Unwanted Relations

Chapter 15

Noor looked out of the window, she could see the trees moving and the cars running down the road. She then shifted her gaze to her hands. Noor could see Umer from the corner of her eye. He was driving the car, quiet, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Noor was relieved, she could see the clouds covering the sun and then again fading away. Noor remembered how she felt after seeing the enormous building of the school, seeing her future in front of her, her dreams only a step ahead now. She could remember how she felt after knowing she will be able to study just after a few formalities and now they were going back to the haveli.

Noor was certain that without Umer she would be helpless, she could not even think of going to a school, to study, to see all those girls and boys dresses in uniforms, chatting, living their childhood.

She could remember all the things visibly. Noor again looked out of the window, the silence in the car was heavy on her, making her uncomfortable.

She again was pulled into her thoughts, a sense of pride filled her when she thought that she might be the first girl in the village who will be able to pursue higher studies after marriage and for her it would be less to thank Umer in any words, actions, everything seemed less in front of the favor he did. The decision he made. She confessed, he was the perfect partner anyone could ever want.

She then thought, that the girls who aren't able to pursue studies was unable to because they didn't have someone like Umer, and Noor, Noor was just lucky. Lucky enough to have Umer.

She turned to face him. Hesitating. " I wanted to thank you. I never thought I would be able to study further, but, thanks for this."

Umer glanced at her for a second and then again shifted his gaze. " you don't need to thank me. I'm just fulfilling my responsibility."

Noor didn't said anything in response. What could she say? again looking at her hands, fidgeting her fingers. As they approach towards the haveli she could feel her anxiety rising. She had no idea how everyone will react. But one thing was certain it will not be a good outcome.

*...*...*
She just finished her namaz, when the door opened, gently. She smiled at seeing the person walking inside.

" how are you khala?" Noor sat down in front of her.

" I'm good, you are looking very happy, what is it?"

" I will tell you everything but first tell me did you take your medicines?"

Hajra nodded.

" okay then. I have a very good news." She announced.

Hajra's excitement grew at her words, eager to listen her next words.

" my admission has been done. Can you believe? I'll be able to study now." She said, her voice raised from happiness, like emotions were not out of her control.

Hajra smiled, she could see the happiness in Noor's eyes.

" Can you believe khala, I'll also go to school and study. I can't tell you how happy I'm and I'm very thankful to Umer for this, without him all this would not be possible." She said, again, this time her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

" that's a good news. Now, my Noor will become a doctor, right? I'm very happy for you and I hope that may you always be happy like this." Hajra said to her, her voice calm, Noor grin.

" I knew Umer will always stand with you. Mehr told me how he ordered in front of everyone to not make you wait for him at dinner." Her voice was filled with pride.

Noor remembered what happened this morning, her smiled faded. She looked down and then again at Hajra.

" there was no need for that. What happened from saying that? I never complained about waiting and by all this Dadi got even more upset and phoppo, she was also angry. Everyone's mood just got bad because of me." She was not complaining but grieving herself.