Wasl

۰39۰ Negotiations / مذاکرات

  اپنوں ہی نے سکھایا ہے
  کوئی اپنا نہیں ہوتا۔۔۔۔۔۔۔

The arrest caused major disruptions and motion in the otherwise stagnant circumstances. The arrest was sudden. It shocked some and surprised some, but most often, it was inevitable. Something everyone saw from a miles coming. Either sooner or later, it was bound to happen. Although, no one would have expected it on the night of the engagement. That was utterly shocking.

Sniffs and whimpering was all Sahar could hear as she stood rooted to her spot beside her sister. Directly in front of her, Mahrukh sat holding her head in her hands as Fatima whimpered and Khadija just laid, keeping her head in her mother's lap. All of them looked equally heartbreaking. Fatima appeared the most vulnerable as silent years cascade down her eyes in streams. Sahar's eyes glided from Fatima to her elder cousin, Khadija. She laid still while her eyes were closed, there was a thin stream of tears rolling down her eyes. Her hair were messy and her bun got opened during her vigorous attempt at unpinning the dupatta.

"We have been ashamed tonight. My son was embarrassed."

Qamar Tauqeer's voice was no less than demanding. Like he was talking to his servants rather than his son's in laws.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Qamar. I assure you this is a misunderstanding."

Mahrukh's tone took on a pleading turn. Like she was begging him, asking for forgiveness.

"It doesn't look like a misunderstanding. I should have known he wasn't a saint man."

Sahar almost laughed at the man's comment. Such irony how he was posing to be a pious man whose respect dignity has been crushed upon. Such a wonderful act of wounded pride. Marvellous!

"I assure you this is a misunderstanding. He was innocent. Daud isn't involved in these despicable matters. He'll come out tomorrow."

Mahrukh's words were hasty, rushed and like she was making her believe those words as she uttered to the man. Like she was saying those words only for her own sake. Or maybe she was. Because in no way her Uncle was a pious simple business man. He was involved in dirty waters. He was submerged in the marsh neck deep. He was almost drowning in it. There was no way out of this web of lies and sins. He was wounded tight, each rope restricting his movements, caging him in deeper and deeper. Towards the abyss. Towards the unforgivable end.

"We'll take our leave. I don't wish to stay here any moment longer."

Qamar Tauqeer announced before leaving the premises with his son in tow. The son didn't utter a single word. Maybe he really didn't care or maybe he wasn't supposed to speak when his father was talking. Or maybe he was scared to speak up to his father. Who knows.

Mahrukh slumped in the chair. Her shoulders slouched and stance meek. Beside her Khadija and Fatima wrapped their arms around their mother's frail shoulders. Although, Sahar was happy Duad was finally caught, she wasn't so pleased at the idea that it was costing his family's happiness. Today was supposed to be the joyous event. The most heartfelt of occasions. Alas! It ended in a tragedy. Sahar's reverie broke when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she found Rubina and Ahad joining them. He had discarded his shawl, holding it in one arm as the other raved through his hair, messing up the styled strands.

"I think we all should go home and rest. The night is already tiring."

Rubina said to everyone as she nodded at Tanzila who in return walked to Mahrukh.