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He shouted as soon as he entered inside the house and couldn't find his mother

"Meri Jaan (my life), I am here". His mother said

He turned around towards the stairs watching his mother gracefully walking downstairs towards him. Even if he sees her all day since birth he couldn't believe a strong-willed woman like her could ever exist. She had only turned 37 and he cannot live a day without her.

He went near her as she stepped down the last steps hugging her tightly, "You know I want to see you first thing".

His mother chuckles hugging her, "Sorry beta (son), your uncle is here".

He grinned, "Where is he now?".

"I am here". He heard his uncle Adam say

He turned around looking at him enter through the back door and he smiled running towards him, "Uncle, when did you come back?".

"Just a few hours ago". Adam replied smiling patting the boy's head, "I hope you were not too naughty when I was away?".

"Oh, Adam, you know him he can never be not naughty". Hamna (mother) replied walking towards the kitchen

Adam looked at her going away then looked back at her son who was grinning at him, "What?".

"You love her, right?". Mustafa (son) said smiling softly

Adam walked to the couch, "Love is not exactly a word I would use. It's Ishq what I have for her".

Mustafa frowned, "What's the difference?".

Adam smiled thoughtfully, "Love is what today generation do in which you look at the person, speak a little and say that you love them, by words. Ishq is when you cry for that person, begged your lord to write them in your faith, fight for them and wait for them all your life. That is the purest and strongest bond".

"Do you know how much fun it will be if we go there". Zunaira asked smiling at Mustafa

Mustafa smiled back a little, "I guess".

"No, we have to go together". She insisted

"It's late, Zunaira". Zohaib said not liking her attitude

She passed him a tight smile, "We are young we can enjoy, a little".

"No, we cannot. I have to be home". Awais said rolling his eyes

"Same, I need to go. See you". Mustafa said running away towards his driver

"Mustafa-". Zunaira yelled but was cut off

"You are trying too hard". Zohaib said

"What is not meant for you will never be yours, Zunaira, even by force". Awais said walking away

"So, then she suggested us to go there". Mustafa said reminiscing today as he had his head on her mother lap

His mother frowned looking down at him, "You have a girl friend?".

"Yes, she is a good girl". Mustafa said shrugging," She started coming with us after a project we did in the junior year so it's just started off".

"Beta (son), you know being closer to the opposite gender is forbidden. There are many reasons that your lord had asked us to stay away from doing so. But, I would say to pray to lord to open your eyes to the person who is not good for you. Ok?. You will see the best ones are always the worst". His mother suggested kissing his forehead

"You look stressed". Adam said as he saw Hamna standing looking at the moon

"I sometimes think I didn't teach him well enough". She said sighing

"No, you have taught him good. But, you know temptation always is high at this age. You just have to trust in your teaching and pray to Allah for him". He said smiling

She smiled and his heart skipped a beat, "I wonder how you can ease all my worries".

Mustafa sat with the books in his hands but his heartfelt uneasy and his whole body felt a weight on him. He heard the prayer call and immediately did his ablution. He remembers his mother's words as he prayed with all his heart.

Once, he was done, he raised his hands in front of him closing his eyes as he prayed for his eyes to open to those that are not what they seem to like and to show him the real faces of people around him. To have him and the one he loves to be protected. His heart still felt heavy but he slept.

She dressed in front of her small dresser that her grandparents had brought for her some years ago. She pulled her hair in a pony placing her long scarf on her head. She holds her 'nerd' glasses wearing them since she cannot afford lenses and her sister wouldn't like that.

She sighs.

She had wished for her grandparents to come back soon so this house is a little bearable. Her phupo (aunt) needed her parents back for some time because she wasn't feeling well. She could feel her aunt since when she feels sick she wanted her parents but the story is a little different. Her parents do not run to aid her, at all.

"Are you going to take all the time to dress up?. Who will cook for us?". She heard her mother yell

"I think she has someone she dresses up for every day". Her sister said smirking as she descended the stairs

"What do you mean?". Her father asked angrily

"I saw her with a boy the other day". Her sister said

Before she could defend herself a slap had her fall on the ground since she wasn't strong enough to bear the impact of her father slaps.

"How dare you insult us like that?". Her mother said holding her hair in her hand tightly

The pain courses through her body and tears brimmed her eyes.

"What are you doing to my child?". She heard her grandfather thick voice

She looked at him as she cried in pain. Her grandmother rushed to her freeing her from her mother hands and hugging her as she cries in her comforting hold.

"She is just acting. She was found with a boy". Her father said

Her grandfather glared at her father, "You asked her who he was?. She studies with boys all around her did you ask her if he was her project partner or not?. Did you ever ask your first daughter who she roams around with or where she always is late at night?".

Her father looked scared of her grandfather and it wasn't a secret. Her grandfather even when old was an intimidating man that everyone is afraid of. With him being the owner of various tourist resorts he had power too.

"If I ever find you hitting her again. I will make you pay for it. Get lost". Her grandfather said angrily

She saw her family running away to the kitchen. She stands on her feet smiling at her grandfather even when her cheeks hurt and there were tears in her eyes.

