Umeed

Chapter 6

Flashback Continued

In the mansion, Noor had become the vibrant heart of the home. Her infectious energy and joy seemed to lift everyone’s spirits, making the house feel alive and full of warmth. Ayesha watched with a contented heart, grateful for the way their lives had blossomed despite past struggles. The family was closer than ever.

Noor and Maheen, now 14 and 20 respectively, had formed a close bond. They spent their days sharing fashion tips, dreams, and giggles. Their girly talks and enthusiasm for dressing up provided Maheen with a welcome escape from her growing responsibilities. Their camaraderie became a cherished part of their daily lives.

But underneath the surface, tensions simmered. Shahzain, at 26, had always cared for Maheen with a protective, almost paternal instinct. To him, Maheen was like a daughter rather than just his sister. When he discovered that Maheen had fallen in love with her class fellow, his unease turned into frustration.

One evening, unable to contain his feelings any longer, Shahzain burst into Maheen’s room. His face was a mixture of anger and hurt. “I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice sharp and strained.

Maheen looked up, taken aback. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re seeing someone,” Shahzain said, his voice barely concealing his agitation. “Why didn’t you tell me? You know I’ve always looked out for you like a daughter. I’m not sure I’m ready to see you with someone else. You need to focus on your studies and career before getting into a relationship.”

Maheen’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Bhai, I love him. I thought you’d understand. You’ve always been protective, but this is my life.”

Shahzain’s anger flared. “It’s not just about protection, Maheen. I’ve watched you grow up, and it feels like you’re slipping away from me. I’m worried about you.”

The argument escalated quickly. Maheen defended her right to make her own choices, while Shahzain expressed his fears and frustrations. The once warm and supportive atmosphere now crackled with tension. Maheen’s voice grew louder, and Shahzain’s face flushed with emotion.

Maheen’s frustration reached its peak, and she screamed, “Aap baba nahi hain toh mujhe apne faisle lene de! Aap hamesha apne faisle nahi force kar sakte ham par!”("You’re not our father, so let me make my own decisions! You can’t always force your decisions on us!")

Tears welled up in Maheen’s eyes as she stormed out of the room, leaving Shahzain alone. His anger was now intertwined with profound hurt and confusion. He stood there, feeling a deep ache from Maheen’s words, which seemed to cut him to the core. His concern for her future, which had always been his primary motivation, now felt dismissed and misunderstood. Despite his genuine intentions to protect and guide her, he was left grappling with the painful realization that his protective instincts had led to a rift between them. As he processed his emotions, Shahzain knew he had to find a way to reconcile his fears with Maheen’s need for independence and support her choices, even if it meant confronting his own insecurities.

The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Maheen's room. The air felt heavy with tension as Maheen sat on the edge of her bed, her gaze fixed on the floor. She hadn't touched her food, her mind consumed by the recent argument with Shahzain. Every word exchanged between them replayed in her head, a mix of frustration and guilt intertwining.

Noor, with a determined look, entered the room carrying a plate of food. "Aapi, yeh le khana," ("Sister, here is the food") she said gently, placing the plate on the bedside table.