𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

غمِ عشق ۸۔

Fate loves the fearless~

- James Russell Lowell

Flashbacks;

Three days had passed since Faiz announced that Hamza couldn't marry Zarish. It was the third time in those three days that he sat with Bijaan, asking her to persuade Daaji to accept this proposal. Bijaan nodded, but she was well aware of Faiz's stubbornness. Eventually, the next day, Hamza was informed that Faiz had rejected the proposal. Hamza knew what he had to do.

Dressed in his best attire, he drove to Zarish's house alone, fully aware that his actions were ethically questionable, but he felt he had no other option. Nervously, he sat in front of Mujtaba Khar on the sofa in their lounge.

"Uncle main Hamza Shah hun, aap ki beti Zarish ka senior. I really like your daughter, I am here to ask for her hand in marriage!"

(Uncle, I am Hamza Shah, your daughter Zarish's senior.)

Hamza initiated the conversation, clearing his throat. Mujtaba gazed at him with a scowl, clearly disapproving of his intentions.

After a long, uncomfortable pause, Mujtaba uttered,

"Waaliden kaha hain tumhare?"

(Where are your parents?)

Hamza knew there was no point in lying, so he truthfully explained why his parents were not agreeing to the marriage. Listening to him, Mujtaba was impressed by his honesty, but he couldn't ignore the fact that Hamza's parents were rejecting the proposal.

"Dekho Hamza ham apni beti ka pehle hi rishta teh kar chuke hain. Iske ilawa ham nahi chahte hamari beti ko koi aagey jaa kar masla ho ke tumhare ghar waaley usse tang karen yah tumhe pressurise karen ke tum doosri shaadi karo!"

(Look, Hamza, we have already arranged a marriage proposal for our daughter. Besides, we don't want our daughter to face any problems from your family or pressure you into a second marriage)

Hamza understood his reasoning, but he couldn't let go of his first love. He was willing to give up everything for her, even his parents.

"But uncle, I'll make sure-"

He was interrupted by Mujtaba.

"I'm sorry, son, but you need to understand that we can't put our daughter in a difficult situation knowingly!"

Mujtaba rose to his feet and summoned the house help to serve Hamza some drinks.

Listening to him, Hamza felt overwhelming helplessness, prompting him to stand and approach Faiz once more.

"Daaji, please understand! Please, aap ne pehle Zainab phupo ki baari mein bhi yehi kiya tha nah, kya mila aapko? Unki baghawat?"

(Please, you did the same with Aunt Zainab before, what did you gain from her rebellion?)

He cried out in agony.

Why was the world filled with heartless and cruel people?

"Shut up, Hamza!"

Listening to Faiz's roar, Hamza rose with fury in his eyes. He met his daaji's gaze and challenged,

"Main apni marzi karunga! Aap sab dekhte reh jaayegen!"

(I'll do as I please, and you all can bear witness!)

With that, he stormed out of the room.