《Saanwli Si Raat》7. Itmad (Confidence)
Advertisement
A couple of months have passed since her breakdown in front of Asfandyar and now, Zubiya was a completely changed person.
Everyone was happy to notice that she had quite a bit mischievous streak in her which leapt out at times when she gossiped with Gaiti and sometimes used it to her leverage to tease her regarding Daniyal bhai. Or help Usman mamo get back into Lubna aunt's good books again when he got into trouble with her.
Zubiya had been suggested to join a college that was closer to their house, to which she agreed and has easily adapted to the new college without any struggle, making Usman really proud of her. She had only a year left to finish her college and then she would apply for admission into a well-renowned medical college in the city on scholarship.
Daniyal had also started to take a liking to her and had already considered her as the younger one, calling her Choti. He was genuinely surprised to find her rifting through a law book of his on one weekend day and had spent about an hour debating and discussing with her about several topics related to it. The current one was the one he was trying to figure out. It was about a girl named Noori, who was gang-raped in a village and they were trying to find proof against the culprits so that they could file a case against them.
They had decided to keep low-key for now before the culprits could suspect anything. After they found some solid proof , only then they would file the case. Till then, they would wait.
Noori, who had come to the city was currently teaching in a primary school. She would surreptitiously send the money to her family at the village. She knew after what happened she wouldn't be able to work at the village and had decided to come to the city where she came in contact with Barrister Daniyal, whom she had begged for help. Daniyal familiar with who the culprits were, had agreed to help her achieve justice. Giving her his word.
Advertisement
Zubiya after listening to Daniyal bhai speak about the case with such passion felt pure admiration for his determination and respect for him.
And lastly Asfandyar... whom she enjoyed spending a lone night in a week talking with and listening to had become someone special for her. A special friend, that is. She didn't want to term it as anything different. She was grateful to have a friend in his form. A confidante. It was because of him she had become much confident than before. It was he who brought out the rare parts of her that she had forgotten they had ever existed. He made her feel elated when she was around him. Yes, he would irritate her to no ends with his stupid jokes when she was busy doing her projects but eventually he would always make her smile on the days she felt really down.
Zubiya sometimes felt scared of her own thoughts as they would all of a sudden drift towards the direction she wasn't yet ready to approach. It made her quiet down and almost bring her old-self back. But not for long as Asfand would distract her the moment he would notice her brooding-self.
She was grateful for the life she was leading now. For the family she has gained by making a split-decision.
She just hoped nothing would ruin the bubble she has formed around herself and her adopted family. Not even her wayward thoughts.
Zubiya felt tired as she slowly walked into the house. She just had her final exam of her midterms. It had taken a huge toll on her.. to cover up for the duration of the classes she had missed on at the start of the year and to prepare for her midterms. She just wanted to jump on her bed and take a long nap.
Advertisement
As she walked towards the stairs, she heard unknown voices coming from the living room. Curious, she took some steps towards the room and peaked in and found three new guests, a family of three talking to Usman mamo and Lubna aunty. She saw Gaiti bhabi keeping a tray of tea and biscuits in front of them. Gaiti was pouring them tea when she looked up and saw Zubiya standing at the door.
"Zubiya! When did you come?!" Gaiti exclaimed happily. The guests looked up and watched her as if trying to make sense.
"Uh.. I just came right now..." Zubiya said as she greeted the new guests and smiled at them bit awkwardly. All three of them returned her greetings and gave her a smile of their own.
"Zubiya, this is my brother, his wife and daughter, Faryal. Faryal must be of the same age as you are. Gaiti, why don't you and Zubiya take Faryal with you and spend some time with her... she has come to Pakistan after many years. Tell her all about what's new in Pakistan now... Now that she has come back to live here now... she needs to know all about Pakistan now!" Usman said as he laughed, joined by everyone except Zubiya who awkwardly smiled which didn't go unnoticed by Faryal, who has been watching her for a very long time.
Who is she? Faryal wondered.
Zubiya felt uncomfortable as she felt the new girl staring at her. It made her want to cower at a corner... but then she remembered what Asfandyar had said to her.
If you feel intimidated by someone, look into their eyes without blinking your eyes for a minute. It will give them the message. That you aren’t scared.
Which is what she did.
She finally looked at Faryal and gave her full attention and stared back at her without removing her eyes even once.
