha. Madiha knew that she was crying. She distanced herself from Aneesa. 

   "Alright...enough now...put on your veil before someone Niazi comes here."

Both of them chuckled and they put on their veils. 

"Goodbye...Aneesa...I'll remember you in my prayers." 

"I will also pray for my friend. Allah...Allah Hafiz!!!!" 

On return, Aneesa again met Sania. 

"Aneesa! Your cousin Shahzeb has been looking for you for a while. Where were you? 

"Why? Does he have some work?"

"When you meet him, you will find out. How would I know what work he has with you?" 

"Hmm! True. Alright, I'm leaving. And thing that I wanna tell you is that he's not my cousin. "

"Okay...Okay, bye. "

She was now searching for Shahzeb. She was wonder that what task he had for her. Finally, she spotted Shahzaib. He was laughing and joking with his friends, who were all laughing heartedly. Clearly, something had happened among them. Aneesa saw him laughing so much that she thought he lacked basic manners in the company of fools. Ignorant Shahzeb, just wanted to make himself famous through me. Cousin my foot! 

"Shahzeb Niazi!" She was calling him from a distance. "If your conversations are over, come here." 

With a mischievous smile, he glance over his friends and walked over to her.

"Tell me...what's the matter?"

"What can I say? You were looking for me. Did you have some work?" 

"Yeah, right!..." (As if he remembered) "your brother...Shehroz...he had asked me to drop you home." 

"Why? Isn't he coming himself?" She inquired. 

"But now I'll drop you home. He asked me to do that." 

"Alright, fine...so...I'm free...so...shall we go home?"

"Yeah...but...I have friends with me."

"Do you have a car?"

"Yes!"

"Then tell your friends to arrange their own transport."

"Why? They'll come with me. Do you have any problem?"

"Yeah!...I have...I have problems...with you friends..."

"If you have problem...what can I do? They are my friends and they'll come with me."

"How six people fit in a car? Think about about it. Allah has given you a brain. Right? Use it." She was wondering. 

"You'll sit in the front seat. And one of them has a bike."

"I don't want to argue with you anymore. I'm leaving. And please sort out this situation at any cost. Otherwise...I'm not coming with you. "

She said thus and moved towards the car. She has called Shahzeb a fool earlier. Shahzeb went back to his friends, who were still engrossed in their lively discussion. 

"Listen buddy!...My cousin is coming along, so..."

"So...?" Tanveer interrupted with a mischievous smile. 

"So...nothing...one of you should ride on a bike today. "

Tanveer spread his arms around Shahzaib and jokingly said: "I'm not sacrificing myself for that." 

Shahmeer also chimed in; "Dude, you all know I love adventures. "

"Guys...Don't do this...she is waiting. " Shahzeb spoke up, looking hopefully at Asfand Niazi. Asfand turned his eyes away and walked towards the car. Now only Wasif Niazi was left standing there.

"Wasif!...Thanks my friend...love you..." 

They all got into the car now. 

"Where were you all? I've been waiting for son long. " Aneesa said with an annoyed tone. 

"Had som work...it's done now. " Shahzeb replied hastily. 

Now the car was outside the college on the main road. There was complete silence in the car when suddenly Aneesa heard the sound of music playing from the back seat. She turned around and saw Shahmeer holding the mobile phone. 

"You guys bring phones to college?" She was shocked. 

"We used to...but now college is over." Tanveer replied. 

"Why? Don't you all know that using phones in the college is not allowed?" Aneesa tried to recall them.

"No...no...that's not true. He is just joking. We don't take phones to college. The phones stays in the car. We lock the car and use it on the way back...who uses phones in the college anyway? We don't. " Shahzaib Niazi came up with a clever excuse. Aneesa looked suspiciously at Shahzeb and moved her gaze forward. 

After ten minutes later, he stopped his car in front of Aneesa's house. Saying thanks, she descended. 

"Don't you offer me to come home?" Shahzaib called out to her. 

"Why? Didn't you guys going to your home? And why did I even start inviting you to my house?" 

"Could you atleast offer some water?" 

"Alright...fine." As she was about to leave, Shahzeb stopped her again. 

"So...should I come? ...inside?"

"Why inside? Wait, I'll bring the water here. Outside." She emphasized on outside. 

Shahzeb was annoyed by her action, but he was tolerating it. A minute later, Aneesa returned with a glass of water. Shahzeb looked at her hand in surprised and asked. 

"Just...one glass? 

"So should I have brought the whole jug then?" She said in somewhat irritated tone due to the sun. The heat was too much. 

"You didn't notice these three, huh?" Shahzeb gestured towards his friends. 

"They didn't say anything, otherwise...I would have definitely brought four water glass." 

Shahzeb had already finished his water. Aneesa took the glass from his hand, giving him a certain look, and went inside the house. Shahzeb wasn't pleased with her behavior.

    "Dude! I have to admit it, this girl has quite an attitude. " Tanveer said, looking at Shahzaib, and then got off the car and sat in the front seat. Meanwhile, Asfand and Shahmeer were engrossed in using their phones. 

    "Well, budy, you'll have to accept it. She has got a strong personality. " Shahmeer spoke in favor of Tanveer. 

"We'll have to win over her." Asfand suggested to Shahzaib. 

"Had I not mixed her same arrogance into the dust, my name would not be Shahzaib Niazi." As he said that, he started his car and drove away.

Aneesa's father, Zakariya Khan, was Shahzeb's father's friend. 

Plundering is the livelihood of nations in this world,

Every wolf is in search of an innocent lamb.

"Who was it? Did you bring water for someone?" As she entered the house, her mother, Naheed Akhtar, asked. 

"Someone was thirsty. Asking for water." 

"Who was with you?"

"Mom!...it was...brother was probably busy...so he asked Shahzaib to drop me home...I was with him...in the car...his friends were also with him...three guys...

"Okay...and how was the paper?"

"Good, Alhamdulillah. " She was now taking off her gown. 

"And now? Which subject's exam is tomorrow?" 

"Mom! (She acted all annoyed) I had told you that today is the last paper and holidays start from now on. " As soon as she said that, she went to her room. 

"Don't disturb me...now I'll go to sleep. "

She locked the room from inside. Now when she woke up after sleeping, it was time for the Asr Prayer. She rubbed her eyes looking around. It was around 5 o'clock.

"I didn't even realize, it's been a quite while...I overslept a bit too much."

She stared at the ceiling for a while, then got up, performed ablution, and started the prayer. The prayer wasn't finished yet when there was a knock on the door.

