Aamir

"Shut up " Abba's voice gave shivers to my spine.His hand was in air to give me a tight slap .I Closed my eyes in fear. I know its going to sting and hurt me.My heart beat is raising, I feel I am suffering from tachycardia. I never seen Abba  this angry like I am witnessing now. Until now he nAamir  ever raised his hand . He always believes in sorting matter by negotiations and talks.

In childhood whenever we demands toys or sweet, chocolates .Ammi refused excessive demands when we hadn't behave properly she is the one who gave us punishment. Abba was chill out personality who spoiled us with gifts ,toys and other things. My past keep flashing in front of my eyes. It let me feel nostalgic and emotional.

"Go back to your room . "I listened his voice which calmed me. He didn't hit me even in the condition when he is extremely angry. I nodded to him and start moving towards stairs.

"We'll discuss it when your mother will be alright. Don't think you have license to romance with that girl . Got it ." He said from behind

"Got it."I said with chocking voice. So this is it for me and Aamna. Abba act typically like movies and films where they say "Abba nahi manege (Dad won't agree) before parting ways. I never knew wbat it would be in her company. Did she laugh on PJ or smiles on romantic scenes in the movie. How she sleeps? I wanted to lead her in prayers butit looks like distant dream. I have confidence that Abba ,Ammi will respect my decision just like they did every time.

"What went wrong now ? " I  mumbled. Abba always takes my side why not today? I have intent to marry her what's wrong in that.

Days passed away just like that ,Me and Abba isn't on speaking terms. He behaved like I commit a crime which I hadn't. I just fall  in love with a girl ,she is also a  Muslim,desire to have a Halal relationship ,We hadn't commit adult stuffs still he is behaving like Hitler.Anger is building up in my heart.

Today Ammi's quarantine period will be over so does for Asma and Anara.I helped her in coming out and sit on sofa. Than I brings water to her and Abba brings some fresh fruits.After putting it on table we sat on distant  side of table.He sat on the seat of head of family  and I sat near other end of table. There is pin drop silence in room.

"What happened? Ammi asked while keeping one grapes in her mouth.I shrugged my shoulders as I don't want her to take stress at this moment.

"what happened?"  this time she turned towards my father.

"Ask your Son" he gritted his teeth.

"Aamir what's going on and Salman why are you blaming him?"

"Why I shouldn't?"I have sent this brat to studies as this is his dreams but he is busy in entertaining himself.  " he shouted and my mother looks towards me to explain 

"Ammi ,when you were sick there is girl who helped me in taking care of you all and I like her."This time I said calmly.

"She created rift without entering my house , great ." Asma said .

"She hadn't done anything like that . Abba overreacted, In today's time people grown liking for someone  what's the big deal."

"It is big deal because  she is divorcee and dumped by her family. Why you want to bring such low life to my house." Abba said in one go

"You enquired about her.." I asked

"Why I shouldn't? Huh Aamir why I shouldn't? He shakes me.
" I had high hopes from you. I'll do this and that for your wedding but you disappointed me. One fine day you  claimed  be in love with a girl. I need to know whom he wanted to marry. Its my duty to figure out that she is good for our family or not and  I disapprove this match." He start  leaving after saying that .

"Abba please listen to me .... I called him but all in vain .

"Amma please listen...Amma followed his footsteps ignoring mu pleas. Its not surprisingat all .She is his dutiful wife who never disobey his command. Father's word is final for her.

Next is Asma ,I felt dejected. I knew my family will question me but I never expected that they won't give me a chance to explain. Aamna is an innocent divorcee. Why its so difficult to understand other story. Society puts all blame to woman ,nobody questioned a man that why he divorced his wife.Woman have to face all burnt of  this separation. Family who loved and cherished the daughter, discard her,invalidate her emotions. I realized mentally Aamna is very strong Despite of everyone's rejection she shined. She hadn't fell in pit but rise .

Someone put hand on my shoulder, I felt delighted that Amma came back to listen my point of view.I turned around and find Anara is standing behind me. The person I least expected. She the laid-back, chill and carefree person all this years. She loves to shop and spend Abba's money on useless stuffs.She had a wardrobe full of clothes and now wants more. She isn't good in academics and have set her priorities to marry a well settled guy.

