Sang e Marmar

1. Aghaz-e-safar hi toh hai

Tërë chëhrë ko pardë ki zaroorat hi kya hai
Kaun rëhta hai hosh mëin tujhë dëkhnë kë baad.

The morning sun rises with all its brightness. The vast mansion's white marble flooring reflects the sun's rays perfectly causing a mirror effect. The trees surrounding the mansion look serene. The chirping of birds echoed in the hazy morning. The servants were busy with morning chores, the gardener was trimming grass, the maids were busy cleaning.... the chefs were preparing breakfast...The lavish interior of the mansion speaks volumes about its owner's taste.
An elderly man sat on the head chair in the dining hall with a newspaper in his hand his 3 piece suit-clad figure looks graceful, his demeanor screams that he surely aged like a fine wine. Sun rays peeking through the vast window frames provide warmth to the cold interior, despite the heaters running, December morning in Islamabad isn't merciful to cold-sensitive individuals.
The elderly man looked at his watch again for the 3rd time with a frown.

Ahmed. His authoritative voice resonated in the silent dining hall. With a blink Ahmed an old butler wearing a turban and shalwar kameez appeared from the door.

Ji huzoor. He asked with a slight bow a gesture of respect.

Send someone to Zar e Noor's room ..Mehrmah went to call her but it's been 15 minutes.

Ji Huzoor may bhejta hun.. he replied as he retreated.

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A woman in her early thirties hastily walked in white marbled corridors. She took a turn stopping in front of the double door that was open at the moment.

Elderly women clad in a shalwar suit with a dupatta-covered head and white shawl gracefully wrapped around her petite frame.. stood at the edge of the bed.

Zar e Noor hum app say Keh rahay hain k app uth Jain abb...kitni dair say app humay thaka rahi hain... Elderly women spoke again.

Women knocked slightly on the door gaining the attention of elderly women.

Amna app.. elderly women asked softly seeing Zar e Noor maid standing at the door..

Sahab ji app dono ko Bula rahay hain..kafi dair say intezar hai app ka.. She replied with a slight bow.

Zar e Noor opened her eyes because of the voices... Her canopy-like lashes flutter open and closed due to light reflecting from floor-length windows.
Placing her delicate hands on her eyes she sat straight.

She opened her eyes gradually adjusting to the light her jet-black orbs reflecting the elderly woman who smiled at her scattered appearance.

Subha ba khair Zar e Noor.. ajj app ko jagaanay ai thay pr app toh uthnay ka naam he nhi lay rahi theen...She said lovingly stroking her hair..

Subha ba Khair...Ammi jaan. Hum bht dair say soi thay toh bs isliya university ka Kuch kaam tha...she replied feeling guilty.

Koi baat nhi bachay..Neechay ajain fresh hokr app k baba jaan intezar krrahay hain...She smiled as she patted her cheeks slightly, leaving the room.

Amna hurriedly went to the wardrobe she took out a black floor-length frock along with a black shawl and dupatta.. placing it neatly on the bed as she began organizing the room.

Zar e Noor came out washroom after freshening up.. her gaze swept past the now neatly organized room to her dress.... still in her bathrobe she took graceful strides picking up her dress and entering the walk-in closet, not before saying.....Sukriya Amna bi.. with warmth, bringing smile on Amna bi face.