"Mahi! Mahi! kaha mar gai ye ladki!"

(Mahi! Mahi! where did she die now?)

Saira Begum's high pitched voice echoed in the living area of Hamadani Haveli which is gleaming blindly today. The huge beautiful golden and glass jhumar (chandelier) is looking extra golden, the creme wall is free of every dust and the tiled floor; well one could see the reflection of itself in it. Even after so much pressure of work people of the Haveli looking happy and excited.

Among all the hustle and bustle Saira Begum's voice reached Mahi's ears who was working in the kitchen preparing feast for everyone. She was tired but the happiness was radiating the most from her face, switching off the nob and after instructing servants to look after, she rushed in the living area where Saira Begum was waiting for her in all her glory. Even at the age of 76 Saira Begum is a really scary woman.

"Ji Beejaan?"

(yes bijaan)

A scared looking Mahi stood in front of Bijaan, fumbling with her fingers. Though Bijaan was so happy today but around Mahi she can't hide her displeasure.

"Ye kya huliya bnaya hua hai?

"(look at.your appearance?)

Bijaan narrowed her fading black almost grey - wrinkled eyes and snapped at Mahi, who was wearing an old green suit with the kitchen stains on it and her hair were sticky due to working since 5 am in the morning.

or sare kaam ho gaye ya nahi abhi?"

(is everything done?)

Bijaan voice was stern and demanding.

"Ji..ji.. Bijaan bs last touches reh gae h."

(Yes, bijaan almost done,)

She fumbled in fear.

"Thik thik hai! jaldi karo!"

(Fine fine! Be quick)

Bijaan waved her hand nonchalantly and added strictly.

"Or haa Zayan ke samne aane ki koshish bhi mat karna jbtk main na kahu!"

(And yes don't dare to come in front of zayan)

Mahi felt a pang of unbearable pain in her heart. Its nothing new she is hearing it since she stepped into this Haveli when she was just eight. She got used to every bitter words her supposedly family throw at her but she still can't get used to hearing how she doesn't have rights to speak to her own husband. She is a burden for everyone at this house except her Mamu who is her Father-in-law also. He is the only man who favours her but unfortunately he is really sick for 2 years and Mahi days of utter misery has started since then. She can't express her sorrow anymore to him because she doesn't want to trouble him.

Saira Begum, the grand dutchess of Shamsabagh has five children, her two sons and three daughters. Abdullah Asr Hamadani ; the Bade Nawab of Shamsabagh and the father of Zayan Asr Hamadani and Haniya Abdullah.

Rubina Bin Yaqub; second daughter married to the nawab of Faridabad Hamid Bin Yaqub; His son Roshan , Zaid and daughter Muskaan.

Third daughter Asmara Qalb married to the biggest landlord of Karachi her two daughters Pari and Rahila.

Fourth Son Bilal Asr Hamadani; the chote nawab of Shamsabagh has two sons Moin and Mohib Asr Hamadani.

And Saira Begum's youngest daughter Shama Laraib married to the secretary of Hamadani firm, Laraib Sikander and had only daughter Mahira Sikander.

Every children of the clan is dear to Saira Begum however Mahira has twisted fate. She is the daughter of the woman who brought shame to entire Hamadani Khandaan by falling in love with the mere secretary of Hamadani firm. He was well educated and belonged from a middle class background and Saira Begum was against this relationship. She wanted her son in law from an elite background like the other two. She was the woman of honour; class and status. It is all that matters to her, it was her pride. Saira Begum's ego wasn't allowing her to accept their relationship. So they ran away and since then Haamdanis broke all the ties with her.

But 5 years later Laraib and Shama met with an accident. Laraib died on the spot however a piece of iron left inside Shama' s internal wound during accident which she ignored and soon it turned into Cancer and in next three years she reached the last stage. Since Shama has no one beside her except her old loving mother-in-law she got worried for her daughter Mahira and then almost after 9 years she contacted her family.

It was a difficult task but realising the condition of the young dutchess, they all couldn't ignore her anymore and rushed to her side. Mahi was just 8 at that time when she found out for the first time about her mothers family. She was so ecstatic after meeting them. Especially her mamu ; he was so loving and caring towards her.

