The night at the Chaudhry Haveli was rarely quiet. Even when the lanterns dimmed and the gates closed, whispers, laughter, and occasional quarrels lingered in the halls. But tonight, the air carried something sharper resentment.
The Aunts' Secret Meeting
After dinner, Begum Shahida, Begum Farzana, and Begum Sofia gathered in Shahida's room. The thick scent of attar filled the air, but their words were venomous.
Shahida spoke first, her voice trembling with anger."I can't bear it anymore. That girl humiliates my daughter every day. This is not about Ayesha's clothes anymore it's about control of this haveli. If Naeem continues like this, one day she'll dominate everything."
Farzana added bitterly,"Exactly. Our sons will be treated like servants while she parades around like a queen. Look at how even the servants praise her! She's poisoning everyone."
Sofia hesitated. She was softer than the other two, but jealousy clouded her too."But what can we do? Naeem won't listen to anyone."
Shahida's eyes hardened."Then Arsalan will. Tomorrow, we will confront him. This girl must be controlled or destroyed."
Unaware of the storm brewing, Ayesha was in her room, staring at her mother's photograph.
Ayesha's Solitude
The lamp cast a golden glow over her face as she traced her mother's features with her fingers.
"Ammi…" she whispered softly, her voice breaking. "They all hate me, but I don't know why. I wish you were here. Maybe then, I wouldn't feel like a stranger in my own home."
Just then, a knock interrupted her thoughts. Zara peeked in, followed by Hassan and Danish.
"We thought you might be lonely," Hassan said, holding a tray of tea.
Ayesha smiled faintly. "Lonely? Me? I'm the busiest person here everyone spends half their time talking about me."
The three laughed, but Ayesha's tone quickly softened."Still… it means a lot that you came."
They sat together, sipping tea. Danish teased,"You know, if you keep answering Hamza like this, he might actually faint one day."
Ayesha chuckled. "Good. That will be the first useful thing he's ever done."
Zara giggled so hard she nearly spilled her cup. Hassan watched Ayesha silently for a while. He admired how she carried herself bold, confident, but with an invisible weight in her eyes.
Finally, he said,"You're stronger than all of them, Ayesha. Don't let their jealousy make you doubt yourself."
For the first time that day, Ayesha felt warmth not from the tea, but from their sincerity.
The Confrontation in the Hall
The next evening, the plan was set. The entire family was called to the central hall. The chandeliers glowed brightly, but the atmosphere was heavy.
Chaudhry Arsalan sat at the head, his sons and daughters on one side, while Chaudhry Suleman and Chaudhry Mursaleen sat opposite. Naeem entered last, with Ayesha at his side.
Shahida stood, adjusting her dupatta, her eyes burning with anger."Bhai jaan, this cannot continue. We have been silent long enough. Naeem's daughter has crossed every limit her clothes, her attitude, her behavior in front of elders. This haveli has traditions, and she is destroying them!"
Farzana jumped in."Servants gossip about her, children copy her, and men, men outside talk about her beauty shamelessly. Is this the dignity of Chaudhry blood?"
Naeem's face darkened. "Enough!" he thundered. "You will not speak of my daughter like this."
Arsalan raised a hand, silencing the room."Naeem, no one questions your love for Ayesha. But Shahida and Farzana are not entirely wrong. Our family name must be protected. We live in a joint home. One spoiled child cannot risk our reputation."
Ayesha's hazel eyes blazed. She rose to her feet, her voice clear and unshaken."Spoiled? Because I wear what I like? Because I speak instead of staying silent? If confidence is a sin, then yes, I am guilty. But don't call me a disgrace I am more Chaudhry than those who hide behind fake honor."
Gasps filled the room. Sania smirked, whispering, "Now she'll get it."
But to everyone's shock, little Zara stood up. Her voice trembled but carried surprising strength."She is not a disgrace! Ayesha Baji is the only one who helps me, who cares for us. You all just hate her because she's brave."
The hall fell silent. Arsalan looked stunned. Naeem placed a proud hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"My Ayesha is my pride. And I will protect her, no matter what."
The Aftermath
The meeting ended in chaos. The aunts were furious, the cousins whispered angrily, and the servants quietly smiled to themselves. But in the shadows, Hamza clenched his fists.
"She humiliated us again… this time in front of everyone. She won't win forever."
And in his eyes flickered a dangerous spark.