"Aneesa, my dear...wake up...your dad is calling you outside." 

Aneesa , hurriedly finished her prayer and opened the door. Naheed Akhtar was standing right at the door. 

"My dear mother! if Zakariya Khan allows, can I offer a prostration before Allah. " 

"Speak respectfully...he is your father. "

"Okay...you may go...I need to discuss a couple of personal matters with Allah, then I'll come." With that she smiled. This time she left the door open and went to offer prayer. 

Now she had come downstairs. 

"Mom! Please serve tea. Haven't seen Sahira bhabi and Uzair? Are they out somewhere?"

"Yes, Shehroz took them to their maternal home."

"How was the paper?" Zakariya Khan asked his daughter as he emerged from his room."

"Dad?...You?...My papers went good. "

"I was expecting only good from you. And your result will further enhance that expectation. "

"No...Dad! ...it won't be like that, InshaAllah." She reassured her father. 

"Your result will reveal that. And Naheed (now addressing Naheed Akhtar) let her make her own tea...now that she is free, she should learn household chores...it's been enough. When she goes back to hostel tomorrow, will she take you with her for everything?" 

"Okay." Naheed replied with just okay. Zakariya Khan had already left. Now, Naheed Akhtar and Aneesa were standing there alone. Seeing Aneesa's downcast face, Naheed had pretty good idea that her father's words had been quite unrefined. 

"I'll make tea and bring it, dear. You just sit."

"No...there is no need for it. I've already had it." As soon as she said that, she went to the room and closed the door.

Even if Naheed Akhtar had done it, what could she have done? On one side, the husband, and on the other side, two sons and four daughters. Their two daughters and one elder son were married. The eldest son, Shehroz, had completed his master's degree in the IT field and was also looking after the father's business. Meanwhile, the elder daughter, Mahenoor, was a lecturer in Lahore, and her husband, Kabeer Khan, was a pilot officer. Kashmala was associated with the legal profession, her husband, Ayan Ali, was a senior army officer. Often, Kashmala had heated arguments with Zakariya Khan, as she had chosen the legal profession against her father's wishes. After marrying Ayan Ali, their family settled in Murree, as Kashmala was often disturbed due to her father. Zakariya Khan's younger son, Junaid Khan, had joined the army. Samaira was completing her MBBS degree in Islamabad. According to her father, Samaira has proven to be a good and loyal daughter. Zakariya Khan wanted his daughter to become a general physician, but his daughter, by lying convincingly, was planning to become a gynecologist. All siblings had opposed their father at some point in life to achieve their positions. Now, it was Aneesa's turn. 

☆☆☆☆☆

The trip organized by Columbia University for the students was going to be quite adventurous. The students from Semester III were gearing up for the trip after achieving significant success in Semester IV. Their trip was just two days away. Due to new admissions at the university, many students were not familiar with each other.

Jennifer (Jenny) and Trevor, however, already knew each other from before. Jenny had a considerable interest in Trevor, but it was slowly fading away. In the classroom, students were having a group discussion about the upcoming trip. The students in the department came from different countries, and they were discussing plans with their newfound friends. Among them was a group from Pakistan, consisting of Moeen Hashmi, Abdul Wahab, Zohair Abbas, Moosa, Waleed, and Alex. 

Alex was known as "Dream Boy" among the university girls from the first day, perhaps because not many people knew his real name, and he had become quite popular. Jenson was originally from New York but occasionally joined the Pakistani group.

Jenny entered the classroom with a worried expression, "Where's Trevor?" She was looking for Trevor. For the past hour, Trevor had been conspicuously absent from the classroom, presumably dealing with the aftermath of his defeat.

During Semester I, Alex had defeated Trevor by a significant margin, and it was the first time in Trevor's life that someone had beaten him. 

Trevor had disappeared from the classroom for the past hour. Unable to find him inside, Jenny headed out and asked Anna, "Hey, Anna, have you seen Trevor?"

Anna replied, "He left."

"Left? Where? Did he say anything?" Jenny inquired, trying to remain calm.

Anna shrugged and said, "He didn't tell me. He just left." And Jenny also left. 

Anna, with her backpack on her shoulder and a pile of books in her hands, made her way to the playground. There was no one there except for a boy who was sitting on the stairs. He had a basketball in his hand, which he was dribbling between his legs. Anna approached him. He seemed to sense someone's presence but continued to sit as if he were alone.

"Are you the one who defeated Trevor in Semester I?" Anna asked without any introduction.

The boy was wearing a black hoodie, and his face was covered. He ignored Anna's question for a while. Anna waited for an answer, standing beside him. Then, he suddenly rose from his spot like a lightning bolt and rushed to the basketball court alone. He began to dribble the ball with lightning speed. Bouncing the ball repeatedly, he made an astonishing shot. After scoring, he sprinted to the basket and grabbed it with his fists, swinging from it like a monkey. Anna was watching him, finding all of this quite fascinating.

"My Dream Boy," she muttered under her breath, and then she left.

While he continued to hang from the basket like a monkey.

I have faith in my loved ones,

They will take me to my final destination.

She was sitting in the room on a rocking chair, swaying back and forth. Her mobile was placed on the side table. Alongside, she was also looking at the clock on the wall. She was waiting for 7 o'clock. As soon as it struck 7, she called her sister, Mahenoor. However, they couldn't talk for long. She was busy feeding her son, Shayan, and Kabeer was also about to arrive. Today was Kabeer's flight, and he had to get his uniform ironed as well.

After sitting for a while, she dialed Kashmala's number. Initially, there was no response, but the phone was ringing. Finally, the call was answered. "Hello," Aneesa said, While on the other side, a tug of war was happening over the mobile between Kashmala's kids, Rania and Aashir. Eventually, Kashmala came and took the mobile from their hands.

"Ayan, please take them outside, they're bothering me. See, they're annoying me," said Kashmala.

Ayan, who was sitting on the sofa studying his case files, discreetly signaled his two children to quiet down with a glance. Both Rania and Aashir got up and sat next to their father. Kashmala comfortably sat on the bed and started talking to Aneesa. She knew that today was her sister's last paper. Despite being familiar with her sister's psychology, Kashmala was still unaware of many things. 

"What's the plan for the future? Have you decided on a career?" she asked to her sister.

"Yes, I have." Now she had to weave a web of lies.

Kashmala knew what expressions her sister would be wearing. "What have you done?" she inquired with interest.

From the other side came an intriguing response. 

"I'll become Kashmala."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning exactly what you've understood well... and I don't think I need to explain it to you."

