𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

فطرتِ عشق ۶۔

Love and hate are two sides of the same coin,
and with you,
I've experienced both with equal intensity~

Unknown

"Free ho Daneen?"

Her mother asked, peeking into her room.

"Jee jee! Aayen nah!"

She quickly cleared the mess of clothes, which were on hangers and ready to be hung, from her bed to make space for Zarmeen to sit.

"Okay, I won't beat around the bush! When do you plan on getting married? I mean, look, I found a perfect match for you if you're interested!"

Zarmeen said to which Daneen nodded in response.

"Aapki marzi hai mom! Aap batayen main sun rahi hun!"

"I received a call from Guljaan this morning. She wants to propose a marriage proposal for her son, but she first wanted my consent so that she can bring it officially later, if I give a positive answer!"

Upon hearing Zarmeen's words, Daneen became shocked.

"K-kon Guljaan? Mahrosh bhabhi ki ammi? I-I m-mean Mur-rtaza ka rishta laana chah rahi hain?"

Daneen felt like it was a prank. No, this must be a dream. A nightmare.

"Haan nah! Acha bhala parha likha, shakal surat se bhi acha hai!"

Her mother uttered, a sour expression forming on Daneen's face.

"Jee bilkul, aur seerat se bilkul khaali hai!"

Daneen taunted.

"Koi nahii! Itne adab se bolta hai! Dekho Daneen ache rishtey bilawajah nahi thukraate Allah naraaz hota hai!"

Zarmeen tried for another time.

"Mom yeh wajah kam hai ke main usko shadeed naapasand karti hun!"

Daneen blurted out in frustration.

"Daneen, stop being so stubborn, Nowadays, such proposals don't come often!"

"I don't want such proposals, Mom"

Daneen shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

"Allah kya karun main is larki ka!!"

Her mother said, a little agitated. .

"Look, firstly, I strongly dislike Murtaza in person. I can't stand him in the same vicinity, let alone in the same room, no, please. Moreover, i am against cross marriages. Full zaleel hote hain chaaro log! Ladayi kisi ek couple ki hoti hai, doosra couple beechara aivin phasta hai! I do not want this kind of pressure!! Main kisi bhi family politics mein nahi aana chahti"

"Daneen, it's not as you think! Are you interested in someone else? Believe me, this decision will be worth it!"

Her mother tried to reassure her, but Daneen let out a sigh of frustration.

"Mom, I don't have feelings for anyone, and I want you to make the decision. I'll agree to anyone, except Murtaza. For him, a big fat no! "

Zarmeen left, clearly disappointed by Daneen's stance.

___________

Without you,
Colors fade~

It was five days since Zarmeen had made an excused from Guljaan, Zarmeen respectfully refused on behalf of Daneen, citing her current state of stubbornness as a reason for her not being ready for marriage at the moment.
On that particular day, while conversing with Guljaan, Zarmeen experienced a level of embarrassment she had never felt before.