What Ayat feared the most finally happened. Outwardly, the issue seemed small, but Shahnan's reaction revealed that he was experiencing something much deeper. As calm as he appeared on the outside, inside him, there was a storm brewing.

Ayat and Hanan had never expected that Shahnan would react this way, and it took them by surprise. The silence in his eyes hid a restlessness and anger that was now fully coming to the surface.

It was Ayat's day off, and Hanan was home too, but the house was peaceful because Shahnan and Sharfa had gone to the Arcades. Shahnan often took Sharfa there around noon since she loved the place.

Ayat thought of cooking dinner today. Usually, after returning from the hospital, she neither had the time nor the energy to cook, so the cook prepared most meals.

After feeding Berry, Ayat walked into the kitchen. Blueberry was aging, but he still remained closest to her heart. They had other cats as well-some had followed Ayat home, while others were elderly cats abandoned by their families at her hospital. Ayat had brought them home, ensuring they spent their last years with a loving family.

Though she loved all her cats equally, Blueberry had a special place in her heart because he was her first cat. Berry never ate without Ayat nearby, and now, after his meal, he quietly followed her into the kitchen, hopping onto a chair and calmly cleaning his paws while watching her.

The aroma of spices and the clattering of utensils filled the kitchen as Ayat gave instructions to the maid. Hanan entered the kitchen with a serious look, squinting at Ayat, whose back was to him, oblivious to his presence. He then motioned for the maid to leave, which she did quietly.

"Could you pass me... Hanan?" Ayat turned to ask for something but froze in surprise when she saw him standing there.

Hanan approached Ayat, gently taking her hands and placing delicate rose gajre around her wrists. "Thora waqt apne masoom shohar ko bhi de do," Hanan said in a serious tone, but with the warmth in his bright eyes.

(Spare a little time for your poor husband too,)

Being interrupted while cooking didn't sit well with Ayat, and she narrowed her eyes, giving him a pointed look.

"Hum apka ghar dekhein, apke bachho ko sambhale ya apko waqt dein?" She asked with a hint of irritation.

(Should I manage your house, look after your kids, or give you time?)

Unfazed, Hanan stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Woh sab mujhe nahi maloom," he murmured, his breath warm against her neck. "Mujhe bas itna maloom hai bohot rare occasion hote hain jab hum akele ho, aur aise main mujhe tumhari puri attention chahiye."

(I don't care about all that,)

(All I know is that there are very rare occasions when we're alone, and during those times, and I want your attention.)

Ayat stifled a laugh as his breath tickled her neck, and her irritation melted away.

"Hanan, hume khana banane dijiye, bachhe nahi hai toh aram se bana lenge warna phir Momo..." Ayat's words trailed off as Hanan gently turned her around to face him and cupped her face.

(Hanan, let me cook. The kids aren't here, so I can do it in peace.)

"Tum mujhe romance karne do kyuki bachhe nahi hain warna phir..." His sentence was left incomplete too because Sharfa's excited voice echoed through the house.

(Let me romance you while the kids aren't here, or else...)

"Mom, Mom! Look what bhai got!"

Hanan groaned, closing his eyes in frustration as Ayat chuckled softly. He had been hoping for some alone time, but now, with their daughter around, even a moment of peace seemed like a distant dream.

Hearing Sharfa's voice, Berry walked toward the door as well.

"Hum inhe boarding school bhej dein?" Hanan asked, considering the idea seriously.

(Should we send them to boarding school?)

"Shut up," Ayat replied just as unseriously, smacking his chest. Hanan was about to say more when Berry's loud screech startled them both.

They hurried out to see what Shahnan had brought home.

What they saw was the last thing Ayat had expected, though Hanan appeared unsurprised.

Ten-year-old Shahnan was sitting on the floor, cradling a small puppy with wide, innocent eyes, staring up at Berry. Seven-year-old Sharfa had lifted Berry in her arms as he wasn't too pleased with the new arrival and had lunged, possibly to attack. Sharfa squeezed Berry tightly between her arms.

"Berry, that's not nice! Is that how you treat guests? he's smaller than you," Sharfa scolded Berry as if explaining to a child. As if the cat could understand her.

"What is this? Where did you get that puppy?" Ayat's eyes widened, and she asked in disbelief.

"Tum aur tumhare bachhe kisi din kidnapping ke case mein phasoge." Hanan muttered on the verge of facepalming. Ayat threw him a sharp look.

(You and your kids are going to get us into a kidnapping case one day.)

"Humare bachhe? Hum konsa inhe market se leke aye the." Ayat used his own dialogue against him, and Hanan pressed his lips into a thin line in response.

(My kids? It's not like I bought them from market.)

"Momo, put Berry down," Ayat said, first freeing poor Berry from Sharfa's arms. Berry, who had gone quiet after being scolded by Sharfa, was no longer scratching in a way that could hurt her, but he was still glaring at the puppy with annoyance.

At her mother's firm tone, Sharfa nervously placed Berry on the floor, far away from the puppy.

"Berry, out!" Hanan motioned toward the door, and Berry darted away immediately. He never disobeyed Hanan.

"Now tell me, whose puppy is this, and why did you bring him here?" Ayat knelt beside Shahnan, who had been quietly petting the puppy throughout the commotion, seemingly indifferent to everything around him.

"Mom, he must be hungry. What should we feed him?" Shahnan's main concern was the puppy's hunger. They had plenty of cats but no experience with dogs, so he had no idea what to feed it.

