In The Pursuit Of Love

Beauty of Camaraderie

You will not be able to please all of the people all of the time, so concentrate in pleasing your Maker because that's what really matters.
- Mufti Ismail Menk

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"Zeeshan, don't you dare step out of the house at this hour" his mother warned him holding a spatula in her hand, while he just grinned with all his teeth and ran out the house upon hearing his friends shout.

Aamina was fed up of his son's attitude. Who would say that he was a 28 year old boy or precisely a man. She thought.

His sister's in-laws were coming for dinner and for fixing the date of the marriage and he needed to be home, but he didn't give a damn. He was an irresponsible man and only cared about having fun and playing cricket.

The family was very well aware about the fact, and he and his father were never on the same page. They had their usual arguments daily over the smallest of things and the other two members just looked upon and sighed.

But still she was a mother and apart from all the scoldings and criticism, she loved her elder child and inwardly rooted and prayed for his success.

"Zee, why did you ask us to come and get you?" Hassan asked while increasing the speed of the motorbike.

"How many times have I told you not to call me Zee.. It's such a girly name" Zeeshan said irritated, the irritation increasing more on the endearment he was being called by making Hassan roll his eyes and he gestured to answer his question.

"Chidiya's (Birdie's) in laws are coming and I don't want to meet them" he stated in a bored manner and the bike came to a sudden halt jerking them forward.

"Are you mad Zeeshan? You should be at home right now. What would aunty and uncle be thinking?" Hassan almost yelled. The other bikes had stopped by now and were waiting for them to resume their journey, when Hassan showed them his opened palm, gesturing them to wait for five minutes and turned to Zeeshan.

"Zee, you know that we already have a compromised image in front of your parents and I don't want you to degrade even more, even in the eyes of Mehreen. And what if her in laws mind you not being at home or worse something bad happens in this prospective relation."

"Hassan, that's why I am out of there, so that nothing bad happens in her marriage, Papa would be happy though. And besides, I don't like these people. They are somewhat greedy I feel, and a little annoying. So its better that I don't stay at home or else I will say or do something which may not be liked by anyone"he said all in a breath. Hassan sighed and hopped onto the bike and started it.

"Lets go and practice cricket. The next week is the selections and you don't want to miss this chance" Hassan said with a small smile making Zeeshan return it back.

Zeeshan was blessed to have friends like him. They were there to make him sane at the most depressing times, were everready to help him in times of need, were there to give him the most stupid yet sensible advices and they were there standing with him in times of mischiefs.

Yes, he was a little carefree guy, but that's what his USP was. He didn't bother what the society talked about him. All he knew that he was following his heart and his dream of playing cricket.

Unfortunately, the society does not seem to care about a career in sports and all they talked about is how irresponsible and unemployed Zeeshan was. What actually hurt him was that his parents also thought the same. It was only his sister, Mehreen, his chidiya, who supported and cheered for him.

Zeeshan was a happy man. He was always smiling and loved to bring a smile on others faces. Everyone saw that happy façade which he used to carry around, but it was only his sister and his friends who actually knew how sad he may become sometimes.

"And a six" Zeeshan shouted as he flew the bat around in the air, hitting the ball with full force making everyone run for the ball. And indeed, it was a six. His friends were all praises for him.

"You just see Zee, you'll be selected this time Inn Shaa Allah" Rudy said patting his back and Zeeshan smiled on his friends' use of the word Inn Shaa Allah.

Rudra was his childhood friend and he had now come to know of the basic Islamic words used. He even once learned the first kalma by heart, when Zeeshan and Mehreen were learning it at their home.

"Achha lets go now, I have to leave for an official trip tonight, so need to do packing as well" Hassan said and they all nodded. "Zee, come on I'll drop you home" Zain, his college friend said starting his bike, but he shook his head.

"Naah yaar. I have some work to do. So I'll go by myself" he said and before anyone could say anything, he turned around and started walking after saying a loud thanks to all of them. He knew everyone of his friends were busy and settled in their lives except him so he didn't wanted to be a burden on them. They already took enough time out of their busy schedules and met him almost daily in order to keep his morale boost up.

He was busy in his thoughts when suddenly someone collided in him and he had to stop the person and him from falling, all thanks to his large built.

"What the hell?" he almost shouted and grabbing the person with shoulders, he made distance between them only to look at a face of a girl. A hijab wrapped around her head, some strands of hair coming out, her face tensed and she was panting hard.

"I-I am sorry" she stuttered looking behind, as if waiting for someone to emerge out of the crowd. She tried to move away, but Zeeshan didn't leave her shoulders making her look at him with an angry frown on her face.

"Are you okay Miss?" he asked as it was clear that she was in some problem.

"Yes I am. Thank you" she replied with a curt nod and removed his hands with a jerk. Once again looking behind for someone, she disappeared in the crowd, leaving Zeeshan standing in the midlle of the road, with his worrisome thoughts for the girl.

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