Tangled Fates!

Chapter 4 unwanted paths pt 2

The Unexpected Scene

when the young woman—Adaah, he recalled—leaped onto the old lady, wrapping her in an exuberant hug. The sight was both endearing and disconcerting. Sikandar, used to maintaining a stoic facade, found himself momentarily taken aback by the sheer warmth and affection emanating from Adaah.

She held onto his grandmother tightly, and he couldn’t help but notice the genuine smile that spread across his grandmother’s face. as the girl's back was towards him and his grandmother was facing him For a moment, the usual hardness in his chest softened. But just as quickly, he reminded himself of the years of silence and distance. The emotions swirling inside him were complex—resentment, curiosity, and an unspoken longing for such open affection.

As HE observed from a distance, he could clearly see the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Amidst the commotion, his attention was drawn to a small figure, a childlike presence charging towards his grandmother with reckless abandon. He couldn't help but marvel at the sight, noting the distinctive charm ofthe little figurer, not too short, not too tall, but undeniably cute in its own right.

Curiosity piqued, he found himself studying the stranger's appearance. Long hair, a rarity in the modern world, cascaded down her back in a shimmering cascade of gold. Though her face was partially obscured, he could make out a glint of something shining, perhaps a nose ring, adding to the mystery of her presence.

Despite her disheveled appearance, there was an undeniable allure about her, a stubbornness and pride that Sikandar couldn't help but admire. Normally, he wouldn't spare a second glance for anyone, but something about the way she lavished attention on his grandmother stirred unfamiliar emotions within him.
But as quickly as the warmth welled up inside him, a wave of bitterness washed over Sikandar. "Hate when we're soft," he muttered to himself, his usual stoicism returning to the forefront of his mind. "All these years, it's only a show. Don't be fooled," he reminded himself sternly, unwilling to let his guard down in the face of unfamiliar emotions.As he prepared to turn back to  the car, Zafar Sahab intervened, stopping him in his tracks with a firm grip on his arm. "Where are you going, Sikandar?" Zafar Sahab questioned, his tone gentle yet firm. "Um, Uncle, I have a meeting," Sikandar replied, attempting to assert his independence.

*******Adaahh**********
"Will you stay here or let Bibi in?
Adaah's mother stepped out to greet Bibi. Seeing Adaah in her pajamas, her expression turned to one of frustration.

"Adaah! Do you think you are still 10 years old? Look at yourself!" she scolded sharply. "Change into decent clothes this instant. What will the neighbors think, seeing you like this? And for heaven's sake, tie your hair!"

Bibi chuckled softly while Zafar Afridi laughed outright. The man in the suit remained stoic, observing the commotion with a raised eyebrow.
Adaah, trying to turn the embarrassing moment into fun, grinned and said, "Mummy, do I even look 20? Haha! I thought pajama fashion was in this season!"

She then noticed there was someone else besides Bibi but couldn't see his face clearly. Making cute faces, she tried to gain sympathy from her father and Bibi. Her mother was not amused. "Go!" she said firmly.

Adaah ran back towards the house, calling out, "Bibi, I'm going for 15 minutes, but I'll be back in 10!"

Bibi chuckled softly, shaking her head, and said to Khadija, "Why do you scold her? She is the ronaq of the house. Look at my house—so silent and empty without such liveliness."
Khadija sighed, her frustration softening a bit. "Bibi, she walks around like this in front of her father. I can't let her," she said quietly, not realizing Sikandar, the man in the suit, was nearby and overheard her words.

***********Sikandar*************

But Zafar Sahab had other plans, insisting, "No, you don't. You're coming inside." With a paternal gesture, he guided Sikandar towards the imposing entrance of the house. The grandeur of the house struck Sikandar as he stepped inside, its spaciousness and architectural elegance exuding a blend of old and new cultural vibes—modern yet steeped in tradition.

As he made his way through the expansive foyer, Sikandar's attention was momentarily diverted by the realization that he needed to wash his hands. "Excuse me, where's the washroom?" he inquired, turning to Khadija for guidance.

"Go upstairs, turn left," Khadija instructed, her voice warm and welcoming, a reflection of the hospitality that permeated the atmosphere of the house. Sikandar nodded in acknowledgment before making his way towards the washroom, his mind filled with curiosity about the family he had just encountered and the home that seemed to hold so many stories within its walls.

************: The Chaotic Room**************

Turning left towards the guest room, Sikandar heard loud, exasperated voices. He paused, curiosity getting the better of him. Peering into a slightly ajar door, he saw Adaah in the midst of a whirlwind of clothes. She was throwing items out of her closet, muttering to herself.

"Ewwwwww! Yaas Allah! What the hell? No, no, no! What is this? I don’t have anything to wear!" she exclaimed, her frustration palpable.

Sikandar watched,astonished , as she suddenly switched gears, chasing after a bunny that had caught her attention. She scooped the creature up, showering it with kisses and baby talk. Her mood swings were almost comical, yet there was something captivating about her unfiltered display of emotions.

Adaah then slapped her forehead dramatically, "Ahhhh Bibi!" She started to cry out like a child, "What do I wear?" before abruptly getting excited and shouting, "Sabaaaaaaa!"

annoyed with her messy long hair all over her face  he didnt see her face clearly all this time but Sikandar couldn’t help but chuckle quietly at the scene. It was a stark contrast to the disciplined and controlled environment he was accustomed to. Her spontaneity and lack of inhibition were both fascinating and foreign to him.

**********Gathering Composure*******

Realizing he had lingered too long, Sikandar quickly made his way to the washroom. As he washed his hands, he couldn't shake the image of Adaah's chaotic energy and the warmth with which she interacted with his grandmother. It was unsettling how she managed to evoke emotions he had long buried.

Composing himself, Sikandar descended the stairs, ready to face the gathering in the dera. Yet, even as he joined the men, his mind drifted back to the girl with the long golden hair and the whirlwind of emotions she had stirred within him.

****The Inner Conflict*****

Seated among the men, Sikandar felt a pang of longing as he observed the camaraderie and easy laughter around him. This was a world he had once been a part of, but it felt alien now. The hurt and anger from years of estrangement gnawed at him, and despite the warmth of his surroundings, he couldn't fully let go of his resentment.

He glanced at his grandmother, who was chatting animatedly with the others. She had always been the glue holding the family together, and her joy today was palpable. Sikandar knew he had to be here for her, but he also knew that forgiving and forgetting was easier said than done.

In his heart, he made a silent vow. This would be his first and last visit. He was here for Bibi, but once she was done with her this vist and once they returned he is never coming back no matter how much Bibi tries to blackmail him emotionally. The fleeting curiosity about Adaah and the emotions she stirred were not enough to bridge the chasm that had grown over the years.

As the conversations flowed around him, Sikandar resolved to remain guarded, valuing his pride and stubbornness above the brief moments of warmth and connection. His life was built on control and independence, and he wasn't about to let anyone change that, no matter how charming or affectionate they were.

Will sikandar and adaah come face to face and when they do what will happen.stay tuned to read more..I hope you guys enjoyed please give your feedback 😊