Philophobia

EIGHT

"Uncle once said to me that he is very over protective for you. You are his only kid and it happens. We had a single session but a lengthy lunch and he was the most afraid of your future without him. I do not know that how you would be taking the thing I am saying. You are qualified, intelligent and you can differentiate between your own good and bad. You have a running business still to manage and this life is demanding much from you." Placing his arms on the thick glass table Irtiza was saying.

With her eyes lowered to the reflection of herself she was nodding occasionally.

"But after all you are a woman and you know well that how life becomes for a single, alone woman in our society. Uncle was depressed due to this fact and he told me. Are you listening?" He inquired while stopping for a confirmation.

She lifted her face and sat more attentively.

"Yes, I am." In the lowest possible tone she said.

Irtiza pressed his lips together as the most difficult moment had arrived. He had been running away from this question but when Sajida told him that Sataish used to switch on all the lights and television in the living room at night when she was about leave without even sparing a single glance to the screen or the blabbering of the comedy anchors then he had to make this choice. He had been taking her care invisibly just to not disturb her life which was already burnt to ashes. He was not well himself and the appointment of a French doctor was round the doctor for his strange illness that was confusing for the local neurologists. It was very difficult to check her every day by taking out time from his hectic schedule but he always wanted to make sure that Sataish was fine. It is an inexplicable question indeed that what was bothering him to do it; was it the caring heart every doctor possesses or a thoughtful mind that pushed him to think for the unfortunate family or every portion of his own body that demanded to wander around her house, check the grocery, inquire about her diet, and to sing lullabies to the desires that filled his slumbers few days ago.

He had been enduring acute pain since that night when it first jolted his head. The symptoms were clear to him. He knew what had happened to him but he was afraid to admit that the harmless woman sitting in front of him damaged him from inside.

Sataish looked at his face being all puzzled at this long wait when he was staring at some arbitrary object on the wall behind her.

"Are you okay?" She asked with a tinge of nervousness in her eyes.

"Oh! Yes." He replied while lowering his gaze.

"Sajida, bring water." She peeked into the kitchen and then went inwards after no response came. Placing the glass on the table she looked at him who was thanking her.

"Did Baba say anything to you while you were with him in the last hour?" She asked and Irtiza felt the intensity of the atmosphere growing.

"I want you to know but I am not sure of your reaction this time." He said in a low tone.

"No, you say it all. I am listening." She smiled for a thousandth part of the second.

"He wanted me to marry you." Focusing on her face he said abruptly.

The ambiguity in those eyes grew and then they opened wide. Looking all astonished she dropped her head. It was not a normal time but redness sparked on her cheekbones.

"I will just support you as you need it at the moment. I do not have my family to say anything or bring this proposal to you in a modest way so I had to do it. This step is just to make you feel secure in this world of wolves." Irtiza was feeling all nervous but it was necessary to leave all the barriers aside.

A few moments slipped and Sataish felt it hard to hide herself from the man sitting ahead. Sajida was doing the dishes while talking to another maid Irtiza had brought so Sataish was comfortable at least.

"If you are thinking it very early then I want to clear a few things. We would not interfere in each other's business. I will be by your side only." He smiled lightly.

She nodded with the muscles of her neck churning in shyness.

"Is it a "yes" from your side?" He was still not sure and the shivering eyelashes made him believe in a long awaited dream that contained disembodied voices. Who knew that this place was reserved for Sataish Ali?

...

"Sataish, it was written in your fate. I am here but I do not find that old Sataish in you. I realize that the time is different and we are not supposed to celebrate it but at least feel happy for your Baba who wanted this to happen. He wished it and his obedient daughter is going to fulfill his wish." Setting the red dopatta on her head Alizey said.

"It feels like a roller coaster. I cannot even believe that at the tenth day of the death of Baba I am making myself up to be a bride." Her eyes again filled up with salty waters.

"Do not feel like it at least for now. Make prayers for the new chapter of your life." Looking critically at the white frock cascading down her best friend Alizey said and patted her back.

"I do not need this all stuff. It should have been simpler." Staring at the shiny diamantes sparkling on her bracelet she said.

"Are you mad? This dress is the simplest except its fabric. It is a festive occasion and please bear it for the doctor. It is his first marriage." Smirking at her face Alizey taunted.

Sataish looked in the mirror ahead and smiled at the reflection. The makeup was hardly visible but she managed to look stunning. Thinking about the new fantasies she was helpless. Since the whole day she had been crying and the red puffy eyes were unable to hide the fears in them.

"So soon-to-be-missus is blushing. So early?" Alizey shook her beautiful figure.

"Shut up. I am not." Sataish replied back.

"Oh! You are." Pulling her cheeks Alizey was happy.

...

"Miss. Sataish Ali daughter of Mr. Javaid Ali do you accept Mr. Irtiza Hashim son of Mr. Abrar Hashim in your Nikkah with the meher of rupees ten lac?" She was asked.

The insane feelings of fear, security and assurance were creeping through her body making goose bumps visible on her arms. She thought of Baba and his appearance filled light in the room and she nodded her head with extreme difficulty.

The same question was asked twice again and this time her silence answered them.

---------

AssalamoAlaikum.

I understand that the sadness continued for a long time and I updated short chapters and this one is short again. 

I felt bad for Sataish and it made me write even lesser than ever. 

Now, things are getting better and they already got! Right?

Let us see what happens next to the lives of these two! I am busy in preparing for my semester to commence within a few days and I am behaving like any maniac these days.

*sighs*

Will see you tomorrow with a long chapter I promise.

Please comment what you feel. Votes would do as well.

Until then,

Byeeee.

Allah Hafiz.