"Your mom is asking whose puppy this is," Hanan sat down next to Shahnan, while Sharfa settled beside her brother. The puppy stared at the family with wide, curious eyes.

"Mine!" Shahnan declared, as if that ended the discussion.

"Where did you find him?" Ayat asked again, trying to get more information.

"Mom, he was sleeping in bhai's bicycle basket. When Bhai picked him up, he climbed onto his shoulder. Then he told us he was hungry, so we brought him here," Sharfa excitedly explained the entire story in one breath, filling in all the missing details.

"He told you he was hungry? Kaise?" Hanan was amused by his daughter's logic.

(How?)

Before Sharfa could respond, the puppy let out a small, whimpering sound.

"Aise!" Sharfa beamed, pointing at the puppy. Hanan chuckled at her explanation, but Ayat looked more concerned.

(Like this!)

"Idhar dijiye inhe," Ayat said, taking the puppy from Shahnan. Shahnan pouted but didn't protest.

(Give him to me,)

Ayat examined the puppy closely. "He's not hungry. He's well-fed. And I don't think he's a stray either. Shah, you should have checked around before bringing him home. He likely belongs to someone." The puppy snuggled comfortably into Ayat's arms, sensing the gentleness in her hold compared to Shahnan's.

"But he doesn't have a collar," Shahnan offered as an excuse.

"Maybe it slipped off, or they haven't put one on yet. But from his condition, it's obvious he's someone's pet. We should go back and find out who owns him; his family is probably worried," Ayat explained, feeling sympathetic for the puppy, who must have been frightened rather than hungry, as Sharfa assumed.

"He's mine," Shahnan said stubbornly, his voice full of determination. There was something in his bright eyes, something unfamiliar.

"Shahnan," Hanan interjected, "You can't just claim someone's pet. If he belongs to someone, we have to return him. If he's a stray, you can keep him." Hanan tried to strike a middle ground, one Ayat agreed with, but Shahnan didn't. He was afraid that if the puppy had a family, he'd have to give it back.

"He's mine, and he's not going anywhere," Shahnan took the puppy back from Ayat and stormed off toward his room, with Sharfa running after him to spend more time with her new friend.

"Hanan!" Ayat looked at Hanan, surprised by Shahnan's behavior. He was stubborn, but he had never been rude or disregarded them like this before.

"Don't worry," Hanan reassured her. "I'll check if the puppy is a stray or belongs to someone. If it's someone's pet, we'll return it. As for the kids, I guess they're bored of the cats and want a puppy now. Tunhare bachhe, mujhe bilkul bhi hairani nahi woh rah chalte kisi bhi janwar ko ghar le ayenge. Main soch raha tha iss ghar ko Zoo bana dete hain," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

(Your kids, I wouldn't be surprised if they brought any random animal home. Honestly, I'm thinking of turning this house into a zoo,)

Ayat blushed at his last comment. "Aisa bhi nahi hai," she mumbled.

•••

It had been a week since Shahnan found that puppy, and he named him Buddy. Hanan had asked around the Arcades about the puppy, but no one seemed to know anything. He assumed the puppy was indeed a stray, though Ayat still wasn't entirely happy about it. Shahnan and Sharfa, on the other hand, were overjoyed, both using their pocket money to buy toys and bowls for Buddy.

Shahnan spent all his time with Buddy and was quite happy, but that happiness didn't last long. One day, Buddy's real family finally showed up.

A man in his early 40s, along with his young daughter-who seemed about Shahnan's age-arrived at their house, asking about the puppy.

"My daughter took her puppy out for a walk that day. She fell off her bike, and some passersby brought her home. By the time we realized, our puppy, Ace, had wandered off. No one brought him back. With Ava's condition, we were more focused on her at the time. But for the past week, all she’s been asking about is her puppy. She hasn’t stopped."

"I’ve been asking around, and it seems your son may have our puppy." The man had brought proof-papers from where they got the puppy and a photo of him. It was indeed Buddy, and the girl, Ava, seemed very attached to him, as her eyes kept scanning the living room, hoping to spot him.

Hanan looked at Ayat, who had already been staring at him. They were unsure how Shahnan would react to Buddy's departure, especially since he had become so possessive over the puppy.

However, since it was Buddy's real family, they returned the puppy. Both Shahnan and Sharfa were at school.

Buddy recognized Ava immediately. He ran up to her and jumped into her arms, and she eagerly embraced him. It was clear from her expression just how much she adored him, bringing a smile to Ayat's face for the first time since the whole ordeal began.

And seeing Buddy leave, tears welled up in Ayat's eyes. "Hum issi liye mana kar rahe the." she said, as Hanan pulled her into his arms to comfort her.

(This is why I was refusing,)

Now they had to prepare themselves for handling Shahnan and Sharfa's reactions.

Sharfa's response mirrored her mother's-she started crying, insisting she wanted Buddy back. However, Shahnan's reaction was unexpectedly calm. He didn't throw a fit like Sharfa, didn't argue or protest. When Hanan offered to get them another puppy, Shahnan simply shook his head and stood up. Without saying a word, he turned to leave the room.

Hanan and Ayat were both surprised by his calmness, but also relieved that Shahnan had shown maturity.

"Momo, I'll get another one for you," Hanan reassured his daughter, lifting her into his arms to soothe her.

"But it won't be Buddy," Sharfa said between sobs. "I was going to take him to the park tomorrow to meet Al and Sam."

"Just like you're upset, Ava was upset too. Buddy belonged to her. If someone took Berry or Kuro away from you, would you be happy? No, right? He was theirs," Hanan explained gently, and Sharfa finally understood.

