𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

غمِ عشق ۴۔

The heart is broken, and so are we~

Everyone had gathered in the lounge upon Daaji's command. It was evident that he was about to make an announcement. The lounge was situated between the "mardaan khana" (Men's side) and "zinaan khana." (Women's side) Besides dinners and family announcements, it was a rare occurrence for the men and women of the family to assemble together.

Faiz occupied an armchair, while others were either seated on the sofa or standing. They all looked at him with anticipation. With everyone's attention on him, he began,

"Main chahta hun Shaazil aur haya ki aur Airah aur hamza ka agle jummey ko nikkah ho!"

(I want Shaazil and Haya, and Airah and Hamza to have their nikkah ceremony on next Friday.)

A smile lit up Airah's face. It was a moment of ecstasy for her, as Daaji had referred to her by her name and was on her side.

Hearing his words, Shaazil glanced at Haya, who was fixedly observing her grandfather. Shaazil had been frowning for the umpteenth time that week. Haya had been ignoring him since that day. Shaazil had been hoping for a response from her, but she remained silent.

"Daaji Altamash and Airah!"

Hamza initially thought he had misheard, but Faiz corrected him with a shake of his head in denial.

"It's you Hamza!"

Hamza stared at him with a mix of bewilderment and disdain.

"Meri shaadi ke faisla ka haq sirf mere pass hai!!"

(The decision about my marriage is solely mine!)

He spoke each word through clenched teeth.

"Do not forget that I'm your father's father!"

Faiz retorted, glaring at him.

"I haven't forgotten anything! Main nhi bhoola jo saalo pehle aapne mere saath kiya hai! Jo cheez aap ne saalo pehle karne se mana ki thi ab woh khud nah karwaayen! Issi liye keh raha hun Airah ki shaadi Altamash se hi hogi!"

(I haven't forgotten what you did to me years ago! The things you forbade then, you now want to do that to me by yourself! That's why I insist that Airah's marriage will only be with Altamash!)

Saying this in a gruff voice, he left the lounge with firm, measured steps.

Airah, who had been sitting there in stunned silence, stood up and hurried to her room.

Daaji let out a shaky breath. He couldn't accept being refused. He had made decisions for decades, and his decisions were always followed. But now, his own grandson had denied him.

He glanced at Shaazil with tired, red eyes.

"Tumhe bhi koi aiteraaz hai??!"

(Do you have any objections as well?)

Shaazil immediately shook his head to signal no. Then, attempting to seize the opportunity, he briefly nodded yes but then changed it back to no.

"Ek cheez batao!"

(Tell me one thing!)

His grandfather demanded.

"Daaji woh-"

(Daaji, well-)

He struggled to find the right words, but seeing the expression on his grandfather's face, he spoke up.

"Nahi I don't have any!"

(No, I don't have any objections.)

He glanced at Haya, whose face showed no emotion. After a while he left when his phone rang.