"Meaning... you'll... start a rivalry from dad... and you'll do what I did a few years ago."

"You've become quite clever," seriousness appeared on her face.

"But you're not."

"I know."

"Then why are you doing this... what will you gain from all this?"

"A companion... like Ayan Ali."

Kashmala was looking at Ayan, who had set aside the file and was holding Rania in his lap, showering affection on her.

"And who told you that?" Kashmala's gaze was still on her husband.

"No one said it... just... this thought occurred to me on my own."

"Don't do this."

"I'll try... but I still won't be able to stop myself."

"There's someone better than Ayan Ali for you." This time, Ayan was looking at Kashmala.

"I knew it, and I was hoping for this answer."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, I don't want to become Kashmala... but I can't step back. I'm not able to move on. I don't know what to do. What should I do now? What will we do now? I'm scared. You all have moved so far ahead, I feel lonely and isolated." Tears welled up at the corners of Aneesa's eyes.

"I don't think you're alone... and you have other classmates too. They will also gather the courage to do something sooner or later. So why are you losing hope? You just need some career counseling... that's all." Ayan was listening to Kashmala and gave her a thumbs-up gesture.

Aneesa was feeling loneliness. She felt like she was the only one whose future wasn't clear, who didn't know what to do next, or which field to choose for further studies.On the other side, in silence, Kashmala spoke up.

"Are you listening?"

"Yes... but will I study here? In Mianwali?"

"It's up to your choice... you can come to Murree if you want, or I can suggest Islamabad to you. Samaira's there."

"My choice?... My choice..." Aneesa muttered, somewhat sarcastically. 

"Then why do you ask such questions... when... when you already know the answer?"

She was truly in distress. She was fed up with all this. She felt envious of her sisters' fortunes. She wanted to tell Kashmala that maybe she could find solace in causing herself pain or maybe she had become accustomed to enduring pain, but she remained silent. 

"I'm hanging up now...dad is about to arrive, and it seems like Shehroz is here too...Okay...bye."

"Send my regards to Mom."

"Sure."

My heart is weary of living,

Every breath is a torment.

It was around 8 o'clock at night. Everyone was at the dining table for dinner while Shehroz was in his room. 

"Sahira, go and call Shehroz," said Naheed to her daughter-in-law. 

Sahira went to Shehroz's room to call him. A little while later, screams and shouts were heard from his room. Shehroz and Sahira were quarreling in front of their eight-year-old son, Uzair. Shehroz wanted to separate his business and home from Zakaria Khan, a fact known to everyone except Aneesa. Naheed had requested Sahira to stop him from doing this as only she could influence him. Despite Sahira's efforts to convince him, Shehroz was fighting with her. Everyone was present in his room. Aneesa couldn't understand their conversation. Zakaria Khan asked Aneesa and Uzair to leave the room.

Aneesa and Uzair were sitting at the dining table. Neither of them was eating. They were looking at each other. Uzair had placed both his hands on the table without any expression, while Aneesa was vigorously scrubbing her hands together with both hands placed on her lap. The noises from the room were getting louder. Suddenly, a loud sound of a slap was heard. Fear was evident in Aneesa's eyes. In response, Uzair had lowered his gaze. Aneesa got up and walked towards the room, Uzair watching her go. After a while, Shehroz emerged from the room and was heading out of the house. Uzair was Aneesa's nephew, and since both of them were immature in the house, they took care of each other and had some understanding between them.

Naheed and Zakariya also came outside. Upon seeing them, Uzair was about to leave, but Naheed stopped him.

"Where are you going, son? Have your meal first." 

"I'm not hungry." He replied without turning back and went away from there.

A little while later, Aneesa came out of her room. She knew that Shehroz wouldn't be coming home tonight. Naheed and Zakaria were still sitting at the dining table, engaged in conversation. Aneesa thought that Zakaria Khan would be in his room. Upon seeing him there, she paused.

"What are you up to?" Zakaria Khan asked, looking at Aneesa in that way.

"Me?"

"Yes... I'm talking to you...Useless!" His tone was stern. 

"Dad... I... I'm going to get food for Uzair." 

She knew that no matter what issue arose at home, her father somehow linked it back to her. In every situation, she had no influence, but she was always held responsible. Before Zakaria could say anything further, she began to take the food off the plate. Now, she headed towards Uzair's room. She knocked on the door. The door was open, but there was no response. She walked in herself. Uzair was sitting on the sofa.

"Uzair! Come here."

She held the tray with both hands; her scarf had slipped from her head. She placed the tray on the center table and, adjusting her scarf, sat down on the sofa next to Uzair.

"Uzair, eat your meal... well done... I'll bring it for you."

"Mom didn't eat, did she?" He ignored her question, looking at the floor as he asked.

"You eat, I'll bring some for them too."

"Are you crying?" He could see it in her eyes.

"No... why would I cry? I just felt sorry." She answered, avoiding his gaze.

"Liar." He smirked.

"Have you not cried?"

Upon her question, Uzair took a deep breath. 

"It's not like it's the first time...Which time was it the first time?...you may go...I'll take the meal." He was trying to change the discussion.  

"Go, I will have my meal." He turned the conversation around. She knew that Uzair intentionally changed the topic, but she didn't leave; instead, she stood near Uzair.

"Go... and...give dinner to Mom." She was still standing there.

"Now go..." This time he said it a little louder. She went outside. Everyone was in their rooms. Naheed was washing dishes in the kitchen.

"Mom, prepare dinner for Sahira."

"Did Uzair eat?"

"He kicked me out of the room. He said I'll give food to Sahira, he'll eat on his own."

Naheed put food on a plate. "You go, give Sahira her food. I'll check on Uzair. I don't even know if he ate or not." Naheed was concerned about her grandson. Aneesa didn't want to face Sahira. 

"Mom! You give Sahira her food, I'll go to Uzair." 

Naheed saw embarrassment on her daughter's face. And taking the food, she went to Sahira herself. The room's lights were off. Naheed turned on the light. Sahira was sitting on the bed with a tiara. Naheed sat next to her. Naheed saw Sahira, there was a clear mark of Shehroz's fingers on her left cheek.

"Forgive me, perhaps this happened because of me." Naheed said.

"What are you talking about, Mom... It's not your fault." Sahira said without any complaint.

"Maybe..." Before Naheed could finish her sentence, Sahira cut her off.

"Mom, maybe, etc...it's just matter of nothing. Don't embarrass me with all this, and I'm just like your daughters." She said while crying. Naheed hugged her tightly to silence her.

"Eat your food." 

"Did you eat?" 

