Taabindagi (Sequel Of Sharar)

Fifty-Five

Chapter 56 is up on stck 💕

•••

When Nomi returned home that evening, he was in a cheerful mood, humming under his breath, his hair still tousled by the evening breeze. But the moment he stepped into the haveli, an odd stillness greeted him. The air felt heavy, as if something serious had happened.

“Kya hua, nani?” He asked, noticing Rubab sitting quietly in the lounge. But before she could answer, Azlan walked in, his face serious.

(What happened, nani?)

Immediately, Nomi straightened up. His hand brushed through his hair, fixing the waves, he buttoned the top of his shirt and adjusted his collar like a soldier reporting for duty.

“Sab theek haina?” He asked, glancing between them.

(Is everything alright?)

“Tumhari bua ki phone aya tha,” Azlan said, sitting beside Rubab. “Tumhare bade papa ki tabiyat theek nahi hai, he's serious.”

(Your aunt called.)

(Your uncle isn’t well, he’s serious.)

“Nahi toh,” Nomi blinked. “Abhi maine bade papa ko bahar dekha, badi mummy ke sath kahi ja rahe the. Momo keh rahi thi date pe ja rahe hain shayad.”

(No way,)

(I just saw him outside with auntie. Momo said they’re probably going on a date.)

Azlan’s lips parted to respond, but when he realized what Nomi meant, he shut them again, suppressing a sigh. “Main Kaif ki baat nahi kar raha.”

(I’m not talking about Kaif.)

That made Nomi pause, confusion flickering in his eyes.

“Tumhare gaov se phone tha.” Azlan added quietly.

(There was a call from your village.)

“Oh,” Understanding dawned. His expression changed at once. “Allah unhe sehet dein.” he murmured softly, looking away.

(May Allah give him health.)

“Woh tumhara puch rahe the. Tumhari inn dino chutti hai toh ek do din ho aao waha.” Azlan continued, his voice gentler now.

(He was asking about you. You’re on break these days, so go visit for a couple of days.)

“Baba, main kaha ja paunga. Abhi Ehan bhai ki engagement, phir college ki chuttiya bhi toh khatam hone wali hai...” Nomi tried to sound careless, but the way his eyes darted and his tone softened gave him away.

(Baba, how can I go right now. Ehan bhai’s engagement is coming up, and my college holidays are about to end too…)

Azlan opened his mouth to say something more, but Rubab placed her hand lightly over his, signaling him to stop. Nomi stood up and walked away.

•••

Later that evening, Ehan stormed into the girls’ room.

“Theek hai, meri engagement ho rahi hai.” he said. “Main ab single nahi rahunga, badi baat hai. Lekin iss baat pe matam ka mohol kyu hai?”

(Alright, I’m getting engaged.)

(I won’t be single anymore, that’s a big deal. But why does everyone look like they’re mourning it?)

The room was unusually quiet. Everyone was there except Shahnan. Layla sat curled up on a beanbag in the corner, clutching a cushion, silently observing. She’d heard from Sharfa that everyone gathered here most evenings, and since she wouldn’t be around much longer, she didn’t want to be the reason they adjust themselves.