NOOR

Chapter 33

◍ Malik House ◍

The usual chaos of Malik House was missing as the not so little noisemakers of the abode were out on a vacation.

But the chirping birds could hear the soft and gruff voice of the residents in the garden.

The four elders of the family were seated in the garden with cups of tea in their hands. It could be guessed that they are enjoying the caffeinated beverage with some light hearted conversations but from the looks of their expression it doesn't appears so.

Arham and Zaara, had nervousness swirling in their eyes for the first time in years. After a long time they are anxious about something.

They were always sure about themselves and their children, Ayaan and Ahmad. But this time they weren't so sure about the situation.

"What you think about the proposal Faiz?" Arham asked his younger brother who had lines of worry tracing his forehead.

"Think about it Faiz Bhai, Umaiza. We aren't pressuring you to accept it but at least think about it once. Because as Prophet Muhammad says “No house has been built in Islam more beloved in the sight of Allah than through marriage.” Zaara said looking at the tensed parents who had uncertainty visible on their face.

"It's just we don't want to repeat the same mistake twice Baaji."

Umaiza's tension wasn't unreasonable. She had seen what her daughter had to suffer because of a descision they had taken years ago.

"We know what you both are tensed about, we consider Noor our own daughter, and will not rush into anything. It's all upto you both, her parents." Arham said in a soft tone, his normally authoritative voice taking a backseat.

"No Bhaijaan, this time it's all upto Noor. This time it's her who will decide if she is ready for her life to be changed or not. We have done the mistake once but not again." Faiz said, his eyes glistening a little with the unexpressed emotions.

This society has portrayed father as the head of a family. They cannot let themselves bow down. They cannot let others show that they are weak enough to lean on. But why don't we acknowledge them as simple human beings. They feel the way we do. Though not expressing as us but they feel happy when someone praises their child, they feel special when their partner cooks a special dish for them, they cry when their family suffers a little. They are strong enough to hold their emotions but not brave enough to express them.

So couldn't we spare a few minutes of our to focus a little more on their facial expressions. If they don't want to vocalise what they feel, can't we try a little more to understand their thoughts? We want someone in our life who will hear what we don't say but why is it always in the case of partner or friends. Why don't we do same for our parents. A little bit of affection towards them will not hurt.

"I am her wali Bhaijaan. I was supposed to protect her but I couldn't fulfill my responsibilities." The guilt of not being able to protect his daughter was visible in Faiz's voice.

"You are right Faiz. We consider ourselves religious just by praying five times a day. By reading the verses of Quran. By observing fast a few days of the year. But when it comes to considering the rules of Quran that aren't as appealing to our satisfaction we ignore them."

Arham's grief mirrored in the words he said. Though Noor isn't his daughter but he has held her in his arms when she couldn't even open her fist. He had taken part in her tea parties with a cup of imaginary tea though it seemed silly. But to see her eyes twinkle when she hands him his cup and give him a heart melting smile when he compliments her culinary skills was worth that few minutes of silliness.

"Aap sahi keh rhe hai. Though we had Noor's verbal consent in her Nikaah but we had not left her with any other option. This time it's upto her if she wants to accept this proposal or not." Zaara said, her eyes assuring Umaiza that it's going to be fine.

"Ji Bhabhi, we will talk to them when they are back from Manali."  Faiz said with a small smile on his lips.

The tension was about to release when the ring of Arham's phone echoed in the open space.

"Hello?" Answering the call his face hardened hearing the callers voice. Faiz, Umaiza and Zaara looked at him with anticipation.

Getting over with the call Arham looked at them and sighed a tired breath.

"It was Salima. She called to inform that Hadi is getting married."

~ ~ • ~ ~

Sooraj ki baahon mein
Ab hai yeh zindagi
Kiraney hai saanson mein
Baaton mein roshni

~ ~ • ~ ~

A/N

Sorry for always being sorry and giving you all late updates. It's just that I want to write when I feel like writing and not just for the sake of updating. I'll always put efforts in each and every chapter and expect you to be a little bit more patient.

A Huge Request

In further chapters we are attending a much awaited wedding. (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)
So I'm studying online about Islamic Nikaah but I know that we cannot rely much on online information so I would like your help. If you find any fault in my writing please point it out kindly and I'll correct it ASAP.

And here is a request for selfish reason. ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ
The result of my college entrance exam will be out soon. So please pray for your poor author. I'll give you romantic chapters. Promise.  ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡

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~ Riya. 🤎