— Z A H I R —
°°°
“Hm right bro, Uncle is really serious about you this time.” Even though his words were reassuring, I could not ignore the amusement in his voice. He was enjoying it all.
“Shut up! I know you too are enjoying it!” I gritted out, taking a turn according to the location.
He chuckled. “Okay, I’m sorry, but I’m happy at last they got a girl for you.”
“Huh!” I scoffed.
“C’mon, you’re thinking too much. I know you’ll handle it.”
“What?”
“This marriage?”
“Are you crazy? I don’t even know that girl!”
“You’ll get to know, don’t worry.”
“Shut up, Darsh.”
“Was I wrong?”
“Of course!” I sighed. “Is there any use in begging in front of you all? Now you just pray that I don't commit suicide by hanging myself from the fan of my room on my wedding day itself.” These all are turning into soul-crushing monsters.
He chuckled once again. “The ceiling fan will break; try something else.” What a friend! “But I don't think the girl will let this happen.”
“How are you sure?” I was confused. As I reached, I got down from the car and walked inside the shop.
“The girl whom Uncle will choose will be good for you. A father chooses the best for his son.”
“He’s so desperate for my marriage that he will get me married to any girl walking on the road.” He giggled upon hearing me. Such a bastard!
“Welcome sir, how can I help you?” I heard a soft voice as soon as I entered the cool area and the aroma of freshly baked bread and vanilla reached my nostrils. But what triggered me was the voice. Nice yet familiar.
Looking up, I parted my lips to give her the order when my eyes widened as I looked at her familiar face, too.
“You!”
We both uttered in unison. And then I got it, she works here. Oh yeah, I noticed that yellow t-shirt she was wearing that day.
“So you work here,” I muttered, looking around. Menus, painting, photographs, and other many things I noticed around when I received an arrogant hum from her. I rolled my eyes. Her face is literally irritating. Beautiful yet irritating. I wonder why the creator wasted such a charming appearance on such an arrogant self.
“I didn’t ask you to roll your eyes here and there. Just tell me what you want.”
That fucking disrespectful mouth of hers! I stared at her in disbelief. Did she just insult me once again?
“That day you were teaching me great manners and now? That’s how you serve your customers?” I could not stop myself from picking up her flaws. So what does she think huh? That she can just insult Zahir Mathews and make her way out without getting the answer-back?
I saw her closing her eyes and her jaw clenched. Opening those eyes, she forced her lips to stretch into a smile and asked, “What do you want, the great illiterate king?”
My jaw clenched when I heard her. This girl is getting on my nerves.
“I’m not illiterate!”
“Oh, I forgot you’re arrogant too!” She raised her gaze to meet mine. Looking straight, she was challenging me. Okay, I, too, am ready for this fucking eye contest!
“I'm not arrogant. You’re mannerless! You don’t know how to talk!” I mocked and I was glad my words were working because she just frowned bitterly when she heard me. Oh good, Zahir! They should torture her nicely.
“At least I understand where the garbage is thrown. I ain't as dumb as you, to litter anywhere!” She moved out of the counter, standing right in front of me.
“Why do you bring garbage again and again? Do you love garbage so much?” I could not help but notice it. Perhaps there is a sacred and deep relationship between garbage and her which is why garbage is everywhere in her talk.
“Why are you always ready to fight with me?” She held her hips as I noticed it, looking down. It is then I realized, I too was holding my hips in annoyance.
“I don’t want to fight with you but seeing your cat-like appearance makes me angry!” I did not even realize I took a step closer.
“Cat?” She gasped. “You called me a cat?!” She glared at me. I nodded, earning another shocked reaction from her. “Oh really, Mr? If I’m a cat then… then you’re a monkey! A feral monkey like kiki kuku!” Her face scrunched up as she gritted out, stepping closer as our faces were just an inch apart.
I wonder how she reached my height when she is shorter than me. Anyway, ignore it for now.
“Feral monkey? Ever looked at yourself? You look wild, not me!”
“Even with such a great appearance, Mr you aren’t less than any jungli, understand?”
“You’re talking too much, I’m warning you!” I pointed out.
She held my finger which poked the tip of her nose, muttering, “Oh really? You haven’t even seen my limits yet!” She gritted out and before I could say further, someone interrupted us, yelling, “Hoor!”
