Ishq Mubarak

•4• barish

A
week had passed since Ahmed's accident, and the Ahmed Ali household was slowly but surely returning to its usual routine. Nora couldn't help but smile as she looked at her father, who was now sitting at the dining table, fully recovered. His presence was a soothing balm to her heart, and it was heartening to see him back to his usual self.

Nora expressed her happiness,

"Aaj maa ne aapka sab pasand dida bnaya hai,"
("Today, Mom has made all your favorite dishes,")
she said with a radiant smile.

Ahmed, grateful and content, responded, "Mera baccha tum log bhi beth jao, oor bs Karo tum dono ye. Mai aabhi bilkul thik hu,"
("My child, both of you sit down and eat. I'm perfectly fine now.")

He looked at his wife, Fatima, who had just entered the dining area. There was a profound appreciation in his gaze.

But Nora was having none of it. With a playful tone, she laughed and said,

"Bilkul nhi, aap tab tak haate taake nhi baan jate tab tak haam dono nhi chod rahe hai aapko!"
("Not at all! You won't get up until you've finished eating. We won't leave you alone until then!")

Ahmed glanced at his daughter, her laughter lighting up the room. Seeing Nora so carefree and happy, he wished he could preserve this moment forever. He shook his head in an affectionate manner, silently acknowledging that it was impossible to outtalk his mother-daughter duo.

As the conversation flowed, Nora couldn't help but ask her father about her college.

"Um, baba, aabhi sab kheriyat se chal raha hoga na?"
("Um, Dad, is everything going well now?")

Ahmed, who had been relaxed and at ease, became momentarily pensive. He was well aware of the importance of her education, and Nora had already missed her exams due to the recent incident. However, his primary concern was her safety, especially considering the risks and the potential for danger associated with his life.

"Beta, kuch der aur ruk jao,"
("Child, wait a bit longer,")

Ahmed replied. He wanted nothing more than to see her continue her studies, but he couldn't help but be cautious. Given the events that had transpired, it was only prudent to ensure her safety first.

Nora's mood, which had been buoyant just moments before, suddenly dimmed. She understood her father's apprehensions and nodded in agreement.

"Ji, baba,"
("Yes, Dad,")
she replied with a hint of disappointment.

Ahmed's heart warmed at his daughter's understanding. He smiled, his gratitude for having a daughter like Nora evident in his eyes. He reminisced about the early days when her birth was greeted with mixed feelings due to the challenging life he led. But now, he couldn't have asked for a better blessing.

_______________

In the sprawling haveli tucked away in a quiet corner of Lahore, there lived a woman of grace and beauty, her presence as imposing as the centuries-old walls that surrounded her. Her name was Zainab Khan.

Zainab's husband, Rahim khan,

was a man of considerable influence and power, and it was in their grand courtyard that he stood, engrossed in his thoughts. The harsh sun cast sharp shadows, mirroring the stern lines etched on Rahim's face. His resolute demeanor was his armor, one that he rarely let down.

From the other side of the courtyard, Zainab approached him with cautious optimism.

"Rahim, kese hai vho?"
("Rahim, how's he doing now?")
she implored gently.