Iztiraar

42.

The clouds scattered around the sun, declaring the arrival of rain with great storm, wind and weather changing into cold and stormy. A man around in his mid thirties stood beside his big glass window glimpses the busy city. He was busy admiring the kids running on the roads chasing after few kites, while the hustle bustle caused due to the traffic jam. There his eyes snapped to a bike. Where a young couple was talking something. The boy shooked his head at the girl's words and hoped down the bike. The girl stood awkwardly looking here and there. The boy said something seems like he was assuring her. She nodded looking down and took the bike keys.

Hoping on the bike, the boy smiled and hoped behind the girl. He helped her while riding the bike. Seems like he was teaching her to be independent. Aurad smiled a bit at this.

Meanwhile his phone rang, it was Hyzin. "Aaj Wo riha ho rahi h, aaj toh aa ja lene usse" he said, Aurad felt goosebumps around his body. His heart skipped a beat.

He hummed and ended the call. Meanwhile his phone buzzed showing an reminder he have to pick Rumana and Shafaq from school.

Aurad was in deep thoughts, how will he face her? Will she not question him about his absence since last 5 years? Was not he supposed to accompany her throughout this hard time? He gulped nervously and rubbed his face with pure confusion, anger and guilt.

A knock interrupts him, he stood up and sat down on his chair like a boss. It was Jibran with a file. "Ye file dekh lena, Arain bhai ne kaha h kal site par jana h" He says checking the time. Aurad gives a curtly nod.

"Tumne woh Hyzin ki zameen ki registration clear krwayi?" Aurad asked remembering. "Haa woh me baad ne akar dekh lunga, muje Rumi ko pick karne jana h" Jibran says making Aurad narrow his eyes.

"Unhe me pick karta hu, me kar lunga" Aurad said in his most cold voice.

"Karte the, woh nikkah h mere, ab waqt aa gya h sab apne apne rishte smbhale" Jibran says in a challenging tone. Aurad fisted his fists. "Legally adopted h Rumi agar yaad ho toh" Aurad said in a duh tone.

"Or usse phle nikkah me h woh mere agar apko pta na ho toh" Jibran said rolling his eyes and grabbing his car keys he goes to pick her up. Aurad sighed and shooked his head.

Meanwhile here, a average height woman around her early 30's in blank shalwar kameez with dupatta on her head was commanded to move out of the jail. The central jail. She was not able to handle the sunlight falling on her. As in this 5 years she didn't witness the light but the darkness. Covering her face with her dupatta she steps out of the jail. The officer handed her some of her jewellery. She chuckled at the jewellery.

Looking here and there she didn't find anyone to receive her. No one came to take her. May be no one remembered her. Without any further calculations she started walking on the road. Which was soo deserted. Her feets were bare. Feeling the coldness of the path, she still walked on the road. Looking at the trees, deserted road, the sun and the clouds.

--

"Appi who will come to pick us?" Asked little Shafaq. "Obviously Aurad bhai" Rumana says holding Shafaq's hand. Waiting for him, while Shafaq waved bye to her teachers and classmates. Talking about random things. They got in a conversation, failed to notice Jibran's car. He hoped down the car and proceeded towards them. Shafaq squealed seeing his arrival while Rumana stiffened.

"Hey buddy, let's go" Jibran said lifting her in his arms. Shafaq squealed and kissed his cheek. While Rumana stared at him with confusion. "Bhai kyu nhi aaye? Ap kyu aaye h?" She questioned glaring at him. Jibran removed his goggles and scanned her from her feets to head. She frowned at his antics and felt super uncomfortable.