Wishpered Promises Of LoVE

Shahriar's Love

The flashback continues,
Zeeshan opened the door of his chamber...where melodious laughter was floating in the air. Following the source of the sounds, he reached near the open balcony where the reasons behind happiness were present. Zohra was tickling Fayza while both of them were painted into various colors. The two of them looked so happy.
"Api, stopppp,"Fayza tried to stop her elder sister from doing the mischief with her. But Zohra didn't seem to hear it...or maybe she was not in the mood to hear it at all. "Why, my naughty butterfly? Was it not you, who started this first? You were calling me monkey awhile ago, didn't you? Now, see who is the real monkey,"saying Zohra rubbed her hands on Fayza's face, smearing her whole face with yellow color. While the smile was not leaving Zohra's face at all. "N...no...you bad monkey api...stop making me a monkey as well,"there Fayza kept tussling like a small squirrel in her Api's hold.
Tears automatically kept on falling from Zeeshan's eyes, who was standing behind the curtains...not wanting any of the two girl's to see him in such a condition. He didn't want to ruin their mood or make them worried regarding anything. His heart churned even more when he thought of the events that happened earlier today. How could some people be this cruel...this heartless? That too towards their own flesh and blood! Till date Zeeshan could never get the answer of his this question.
His father was a man...whom we can call anything...anything that never meant the word 'Father' itself. Indeed they were Abu Tariq's blood, and that was the undeniable yet most unfortunate fact of their lives. But Mr. Rustom Bin Abu Tariq could never become their 'Abbu' in the true sense. There is a very thin line in between the two words 'Father' and 'Dad' which might have the same meaning yet there was a vast difference in the case of emotions. Hence, Zeeshan never counted that man as a family ever.
But she? Mrs. Zehnab Imtiaz Abu Tariq...their mother...what about her? Why was she like that? Zeeshan always heard, read and learnt that 'A mother is someone who protects her children...even at the cost of her life.' Then why it was different in their case? Why their mother did everything...just to protect her own title...her throne...her status? Even if it cost the innocent lives of her own children. Since childhood Zeeshan has seen how their mother would differentiate between Zohra and him. Queen Zehnab would shower Zeeshan with all her love, while the poor soul Zohra would not get an ounce even after begging it. His heart always cried whenever his Zohi's eyes filled with warm tears. Since then he had promised himself that he would not let her get hurt...not anymore.
If she didn't have parents...he didn't want them in his life as well. That was why Zeeshan started distancing himself from his parents. And it was also from that moment, he started becoming her whole world...her mom, dad, brother, best friend...he was her everything. She trusted him even with her closed eyes. Then how could he break her that trust?
They wanted to marry off his little Zohi, who still needed him to do everything for her. She could barely handle herself, and they want her to handle someone else's family...their kingdom? And the groom? That bastard of a groom was freaking 55 years old, who apparently saw his Zohi somewhere and expressed a keen interest in marrying her to Mr. Tariq.
"I will kill that old bastard...once I get my hands upon him,"Zeeshan gritted his teeth in anger...in his whole life, it was the first time he cursed someone...this much! But was not it the first time as well, when he was this enraged? He was drowned in his own thoughts...when,"You just wait, little cockroach...I'll complain to Bhaijaan that you called me a monkey,"Zohra tried to threaten Fayza...whose eyes widened hearing her.
But the next moment Fayza smirked,"And what about you? Didn't you just call me a cockroach?"Zohra fake coughed, trying to say something with which she could cover up for herself. "I didn't mean that, okay? Moreover, I'm the older one so I can give you nicknames, okay!"
"That's...that's complete hypocrisy, Api. I will still complain to Bhaijaan about you..and he will take your class for sure, because he loves me more,"Fayza showed her tongue at Zohra. Zohra could not help looking at her sister with utmost disbelief. "Is that so, my Little cockroach?"The next moment, she smirked,"Ye..yes, but why are you giving me the vibes of a villain now?"Fayza questioned taking back steps from her notorious Api. In the matter of mischief Fayza could not believe Zohra at all...because Zohra was the master of mischievousness.
"That is because...."while Zohra kept on taking advances towards Fayza,"Api, no...stop right there. Do..don't come near me,"Fayza's tone held warning yet she was the one being the most cautious. "Why, my naughty cockroach? You know I love you the most, right?"Zohra asked, smiling nonstop as if her lips were glued in the stretched out position.
"No, you monkey...don't come. Stop right there,"at this point, Fayza started running...making Zohra giggle out loudly as she started chasing the little one. Zeeshan's eyes watered up once again, thinking how people were fully prepared to snatch away this innocence from his Zohi. How their own parents wanted to wipe out this beautiful smile from her lips! In his own thoughts he didn't even notice when Fayza hid behind him.
