SHATTERED HEARTS

Ch.23.Speaking of marriage....!

Dedicated to ♥Zarahfarooq♥ and my would be brother in law :) You guys are simply amazing ;)

             The chilly winter winds didn't seem to cease as they kept rushing back and forth making the atmosphere cooler as they passed.
Yet it was a cold, pleasant morning in the beautiful town of Sundarnagar.

             It was around 11:00 and the Bakhtiyar's house wasn't as lively and joyous as it had been the past week. In fact it seemed a bit gloomy as Mrs. Naushin and her son were preparing to leave. They had stayed the past whole week and now it was the ending of the winter break which meant Aslam would have to go back to school.

               The ladies were all urging Mrs.Naushin to stay but unfortunately she couldn't. She had to go with her son who she feared might burn down the house in her absence. Also the mischievous and irresponsible kid wouldn't read a single letter if no one were to yell at him for his own good. These were the reasons Naushin Chachi had to leave despite the insistence of the Bakhtiyar women.

"Zeenat bhabi where is Zaara?" Mrs.Naushin asked as she placed her bag in the hall besides Aslam's.

"She is in the upstairs bedroom, praying Chasht Salah." Mrs.Zeenat answered from the kitchen.

Mrs.Naushin nodded and went upstairs to meet her neice. She gently turned the door knob and stood by the door watching her neice pray.

                     Zaara was completely engrossed in her Salah focusing her entire mind on connecting with her Creator.It was the only thing that gave immense peace to her restless soul and put her shattered heart at rest. After completing two rakats of Salah she raised her hands and began to supplicate silently.Her eyes shut on their own accord, and silent tears escaped them as she repented and made supplications.

        Mrs.Naushin cleared her throat and Zaara stiffened for a moment. She swiftly wiped her hands on her tear stained face and turned to look at the door.

"Oh Naushin Chachi, I am sorry I didn't know you were here." Zaara apologised with a weak smile as she folded the prayer mat.

Mrs. Naushin walked in with a slight smile on her face and stopped infront of her neice.

"You were too engrossed in the prayer child. " She said staring at her neice with glassy eyes.

Zaara furrowed her brows thoughtfully and placed a hand on her Chachi's shoulder, " Are you crying Chachi? "

Mrs.Naushin shook her head and cupped Zaara's fair face in her hands, "No my dear, I was just thinking."

"About ?" Zaara pressed, still frowning.

"Nothing to worry yourself about. " Naushin Chachi said with a smile and pinched her cheeks.

Zaara laughed slightly making her Chachi smile wider."Keep smiling like this beta, it looks beautiful on you. And remember me and your brother in your duas."

"Are you leaving now Chachi? "
Zaara questioned with a sad look.

"I would have stayed my dear, but you know how good a son Aslam is, Allah knows how my precious house would resemble a garbage bin were it left upto him." Mrs.Naushin said in disapproval and shook her head while Zaara giggled at her way of putting it.

"We will all miss you Chachi. " She said smiling and her Chachi smiled back.

"Come for a stay some time, and do advice your brother to act a little responsible about his studies. "

"InshaAllah I will see to it Chachi. Do not you worry.Send him here to me everyday after school.Now that I am free I can take his studies InshaAllah. " Zaara assured.