******

days left in Eid and now the whole house was upside down with all the cleaning and things happening she cannot even understand where her days go. It was almost a month she is here and so much happened.

She remembers when she was asked the marriage question but she ignores it. She is just 20 years old and she hasn't actually thought about it much.

"Bhai, mama said she was trying to call you but your phone was busy". She said walking towards her brother with her phone

"Baba". Her brother said looking at her signalling to his phone

She takes his phone handing him her phone.

"So, is everything ok?". Her father asked awkwardly

Yes, her relationship with her father is not the best. She doesn't know why her father doesn't try to make her feel comfortable but she came in term with whatever her relationship is with him. He never spoke in her any affairs and all her rights are with her mother exclusively.

On the other hand, her brother and her mother relationship are amazing. She loves him with all her life just like she loves her. And her brother and father relationship is also the best.

"She worries too much". Her brother said smiling

She fakes a smile after her father ended the call just asking one question which she didn't even reply to handing the phone back to her brother.

"I need to call Maryam". She said hurriedly

"Oh! I wanted to speak to her too". Her brother said stopping her movement

"Maryam who?". Her grandfather asked confused

"She is our sister". Her brother said happily

Everyone looks at them confused waiting for them to explain.

"Actually she is our adopted sister. Ammi adopted Maryam when I was 4 and Maryam was 6 back then". Hoorain explained smiling

"Your mother adopted a child?". Her chachi asked shocked

She nodded, "Yes. She loved Maryam and I loved her when we went to the orphanage to distribute some clothes. It took time but she was firm on it".

"Yes. She is married now". Azaan said proudly

"Why didn't you bring her too?. I would have love to meet her". Her grandfather said sadly

"She is busy in her marriage". Hoorain said smiling hugging her grandfather, "Next time".

"If I have time left". Her grandfather said smiling patting her cheeks

"Don't speak like that". She said frowning

Her grandfather smiles patting her cheeks lovingly, "I am old now".

She looks at him fake angry," Who said that?. You are still young".

They laugh at her comment and just like that her another day went by.

The next day she hangs from the ceiling trying to put the lighting that Areesha wished for at the last moment, not like normal girls who are putting mehdi instead. She jumps on the terrace trying to put them but failing.

"I told you the other side". Areesha said whining

"You never said right or left side you just say side like I am supposed to do magic to know which one". She said frustrated

"Ok. Wait. I send help". Areesha said smirking running inside the house

She shakes her head trying to think of the way to get these lights out of her hand where they are wrapped around.

She heard footsteps as she whines, "Areesha I want to put Mehdi on my hand, not lights".

"So go and put it". She heard his voice freezing her movement

She bites her lips waiting for him to speak but when he didn't she turn around looking at him smiling looking at her which have her heart skip a beat.

"Jee?". She said confused, "Per yeh?". (But this)

"Mai huin na". He said stepping closer (I am here to do this)

"Pakka?". She asked softly (are you sure)

When he nodded in confirmation she squeals taking the lights off her placing in his hands running to leave but she turns around.

"Thank you". She said running away

He chuckles to himself getting to work sending a quick thank to his sister who set this all for him.

It wasn't bad confessing to his sister at least.

It must be one of those moments where he was hypnotised by her doing something simple and him watching her that his sister asked him about her and he couldn't help his lips giving a confirmation of what's in his heart.

The next day she dresses in the morning after the prayer with ladies and greeting while all men were in the mosque. She heard noises knowing everyone is here already. She groans because she is still not ready and she wants to be downstairs wishing everyone.

"Are you ready-". Areesha said coming inside and her eyes wide open as she looks at her, "MA shaa Allah. Kahi Allah hamari nazar na laga de". (I hope Lord doesn't cast evil eye on you)

"Drama". She said chuckling, "I will be out in two minutes".

"Cool". Areesha said smiling, "Don't forget your Eidi from everyone".

She nodded wrapping her hijab around her head heading outside playing with her bangles when she bumps into someone.

She looks at Zuhair grinning, "Eid Mubarak".

Zuhair gulp looking at her trying his best not to make his feeling obviously but he was sure his eyes didn't hold back.

She is so beautiful. MA shaa Allah. He thoughts

"Um, Khair Mubarak, Hoor". He said scratching his neck because she is the only one who makes his heartbeat so loud

She grins forwarding her hands towards him, "Meri Eidi". (My)

"Konsi eidi?". He asked fake confused (which)

"What do you mean by that?. Mujhe dein na meri Eidi mai choti huin na ap se". She whines (Give me my Eidi because I am younger than you)

He hides his smile, "I don't have anything".

"Theek hai. Mujhe ab ap se koi aur baat nahi karni mai Ali se Eidi -". She started (I don't want to talk to you anymore I will go to Ali-)

"Hoorain". He said stern making her steps halt

She turns around looking at his raged filled eyes making her gulp.

