Namal (English Translation) By Nimra Ahmed

Chpt 2: Farebkaar

And Mamoon, the companion of Iblis, was also there. A lesser soul cast out of Paradise, whose gaze and thoughts remained downcast, always admiring the light of Heaven more. This scene was more disturbing to him than any other. He taught humankind to dig into Mother Earth's womb with his impure hands and plunder those treasures that were hidden and better. Soon, his army created a vast hole in the hellish mountain and dug out the golden ribs. It was astonishing that gold grows in the dark of Hell, which might be worthwhile. This precious calamity...

(Adapted from Milton - Paradise Lost)

The passion of beauty and love is not bound by directions... Often, the flame of the candle itself consumes up to the moth.

Today was the black and golden anniversary of Sonia, the daughter of Hashim Kardar. Perhaps that's why the morning of the week also dawned brightly in golden hues.

At Yousuf's house, the smoke of breakfast, Nadrat's scolding reminders, and Haneen's bustling preparations were all going on together. Saadi had gone to the restaurant early in the morning. Usama, now in uniform, sat around the round table having breakfast. When Haneen arrived, having polished her black coat and shoes, she grimaced at the toast on her plate.

"I don't want to eat that toast. This thick potato is my first and last bread," she said, brushing her forehead.

From the kitchen came Nadrat's curt reply.

"I've told you a thousand times not to name food items."

She mumbled under her breath as she stepped forward and grabbed half of the sandwich Usama was holding. Unusually, Usama didn't react and quietly continued eating.

She had just finished her breakfast when Usana called out, "Haneen?" She glared at him. "History is witness that you've never called me without needing something. Today's task is on me," she said, brushing off her hands with a serious tone. Haneen slung her bag over her shoulder, picked up a file, and sarcastically shook her head. "Let me guess what you've ordered: samosas, with chicken wings, and potato chips, right?" And as if dismissing all those items, she headed toward the door, where the car outside was honking. "Spring rolls, Behari kebabs, and baked potatoes," Usma calmly stated from behind. Haneen's steps halted, her eyes widening in disbelief.

She suddenly turned around, grabbed Usama by the elbow, and pulled him in front of her. "And there will be mint chutney with that, right?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Of course, your favorite mayonnaise sauce too!" Sim replied.

A broad smile spread across Haneen's face, and mischief sparkled in her eyes. She let go of his arm and signaled him to get going. "Now tell me what the task is."

"Tonight, I also want to go to Hashim Bhai's daughter's birthday party," Usama said as they both walked outside, carefully avoiding the wet ground. "Saadi Bhai said if Auntie isn't going, then I should stay home."

"Do you have a black suit?" Usama asked.

"Yeah, the one Bhai gave me for my birthday."

"Then get it some sunlight, air it out, and iron it," she suggested calmly as they closed the gate and started walking towards the road. Usama looked at her with pleasant surprise.

"But how will you convince Bhai to let me go... I mean, how will you handle him?"

"Usama Yusuf! The reason you're spending your pocket money on me today is that you know I'm the right person for this job," Haneen smirked. "So just worry about your suit!" She climbed into the van. Inside, Rafia and Khadija were deeply engrossed in revising, while Naima was busy writing something in her notebook. Today was their last paper.