Tillim's Bullet

Chapter Eleven; Back Home

Tillim

Kuddus's mama took the luggage out as Sadid Bhaiya helped Rabet get out of the car. He picked us up from the airport though I insisted he not.

Sophia went to her apartment halfway. I had to be with him in the car and as I drove his blabbers never stopped. His energy level was rising almost. Now that we arrived his weakness was so very visible.

I bit the inside of my cheek.

Everyone was outside the house waiting for us. As Rabet got inside I did too. There were so many people in the house. Bhaiya told me this was a dawat for Zainab. I had assumed a bit of it. I'll ask everyone to tell me what happened after I calm down because I needed a shower now.

"Oh my god, Tillim. It's been so long since we met."I heard a squeal from one of the aunties as I smiled awkwardly and tired.

Ammu came in front of me blocking her. She hugged me tightly as Jannat hugged me too.

After greeting everyone I paddled upstairs swiftly, careful about not letting anyone see me. I didn't want to be dragged into any conversation now. I was so tired that my bones hurt from walking.

Walking past the huge corridor I reached my room and threw my coat on the armrest of a chair as my body slumped on the bed.

I let out a deep breath. After resting for a few moments, I went to the wardrobe and picked up a shalwar suit. I did not want my mother's scolding for my suit if I wore one.

As the cold water ran down my body while I showered, I closed my eyes tightly. Coming out, I wore what I chose and sat on the vanity. I fished for black earrings or any accessories so I could go down and greet the guests.

I was in no mood for formalities but I have to do this. The elders were not in a great position with me. I left the company for my little detective mission and came back empty-handed while the whole family became a mess.

Jannat burst through the door and hugged me from behind.  She squealed. "Oh my gosh, I missed you so much! I can't believe you are finally back." She sat on the bean bag beside me.

I brushed her cheek adoringly. "Yes, I am back. I had a little business there."

"Yeah, I know. You just cannot be free for all these people." She looked at the sounds coming from downstairs.

"Jannat," I turned towards her. "Tell me, everything that happened when I was absent." I looked into her eyes.

She hesitated for a second. "Well, nothing much. Evani khala came and had a sort of, meeting with the elders. They were all talking about Zainab Apu. They said her age for marriage was just right and Saleem bhaiya's wedding was fixed in haste. So, they thought as Saleem bhaiya was engaged they should get Zainab apu married first."

Judging by the deep hurt in her voice, I know that's not all that happened.

"Tell me more and tell me everything."

"You know, Rajin bhaiya right? They always wanted to get Zainab apu married to him. He came back a few days ago and they got a chance. "

"Did they take Zainab's consent?"

She shifted in her seat. "She never talks with anyone after hearing the news."

I close my eyes tightly. I knew it. I knew that they were going to force Zainab into this. I cannot let this happen.

"What about you? Are you okay, Jannat?" I asked.

The girl couldn't take it anymore as a single tear came down her cheeks. She had a deep pain buried inside her and I knew it really well. As she looked at me helplessly, she said, "Will they force me too?"

I hugged her instantly. "As long as I am alive I'll ensure that never happens with any of you. I cannot let your youth get ruined as mine was ruined too."

She sniffled as I patted her head. After talking to her for a few minutes, I left the room. I headed to look for Zainab. While in the hallway I heard the hustle and bustle of the people outside but I ignored it and went straight to Zainab's room.

As slowly as I could, I knocked on Zainab's room. As I heard no sound, I felt anxious. "Zainab?"

As I called out to her, the door was instantly opened revealing a side of Zainab I never saw before. Messy hair, eye bags under her eyes, and her collarbones almost popping out making her look as if she didn't eat for days.

When she smiled, her face seemed bright, but gosh, she looked beautiful. My sister was gorgeous even in an emotional breakdown.

"Apu," She hugged me. "I missed you so much."

I hugged her back and patted her head. "I missed you too. How are you now?"

She took me inside the room. "I am fine. How about you? And how is Rabet?"

I smiled weakly. "He is... fine. What about you? I heard everything."

She looked sad, immensely. She looked down. I cupped her face and made her look up. "Zainab, tell me what is wrong? Are you really this unhappy with this marriage?"

She sniffed. "It's not that. Just... Rajin is my friend. He always has been and I haven't seen him as anything more than that. If anyone just comes and forces me into an unknown relationship like this.."

"It's okay, shh." I rubbed her shoulders. "Isn't there a way for you to maybe give him a chance?" I asked. Careful with my words.

She looked at me. "I will try. I have to."

Both of us knew how hard it was to take back a decision already made by the elders. Even I had no power in the topic of marriage. The wedding's financial responsibility will be given to me and yet I couldn't have any say in it.

___

"Bhaiya!" Inaaya squealed as Aakash gave her the dare to go to the rooftop this late at night. Everyone was laughing seeing Aakash Shrugg. "You asked for it." He said.

Jannat came down as all the kids were finally having a get-together on the topic of marriage. I sat in one corner looking at a few files from work while hearing them play.

"Well, just make sure you don't have someone crawl on your back." Jannat scared her as Inaya widened her eyes afraid of the reality.

Aakash tried to stifle his laugh. Rakib on the other hand was chewing on peanuts making himself look like a king. "A dare must be kept, be truthful to your words, woman." He said with a deep sarcastic voice.

"Tore juta diya marbo ami." Inaya warned him.

As Inaya stood up to leave Sadid came in between. "You aren't going anywhere." All eyes were on him. Inaaya looked at him almost towering over her as I looked up too.

I raised my eyebrows at him. He looked at me, slightly embarrassed. "I mean, nobody should give such a-- mean dare to anyone. Let the game be fun." He said and almost immediately came to sit beside me to avoid the kids from teasing him.

Nevertheless, they didn't stop. Aakash hooted. "Bhaiya finally became a Romeo, I wonder what I should bring to both of your weddings." He said and laughed.

Saleem looked at Sadid bhaiya in pure disbelief. "You used to scold me for being like this now look at you." He said.

He was turning red beside me. Inaaya sat in one corner with her face hidden by her hair.

I looked at Sadid bhaiya whose face was like a tomato, looking away. As I looked at my precious family smiling and laughing, I felt a sudden pang in my heart. I have missed this youth in my life, working my days and nights to gain control.

And now, I am doing the same.

Bhaiya cleared his throat as I gave him a side-eye. But then Sophia came into my mind. I never had the courage to tell Bhaiya that Sophia was head over heels for him. Ammu knew it and I did too but he always had his eyes on Inaya.

I looked at Rabet as he quietly looked at everyone, hiding a smile. "You can laugh," I whispered to him unable for everyone to hear. Teasing him felt so good.

"Shut up,"