The thought of Berry or Kuro going away from her terrified Sharfa. Coincidentally, Berry was in the living room at that moment, grooming his fur. Sharfa suddenly picked him up and hugged him tightly, which startled Berry. He protested, but Sharfa was too overwhelmed with affection to let go.

"Berry, I'll never let you go anywhere," Sharfa whispered, hugging him even tighter.

Hanan and Ayat had just taken a sigh of relief when suddenly, they heard something break from upstairs.

"Kya hua?" Ayat asked, startled, her eyes darting to Hanan.

(What's that?)

"Shahnan!" Alarmed, they both rushed upstairs, their hearts pounding with fear. As they reached his room, they were greeted by chaos-his belongings scattered across the floor.

"Shah..." Ayat's voice quivered with concern as she instinctively stepped forward, but Hanan gently held her back.

"Main baat karta hoon, tum bahar raho," Hanan said, noticing the shards of glass littering the floor and not wanting Ayat to get hurt.

(I'll talk to him, you stay out.)

Cautiously, Hanan entered the room. Shahnan stood in the middle of the mess, his small fists clenched, eyes blazing with emotions he had tried so hard to suppress. The calm boy they had seen earlier was now unraveling before their eyes.

"Shahnan, what's wrong?" Hanan asked softly, doing his best to keep his voice steady.

"Why did you give him away? He was mine!" Shahnan's voice cracked, the frustration and hurt he'd bottled up finally spilling over.

Hanan's heart sank. Shahnan's earlier calmness had only been a mask, hiding a storm of emotions beneath. He reached out just in time to grab Shahnan's hand as the boy was about to hit the remote at the mirror.

"We'll get you another puppy..." Hanan said, his voice filled with gentle reassurance.

"I don't want another one!" Shahnan's anger only deepened. He yanked his hand away from Hanan and ran to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

"Shahnan!" Ayat, unable to remain on the sidelines any longer, rushed into the room and knocked desperately on the bathroom door. "Shah, open the door... Hanan, kuch kariye!"

Her hands turned red from the frantic knocking, but there was no response from inside. Exhausted and scared, she turned to Hanan, her eyes pleading. "Hanan, please... get him to open the door."

Hanan, still processing the intensity of Shahnan's reaction, looked around at the shattered glass and overturned items. The scene painted a clear picture of the storm raging inside his son.

Ayat's desperate voice brought him back to the moment. Realizing the urgency, he quickly called for one of the house staff to bring a spare key. When they finally unlocked the door, they found Shahnan unconscious on the bathroom floor.

Hanan called for an ambulance. Panic etched across his face, he watched as Shahnan, who had hurt himself in his fit of rage, lay unconscious on the floor.

It was the first time Shahnan had expressed such intensity, perhaps because it was the first time he wanted something and didn't get it. Until today, he had always received whatever he wished for, or even casually mentioned. He had never been denied anything before.

Shahnan spent a few days admitted to the hospital, and the doctor suggested they consult a child therapist. Following the advice, Hanan and Ayat took Shahnan for therapy, but the sessions didn't bring much change. Shahnan remained silent during each session. After a few appointments, Hanan realized the therapy was causing more harm than good-Shahnan seemed even more withdrawn and was losing focus on his studies. Hanan ultimately decided to discontinue the sessions.

In response, Hanan and Ayat began to give Shahnan even more attention, and Sharfa, noticing her brother's distress, started to care for him in her own way. While everything wasn't perfect, life slowly returned to their normal routine. Hanan brought a new puppy, which delighted Sharfa, but Shahnan remained indifferent.

And just like that, two years passed since the incident, and Shahnan never acted out like that again.

•••

Eid was approaching, and the family had come to India, as they often celebrated Eid at Khan Haveli.

"Kabir aaj arahe hain?" Ayat asked about Kabir, who was currently away on a business trip.

(Is Kabir coming today?)

Shyra and Ayat were in the kitchen preparing iftar with the help of the maids. The family was large, and they all gathered for sehri and iftar in the courtyard.

"Haan keh toh rahe the aaj ajayenge," Shyra replied. As they worked, Aala Azrin Khan entered the kitchen with her usual enthusiasm.

(He said he'll be here by tonight,)

"Hello, khala and chachi! Kya haal?" Shyra was frying something by the stove, and Ayat was busy making fruit chaat.

(Hello, khala and chachi! How are you?)

"Tell me what I can do?" Azrin asked eagerly.

"You want to help?" Shyra asked, surprised, knowing full well that Azrin hated doing household chores.

"Yes! Jaldi bataye main kya karu? Chachi, main fry kardu?" Azrin suggested, moving closer to Shyra as if she would be handed the task immediately.

(Yes! Tell me what to do! Chachi, should I fry this?)

"Bilkul nahi," Shyra declined firmly. "Roza hai sabka, usme bhi tum unhe jala hua iftar dena chahti ho?"

(Absolutely not,)

(Everyone's fasting, and you want to serve them burnt iftar?)

Azrin's excitement dimmed, and Ayat, noticing her niece's disappointed expression, couldn't bear to see her upset.

"Why don't you help me with the fruit chaat? Iske jalne ka khatra nahi," Ayat suggested kindly.

(There's no risk of burning it.)

"Okay!" Azrin happily sat at the table next to Ayat and started peeling a banana.

