Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 31 : The Approval

“WHERE THE HELL YOU ALL SERVANTS HAVE DIED!!!”

The Siddiqui House boomed with Kashish's shout as she stormed inside the house. Shahbano and Sheheryaar, who were in the lounge watching TV, stood in alarm as their daughter rushed inside and aimed for her room upstairs.

“Kukoo jaan! Bach'cha!” - Sheheryaar shouted, running behind his daughter but she didn't pay heed.

Kashish shut the door of the room with a bang. Locking it in anger and screamed. She threw everything from her dresser aside. The noise of clatter echoing in the room. Next went the lamps, the vases and every single thing in the room met the floor to shatter in pieces. She fell on her knees beside the bed, clutching the quilt in fists and cried.

This couldn't be happening! Abhi was hers! Only hers! Since childhood! Then how could a girl, whom he had met just recently, become SO important for him ?! His center of attention ?! That one look of love, for which she had longed since childhood, was bestowed upon THAT ORPHAN ?!

“NO!” - she threw the quilt away.

The vein on her temple was popping so violently that it looked her head was going to blast.

“She is trying to take my place...” - she whispered to herself, a mad look in her eyes. “And I won't let it happen...”

“Won't let it happen...” - she was whispering this like a mantra, shaking her head furiously as she stood up and looked at the mirror.

“AND I WON'T LET IT HAPPEN!” - she shouted and threw the broken vase at the mirror. Causing it to break into pieces as well.

“I know what I have to do...”

~

“I should get going now.”

Zunera said when the clock chimed 9 in the night. Everybody was seated in the grand hall after dinner. Sipping on the delicious coffee made by her. But Zunera was nervous because of Aafiya's sour mood who had refused her coffee's offer and was having Chand bi's tea.

“I was thinking Zunera... that you are gonna work from 9 to 9. So wouldn't it be unnecessary to go home just for the night dear ?” - Jahan'ara asked, causing Arbaaz to choke on his coffee as he instantly understood what his grandmother was trying to say.

“Uh...” - Zunera was at a loss of words. Getting even nervous as everybody looked at her and Jahan'ara.

“No worries dear. You are free to go home. I'm just letting you know that you are more than welcome to stay with us.” - Jahan'ara said caressing Zunera's head and her heart melted.

“Thank you so much Dadi Jaan.” - she hugged Jahan'ara tightly. Blinking back tears. “But I'd like to go for now...” - she said and the elder lady smiled in understanding.

“I'll drop you home.” - Arbaaz said, quickly standing up and received a glare from his mother.

“Driver will drop her home Abhi. I have to talk to you about something of vital importance.” - Aafiya said with a sweet smile and Arbaaz knew he was in for an unending lecture.

“Allah Hafiz.” - Zunera bade a collective bye.

His heart tugged at the sad smile on her face as she turned and left the hall. He didn't like it. He didn't like it AT ALL.

“In my room.” - Aafiya ordered, ascending the stairs and he sighed before following his mother.

~

Zunera walked inside her apartment and closing the door leaned against it. She was feeling tired. Not physically, but mentally. She had wanted to make a good impression on her mother-in-law but turned out, she already disliked her for some reason. And her behaviour afterwards also indicated, it was not going to be a piece of cake to appease the graceful and intimidating lady.