She put coffee on table and I look towards her.

"I want to hear about her ."

"What will you do if I tell you .Go away."I refuse to open up to her.Father already hating me for telling the truth to him.I should put her pictures in proposed bride envelopes. It wouldn't be great.

"You need atleast one pillar in the family. She spoke politely.

"Speak up your heart bhai ,I am hear to listen. What's her name." She asked

I don't answered

"Naam to bata do naam batane mai kya hai ? ( atleast tell me her name what's the big deal in disclosing her name)

"Common tell me?"she insists again looking in my eyes.

"So you won't tell ,let me guess than

"Firdaus" ?

"Salma "?

"Shabnam ?"

"Mahira ?"

"Hina ?"

"Sana ?"

"Hiba?"

"Ayesha?"

"Nilofar ?"

"Aamna " I finally blurted out and smile broke on her face.

"Aamna ,very beautiful name the owner of this name might be more beautiful " she said with a grin on her face.

"So bhabhi se pahli mulaqat mai kya hua ?" (What happened on first meeting with Sister in law ?" She  laughed

"Have some hsame Anara "

"Ab ham bol bhi nahi sakte  aapne to kiya hai (Now I can't even say while you did it with her)?" She complained

"Kya kiya hai ,kiya hai laga rakha hai,Kuch na kiya maine (what's this rant of  you have done ,I haven't done anything. ) She is expert in bringing irritated side of me.

" maine to pyaar ke baare mai bola aapne kya soch liya Pyaar nahi kiya aapne (I have said about love ,what else you have thought that's not my problem. Haven't you loved?) She acted innocent and I gave up.

"Ask what you want to know " I finally give up.

"No ,I'll ask to bhabhi (SIL) ,I am eager to meet the girl who stole my brother's heart "she clapped like a child.

"NO ANARA, Its not happening "

"It will happen,you know me ,arrange our meeting or I'll find a way to do so."

********

Zoya Cafe

After so many requests Aamna agreed to meet my sister on pre context that she will guide Anara for preparing for NEET.she  will address girl's issue Anara is having. The issues which is  non existing.Anara has no interest in studies she loves designing clothes and developed interests in hand embroidery, chikankari work . She can open a boutique if she wishes to do so. Here I am waiting for an upcoming disaster.

"Hello Aamir "Aamna greet me casually. Anara was looking her surprisingly. I

"Why don't you used Assalamualaikum "I murmured .

"You were  saying something "

"NO ,nothing, what I would have said.I have nothing to say anything  "I shrugged my shoulders.

"Assalamualaikum "Anara greet her.

"Waalaikumussalam " she replies politely.

"I wants to thank you for your assistance when we were sick.Your help eased burden of my brother .Thank you for warm hoomcooked meal. It  means a lot to me "Anara said

"Thank you"

"I have bring something for you." She handed Aamna a woven yellow dupatta.

"Why you..

"To mark our friendship "Anara moved her hand for handshake.

It was unexpected from her,when did she matured to acknowledge someone's efforts. Her words are thoughtful.Gift is meaningful to embark new journey ahead. My eyes went on Aamna,  kind gesture of Anara melted her heart .I know she is not  habitual that someone treats her good. It touched her heart unknowingly Anara touched her heart.She composed herself quickly.

"Aamir said you are facing issues in your studies?"

"Yes ,I don't know how to draw diagrams ." She said genuinely .

"That's not difficult, You just need to  practice and it will be okay after sometime. "

"No ,I have to draw new designs  "

"What are you saying, Human anatomy is same since ages. "

"Huh?"

"Girls We need to order something. He is waiting for it." I signed towards a waiter. I somehow prevented the disaster. I lied to both Aamna and Anara.I hode from Anara that Aamna hadn't accepted my proposal wholeheartedly. I am thinking long term as of now.I want them to gel with each other.May be one day I'll be successful and my parents will say  yes .Aamna will say yes wholeheartedly. I hopeful.