Turning our faces in the voice's direction, our fingers crossed and one hand holding hip, we glared at the person who dared to interrupt us, just to find him the manager of the shop.
“Who talks to the customer like this? Our customers are our gods, don’t you know?” He walked towards us and I kept watching him.
“And this!” He held her hand which automatically freed my index finger.
“We’re really sorry, sir.” He bowed down slightly.
Not his fault. I opened my mouth to interrupt, “No, it’s—,” when Catty interrupted me.
“What? Apologise? But sir, he started quarreling with me first. I was—,”
“Enough!” He glared at her, making her shut her mouth.
I looked at her and found her glaring at me. Her jaw is set. Mhm, impressive.
“Apologies to him,” he ordered her. She gave him a look of disbelief. I watched her reaction as her lips parted to protest but another glare from the man stopped her. She then turned towards me and gritted out, “I’m sorry.”
I averted my eyes, feeling something terrible in my chest because of her death glare. She is glaring as if she will chew me raw.
Even when her mouth is apologizing, her gaze is ready to kill me anytime. Through those inky eyelashes, she knows how to terrify me.
“It’s okay.” I looked at the man who passed me with a forced smile.
“Now take sir’s order.” She nodded before looking at me. I had the orders in my pocket. I brought my mobile out of my pocket, suddenly realizing I never disconnected the line with Damien but the screen showed nothing. Meant, he already cut the line.
Well, better for me. I did not want him to hear our quarrel. He would have laughed on the other side.
“This is all.” I played the recording that she heard. Nodding her head, she went inside and I sighed.
“I’m sorry again, sir, but that girl is a bit of a fighter. Sometimes she talks too much. Forgive her. She’s naive.”
Naive? I have seen how naive she is!
“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize again and again.” I shook my head and soon she arrived. Without saying anything, she just stretched out her hand toward me which was holding the bag.
The manager giggled awkwardly and immediately took the bag from her.
“Show some respect, Hoor,” he muttered near her ear and her jaw clenched once again. To my surprise, she turned her face to his side, giving him her famous and horrible death glare which made him gulp down his lump.
So she scared her manager, too?
“For you, sir, thanks for coming.” He smiled awkwardly. I nodded, taking the bag. What was with the bag?
“How much?”
“How much, Hoor?” He asked her softly. Is she his boss? But a moment ago, I saw ‘him’ bossing around. Whatever, leave it. Does not matter if any of them is the boss.
“3050 rupees,” she muttered.
“Oh.” I pull out my mobile. She steps ahead to bring the cod as I scan it for the payment. “Done,” I say, pushing my mobile back into my pocket.
“Thanks for coming, sir. Will come again!” He chirped. I nodded before leaving. But leaving not before glancing at her. When I got inside my car and looked at the shop after settling myself comfortably, I noticed her through the glass door of the shop. Still, she was glaring at me and her jaw was clenched.
I gulped upon seeing her. Even though she is scary with such death glares, a corner of my heart can't stop telling me that she looked kind of… cute, no?
