Jahaan-Ara

Chapter Seven: Stolen Privilege

'God will punish her: He
might strike her dead in the midst of her tantrums, and
then where would she go? Come, Bessie, we will leave
her: I wouldn't have her heart for anything. Say your
prayers, Miss Eyre, when you are by yourself; for if you  
don't repent, something bad might be permitted to come
down the chimney and fetch you away.'

They went, shutting the door, and locking it behind them. 

-Jayne Eyre

______________________________________________________________________

A subtle change uplifted the haveli. Work began on the front fountain to restore the thousands of mosaic pieces. The old pieces were being polished and new pieces ordered to the same azure colour. Bibi Firdousi was overwhelmed by the change. The damp, old haveli was going through a facelift.

Sitting in the washroom, Jahaan-Aara scrubbed Adila's hair whilst Adila sat in the bathtub of water. "Adila, stop splashing!" Jahaan-Aara held her hands up as droplets of water spayed her face.

"After many years Rohail Saab has finally got the heart and zeal to refurbish this old haveli." Bibi Firdousi shared her excitement. "Now, Rohail Saab has gone to Islamabad find some special contractors to fix the exterior. For so long I've dreamed of the day when this haveli would be restored to its former glory." She held the towel and basked in the dream.

"It is a crying shame that the haveli has been left to ruin for so long." Jahaan-Aara leaned over the bathtub and poured a jug of warm water of Adila's head. "This haveli needs modernizing, I think Rohail Saab should think about bringing electricity to the haveli."

The mere thought jolt a bolt of lightning through Bibi Firdousi. The idea of watching a drama, or watching the daily news boiled her with enthusiasm. ""I've been telling Rohail Saab for years. He's complained that there is no transformer close to the haveli where he can extend electricity lines. Applying to the local board is a long drawn out process."

Jahaan-Aara stood straight; a shooting pain ran through her back after bending over for so long. "Rohail Saab can do anything Bibi Ji, if he sets his mind to it. He's agreed to put a notice in the local newspaper to find my brother. I know I will find my brother. I have a gut feeling about this."

Adila sailed her boat in the bubbles making engine noises. "brr..brr"

"Of course you will find him." Bibi Firdousi added with enthusiasm.  "Our Master Rohail has connections high and low. I told you that he may have a harsh attitude, but deep down he is a good man. All it requires is some patience."

Silently, Jahaan-Aara agreed. He was a difficult man and eventually he would come round, but sometimes patience was a luxury she didn't have. When it came to Rohail Saab, she shot with anger first and later sat and thought with regret over her actions.

***

It was later than day Rohail Saab returned after a week in Islamabad. His connections, friends, society and business contacts were based in Islamabad. Adila looked forward to seeing him but Jahaan-Aara couldn't let her go until he requested for her.

In the afternoon when the sun was at its zenith, the members of Thornager haveli would indulge in a siesta to pass the day. The blistering hot sun tired the maids and the workers and Jahaan-Aara drifted off into slumber.

On waking she couldn't find Adila in her bedroom. She made her way through the study, the library but still there was no sign of Adila. But, there in the lounge, Adila kneeled beside her Rohail Saab who lay on the sofa fast asleep.