Kahi Ankahi

Chapter 2

I lifted the blanket from my face and took a look at my mobile to see the time. 9:30. I placed my mobile at the bed and got up. Iqra was still asleep. I don't even remember when she came to the room last night. I'd slept as soon as I rested my head on the pillow. I went straight to the bathroom and freshened up. There is no function today, just preparations for Ayesha Baji's rukhsati that is tomorrow. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I walked back to the room and took out my shalwar kameez from the cupboard. Iqra and I share clothes a lot, so she always has some of my clothes in her cupboard and I have hers. I returned the bathroom and changed my clothes. I walked out of the bathroom and woke Iqra up.

"Iqra..." I shook her shoulder. "Iqra, utho.." I added.

She didn't even move an inch. She was definitely faking this just so she doesn't have to make subah ki chai. Tai jaan doesn't like the tea Sakina, their maid, makes. So Ayesha Baji usually makes it, but since she's the bride, it's Iqra's responsibility now.

I stood up and slowly walked towards the door. I knew she'd wake up now.

"Wese aaj mera breakfast banane ka mood ha-" I stated, but my sentence was cut short by her.

"I'm up." She jumped out of bed. I turned to face her and we burst into laughter.

"Chal tu fresh hoke neeche aaja. I'm making breakfast today." I told her.

"Main mun haath dho chuki hoon. I was waiting for you to wake up. Nahi toh subah ki chai mujhe banani parhti." She grinned.

I just shook my head and we walked downstairs. We made our way to the living room where Taya jaan and Tai jaan were seated, talking about something.

"Assalam Alaikum." We both greeted.

"Walaikum Assalam." Taya jaan replied. "Walaikum Assalam, meri jaanoos." Tai jaan replied, placing her hands on our cheeks. "Itni subah kyun uth gaye?" She asked.

"Ammi, yeh tanz toh nahi tha na?" Iqra asked. Tai jaan just laughed. "Nahi meri jaan. Aaj koi function toh hai nahi, toh thoda der se uth te. Kal bohat kaam hain." She smiled.

"Tai jaan, actually I wanted to make breakfast today." I said.

"Arey, tum kyun banaogi? Sakina hai na, woh banaye gi." She responded.

"Nahi, Tai jaan. I really want to make breakfast." I insisted and she smiled.

"Theek hai. Bana lo. Iqra, is ki help karo kitchen mein." She instructed Iqra.

"Woh nikamme kal raat chale gaye thay ya phir they stayed over?" Iqra asked Tai jaan and she laughed.

"Your cousins stayed over." She replied.

Iqra sighed and we both walked to the kitchen and started making breakfast. I put milk and water for tea on the stove and while it took its time to boil, I made cheese omelette and Iqra toasted the slices. In about half an hour we prepared the breakfast and took it out and placed it on the dining table. Everyone was already at the table and Iqra and I took our seats too.

"Qirat, chai mazedaar hai, beta." Tai jaan said, smiling. I smiled back at her.

"Haan and this is the best cheese omelette I've ever had, Qirat." Shehryaar, Hussain's elder brother complimented.

"Hai na?" I chuckled, filling the room with laughter.

"Uff yeh confidence... thoda over nai hogaya?" Hussain butted in. I narrowed my eyes. He laughed. "Arey main mazaaq kar raha tha baba... this is actually the best omelette I have ever had." He smiled.

When we were all done, Iqra and I cleaned the table. I was placing the unwashed dished in the sink when Iqra called my name out.

"Qirat!" She yelled. Yes, yelled.