Shyra's eyes widened in surprise by Azrin's enthusiasm for work. Azrin had never shown interest in anything other than playing and having fun. She stayed far away from household chores, something that was likely a result of the excessive pampering she received from everyone. At 22 years old, Azrin still didn’t know how to do even the simplest of tasks around the house. This often worried Ayla, but only Ayla seemed to be concerned. If Ayla ever scolded Azrin for it, both Rukhsar and Rubab would hush her, and in front of her mother-in-law and mother, Ayla had no choice but to remain quiet.

"Aaj tumhe kitchen ka rasta kaha se yaad agaya?" Shyra finally asked, unable to hold back her curiosity. Azrin's face fell at the question.

(What brings you to the kitchen today?)

"Mummy ne kaha hai ki aaj iftar pe unhe mere hath ki bani dish dikhni chahiye, warna woh meri pocket money rok dengi," Azrin made a face, as if Ayla had committed the gravest of injustices against her. Although even if Ayla withheld her pocket money, Azrin would still get money from every other elder in the house. But with Eid approaching, Azrin had big plans, and more than money, she needed Ayla's approval. For that, she didn’t want to give Ayla any reason to complain until Eid was over.

(Mummy said that she wants to see a dish made by me at iftar today, or else she’ll stop my pocket money,)

"Yeh kya baat hui?" Ayat questioned Ayla's threat, disapprovingly. "Api toh bas apke piche rehti hain. Ab koi bhi har cheez mein expert nahi hota, koi ek kaam mein achha hota toh koi dusre. Apka interest agar cooking mein nahi toh koi zabardasti toh nahi."

(What kind of thing is this?)

(Your mother is always after you. Not everyone is an expert, some people are good at one thing, others at something else. If you don’t have an interest in cooking, then no one can force you.)

"Khala, zara issey puche iska interest hai kis mein phir? Sone mein?" Arsalan Khan, who had just arrived at Khan Haveli with his family, was coming to the kitchen to meet Shyra and Ayat, commented.

(Khala, ask her what her interest is then? Sleeping?)

Azrin shot a glare at Arsalan but continued her work. She wasn’t in the mood to argue while fasting, but she would settle the score with Arsalan after iftar.

"Arsalan, tum kaha kitchen mein agaye? Bahar baitho hum arahe hain." Shyra told Arsalan with a smile.

(Arsalan, what are you doing in the kitchen? Go sit outside, we’re coming,)

"Choti mami, main theek hoon, don't worry." Arsalan assured Shyra, pulling a chair opposite to Azrin.

(Choti mami, I'm fine,)

"Tum, waisa achha hai cooking seekhlo. Parhna likhna toh hota nahi, behtar hoga housewife banne ki training le lo warna shadi nahi hogi." Arsalan mocked, a smirk on his lips, while Azrin seethed in anger.

(It’s good; you should learn cooking. Studying doesn’t seem to be happening, so it’d be better if you get some housewife training, otherwise you won’t get married,)

"Arsalan!" Ayat warned him.

"Apko meri shadi ki fikar karne ki bilkul zaroorat nahi, aye bade," Azrin retorted, grabbing a knife and venting her frustration on the poor apple. "Jaye kisi kone mein apni books leke baithe."

(You don’t need to worry about my marriage,)

(Go somewhere and sit with your book.)

"Azrin, bhai se kaise baat kar rahi hain aap, bade haina woh apse." Ayat interjected, though Shyra paid no attention, accustomed to the routine clashes between Azrin and Arsalan.

(Azrin, how are you talking to him? He’s older than you,)

"Khala, kissey bade chote ki tameez seekha rahi hain aap? Isme itni aqal hoti toh apna course na yaad kar leti." Arsalan remarked.

(Khala, are you teaching her manners about respecting elders? If she had any sense, she’d have remembered her course,)

"Haan toh har koi apki tarah kitabi keeda nahi ho sakta. Khala, har koi top karne laga toh 10th position kon layega?" Azrin fired back a response, then asked Ayat with an innocent face.

(Well, not everyone can be a bookworm like you! Khala, if everyone comes first, then who will take the 10th position?)

"10th? Tum 10th ke aas paas bhi bhatki ho kabhi? Niche se top karne walo ko itna attitude suit nahi karta." Arsalan, a position holder, taunted Azrin about her academic performance.

(10th? Have you ever even come close to 10th? People who come at the bottom shouldn’t have this kind of attitude,)

Azrin was a bit weak in studies, which, according to Rukhsar, was because she was born prematurely. However, Ayla believed that there was something about the girls in this family, as most of them had little interest in studies, whether it was Hamna, Rehnuma, or now Azrin.

"Arsal bhai, ab aap personal ho rahe hain." Azrin warned, pointing the knife at him.

(Arsal bhai, now you’re getting personal,)

"Aap yeh niche rakh dijiye." Ayat swiftly took the knife from Azrin, knowing Azrin's tendency to throw things at Arsalan since childhood. She once threw a bat at him.

(You put that down, please.)

"Pehle mera naam lena seekho." Arsalan cringed as Azrin mispronounced his name. "Kuch nahi ata iss larki ko."

(At least get my name right,)

(This girl doesn’t know anything.)

"Aap jali hui saas ki tarah tana dene aye hain yaha?" Azrin's temper flared. She was now more focused on fighting with Arsalan than on making the fruit chaat.

(Have you come here to taunt like a bitter mother-in-law?)

"Main kyu jalne laga tum jaisi jhalli se?"

(Why would I be jealous of someone as crazy as you?)

"Kya? Apne... apne mujhe jhalli bulaya? Main... main phuppo se apki shikayat karungi." Furious, Azrin stormed off to complain to Arsalan's mother.

