preference delights

Unquenched

                   Chapter 11

Nazli was preparing to go shopping. She had hoped Taimur would accompany her, but he declined because he had dinner plans with his parents. Annoyed, Nazli decided to go with her mother instead.
After a recent argument with Warda, she had been avoiding the main lobby and instead called for coffee to be brought to her portion of the house. She was just about to enjoy her coffee when her mother called, asking her to come immediately. Sensing urgency, Nazli left everything and rushed over. What she saw when she arrived was shocking.
Leena was in a furious state, demanding, "Nazli, why the hell didn't you tell me that Salaar is back?" she spatted and glared at her with anger.
"Leena, relax and stop shouting. Salaar hasn't been here that long. I didn't get a chance to tell you," Nazli, taken off guard, tried to calm her, but Leena wasn't having it.
"It's been two months since I've been abroad! We've talked on the phone several times, and not once did you mention it. Stop lying, Nazli. I'm your sister-don't treat me like you treat the Maliks," Leena snapped sarcastically, pointing out Nazli's dismissive attitude toward her in-laws.
"Yes, I didn't tell you on purpose," Nazli admitted, her patience worn thin as Leena never respected her as an elder sister.
"Look at yourself, Leena. You're so obsessed with Salaar that you don't even realize how badly he rejected you." Nazli hit her where it hurt the most.
"Yes, I'm obsessed, and one day, you'll all see that I'll make him mine," Leena declared with firm resolve-that was the reason she followed him all the way to Cambridge.
"But if you had told me he was back, I wouldn't have wasted my time searching for him in Cambridge. For the past month, I've been pleading for information about Salaar, but the campus administration refused to share any personal details. My friend was more helpful than you; her brother was at the same university as Salaar, and she informed me as soon as she saw him." Leena pouted.
"Leena, I literally..." Nazli started to defend herself but then realized something. "Wait, what? What did you just say? You weren't with your friends in France? You lied to us?" Nazli was stunned by her audacity. "Now you're getting it-how it feels to taste your own medicine." Leena smirked, extremely satisfied with Nazli's reaction.
"Leena, please, forget about Salaar. You can't win him over. His mother is against you, and she'll never let you be with him. You'll only end up heartbroken," Nazli pleaded, determined to convince her sister, though she felt hopeless herself. "Nazli, I've reached a point where I can't turn back. I'll either win him, or you'll lose your sister," Leena said adamantly.
"Please, Nazli, I need you by my side," Leena said, her eyes revealing something deeply unsettling. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Nazli nodded. She hugged her sister tightly, knowing she was her only sibling and very dear to her. In that moment, Nazli made a firm decision-she would defend Leena at any cost.
The dinner setting was tranquil yet tense as Warda and Faizan sat at the table, waiting for their sons. The maid moved around, setting crockery for the upcoming meal, but Warda was lost in her thoughts. Faizan's voice gently pulled her back to the present.
"Warda, your pondering is in vain. Whatever is destined will happen eventually." He took her hand in his, trying to console her.
"Faizan, I don't want Salaar to make the same mistake as Taimur and ruin his life," Warda's deep fear finally found its voice.
"Who told you that Taimur ruined his life? He seems happy. He has a perfect family. It's your disliking for Nazli that clouds your judgment," Faizan exclaimed, leaning toward her.
"If you ask Taimur, he'd tell you he's the happiest man alive because he found the love of his life." Warda, irritated by Taimur's inclination toward Nazli, looked unconvinced. "Taimur was always the one with a lower IQ," she exclaimed, annoyed at him.
"Exactly! Taimur and Salaar are completely different. Salaar is more mature and decisive in his choices." "But, Faizan-" Warda tried to continue, but the sound of approaching voices cut her off. Their sons entered the dining area, still discussing business. Taimur, dressed in a navy blue tuxedo with his hair neatly styled, contrasted sharply with Salaar, who wore a casual white baggy T-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers.
"As-salam Alaykum," they greeted in unison.
"Wa alaykum As-salam," Warda and Faizan replied together as the boys sat next to their parents.
"Baba, Salaar doubts the Orient Traders' blueprints. He thinks they're adding unnecessary accessories to drive up production costs," Taimur said, visibly annoyed.
"He's right. I suspected as much from the beginning but didn't want to discourage you. I thought you'd figure it out eventually. I'm surprised you've dealt with them this long without noticing," Faizan's words hit Taimur hard.
"But, Baba, they gave me an undertaking!" Taimur protested.
"An undertaking? Did you even read those pages, or did you just sign that pile of rubbish?" Faizan's temper flared. Taimur was easily swayed, and sometimes. Faizan thought Warda was right about him.
"Taimur, how can you be so naïve? You didn't even consult me before signing with them!" Taimur hung his head, looking like a child caught in mischief. Warda, sensing the tension, intervened.
"Faizan, we didn't call them here to scold Taimur. Let's talk about why we invited them," she tried to break in, concerned about Faizan's health. "Yes, sons, we've invited you to discuss another wedding in the family," Faizan's announcement left both Taimur and Salaar speechless. "Baba, I can't remarry. I love my wife! Please don't mention this to Nazli; it would break her," Taimur spoke innocently, glancing at Warda. "Mom, I know you dislike Nazli, but this is insane!" Taimur rambled, as if Warda and Faizan were about to marry him off on the spot.
"Oh, my dear son, we're not talking about your marriage-it's Salaar's wedding!" Warda chuckled, lightly tapping Taimur's head. Taimur sighed in relief, but now it was Salaar who became uneasy.
"Baba..." Salaar started to object. "What, Baba? We were younger than you when we got married," Faizan pointed at Taimur, interrupting, sounding as if they had made a groundbreaking discovery.
"But, Baba, I'm still studying and not earning a penny. How can I possibly think about marriage?" Salaar protested, clearly taken aback.
"You don't need a penny for marriage," Taimur joked, though no one laughed. For a moment, Salaar thought of Zarmeena, but quickly shook the image from his mind.
"No more discussions. I called you back from abroad just for this. Before I leave this world, I want to see your children. Either you choose a girl, or leave it to your mother," Faizan declared, placing pudding on his plate.
"Salaar, Baba is right. He's seriously ill. We're not forcing your hand; consider this the wish of a sick man. Just agree to an engagement for now. The wedding can wait until you finish your studies," Warda added softly patting his hand.
"Okay, I'll think about it, but please, don't rush me. I need time," Salaar agreed reluctantly, knowing he couldn't win against his parents. "Good. It's settled. Now, let's eat," Faizan smiled, satisfied with Salaar's agreement. After a moment of thought, Warda turned to Taimur. "Taimur, keep this between us. Don't mention anything to Nazli," Warda instructed. She didn't want Nazli pushing for her sister's proposal. Taimur nodded in agreement, and soon the family resumed their dinner in a lighter, more relaxed mood with chatter and chuckles. ---