Faryal surprised, blinked her eyes and looked away concentrating on something else.
Advertisement
- In Serial57 Chapters
The Dungeon Calls for a Sage
Archimedes was the ego behind one of the most powerful dungeons ever created. He grew and developed his halls, filling them with powerful monsters and beasts, over the course of thousands of years. He was a grand structure of ten thousand floors which even heroes had failed to defeat. However, an Evil God had come from another world, calling himself the Demon King, and a party of heroes were sent to do battle with it. Through their victory, they obtained enough strength to breeze through Archimedes' dungeon like it was nothing. Forseeing the end of his life, and realizing how pointless his pursuit of power had been, Archimedes destroyed himself, taking the heroes down with him. Still, Archimedes felt despair that he had lived a worthless life as something as pitiful and futile as a dungeon. Sensing his regret and potential, the voice of the world presented Archimedes with the chance to start anew and live a more meaningful life. Thrilled and hopeful for the first time in eons, Archimedes accepted the offer, only to be reborn again as a dungeon core with not a single room or monster to his name. Just what was the meaning of this?! Archimedes couldn't figure out what the voice of the world was thinking. Somehow, he would have to draw a sage into his dungeon to figure it out for him. _______________________ DCS is now a member of the WriTEr's Pledge, which means I have sworn to see it through to a satisfying end.
8 202 - In Serial7 Chapters
Her Beautiful Fractals
The Fractals took everything from them, Alek and Alena were left orphaned from the tragedy that befell their home village. Horrifyingly beautiful monsters possessing crystals that shine a brilliant amber, with alluring patterns that dance across the skin as though it were alive. It was these same Fractals that Alena swore to protect Alek from, a promise she would keep even should it cost her life. Knowing that they were the only family they have left, she couldn't bear the loss of those close to her following the death of their parents. Yet when Alena falls victim to an unfortunate accident, Alek takes the stand to measure up to his sister's role. After all she has done for him and having raised him on her own, he would be the one to take care of her. No matter the cost, he would find a way to cure her, even if it meant giving up his humanity. Cover Credits: by davepattern is marked with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
8 373 - In Serial29 Chapters
I was Summoned as a Hero, but I Became the Demon Lord Instead
"Ah, how I wish I could be summoned to another world." I’d always thought of such a naive wish of escapism would never be granted. However, shit happened and I was somehow summoned. However, in some strange twist of fate, I was no longer needed and disposed of, but that’s okay because I didn’t want to be a summoned hero to begin with. My new beginning may have been abruptly cut short, but even so, that is fine. There is a path I’m much more interested in. Mwuhahaha! Cough cough cough. Though, my sinister laugh may still need some practice. I was Summoned as a Hero , but I Became the Demon Lord Instead Volume 1 Word Count: 108K Including Volume Exclusive Content Available on Amazon Edit: If you don’t get the timeline that’s because the rate at which time flows in different worlds are not equal. In addition, timelines do not neccesarily run parallel to each other, they may cascade such that when summoned to another world you may get summoned from a different reference frame in the timeline of another world’s with respect to your own. Scientific constants can change from one plane to the next. The natural laws that govern each world is not necessarily the same across them all. Some may display similarities, while others may be the complete opposite where rather than aging forwards you actually age in reverse. Newborns could be born elderly and withered, but when they are born into the world, their body regresses towards death in reverse.
8 120 - In Serial7 Chapters
The Journey Of A Reluctant King
Set in a sci-fi universe where magic does exist and is accepted as real by the inhabitants, but isn't something everyone can control.Alex Mercy is the main character he is part of a race called the Nowi a race that looks quite demon in nature skin that varies from a pure black to a molten red. With horns on their heads. They are sometimes mistaken for creatures from the underworld. He is the prince of the Sun empire and is setting out on a journey to become king in the future. All though he would much rather live a simple life.
8 197 - In Serial87 Chapters
The Transcenders
In a world of magic and science, peace never lasts. Has the Dark Faction returned? Is there something grander at play? Something big is about to happen. Follow the Transcenders on their journey to transcend humanity. They might just be the world's only hope. If they want to fight back thought, these mages will need to get stronger. (Chapters are released every Sunday)
8 112 - In Serial15 Chapters
Artificial War
Fifteen year old Kira struggles with his disability. But when other faction threatens to destroy their way of life. Will he step-up to change the tides of war or succumb to his unjust fate?
8 193