Taabindagi (Sequel Of Sharar)

Fifteen

It didn't take long for the entire household to gather around them. Conversations overlapped, laughter filled the air, and the warmth of reunion spread through Kaif's house, as Hanan and Ayat found themselves surrounded, their return after seven years sparking excitement in everyone.

"Aap log bheege kaise?" Rubab asked with concern, noticing their slightly damp clothes. Hanan and Ayat hadn't even had time to freshen up yet, though by now, their clothes had mostly dried on their own.

(How did you two get drenched?)

"Airport side barish ho rahi thi," Ayat explained, pushing her damp hair back.

(It was raining near the airport,)

"Yaha toh nahi ho rahi." Kabir said in confusion.

(But it's not raining here.)

Hanan turned to him with a blank look before replying with deadpan sarcasm, "Sorry, badal sath lana bhool gaye hum."

(Sorry, we forgot to bring the clouds along.)

Laughter erupted around them. Kabir scowled,

Azlan, realizing they hadn't had a moment to themselves yet, finally spoke up. "Achha tum log jao, fresh ho jao."

(You two should go freshen up first.)

"Apke yaha shadi mein bahar se logo ko bulane ki zaroorat nahi parhti hogi." When Ishmal noticed two new faces among the gathering, she couldn't hold back her comment to Eifa. She said with a light smile. Eifa simply chuckled in response.

(You probably don't need to invite outsiders to your weddings.)

•••

After dinner, discussions about finalizing the wedding dates began. Zarrar wanted to schedule the wedding as soon as possible, and no one had any objections. Even Kian had agreed just yesterday, but now, sitting among the family, he felt strangely out of place. The warmth he once felt while looking at Ishmal was no longer there, and the lively conversations around him only made him feel more isolated. After a while, unable to bear the overwhelming atmosphere, he quietly excused himself and left.

Once the dates were set, Zarrar's family also departed.

By then, Shahzain's house had been cleaned and prepared for his arrival. With most of the guests gone, Hanan decided it was time for a private conversation, excusing both himself and Shahnan.

•••

Sitting across from Shahnan, Hanan's expression was unreadable, but his tone carried unmistakable authority. "Tumse ek cheez kahi thi maine, Shahnan. Ki Eifa ya kisi aur se tum khud baat nahi karoge." he said, his voice firm.

(I told you one thing, Shahnan. That you wouldn't talk to Eifa or anyone else about this yourself.)

His sharp gaze bore into his son, who sat stiffly, hands resting on his knees, fists clenched. His eyes were lowered, but his frustration was evident.

"Maine bhi toh apse ek hi cheez kahi thi." Shahnan's voice was quiet, almost sullen, but there was a hint of defiance in it.

(I told you one thing too.)

Hanan leaned forward, planting his hands on the table between them. "Tum mujhe apni koi ek khoobi batao jiski wajah se main tumhare liye khandan ki sabse kabil larki ka hath mangu."

(Tell me one good reason why I should go and ask for the most eligible girl in this family for you.)

"I love her." Shahnan's response was simple, almost too simple, as if no other reason could be greater than this.