"Jee?". She asked softly (yes)

"Ali Bhai bolo". He said narrowing his eyes at her taking a step towards her (Say Brother)

"Per mai toh apko bhi bhai nahi bolti". She said confused at his demands (But I don't even call you that)

"Behtar ho ga mujhe na bolna kabhi bhi". He said smirking making her eyes widen because that just made him look ethereal (It will be best if you don't call me that)

"Jee?". She asked

"Ali ko bhai bolo ab se. And don't go near him. Stay away from him". He said leaning on the wall beside her (Call him brother from now on)

"Per kyun?". She said frowning because one she didn't get her eidi and now this (But why)

"Kyun k jo mera hai mujhe pasand nahi us ko koi nazar utha kar dekhe aur soche k woh us ka ho sakta hai". He said walking away (Because what's mine I don't like others looking at it and thinking they can have it)

Her heart stopped at his words and then it seems to beat louder than before. She quickly went down greeting everyone as they have their traditional breakfast.

"Now looking at you like this made me think I should marry you". Her brother jokes

She rolls her eyes, "You are older than me".

"So, find me a woman and I will marry". He replied shrugging

"Acha. Do you have anyone?. I will speak to her for you". She said excitedly

Her brother leans in close to her whispering something making her squeal happily.

"Saachi?". She asked grinning (really)

"Jee Jee. Now calm down before everyone comes and you ruin it". He said smiling

She nodded watching everyone entering into the lounge. She heard her phone ringing and watching her mother calling she excuses herself to the garden.

After spending good minutes with her mother talking she called her brother to greet her.

The whole day went by laughing and joking and then the day came to end as she walks tiredly towards her room hoping to sleep in. She opens the door to find a paper stuck in it that fell down. She closes the door behind her opening the envelope.

"Ab yeh toh ho nahi sakta k ap nae pehli baar kuch manga ho haq se aur hum na dein". She found the letter with her Eidi (Now this is not possible that you ask something with your rights and I say no)

Zuhair.

It didn't take a second for her to know it's him because of the words or maybe because her heartfelt differently. She smiles looking at the letter laying on the bed.

She remembers how her brother wanted her to marry and her mother hinted as well today. She never truly worry about marrying neither thought much to it but the idea doesn't look too bad.

Was it the idea or the man she thinks of in it?.

The second day of Eid was considerably much more relaxing and the hyper energy was now little. She looks at Ali who has gifted her a bracelet instead of money and she actually loves it.

"I know you will love it". Ali said smiling at her

Before she can speak she feel the burning gaze burning into her back making her bite her lips because she have avoided Ali not that much but enough to not call him anytime.

"It's good". She replied trying to walk away

"Let's go and play a game then". Ali suggested

She was tempted by the name of the game as she wonders if the risk is worth taking.

"Hoorain". She heard his voice halting her thoughts

But before any of them could proceed with anything the bell rings. Ali was the one who went off opening the door inviting the devil in.

Phopho and her family.

Her grandfather had asked her phopho to not come here anymore if she just wants to create troubles for her or he will disown her.

"Eid Mubarak. Now you all didn't even call me to wish". Her phopo said entering inside

She takes a step back when she feels him behind her and she moves around hiding behind him. She doesn't want to end into another set of issues. She just wants to enjoy her few last days here.

"Where is she?". Her phopho asked

"Here". Zuhair said moving aside not before he whispers to her, "There is no hiding, Hoor. I told you to fight for yourself".

She looks at her phopho smiling tightly, "Jee?".

"Take this". Her phopho said pushing her phone in her (Hoorain hands)

Hoorain frowns placing the phone to her ear saying asking who it is only to find her father.

"Apologise to my sister". Her father ordered

"Excuse me?". She said confused

"You misbehaved with her and then she was thrown out of her own house because of you. Do you even know how it felt to have your father push you away?". Her father said angrily

"You think I don't know?". She asked chuckling dryly as she feels anger building into her, "I have been living that life for 20 years already I think I know what it exactly means".

Before her father can speak she did looking at her phopho as her eyes brazen in fury, "You want an apology right?. You will get one just a little different this time".

She didn't cancel the call handing the phone to her brother looking at him, "Do you know why our parents separated?".

"I-". Her brother started

"What are you d-". Her phopo started

She turns to her, "No. Now I will speak and everyone will listen". Then she turns back to her brother, "Do you?".

"Because there were not suitable for one another". Her brother replied confused with his own answer

She shakes her head at his answer calling her mother, "Ammi, I have a question please you have to answer". Then she places the phone in the loudspeaker, "Why did you two divorce?".

"Beta-". Her mother started softly going to refuse to answer

"Please, just this last time. I promise I won't ask again". She pleaded gulping her tears

"It was because of your father's sister". Her mother said chocking on her words, "It started when we marry and came back here. At first, I didn't mind her calling your father every day until your father started to taunt me for things. He already knew I can't cook and he used to cook and teach me but after a few months, he started getting angry at me for not knowing it. I started to learn immediately and would fail often and he would mock me or push my food away angrily. Like this slowly he had an issue with every small thing I do and in between Azaan was born and things went even worse when he found about you. And after a year of your birth, it all just ended".