The last wish of Shama was to look after her daughter which his brother Abdullah instantly agreed but Saira Begum wasn't very keen but agreed for the sake of her dying daughter. Although Shama trusted his brother with her daughter but she wasn't sure about her own mother. She knew she will never accept Mahi since she is the daughter of a common man, with a common background, Saira Begum will never look Mahi as a family member so she expressed her this concern one day with her elder brother. And seeing her dying sister worrying too much he made a promise to her in haste. He made his eldest son who was just 16 married to Mahi just before three days of Shama's death. It was a close affair just with unhappy family members, a angry groom and a clueless bride. And their nikaah is still a secret of Hamadani that no one knows.

As expected Mahi was being ill treated by everyone except her Mamu, no cousin of her was allowed to play with her as instructed by Bijaan. Her mamu brought her up and helped her to pursue her education and Mahi was content with her life, she was a simple girl. She still accepted them as her family and her love for them was pure like her. She didn't even know why they hated her and why she was never allowed near Zayan or even allowed to speak to him until she turned 15 and realized who exactly he is to him; they sent him abroad for further studies and now he is coming home after five years, Everyone is so excited about his arrival and poor Mahi she can't even show her happiness on the arrival of her own husband since she isn't allowed.

Honk Honk!

"My Zayan!"

Bijaan lips stretched into a wobbling smile and she abruptly stood up hearing the loud horn from the Haveli gate. Aatifa Begum; the mother of Zayan eyes filled with happy tears and they all rushed towards gate with Zayans cousin, Aunts and chachu (younger uncle) to welcome him but not before instructing.

"Mahbooba!" Aatifa summoned the head maid.

"Begum Sahiba?"

"Don't let that trash come out until our next orders. Understood?" She ordered sternly and Mahbooba nodded obediently. She feels pity for the girl but she knows she can't help her.

"us manhoos ki to parchai b na parey mere zayan pr!" Rubina said grumpily.

(Don't even let that hag shadow's fall on my Zayan.)

"Parchai se kya hota h, Akhir biwi h vo Zayan ki, kabtak dur rakhoge use uske hi shohar se?" Bilal felt annoyed with her sister comment.

(What's that mean? After all she is his wife. You can't keep her away from him for too long.)

"Jabtak main zinda hu tab tak! Nahi manti main us majboori me hui shadi ko. Vo Hamadani Khandani ki agli begum banne k layak h?"

(As long as I live! I don't consider that scam of a marriage. She isn't eligible to be Hamadani's Badi Begum.)

Bijaan voice echoed and before anyone could say anything further black Royals Royce halted in front of the gate.

Darbaan (footman) rushed to open the door of the car while the woman of the family squealed in happiness when a 6'3 tall broad figure clad in 3 piece with no tie stepped down from the car hiding his molten brown eyes behind those dark shades, his tan face covered with thick black beards and his dark hair looks messy. He was intimidating even after the slight smile on his face with mole right below his lips.

"Assalam Walaikum Bijaan!" He greeted in his thick husky voice and hugged Bijaan.

"Hayee! Bijàan ka guroor! Nazar na lag jaye kisi ki" Bijaan adored her grandson caressing his face with so much love.

(Oh, the Bijaan's pride! God save you from all the evil eyes.)

"Kitna miss kia apko."

(I missed you so much!)

Aatifa begum was next with her motherly love and tears.

"AmmaJaaaan !" He cooed his mother hugging her close to his chest.

"Chachu!" then he turned to his next fatherly figure with a warm smile.

"Chachu ka sabse handsome beta!"He hugged him.

(Uncle's most handsome boy!)

And then it was "BHAAAIIIII" the three musketeers of the family pounced on him. His only sister and the two sons of his Chachu.

"Arey! abtk tumlog bade nahi hue?"

(Woah! You all haven't grown up yet?)

He laughed with the childish affection of his siblings who are kids in a grown up body in front of him.

"Tum inhe bada hone kaha dete ho? Ab Haniya ko hi dekh lo, kon kahega iski ek hafte baad shadi h?"

"They become kids around you. Even look at Haniya now who will sey she is a bride to be.)

Haniya made a grumpy face on her Asmara phuphu's comment while everyone laughed.

"Acha bs! ab mere bete ko bahar hi khada rakhana h ya ander le chalna h ab?"

