غير مألو - Unfamiliar

Chapter 4

"Omar Salim Fatih."

A shiver ran down Zohal's spine, when she heard the name. She looked up at her grandfather, in surprise.

Even though she was away in London, she knew enough to decipher that all wasn't well between her brothers and the Fatihs. And that was the reason why, she assumed her Dada never got involved with that family. Because he knew it wouldn't end well. But now, he wanted to consider joining the family with them?

She was sure that Dada knew, her brothers wouldn't let just anyone marry their sister. Not to mention, their over protectiveness only escalated with the failed marriage recently.

What was Dada thinking?

If he thought that they would even allow her to keep a foot in the Fatih household, he was gravely mistaken. Zohal knew, her Dada wasn't stupid  enough to ignore all this, but she still tried to look for answers in her Dada's stricken face.

Just what exactly was he planning?

Darab Fatih looked at his grandsons with a confident look. A look, which conveyed his challenge. As if he was challenging them to defy him, To question him. If anyone looked closely, they would also notice the subtle lift of the edge of his lips. He was ready to face the storm. And the looks his grandsons were giving him was no  different.

After all, they were of the same blood.

"Dada!"

Aman's voice rang aloud in the grave silence which had settled in the hall, after Darab Wadi's earlier declaration.

Aman's temper had risen when his Dada had replied to the question.

"Aman."

Samir Wadi's voice warned him.

"Dada, are you sure?" Tanish's calm voice asked Darab.

"Dada, marrying off Zohal, I understand. But Omar?" Nouman voiced out his confusion with a scrunched up face.

Aman Wadi ignored  Samir's warning and looked at his Dada with anger. Just when he was about to open his mouth, Laeeq beat him to it.

"Dada, with all due respect, what are you trying to get Zohal in?"

"Laeeq, child, I know. I know what I am getting myself, Zohal and everyone into. I, Salaam and Samir have discussed this for days and nights. Even Sulaima and the others gave their consent. It's all for the good." He explained calmly, glancing at the adults and then finally at Zohal.

"But-" Aman raised his voice, when Lateef placed a hand over his shoulder silencing him.

Aman just looked away not able to bare this any longer. He was glad that Lateef was here. He always made sure to make everything right. He always had the ability to make everything right. So he believed him this time too, Lateef would make everything alright. Among them all, Lateef was the wisest one of them all. Always the one with the most dedication and faith towards his Lord. Masha Allah.

"Dada."

Lateef's calm voice broke the thick silence. His voice held calmness.

He always respected his Dada, and he didn't want a matter as subtle as this to break it.

Darab in took a deep breath, preparing himself for the biggest resistance yet. He nodded at Lateef, indicating him to proceed.

"Are you considering this proposal, regarding Omar Fatih?" He asked calmly.

"With all due respect, Dada, are you aware of the fact that we wouldn't want this marriage to happen?" He asked glancing at his brothers.

"I am prepared for it. All along I was prepared for this, when I had considered this proposal the first time. And also, all that matters is Zohal's word. I am sure, she is wise enough to decide." Darab said, keeping his gaze locked with Lateef.