ishq kavita

Chapter 12: Zarar

was very busy for a few days after our mini lunch date. Approving the new designs, visiting sites, planning, making deals and meeting a lot of clients. Bhabhi was due any day now and Nael was living with us in mom and dad’s wing. Everyone was so energetic at home and when I came back from work, they were all still doing something. It felt good to have them all worked up, since it's been a long time. Adjusting with Nael and his off timing demands were making my poor mom and dad run here and there.
It was friday, fifth day since sunday. She didnt try to contact me. After offering my Friday prayers, I turned the steering wheel towards the ghazi house.

One of their servants opened the door, “Zarar Bhai! Assalam O alikum. Aain aain!” he leads me to their drawing room. I am not a guest. “Where is everyone?” I asked him.

“They are all gone to mosque for prayers.”  He says while offerinf my juice. “Although dina baji is home. She was sick.” he says taking the glass back.

“She is sick?” my feet started moving before I could process what to do. When I went upstairs to her room, the door was open wide and she was lying on the bed, curled up. Her arms cushioning her stomach. She didnt look okay. I was about to take a step forward and knock when one of her legs moved and she kicked harshly in the air and started sobbing.

“Daneen!” I wanted to enter and help her but I didnt know what to do. In that moment, I felt my heart crushing. Like someone grabbed it and was trying to throw it on the ground over and over. Her sobs were so loud, she didn't hear me. I knocked loudly and called her name again. “Daneen!” this time her sobs quitened and after a minute, she sat back up. Her eyes swollen and her face dull. Her hair was tied up in a bun which hung loose. She was wearing what looked like a nightsuit. Her eyes widened when she finally processed my presence.

Wiping tears off her face, she finally said something. “What are you doing here?”

Why was I there? I didnt know.

“I-uh…” the way her weak face molded and her eyes turned stone cold. The way her arms folded on her front. She didnt want my presence at the moment. I took a step back. “I was just- I just came-”

“Leave.” she sniffed. I pursed my lips. My heart ripped seeing her like that. “Leave.” she didnt need to say it again. I eventually left.

The whole drive back home was horrible. Why was she so sick all of a sudden? Did anyone else in her house know? Would they leave her alone like that if they knew? God, what was wrong with her?

“Zarar!” I was climbing the stairs to my room when I heard mom call my name.

“Beta, where have you been busy all this week? You don't even have time for us.” I couldn't deal with this right now.

“My dearest mama, I am really sorry. But I have a very terrible headache right now. Can we do this any other time, please?”

She sighed. I hated breaking her heart like that. But mine wasn't in the state to heal anyone else’s. “Fine. i just wanted to tell you we are going this Sunday to Ghazi house for the engagement. Daneen’s mother called and said that they accept our proposal.” what?

“When did she call?”

“Uh, yesterday. I think.”

“Why didnt you tell me?”  she gave me those eyes which said, “as if you were available.”

I sighed,. “Ring?”

“I wanted to go with you and select it. When will you be free?”

“Tomorrow, maybe?” I had more important tasks at hand.

“Fine, tomorrow then. Do you need me to bring anything? Tea? Medicine?”

“No, mama. I am fine. I just need rest.” she hummed and left.

When I came back to my room, I called Ravi.

“Hey, bro. Whats up?”

“Is she okay?”

“Who?”

“Your sister. I just came back form your house, didnt find you there. She was terribly sick and crying.” pause. Silence at the other end.

“I dont know man. I am not home yet. I’ll check in with her.” this dude whasnt aware of her own sister’s health. What was the purpose of studying medicine then?

“I need her contact number too.” pause.

“Ravi-”

“Okay, sending.”

After hanging up on me, I received her number. But of course I couldn't text her right now.

After waiting for 45 minutes, I received a text message from Ravi.

Ravi: She is on her periods. It is her second day, hence the cramps and the sobbing.

Me: Periods are that horrifying?

Ravi: *skulll emoji*

Ravi: it depends from girl to girl. Last month she fainted. I wrote her some calcium and vitamin pills and she promised she was taking them regularly. I’d check on her now. Don't worry. Everything is fine.

Me: Will she be fine till Sunday? We can come any other day if she needs rest.

Ravi: she decided the date. Her exams start next week. Dont worry, she’ll be fine.

Me: When do you think I should text her?

Ravi: you are down bad.

Me: Just answer the damn question.

Ravi: Text her tomorrrow. I ordered salted  chips and icecream for her. She’ll sleep it off after snacking. She’ll be fine tomorrow. Scared she’ll block you the instant you text her?

Me: fuck off Ravi.

Ravi: *lauging emoji* if you are deciding to marry her, you’ll need to note down these things.

Me: what things?

Ravi: 1. Dont fight with her when she is on her periods. She’ll kill you.
2.  Surround her with snaks but not too much or else she’ll think you are trying to bribe her into something. 3. Be there for her. Even though she is smart and brave and just a little weak, she tends to be very moody, sensitive and over thinks a lot. I need you to know my sister is a cry baby when she is on her periods. The rest of the month? She’ll make you cry.

What in the period?

Me: fine. Noted.

God, I wish I could take care of her right now.