Orphic

Episode 25

"Bhai jaan I want to ask for Zoya's hand in marriage for my Jhanzaib"

The question roamed in yasir's mind the whole night as he pondered over if he should answer it himself or consult Zoya about it, he new better than to answer himself.

Bringing this topic up especially after when Zoya had marked the age twenty five her border of single life, he couldn't possibly break their pact.

He tossed and turned in bed thinking over all tht reasons he had to say no and one major reason to say yes. Every parent wants their children to be settled in with people they trust and with his receding peace he couldnt possibly leave this duty undone.

The morning sun shined on the haveli making Yasir sigh anf get ready for his day. He went to work with the thought of meeting his daughter first  hand after returning to discuss this topic first hand. The restlessness he felt was only adding up on his anxiety.

He came back home early in tht evening and called Zoya in his room. She wasn't home but he had told her to meet him first thing when she comes back.

"Assalamualikum Baba" Zoya cheered opening the door to his room.

"Waalaikumsalam, how are you?" He asked sitting down on his bed with her beside him.

"Great. And you?" She asked eyeing the wrinkles around his eyes.

"I'm also good" he said making her nod slowly.

"Zoya I wanted to talk to you about something" he said taking her hand in his.

"Go ahead. I'm all ears" she said smiling at her father.

"Your Phuppo has presented a marriage proposal for you" he said in the most calm way possible.

"Hm. Baba you know about my life plan right?" She said frowning a little.

"I know. I haven't said anything in response but why don't you think about it." He said tightening his hold on her hand.

"Baba I—" she silenced herself in the middle. Thoughts of all kind raged through her mind. One part of her just wanted to listen to him and let him do whatever he thought was right, one part wanted to bow her hand down infront of this man, the man who had raised her to be where she is now and the rational part refused to take a decision she wasn't ready for.

"I'm not forcing. I just think you should give Jhanzaib a thought. You know him since a long time, you both have grown up together."

"Baba if that's how one chooses a spouse then I've known Einstein far more than I know Jhanzaib. I basically live with him but would you present his proposal if it ever happens?" Yasir stiffened as he stared at her.

"What do you— Zoya do you—"

"What! No. Baba the point being that there are so many people I know but there is always a boundary set. I don't want to marry Jhanzaib just on the basis that we've been friends for too long or know eachother. My boundaries are set way before this. I can't oblige to this even if my depended on it. I'm sorry. I hope you understand." she said frowning making Yasir nod in understanding.

"I get it. You're right. It's okay. It's your life and the decision is yours to take" he mumbled.

"Baba I didn't mean to disappoint you. Please don't be —" she started feeling guilty when Yasir shook his head violently.

"Zoya mera Chand, don't feel guilty of something that's yours to decide. I can only suggest not force or emotional blackmail and even if I do you don't fall for it ever" he said taking her face in his hands. He kissed her forehead telling her all is fine.
(My moon)