— H O O R —“How are you now?” I ask her as soon as I reach her room. Parul, my friend, lives in her room though there's nobody to take care of her. Along with my dad, I take care of her because she is also suffering. I have no problem taking care of two people at a time but who wants to see their loved ones suffering from diseases that can be proven fatal in later stages of life? They say the human mind is prone to think negatively first. And the same is with me, of course, because Parul’s health only deteriorated. My dad could not walk after an accident at his workplace and I was broken when I found he could not walk anymore. I have seen him struggling and regretting on his own that all the burden was automatically on my shoulders. I could not save him at that time but I can save my friend from getting sicker than she already is. Parul is lying in bed. She looks up at me as soon as she hears my voice. I first came to check on her because I knew Dad would be sleeping in his room
— H O O R —°°°One more week of my life has passed. Nothing new happened in it, nor did I want any new surprises. I was fine with the way my life was going, except for the day when I would be able to start earning a decent income and get my father treated. Every morning I would prepare breakfast and lunch for Papa and Parul. I do my breakfast with him and secure the lunch before getting ready and leaving for The Cooper's Corner. There my work would be only till 3 in the afternoon after which I would leave to take up my other job. For the time being, I found a job in a bookstore because my salary coming from only one job was not so enough that I would depend on that single job. After that, I would leave for home in the evening and inquire about the well-being of Parul and Papa. They both always tell me that they are all right but I know they lie to me. Seeing the worry and tiredness on my face, they don't want to bother me more, so they give me false consolation, but I am not so s
— Z A H I R —°°°A week has passed since the day of celebrating happiness but my father's mood has changed completely. I have been noticing for a week that he does not talk to anyone well. His smile, which was inevitable, is no longer found on his lips. He even stopped joking every now and then. Now he does not insult me in front of everyone. How did this change all of a sudden? This change is strange. Sometimes he does not even listen carefully to things. It seems every moment, he is just thinking about something. There is something that is bothering him. And I did not like this change at all. I hate every change that causes my father’s smile to become rare. That is why today I am going to him with the intention of getting to know the reason. I want to ask him what has been bothering him for the last week. Taking a deep breath, I knock on his door. “Come in.” The voice reaches my ears. I push the door open, peeking inside. My dad is sitting on his chair, wearing specs, and he
— H O O R — °°° Knock knock! Hearing the sound, I looked towards the door. I sighed and walked to open the door. Who would have come to Parul's door on such a late night? Yeah, Parul's door because I am here to have a chat with her. I have completed my study hours and was not even sleepy so thought of accompanying Parul. She lives alone. “Who would want to meet you at this time, hm?” I ask Parul who is sitting across from me. Her back leans against the headboard and her eyes get the mischievous glint in my eyes for which she gasps in response. I giggle, seeing her reaction. “I don't know, seriously!” She muttered and I shook my head. I get up from the place and go to open the door for the person. My eyes widen when I look at the person after I open the door. He was the least expected person at our door. “You?” I frown deeply, looking at his handsome face. “Yeah, me. Actually, I wanted to talk with you. Would you mind if I take some of your time?” He asks me gently and I doub
— H O O R —°°°I did not know how the next month passed. The night of Zahir's proposal I was able to easily forget because I was not impressed by his proposal. I was not even affected a bit by it. Two days later that night he came to see me again and he also gave me his contact, saying that if I change my mind, I can tell him. Well, nothing like that is going to happen, yet with some respect, I accepted his number. Nothing affected me at that time. Why would such a strange thing affect me? But that night after Zahir left, Parul asked me a lot of questions. She did not like that I turned down the proposal of marriage because even for a moment she can think that marriage without love exists. I also believe that arranged marriages exist, but love is there for everyone in life. Cannot love happen after marriage? Sure it is possible, but a great personality like Zahir refused to even believe it. But I do not want to give many judgments about that man. Every person has his own different
— Z A H I R — When I got a sudden call from Hoor and came to know that Parul, her friend's health had deteriorated, my suspicions turned into convictions. I had doubts about Parul's health for the past few days. She was visibly ill and for the last four days, her cough had made her life miserable. And I was paying attention to all these things ever since I proposed to Hoor. The day she denied me, I did not give up on her. It had become a habit for me to keep an eye on her all the time because I wanted her under any circumstances and I am waiting for some such situation which I can control and get Hoor to do what I want her to do.By the way, I never twisted the situation to such an extent that I could take advantage of Hoor's bad condition, but here I was going to benefit without any hard work. My dad never questioned me after the night I confessed to him I will propose to Hoor, and it was a chance for me to indulge in my work and give my best. I could not ignore my company for som
