Kissa

"Not Yet,, Father"

*Kissa*

*Chapter #7: "Not Yet, Father"*

Ali picked up his files and stood up to leave for the office. Haris stopped him at the door. "Ali, wait. I need to talk to you right now."

Ali paused and looked back at him. "Tell me, Haris. What is so important?"

Haris stood up slowly. He placed his hand on Ali's shoulder and took him outside. Both of them stopped near the garden wall, away from everyone.

I was watching from the window. I could not hear their words clearly. But Haris looked strict and serious. Ali looked worried and stressed. Sweat appeared on his forehead. He kept clearing his throat again and again.

I sat back down on my chair. I would know in the evening anyway. There was no point in worrying about it now.

Noor was already sitting in the lounge. She looked at me at once. "Kissa, what happened? Why does your face look so dull?"

I shrugged my shoulders casually. "Nothing, Noor. Just another scene playing out today. Let's wait for the climax."

Noor smiled a little. "You always turn every small thing into a movie, Kissa. That is your talent."

Then Dad's voice came from the hallway. "Kissa, come to my room for a minute."

I stood up immediately and went straight to Dad's room. Mom was already sitting there. Both of their faces were serious and silent.

Dad removed his glasses and placed them carefully on the table. "Kissa, sit down. Khwaja Alam called again this morning. He is asking for a final answer now."

I lowered my head respectfully and sat down. "Dad, I understand your position. But I will give the answer myself and I cannot give any answer about this right now."

Dad folded his hands and looked at me. "Daughter, time is passing quickly. Every family has expectations. A decision cannot be delayed like this forever."

I kept my voice soft but strong. "Dad, I respect your words and your experience completely. But my final year exams are near. I cannot afford any distraction now."

Dad took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. "Kissa, life does not wait for degrees or plans. Everything has its own time and its own deadline."

I joined my hands politely. "Dad, I promise you this. I will make my decision after careful thought. I will consult you first before anything else. Just give me some time."

Dad nodded slowly but remained silent. I stood up and left the room quietly.

Noor was waiting near my door. She had heard everything from outside. I went straight to my room and closed the door behind me.

After a minute there was a soft knock. "Kissa, open the door. It is me."

I opened the door and let Noor come inside. She sat on my bed and looked at me closely. There was concern in her eyes and support too.

I spoke directly without hiding anything. "Noor, the drama ends here for me. I will not make any decision under pressure from anyone."

Noor listened carefully. "You are right, Kissa. But people will keep asking questions. They will keep calling and keep asking you for answers."

I smiled a little. "Let them ask, Noor. I will answer with respect but on my terms. My life, my rules, my timing."

Noor clapped softly. "Wow, Kissa. That was the perfect reply. I wish I could speak like you in difficult moments."

I sat beside her on the bed. "Strength and manners always go together. Anger breaks bridges. But logic builds respect. That is how we win without fighting."

Noor asked, "So what is the plan now, boss? What will you do next?"

I winked at her. "The plan is simple and clear. Top my final year first. Everything else will fall in line after that."

Noor laughed. "And if anyone crosses your line?"

I replied in a calm tone. "Anyone who crosses the line, I will handle in my own way. With respect, but without fear."

*EVENING*

After sunset prayers, Ali came back home from work. I was watching from the window again. As a child I used to run to Ali when I felt scared.

Now I do not feel fear anymore. Now I ask questions and find my own answers.

Ali was standing near the stairs talking to Noor. Noor said quietly, "Uncle talked to Kissa about marriage again today. khwajah Uncle must have called again for an answer."

Ali asked, "Where is Kissa now?"

"She is in her room, brother. She locked the door."

Ali's face turned hard for one second. He took a deep breath and then spoke. "Noor, give Kissa my message."

Noor looked at him. "What message should I give, Ali?"

Ali said with clear eyes. "Tell her the key to every decision is only with her. No matter how much noise the world makes, the lock stays in her hand."

Ali made his tone firm. "And tell her I will not become a shield in her war. I will stand beside her as her partner."

Noor nodded. "She is not weak, Ali. She does not need protection. She needs respect. She needs space."

Ali looked toward my room. He took one step forward, then stopped at his place. "When she comes herself, then we will talk. There is no question of force."

Ali said with firm belief. "And when she asks, I will not hide the answer. I will place the truth in front of her, without any hesitation."

I was hearing all of this from inside. My heart said, get up and go talk to him now. My mind said, wait and stay calm.

I listened to my mind and stayed in my room. But I still had to clear the morning matter. What tension was going on between Haris and Ali this morning?

I stood up and walked straight to Ali's room. I knocked twice on the wooden door. A voice came from inside, "Come in, the door is open."

I opened the door slowly. Ali was sitting on the chair and his laptop was closed. He looked up and saw me standing there.

I stood right in front of him. Our eyes met for one second.

I said, "Ali..."

*To be continued.....