Forbidden ✓

Black and White

[Recap:  Mastoorah got to know about Faraan's identity that he is her father and she was hurt and furious over this fact. She left Faraan's father's house and went to Javaria's (or Hania's) house. Later on, on Eid's first day, she asked Iyad to meet her and called off their marriage.)

Faris

Two days passed like they had been given wings to fly. Iyad hadn't spoken much after he returned from meeting Mastoorah. But how much he was trying to pose as if he was fine, I knew it was affecting him so much. My son was calm and rational. He wouldn't force anyone; least of the girl he loved. As everyone could realize, he also understood Mastoorah's stance. She wasn't wrong in her place to call off their marriage. She had her own reasons and she was the one who was suffering the most.

While on the other hand, Iyad hadn't talked about this topic at all. He had given Mastoorah's ring to his mother. That was such a complicated situation. I wanted everything to fall into its place but it wasn't that easy. Mastoorah wasn't a kid and what she was doing wasn't childish. In fact, I felt bad for her as well as for my own brother. Hence I was finding relief in Iyad's silence for now. I would take care of him later on.

First I needed to make sure that Mastoorah was fine and that she could infer a bit regarding Faraan. He was her father and the attraction of blood was beyond anything in this world. If she left her hatred for my brother, then automatically she would reconsider Iyad's proposal. After all, I didn't want my brother to again suffer. He had done it enough and he now at least deserved a happy bonding with the dearest relation he got by a miracle.

That evening, when I entered Iyad's room, I found him packing his stuff in a suitcase. When he noticed me, he stopped and regarded me.

"AssalamoAlaikum Baba," he greeted me.

I smiled. "Walaikum Assalam. What's this packing for?"

"I am going back. My training is resuming from a day after tomorrow," he replied, calmly.

"Iyad." I placed a hand over his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, Baba. There is no other choice than to feel that I am okay."

I sighed. "Look, I understand this shouldn't have happened. Mastoorah should have thought about you by separating you from her father. But when I put myself in her shoes, I find her right in her place. Give her some time and let her see everything with a calm mind. She will come back to you. That's for sure as I have seen the likeness for each other in both of your eyes."

Iyad scratched his nose. "Baba, she wasn't in any impulsive state of mind when she announced me her decision. I don't want her to break our engagement but what can I do? She was firm on her stance which none could change. But yes, I will wish her a better and speedy recovery from the emotional trauma she had undergone. And I will always wait for her. If she anytime wants to rethink about, my heart, my life and my sincerity is open for her."

I squeezed his shoulder. "You are right. Don't get depressed. You know Mama, I and your siblings love you and we will always support you."

He nodded with a small smile.

"Did you tell Mama that you are going back?" I suddenly remembered about Ajwa and her emotional attachment to the times Iyad had to leave us.

He shrugged his shoulders. "She gets worried every time so I didn't yet. I will tell her a while later. She is already so tensed and I don't want to add to her worry."