— H O O R —°°°"A contract. Our marriage contract. And before getting married, I want you to read every condition and term so that later you don't have to ask any questions." I was surprised to hear this. This is literally surprising. Contract marriage? What will he get by turning the marriage into an agreement? And how did this contract suddenly come in the middle? Till that night there was only a marriage proposal with which Zahir had come to me, then why all of a sudden this contact?"Contract? Suddenly? Why?" There were only a few words that I could use. I was so surprised that I had even forgotten how to use the words. "Indeed, Hoor, this marriage was arranged from the very beginning with a compromise. I came to you only with this contract—," "But you didn't tell me anything about the contract that night." I did not give him time to complete himself till it was over and put my question first. "I would have told you about the contract when you would have agreed to the marriag
— H O O R — °°°By 6 o’clock in the morning, Parul had also been released. When she regained consciousness, she cried a lot. She repeatedly apologized to me that she should not have hidden anything from me. But now there was nothing to be gained by remembering the past. Our today was much better. Parul’s health was better now. And what else I needed? Doctors prescribed some medicines for Parul. By giving medicines from time to time, Parul’s condition could have improved completely. And Zahir also spent all this. When we got ready to leave the house in the morning, Zahir took us home too. He did not talk on the way but Parul wondered why Zahir was with us. She asked me whether Zahir gave the money for her treatment, then I told her that Zahir paid the full amount for her treatment. She wondered why I took Zahir’s help but the very next moment she understood everything. She realized that I was definitely ready for marriage. I could not help but sigh. Her mind is sharp enough to pu
— Z A H I R —. . .It's been days since Hoor and I returned home after attending our relative's wedding. It was awesome, by her side, and on the other hand, I was nearly bored. Only nights were the most beautiful to me because we prayed together and spent some time together. I could not even imagine using the guest's room bed for making love with my wife so I restrained myself. However, it turned out to be a little harder when she kept throwing glances at me and getting ready for the functions. I had no other way than to look at her and praise her. I wanted to do more. After we returned, the first thing I did after taking a shower was to grab her in my arms and hug her like my life depended on it. She giggled, asking me about what changed in ms all of a sudden but I had nothing to answer her. I only breathed at that moment, loving her warmth and the softness of her chest against my head. That's my haven. That night we made love again and the more I explored her, the more needy
— Z A H I R —. . .I rejected it and I regret it now. It has been days since she confessed her feelings to me and I, like a bastard, rejected those feelings. Like every time, I only thought of responsibilities and all, not wishing to give our relationship a chance but after she started avoiding me, I had no other way than to realize my mistake. Hoor does not know, or maybe she is well aware of it that she even takes advantage of it that her ignorance brings me to my knees before her. I have felt it. Hoor makes me feel like I have admitted it to myself. Hoor has become a piece of mine, without whom, I am not whole. I am incomplete without her. I feel restless when she is away from me. When her eyes are not on me, I crave even one look at her. I know I can't live without her and she made me see it in those days. I thought maybe it was because we were getting used to each other so I decided to keep myself away from her. However, my own decision made me feel restless in my heart.
— H O O R —. . .He picks up the call while I sit, anticipating what is going to happen next. I fear Zahir's answer to Mr Hunt. I know he is a nice man but Zahir, in anger, says harsh things. I do not want him to start a fight with Mr Hunt. He puts the call on speaker and looks at me. His eyes linger over my face and solely catch my eyes. I swallow when I hear Mr Hunt's voice. “Hoor?” He asks, and I know I have to keep my mouth shut. “Hoor is with me. And stop calling her, okay?” Okay... It was not as gruff as I expected. I literally expected him to grab Mr Hunt's collar right pushing his hand into the screen of the phone and venting out all the frustration of the past night but he controlled it. Phew!“Uh...”“Yeah,” he breathes and disconnects the lines, tossing away my phone. My eyes widen. “Zahir, it's my phone! Have mercy on it!” I utter, trying to reach for my phone when he grabs my wrist and pulls me to him. I gasp, swallowing as I look at his face. I am glad the sheet