(What? You called me crazy? I’ll complain to your mom!)

"Badi mami bhi wahi hain." Arsalan called after her.

(Even your mom is there,)

"Arsalan, bohot buri baat hai, apko uski parhai ko leke nahi bolna chahiye tha." Ayat spoke, as always siding with her niece.

(Arsalan, that’s a really bad thing to say. You shouldn’t have commented on her studies,)

"Ek toh pata nahi yeh desis ko bhai behen ke bachho mein farishte kyu dikhte hain? Unke khilaf kuch sunn nahi sakte jaise unme koi kami nahi." Arsalan complained, even his own mother would never hear a word against Azrin, becuase she had been the first to call her "phuppo" and remained special because of it.

(This is the problem with desi families. Brothers and sisters’ kids are treated like angels. You can’t say a word against them, as if they don’t have any flaws,)

"Tum kam toh nahi ho, kyu satate ho usko itna jab jante ho usko gussa ajata hai. Kya mil jata hai Azrin ka mood off karke?" Shyra decided to interfere.

(Still, why do you bother her when you know she gets angry? What do you get out of ruining Azrin’s mood?)

"Choti mami, mujhe yaha thandak milti hai." Arsalan pointed at his heart.

(Choti mami, I get peace here,)

Azrin saw her mother, who may have just returned from the hospital, in the living room too. Azrin quietly returned back because she knew Ayla would scold her if she heard Azrin fought with Arsalan again.

Having heard Arsalan's last sentence, Azrin's anger flared up. "Main apko hi thanda na kardu." She grabbed a glass of cold water from the table—meant for the sherbet the maid was about to prepare—and threw it on him.

(I'll give you peace,)

This sudden attack caught Arsalan off guard.  "Tum..."

(You,)

"Azrin!" Ayat and Shyra called her name simultaneously.

Azrin immediately ran off again, seeing the look of vengeance in Arsalan's eyes.

"Tumhe toh main chorhunga nahi." Arsalan chased after her.

(You won’t get away with this,)

"Arsalan, aap toh... kya yeh roz ka hai?" Ayat was about to call Arsalan back, but he had already left the kitchen. She then turned to Shyra and asked.

(Arsalan, at least you... is this an everyday thing?)

"Har baar ka," tiredly, Shyra answered. "Mujhe toh yeh dono tumhari aur Hanan ki yaad dilate hain. Tum dono bhi toh aise hi tom and Jerry ki tarah ek dusre ke piche parhe rehte the." She added,

(Every single time,)

(These two remind me of you and Hanan. You both used to chase after each other like Tom and Jerry too.)

"Really?" Ayat's eyes widened as she looked at the door, then she shuddered.

"Kya hua?" Shyra asked.

(What happened?)

"Rehnuma api jaisi saas... tauba." Ayat shared her fear, which made Shyra burst into laughter.

(The thought of having a mother-in-law like Rehnuma api… oh God,)

•••

The day of Eid finally arrived, and the haveli buzzed with excitement. The night before, the everyone had stayed up late to prepare for the festivities.

The men of the family returned home, scent of attar lingering around them. Huzaifa Khan, Azlan Khan, and Shahzain Khan, along with the younger male family members, walked back with an air of contentment after performing the auspicious prayers of Eid.

As they entered the living room, the atmosphere buzzed with joy.

"Bade dada, eidi." Girls lined up in front of Huzaifa, with sparkling eyes, ready to receive their share of joy.

As Huzaifa gave them eidi, they quickly ran toward Azlan, then Shahzian. After getting eidi from their grandfathers, they went to their fathers.

As the Eidi distribution continued, Hanan couldn't help but notice the absence of Ayat among the family members. His eyes scanned the room, searching for her.

After receiving Eidi from everyone, Sharfa came to him.

"Where is your mom?" Hanan kissed her chubby cheeks and asked.

"In the room." Sharfa answered. She soon left to play with others when she got Eidi.

"Main abhi aya." Excusing himself, Hanan decided to go and check on Ayat. She always greets him first after prayer.

(I'll just come,)

"Kaha? Sheer khurma toh kha lo." Khushnuma stopped him.

(Where? At least have some sweet,)

"Mummy, bas abhi aya..." Scratching his ear, Hanan excused.

(Mummy, I'll just come...)

"2 minute bhi tumhara Ayat ke begair guzara ho sakta hai?" Kabir teases him, knowing very well why he refused for sheer khurma.

(Can you survive even two minutes without Ayat?)

"Rooh ke begair bhi jism ka guzara hota hai?" Without any hint of embarrassment, Hanan said and left. 

(Can the body survive without the soul?)

Shyra was also about to leave for the kitchen to get sheer khurma when Azrin unexpectedly stopped her.

"Chachi, Main leke ati hoon, aap baithiye," Azrin offered, standing up with enthusiasm. The rest of the family in the living room exchanged surprised glances.

(Chachi, I’ll bring it. You sit down,)

"Humne kuch nahi kaha," Ayla quickly defended herself, noticing the way Kaif was staring at her.

(I didn’t say anything,)

"Dekha, waqt ke sath sath insan khud hi mature ho jata hai. Aap bas khamakha datti thi unhe." Rubab proudly added, supporting her granddaughter. But just as her words left her mouth, a loud crash came from the kitchen, followed by Azrin’s scream.

(See, with time, people mature naturally. You used to scold her for no reason,)

Everyone ran toward the kitchen in panic.

