Kaabil

26. Peace

Murtasim

"It's a yes." My wife announced as soon as we all gathered for Lunch.

Haya and Ahmed on her tail as she stepped down the staircase. The new couple exchanged a shy look. Why? What happened? I was curious, yet I couldn't help but feel proud of my best friend.

After suffering so much in his life, he had finally decided to let loose.

Congratulations were in the order. It all seemed way too fast; Ahmed's chachi suddenly pulled an engagement ring out of her purse and handed it to Ahmed. My sister dashed to my mother's room, bringing a small box and a red-colored dupatta. Meerab guided Haya to the main loveseat; Ahmed followed. Mama draped the dupatta over Haya's head and kissed it.

Meerab came to my side, wrapping her arm around her torse, leaning on me. I kissed her temple, not caring that the whole family was present and saw our affectionate gesture. Maryam grinned and pouted her small face. I rolled my eyes at everyone.

Soon, Ahmed and Haya exchanged rings. All while Meerab clutched my hand tighter. "I'm glad everything worked out for them." She whispered. I tilted my head only to witness my wife's radiating face. I hummed in response. Meerab was the first one of us to break apart and hug Haya.

Haya too tightly embraced her. Maryam followed, and the three quickly huddled together. My steps halted before Ahmed. He glanced at me, "I'm your brother-in-law now."

"So you are." I scoffed. "What did you say to force Haya into submission?"

He shrugged and clicked his tongue. "I didn't have to say anything. That girl is a goner and was highly impressed by your and Meerab's relationship. She wanted something like that, and I promised her better."

"There is no better than me."

He rolled his eyes. "You keep telling yourself that," He said, shaking his head. Then I engulfed him in a hug.

"Congratulations, man. However, if Haya ever turns up at my doorstep because of your shit attitude, you will find your limbs in the gutter. I mean it."

By now, everyone stared at me like I had grown horns. I glanced around, my eyes landing on my wife, smirking. However, I turned to Haya. "Listen, if this man ever says or does anything, even neglects you because of his work, you come to me. I'll handle him and his tiny solider."

Everyone gasped, especially the man I agitated. Haya chuckled. "Says the man who is always hidden in his office; focus on Meerab, and I'll handle your so-called best friend."

Meerab beamed. "Oh, Haya, how I love you for saying this."

Maryam blew a raspberry. "Busted. Both of you." Her comment forced laughter out of everyone.

***

The night fell, and Ahmed and I were now in business mode. Anwar Chacha and Uncle Waqas were also perfect in my office.

"When do you want to execute the plan?" Chacha Jaan asked. I have worked on fully kicking Maliks off our land these past few months.

First, They will have zero votes for any of the decisions in the Panchayat. Second, The land he took forcefully will add up to fifty percent of his land, which will be added to Khan's family, The rightful owner. Third, Malik Senior's son, Zubair, will be sentenced to six years of jail- an attempt to Murder. Fourth, the pending rape cases on Zubair will be fast-tracked, and according to my sources, my wife, his sentence would add another fifteen years.

Meanwhile, he will not have any visitors until they seek my permission. Luckily, the officer stationed at the Prison Center happens to be from my village, my people, and of course, he will never defy my word.