Mayi Ri

Chapter 9

Fakhir is dragged inside their house. As he stumbles into the living room, Zaheer's frustration and concern boil over, leading to a harsh, echoing slap across Fakhir's face.

The sudden violence sends shockwaves through the room. Ainy, standing nearby, can't contain her gasp of disbelief, quickly covering her mouth in shock.

Sameena rushes in, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and worry. "What are you doing, Zaheer?"

"Ask your son why he left home without a word!" Zaheer says, his face red with anger. Fakhir stands there, his head hung low.

"Where... where did you go, Fakhir?" Sameena demands, her voice quivering. Fakhir remains silent.

"Why would he speak the truth? Let me tell you." Zaheer grabs Fakhir and begins to beat him. "He ran away from home to escape the wedding. He was planning to disgrace us!"

"Fakhir!" Amma exclaims, deeply distressed by the unfolding scene.

"Acha hua mere dost hai inspector usne ise pahchan liya aur mujhe call kiya. So raha tha railway station pey," Zaheer explains to the family.

"Sameena, have control over your son. If he does something like this again, then I am going to stop everything for him, his school, phone, his games, everything will come to an end," Zaheer declares sternly, making it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated again. Zaheer leaves the room.

Fakhir stands there, tears welling up in his eyes. His father's words weigh heavily on him. Sameena sighs. She gently touches Fakhir's cheek, her touch filled with warmth.

"Kyun bhag gaya tha, beta?"

"Aur kya karte, Amma? Socha bhagne se ye shadi rokega."

"Fakhir, I know it's difficult for you right now, but your father has his reasons, even if they don't align with your feelings. Sometimes, elders believe they know what's best for us."

Fakhir looks down, grappling with his emotions. "But Amma, it's my life, and I want to make my own choices. Ainy feels the same way. We're just not ready for this."

Sameena nods, understanding her son's perspective. "I know, Fakhir, and we will talk to your father about this. But running away isn't the solution. We need to find a way to communicate your feelings and concerns to him."

Fakhir lets out a deep breath, relieved that his mother is willing to support him. "Thank you, Amma. I don't want to hurt anyone, but I also want to make my own choices."

Sameena smiles tenderly. "We'll find a way, Fakhir, together. Promise me you won't do anything like this again. Running away only creates more problems."

Fakhir nods. "I promise, Amma. I won't run away again."

Fakhir and Ainy exchange glances, their faces reflecting a shared sense of sadness and resignation. It's clear that their plan to avoid the marriage has backfired. Despite Sameena's promise to talk to Zaheer, both Fakhir and Ainy understand that Zaheer is unlikely to listen to Sameena's pleas. The weight of their impending marriage and the lack of control over their own lives hangs heavily over them.

In the confines of his locked room, Fakhir battles with a tumultuous mix of emotions. His heart aches with a profound sadness, fueled by the realization that he couldn't successfully prevent the impending wedding. The weight of his own powerlessness bears down on him, manifesting as a searing anger.

The memory of his father's harsh slap lingers on his cheek, a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions. The physical pain mirrors the emotional turmoil within him. Fakhir grapples with a sense of injustice, questioning why his earnest plea for autonomy and happiness was met with violence.

As he sits alone in the dimly lit room, Fakhir contemplates the complexities of his situation. His anger at the circumstances is matched only by the sadness of not being able to make his own choices. He yearns for a resolution that doesn't come at the expense of his own dreams and desires, all while feeling the immense weight of familial expectations pressing down upon him.

Sameena and Zaheer sit in their room, a palpable tension between them. The argument about Fakhir and the wedding has escalated to a heated discussion.

Sameena, her voice laced with concern and frustration, implores, "Zaheer, we can't force Fakhir into this marriage. He's not ready for it, and Ainy is not ready either. We're making a huge mistake."

Zaheer, equally resolute, counters, "Sameena, we can't let Fakhir run away from his responsibilities. This wedding is essential for our family's honor and reputation. He'll understand its significance eventually."

Sameena's eyes fill with tears as she pleads, "But, Zaheer, forcing them into this will only bring misery. We need to consider their feelings. Don't you remember how we felt when we were married off without a choice?"

Zaheer, still firm in his stance, replies, "Times have changed, Sameena. We can't compare our situation to theirs. Fakhir will learn to accept his responsibilities as a husband. We can't let him ruin this."

The argument continues, with both Sameena and Zaheer deeply entrenched in their opposing viewpoints, neither willing to yield in this difficult and emotional conversation.

In her room, Ainy finds solace in the shadows, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Her heart aches with a profound sadness, a melancholy so deep that it seems to envelop her very being. She had hoped that their plan would set her free from a future she never desired, but instead, it had only brought more pain and chaos into their lives.

As the tears stain her pillow, Ainy reflects on the complexity of her emotions. She had yearned for a choice, a say in her own destiny, and had been willing to go to great lengths to attain it. Yet, the consequences of their actions weighed heavily on her heart. The turmoil within her family, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead left her feeling lost and despondent.

