Taabindagi (Sequel Of Sharar)

One

The Khan Haveli, a magnificent structure of sandstone and grandeur, stood tall against the backdrop of a clear, azure sky. Its ornate architecture spoke of a legacy that had weathered the passage of time with grace. The sprawling gardens, meticulously groomed, extended around the mansion, a lush oasis in the heart of tradition.

The Khan Haveli was a realm of intricate family dynamics. Despite the appearance of unity from the outside, the Haveli was partitioned into four distinct sections, each housing a different branch of the family.

Huzaifa Khan, the eldest brother of Khan family, held court with an air of authority. His two sons and their families lived under his roof.

On the left wing, Azlan Khan, second brother, held sway, residing there with his wife- Rubab and two daughters - Ayla and Ayat - both are married within the family.

The third section, however, remained eerily silent for most of the year. This was the domain of Shahzain Khan, the third brother, who had long since moved to America with his family. His part of the Haveli, locked and empty, stood as a reminder of his absence, save for his annual visits when the halls would briefly come alive.

In the fourth section, a different energy pulsed through the air. This was the domain of Huzaifa's youngest sister- Hamna, who doesn't live there anymore either, but her daughter Shyra lived there with her husband Kabir, the youngest of Huzaifa's sons. Laughter, vibrant, and carefree filled these rooms in stark contrast to the stillness in Shahzain's quarters.

The Khan Haveli was not just a residence; it was a symbol of love, tradition, and the complexities of familial bonds. It stood as a microcosm of interwoven lives, where past and present converged, and where the children's laughter once echoed through every room, bringing it to life. This is where the story begins when the family still lived under one roof.

•••

It was a typical day, the sun casting a warm glow over the lawn. Laughter and cheerful shouts filled the air as children engaged in carefree games. Among them, young Shahnan stood out, his eyes fixed on one person.

Determinedly, he approached Kian and Eifa, who were playing together. His small hand reached out to grab hold of Eifa's.

"Meli hai," he declared, his voice surprisingly firm for a 2-year-old. The other children paused, momentarily baffled by Shahnan's possessive claim. Eifa, caught off guard, glanced at the little boy who insisted on declaring ownership over her.

(She’s mine,)

Eifa was 4 years old when Shahnan was born. The little girl became excited upon seeing the newborn. Although Kian was younger than her, the age difference was not significant - Eifa, Ehan, and Kian lived together like triplets. And that's why Eifa was a lot happy when Shahnan arrived, Eifa felt like she had found a living doll. Shahnan was an incredibly cute, chubby little baby who didn't cry much but always giggled. As Shahnan grew a bit older, his attraction towards Eifa increased because she had always played with him since his early days.

"Sab sath mein khelenge," Eifa decided to keep the peace. Kian and Shahnan never got along. If Shahnan is on the swing, Kian would always demand to sit there and would start crying if he didn't get it. The same goes for Shahnan. He never let Kian play with Eifa, always coming there to take her with him.

(We’ll all play together,)

"Nahi!" Shahnan almost shouted. He doesn't want to play with Kian, nor does he want Eifa to play with him.

(No!)

"Kian, tum mere sath aao," Ehan also came there.

(Kian, come with me,)