"I'm not hungry." Naheed replied with a smile. 

"How can you not be hungry? Come, let's eat together." They both were eating now.

Aneesa had stopped outside Uzair's room. The door was locked. She could smell the cigarette smoke. Instead of going into Uzair's room, she hesitated and went into her own room. As soon as she entered the room, she saw her mobile phone; Samaira had made five missed calls to her. She put her phone back on the side table; tried to sleep, for now, she didn't want to talk to anyone.

From this rooftop will rise the sun of your beauty,

From this corner will sprout the ray of henna's color.

It was a Sunday. As usual, after performing the Fajr prayer, she was reading the Quran and then went back to sleep. The day had progressed; it was around 9 AM. After waking up, she spent an hour in her room, waiting for her father and brother to leave. When she stepped out, nearing 10 AM, she unexpectedly encountered Zakaria Khan in the house. He was reading the newspaper but now looked up in annoyance at Aneesa.

"Do you think you've woken up early?" (This was a sarcastic comment.) "Take a little more rest... this is your time to wake up..." Zakaria Khan shouted loudly. She had no response; tears were welling up in her eyes.

"Naheed! And Sahira, you too... listen... there won't be any breakfast or lunch for this."

"But...what's my fault?" She was crying; she hadn't eaten anything the previous night.

"Look, Naheed! How dare you talk like this in front of me?" Now the conversation shifted towards her studies.

"I'm telling you, if your grades drop, I'll cut off that tongue of yours." He warned her with a stern look.

"Now get out of my sight, and don't come in front of me." She left, and Zakariya Khan also headed outside.

Sahira brought tea to her room.

"Leave it... I'll drink it." She said. 

"Mom wants to talk to you. Finish your tea, then go to her." Sahira seeved the tea to her and conveyed her mother's message.

"Okay. "

After having tea, she picked up her phone and dialed Samaira's number. The phone was ringing, but instead of answering it, Samaira didn't attend the call. After a while, she received a message from Samaira: "I'm at an official lunch, I'll call you when I'm free."

She arrived outside Naheed's place. Her mother was washing dishes, and she came into the kitchen, taking out water from the refrigerator and started drinking it.

"Do you like Tanveer?"

The sip of water stayed in her mouth; she couldn't swallow it down easily. She placed the glass back on the table with a shaky hand; she was clearly in a difficult situation.

"Who said that?"

"Shahzaib came yesterday with his friends."

"How did they dare to come inside? I..."

"What do you mean by "came inside"? And what did you do with him?" Aneesa placed the glass on the table with anger.

"Aneesa! Shahzaib is like your brother." 

"He might be like them... but he's not a brother. And Tanveer... who told you about... please tell me his name. Me and Tanveer?... Ugh."

"Show some decency..."

"Mom, I asked something. Who told you about me? Tanveer said it."

"No."

"So, Shahzaib?"

"No, not my dear." 

"Then who told you?"

"From what he said, it seemed like he's interested in you."

"So, you assumed something about me too!" She replied sarcastically. "I won't marry anyone from the Niazi family."

"Who's talking about marriage? Don't marry, get engaged, he's a good guy."

"What? Mom, I don't even like him..." she went quiet, then continued. "Mom, you should all think about Junaid and Samaira now."

"They're not here."

"If they're not here, will you sacrifice me?"

Her tone suddenly became soft.

"Mom! You know what? None of you even realizes it. When I die, then you'll all realize it. But sadly, I won't be able to feel your emotions." She was in a bad mood and didn't want to discuss Tanveer further. As she started to leave, Naheed stopped her.

"Listen..." She paused.

"What happened yesterday... don't discuss it with your sisters."

"What happened yesterday?" She was genuinely puzzled.

"Oh, that Sahira and Shehroz matter."

"Then don't engage in such activities that you have to hide from others."

"Have you told them?"

"No, I didn't. And this incident isn't worth mentioning."

Uzair had heard everything they both said. He saw Aneesa coming out of the kitchen. Aneesa was standing by the window in her room, looking outside. Uzair entered without knocking and stood beside her.

"If you die, I'll be sad."

"Did you hear everything?"

"Why do you talk like this? It hurts me," he said.

"Why do I tell the truth?" Aneesa replied. 

"No, negative thoughts," He added.

"One day, we'll all die. What's negative about that? It's a fact," Uzair didn't have an answer for her. Both stood in silence for a while.

"Will you come outside with me?" Uzair broke the silence.

"Where?"

"Do you need to ask me where I'll take you?"

"You're not old enough to take me anywhere yet."

"I'm not a child...I understand everything. And that's it...you'll come with me tonight."

"Did you just ask dad, or do you assume you can give me orders? She was smiling a little."

"Grandfather won't object."

"We'll see, but whatever happens, you'll be responsible...not me...just remember not to mention my name."

"My timid, cute aunt," she chuckled at Aneesa's last sentence.

"Alright, I'll go rest now."

"But you  just woke up," Uzair said teasingly.

"Come on, don't annoy me now...go outside."

"So, you're getting annoyed with me?"

"I'm not annoyed."

"Then what's wrong? I'm sitting here...do you have a problem?"

"Then stay seated."

She got up and went outside, taking her mobile phone with her. She was swinging outside when her phone rang. It was a call from Samaira.

"AsalamoAlaikum, rich people." Sneesa teased and laughed.

"Waalaikum Assalam! Don't embarrass us like that," Samaira responded with a smile.

"How are you? Seems like you've been quite busy."

"Yes, it's the last week now, and the juniors are throwing dinners and parties. By the way, why didn't you pick up my call last night?"

"I was asleep."

"You don't usually sleep this early."

"Well, there was a lot of work to do tomorrow."

"I feel like something's wrong at home." Samaira expressed her concern.

"No, there's nothing like that. If there were, I'd tell you."

She lied so convincingly that Samaira's suspicions didn't arise again.

"Okay, tell me, what are you going to do now?" Samaira asked.

"I was talking to Uzair earlier, and now I'm outside talking to you."

"Crazy." Samaira laughed reluctantly. "What are you doing, I mean, what are your future plans?"

Aneesa also chuckled at her question.

"What should I do?"

"What do you want to do? You know better."

"I sing well. So should I become a singer or an actress, maybe even a drama artist?"

She was singing a song for Samaira.

"My phone is on speaker right now, and my colleagues are with me."

"What? Why didn't you tell me this earlier? And turn off the speaker."

"Relax, the speaker is off...I'm with my colleagues."

Her colleagues, Tabish Sikandar and Kashan Alvi, were talking among themselves.

