Haar baat "Alfazoon" mein bayan kyun karu?
Kabhi meri "khamoshi" bhi toh samjho.
-☆• Tahera pov :
I woke up, completed my prayers, and quickly showered and got ready. Today was an important day, as I had a major case to handle.
It was around 7 a.m. when I stepped out and saw Mr. Faris in the kitchen. He was making tea for himself, and I walked over to greet him.
"Assalamualaikum, good morning," I said.
"Walaikumassalam, good morning," he replied, wrapped in a shawl to stay warm.
He asked, "Coffee for you?"
I shook my head, "No, it's fine. I don't drink coffee."
He nodded in understanding.
"Okay, gotta go. Allah Hafiz," I said, turning to leave.
"Allah Hafiz," he replied, and I walked out.
As I was starting my car, my phone rang. It was Samaira.
"Assalamualaikum, jaan, kaisi ho?" she greeted me.
"Walaikumassalam, jaan, I'm good, Alhamdulillah," I responded, focusing on the road.
She excitedly suggested, "Let's go to the mall today with the family. It will be fun!"
"Yeah, sounds great," I said, smiling. "I'll let everyone know later. But right now, I have to head to court."
"Okay, take care," she said, and I ended the call.
I arrived at court and got straight to work, focusing on the day's case.
At the courthouse, the morning was filled with the usual bustle-lawyers rushing in and out, clients waiting anxiously, and the sound of doors opening and closing. I made my way to the courtroom, reviewing my notes on the case I was about to present. The case was complicated, but I was confident in my preparation. I took my seat at the lawyer's desk, organized my files, and waited for the judge to enter.
The hearing began promptly, and I stood up to make my opening statement. The opposing counsel was tough, but I had studied every detail, every angle of the case. I spoke clearly, presenting the facts with precision, and I could see the judge nodding in acknowledgment. It was going well.
As the proceedings continued, my mind occasionally wandered back to the conversation with Samaira. The idea of going to the mall with the family was a welcome distraction, a reminder that I needed to balance work with some fun and relaxation. I made a mental note to text everyone later about it.
The day moved quickly, and before I knew it, the court session ended. I packed my things and made my way out of the courtroom, feeling a sense of accomplishment. But there was still a long road ahead in this case, and I would need to stay focused.
I checked my phone as I walked toward my car, seeing a message from Samaira asking if I'd confirmed with the family about the mall trip. I quickly typed back, "Will let everyone know tonight. Busy day at court, but we'll talk later."
I put the phone away and started the car, feeling both relieved and eager to get home and unwind.
When I got home, I saw Muntazir playing with Fluffy, my cat. I smiled at the sight and made my way upstairs to my room.
After freshening up, I went downstairs and said, "Ham sab bahar chalte hain ghoomne. Bohut waqt ho gaya hai saath gaye hue kahin."
Abbu replied, "Jaisa aap kahe, beta."
I smiled, and Ammi also smiled.
However, Bade Abbu said, "Mai nahi aa paunga. Aap log jaaye."
I felt a little disappointed, but it was nothing new. He was always immersed in his office work and never really got involved in family outings. I quickly pushed the thought aside and went to Aisha.
She smiled and reassured me, "Mai aaungi, don't worry."
I smiled back, relieved.
Ayaan Bhai then said, "Chale phir. Mai car nikalta hoon." With that, we all began to get ready.
As I walked back into the living room, I noticed Muntazir standing there, smiling as he watched everyone get ready.
I walked up to him and asked, "Aap nahi chal rahe ho?"
He shook his head and said, "Nahi, aap log jaaye."
"Leikin kyu?" I asked, puzzled.
He sighed and replied, "Family members mein mai kaha aa jaao? Aap log jaaye, mai yahi hoon."
I couldn't hold back my frustration. " Aap har waqt aise hi bakwaas karte ho ya aaj pehli baar hai?"
He looked at me, confused. "Kya?"
"Chup chap chaliye hamare saath," I said firmly, I turned to Zara and said, "Zara, please, take Muntazir with you."
Zara gave me a look of understanding and nodded, walking over to Muntazir. She gently nudged him and said, "Chalo, Muntazir bhaiya, let's go." He hesitated for a moment but then followed her, not wanting to be the only one left behind.
With everyone ready, we headed out together. The excitement of spending the day with the family was palpable, and I felt a sense of relief as we all made our way to the car. The mall was just what we needed-a break from the usual routine and a chance to enjoy each other's company.
The mall was packed, and despite the chaos around me, I felt a sense of joy being with my family, spending time together. Muntazir, as usual, was trailing behind, looking lost in his thoughts.
