Chapter 14: The Wheel of Maqafat-e-Amaal
Written by: Ishrat Zahid
The silent hospital room was filled only with the rhythmic beeping of machines. Shamaa Begum, who once ruled the house with her commanding voice, lay lifeless on the bed like a statue. According to the doctors, she now needed a full-time nurse, a physiotherapist, and above all, the presence of a loved one to recover from the trauma. She had regained consciousness, but the effects of paralysis were visible on her face, leaving her unable to speak. What a twist of fate! The same Shama Begum, before whom no one dared to speak, was now a picture of helplessness, watching everyone in silence. Nature had settled the accounts for the injustice done to Nosheen and Shanze in this very world.
The doctors advised Arsalan, "Arsalan Sahib, take her home. Recovery is faster among loved ones." For Arsalan, this was a difficult test. Where would he find "loved ones"? Those he considered his own turned out to be snakes in the grass, and the true companion God had given him, he had lost by his own hands. Farhan, like a true friend, stood by him and arranged for a professional nurse to stay with Shama Begum day and night.
Back at home, Arsalan felt Shanze's absence deeply in the silence. He realized why an educated and virtuous wife and mother is essential—someone who teaches humanity rather than politics. He wanted a mother like Shanze for his children, not like his own mother or sisters, where there was only manipulation and no respect or etiquette.
Meanwhile, another accident occurred. Arifa, who was indifferent to her mother's illness, fell down the same stairs from which she had once pushed Nosheen. Her leg was fractured, and she was writhing in pain. When Arsalan called Jamila Aapa for help, she flatly refused: "Arsalan, I can't come every day; Afzal doesn't like it." While Arsalan was still grappling with these troubles, Jamila Aapa called again, crying, "Arsalan! Afzal has had a terrible accident. He is in the hospital; please pray for him." Hearing this, Arifa grew even more terrified, convinced that the time of reckoning had begun for everyone.
The next day, Arsalan reached Shanze's house. Shanze remained silent upon seeing him. Her mind was torn—on one hand was her father's health, which could worsen with any mental stress, and on the other was her own shattered trust. Mentally, she was not ready to go back with Arsalan. He had broken her pride and wounded her self-respect. She wanted her next step to be well-thought-out, not a mistake made in haste.
Shanze looked at Arsalan with tearful eyes and thought to herself, "My companion, my kind one, what should I call you? Tell me... My life, what should I say to you? Heal the grievances I have. I am someone's hope to live; I am someone's peace of heart. What did you gain, my companion, my kind one?" Myself to trust you again. For now, I must stay with Baba. I will inform you. I too have the right to make decisions about my life," Shanze said in a firm tone.
Arsalan lowered his head in shame. "Of course, Shanze! Take as much time as you need. I am ashamed of my behavior. Just give me one chance; I will wait for your answer. Well... I should leave now. Can I meet Uncle? I heard about his health and was worried." Shanze nodded and said, "I will let you meet him."
Shanze peeked into her father's room and saw he was awake. Hammad Sahib called out, "Come in, Shanze. Why are you standing at the door?" Shanze entered and said, "Baba! Arsalan is here to ask about your health. Should I call him in?" Hammad Sahib replied, "Is that even a question? Why keep him waiting outside? Bring him in and arrange for tea. Tell Jannat Bi to serve him a good cup of tea."
Hearing this, Arsalan's guilt deepened. He had always responded to their sincerity with rudeness. Once Shanze left to prepare tea, Arsalan impulsively held Hammad Sahib's hands. "Uncle! Please forgive me. I made a huge mistake; I hurt Shanze. Please tell her to come with me. I won't do anything like that again; I will take care of her. I have even arranged for a separate house so she can live peacefully."
Hammad Sahib smiled and said, "I just found out from you that Shanze is upset with you; I thought she came because of my illness. Arsalan! My daughter is very simple-hearted; she doesn't know the cunning ways of the world. She doesn't know 'politics.' Your mother called me that day and used very derogatory words for my daughter. My daughter is not a burden, but I wanted a partner for her who would care for her more than I do—someone who would protect her and give her respect and certainty. I have never even raised a hand on her, son. Life has its ups and downs, but one must never let go of patience and tolerance. It seems you are repenting, but I haven't said anything to Shanze yet. I want her to decide for herself. You will have to wait."
Meanwhile, Jannat Bi brought the tea. Arsalan finished his tea, and as he stepped out of the room, he found Shanze standing there. He said, "I will wait until my last breath for your forgiveness and for you to return to my life, where our relationship will be built on equality and respect. Whatever you decide, let me know. My phone is on, so when you tell me, I will come to pick you up."
(To be continued...)
Your opinion matters!
The wheel of The Wheel of Maqafat-e-Amaal has turned, and today Arsalan has set aside his ego to bow before Shanze. But can broken trust and wounded self-respect be restored with just one apology?
What do you think Shanze should do? Should she forgive him based on his remorse, or should she choose the path of Khula (divorce) for the sake of her self-esteem and leave this 'Hisaar' (fortress) forever?
Share your thoughts in the comments, as Shanze's next move might depend on your advice! Stay tuned for the next episode of 'Mera Hisaar,' publishing tomorrow night on my blog!
Copyright & Disclaimer
Copyright © 2026 Ishrat Zahid. All Rights Reserved. All rights to this story belong to the author, Ishrat Zahid. Copying, stealing, or republishing any part of this text on any platform, website, or social media without the author's permission is a legal offense and may result in legal action.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.