"Alright, let's be serious, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know."

"You know, Tabish Sikandar is really good at career counseling."

"Who is he?"

"He's my colleague, very caring. Should I introduce you to him?"

"No, let it be...I don't even know him...what would I talk to him about?"

Tabish and Kashan were now looking at Samaira. Tabish was addressing Samaira now.

"Is this your little sister's call? By the way, let me tell you all one thing, no matter how much advice younger siblings give, in the end, they do what they want."

Everyone laughed at his statement. And Kashan gave her a round of applause and they stood up. Aneesa felt like he was mocking her.

"I enjoyed listening to it. I'll try to implement it. It's interesting." Aneesa said to Samaira in a joking tone.

"When are you coming, Samaira?"

"It's about 1 or 2 months, then we'll come."

"You're coming? What do you mean? And who's coming with you?"

"You'll find out."

Samaira was busy picking up her belongings. Kashan was starting the car. She got out of the restaurant and got into the car. Tabish was standing by the accountant, paying the bill. They had come to restaurant.

"I'll wait."

"Okay, bye. I'll come soon. I'll try to take a week off and spend this time at home."

This beloved of the world has been called by my heart and eyes,

Sometimes with laughter, sometimes with tears.

She sat alone, cursing the system. "Bloody poor system... awful people... nothing here. They've messed up everything. Worthless content, worthless system. I don't even know why I was born here." 

She couldn't control her frustration, constantly nitpicking at everything. Helpless, she was now rubbing her face with her hands.

"What should I do? Where should I go? And for how long? How long should I wait? Money...money...money... everything is for sale. If only I had money, I'd have everything. Everything. In this world, it's all about money. Dad also prioritize money...My heart is tempted to set myself on fire... ahhh..." She let out a painful sigh.

"If only for one day... I could disappear. I wish I could vanish from people's sight... then I could steal their money... and become rich. It would be so good..."

She was lost in her thoughts. "But even for one day, how would I gather so much money... Everything seems impossible for me... I... I don't even have money... and I don't have enough freedom to do things on my own. I don't know why He made me dependent on people... I feel like my life is stuck in one place. Or maybe people have trapped me."

"I wish your kingdom were under my control, and my desires were fulfilled. Whatever I thought would come true. You would fill my life with comforts. And then I would have control over people too. Yes, I want that. I'd remove useless people from my life. I wish you were mine." 

Then, her guilt hit her. "I wish I hadn't committed that sin... I wish... I wish..." A tear rolled down her cheek as she felt remorse. 

"I wish you would forgive me for what I've done, grant me the best. Forgive my mistakes as mere foolishness. Please forgive me."

"The rulers of your kingdom commit even greater sins than me, and they face no consequences. They have been granted all the comforts. Why don't they face any retribution? How carefree they are!"

"In the count of millions, billions, and trillions, You only saw me. Was it just me?"

"Where am I now?" She was crying but also laughing at herself.

"Where am I now... I haven't even reached the halfway point of life... Is seventeen years an age? According to me, it's an age, one I've lived through. I know how I spent it. I wish I could just mark this age as well." 

"A pointless, meaningless, and futile life. If someone were to write about me, what would they write? A wretched life?"

"But they won't mention the sin I've accomplished. No one will know. It's between you and me."

Now, she closed her eyes and leaned against a pillar.

Indeed, whatever we do remains hidden from people. But not from Allah. People don't know about us - our intentions, our actions, our thoughts.

But Allah knows. We often commit sins in secret and often forget. But He doesn't forget. He neither forgets the sin nor decrees the punishment. He keeps it as a secret. He reveals these secrets only when necessary, when a person indulges in the pleasure of sin excessively or seeks revenge in this world.

☆☆☆☆☆

Uzair came to ask for permission to go outside from Zakaria. He was busy with the newspaper.

"Grandfather, can I go out for a while? I'll come back after playing." Uzair was requesting permission inside while Aneesa stood outside the room, listening.

"Son, you have my permission, just let Shehroz know."

"But, grandfather... you see, Dad isn't home right now, that's why I asked you."

"Alright, that's fine. You did the right thing by asking. You can go out."

"But, grandfather..."

Zakaria looked up from the newspaper and glanced at Uzair. "Is something wrong? Do you need money?"

"No, it's just that... can I take Aunty with me?"

"Aneesa?"

"Yes, grandfather. " Uzair put on an innocent expression. 

Zakaria had a suspicion. "She must have told you to ask me this."

"No, grandfather, I genuinely want to go."

"You need to be careful. Otherwise, you shouldn't go outside."

"Just for a little while, grandfather," Uzair pleaded.

"Where is she? Bring her here." Zakaria tried to gauge the situation.

"Okay."

Uzair went outside, and Aneesa met him at the door. Seeing her waiting discreetly by the wall, he was surprised

"What are you doing here? Come... grandfather is calling."

 He took her into the room. Both of them stood there as if they were criminals, hands tied.

"You go outside, son," Zakaria said to Uzair.

"Can I... can I also..." Maybe she's about to say something," Zakaria interrupted, changing his tone.

"You keep your mouth shut. I'm about to lose it and break your head." They said sternly to Aneesa. Their tone suddenly changed.

"Look, son, the environment here is a bit different... Do one thing, go to Lahore, stay with Farhana. Spend your vacations there. Your mood will freshen up."

She had realized that there might be some ulterior motive behind all this. They were sending her to Lahore for their own reasons, not because they genuinely cared about her. Otherwise, they wouldn't care about her here. 

"You can start packing, and in a few days, you can go to Aunt Farahana's place," Zakaria Khan mentioned, taking his eldest sister's name, who resided in Lahore.

"What are you standing here for? Go...or do you want to talk?" He asked.

"No, Dad...I don't want to talk," she replied, lost in her thoughts.

Shortly after Aneesa left, Zakariya Khan called his nephew in Lahore.

"Hello, Uncle," Omar answered the call.

"How are you, son?" Zakariya Khan greeted him warmly.

"I'm fine, Uncle. Is there something you needed?"

"Yes...I'm sending Aneesa to Lahore for a few days. I want you to persuade her to enroll in Lahore. After all, she's your cousin. I'm sure she'll listen to you."

"But Uncle, she's not even considering admission in Islamabad?"

"That's exactly what I want. I don't want her to take admission there."

"But why, Uncle? The universities and education there are quite good."

"You'll find the answer to your 'why' soon. For now, just do what I'm telling you. Convince her to get admission in Lahore, no matter how."

"How am I supposed to do all of this? She's coming here for enjoyment."

