Mine to Cherish

Last

Next days came and went in a blur with Eezad and Soniya ignoring each other while Asher was the happiest person on Earth. They would only talk to each other when Asher was with them to make Asher feel content. Soniya was fearing that Eezad would take Asher away from her while Eezad's mind was filled with all kind of thoughts about Soniya. Both of their hearts were at a war.

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Next day a woman came to their Haveli and was talking to Bibi Jaana about Soniya.

"What a beautiful and obedient girl she is. After facing all the hardships with a strong heart,she stills meets everyone with a smile. May Allah bless her!"

Bibi Jaana  smiled and said,

" My Soniya has suffered a lot. Mother died during childbirth. Her father never came to claim her. She was an unloved child even before birth. My Ehtisam took her in and got her to love everyone with her heart. But Allah gave her another shock when he also died. I have seen her crave for love. Even Eezad left her after her first night. The only one she has got left is Asher . I don't know what fate helds for her but all our prayers are for her."

Eezad stood in the corner listening to her. He couldn't utter a word. He thought he was the only one suffering while Soniya suffered more than him but still stood up high. He felt guilty over last night where he threatened her to take away Asher. Now was the time to make it up for. His heart was determined to show her true love.

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"Asher let's go for ice cream. Don't you want it?"

Eezad said to Asher who was playing with Eezad sitting in his lap. On hearing the word Ice cream, Asher jumped up with joy.

"Yes baba I want it but...."

"But what baby?"

Eezad inquired.

"Mama won't allow it. She says I get ill with it and it will harm me."

Asher said sadly.

"That's not a problem. We will take mama with us as well. Why Soniya?"

Eezad said as he saw Soniya entering the tv lounge.

Soniya was startled. She didn't know what to do. All she knew was that Eezad was a rude person to her. The way he was showing love was a new thing for her.

"Yes?"

"We are going to get ice cream. Won't you come along as well?"

Eezad said as he beckoned towards Asher as if Asher was the mere reason for her going.

Soniya saw happiness on Asher's face and couldn't deny going with them. Eezad's face lightened up as he thought he would make up to her during the journey.

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The journey was a quiet one with Asher talking constantly to Eezad and Eezad replying with a bright smile. They got back with Asher sleeping in Soniya's arms and Eezad trailing behind.

"Take him to Bibi Jaana's room and you come to my room I have to talk to you."

Eezad said and went to his room.

Soniya stood dumbfounded as she feared upon the moments coming ahead. She hesitantly took Asher to Bibi's room and with a trembling steps came to Eezad's room.

Eezad was standing in front of the mirror in trouser shirt with comb in his hands. Just as he saw Soniya entering he placed the comb on the table and came towards her.

She started shaking as Eezad passed her and locked the door.

"Soniya idhar aao."

(Soniya come here.)

He gestured her to sit on the sofa. Soniya came and sat on the far end. Eezad sighed and started.

"Soniya I know I have done bad to you. Even if I ask forgiveness of you for a hundred years it would not be enough. My hate ruined your life. You know I was a lonely child. My mother died and my father abandoned me. His love for my mother was greater than his love for me. I hated her since i gained some sense. My grandparents raised me well but there was a void in me since always. When my father returned I expected him to love me and cherish me but he brought another child with him. I was envious of you without even knowing about you. I grew up still feeling cold about you and my father. I don't know what overcame me on that night but I could not control myself as I saw you sitting on my bed being my father's decision for me."

Eezad cried as he spoke. Soniya was stunned as she heard him. Her mind could not comprehend what to say. She has seen for the first time such a vulnerable Eezad.

"My father was given back to me and my Allah took him back away. I was shocked to the core. You don't know how I passes those years in foreign. Searching for my father in every person. I came back and saw Asher and I could see my childhood in him. I am sorry I threatened you to take him away. My anger took over my mind and it was just in the spur of the moment."

Eezad was now on his knees asking for forgiveness. Soniya's cheeks glistened with tears.

"I am sorry. I am sorry. Please forgive me. If you say I will go and never come back. Asher is yours and will stay like that forever. I would not meddle in your affairs. Just please for Allah's sake forgive me."

Eezad cried out and folded his hands. Soniya being the warm hearted person hugged him instantly and soothed him. Eezad put his head on her chest and cried his heart out. Both were crying in the moonlight but their hearts were beating for each other.

**************

As Eezad became silent, he separated from Soniya and cleaned his nose. His face was a total mess with runny nose and puffy eyes. Soniya saw him and gave out a chuckle. Eezad heard the chuckle and looked at her. He smiled on seeing her happy face.

"Have you forgiven me?"

Eezad asked making an innocent face.

"Yes I have. You know, I never hated you. I knew about your circumstances. I knew your condition. I may have feared but now i think about it I never hated you. And Mr. Eezad if you think about leaving me and Asher alone again, I promise I'll break your bones."

Soniya said with a content grin on her face.

Eezad felt light as he heard her words. He laughed whole-heartedly at her last words and hugged her in an instant. Soniya gave in and hugged him back. Both were happy at their own places.

Eezad pulled back and looked at Soniya.

"Kya ab ijazat hai?"

(Do I have your permission now?)

Eezad said while eyeing her lips. Soniya felt shy under his gaze but nodded. Eezad took it as a sign and kissed her softly pouring all his emotions in the kiss. Soniya kissed him back. Both were in the world of their own.

The kiss that had started off as innocent turned wild, as Eezad took her to bed. Eezad stoped kissing and looked at Soniya. Soniya looked up as she missed the warmth.

Soniya blushed. Both their bodies moulded into each other as the got upto the highest level of ecstacy.

And just like that an abnormal love story ended but life continued whatsoever with its ups and downs.

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