Connected Souls

|Chapter 26|An Honest Conversation

Hello guys, hope you all are fine. New chapter is here. Kindly tell me your feedback in the comments.
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Mirha
I was right now in my room. I had slept the whole afternoon and woke up at 6 in the evening. I washed my face and then joined the elders downstairs. Phupoo and Ammi straightaway asked about my health while Chachi just scowled in my direction. I don't know what problem she has with me? Did I do something wrong with her? She didn't even a- knowledge my greeting making me feel embarrassed and I pulled my hand back. Ammi and phupoo didn't look quite impressed by her gesture but remained probably wanting to maintain the calm atmosphere. I immediately faked a smile and entered the kitchen. Naz phupoo patted my shoulder and said in her sweet tender voice
"Don't worry, dear. One day everything will be alright."
She is so sweet. She is like a second mother to me. Her humble and welcoming nature is what attracts me to her the most. She is always smiling but that didn't hide the pain in her eyes. The pain of losing a young husband and a father of her child. She masked her emotions pretty well but her eyes failed to do so. Soon, we heard the front door opening and Zahaan walked inside the kitchen. He immediately back hugged phupoo causing her to chuckle. He kissed her cheek and said
"My mama is always working. C'mon take a rest. You have a daughter in law now. She will take care of the kitchen."
He said the last sentence playfully. I laughed but we heard a voice from the back
"Will you stop teasing my wife, cousin?"
Azaan walked inside with a playful glare on his face. He stood just right beside me and his hand was now rested at my waist. He hid it pretty well because we both respect our elders. Zahaan exhaled loudly and stated rather dramatically
"Don't be a protective husband. It's no harm in teasing our bhabhi a little, right bhabhi?"
I nodded my head causing Azaan to fake hurt and he stated
"I'm deeply hurt wifey. You changed your side."
I blushed at the endearment and Naz phupoo finally put an end to the playful argument
"Ok, stop bothering my daughter you two. Go and get fresh and don't ever walk inside the kitchen coming straight from outside."
Azaan and Zahaan both saluted causing phupoo to shake her head and they went upstairs. I busied myself in the cooking. After an hour, the dinner was ready. Everyone was downstairs and waiting at the dining table. Today, I have made the dinner. I had tried Chinese rise with pasta and for dessert I tried cake bites. I don't know why but today I wanted to make something special. Ammi and Phupoo insisted on help me but I refused because I wanted to do something without their help. They're getting old and now that I am here I don't want them to overwork themselves. Rabia and Eshal helped me in setting the table. As we all sat down, we all began. I was in the middle of eating when Azaan leaned towards me and whispered
"The food is divine, wifey."
I blushed and bit back a smile. Rabia was teasingly looking at us making me blush more. Azaan chuckled seeing my reaction and I averted my gaze. Everyone praised my cooking and I felt happy. But my happiness was short lived as Chachi decided to ruin the mood by commenting
"Mujhe to is me namak kam lag rha ha."
Translation ( I think it's lack salt.)
My smile dropped. I had checked the food by tasting myself. The spices were perfect. Is she just trying to make me feel bad? Azaan clenched his fist ready to lash at her when Ammi spoke up
"Bushra, namak bilkul theek ha. Wese bhi ziada namak sehat k liye acha nhi hota ha."
Translation ( Bushra, salt is ok. Also, salt is not not good for health. The less the merrier)
Chachi rolled her eyes and scoffed. She mumbled under her breath
"Of course, you would do anything to save your good for nothing daughter in law."
Her words were sharp and hurtful. I blinked back my tears. Everytime I try to do something good, she always pin point me. Azaan turned to me and his eyes held concern for me. I smiled assuring at him and Baba stated
"Let's continue dinner and hopefully without any unwanted comments."
His words were directed towards Chachi. Chachi made a sour face while Chachu remained silent. After dinner, I went inside my room. Azaan was already there lying on the bed. When he saw me, he sat up on the bed and I said before making my way to the bathroom
"Let me just change."
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After getting change, I joined him in the bed. He opened his arms and I rested my head at his shoulder. It was common for us now. We do cuddling all the time. I felt really satisfied laying in his arms. It made my heart giddy. My feelings for Azaan are more than just liking and I don't know what should I call them? I was busy in my own rant when he snapped his fingers at me and said
"Where are you lost, Mirha?"
I looked at him and just shook my head. He sighed and then began
"Mirha, I know Chachi is giving you a hard time."
