Forbidden ✓

Broken Hearts

Mastoorah

That one night I spent was more than a disaster for me. I even never remained this distressed over my nightmares. As soon as I found myself a bit stable, I booked an Uber for myself and left for Aunt Hania's place. Raima Dadi, Dada Jaan, and Aunt Fiza tried to stop me but he was nowhere to be seen. After I told him that he shouldn't call me his Jaan as I hated him, he seemed very hurt. Even a tear dropped from his eye when I told him that his punishment as far as I was concerned would never end. But that was even fabricated as well. I couldn't believe I was considering a man who killed my mother as someone so respectful and thinking of him as my inspiration.

Outer appearances can be deceiving and today I saw a living example of it.

Eventually, I reached Aunt Hania's house at almost one in the night. She and Aunt Javaria were shocked to find me like this in this part of the night. Seeing her made me remember her relation to Aunt Ajwa and again to him, but I needed Aunt Hania right now. I needed to cry in her arms and for her to console me. Hence I broke down into tears while hugging her.

"Mastoorah beta, what's wrong?" She asked, still running her hand over my head to soothe me.

I told her everything from start to end.

It was eight in the morning now. Today was Eid day. When I woke up for the morning prayer, I came across Iyad's message.

'AssalamoAlaikum Mastoorah G. I am just about to leave for Karachi. Hoping to see you as happy as before.'

I sensed a weird feeling germinating in my heart. I kept on looking at his name on my screen.

Iyad; Faraan's nephew; Faraan; my mother's murderer.

It kept on going on in my head like a mantra. Disappointed by everything, I threw the phone away. After praying Fajar, when I was again about to lock my room, Aunt Hania came over to me.

"Mastoorah, Jaan. Please don't lock the door now. No one will disturb you but please keep the door unlocked. For your Aunt's sake," she said, holding my face in between her palms.

She was like a mother to me. Someone who had rescued me. So I agreed and did as she said. After that, when I again reached the bed, I fell asleep. Maybe my mind and body were now too tired to remain up. When I woke up again, it was a bright sunlight coming into my room. My Eid day was totally messed up. I had so many plans for it. My phone was beeping continuously. I got hold of it and saw so many missed calls, texts, and voice messages from Iyad.

Was I doing good? He didn't have any link to whatever had happened with my Mama and me. Yes, he was related to her murderer but having relationships in this world wasn't in human's control. As it wasn't in my power to have that man as my father. Then why should give the punishment of someone else's sins to him? He was the one who was my strength. I loved him dearly and he too hadn't given me anything less than love, respect, and regard.

But no. I straightened my back and bit my lower lip in anxiety.

I didn't want to live among these people. Marrying Iyad would make me bound to them and in this way, I had to come face to face with that man again and again. My Mama would be disappointed in me.

I quickly dialed Iyad's number which he accepted with a bell.

"Mastoorah G." He seemed quite eager when he called my name.

I would always miss the way he called me.

"Iyad, I need to meet you. Right now."

"Okay. Where should I come?"