"Kya hua, Azrin?" Ayla’s heart was in her throat as she rushed over to her daughter.

(What happened, Azrin?)

A strong smell of smoke filled the kitchen. A glass bowl had slipped from Azrin’s hands, sending the sheer khurma splattering across the floor. Azrin stood there, clutching her wrist with tears welling up in her eyes.

"Aap theek hain?"

(Are you okay?)

"Patakha," Azrin mumbled softly.

(Firecracker,)

Azrin wasn’t hurt, but the loud sound had startled her, causing her to drop the bowl.

•••

"Kon laya ghar mein patakha?" Huzaifa’s stern voice filled the room as the children stood in a line, looking like guilty culprits before the adults. Azrin sat beside her mother, still recovering from the shock.

(Who brought firecrackers into the house?)

Ehan, trying to look innocent, glanced up at his father and then around the room before slowly raising his hand. "Laya toh main tha namaz baad, lekin Eifa ne mangaya tha."

(I brought them after prayer, but Eifa asked me to.)

At that, Eifa’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Lekin maine toh ab tak chua bhi nahi, main taiyyar ho rahi thi." she protested, shooting a glare at her twin.

(I didn’t even touch them yet! I was getting ready!)

This wasn’t an unusual situation for Eifa. Ehan often dragged her into trouble, insisting that since they were twins, they should share both the praise and the blame. While he was quick to accept credit for her good deeds, it always seemed like Eifa ended up taking the fall for his mischief.

Khushnuma cast a suspicious look at Hanan, who immediately looked offended. He gestured subtly, as if to say, I’m too mature for this, why are you looking at me?

Khushnuma shrugged, she wasn’t entirely unjustified in her doubts. Hanan had a notorious history of Eid pranks. One of his least damaging stunts as a child had been cutting Ayat’s hair. But there had been bigger incidents, like the time he set off a string of firecrackers in a pot right in the middle of the aangan, just as Rukhsar had passed by.

"Momo kaha hain?" Ayat suddenly remembered her daughter wasn’t with the other children. Her question shifted everyone's attention to the missing culprits.

(Where’s Momo?)

"Kulsoom bhi nahi hai," Shyra noted.

(Kulsoom is missing too,)

"Nomi bhi kabse nahi dikh rahe," Rubab added, raising an eyebrow.

(And I haven’t seen Nomi for a while either,)

The secret was out. Clearly, the three had vanished from the crime scene before anyone could catch them.

Ehan let out a relieved sigh, thankful that the attention had shifted from him. After his confession, Shyra had been eyeing him suspiciously.

"Ehan, ap bade hain, apko ghar mein aisi koi cheez lani hi nahi chahiye jissey dusro ko nuksan pohche. Apko apne chote bhai behno ke liye example set karna chahiye, agar woh koi aisi demand kar rahe hain toh apko mana karna chahiye tha." Huzaifa’s tone was calm now but authoritative, and Ehan nodded, accepting the responsibility.

(Ehan, you're the elder one, you shouldn't bring anything into the house that could cause harm to others. You need to set an example for your younger siblings. If they make such demands, you should have refused.)

"Eifa, tumhe bhi aisi cheezein nahi mangani chahiye, koi lag sakti thi." Rukhsar felt it was necessary to give Eifa a word of advice as well.

(Eifa, you shouldn't ask for such a thing either,)

Meanwhile, Shyra stayed quiet, deciding she would have a word with the twins privately later. She rarely needed to scold them. One look from her was usually enough to keep those three in line.

"Mujhe toh Azrin api ne kaha tha Ehan se keh kar mangwane ke liye." In a defensive tone, Eifa revealed.

(Azrin api was the one who told me to ask Ehan to get the firecrackers.)

All heads turned toward Azrin, who had been sitting quietly, still nursing her wrist. Feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze, she quickly let go of her wrist and lowered her eyes, as if the floor had suddenly become very interesting.

"Aur apko lagta hai yeh mature hongi?" Ayla asked, turning to Rubab.

(And this is what you call maturity?)

"Aaj ke baad ghar mein patakhe nahi ayenge." Azlan declared firmly, putting an end to the chaos.

(No more firecrackers in the house,)

•••

The culprits were found in the backyard, with the firecrackers that Ehan had brought.

Ayat immediately grabbed Sharfa by the ear.

“Ouch, Mom, my ear! It hurts! It’ll get bigger! It'll break! Mamma!” Sharfa started struggling right away, and seeing this, Kulsoom tried to slip away quietly. But the moment her mother’s eyes landed on her, she stood still in place.

“Tell me right now, whose idea was to burst crackers in the kitchen?” Ayat let go of Sharfa’s ear and asked sternly.

Sharfa continued rubbing her ear, “Humne kuch nahi kiya, humne toh ab tak ek bhi burst nahi kiya, hum, hume kyu daat rahi hain? Sab hume hi kyu datte hain? My ear!"

(I didn’t do anything! I haven’t even burst one firecracker yet. Why are you scolding me?)

“Momo, jhoot nahi,” Ayat warned, but before she could say more, Hanan intervened. He lifted Sharfa into his arms.

(Momo, no lying)

“Tumhe pata hai woh jhoot nahi bolti, woh keh rahi usne nahi kiya matlab usne nahi kiya.” In her father’s arms, Sharfa played innocent and rested her head on his shoulder.

(You know she doesn’t lie. If she says she didn’t do it, then she didn’t do it.)

Sharfa truly never lied. No matter how big the mischief was, she would always admit if she did it.

