"When a bud blooms in the garden's embrace,
My tears hold the dew of that very place.
The heavens stir with a mighty roar,
Restless is my being, forevermore.
My eyes crave for their own light's sight,
Where has the sun risen, where is the morning light?
Through paths parted, we once did tread,
At each step, a lost memory we thread.
A lifetime narrated, yet incomplete the tale,
In just two days, our story did prevail.
Do not force laughter upon our plight,
Interpret our state, it's written in our sight.
Let us find somewhere to share our plea,
'Jalib', this ghazal, for those who'd listen to me."
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24th August 20**
It was her 18th birthday. They had planned a great dinner party for youngsters. She was feeling herself a happiest person in the world . It was after a long time she was gonna celebrate it.
It was her special day. She was wearing princess gown and hair, now till shoulder blades, were simply twisted into small strands into braids and tied them with rubber bands on both sides of her head, wearing white shoes. Yeah! She was not the one of those girls who love wearing heels and sandals.
Descending the stairs, she smiled at him, who was stunned to see her. 'She really was a woman now.' He smiled with teary eyes seeing her. She was a little girl playing games and reading storybooks all the time. She was grown up.
She reached him.
"Thank you for being here for me today." She thanked him nonchalantly setting her large dupatta on her right shoulder.
He was dressed in black suit with purple tie and white shirt. His dark hair set with gel. He was handsome as always.
"You're welcome. It's my duty to be here for you." He said placing his right hand on his chest and bowing a little to show honor. Then he gestured toward the outside. She moved to the door holding her frock from both sides.
Appiah and Sufiyan were in his car waiting for them. Elders were not going out so they were resting in their rooms.
Safi gazed at them. He thought that They were making a great couple. He noticed her sister's discomfort while eyeing them together, he averted his eyes to his phone and started playing with it. Both were sitting in the back. He was feeling distressed and sad as both were related to him. One was his sister and other, his best friend, although they were TOM AND JERRY of their family.
Hisham opened front door of his car for her and gestured her to sit in the front seat. He kept his hand a little above her head so she couldn't get hurt. As she took her seat, he bent to fix her dress and closed the door carefully.
Then he took driving seat and started the car. Watchman opened gate for them. With a screeching sound car rolled over the driveway and left the house gate.
☆☆☆☆☆
They cut birthday cake and then did dinner with a happy mood. Amy was talking continously, passing comments on different people and enjoying her favorite lasagne. Hisham, after the dinner, wore her a pendent, with her name engraved on the blue gemstone as a birthdaygift. She was too much happy to receive it.
Safi and Appiah gave her her favorite converse and GUCCI bloom with a floral elegant fragrance. She liked her gifts.
As she wanted to go for playland after dinner and gifts, Hisham took her. Appiah and Safi refused as they were not in the mood. They were enjoying different games.
Amy was laughing and giggling in his company. They were playing video games and competing. Hisham was continuously losing. He never had lost any game but now he was. Zainab knew he was doing it for Amy, to make her elated.
Safi and Appiah observed them for some Time then left.
"You should be happy for her. She's our little sister." Safi said after a long time silence. Both were now at an ice-cream parlour taking their orders.
"Why you saying that?" She asked, calmed as sea. He frowned upon her tone taking his cup from the man there. They took seat there.
"I know, you like him. But he loves Amy. We can't do anything about the matter. She's our cousin, sister." He tried to explain.
"No. 1; she's not our sister. Sister are the only blood related ones.
No. 2; I don't like Hisham.... let me say .. I don't like him, I love him.
No. 3; I can do anything to make him mine." She said in a fierce tone not letting him say anything as he tried in the mid. It took his breath away.
He was looking at her in bewilderment. 'When did she become that toxic person? Or he was blind that he couldn't see her real face.' 'Was it his sister who was always there to help anyone.' He couldn't recognize her anymore. Just by the time Iman came with Hisham trailing behind her. He was carrying a few plushies they won at the gamestop.
"Come on, you didn't even tell us you're going for icecream " she was being mad, taking a scoop from his cup.
"You were enjoying it in Hisham's company so we didn't think 'bout it." Zainab said smiling at her. Safi was looking at his sister in confusion.
'What's her intentions?' He was thinking hardly.
"You know girls can't refuse an ice cream."
"Oh! I forgot." She said in a sorry tone. Now she was laughing and talking and both were sharing her icecream.
When they were finished ,they headed for home as it was late.
☆☆☆☆☆
All those people were sitting in the drawing room at that time. There was complete silence. The atmosphere was suffocating even in the presence of so many people. They were unable to break that silence.
"She is our blood ---- the offspring of our daughter. We can take her with us." The old man said sternly, straightening his mustaches with his hand. He had a dangerous look on his face.