"Do anything you can, but remember, her mind should somehow, at any cost, move away from Islamabad. Count the negative aspects of other universities and cities for her. Show her the negatives. The work will be done quickly."

"Uncle, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Why are you doing this to her?" Omar's tone showed genuine concern for Aneesa.

"I'll keep an eye on her. If she's in Lahore, she'll be in everyone's sight. I'll be satisfied from her end."

"But she won't do anything wrong, will she?"

"Do what I told you, and yes, take her around Islamabad a bit as a distraction. Convert every positive aspect of every university there into a negative one. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand," Omar replied obediently.

"Got it, Uncle. Okay, I understand."

"Now, I'll hang up. Give my regards to Farahana and Naveed, but don't mention this matter to them."

"Okay, Uncle."

No arrow of insult has been spared by strangers,

No form of reproach has been spared by my own.

Aneesa found herself lost in thought about Zakariya Khan. 

"The idea of Dad suddenly wanting to send me to Lahore...maybe he really wants me to explore a bit. Should I pack my things now or later?" She pondered as she looked at the wardrobe. "I'll do it in a while."

"Should I stay at Aunt Farhana's house? Omar will be there too." As she thought about Omar, a smile spread across her face. "I'll go sightseeing with Omar there."

"But at night, I'll go to Mahenoor's house. But what will I do staying so many days in Lahore? I'll get bored... what should I do... what should I do..." She began to think.

"Yes, this is fine..." an idea popped into her mind.

"I'll tell Omar, let's go to Islamabad... and then I can meet Samaira this way too... and then from Islamabad to Murree..." A whole scene played out in her eyes like a movie.

"It'll be so much fun going everywhere with Omar. And Omar won't refuse me for anything; he can't say no to me."

She got up and went to the wardrobe, placing her hand on her waist and considering the clothes. After a while, she suddenly took some clothes out and put them in her bag. Uzair entered her room.

"You're going to Lahore?" he asked.

"Who told you?" She replied.

"I overheard it myself."

"Yes, I'm going to Lahore."

"I'll be all alone then."

"Where are you going alone? Hang out with your friends, like you just came back from playing."

"I didn't go out."

"Why, didn't you get permission from Dad?" 

Aneesa continued her conversation with Uzair while packing her books. Wherever she went, Uzair followed closely behind her. They were having a normal conversation. 

"I didn't go out because you weren't with me."

"Well, maybe next time." 

She had collected all her things and was washing her hands in the bathroom. Outside, Uzair was sitting on the bed, looking at his phone.

"Can I ask you something?" Uzair asked as he fiddled with his phone.

"Yes, go ahead," she replied, wiping her hands with her dupatta.

"Did Tanveer propose to you?"

"How did you know? And when did this happen?" She asked in surprise.

"I overheard it. Mom told Dad, and I heard it."

"And what did they say?" She asked, curiosity directed towards Uzair.

"They were discussing the possibility of engagement. Tanveer's mom wants the two of you to get engaged. Are you willing to marry him?"

"No, I've never even thought about him in that way."

"But Tanveer wants to get engaged to you."

"He told you this himself?"

"No... obviously, when he's sending his mom, he must have his own consent in it."

"He might have. But I don't want it, and I'll tell mom that I'm not interested."

"No problem...you can get engaged to him. It will also lead to some family functions."

"What are you talking about? I don't need your advice, and you should leave my room right now."

Uzair's words hurt her deeply. "Okay, sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"I don't need your advice, and you...leave my room right now." 

She gestured towards the door. Uzair understood that her anger was at its peak, so he got up and left. After he left, Aneesa slammed the door.

"Get engaged...get engaged...is engagement even a big deal? And anyway, engagements break easily. It's the perfect option for passing the time. When you get bored, you can just break off the engagement."

"And I don't want to have any kind of relationship with Tanveer Niazi that would make me a time pass for him. In fact, I don't want to have any such relationship with anyone. And if engagement is to be done, let Samaira and Junaid do it. I don't want to be involved in this matter at all. Engagement my foot."

Despite all kinds of destitution

When she came today, my home felt nice

A few days later, Zakaria Khan sent Aneesa to Lahore by bus. Omar was waiting at the bus stop to receive her. Omar was years older than her but close in age to Samaira. They had a good understanding between them.

Aneesa had planned to stay in Lahore for as few days as possible. She had decided this on the very first day. But for now, she had to stay at Aunt Farhana's house with Omar. She was certain that Zakaria would check if she had arrived in Lahore or not. Her assumption was correct. As soon as they sat together in the car, Omar called Zakariya Khan.

"Hello, Uncle...yes, Uncle, she's with me...you don't need to worry."

It was about a thirty-minute drive from the bus stop to their house.

"You've been quite quiet these days," Omar asked.

"No, not really."

"Then why aren't you talking like before?"

"I'm just not in the mood."

"Why aren't you in the mood?"

"I don't know."

"Why don't you know?" Omar teased her.

"I don't know; if I'm not in the mood, I'm not."

The traffic light turned red, and they stopped.

"Would you like some ice cream?" Omar asked when he saw a bakery.

"No."

"Mango ice cream?" Mango was her favorite flavor.

"No."

"Cake? You'll have cake, right?" Omar thought she would say yes, but he was wrong.

"No." She had a serious expression on her face, and her changing behavior puzzled Omar.

"Are you annoyed by my talking?"

"No."

"Then why do my words seem pleasing to you?"

"No."

"Then why are you listening? Why aren't you refusing to listen to me?" He teased her, looking at her and smiling.

"Can I say something, Aneesa?" Since there was no response, he continued, "There are many words besides 'no' that you can use." She remained silent.

"What's wrong with you? Are you mad at me?" He felt something was off about her behavior.

"Is there something Zakaria uncle said?"

"I...no...what will Dad say? He doesn't say anything. I'm just feeling sleepy, and I have a headache."

"Well, we're going home, so you can sleep. You should have told me earlier; I wouldn't have said anything. I just go quiet." He said, repeatedly glancing at her face while speaking.

Aneesa turned her face toward the window without saying a word.

When they arrived home, Farahana warmly embraced Aneesa. However, Farahana's daughter, Mashal (Umer's older sister), and her husband Naveed were not at home. They hadn't returned from work yet. Farahana brought Aneesa to the drawing room.

"Mom, let Aneesa rest; she has a headache," Omar explained.

"But I haven't set up her room yet."

"Dad didn't tell you I was coming." Aneesa felt a silent anger but managed to swallow it. She genuinely wanted to rest because she was quite tired.

