𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

حسرتِ عشق ۷۔

خدا کی اتنی بڑی کائنات میں میں نے
بس ایک شخص کو مانگا مجھے وہ ہی نہیں ملا~

(Khuda ki itni badi kaainat mein main ne
Bss ik shaqs ko maanga mujhe woh hi nah mila)

(In the vast expanse of God's creation, I asked for just one person, but I couldn't get him)

"Noah, i believe that your fifteen minutes are over and the file you were working on should be on my desk! Isn't that so?"

Zaim Haider's deep voice resonated through the intercom.
Noah's face turned pale upon hearing his boss's voice. Despite working under Zaim for three years, he still felt a surge of panic at the sound of his boss's icy tone. Zaim rarely displayed anger, but when provoked, he would go to great lengths to ruin someone's career.

"Sir, I'd be right there in five minutes, i am on my way!"

Noah hurriedly assured. Zaim ended the call without further response. Zaim hated when people were late. He hated when people submitted their work late.

_______

ZAIM HAIDER had inherited the company from his father, yet the success of this branch was a result of his tireless efforts.
He had slogged day and night to achieve the position he held now.

This marked the peak of his career.

Thanks to his endeavors, the company expanded, establishing two branches in New Jersey and one in Ontario, Canada. His name had become renowned in the business realm due to his hard work. There was no doubt that he was among New York's most eligible bachelors, given his refined taste in clothing and fashion. This reputation led him to grace the cover pages of numerous magazines.

He wasn't the kind of guy who would involve himself in scandals, which was one of the many reasons why girls were infatuated with him.

_____

It had been three freaking years since he left Pakistan, never to look back.

True to his words he had said to Daneen before coming to New York, he left his past behind without a second thought.

Waqayi woh saari kashtiya jalaa kar aaya tha!

(He had indeed set fire to all those bridges!)

Right after leaving the marriage hall, he swiftly changed his phone number. At that time, his only connection was Instagram, but upon arriving in New York, he severed all ties except for work. His move wasn't about seeking 'me time' as he had previously claimed. He limited contact with his family to important matters and checking on their well-being. Daneen frequently messaged and voiced concerns about his behavior, yet he would skillfully redirect the conversation.

He understood his family was blameless; they had no part in his heartbreak. However, his happiness had crumbled the moment he heard the Qazi pronounce the words of Nikkah.

Through difficult experiences, ZAIM HAIDER had come to realize that some people fall in love with the wrong people sometimes.

August 17th marked the final day when he had either laid eyes on her or spoken of her. Since then, he had pledged not to let her occupy his thoughts, deeming it forbidden to do so. Owing to the fact that she was in someone else's nikkah.

"Maybe we were meant to meet but not to be!"
This particular line had served as a significant source of motivation during his attempt to move forward—a feat he was struggling with, evidently.

Murtaza; He definitely missed his best friend, Murtaza. However, Zaim had already gone through a lot. Staying in touch with Murtaza would only complicate matters, as Murtaza had a way of unintentionally bringing her back to his mind – something Zaim was actively trying to avoid.

Daneen had informed him about Murtaza's visit to their home, where he inquired about Zaim's well-being and questioned the continuous unavailability of his phone since he had left. Zaim understood that Murtaza was aware of his decision to change his number. He realized Murtaza had set aside his ego and pretended to be oblivious, with the hope that Zaim would reach out to him when he was ready.

Consequently, despite the passage of three years, Zaim remained disconnected from everyone within his circle of friends.

_____

His chain of thoughts was broken by none other than Noah.

Noah was a tall guy of average build, in his mid twenties. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair with soft curls.

He entered after getting permission from Zaim.
Noah was wearing gray dress shirt with jeans.

Where as Zaim was in his Armani suit.
He was wearing Rolex Daytona on his left wrist just above the ulna. His extravagant cufflinks were visible from his blazer.

He had this serious look which made him more intimidating and attractive.

"I am sorry sir! I was stuck in the traffic. I am extremely sorry!"

Noah found it difficult to read his expressions. Was he angry or not?

He dismissed Noah after checking the work which was no doubt finely done.

He trusted Noah with the work.

It was then a message pinged.
It was by Daneen.

Daneen:

Bhai mom is in the icu. She is not in a good condition. Doctors say they are trying their best but she has only 40 percent chances to live.
I told you! I told you!
You don't give a damn about us!
It's all because of you. She was asking you to come but you didn't.
It has been three years.
We need you here! Do you understand that?!

_____

Zaim knew his mom's health was deteriorating but he didn't know it would be that serious. He had talked with her 2 days back in which he had lied that he would come soon in order to make her leave that topic.

Now he felt a selfish jerk. Which he was of course. He was a jerk, leaving his family behind. Not being there when they needed him the most.
Tears had welled up in his eyes.
He felt helpless.

He felt as if something like sand was slipping from his hands.

He was sorry.

He immediately called Noah and informed to book his emergency tickets of business classclass to Pakistan.
He asked Noah to look after the work after he's gone to which Noah replied,

"Do not take stress because of it sir. I'll handle it!"

To which Zaim gave him a grateful look and patted his shoulder.

While packing his important stuff for the flight he messaged Daneen.

Zaim:

I am coming.

____

So he's coming back🥳

I am sorry for the short update.

Well how was the update??

Please remember me in your prayers.

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Allah Hafiz🤍