Ayat’s gaze then shifted to Kulsoom and Nomi.

Poor Nomi was standing against the wall, trying to hide behind Sharfa and Kulsoom, watching them with frightened eyes. He was the same age as Sharfa and Kulsoom but shorter and less mature, so the two of them kept him with them at all times, and he obediently did whatever they asked.

Nouman, or Nomi, wasn’t the son of Khan. He was the son of their longtime servant. He was four years old when he was traveling from the village to the city with his parents, but a bus accident took their lives, leaving Nouman the sole survivor. Azlan brought him home. No relatives came from the village to claim him, nor did anyone send him away. Azlan and Rubab decided to keep the little boy with them, and now he had become part of the household, just like the other children.

Ayat turned to look at Shyra, silently indicating that it was time for her to question her daughter. Shyra understood immediately that the mischief had been Kulsoom’s doing. Though she spoke less, Kulsoom wasn’t any less mischievous than her siblings. It was just that her introverted nature kept her actions from being noticed.

“Kulsoom, idhar aao,” Shyra called, and Kulsoom, with her head hanging low, followed her mother.

(Kulsoom, come here,)

“Na America mein sukoon, na yaha,” Ayat muttered under her breath.

(There is no peace anywhere,)

“Achha haina, inhi se toh rounak hai ghar mein. You’ll miss this when they grow up,” Hanan placed an arm around Ayat’s shoulder, leading her inside.

(Isn’t it nice, though? These kids are what bring life to the house.)

But inside, another surprise awaited. As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they noticed Shahnan sitting on the swing, with Ayla, Rubab, and Azrin standing nearby, worry written all over their faces.

By the sofa, Eifa was sitting with Kabir, Shyra, Ehan, and Kian. Eifa was crying, her head resting on Kabir’s shoulder.

“Ab kya hua?” Hanan asked, putting Sharfa down, who immediately ran over to Shahnan.

(What happened now?)

“Shah aur Eifa ko chot lag gayi,” Rubab explained.

(Shah and Eifa got hurt,)

“Mujhe laga kuch serious hua hai,” Hanan said nonchalantly, which earned him a smack on the arm from Ayat as she went over to Shahnan. His hand was indeed badly injured, scratched by thorns. Ayla was cleaning the wound, but Shahnan showed no signs of pain. Sharfa sat beside her brother, holding his other hand.

(I thought something serious happened,)

“I’m fine,” Shahnan said in his usual calm manner.

“But how did this happen?” Ayat asked.

“Eifa ko rose chahiye tha, ussey chot lag gayi, phir Shahnan rose torhne gaya toh usko bhi lag gayi.” Ehan, the sole witness to the whole event, explained.

(Eifa wanted a rose, she got hurt, and then Shahnan got hurt too while trying to pluck rose,)

“Maine mana kiya tha Shahnan ko rose torhne se,” Ehan quickly added, fulfilling his responsibility as the elder, so no one would think he was irresponsible.

(I told Shahnan not to pluck the rose,)

“Shah, jab Eifa ko lag gayi thi chot toh aap kyu gaye waha?” Ayat looked at her son and asked.

(Shah, if Eifa got hurt, why did you go there?)

“She was crying,” Shahnan answered. “She wanted a rose, so I got it for her.” That’s when Ayat noticed the single red rose in his hand.

“Bohot ziddi larka hai yeh.” Ayla couldn’t help but comment with a chuckle. “Zidd mein tumse bhi agey hai.” she added, looking at Hanan.

(He’s such a stubborn boy,)

(He’s even more stubborn than you,)

Sheepishly, Hanan looked away, knowing full well that Shahnan did inherited his stubbornness.

After Shahnan’s hand was bandaged, he picked up the rose and went over to Eifa. “Eifa, this is for you.” He knelt down on one knee and handed the rose to her, which made everyone around them laugh.

He was only a twelve-year-old boy, so no one took his act seriously. But Ayat noticed a familiar sparkle in her son’s eyes, a sparkle she knew all too well. She quickly glanced at Hanan, whose expression mirrored her own.

Hanan and Ayat exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Shahnan’s gesture, innocent as it was, reflected a familiar stubbornness and protectiveness.

Hanan placed a hand on Shahnan’s shoulder and gently led him away from Eifa.

“Be careful next time, okay? Don’t hurt yourself just to help others,” he explained softly. Hanan could never be harsh with his kids, and he knew Shahnan might become more rebellious if treated sternly. That’s why Hanan always approached him with gentleness.

Shahnan simply nodded, but his eyes stayed on Eifa, who was now holding the rose he had given her. “I just didn’t want her to cry,” he mumbled.

As the small moment passed, Rubab spoke, catching everyone’s attention. "Issey pehle kuch aur ho, chaliye aap log kuch kha lijiye, namaz ke baad kuch khaya hi nahi."

(Before anything else happens, come on, you all should eat something. You haven’t eaten since after the prayers.)

With so many kids around, each one livelier than the next, something was bound to happen.

Everyone laughed, the tension easing from the room as they began to move toward the living room, where the rest of the family was gathered.

Shyra turned to Kulsoom, who looked much less guilty now but still a little sheepish. “Agli baar aisa nahi hona chahiye, aur Nomi ko inn sab mein involve mat kiya karo woh darr jata hai,” she whispered to her younger daughter as they walked.

(This shouldn’t happen again, and don’t involve Nomi in all this. He gets scared.) 

Kulsoom nodded, giving a small smile. “Promise, Maama.”