As we passed by a clothing store, a loud crash caught my attention. I turned around just in time to see Muntazir knocking over a whole stack of clothes while trying to get a closer look at something. His face turned red, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his clumsiness.
I rushed over to help him, but in my haste, I tripped and ended up stumbling right beside him. We both froze for a second, caught in that awkward, silent moment.
"Muntazir!" I exclaimed, trying to stifle my laughter. My cheeks were burning with embarrassment.
He straightened up quickly, still looking embarrassed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to-"
Before he could finish, I teased, " Aap har waqt aise hi mushkil mein padhte rehte ho!"
He gave me a sheepish smile, his face still red. " Nahi, har waqt nahi, bas jab aap mere saath hoti ho."
I rolled my eyes "Aap kuch zyaada nahi bol rahe ho?" I shot back.
His grin widened. "Bilkul nahi," he teased, still looking a little flustered but playful.
I couldn't help but laugh at the way he was trying to save face, his usual cool demeanor replaced with an endearing awkwardness. "Chaliye, Muntazir," I said, half-laughing, half-annoyed. "Next time, try not to knock over half the store, okay?"
He shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I'll try. But no promises."
I chuckled again, feeling a warm comfort in the chaos. Despite the small disaster, it was moments like this that made me realize how much I valued these silly, light-hearted moments with the family.
As we walked through the mall, chatting about random things, Samaira suddenly appeared in front of us. She looked at Muntazir and said with a smile, "Toh aap hain Muntazir Faris?"
Muntazir paused for a moment and replied, "Jii."
Samaira turned to me, her smile widening, and I looked at her, confused. "Kya karte hain aap?" she asked Muntazir, clearly intrigued.
Muntazir smiled and said, "I'm a writer, an author who writes novels."
Samaira's eyes widened, and she almost shouted, "Really?"
"Yes," Muntazir confirmed, still smiling at her reaction.
"I'm a reader, and I need to read your book!" Samaira exclaimed, clearly excited.
Muntazir chuckled and nodded. "I'd be honored."
I kept walking ahead, half-listening to their conversation, as my mind wandered. I wasn't much of a reader. I was too focused on my career, my ambitions. But as I overheard their exchange, something about it made me smile. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to read one of his books after all.
"Me too," I said with a small smile, looking at Muntazir.
He glanced at me, his smile widening as he caught the hint of encouragement in my voice. "I'll be sure to send you a copy," he replied.
After our little book chat, we all went to a restaurant to eat, enjoying a delicious meal together. The day ended on a good note, and we made our way back home, feeling full and content, both in stomach and spirit.
As we reached home, exhaustion from the day's events settled in, and everyone headed straight to their rooms. But sleep didn't come easily for me. My mind was still racing, and I found myself walking to the terrace, hoping the fresh air would calm my thoughts.
When I stepped out, I saw Muntazir standing alone, staring at the stars. There was something peaceful about the way he looked up, lost in his thoughts. I quietly walked over to him and sat at a distance, not wanting to disturb his solitude.
I broke the silence gently, " Zindagi mein bohot si azmaishain hoti hain. Agar azmay gaye toh nawazy bhi jaaoge. Sabr rakho."
He smiled, still looking at the stars, and replied, " Shikayat hai Khuda se, warna mera paas itna sabr hai ki apne haal par khush hoon."
His words struck me deeply, and I felt a sudden ache in my heart. There was so much pain hidden in his voice. I couldn't help but say, " Jinka bharosa Allah par hai, unki manzil mein kamyabi hoti hai."
He turned his head slightly toward me, his eyes softening. "You're right," he said quietly, a faint smile on his face.
After a moment, I hesitated before speaking again. "Ye sab chhodein. Aap mujhse dosti karenge, Mr. Muntazir Faris?"
He glanced at me, surprised for a moment, before his smile widened. " Jee, zaroor ," he replied, his voice warm.
I couldn't help but smile too. "Toh chalein. Abhi aap so jayein, bohot raat ho gayi hai."
He shook his head. "Abhi nahi."
I raised an eyebrow, teasing him a little, "Haww, toh kya aap apni dost ki baat nahi manenge?"
He chuckled softly, a genuine laugh that made my heart flutter. "Jaraha hoon, aap bhi so jayein," he said with a playful tone.
With that, we both headed back to our rooms, the peacefulness of the moment lingering in the air. I went to bed, still thinking about the quiet connection we shared, and this new friendship that felt like it was beginning to blossom between us.