I looked up at him and his eyes were fixed at the ceiling. I remained quiet confused about what to say. He caressed my hairs slowly and spoke up
"Since how many days, this is been going on?"
I stole a secret glance at him and this time he was looking at me. His eyes held authority in them. I didn't want to create a rift between his family. When I didn't reply, he sat up on the bed causing me to also sat up. He rubbed his temples and then said. His voice was calm and patient
"Mirha, please don't hide. Tell me."
I decided to speak because I know he would not let this matter go easily. So, I spoke finally
"It's been going on since many days. She kept pin pointing me. I never did anything to her. I always respected her but she didn't seem to like me any bit."
Azaan was quiet for sometime. Did I go overboard? After all she is his Aunt. I shouldn't have used such words. He may be angry at me. I was about to apologize when he spoke making me shock
"Chachi should be sorry. She can't treat you like that."
I looked at him wide eyes. He is siding with me. All my childhood, I have seen how baba (Ameen) would get angry on mama whenever she complained about his sister's bad behavior with her. Baba always scolded mama and blamed her for their ill behavior with her. Baba never trusted mama. My phupoo and Dadi had made my mama's life hell. They never waste any second in humiliating her. But mama always respected them.. They were older than her. Azaan asked me worried
"Mirha, are you ok?"
I stared at him and said unconsciously
"Baba would always get mad whenever mama complained about my phupoo's bad behavior. Baba never trusted mama and blamed her for not being a good daughter in law."
My eyes turned watery remembering how mama cried all night just praying to God. I had saw her getting depressed and hurt by my Dadi and phupoo's constant nagging and taunts. But my mama was a very strong lady. She never let her guard down and one day when it went too hard to tolerate, she took a step for herself and left the house. She decided to take a divorce. She didn't wants us to grow up in a house where girls are not respected equally. That day, I really understand that how strong and bold my mama is. Not every woman is strong enough to take such a big step in her life without any support but she did and never ever in her life that she regretted that. Ya Allah keep my mama safe and healthy. Azaan wiped my tears and that's when I realize that I was crying. I was in pain. I was experiencing the same thing mama did. I was pulled back to those horrifying memories when mama and baba used to fight alot on small and petty things. I used to hid inside my bed to not hear their loud and shrill voices. I didn't want to experience that pain again. Azaan wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. I rested my head at his chest and cried. I had too much. I have been bottling up my emotions in my heart but now I can't. I needed to let it out. Azaan kept rubbing my back and I tightened my arms around her. His hug gave me peace and sense of safety. His warm hugs melt away my sadness and pain. He didn't say anything just keep rubbing my back and muttered sweet nothing in my ear. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is a pure gentleman. I pulled away and once again he wiped my tears. His eyes were sad and pained. It seemed like my tears were paining him. I took a deep breath and apologized
"I'm sorry. I was too emotional."
He shook his head and stated softly
"No it's ok. Never pent up your emotions. You can share anything with me."
I smiled at him. He lovingly looked at me before kissing my forehead. Once again my heart picked up its pace and drummed loudly in my chest. He held my hand and spoke
"Mirha, I don't know what are your thoughts on marriage but for me, it is a bond which need love and attention from both sides. A relationship can only work when both the people are putting efforts. If any one of them gave up, the relation will crumble on its own. I'm not like those typical husbands who would not hear any bad words against their family. Allah has given us a responsibility of taking care of someone's daughter. I will never treat my wife badly because one day if have my own daughter,I would want someone who would love and cherish her just like I do."
My heart swelled with happiness on his words and I said
"You are very kind hearted, Azaan. The men like you are rare in this world now."
He laughed at my comment and stated playfully
"Then my dear wifey, you should thank Allah for having such a nice and pious husband all for yourself."
I laughed and said teasingly
"Aren't you getting a little self obsessed dear husband?"
He laughed out loudly and I joined him too. Marriage is not easy everyone. It took alot of time and hard-work to built it. Communication is the key in marriage. If you have any problems than communicate and try to find a solution. Miscommunication would only lead to misunderstanding and more problems. Marriage is a fragile bond. It can be broken easily but it can't be mended easily. We need to be cautious in balancing it because one wrong step can cause you lifetime regret. Keep our faith in Allah and seek for his help when you're in trouble because no doubt He is the Only one who can help you in your bad times without ever judging you....
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That's it for today guys. Do vote share and comment. The real drama will start from now on because now only drama and drama will be there in the chapters. Let's see how will Mirha and Azaan fight those problems.
Till then loads of love
Allah Hafiz
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