•••

They were still enjoying sheer khurma when Ayat and Hanan's first child (according to Rubab) Blueberry decided to make an entrance.

They usually left all the other cats back in America, with a caretaker to look after them, but Berry couldn’t stay without them, so he always accompanied them.

Berry came dashing in, carrying his water bowl in his mouth. Water splashed everywhere, mostly on him, as he stumbled through the living room, even knocking over a porcelain vase on his way.

He knew everyone was eating, and he certainly wasn’t going to be left behind. Dropping the bowl near Ayat, he looked up at Hanan with his bright blue eyes, expectantly waiting.

“Bachhe toh bachhe, iss ghar ki billi bhi kam nahi,” Rukhsar commented, shaking her head.

(Forget the kids; even the cat in this house isn’t behind in antics,)

“Inke liye soup le aiye,” Ayat instructed a maid, who nodded and hurried to the kitchen. Until Berry's soup arrived, Ayat knew she wouldn't be able to enjoy her meal, as he wouldn’t leave her alone.

(Bring his soup,)

•••

By the evening, thankfully, no more accidents had occurred. Shyra had left with her kids to visit her parents.

Kian had gone out with his friends, Shahnan was in Azlan's study, while Sharfa was sleeping. Aala Azrin was the one truly enjoying Eid.

Azrin was still out on the lawn, taking selfie in the sunset, when Arsalan sneaked up behind her and scared her. She was so startled that she dropped her phone, which, despite having a guard, was immediately damaged upon impact.

"Aap... apko main chorhungi nahi!" Azrin shouted, chasing after Arsalan. But he, being taller and much quicker, darted inside where everyone was sitting.

(You... I’m not going to let this slide!)

Azrin could only stomp her foot in frustration, plotting her revenge. However, before she could come up with any ideas, a bombshell was dropped on her—Rehnuma had asked her hand in marriage to Arsalan.

Azrin was still in shock that a proposal had come for her, and not just any proposal—Arsalan’s. She didn’t know how to react.

The boy she had known since childhood, the one she had played with, bickered with, and shared every mundane and significant moment with. How could she ever have imagined him in any other light? The idea of his proposal had shaken her to the core.

She was quietly heading toward her mother’s room when she heard voices coming from Rehnuma’s room (where she stayed whenever she visited).

The door was slightly ajar, allowing the conversation inside to drift out, and Arsalan was speaking loudly enough that Azrin couldn’t help but overhear. She would have never eavesdropped if she hadn’t heard her own name.

“Azrin mein khoobsurati ke alawa dusri koi khoobi hai bhi jo main ussey shadi karu?” Arsalan’s voice was unmistakable, and his words struck her like a physical blow. She felt her pulse quicken, her breath catching in her throat.

(Does Azrin have any quality besides her looks that would make me want to marry her?)

She should have turned away, should have left without listening to another word. But her feet refused to move. The air around her felt thick, pressing in on her chest as her name echoed in the room, drawing her in like a magnetic force she couldn’t resist.

Inside, Rehnuma's sharp voice cut through Arsalan's. “Achha, aur usme kami kya hai?”

(Oh really? And what exactly is wrong with her?)

“Na usme baat karne ki tameez hai, na uthne baithne ka saleekha hai aur parhai toh...” Arsalan paused, as though the next words were too distasteful for him to even say, "Khandan bhar mein mashhoor hai ki uski degree khareedi hui hai.”

(She has no manners when it comes to speaking, no grace in how she carries herself, and as for her education…)

(It’s practically a joke in the family that mamu bought her degree.)

Azrin’s stomach lurched. Her knees trembled, and she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her breathing. Is this how he saw her?

“Tumhe konsa uski degree pe achar dalna hai.” Rehnuma retorted, clearly unimpressed by her son’s reasoning. “Aur tumhari toh uske sath achhi khasi bonding hai.”

(Well, it’s not like you need to hang her degree on the wall,)

(And you two get along just fine.)

Despite the longstanding rivalry between Rehnuma and Ayla that stemmed from their childhood, Rehnuma had a soft spot for Azrin. She wasn’t just Ayla’s daughter; she was also Kaif’s daughter, her first niece, whom she adored. That’s why Rehnuma wanted Azrin as her daughter-in-law. Without asking Arsalan's opinion, she had gone ahead with the proposal, assuming her son would fulfil her wish.

“Mummy,” Arsalan continued, his voice filled with cold irritation, “agar main uske sath hasi mazak karta hoon toh sirf ek cousin ki haisiyat se, iska yeh hargiz matlab nahi ussey shadi karlu. Mera ek circle hai jisme Azrin jaisi larki ko toh kabhi introduce nahi kara sakta.”

(Just because I get along with her as a cousin doesn’t mean I want to marry her. I have my own social circle, and Azrin isn’t the type of girl I could ever introduce there.)

Those words pierced through her, sharper than any physical pain. She felt something inside her crack and then shattered completely. Her vision blurred, and for a moment, she couldn’t hear anything but the sound of her own heartbeat, pounding erratically in her ears.

She stumbled backward, her body feeling weak, her mind numb. Leaning against the wall for support. With trembling hands, she turned and walked away, every step heavier than the last. His words kept echoing in her mind, each one cutting deeper than the one before. Azrin jaisi larki.

What type of girl was she, then? Someone not good enough, not graceful enough, not educated enough. Someone who could be so easily discarded, so carelessly insulted by someone she thought she had known all her life.

If Arsalan didn’t want to marry her, he could have declined politely. It’s not like she had any expectations from him. But to insult her like that...