"No problem, Aneesa. I'm going out for some work, so you can sleep in my room."

Omar took her to his room. Farahana didn't like the idea of Omar taking Aneesa into his room.

Aneesa lay down comfortably on Omar's bed and fell asleep. When she woke up, it was evening. Farahana brought her some tea.

Mashal was delighted to see Aneesa when she returned from the kitchen. They chatted for a while, but Mashal left to join Farahana in the kitchen. Aneesa was left alone, using her phone.

"Dear, are you free?" Farahana asked when she came back from the kitchen. 

"Yes, just sitting, aunty," Aneesa replied.

"Can you help me with something?" Farahana handed Aneesa a knife.

Aneesa was surprised because she had never done household chores, but she had no choice but to help here.

She started cutting the vegetables, but she wasn't doing it right.

Omar entered the house and saw Aneesa struggling with the vegetables. He burst into laughter when he saw her cutting vegetables incorrectly.

"What are you doing?" Omar asked, still laughing.

"I'm cutting the vegetables," she replied.

"And not doing it properly, right?" He was laughing involuntarily.

"Yes, but how did you figure it out?" She asked, still amazed.

"Because...because..." (he couldn't speak properly due to laughter) "Because you...held the knife upside down."

Aneesa showed him the knife she was holding, and indeed, she was holding it with the blunt side. Omar took the knife from her hand.

"Thank God you didn't get hurt," he said.

He led her to his room and helped her wash her hands. "Wash your hands; we're going out. I'll inform Mom on the way."

After Omar left, Aneesa washed her hands. She quickly picked up her phone and called Mahenoor to let her know she had arrived in Lahore and wanted to meet up.

"As soon as I arrived, she handed me a knife." She was talking to her sister on the phone.

"Alright, don't be angry." Mahenoor was consoling her.

"I'm telling you...I don't want to stay here. And you know what? They didn't even set up my room...they knew it, but they will make me do it. And they'll make me do it myself."

"Try talking to Omar," Mahenoor suggested.

Aneesa heard Omar approaching and quickly ended the call.

"I'm putting the phone away; it sounds like Omar is coming...bye," she said in a hurry.

She placed her phone in her shoulder bag just as Omar entered the room.

"Let's go," Omar said. "I've informed Mom." Aneesa appeared much better now, perhaps because the fatigue of the journey had worn off.

"Where should we go?" Aneesa asked as they got into the car.

"Wherever you say."

"Then how about a restaurant? We can have dinner there; I'm hungry."

"Yes, you haven't eaten yet." He drove her to Cuckoo's Den. 

The restaurant was quite crowded, but they managed to find an empty table. Omar called the waiter over.

"What would you like to order?" Omar held the menu and asked.

"Two pizzas?" Omar chuckled. "Yes, one for me, one for you."

"Alright, your wish is my command."

"And a cold coffee as well," Aneesa ordered before the waiter could leave.

"Cold coffee or a cold drink?" Omar asked, surprised.

"Cold coffee."

"Okay, anything else?" Omar asked Aneesa.

"No, nothing else." The waiter took their order and left.

After having their meal, they arrived at a shopping mall. However, they didn't buy anything; they were just strolling around.

"Omar!" Aneesa addressed him while walking.

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Would you drop me back at Mahenoor's house on your way back?"

"Alright... and I'll come to pick you up at around ten in the morning, okay?"

Aneesa didn't expect this response; she didn't want to give him the impression that she didn't want to stay at his house.

"Yes, that's fine." She gave Omar a mischievous smile and a playful look, but Omar didn't seem to notice.

"So, shall we?" Aneesa asked excitedly.

"Where?"

"To Mahenoor's."

"Right now? Spend some more time with me first. I need your company."

"Okay, but... remember to drop me back at Mahenoor's place when it's time."

"Okay... okay."

They continued talking and strolling, enjoying each other's company. On the way back, Omar dropped Aneesa off at her sister's house.

When Omar arrived home alone, Mashal was surprised.

"Where is Aneesa?"

"She wanted to spend some time with her sister tonight, so she'll stay there. I'll bring her back tomorrow."

"Oh! I thought the three of us would hang out tonight, maybe play some board games. I was looking forward to it," Mashal expressed her disappointment.

"Don't worry; she'll be back by tomorrow morning."

Mashal missed Aneesa, who had become her companion during her stay. He wanted the morning to come quickly.

"I'm not there in the morning," Mashal said. Mashal missed Aneesa, who had become her companion during her stay. Omar couldn't sleep the whole night; he missed her terribly. Omar could feel the fragrance of Aneesa that was emanating from the bed at this moment. He wanted the morning to come quickly.

While Aneesa was very happy at her sister's house. She was sleeping peacefully. Everything was available there. Silence...peace, and privacy. At least, Mahenoor didn't make her work together because she knew that Aneesa doesn't come to work anyway.

At exact ten o'clock, Omar arrived to pick up Aneesa. When he got there, he found out that she was still asleep. Mahenoor took Omar to the guest room and instructed the servant to make some tea.

"You wake her up and tell her that I've come to pick her up. Come with me." Omar told Mahenoor. 

"Okay, you sit, I'll call her.  But... you dropped her off here yourself."

"Maybe she didn't tell you that I was coming to pick her up at 10 o'clock."

"No, I didn't have any such conversation with her." 

"That's right, you can ask her if you want."

Mahenoor looked upstairs and saw that Aneesa was ready. She was wearing a white plain t-shirt with jeans and a matching jacket, but she didn't put on any makeup. There was just a light pink lipstick for makeup

"Tell me, how do I look? Will Omar like me?" she asked Mahenoor with a smile. 

"Omar has come to pick you up... to take you home." 

"What? Home?" She was lost in her reflection in the mirror.

"Did you make any commitment to him?" 

"What commitment?" 

"That you'll go back with him at 10." 

"I said that just to delay it," she replied while fixing her jacket in front of the mirror. 

"But you should have at least informed me about it... well, whatever it is, he's here to pick you up." 

"Pick me up? Let me see him. Let's go." They both went downstairs. Omar was standing by the window, sipping tea. 

"Omar! How do I look?" On Aneesa's call, he turned around to see her. 

"Tell me, how do I look?" 

"As beautiful as always," Omar complimented her.

"Thanks... But you don't seem good to me right now. You came to pick me up so early."

"You yourself had said 10 o'clock, and it's only 10:30 in the morning now.

"Let's go then", Aneesa replied, slightly annoyed.

"Yeah, let's go."

