Mannat

2 | Irani Sisters

ZAYAAN

I reclined back in my seat staring at the anklet placed on my desk.

Who was she?

I shook my head remembering the times when mom used to pester me to meet girls and how I used shrug off saying I wasn’t ready for marriage yet.

I wasn’t ready to meet any girls mom had picked for me and now here I was waiting for my secretary to bring her information so that I can finally get to know who she was.

There was a knock at the door. Sitting up straight, I cleared my throat and answered, “Come in.”

Lisa walked in with blue file in her hand. Her eyes glanced at my desk and for a second or two she stared at the anklet with confusion laced on her face.
I place my hand on anklet and asked, “Yes”

Lisa placed the file on desk, “Sir it has all the information about Ms.Irani.”

“Thank you. You may leave now.” I said sliding the file in front of me.

My heart lurched with different emotions, opening the file I read her name, “Shiza! Shiza Irani, 21 years…” A smile crept on my lips. Relaxing in my chair, I picked the file in my hand only for a photo to slip from the file and drop on the floor.

Placing the file back on the desk I picked the photo laying on ground. A ghost of smile plastered my face when my eyes perceived the alluring picture of Shiza Irani.

She was Shiza Irani — the girl who was able to capture my attention without any efforts. She was beautiful with large brown doe like eyes, light pink lips, pointed nose. She might be around 5.5. She was wearing a black head scarf with long top and jeans.

I kept gazing at her picture for a very long time giving her all my undivided attention.

“I need to meet her in person.” I stated running fingers through my hair. Slipping the picture back in the file, I placed it in the draw along with her anklet.

❖❖

“Mom I’ll be leaving now.” I said strolling down the stairs.

“Zayaan, have your breakfast first.” Mom called out from the kitchen.

“No Mom. I have some important work to do.” I pick up the car keys from the table.

“What important work do you have Zayaan. As far as I know, you are free today except for one important meeting which is at 12.” Dad pointed out taking his seat on dinner table.

“I have some other important work dad.” I couldn’t help but smile remembering Shiza's picture.

Mom walked out of kitchen only to halt in her track. She batted her eyelids, “Zayaan are you smiling? Oh my Allah. Is it what I am thinking. Are you finally seeing someone?” mom eyes gleamed with happiness.

“What? No mom. She doesn’t even know I exist.” I shrug fixing my tuxedo.

“Did you hear it Ali. He is definitely speaking about a girl.” Mom pronounced looking at dad. Her voice glazed with delight.

“Yeah. Hopefully you won’t forget about today’s meeting.” Dad said a tint of warning in his tone. We had worked quite hard for this opportunity and dad doesn’t want me to screw it up, not now when I was this close to seal this deal.

“Don’t worry dad. No matter what work comes first.” I said nodding my head.

“Zayaan why are you still standing here? Leave, she might be waiting. Go and get my daughter-in-law.” Mom gushed, her approving face revealing happiness.

What about my breakfast?

❖❖

“Shiza…” Qulsum yelled walking to and fro in front of the door.

“I am here.” Shiza breathed stepping out of the door, “I was re doing my hijab. You know how difficult it is for me.”

“I know only one thing which is I’m going to be so late today, all because of you.” Qulsum sighed and grasped Shiza's hand whilst pulling her towards the car.

“Miss Qulsum Irani you’re manhandling your baby sister.” Shiza pouted trying to soften Qulsum's mood.

“Whatever.”

Both Qulsum and Shiza took the backseat.
Qulsum was two years elder to Shiza. Shiza was Professor at AIT while Qulsum was Software Engineer at MNC.

Shiza never addressed Qulsum as Di [ elder sister ] rather she preferred calling her by name as they had only two years of age difference.

“Anyways Qulsum I got photos from yesterday’s rally.” Shiza said drawing near to Qulsum.

“Show me.” Qulsum placed the file on other side and squatted closer to Shiza peeking at her phone.

“Oh my God. I look so beautiful here…” Shiza stated gleefully pointing at their picture.

Qulsum smiled staring at Shiza who was elated looking at her pictures. She's a photo freak.

“All thanks to me. I did your hijab.” Qulsum said scrolling through the pictures.

“Yeah okay thank you Qulsum. You saved me yesterday. I couldn’t have handled so many students. Thank God you were there for me.” Shiza wrapped her hand around Qulsum shoulder hugging her.

Patting Shiza’s head once Qulsum replied, “Okay drama queen enough. You were lucky I had an off yesterday. Anyways my company is here, Allah Hafiz.” With that Qulsum got down walking towards the building.

❤…