Mayi Ri

Chapter 10

Zaheer's knock on Aisha's door grabs her attention. She opens it and greets him, "Please come in, Zaheer bhai."

"I want to discuss something important with you," he says.

Aisha listens attentively, curious about what's on her brother's mind.

"I've been thinking," Zaheer begins, "now that Arsal and Areeba have enrolled in Fakhir's school, I thought why not enroll Ainy and Faiza as well. It might be better for them to be together."

Aisha, concerned about the financial aspect, raises the issue, "But bhai, the school fees... I'm not sure if you should take on more responsibility, especially for Habeeb's children."

Zaheer, looking resolute, responds, "Aisha, Habeeb's kids are also my responsibility. Let's plan to enroll them next year, and we'll manage the expenses. It's important for them to receive a good education and have the support of their cousins at the same school."

Aisha, recognizing her brother's genuine concern for the children, nods in agreement.

In the quiet moments of the day, Ainy and Faiza find a chance to talk in private. Ainy, with a thoughtful expression, leans in closer to her younger sister.

"Faiza, I've been thinking about something important," she begins. "I think it's time I talk to Fakhir about the 'rukhsati'."

Faiza looks at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. "What do you mean, Ainy? Why would you talk about that now?"

Ainy explains, "Well, I believe that I should let Fakhir know my wishes. We both want to complete our studies before anything else, right? I think it's essential that I talk to him about delaying the 'rukhsati' until we finish our education."

Faiza listens thoughtfully, understanding her sister's point. "You might be right, Ainy. But how do you bring it up, especially to Bare Abbu? He has his own plans, and he might not agree with you."

Ainy replies with determination, "I think I should discuss it with Fakhir first, make him understand my perspective. Then, we can talk to Bare Abbu together. It's our future, Faiza, and we should have a say in it."

Faiza, realizing the importance of their education and having a say in their own lives, nods in agreement. "You're right, Ainy. Let's talk to Fakhir first and see how he feels about it. We'll find a way to explain it to Bare Abbu together."

Ainy stands at Fakhir's door, hesitating for a moment, then raps her knuckles against the wood. The door swings open, and Fakhir peers out.

Fakhir raises an eyebrow, "I thought it was Ammi." He moves away from the door, and Ainy takes the opportunity to enter, settling on his bed.

"I have a plan," she announces, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Fakhir, intrigued, responds cautiously, "No more plans, Ainy. I don't want to get beaten up again."

Ainy leans forward, her voice low, "Trust me, Fakhir. We're not going against Bare Abbu's plan. We're just going to ask him to postpone the rukhsati."

Fakhir considers for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hmmm... I think this plan might work."

Ainy grins, pleased with Fakhir's response. "Great! So here's the plan. We'll talk to Bare Abbu together, explain our situation, and request that he postpones the rukhsati until we've completed our studies. It's a reasonable request, right?"

Fakhir nods, "It does sound reasonable. But we'll need to be persuasive, Ainy. And we have to make sure we show him we're responsible enough to handle our studies and marriage at the same time."

Ainy agrees, "Exactly. We'll promise to focus on our studies and assure him that we'll fulfill all our responsibilities. And, who knows, with time, he might come around to our point of view."

Ainy and Fakhir walk together to Zaheer's room, their hearts pounding with anticipation. They arrive at the door and exchange a quick, nervous glance before Fakhir knocks gently.

Zaheer's voice calls them in, "Come in."

They enter the room, where Zaheer is sitting at his desk, engrossed in some paperwork.

"Bare Abbu," Ainy begins, her voice filled with respect, "we wanted to talk to you about something important."

Zaheer looks up from his work, his expression curious. "Of course, Ainy. What's on your mind?"

Ainy and Fakhir exchange another glance, reassuring each other. Then, they take a deep breath and start explaining their plan.

"Baba," Fakhir begins, "we understand the importance of our nikkah and the responsibilities it carries. We're not trying to go against your wishes, but we'd like to discuss the timing of the rukhsati."

Ainy continues, "We both want to fulfill our educational aspirations, which we believe will benefit not only us but our future together as well. We request your understanding in allowing us to complete our studies before the rukhsati."

Zaheer is taken aback, and he sits in thought for a moment. Then he asks, "But why? Why do you need to postpone the Rukhsati?"

Fakhir responds, "We are not against this nikkah, Baba, but we believe that our education is equally crucial. It would be challenging for us to focus on our studies while starting a new life together."

Ainy adds, "We promise to abide by all the commitments and responsibilities of this nikkah. We just ask for some time to prepare ourselves for our married life and ensure we can fulfill all our obligations."

Zaheer leans back in his chair, contemplating their words. He finally speaks, "I appreciate your honesty, Fakhir and Ainy. Your education is indeed important. Let me think about this. I will discuss it with Amma and consider what's best for both of you."

Fakhir and Ainy exchange a hopeful glance, grateful for their respectful conversation with Zaheer.

After leaving Zaheer's room, Fakhir and Ainy share a high-five.

"Thank God! At least he listened to us," Fakhir says with relief.

"Let's pray that Daadi also agrees to it," Ainy adds, their optimism shining through. They understand that this is just the first step, and there are still more discussions to come.

Zaheer enters his mother's room. Amma warmly welcomes Zaheer into her room, and he takes a seat beside her.

"Ainy and Fakhir came to see me, Amma," Zaheer begins.

Amma, ever ready for family drama, raises an intrigued eyebrow. "What new story have they brought now?"

Zaheer leans closer, sharing the details, "No, Amma. They simply want to request a postponement of their rukhsati, until their studies are completed."

Amma's curiosity deepens. "I see. But why do they want that?"

Zaheer continues, thoughtfully, "Anyway, Amma, Ainy lives in this house. Whether the rukhsati happens or not, she's here. I thought it might be a good idea to delay it until at least Fakhir turns 18. I want him to take on more responsibility in our family business. If we pressure him too much, I fear he might consider another escape. Who knows, this time he might take Ainy with him."

"Sahi kah rahe ho tum," Amma says considering the situation. She understands that Fakhir and Ainy need some time to mature and adapt to the responsibilities of married life. This approach might indeed be the key to a more stable and successful future for both of them.

"Fakhir, how many times do I have to explain this to you?" Ainy, looking a bit exasperated, gives Fakhir a gentle tap on the head. They've been studying together, and Ainy is trying to help Fakhir with his math problems, which he's struggling to grasp. In response, Fakhir tugs at Ainy's hair, saying, "If I'm not getting it, what should I do then?"

"Kya matlab 'not getting it'? Rocket science to nahi hai," Ainy retorts with a hint of irritation.

Fakhir puts on a cute puppy face. "Dobara samjha do."

Ainy reluctantly gives in. "This is the last time, Fakhir. Pay attention."

Faiza, witnessing their back-and-forth, playfully interjects, "How will you two manage to live together for a lifetime if you keep arguing like this?"

Ainy adds, "You should ask this question to bare abbu. He's the one who thinks that we can live together for eternity."

Arsal and Areeba can't help but chuckle at the playful banter. Faiza makes an annoying face at Ainy, who responds with a good-natured grin. Fakhir joins in the laughter. Their group laugh fills the room, creating a joyful atmosphere amidst the chaos.