In the solitude of her room, Ainy grapples with the harsh reality that life doesn't always follow the script we wish for. She wishes for a glimmer of hope, a way to reconcile her desires with the expectations placed upon her. But for now, she finds solace in the tears, letting the waves of sadness wash over her as she seeks to find clarity in the midst of the storm.

Aisha, worried about the strained atmosphere in the house, decides to address the situation. She walks down the hallway and reaches Ainy's bedroom door. Aisha gently knocks, hoping to get her daughter's attention.

"Ainy, can I come in?" she calls out softly.

There's a moment of silence before Ainy responds, "Yes, Ammi."

Aisha opens the door and finds Ainy sitting on her bed, her face reflecting the turmoil within her. Aisha takes a seat beside her daughter, and they sit in silence for a moment.

"Ainy, I know this is a difficult time for you," Aisha begins, But I want you to remember something important. You may not have been able to stop the wedding, but you're not marrying a stranger. You're marrying Fakhir, someone you've known and grown up with your whole life."

Ainy sniffles, looking up at her mother through teary eyes. Aisha continues, "Fakhir is not like your father, Habeeb. He may have his quirks and flaws, but he's not a stranger to you. You've shared your childhood, your memories, and your laughter with him. In a way, that's a blessing. You're not alone in this."

Ainy listens, finding some comfort in her mother's words. Aisha sits beside her, offering a warm embrace. "I understand your frustration, but perhaps there's a way to find happiness even in this situation. You have a connection with Fakhir that many others might envy. And who knows, maybe with time, you'll both find a path that leads to your own kind of happiness."

As Aisha holds her daughter close, Ainy begins to see a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil, realizing that perhaps there's more to her future than she initially thought.

Fakhir stands on his balcony, gazing into the distance, lost in thought. Ainy quietly joins him, their eyes meeting briefly, sharing a fragile smile.

Fakhir breaks the silence, his voice filled with remorse, "I'm sorry, Ainy. It's all my fault. If I hadn't fallen asleep at the railway station, no one would have found me."

Ainy places a gentle hand on his arm, turning his attention toward her. "No, Fakhir. Please don't blame yourself. Perhaps there's a reason for all of this. Maybe Allah has a plan, one that doesn't involve you running away."

Fakhir's eyes, filled with uncertainty and regret, lock onto Ainy's. "So, it seems we're getting married then?"

Ainy meets his gaze with a solemn nod. "I believe so."

Fakhir's voice is tinged with uncertainty as he admits, "I don't know, Ainy, if I can ever be good to you, if I can be a good husband."

Ainy places a reassuring hand on his arm and replies softly, "Let's not dwell on that now. Let's not think about the roles we'll have to play after the nikkah. We'll figure it out together."

Saiqa walks over to Fakhir and Ainy, who are standing on the balcony with somber expressions. She places a hand on each of their shoulders, drawing them into a comforting embrace of wisdom.

"I can see that both of you are upset about the upcoming nikkah," Saiqa begins with a gentle smile. "I understand that it's a significant step in your lives, but I want to share something with you, my dear children."

Fakhir and Ainy look at Saiqa with curiosity and attention.

"I was married at the same age as Ainy, into a large family, to a man I barely knew," Saiqa continues, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "The people in my sasural were quite challenging. They made me do all the house chores, and still, they were not pleased with me."

She pauses for a moment, reminiscing about those trying times, and then continues, "During that tough period, my strength came from your pupha, Faraz. He was incredibly supportive, even sneaking chocolates for me as a small gesture of kindness. If it weren't for him, I might have left that house."

Fakhir and Ainy listen intently, absorbing Saiqa's words.

"But look at us now," Saiqa says, her eyes filled with love and nostalgia. "We are happy. Ainy, Fakhir, you've known each other from childhood. You understand each other. You're not marrying strangers; you're marrying each other."

She gives both of them a reassuring squeeze on their shoulders. "Remember, a strong marriage is built on trust and support. Support each other, like your pupha supported me. Lean on one another, and you'll find your way through any challenges that come your way."

Fakhir and Ainy exchange a glance, and Saiqa's words begin to sink in. They realize that, despite the circumstances, they have a foundation of friendship and understanding that many couples may not have.

Next morning, Saiqa approaches her brother, Zaheer, to discuss her children's education. With a concerned but hopeful tone, she begins, "Zaheer, I've been thinking about Arsal and Areeba's education. Since they've come back from abroad, they've been out of school, and it's time we enroll them."

Zaheer nods in agreement, recognizing the importance of education. "You're right, Saiqa. We shouldn't delay their schooling any longer. Do you have any specific school in mind?"

Faraz, Saiqa's husband, who has been listening to the conversation, speaks up, "I was thinking, why not enroll them in Fakhir's school? It's a good institution, and they can join with their cousin. It might make the transition smoother for them."

Saiqa considers the suggestion, then turns to Zaheer, "What do you think, Zaheer? It's an excellent school, and the kids will have family there as well."

Zaheer agrees, "That sounds like a good idea. Let's go ahead and enroll them in Fakhir's school. We'll speak with the school administration and get the process started."

Faraz and Saiqa exchange grateful glances, relieved that they've reached a decision about their children's education.