"I missed you so much". She said hugging him, "How is aunt?".

"She is perfect now. You know she is a drama queen". Her grandfather chuckled, "You should hurry along beta (daughter), the driver will leave you.

She nodded smiling as her grandfather give her money for lunch. It's been a month since she had lunch because her money was taken from her sister.

"Why do you look like that?". Zohaib asked looking at his friend disturbed look

Mustafa brushed his messy hair back, "I just didn't sleep well".

"Did something happened?. Is aunt alright?". Awais asked worriedly

Both of his friends were in love with his mother as he was. They all grew together looking at that woman building an empire out of nothing and making her worth after coming out of her miseries at a young age.

"Ammi (mother), is good. I just don't feel good. I think I will go to the nurse room then come for lunch. I will see you there". Mustafa replied taking off to nurse room

Since, it was lunch all the students were already gone to the cafeteria. Few remain to roam for something but most were out. He looked around when he heard someone shouting and the voice seems familiar. His heart the same heaviness that he felt all night but this time it was worse. It felt like someone was taking someone he loves away from him.

"I told you to give me the money they give you today. I saw them handing you a large amount". He heard a familiar sound

He looked in the corridor from the side his eyes widen when he saw Zunaira glaring at a small petite figure shaking in front of her.

"Appi (sister), it is my school lunch money what will I-". The girl started

Mustafa watched as the timid voice was silenced by a hard slap from Zunaira. His heart clench.

"Give me the money, now". Zunaira said each word slowly

He saw the girl shaking hand going to Zunaira as she handed her the money. Zunaira smiled as her eyes shined looking at the month.

"This means party. You can die alone here. That is what we want anyway". Zunaira said kicking the body that was in front of her

He heard a cry coming from her as she laid there for a long time. Until, they heard a few students coming the way he quickly ran towards her standing in front of her covering her looking at his juniors.

"Don't you know you are not allowed here?. Go back". He yelled scaring them away

He didn't turn back even when the sound of cries was heard by him and his heart begging him to help her. He removed his jacket placing it on the ground and walking back from where he came from.

He hides where he was before and watched her looking at his jacket but then she wears it making him smile. He saw her turning around and his heart stopped.

She was wearing a simple white colour shalwar kameez (traditional dress) with her hair hidden by her scarf around her. Her face was pale but her cheeks were red with all the crying. But, still, his heart skipped a beat with each step she took closer to him.

"Isn't that Zoha?. Why are you looking at her like that?". Awais asked confused

He screamed a little scared of their sudden appearance, "You know her?".

He was curious but he didn't show that.

"Yes, I do. She is our junior also Zunaira's younger sister. Those two sisters are so different". Awais said thoughtful, "You haven't met her family?. I think your mother had a contract with them?".

"You know my mother doesn't like that kind of things". He said, "I never knew she had a sister. She never speaks about her".

"Beat me to it. It seems she is too involved in herself to care or see anyone". Awais said shrugging, "I came because you were taking time. What did the nurse say?".

"Nothing. I am fine now. I am going to take this juice I will pay you back later". Mustafa said snatching his friend juice running a little away but turned around, "I will buy you once I am back".

She washed herself fixing her broken face but her eyes remained in the pain she had been bearing for years. She wasn't even sure why she had to bear this pain but she had to.

She sighs.

Her body hurt from all the beating and crying she had been doing since morning. Her friends weren't in school so she wasn't sure what she should do. She sat on the stairs with her head in her hands. She touched the jacket that she was wearing and a little comfort fills her pain.

"Excuse me?". Someone said causing her to yelp looking at her senior

She blushes a little since she had just embarrassed herself, "Sorry. Can I help you?".

"No, I have an extra juice here I wanted to give you. Here". He said throwing the juice at her and running away like he was on fire

She caught the juice before it could hit her looking at her senior bewildered.

"What was that?". She asked to no one she looked down at the juice and feel the hunger coming back she smiles, "Thank you".

He stands in the hiding looking at her smiling and he feels better. He walked away from there towards his class since the lunch was over anyway.

"You look hungry. Didn't you eat lunch?". Adam asked patting his back as they all eat

He nodded, "I didn't".

"Why beta (son)?". Adam asked worriedly

"I was busy. Ammi (mother), can I get some money?". He asked leaving his food

His mother looked at him confused, "I will give you later but eat now".

He smiled kissing her cheeks and started eating again. Adam and Hamna looked at one another confused but choose to ignore it.

"I know I don't do dinner but I didn't exactly have a choice. The girl said she is a friend of Mustafa and her parents were very assertive". His mother said the next day

He had searched the whole day for one glimpse of her but he didn't. He later found that she was not in school today so he was disheartened. He remembers that he had spoken very clearly to Zunaira too.

"What do you mean, Mustafa?". Zunaira said

"I don't want to be your friend and for you to hangout with us anymore. Stay away from us". He said firmly

He had told his friends that he had stopped being friend with Zunaira too. His friends were happy with his decision but he felt Zunaira wasn't. She had tried talking to her many times and he didn't like that.

