ISHQ, EK IBADAT | (Completed)

Episode - 08

Elhaan asked Zeeshan, "Yes, that's what I've been trying to figure out. How do you know her?"

Zeeshan suddenly stopped and said, "Wait, wait, wait. You... You just wait here, I'll be right back."

Zeeshan rushed off, leaving Elhaan confused. Meanwhile, Amreen was scanning the area, looking nervous.

A girl approached her and said, "It's okay, don't be nervous. You don't know anyone here, maybe they're not people you're familiar with. But like Ramsha said, start a new life. Just forget everything and give yourself a new start."

Amreen fidgeted, scratching her hand and looking anxious, unsure of how to process this new environment and the girl's words.

The girl tried to calm Amreen down, "Calm down, Amreen. Don't be anxious. Look, everyone is being so nice to you. You're feeling overwhelmed because you've been indoors for so long. Try to remember if you know anyone here."

As Amreen scanned the area again, her eyes accidentally met Elhaan's. They both looked at each other simultaneously, and Amreen quickly lowered her gaze, whispering "Astagfirullah" (seeking forgiveness from Allah).

Elhaan read her lips, his eyes widened after knowing what she said and was confused about why she said that.

Nawazuddin approached Amreen with Falak and Nayab, asking, "Amreen, beta, how are you?"

Amreen, still anxious, replied, "Who...who are you? Do you know me?"

Nawazuddin explained, "No, beta, we don't know you. But I'm the eldest here and my name is Nawazuddin Sheikh. You can call me Nanu (maternal grandfather)."

Ayaan, a child, asked, "Nanu? Why Nanu? Why not Dadu (paternal grandfather)?"

Nawazu explained, "I would like it if you called me Nanu (maternal grandfather)."

Amreen clarified, "But you're not my actual Nanu (maternal grandfather). Then why should I call you that?"

Nawazuddin asked, "Why can't you call me Nanu (maternal grandfather)?"

Amreen hesitated, "It's not that...but..."

Ramsha intervened, "It's okay, Amreen. You can call him whatever you want."

Amreen agreed, "Okay...I'll call you Nanu (maternal grandfather)."

Nawazuddin smiled, "That's settled then. Beta, how are you feeling now? Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

Amreen replied, "No...Bhabhi (sister-in-law) and Laiba have taken good care of me. I don't need anything. I just...I don't remember where my home is. I want to go home."

Nayab reassured her, "We're your family too, aren't we? And Baba Jaan is like your Nanu (maternal grandfather), so we're your Khala Jaan (maternal aunt)."

Faiza and Zoya stood at a distance, observing the scene with skepticism.

Faiza whispered to Zoya, "There's something off about these people. They just bring anyone home and claim them as family. So weird. That's why I don't like their customs. They just elevate anyone to a high position."

Zoya agreed, "You're right. They're strange."

Faiza complimented Zoya, "You're just like me, same thoughts and tastes. That's why we get along so well."

Zoya smiled, "Of course, Badi Ammi! You're my role model."

Faiza smiled back, "I know, beta jaan." (I know, dear one)

Their exchange revealed their shared disapproval of the family's welcoming nature and their preference for a more traditional and exclusive approach to relationships.