"Bhaijaan, save me from that monkey. She wants to tickle me,"it was then his reverie broke when Fayza held his shirt in her fist while hugging him by his torso. But Zohra's steps halted, the salty waterdrops didn't get unnoticed. All her chirpiness from a minute ago, all vaporized into thin air. All that was left in her...was nothing else except for worry and anxiety.
"Bhaijaan, what happened? Why are you crying?"She rushed near Zeeshan, looking at him carefully. Eyes filled with concern for her Bhaijaan. "I...that...I'm..."Zeeshan suddenly could not find any excuse to make. And how would he? He never lied to his Zohi before. How were he to say something to her now...which was not true? "It's...nothing, Zohi. Might be the dust,"yet he tried his luck for once...acting as if it was really...just the dust. "Really?"Zohra asked, her orbs getting zeroed thinking how her brother was lying to her face. Zeeshan shifted uncomfortably, feeling nervous under her scrutinizing gaze. He didn't say anything more except for nodding his head...knowing full well talking right now would lead him to get caught only.
If only he knew that she knew him way too well than he knew his own self. She could detect his lies, even with her eyes closed. "Bhaijaan, I asked what has happened? So I wish to know the truth instead of a made up story,"Zohra's voice was strict, disseminating the serious aura she held. Fayza also came in front of Zeeshan, looking at his red eyes carefully.
"Bhaijaan, no matter what happens you do know that your Zohi and Fay are always with you, don't you? Please share it with me at least,"Zohra pleaded...her anxiety was increasing with each passing moment. Zeeshan was not among those people who would shed tears over silly matters...but if he was crying, then the matter had to be the most serious of all. Zeeshan could no longer hold onto his emotions as he pulled Zohra in a hug, a very tight hug. His insides trembled as tears dropped down his eyes one by one.
"I will always protect you, Baby. No-one would ever be able to put their fingers upon you ever. Just never get scared of anything, as long as your Bhaijaan is alive nothing will go wrong with both of his lives. I will give up my life before....,"Both Fayza and Zohra didn't finish him as they both hugged him as tightly as they can. "Bhaijaan, I have full faith in you. I know you would never let even a scratch to fall upon us ever. You are the only family we have,"Zohra sobbed in his arms...she wanted to console him but hearing what he said, she could not control her own tears.
"Yes, how could you say such a thing, Bhaijaan? Till date both you and Api were the ones who didn't let me feel the void of parents. With you both I don't remember the fact that both Ammi-Abbu don't love me...for some unknown reason. I always think why they hate me so much? Am I that bad?
And now you are also talking such things, Bhaijaan, I'm telling you that now I...I will start crying like Api as well which you hate,"Fayza nestled her face in Zeeshan's neck...while Zeeshan and Zohra froze on their spots hearing her speak about such things. Indeed she understood way too complex things than her age. But as the saying goes,'The different experiences of life teaches us the reality even at the unexpected times.'
Zohra broke the hug with Zeeshan, cupping Fayza's cheeks, she showered her face with her soft kisses,"Never ever say such things, Fay. You are the most amazing person that we are blessed with. It's not that Ammi-Abbu doesn't love you...it's just that they don't know how to show it, Baby,"she tried to console the child, not wanting to poison her innocent mind against their parents. No matter what, still those people were the ones bringing them into this world.
"Really?"Fayza asked, her eyes shining in hope...hope that maybe their parents really loved her. Zohra didn't waste another minute nodding her head...she didn't want Fayza to bear the same burden that she has been carrying her whole life.
Although Zeeshan wanted to scream at the top of his lungs to yell out the truth that those monsters in disguise never loved them...not even a bit. But he knew that would do no good except for breaking another heart...another hope in the most brutal way. What was the necessity to do that anyway? "Moreover, always remember one thing, Fay...you cannot force someone to love you back the way you do. And if someone doesn't love you, then it's their loss, Baby...not yours,"
,"Zeeshan still tried to make Fayza understand things a bit better. Maybe in that way, the reality would hurt a little less.
Zohra looked at her brother, quite surprised as to how he was trying to make Fayza face the harsh reality...though in an indirect manner. But she still could not understand why her Bhaijaan suddenly seemed so changed today? Something must have happened for him to behave like this. But what? That was the question!
The door of the chamber opened, as a young man around the same age as Zeeshan came inside,"Zeesh...what has happened?"He stopped in his tracks, when his eyes landed upon the three of them in front of him. "Zoh, what has happened to you? Why are you crying? Is...is everything alright? Did someone hurt you?"Shahriar, the young man rushed towards Zohra, cupping her cheeks cautiously as if he was scared that a bit of harshness would hurt Zohra way too much. Concern was clearly evident in his face while he was busy inspecting Zohra.