— H O O R —. . .“What's your problem, huh? Why are you behaving like a beast?” I utter, fuming with anger after whatever has happened. He has done this all! His jaw clenches but he does not give me a single look. I see his grip becoming lethal around the steering wheel as he drives the car smoothly. “Ask yourself! What's your problem, Hoor?” He asks instead, giving me a sharp glance over his shoulder. I purse my lips, trying not to say any bad words that will make me regret it later. “I'm totally fine. It's you alone who created a drama there. I don't understand why are you behaving like that!” I do not care if I am making it even more serious. I need answers. The atmosphere inside the car seems to change as it drops. He is trying hard to control his anger but I know he is dangerous when angry. However, I am not afraid to see his limits. Have seen his sides before and no doubt he is going to be like that again; harsh and brutal with words. “Behaving like what? A beast?” He tau
— H O O R —. . .Finding Mr Hunt at the party gave me some kind of relief. As Zahir too knows him, we got interacted and there I got to meet the girl with him. He introduced me to her and she felt pleasant. His choice is very good. However, on the other side, I could see Zahir glaring at us non-stop. It irked me. Now what does he want? I ignored that look. Mr Hunt too noticed how Zahir was keeping a poker face and answering him gruffly every time. When he was called suddenly by some of his partners, it was only Mr Hunt and me left alone. The woman he took with him also left to use the washroom. “Why is he behaving like that?” He asks me in a mutter, confused as he looks at me. My eyes remain on Zahir who is busy holding a conversation with an official man. There are two more with him, keeping him occupied. I stare at him silently, not answering Mr. Hunt for a moment being. I do not feel like doing it or maybe I am too lost admiring my husband among them. He is handsome, after
— H O O R —. . .“May I come in, ma'am?” I know what he is taking with him, and it is only for me to handle. I sigh as I look up from the screen that troubles my eyes. My gaze lands upon a man standing at the door and I am not sure how many times I have seen him today with towers of files in his arms. Only for me!“Of course,” I have to pass him a fake smile.He comes in and sets the tower beside other files. Wow. Just look at my room. How amazing it looks filled with files and files alone. And whose hand is all in this? Surely, my husband's! Because he does not want me to meet Mr Hunt anymore and he can't even confront me and order me around, so he is using such methods to keep me here. Not only that but he is keeping me with himself in meetings. All the meetings which were to be held in the next month and whatever was arranged by me, he thought of completing them all in this month itself. He made me make some changes in the schedule and everywhere he carried me. All this just
— H O O R —. . .“So tell me...” He begins nervously, running a hand through his hair as he looks at me. I wait for him. Maybe he is going to take eternity. Who knows? He is always like that around me; shy and all. Even now he is unable to look me in the eyes. I too do not have any obsession with it. To me, Zahir's eyes are everything. Keeping the straw in my mouth as I enjoy my Faluda ice cream, I steal a glance at his already-flushed face. Now what does he see? I roll my eyes back to the setting sun and realize that I have spent more time with him. I do not worry about my work. I know I will complete the pending tasks but I needed to refresh my mind which he helped me having. He is an amazing friend, to be honest. After how Zahir spoiled my mood with that interrogation, he called me and I came out to meet him. He took me to places around and bought me ice cream. Walk with him was nice as he kept cracking silly jokes. I was even laughing. Yeah, I like such stupid jokes. He wa
— H O O R —. . .Three days have passed. Life is going on as before. The only difference is that whatever happened between Zahir and me seems like a dream. Everything disappeared as soon as I opened my eyes.Work and prayer help me to forget all this every moment, but I cannot use them every moment to escape from the past. Because of whatever happened that night, I still feel as if there are wounds in my heart that have not healed yet. But I know that time will change everything and all wounds will heal. God will do it. Right now I am just waiting for these days to pass. Now that I know that our relationship is not going to improve, I do not want to stay here any longer.Another time my phone rings. It is Mr Hunt. I have been ignoring his calls since this morning but he does not seem to give up. I am not in the mood, simple. I do not want to talk to him but I know I have to. I will be responsible for many things then. Clenching my jaw, I pick up the call and I remove my gaze from
— H O O R —. . .“Are you out of your mind, Hoor?” He says, breaking all my expectations just in a second. I stare at him dumbfounded, my heart sinking deeper. My eyes do not flutter as they are set on him but he has my hands clammy in anticipation. I muster up the courage to ask, “Wh-What do you mean, Zahir?” My tone is confused. Still. I am still expecting him to give me an explanation so it can relieve the burn in my chest. “It's simple, Hoor!” He utters, getting up as he releases a deep sigh. His arm raises and he runs a hand through his hair. Once again as he shows he is frustrated. I narrow my eyes at him, staring at his face as he steps away, continuing, “It's simple that I don't wanna be in a relationship. And haven't I told you that already?” The next he turns around, eyes boring into mine. They hold frustration and anger, resembling a darker and deeper shade of ocean. His jaw clenches as he adds, “I made it clear already!”He did but I started having feelings for him.