AFTER LOVE

STANDING OUT

In the late afternoon, Haseena and Karishma embarked on their journey to Noor Jahan's Kanpur farmhouse. Haseena was clearly upset. In an attempt to lift her wife's spirits, Karishma played some music, but Haseena immediately turned it off, returning the car to an eerie silence.

Karishma, concerned for Haseena, requested gently, "Jaan, kuch toh boliye..."

Haseena responded sternly, increasing the car's speed, "Hume aap se koi baat nahi karni."

Karishma attempted to explain her viewpoint, "Ammi bhi toh galat nahi hai na, love. Unka bhi toh haq hai sab ko apni Bahu se milaye. Aap ko pata hai, she said she is so proud of me."

Haseena retorted firmly, "I know this very well, Karishma. Hume pata hai Ammi kitni khush hai humari shaadi se. Par humari extended family nai hogi. Aur ammi ko bhi pata phir bhi ye get-together kar rahi hai."

Karishma placed her hand reassuringly on Haseena's thigh, trying to ease the tension, "Mallik... Kab tak aap logon se hume protect karengi? Hum-"

Before Karishma could continue, Haseena interrupted in anger, increasing the car's speed even more, "Protecting you is my duty, damn it! Phir chahe wo humari hi ghatiya family thinking se kyu na ho. Hum kuch bhi karle Karishma, unn logo ko humara pyaar nai samjh aayega. And all thanks to, Ammi and Amma jis ne hum dono ko samjha warna hum aaj yahan nai hote, na humari shaadi hoti."

Karishma leaned in, planting a sweet, long kiss on Haseena's cheek, trying to inject some affection into the situation, "Okay... Hum bataiye... Aap kya hai jo humara nai hai?"

Haseena responded with annoyance, "What's nonsense, Karishma? Humara sab kuch aap ka hai. Hum khud aap ke hai. Aap Hume hi humare kapde pehane nai deti. Humare phone mein, humare photos se zyada aap ke photos hai. Humara bank accounts tak joint hai. Sab kuch aap ka hai."

Karishma smiled at the love behind Haseena's annoyance, "Toh bas phir aap ki khadoos family bhi humari hai. No more arguments. Ab aap zyada bolengi toh car se bahar kardenge."

Haseena responded with a skeptical expression, to which Karishma proudly turned up the music volume. While Noor Jahan had adapted to changing times due to her real estate business, her extended family still held conservative and backward views.

Haseena's worried from the fear that Karishma might face bad criticism from her extended family, which could affect her mental well-being. She understood her family well and had a fair idea of the kind of questions they might ask Karishma. On the other hand, Karishma was determined to convince Haseena's extended family members. As a businesswoman herself, she knew how to handle and respond to people's comments and criticisms.

As the sun began to set, Haseena and Karishma arrived at the farmhouse. Both stepped out of the car, releasing the tension in their bodies. While Karishma explored the surroundings, Haseena handled their luggage and placed it in the master bedroom, which had been prepared for guests. Servants bustled about, adding the finishing touches to the preparations and arranging the food and drinks.

Noor Jahan entered the room, addressing Haseena, "Haseena...? Ye room guest ke liye hai."

Haseena, still in a sour mood, responded curtly, "Garden mein rukne ko boliye aap ke guests ko. Humara ghar hai, jahan chahe rahenge. Aur Ammi, kya zaroorat thi aapko ye sab karne ki?"

Noor Jahan gently explained, " "Acha koi baat nai. Aur bhi rooms hai. Gussa mat karo itna. Iss sab ki Zaroorat hai Haseena. We didn't invite them to our wedding. Ye karna humare liye lazmi hai."

Haseena resisted, "Ammi, you know why we didn't invite them. Hume humare itne special day par koi negativity nahi chahiye thi. Aur aap bataiye, kya wo iss layak bhi hai ki hum unhe Karishma se milwaye?"