(Okay enough! Are you all planning to keep my darling standing outside.)

Bijaan mocked strictly and they all looked down in embarrassment before dragging him inside.

They all went inside laughing and talking meanwhile unaware of a sobbing figure with a happy smile staring at Zayan with so much love and admiration from the balcony. He has changed so much since she saw him last time five years ago. He looks more mature and intimidating now. The boyish look at 23 he had now gone. He isn't even have lean body anymore and his muscles are now more ripped. The London sun has tanned his fair complexion like olive that adds more to his manliness. She can't believe he is a 28 year old handsome man; perfect enough to pass Armani models.

Mahi didn't know exactly when she fell in love with Zayan but now she knows it has something do to with her nikaah. She is glad that she fell in love with the man she was supposed to. This Haveli can take away all her rights from her but no one can take away the right to love her husband. It is the power given to her by her Allah. They never allowed her to speak to her husband, they never allowed his single photo of him with her and when she realised who he was to her , they sent him far across just to save him from her. She wiped her tears before getting inside to his father in law room to give him his medicine.

"Mamu ye le apni dawaiya kha le time ho gaya."

(Uncle, its time for your medicine.)

She smiled at her Mamu avoiding his piercing eyes while pouring the water in glass before offering him.

"Zayan aagaya kya?"

(Is Zayan here?)

He asked warily while taking medicine from her and she just nodded her head in response.

"Beti main to majboor hu is liye yaha band hu, tum kyu nahi gai niche use welcome karne?" He asked.

(I am helpless darling , locked in this room due to my sickness. But why aren't you down there welcoming him?)

"Biwi ho uski , kitna bura lagega use k shohar 5 saal baad aaya pr biwi ko fikr hi nhi uski." Mamu make her understand lovingly and she laughed humourlessly.

(You're his wife! He will feel bad that your husband is here after five long years but his wife don't even care.)

"Unka welcome karne k liye bohot log hai mamu. Islie main apke pas aagai kyunki aap akela feel krte. Or vese b lagne de unhe bura , jb vo mujhe 5 saal k liye chor k pardes ja sakte h to kya main unhe dus minute b na tang kru?" She hugged her mamu lovingly, trying to hide her tears with the fake smile. Making excuse childishly and mamu just chuckled hugging her back.

(There are too many people to welcome him that's why I am here with you. And if he still feel bad then let him after all he too was gone leaving me for five years so can't I trouble him to for few minutes.)

"Mahi! is kamre me main band zarur hu, pr iska ye matlb nhi k is haveli me hone wale hr waqyaat se anjaan hu. Kabtk chupaogi or yu chup rahogi?"

(Mahi may be I am closed in this room but not my eyes. I still can feel and see whatever is happening behind the lock door of this haveli. You shouldn't be quite anymore.)

He finally asked her, he knows his Mahi will never complain about anything ever. And it was all it took for Mahi to break and cry in his arms. She didn't complain or said anything. Just crying in her Mamu's arms was enough to bring her peace.

"Jabtak aap mere pas ho mujhe or kuch nhi chaiye! Mere liye apka saya kafi hai."

(As long as you are with me I don't need anyone.)

She hiccuped and Abdullah hugged the poor child more closer to him until a knock on door break them apart.

"Kon?" Wiping her tears Mahi asked.

(who?)

"Mahi Bibi! Zayan Baba Nawab Sahab se milne k liye upar àa rahe h."

(Mahi Ma'am Zayan sir is coming to meet grand duke.)

Mahbooba told her with the hidden instruction in her voice.

Mahi's heart skipped a beat hearing about his arrival in the same room as her but she knows the consequence if she even by mistake come in front of Zayan so before anyone can notice she rushed towards the washroom.

"Mahi! What are you doing? Why are you running away its just Zayan." He looked at Mahi frowning.

"Mamu, I request please don't tell anyone that I am in here." She begged on the verge of crying before locking herself in the washroom and soon the door of the room creak open.

"Baba!"

(father)

That deep voice was enough to bring Mahi to her knees and she clenched her fist to suppress the burning pain in her heart and the thick tears flowing from her big brown eyes.

