Ishq-e-Junoon

31. Wafa

-Chehra dekh kar toh dil lagaya hi nahi maine,
Haa teri muskurahat par kayi baar jaan lutayi hain

☾

As Dilara carefully walked down the stairs, her chadar gracefully draped over her shoulders, she held her purse tightly in her hand, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

It had been years since she had last seen Ayeza, her school friend, and today was the day she would finally meet her again. Ayeza was getting married, and despite the years and distance, Dilara felt a surge of happiness for her.

Zaakir had never allowed her to visit friends' houses. For as long as she could remember, her outings had been limited, her freedom tightly controlled. But today was different.

Today, it was Wahaj who had granted her permission, his soft, reassuring smile giving her the confidence she needed. His trust in her meant everything, and knowing he was on her side filled her heart with warmth.

As she reached the living room, Asfiya intercepted her, standing in her way with a sneer. Ever since Asfiya had created a scene about their marriage, she hadn't left the house, as if her presence alone could undo Dilara and Wahaj's nikkah.

"Kahaan jaa rahi ho tum?" Asfiya asked rudely.

[Where are you going?]

Dilara shot her a cold glance. "Tumse matlab?" she replied, sidestepping her.

[None of your business.]

But Asfiya quickly stepped in front of her again, blocking her path. "Zyada bano mat samjhi?" Asfiya sneered. "Wahaj se nikkah kar liya toh kya apne aap ko iss ghar ki maalkin samajhne lagi ho?"

[Don't act too smart, understand? Just because you married Wahaj, you think you've become the owner of this house?]

Dilara's lips curled in a sarcastic smile. "Dekho, Asfiya," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "Mujhe tum jaise cheap logon ke muh lagna pasand nahi. Apne andar bhare hue zeher ko apne paas hi rakho. Meri energy waste mat karo. Hato mere raste se."

[Look, Asfiya, I don't like engaging with cheap people like you. Keep your poison to yourself. Don't waste my energy. Move out of my way.]

Asfiya's face turned red with anger, her hands trembling slightly. "Khaala!" she shouted.

Within moments, Wahida appeared, siding with Asfiya as expected. "Kya hua, Asfiya?" Wahida asked, her eyes narrowing as they fell on Dilara.

[What happened Asfiya?]

"Khaala, zara isse pooche ki yeh itna taiyaar ho kar kahan jaa rahi hain," Asfiya said smugly.

[Khaala, ask her where's she's going dressed up like this.]

Wahida's gaze hardened. "Ghar se bahar nikalne ki ijazat kisne di hain tumhe? Chup chap andar jao," she commanded, her tone sharp.

[Who gave you permission to leave the house? Go back inside immediately.]

Before Dilara could respond, Wahaj's voice cut through the tension. "Maine di hain ijazat."

[I have given her permission.]

Wahida's eyes flared as she turned toward him. "Zyada azaadi mat do iss ladki ko. Iski behen ke kartoot dekhe hain na tumne? Mujhe toh shaq hain ke isne kitne aashiq paale hain ghar ke bahar," she spat, her voice laced with malice.

[Don't give this girl too much freedom. Haven't you seen the kind of behavior her sister has shown? I'm sure she has plenty of admirers waiting outside.]