Until Death

Chapter 03 — Family Discord

Ayesha couldn't help but smile in secret, realizing at last that she had a chance to see her dream come true – to marry a wealthy and charming man.

" Aunt Meera, I'm so happy to hear this news. I'm ready to enthusiastically participate in this competition because I'm sure I can charm this heir ! " she exclaimed with excitement.

Meera smiled warmly and replied,

" My dear Ayesha, you are absolutely right. With your beauty and exceptional talents, you have a great chance of winning the heart of this affluent young man."

Ayesha widened her smile further, feeling encouraged. However, Fatima also wore a flattering smile, proud of the compliments directed at her daughter. She was about to express her point of view when suddenly, the grandmother, Latifa, intervened abruptly with a firm voice.

" It's out of the question ! None of my granddaughters will participate in this charade. It's unacceptable ! " she declared, her face red with anger as she stared at Fatima.

" How can you even consider such a thing? These wealthy heirs are only looking for trophies, not genuine wives."

" The Khan family may be very rich, but our daughters have values and dignity. I categorically refuse to let them be humiliated and reduced to mere objects displayed before these wealthy individuals ! " she insisted with determination.

A surprised silence filled the room. Ayesha looked upset, while Fatima tried to soothe Latifa, saying,

" Mom, calm down. Meera just wanted to inform us about this opportunity."

However, Latifa remained unconvinced and interrupted Fatima once again,

" No, it's a very bad idea ! I know these wealthy families well. They are haughty and arrogant. They only see appearance and money. I refuse to let Saba and Ayesha be involved in this superficiality ! "

" This discussion is closed. My granddaughters will stay away from these matrimonial trivialities. End of story ! " she concluded firmly.

Meera immediately felt embarrassed and very ashamed after Latifa's reaction. She clasped her hands, lowering her head, no longer daring to look Latifa in the eyes.

" I... I'm deeply sorry, Grandma Latifa. I didn't mean to offend anyone with this proposal," she stammered with a trembling voice.

Latifa remained silent, her face still stern. Meera continued,

" I've been impudent, and I sincerely apologize. However, allow me to take my leave now."

And she turned to Fatima, looking apologetic.

" Fatima, I'm truly sorry for this misunderstanding. I better head home now. Thank you so much for your kindness."

Fatima gently smiled at her friend.

" Don't worry, Meera. You're always welcome here. Have a safe journey home and a pleasant evening."

Meera nodded appreciatively. Then, she respectfully approached Latifa.

" Grandma, may I have your blessing before I leave ? " she asked in a soft voice.

Latifa remained silent for a moment, then her face softened. She placed a wrinkled hand on Meera's head.

" May God guide and protect you, my child. Go in peace," declared the grandmother wisely.

Meera closed her eyes for a moment, relieved to have received Latifa's blessing. She gracefully stood up, bid the family farewell one last time, and left the room at a slow pace.

The entrance door closed gently behind her, and immediately, Ayesha began to sulk loudly. She crossed her arms and displayed a displeased pout.

" It's unfair ! Grandma, you're too conservative. Why are you opposing this wonderful opportunity for Saba and me? You simply don't want to see us happy ! " exclaimed Ayesha insolently.

Latifa furrowed her brow, outraged by her granddaughter's lack of respect.

" Shut up ! Do you dare speak such words in my presence? I won't tolerate this insolence ! " retorted the grandmother sternly.

But Ayesha, stubborn and irate, ignored Latifa's reprimands. She continued on her tirade, her face reddened with rage.

" Grandma, you're just jealous of our youth and beauty ! You can't stand the idea of Saba and me marrying wealthy heirs ! "

Fatima couldn't take it anymore. She abruptly stood up, casting a reproachful black look at her daughter. Without a word, she left the living room quickly and sought refuge in her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Latifa was outraged. Hands trembling with anger, she pointed an accusing finger at Ayesha.

" Ungrateful and ill-mannered girl ! May you never find happiness in your married life ! " the grandmother uttered in a quavering voice.

But Ayesha, blinded by arrogance, wasn't intimidated.

" Your curses won't affect me, old fool ! It's you who will reap unhappiness for your pettiness! " she spat out maliciously.

With these words, she turned on her heels and angrily left the living room, leaving her grandmother Latifa alone and trembling with sorrow. Tears streamed down the grandmother's wrinkled cheeks. She looked up to the sky and clasped her hands.