"Zeeshan what has happened to Zoh? Why is she crying? Did someone say something to her again?"This time Shahriar directed his questions towards Zeeshan...his voice changing from solicitude to infuriation. Zeeshan kept looking at Shahriar with narrowed eyes...while Fayza's head wandered from Shahriar to Zohra to Zeeshan...she was totally confused as to what was happening. And there our Zohra, she was standing in her place with her mouth hung open...not knowing what to say.
She lifted up her eyes to look at Shahriar whose hands were still resting on her face...at that moment, Shahriar also turned his face towards her...once again worry clouded his orbs. He gently wiped her tears,"Did you get hurt somewhere? Or, is it someone who hurt you again?"He cooed at her, his voice as smooth as butter. Zohra shook her head, she could not find any words to reply to him.
Shahriar opened his mouth again, but this time Zeeshan beat him to that by clearing his throat. "Shahriar, here I'm also standing here with tears in my eyes....so does Fay,"Zeeshan eyed something to Shahriar...who slowly retracted his hands from Zohra. His actions were so slow that Zeeshan felt it would take years for Shahriar to do the simple thing. As soon as Shahriar maintained some distance from Zohra,"Bh..Bhaijaan, I...I have some work. I will come later,"she didn't even wait for Zeeshan's words and rushed out of the chamber. A pair of eyes kept looking at her departure path, with nothing but longing.
"I shall take my leave as well. Assalamualaikum Bhaijaan. Assalamualaikum Shahriar Bhai,"composing her confused state, Fayza also took her leave.
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In Zohra's room,
Zohra closed the door of her chamber, while leaning her back on the door frame. She was breathing heavily....and why not? When she ran from one wing of the palace to the exactly opposite wing of it's. She closed her eyes...the incident from some time ago, peeked in front of her vision. Automatically the corners of her lips stretched...etching a shy smile there. Her beautiful face flushed red...glowing with shyness. The heart inside her ribcage kept on hammering in its own rhythm.
"Zohi, control. It's not good. I'm not good for him,"she berated herself...trying to reason with her own heart.
"Moreover, he is Bhaijaan's best friend for Allah's sake. Zohi, don't let your emotions get the best of you. You are not that fortunate enough to dream all these. Abbu will kill him if he gets the slightest hint regarding all these. No, I cannot let any harm befall on Shahriar Bhai...that too because of me,"she wiped away the lone tear that was yet to cascade down her cheeks. Masking her emotions like she always did, Zohra walked towards the washroom. She needed a shower...a relaxing shower to get her mind off of everything.
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In Zeeshan's room,
Shahriar sat down on the sofa, with his shoulder slumped down. Closing his eyes, he let out an exasperated sigh. "What was that?"Zeeshan asked, sitting beside his best friend. His eyes bored holes on Shahriar's tired face.
"Don't act as if you don't know anything,"Shahriar threw a cushion on Zeeshan's face...his eyes still closed. While his tone held the despair he was feeling inside. "And I had already made my decision clear as well,"this time it was Zeeshan who threw a cushion at Shahriar's face...making him groan.
Shahriar sat on the couch in a straight posture, seriousness looming in his face,"GOD! Zeeshan Toufiqur Bin Tariq, I know it all...in fact I have even memorized your speech. Want to hear it once?"Shahriar's tone was mocking,"*She is still a kid, Shahriar. I respect your feelings towards her. But you need to give her as much time as she needs. And I will only approve regarding this matter, only if I feel that the feelings are mutual. Otherwise, I am sorry, but I would not be able to do anything even after being your best friend. Because Zohi's happiness matters to me the most.* I remember all the words thoroughly. Zoh's happiness, her wishes...all matters for me the most as well. And your sister still doesn't seem to be least interested in me. Always avoiding me like a plague. Hence I know there is almost no hope for my feelings to get their own destination. Now can you please stop rubbing it on my face time and again,"Shahriar stated, rolling his eyes at his best friend. He was extremely frustrated with everything. Zohra's indifference hurt him...in the worst ways anyone could ever imagine.
Zeeshan could not help but laugh at the sorry state of his best friend,"I had never imagined to see you in such a state. The only Prince charming of Qatar, the great Shahriar Ibne Junaid Khan....whose charms could make anyone fall for him...who has a long list of Princesses impatiently waiting for him just to be his girlfriend even for a day. And look at you, you are lamenting here over such a small matter?"Zeeshan intentionally teased his best friend...whose head snapped in his direction.
Shahriar glared at Zeeshan in the deadliest way,"Hehe, you are laughing too much nowadays, ain't you? Don't worry my days will also come when you will fall for someone and she will behave as if you don't even exist on this planet...that will be my time to laugh my ass off at your state,"Shahriar said begrudgingly.