"So, we have to go?". Adam asked sighing

Now, he sat looking at her parents overdressed while his mother looked uncomfortable. He hated himself for somehow being the cause of it. He didn't even find the one he was here for. It's been two hours but no one seems to be calling her here anytime. He had sat with Adam but just beside her sat Zunaira trying to talk to him but he didn't even reply to a single word.

He hated how she believed with her own sister. That had to be the worst thing that he had seen. It still broke his heart remembering her red eyes from yesterday. Then, she had messed with the person he loves the most, his mother. He didn't want his mother to be ever in a situation because of him. But, here she is breaking her rules of never to be involved with an employer family. Just because Zunaira didn't understand his words.

"Who is here?". He heard some elder voices

Soon, they were introduced to each other and he came to know these were her grandparents.

"Beta (daughter)". Her grandfather called loudly

She heard the sound of clicking which seems to be of bangles and his heart speeds. Shortly, he saw her entering inside and her bare face looked just as beautiful as he remembers it. He couldn't even once look away as he saw a grin on her beautiful face and her eyes shining looking at her grandparents.

"Dada Abbu, you are here". She smiled running to his open arms hugging him tightly, "You said, you will be back soon. How come you are late?".

Her grandfather chuckled, "Your grandmother is old so she walks slowly".

"No, I am not. He is lying he was eating sweets". Her grandmother said smiling

Her eyes widen as she looked at her grandfather, "I told you, no sweet for a week".

It sounds like a scolding.

"I wasn't". Her grandfather said but when she raised her eyebrows he sighs, "Ok, one".

"You will not eat for two weeks now". She said kissing his cheeks

"Who is she?". His mother asked smiling at her

She looked at everyone looking at her and blushes.

"She is the youngest daughter, Zoha". Her grandfather said patting her head

"Why wasn't she here before?". His mother said confused

"Ah, she must be cooking". Her grandmother said sadly

"You were sick, beta (daughter). I told you to rest. You had a high fever". Her grandfather said worriedly

"They wouldn't let me". She whispers in his ears

They proceed to talk and this time Mustafa had a smile on his face. He loved her smiling and being happy. He actually enjoyed her talking to her grandparents. He saw how she was connected to them and how she speaks to them. None of her other family interacted with her. Zunaira had moved away since her grandmother sits on her place now he was glad for that.

"What do you do, beta (daughter)?". His mother asked Zoha

"Nothing, I have applied for internships in some places so I am waiting for them to call". She replied softly

"What are you applying for?". His mother asked interested

"For any post that could teach me the terms of business better". She replied with a small smile

"Would you like to work for me?". His mother asked and his heart stopped

She looked at her for a while until she realised she was serious, "Yes-".

"No, she cannot". Her mother said

Her face fell.

"Why is that?". His mother asked stern

"She is too young to handle so much". Her mother said smiling tightly

"I think she can handle herself. So, beta (daughter), would you want to?". His mother asked again

She looked at her grandfather who nodded and she smiled at his mother, "Yes, I would love to".

"Great! You can come to my house after your classes I can teach you then". His mother said smiling

"Why are you interested in business?". Adam asked smiling at her

"I am inspired by Dada (father's father) he had worked all his life working so hard and building something from scratch I wanted to learn what he loves". She said softly

"Why not apply to work with him?". Hamna asked curiously

"That would be too easy. I wanted to learn from someone else so I was capable enough for the post I apply in his place". She replied

"I am interested in fashion. I can suggest some brands for you". Her sister said interrupting them

His mother turned to her, "I am not interested in brands".

"You are wearing one, right?. I mean someone as famous as you had to wear brands". Her sister said chuckling

"Sorry to disappoint you, sweetheart, I am not wearing brand. This is from my local tailor and not even the cloth of this is branded. Neither, I had to wear brands". His mother said taunting

He smiled.

"I thought you might have issues considering your background-". Her sister started

"Stop it". Mustafa said angrily

Everyone looked at his angry eyes as her sister continued, "Sorry. I was just saying I read into your mother background that she didn't even have a degree-".

"I said stop talking about my mother that way". Mustafa said raged, "My mother not having a degree still building an empire is-".

"Admirable". Zoha said softly

His voice stopped as he heard her sweet voice. He turned his angry eyes towards her as they turned soft looking in her eyes.

"What?". He asked

"I am sorry if I invaded your privacy. But, when you had a deal with the grandfather he was praising how you were amazing. So, I searched online and found that even without a degree you have managed to build an empire from nothing. I felt it was admirable for someone especially a woman in our society to do so". She explained smiling tightly

"You think so?". His mother said smiling

"Jee (yes)". She said softly

Mustafa looked at her admiring her then turned to his mother not wanting her near people who don't even respect her beside Zoha and her grandparents.

"We are leaving". Mustafa announced holding his mother hand

"No, beta (son), you are thinking wrong. Zunaira didn't mean it that way". Her mother said

"Let me be very clear about something. I am not a friend of Zunaira and I made that very clear today. I am not sure why she lied about that to you. She disrespected my mother and I will never ever tolerate anyone who does that". Mustafa said angrily