Mahenoor was surprised at how easily she agreed to leave with him when just a moment ago, she was saying she wanted to stay. She had just said she wanted to stay here...She couldn't understand. They had already left.

"Omar!"

"Hmm?"

"Where are we going?

"For now, let's just roam around and have fun."

"Omar, do one thing."

"Go ahead, give your orders." Omar always addressed her like this, and always followed her commands.

"You should take some time off from the clinic," she suggested.

"But I take time off when I actually go to the clinic. I'm not going to the clinic right now. I've completed my studies. What do you want me to do?"

"Alright then. As long as I'm here, we'll spend time together."

"Your command is my wish," Omar said, placing his right hand on his chest.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Okay, then we'll go to Islamabad tomorrow."

"What? Are you out of your mind?" Omar abruptly stopped the car.

"Omar! What do you mean by this? If we decide to go, we'll go."

"Just... you said I should give orders. Now let's follow through."

"Uncle will find out, you know what will happen?"

"Who will tell Dad... I won't tell him... But I'm starting to have some doubts about you, little by little." She glanced at Omar with narrowed eyes.

"Alright... And what do I tell Mom?"

"Omar!" She was getting irritated by his questions. "Now, should I tell you this too? Are you afraid because you're a man? Tell them that you're going for work reasons and will be back in a few days."

"You're quite clever, well done!"

"And yes... tell them that Aneesa is staying at her sister's house."

"Okay... Okay, boss... Let's go now."

"Yes, let's go."

After wandering around for quite a while, Omar dropped Aneesa off at her sister's house. They both got out of the car. They stood in front of the car, talking.

"Are you happy?" Omar had his hand in his pant pocket.

"I wasn't happy at home...I'm happy here." Aneesa replied by looking into his eyes. 

"Why? Weren't you happy at home?"

"Because Omar wasn't there." And she blushed. 

"Are you happy now?" This time, she asked Omar.

"I'm also happy with you." Omar replied while holding Aneesa's hand.

"I missed you a lot last night." Aneesa told him.

"So, why didn't you come here? You could have stayed at my home."

"Did you miss me?"

"If I didn't miss you, would I have come to pick you up at the exact time?"

"Yeah, I didn't even think about that."

"Well, think about it." Omar was still holding her hand in his. Aneesa was blushing.

"Alright, I'm leaving now. And... send my stuff or bring it with you tomorrow."

"Okay... and any other orders?"

"No, my servant... now you go home." She said in a queenly manner. Omar was laughing at her actions. She had left, but he kept laughing. He started the car, and now he was going home too.

Seeing Aneesa come in like that, Mahenoor was surprised. 

"Omar had taken you home. What are you doing here... and with whom are you?"

"I told you that I won't go back to Aunt Farhana's house." (She said it with a triumphant tone.) "Well, look...Omar...I'm with Omar. He dropped me off here himself... he listens to everything I say."

"Okay, forget it... have your food... Kabeer is also eating."

"Kabeer is here?"

"Yes, he came over this afternoon. You weren't at home."

"Okay... but I've already eaten. I'm not hungry... you go."

Aneesa came to the dining table and offered a formal greeting and prayer to Kabeer. After that, she went to her room. After a while, Mahenoor called Aneesa to the lounge. Mahenoor wanted to talk to her. Kabeer was watching cartoons with his son. Aneesa was also watching cartoons, but at the same time, she was responding to Mahenoor's questions.

"When is your result coming out?"

"In August."

"What are your expected marks?"

"I'll never be able to meet Dad's target, no matter how many marks I get."

"How's the target?"

Their target is 1200, their high expectations." Kabeer and Mahenoor were surprised.

"But the board marks are... So how?"

"Even if I top the exams, I still can't make them happy."

"Why can't my sister?" Kabeer also joined their conversation. Aneesa's attention was on the LCD; she was watching cartoons. 

"Because the thing they need to make them happy, I don't have it. I... am... failure!"

"What's that?" Mahenoor asked with curiosity. 

"Money." As soon as I mentioned money, an awkward expression crossed her face. 

"Why are you saying that?"

"Am I said something wrong. What is, is. And that's how it is. The truth is, they value money. In the field of education where money is prominent, they send us there. And they have a lot of money themselves; they have connections with wealthy people. How much money do they have themselves... isn't it like that? Am I lying? Is that why they didn't send Samaira to the medical field? Is it against Kashmala..." 

Before she could say more, Mahenoor interrupted her. 

"Your tongue isn't very controlled today, is it? And where did this money come from in between?"

"You know the truth, and what I told you is also true."

"You don't know anything; keep your mouth shut. You haven't grown up enough to go against Dad. Do you even know what you're saying?"

"I told you what I observed."

"You observed wrong. And since when did you start observing?"

"Calm down." Kabeer looked at Mahenoor, who had a stern expression. 

"Calm down, huh?" Mahenoor said loudly. Aneesa got up and went to her room. 

"Are you seeing this?" Mahenoor addressed her husband. "She's already talking like this against her father. Is this the age to have such conversations?"

"She's observing things from her point of view. Who knows, maybe she's right. We can be wrong too."

"Okay, let's assume she's observing everything from her own point of view. But going against her father, does that give her pleasure?"

"What's happened to you? Why are you taking her words so seriously? And anyway, at this age..." Mahenoor interrupted Kabeer, and both of them put their legs up on the couch and began talking in hushed tones. 

"If she's talking like this at her age, think about what she'll do in the future. And seventeen is not an age, if she's observed all of this at this age, imagine what she'll have when she's beyond her teenage years. She will not only harm her father's reputation but also his friends."

"So what are you afraid of?"

"The way she was talking, everyone will turn against her. And she's not so independent that she can protect herself."

"Against whom?" 

"Kabeer, you know it well."

"So you mean... Aneesa's observation is correct?"

"To some extent."

"Then why stop her? Let her talk." 

"She goes against her father... should I just let her?" Mahenoor took Shayan from Kabeer's lap. Shayan had fallen asleep.

"What do you think... she'll do the most she can? Understand. She's completely crippled right now, and frankly, your words have filled in the gaps. She hasn't understood her age yet."

"A lot of misunderstandings happen at this age. Anyway, let's drop this... I also picked a random topic to discuss."

"I liked the topic. It was really interesting." Kabeer said with a smile. 

"But it wasn't for me." Mahenoor replied seriously.

They both took Shayan and went to their room to sleep. Aneesa had overheard all the conversations taking place between them. She stood quietly outside the room against the wall. She was feeling sad, but there was so much about herself that she could never understand, and there were also many things she couldn't do, no matter how much she wanted to.

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