Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 24 : Unspoken Longings

“You are seriously taking me home ? I thought you were teasing me...” - Zunera said anxiously as they sat in his car.

“No. I was and am quite serious.” - he said inserting the key.

“But we can't. We decided to not tell anyone naaa...” - she whined and he chuckled.

“Okay fine baba. I was pulling your leg. Actually Dadi Jaan had called and demanded to take you home tonight.” - he told her and her eyes widened.

“You told her about our marriage ?” - she asked mouth agape.

“Arreyy no! She has invited you personally. Remember you promised to visit soon ? So she was complaining it's been a while now.” - he explained and her shoulders slumped.

And just a moment later, she was panicking again.

“She has invited me on a dinner... and you are taking me home like THIS ?” - she pointed towards her appearance, making him frown.

“You're looking extremely beautiful Zooni. Clothes don't matter.” - he said calmly.

“But for your mother do...” - she said nervously and he sighed.

He knew she was right. These materialistic things did matter to his mother but he also knew that Zunera's leveling up her clothing style won't impress his mother. For a little while, maybe. But at the end of the day, Zunera's status and family background will be the factors for her approval.

Unfair. Yes. But that's how it was.

And he couldn't tell all this to her. Couldn't placate the hopeful shine of her eyes. But he also didn't want his wife to become a part of some fashion parade. He loved her just the way she was.

“Fine. Let's head for shopping ?” - he offered with a smile and her brows furrowed in disapproval.

“No. Let's head to my apartment. I'll wear my best.” - she stated, smiling from ear to ear.

And a peaceful smile came over his face. She was not losing her personality while trying to impress his mother. Okay. He could work with that.

~

Wearing a royal purple chiffon saree, hair straight open, Aafiya came downstairs with a matching clutch in her hands.

“Fatir! Take the car out!” - she shouted and stopped infront of Jahan'ara who was seated on the queen chair in the hall. “Ammi jaan I'm going to Shahbano's.” - she informed kindly.

Jahan'ara looked at her. Contemplating in her brain. At first, she thought to stop Aafiya as Zunera was coming but then she decided against it. It'll be better if Aafiya won't be there to ask Zunera meany questions.

“Okay. When will you return ?” - she asked. Her tone calm yet authoritative.

“You know Shahbano. She won't leave me before dinner...” - Aafiya said with an apologetic smile.

“It's alright. Take care of yourself.” - she said with a smile.

“You too. Allah Hafiz!” - Aafiya said and left.

Jahan'ara smiled in peace. The dinner with Zunera will be fun now.

~

Arbaaz was seated on the chair in Zunera's room. Patiently watching as she rummaged through her wardrobe, throwing dresses one after the other on the bed. Her dresses were simple but pretty in his humble opinion but she was not satisfied and continued her search of her best dress.

A black dress neatly folded, resting in the lower side of the almirah caught his attention. It looked expensive and he decided to enlighten her of it's existence as she didn't seem to notice.