CHAPTER 11
HAYAT POV:
Reflecting on recent events, I believe marriage might be better for me. I would have a new shoulder to lean on if he's supportive. If not, my life could become difficult. I need someone I can completely rely on. My father has been very strict lately, and I do not want to become the target of his anger over my mother's property.
It was already 6 pm on Tuesday when I arrived at Do Darya and looked for some racers. When I couldn't find any, I suddenly remembered it wasn't their race day. After some hesitation, I decided to drop a text.
"Came to Do Darya without knowing anyone would be racing. I got my new Mercedes G Wagon. I don't know much about its features and might need help learning how to drift. Are you free to help?" I texted him after deleting many drafts. I hesitated whether to be formal, casual, or not to text at all.
While waiting for his reply, I drove to the nearest club for some "me time." Just as I was about to enter, I received his message.
"Glad you messaged, Miss Hayat. I'd love to teach you a few things about my dream car. When shall we meet?" he asked.
I couldn't help but smile. He's such a bright, cheerful person. I would like to be friends with him, so I replied: "Whenever you're free, let me know the time and place. I'll be there." I smiled slightly and went into the club. After a drink or two of a Mint Margarita, I took a puff, trying to clear my mind.
It's been a long time since I came here, yet I haven't visited her grave, maybe because I'm guilty of my act, or maybe I don't have the strength to kill myself, seeing her not in front of me.
I made my way deep inside the club's VIP area and took a seat. The loud music and people dancing here and there freely were nothing new to me; I have been going to the clubs for three years now.
It's now not awkward for me to see boys and girls dancing and being touchy with each other, all these things never made me feel relieved yet I find this place the most reliable to go to after having a weird day, many things were going through my mind for days now, everything's going fine and same as usual but still some thoughts are roaming around my mind… thoughts about the bike accident, thoughts about the marriage, thoughts about my father and thoughts about the guy I saw at Do Darya.
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It's been a month since I started taking lessons from Ashar about my beautiful car. Everything's going fine between us; we act like wild animals, and the bonding we have developed is unbelievable.
Today I have a day off since he's going to his brother's company to attend a meeting... Getting bored, I took my laptop and started working on my secret something...
My fingers were sore, and my throat was dry. I looked at the time to see it was 6 pm already, stretching my hands and legs a little, I started collecting my hair to tie in a bun, taking off the coat, I corrected my shirt, and drove towards the nearest shop to buy myself some books.
Parking my car, I got out and went towards the Liberty Books shop, and started finding books. After my 2 hours of serious searching for my most "TBR" books, I paid for them and made my way home.
"Chachu, I'm home," I saw my uncle in the lounge, happily making my way to him. I found someone else sitting there too; my steps halted.
Father sat there looking all serious, " I want you to sign these papers and come with me to Islamabad," my father said, standing up, and throwing some papers towards me.
Why would he want me to go to Islamabad with him now, after four months of me being here? "What are these papers for, and why would I go with you?" I said, calming myself down, taking a second glance towards my people to see them standing by my side, I looked at my father, eye to eye.
"These are property papers. I want you to transfer all three properties your mother has given you to me now. I'm building a company for you, so I need these." He said without looking at me this time.
I knew very well that he was lying. The father who once called me a burden, who never once gave me the love I deserved, would build a company for me? No, I know he's lying, and I won't give him a penny after what he and his mother said about my dead mother.
"No, I won't give you any penny, father, leave!" I turned to my uncle, taking a deep breath, and I voiced out something I wasn't ready to say.
"Uncle, I'm ready for the marriage, and I will continue my studies too. I will be giving you guys a very hard time now, as I want you to send me off with Auntie in place of my parents."
My Chachu looked surprised and so happy that I couldn't help but smile myself. Chachi came forward and hugged me, "I'm so happy for you, and the respect you have given us." I hugged my pretty Auntie back, who was now shedding some happy tears.
Chachu turned around and walked out to call someone when I heard my father say, "You have decided to marry someone without my permission. I won't let you get married to anyone. I have already arranged your marriage!! You are coming with me to Islamabad, that's it!!"
He walked towards me when I too walked forward towards him, standing in front of him confidently stating my point, "I'll report against you, Mr. Ali Asghar, I won't go anywhere, and I will get married to whoever I want! You are no one to me but just a sperm donor," I walked out of the lounge while my hands were entangled with my aunt.
"Did I say anything wrong, Aunt?" I asked as soon as we entered my room, "No, not at all. You did well, mera bacha. I'm so happy and proud of you," she said and came forward, kissed my forehead, and walked out of the room. (Translation: my baby.)
I kept my books on the shelves and took out my night suit to change into. I was about to enter the washroom when I heard a knock.
"Chanda," I heard my aunt calling me, placing my clothes on the bed. I walked towards the door to see my aunt gesturing for me to come out of the room. Following her outside, I saw my uncle sitting on the couch, asking me to sit beside him. I looked up to see him forwarding a box towards me.
"You won't realize, but your mother was the only one I ever admired in my life. She was the strongest, boldest, yet kind and loving person. I shared a close bond with my Bhabhi (sister-in-law) when she was alive. She often wished for a daughter, and her wish came true when you arrived in this world..." he patted my head, his voice low and filled with sorrow.
"She shared some moments with you before she passed, but I was there to hold you after her, not my brother. That day, I lost one life but found another... I will never regret fighting for you with my family. Even if you're not my daughter, you are still my treasure, my little warrior. You have grown into such a beautiful and smart young girl that I can't believe how quickly time has flown." His eyes turned watery, yet he gave a soft smile to me.
"I want to tell you this: anytime, anywhere, you need me, I'll be there. I made a promise to my Bhabhi to give you all the property papers after your wedding, which she had kept hidden from my brother. Today, I will give you all the papers I've been taking care of for my Bhabhi and you."