She heard her mother crying making her eyes filling with tears. She holds her brother hand before he can speak shaking her head.

"Ammi, I am sorry. Please eat your food and medicine. Take some rest you need it". She said ending the call

Immediately she dials Maryam number," Maryam please go to Ammi. She isn't well and when you go there inform me everything".

Then the silence filled the house.

"Is it true?". Her brother asked their father

She takes the phone from his hand, "Swear on your son and speak".

She places the phone on loudspeaker hearing her father sighing, "It's true. Your mother was a gem with a kind heart and I broke her little by little. I never should have taunted her but the calls from her (phopho) filled my mind every day making me only look at the bad".

"What else?". She said knowing the last truth is the reason for her broken heart

"She was the one who said to take my son and leave the daughter". Her father said

She closes her eyes and her brother took the phone from her hand banging it on the floor. In his own rage, he went out of the house before she can stop him.

She heard her phone ringing and a text from Maryam that her mother is fine.

"Is this true?". Her grandfather asked her phopho

She can see how much the truth has broken him too.

"Is this how I raised you?. You went to destroy your own brother house?". Her grandfather said slapping her, "I am thankful that my wife isn't alive or she would have died again watching how her daughter is. I don't ever want you in this house. I have no connections with you. Leave".

She watches the colour fading from her phopho face and the slap mark visible on her face. It was sure she never expected everyone to cut her off completely instead she came here to have everything under her control.

Now her power and that sick sense of control were taken and she was nothing more anymore.

No family.

Nothing.

Her phopho cried and begged but no one listened to her and she remains too numb to truly care. She has watched her mother living in misery still being strong for her two daughters.

Only once she broke down and that was when on one father day she asked her about father and why her father is not the same. That was when her mother told her everything. Everything including that her own father doesn't want him.

"Wait". She said hoarsely holding her tears looking at Rizwan

She walks closer slapping him hard on his face,"A real man never shame a woman no matter what. He doesn't look at her and dictate her on what she can and cannot wear".

She turns around running upstairs as tears run down her face. She locks the door hearing everyone calling out for her but she just cries.

After hours she opens the door walking towards her grandfather room who has become a sort of comfort and fatherly figure for her. She enters into his room watching him sleeping as she walks towards his side laying down beside him with tears still in her eyes.

"Meri Jaan, don't cry". Her grandfather said crying, "There are many trials in life and I can't say much than sorry that we were the reason for your pain".

"You did nothing". She said softly holding his warm hands

"I did. I didn't raise my daughter well and I never stopped her". Her grandfather said crying

"You didn't know". She said wiping the tears from his old face

"I wish I did". He said giving her a broken smile looking extremely weak

"I am scared, Dada". She said looking at him, "My mother loved my father and he broke her. What if I love someone and he did the same?".

Her grandfather smiles softly, "A real man never hurts the woman".

"But-". She started

"Not every man is the same and if the pain is meant for you it will come to you. You cannot stop believing in love because one love story failed what about the thousands that live until the end?. I loved your grandmother to this day and will until my last breath". Her grandfather said cupping her cheeks in his hand, "What if I tell you about a man with a guarantee that he will kill himself before breaking your heart. Will, you marry him?".

"But I like-". She started scared

"Will you?". Her grandfather asked

"I will". She said nodding

******

The next few days went by depressing with her mother constantly worrying about her brother and her condition and her mind of the man her grandfather liked for her. Though she trusts her grandfather what about what's in her heart?.

She heard the doorbell ringing and for some reason, everyone is acting strange. She heard her mother voice which made her run towards the door only to find her along with Maryam. She hugs them tightly greeting them to find Zuhair smiling at her.

She didn't look at him instead look at her sister- Maryam while her mother greeted her brother.

"What are you two doing here?". She asked after a while

"We will tell you later". Her mother said vaguely

She nodded smiling at her sister who smiles back at her.

"Bhai?". She asked for her husband

"He is busy". Maryam said smiling

"Yeh hai Maryam?". Her grandfather asked looking at her (This is Maryam)

She nodded and her grandfather gathers her in his arms kissing her forehead.

"MA shaa Allah bohat piyari bachi hai". Her grandfather said (she is beautiful)

Then it went on with everyone welcoming the newcomers and she feels the love they have for her family.

She smiles looking at her mother finally smiling truly and she holds no grudge against any of them which made her happy.

She walks towards the terrace to look at the sun going down inhaling the scent that's in the air. She is leaving in a week and she isn't sure what's been happening to her. She doesn't wish to leave now but she had to.

She feels a presence around him and the way she felt she knows it's him.

"You brought them here". She stated opening her eyes to find him leaning on the wall in little distance

"Dada's orders". He said shrugging, "Also, it was important to bring them here. They are family no matter what maybe more of a family than your father".

She nodded.