"Assalam Walaikum Babajaan! how are you?" His voice was now more clear and closer doing things to Mahi's bruised heart. Mahi couldn't believe he is so near yet so far.

"Walaikum Assalam my son! Alhumdullilah, tumhe dekh lia ab behtar hu."

(Have seen you now I will be better again.)

Abdullah said emotionally caressing the face of his only son.

"Bs Baba ap jldi se ache ho jao, fir main b acha ho jaonga."

(Baba get well soon so that I will be in peace again.)

He kissed Abdullah's hand smiling at him.

"Sabse mil lia?"

(Met everyone already?)

Abdullah asked raising his brows and Mahi's breath quicken hearing his question.

"Ji sabko mil aaya, sb bahot khush hai, bs aap reh gae the or ab apko b mil lia."

(Yes I met everyone. They all were looking so happy. It was just you left and here I am.)

He told him happily and Abdullah smiled sadly at him and Mahi felt the pain of ignorance. Zayan looked at his father in confusion.

"Kya hua Baba kuch galat bola kya Maine?"

(What happen? Did I say something wrong?)

He asked bewildered. And Abdullah shook his head sadly.

"Aur Mahi, kya vo khush hui tumhare aane pr?"

(What about Mahi is she happy on your arrival?)

Abdullah mocked his son to test him and Mahi clenched her fist in anticipation. Abdullah must be sick but his old experience filled eyes can see far better than anyone of this two stupid young hearts.

"Ma.. Mahi?" Zayan was suddenly blank, he didn't know how to react. He was hearing her name after five long years, he knew his family avoided mentioning her deliberately. She was the reason they sent him abroad for further studies.

He still remember how angry he was at everyone when he was forced into nikaah with her. He was just sixteen for god sake and he got a minor as his wife. He hated her, she was an embarrassment to him, she was an eight year old girl with fallen teeth and extra fat when all the girls of his age throwing themselves at him because he has looks of a god and the money to feed entire beggar clan in the world for years. But soon that eight years slowly grew up and at the age of fourteen the sinful woman in her started to surface. She wasn't fat anymore but chubby and her ear length hair grew into a thick brown and caramel mess reaching her waist. Her baby soft skin was still as soft as baby and flawlessly white with pink blush adorning her cheeks. He suddenly started to notice her alot or maybe it was just not easy to take his eyes away from her. He isn't sure that he really hated her when he left Pakistan and he doesn't really know anymore.

"Kya hua kaha kho gae?"

(Where you lost?)

Abdullah's question pulled him away from his thoughts.

"Baba Ma..Mahi vo...use maine dekha hi nahi abtk. Shayad vo mujhe milna hi nahi chahti is liye."

(Well I haven't seen her yet. Perhaps she doesn't want to see me that's why.)

He shrugged carelessly dodging the topic. And Mahi who was listening everything suppressed her breaking sob on her misery, she wanted to correct him but she is helpless.

****

"Assalam Walaikum! Sorry I am late."

Everyone gathered at dinner table when Zayan arrived to join them.

"No worries! You must be really tired to join us." Bijaan caressed his head before he sat on his designated chair.

"Arey Pari! Zayan ko Qorma paas kro, uska favourite."

(Oh Pari pass Zayan his favourite qorma!)

Asmara phuphu told her daughter who was staring at Zayan starstrucked. She blushed before filling his plate and Bijaan smiled at her in anticipation meanwhile Rubina rolled her eyes annoyed by her sister's desperate attempt.

"By the way Zayan, hamari Muskaan ke bare me kya khyaal hai? 5 saal baad mil rahe ho mera mtlb hai."

(By the way what do you think of our Muskaan now. I mean you are meeting her after five years.)

Rubina tried to bring his attention to her eldest daughter by twisting the meaning. Her tone held pride for her beautiful daughter.

Zayan looked in Muskaan direction for a moment and feeling his gaze Muskaan blushed the brightest meanwhile Asmara and Pari burned in anger.

"Jab main yaha se gaya tha hamari Muskaan 18 saal ki thi.. tb bhi itni hi khubsurat or masoom or aaj bhi."

(Our Muskaan was just 18 when I left for London. She is as beautiful and innocent as she was then.)

Zayan commented smiling at her phuphu however Muskaan has no bound of happiness hearing him calling her hamari Muskaan.