"Sorry to burst your dream bubble, but that day would never come, my dear friend,"Zeeshan slapped Shahriar at the back of his head...Shahriar threw a punch on Zeeshan's stomach,"It's all because of you...that Zoh is this adamant. She is too good at making her emotions just like you,"he whined at the last part, making Zeeshan giggle.
"Of course, she is my sister after all,"Zeeshan said proudfully. "Shahriar man, you have been in love with her for 2 years...and you have always tried to make Zohi understand your feelings. But as you said she always ignores all your advances. Then why don't you just stop it...move on, man. I'm sure you will also find your right one...who is not Zohi I guess. And that girl would surely keep you happy. Uncle always insists on me so that I could make you understand to at least meet with the girls he wants you to. Each of them are really gems,"hearing Zeeshan's words, Shahriar once again glared at his best friend.
"If you know so much about them...and you feel them as gems...then why don't you marry them, Mr. Zeeshan? Not only one of them...if you want please marry all of them and kindly save me from this torture of my father,"Zeeshan's mouth hung open, at Shahriar's savage reply.
"Zeeshan, I'm telling you for the first and last time...in my life Zoh is irreplaceable. Even if she doesn't love me back, even if we would never be together...I would still love her...as long as I keep breathing. I don't want thousands of gems...I only want one girl...who will be my Malika *(Queen)*
..and she is none other than your sister and my Zoh. I love her more than myself...and I would keep on doing so forever, Zeeshan,"Shahriar's statement was firm...so was he. It's been two years since Shahriar realized his feelings for Zohra...and from that moment on, till date...his love for her only kept increasing.
She is the reason he keeps on visiting Oman almost every month. Her beautiful face, her cute smile, her innocent talks...everything makes him feel things he never felt before.
Shahriar had never thought he would fall for the girl, he saw as a child...the girl whom he had held in his arms when she was born...the girl who had wrapped her little fingers around his index as if he was her only support. The girl who used to cry only to gain his attention...the girl whom he saw growing up just in front of his eyes. But like always...the thing called 'Destiny' intervened in between...making his heart to have a turn of 360 degrees in his emotions.
And now, She was the one...he wanted to rely on. He was the one wanting to obtain a little bit of her concern. He so badly wanted to be the center of her attention...but alas! Sometimes it all seemed too surreal for him to be true.
"I don't know whether to laugh or cry hearing your statement, bro. But I assure you, if she is written in your destiny then no-one would ever be able to separate her from you,"Zeeshan patted his shoulder...trying to encourage Shahriar.
"What a best friend I have got? Look at others who always help their best friends in their love case. And look at you handing all your responsibilities at the hand of destiny,"Shahriar whined, pouting cutely at his best friend. At this moment, he was not liking anything. He came all the way from Qatar to Oman so that he could see her to his hearts content...but look at that girl! She didn't even give him two minutes to see her till his heart's content...looking at him was not even a bit of her concern at all.
"Oh hello! She is my sister...being her elder brother, how do you expect me to set you guys up, you shameless punk?"Zeeshan kicked Shahriar on his leg...making Shahriar cry in pain,"You are such a heartless man. Just wait for the time Zoh will love me back...I will take her so far away from you that you will need to beg in front of me to see her,"Shahriar smirked devilishly.
"Then I will cancel your wedding with my Zohi, huh!"Zeeshan said in a damn care manner, as Shahriar's face fell immediately. Although both of them knew that nothing of that sort was going to happen...yet Shahriar held Zeeshan's hand,"No, Bhaijaan...please don't do this. Otherwise your best friend will die without your Jaan,"Shahriar sat in front of him...his tone pleading.
"Such a chameleon you are,"Zeeshan laughed, at Shahriar...having the best moments of his life. While Shahriar's face became dull, he so badly wanted to smack Zeeshan's face...to wipe away the smile from his face. "I hate you,"Shahriar said like a kid...making Zeeshan to laugh more,"I hate you too,"he showed his tongue to the poor guy teasing him out of his wits.
Though Zeeshan had called Shahriar to talk about the marriage thing of Zohra...but at this moment, he didn't feel like burdening his best friend more with the news. Anyways, he would never let Abu Tariq to take such a step ever. So, why bothering Shahriar regarding this topic when Zeeshan knew how he becomes when it comes to Zohra. Only...if only he knew how much of a big mistake he was doing by taking things this casually!
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Hola dearies,
hope all of you liked the chapter. Please let me know if you guys are feeling bored with the past. I'll try to sum it up quickly then...and if not then I'll explain things the way I'm doing.
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Love you all. Stay safe and tuned.