𝗗𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗿-𝗲-𝗗𝗶𝗹

سوزِ دل ۳۔

Again I would highly recommend you read *Gham-e-Ishq* from my earlier book *Mashal-e-Mahtaab* for a deeper understanding of this one. While it can certainly be read as a standalone, reading Hamza's story beforehand would enhance the experience. Also yeh thodi thodi adhoori lagegi without detail explanations jo ke main ney peechli book mein de di hai🙏

-----

ہم نے جو تھا نغمہ سنا
دل نے تو اس کو چنا
یہ داستان ہمیں وقت نے کیسی
سنائی
ہم جو اگر ہے غم غین
وہ بھی ادھر خوش تو نہیں
ملاقاتوں میں جیسے گھل سی گئی
تنہائی~

Hamney jo tha naghma suna
Dil ney toh usko chuna
Yeh dastaan hamein waqt ney kesi
sunaayi
Ham jo agar hai ghamgheen
Woh bhi udher khush toh nahi
Mulaaqato mein jaisey ghul si gayi tanhaayi~

(The song that I had heard
My heart had selected that
Then why did time tell me this
story
If I'm sad here
Then she's also not happy there
As if loneliness has dissolved in our meetings~)

---

Mujtaba and Murtaza were first cousins, linked through their fathers. Tragically, Murtaza's sister passed away in infancy. In an effort to cope with the immense grief and loss, Murtaza found solace in drawing closer to Mujtaba. Both being the only children of their parents, they naturally formed a deep and enduring friendship that blossomed from their earliest years.

Mujtaba had always looked up to Murtaza, viewing him not only as an older cousin but as an elder brother and role model. Admiring his every quality, Mujtaba aspired to follow in Murtaza's footsteps. With the desire to emulate him, he even pursued the same career path, hoping to achieve the same level of success.

Mujtaba adored Hashir with all his heart. The little boy was full of energy and charm, always managing to bring a smile to Mujtaba's face with his playful antics. Hashir's infectious laughter and vibrant spirit left such an impression on Mujtaba that he often dreamed of having a son just like him one day.

But he didn't have one. He wasn't particularly unhappy about not having a son. However, since he was very inspired by Murtaza and his amazing son, Hashir, he wanted his daughters to become as successful as Hashir.

At times, he did feel a deep sense of pride in his own daughters, but ever since Zarish and Noor were young, the bond between them hadn't been particularly strong. This emotional distance often led him to withhold his feelings from them. Their communication was strained, leaving much unsaid and preventing a close, open relationship from forming.

------

That year had passed calmly for Zarish, without any tension. Throughout the year, she had prayed frequently,

"Allah please ussko wahin koi ladki pasand aajaye."

(Allah, may he come to like some other girl there.)

Everything was progressing smoothly. Her friendship with Hamza grew stronger over time, and she thoroughly enjoyed his company. He created a comfortable atmosphere for her, always respecting her boundaries.

Since he was her senior, they would meet very occasionally at university. Whenever they did, it was usually at Zarish's request, as she sought to understand something from him since they both shared the same major.

Hamza was the only man in her life who truly understood her, never judged her, and made her feel important. He consistently demonstrated that Zarish mattered to him. All the validation and attention she craved from the men around her, particularly her father, she found in her best friend, Hamza.