(Seated in the metro with an one hour's journey ahead,I pull out my EarPods and play the song "Chal Diye Tu Kahan Pe." Suddenly,a simple plot idea strikes me and I can't wait to pen down it)
-----------------------------------------------------
The night had settled over the household, casting a serene glow through the windows. The soft hum of evening crickets filled the air, adding a touch of tranquility to the scene. The family had gathered around the dining table, their faces illuminated by the warm, golden light of the chandelier above. The only person missing was Mustafa.
Sarjeena, with her ever-warm smile, gracefully moved around the table, serving food to her father-in-law, Iftekhar. Her movements were fluid, almost choreographed, as she placed a steaming plate in front of him.
"Ammi, I made your favorite food, keema kabab," Sarjeena said, her voice filled with pride and affection as she addressed her mother-in-law, Shagufta.
Shagufta, in her usual curt tone, replied, "Okay," barely glancing at the dish. Her eyes then shifted to Rubab, who was seated quietly, waiting for her turn to be served.
Shagufta's demeanor softened as she served Rubab a generous portion of vegetables. "Take your food properly, dear. You work hard all day. You should take care of your health."
Rubab, always the expert in feigning politeness, responded, "Thank you, Auntie. You always care about me."
Shagufta's face lit up with a rare smile. "I never considered you as my daughter-in-law but as my daughter."
Rubab turned to Sarjeena, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Why don't you join us?"
Sarjeena, always the epitome of patience, replied, "I will take my food later."
Iftekhar, who had been quietly observing the exchange, interjected, "Sarjeena doesn't eat without Mustafa. They always eat together, no matter what time he returns."
"Aww, so sweet of them," Rubab remarked, her words tinged with a hint of envy that only Sarjeena could discern.
Adeel, sitting silently, felt a pang of jealousy as he secretly stared at Sarjeena, his emotions a tangled web of admiration and resentment.
Just then, the front door creaked open, and Mustafa entered the house, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Sarjeena, take your important stuff, we need to go somewhere," he said, his tone urgent yet calm.
"Where?" Sarjeena asked, puzzled by the sudden request.
"My friend's mother is ill and there's no one with her at the hospital. I told my friend that my wife would stay with her," Mustafa explained, his eyes reflecting a sense of duty and compassion.
"You did a good thing, son," Iftekhar said approvingly. "A friend in need is a friend indeed. Sarjeena, pack your stuff and go, dear."
Sarjeena nodded, her heart swelling with pride for her husband's kindness. She headed towards her room to pack, her mind already racing with thoughts of how she could help.
Shagufta opened her mouth to protest, but a stern glare from Iftekhar silenced her. The room fell into a contemplative silence, each family member lost in their own thoughts as Sarjeena prepared to embark on this unexpected duty.
---
The air was thick with tension as Mustafa impatiently honked his bike's horn, his frustration evident. Inside, Sarjeena hurriedly called out, "Coming, Mustafa! Why are you so impatient?" Just as she was about to step out, she caught sight of Adeel standing at the entrance, his presence unavoidable. She attempted to brush past him, but his voice halted her, "Look what you did to yourself, Sarjeena."
