•𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚| ✓

Fifth chapter پانچواں باب

A week had passed since Arshad's discharge from the hospital. Beena Chachi and Dua devotedly attended to him, creating a cocoon of care around his recovery. Gradually, Arshad began to spend more time with Dua, engaging in conversations that, though not yet as easy as those with a "jigri yar," marked a significant breakthrough for Dua. They traversed the delicate terrain of their budding relationship, each step a testament to the fragile beauty of their connection.

In the tranquil lounge, Arshad found himself engrossed in conversation with his Taya Abbu, weaving familial bonds in the tapestry of their shared moments. Suddenly, Dada Jaan graced the sofa with his presence, casting a warm, paternal aura. The patriarch beckoned Mahid, and with swift deference, he hastened to the call.

No matter how much Mahid and Mahad revel in their youthful exuberance, their reverence for elders remains unwavering, the air resonated with this unspoken truth. Dada Jaan, his voice a blend of authority and affection, gently admonished Mahid, "Mahid, maine tumhe kaha tha, char baje nikal jana... tum abhi bhi yahin ho.... Jao, tiyar ho jao."

(Mahid I told you to leave at 4, go get ready)

In the delicate balance of familial expectations and youthful vivacity, the scene unfolded, painting a canvas of respect and duty within the family's embrace.

"Dada Jaan," Mahid responded, momentarily escaping from the conversation. Taya Abbu, intrigued, inquired about Mahid's sudden departure. With a reminiscent tone, Dada Jaan shared, "Arey...wo yaad hai... hamare gaon mai jo zameen hai na... Arang Kel gaon mai (a village in Pakistan) wahan zameenon par kuch kaam hai."

In the air hung a nostalgic essence as Dada Jaan continued, "Main Rayyan ko bhejta par uske office mai kaam hai." The interplay of duty and familial ties created a poignant melody, resonating with the echoes of heritage and the responsibilities that tether generations together.

In a contemplative moment, Taya Abbu's thoughts turned to his daughter's long-cherished desire – to tread the ancestral soil where his roots intertwined with memories. A wistful smile played on his lips as he shared this cherished revelation.

"Mahid," he expressed with a twinkle of nostalgia, "Meri beti kinhamesha ye khwahish thi ke woh apne walid ke paida hony aur barhny wale gaon ko dekhe " The air shimmered with the delicate dance of dreams as Taya Abbu continued, "Hadia ko sath le jao; usay wohi raastein chalne do, usay woh gaon ki zameenon ki khushboo mein mehka do, aur hamari milkiyat ki charaghon mein apni ta'alluqat ko taqat do"

(My daughter has always harbored the wish to immerse herself in the essence of the village where her father was born and raised)

(Take Hadia with you; let her walk the same paths, breathe in the rustic melodies, and forge her connection with the tapestry of our shared heritage)

The moment held the weight of unspoken emotions, a blend of paternal love, filial longing, and the poetic allure of tracing one's origins. As Mahid prepared to embark on the journey with Hadia, the familial tapestry unfolded, weaving together the threads of past and present into a timeless narrative.
----

Mahid sat in his car, immersed in quiet contemplation, when Hadia came running towards him. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she eagerly embarked on a long-held wish to visit the village. Taking her place in the passenger seat, she bestowed upon Mahid a smile so enchanting that it nearly stole his breath away. The air buzzed with anticipation as they commenced their journey, weaving in and out of moments filled with tender conversation.

In the midst of their journey, just before reaching Arengkal, their car succumbed to a halt. Annoyed and vexed, Mahid disembarked and lifted the car's hood. Diagnosing the issue, he directed Hadia to stay in the car while he sought assistance.