" My God, guide this wayward child and open her heart to wisdom. Protect our family from discord..." she softly prayed.

After that, she sadly returned to her room.

[ THE NEXT MORNING ]

Before sunrise, Saba awoke silently. She quickly donned her blue and white cotton sari, securing her long black hair in a tight braid.

Heading to the inner courtyard, she grabbed a copper bucket and began drawing fresh water, humming a traditional tune. In a radiant mood, she already forgot the previous day's disagreement with her mother, Fatima.

Once her bucket was filled, she carefully carried it inside, pouring water into various containers. Then, she took a clean cloth and began cleaning the floor.

" I must ensure there's no trace of dirt," she thought, vigorously scrubbing the tiled floor.

With a feather duster, she meticulously inspected every corner of the house, dusting the numerous Hindu figurines adorning the space. Afterward, she carefully rearranged the embroidered curtains and tablecloths.

After an hour of diligent work, Saba let out a sigh of relief, leaning against the wall.

" Finally, it's done," she exclaimed, wiping the sweat from her forehead with a swift motion.

A gentle smile lit up her face, and suddenly, the sun appeared on the horizon, flooding the house with a golden and warm light.

It was at this moment that Fatima entered the hallway.

" Mom ! " Saba exclaimed joyfully, rushing towards her and joining her hands in a sign of respect to greet her.

Fatima responded tenderly to her daughter's gesture. Then, taking Saba in her arms, she held her tightly.

" My dear, I apologize for yesterday," Fatima said with an emotional voice.

" I needlessly worried, and I unjustly accused you. You deserve much better than my anger."

Touched to the core, Saba gently placed her hand on her mother's.

" You don't have to apologize, Mom. You acted out of love and to protect our honor. You have nothing to reproach yourself for."

These words brought tears to Fatima's eyes.

" Saba ! Your wisdom fills me with pride. May you be blessed with all graces," Fatima said, embracing her daughter again.

Saba smiled, happy to see harmony restored between her and her mother.

Suddenly, Fatima pulled away from Saba, looked at her tenderly for a few seconds, and declared:

" Saba, today, let me help you in the kitchen. You do everything at home; it's time I share this task."

Saba modestly replied,

" Mom, you don't have to tire yourself for me. I'm happy to cook."

But Fatima insisted,

" I want to, my daughter. Go do some shopping; I'll have the meal ready by the time you're back."

Then, after a thoughtful pause, Fatima added with excitement:

" Oh, by the way... before going to the market, could you also stop by the tailor to pick up my new saris? I can't wait to try them on."

Saba understood her mother's plan and accepted with an affectionate smile,

" Of course, Mom. I'll visit the tailor after my errands."

As she prepared to leave the room, Saba encountered her grandmother Latifa, slowly entering with crutches.

Respecting her, Saba approached, joining her hands and gently bowing, saying,

" Namaste, Grandma ! " to greet her grandmother.

Seeing Latifa struggling to walk, Saba positioned herself delicately by her side and helped her reach a comfortable chair in the living room.

Latifa smiled at her with gratitude, placing her wrinkled hand on her granddaughter's head, declaring tenderly :

" God bless you, my dear Saba. May you be filled with happiness, health, and prosperity, as you honor our family with your kindness and wisdom."

Touched by these affectionate words, Saba closed her eyes.

" Thank you, Grandma. Your words deeply move me," she replied humbly.

Then, Saba left the house, light-hearted, ready to face her day.

[ 45 MINUTES LATER ]

Saba, having arrived at a bustling little market in Dharavi, navigated through colorful stalls overflowing with exotic fruits and various goods.

Her basket filled gradually with each purchase. The vibrant colors of fabrics and the scents of spices created a lively atmosphere.

As she approached a fish stall, a male voice interrupted the surrounding hubbub. A hand gently rested on Saba's shoulder. Startled, she turned around to find Ahmed KHAN behind her. This time, Ahmed was calm, greeting her warmly.

" Hello, Miss," he began.

" Allow me to cover your purchases," Ahmed added, handing money to the seller.

Cautious and fueled by past indignation, Saba slapped Ahmed determinedly. A heavy silence fell over the market as curious gazes turned towards them.

" Never dare to touch me again. I refuse your money ; I will settle the payment myself," she declared firmly.