Synthesis of Scattered Pieces ✔️

62.

Daniyal and Shifa left for the Radio station leaving Badi Amma with Mr and Mrs Kazmi. It wasn't easy to handle the old lady especially when she listened to Daniyal's argument which he was doing with his father against her.

"Kazmi Sahab..." Mrs Kazmi placed her hand on her husband's arm and shook him lightly. "Hmm?" He slightly opened his eyes and again closed them.

"Namaz parh lijiye." She woke him up and he hummed without opening his eyes.

(Pray namaz.)

"Kya hua khatija? Tabiyat theek hai?" Asked Mr Kazmi while sitting down and his wife nodded but it was a lie.

(What happened to you Khatija? All good?)

"Puri raat soyi nhi kya?" Asked Mr Kazmi and his wife sighed.

(Haven't you slept the whole night?)

"Kese soo jaun Kazmi Sahab? Ghar me ajeeb kashidgiyan bad rhi hain..."

(How can I sleep when these disputes are rising heads in my home)

"Kuch na kuch raasta nikal jayega, pareshan na ho." Patting her shoulder Mr Kazmi stepped out from the bed and Mrs Kazmi went to the kitchen to check if Shifa was already making tea for everyone or not.

(We'll find out the way, don't worry.)

Mrs Kazmi found the kitchen was empty, going towards the bedroom of Shifa she knocked on the door which was half open and was surprised because no one replied. "Daniyal." Calling her son she waited for a response but never got one. In the end she pushed the door and walked into the room which was empty. A blanket was spread on the bed indicating that they were sleeping there but now they were nowhere.

Holding a few caresses on her forehead she checked the lawn but it was also empty. Daniyal's car was parked, the main door was locked and when Mrs Kazmi called on his and Shifa's mobile she found them in their bedroom. After thinking a lot she went to the terrace and a strange smile spread across her lips when watched the scene.

Daniyal was sitting on the swing and Shifa was beside him, her face was half hidden in his chest and he was putting an arm around her shoulder protectively and the other hand was holding a few papers.

"I was s..." Before Mrs Kazmi could say anything Daniyal gestured for her to stay silent and looked at his wife who was sleeping peacefully in his arms. Mrs Kazmi came forward when found her son worried.

"What's wrong?" She asked in a whisper when noticed tear marks on Shifa's cheeks... Seems she had cried her eyes out the whole night. Daniyal looked at his wife who was sleeping and lifted his hand towards his mother. She furrowed but held the papers and read them silently and soon her expressions changed.

"Now?" After reading them she asked and Daniyal shrugged. "I don't know?''

"Will you let her go?" Asked Mrs Kazmi after a long silence and this time Daniyal was unable to reply. He closed his eyes while resting his head backwards and breathing out loudly. "Daniyal? Will you let her go?" Mrs Kazmi repeated the question and Daniyal opened his eyes then looked at Shifa's hands which were clenching his shirt tightly, her small act was showing how much she trusted him.

"I don't know.... I don't want to... But..." He muttered and sighed; defeated, "I don't know Ammi... I really don't know." He was looking frustrated, the wise man was unable to make a decision. Mrs Kazmi passed the letters back to her son and saw Shifa with a merciful sight. 

"What does she want to do?" 

"She's just crying. Her life has been difficult ever since." Daniyal muttered and cupped Shifa's face. "Now you have to make sure that she won't face any problem. I'll talk to Maryam, I won't let her go." Mrs Kazmi said with determination but Daniyal shook his head.