Kashmakash

Part 28

The morning sun streamed into the Siddiqui Haveli, casting a warm glow on everything it touched. The smell of freshly brewed chai wafted through the air as the family gathered for breakfast. Hyder had something on his mind, something he needed to discuss with his favorite woman – Naaziya.

Over the past few months, Hyder had been diligently working on rebuilding their personal lives. With things finally settling on the personal front and everyone returning to their usual routines, he now had another goal in mind – to encourage Naaziya to channel her energies into her professional self. His determination was unwavering; he wanted to see her not just succeed but truly thrive, to chase her dreams and reach her full potential. 

With a determined expression, he cleared his throat, gaining the attention of Naaziya and Rafia, who were engrossed in their own conversation about the latest fashion trends.

"Listen, both of you," Hyder began, "I've been thinking... It's high time we consider our careers seriously."

Naaziya and Rafia exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from casual to slightly wary. The two sisters-in-law shared a deep bond and, more often than not, they could read each other's minds. They knew Hyder well enough to sense when he was about to embark on one of his motivational speeches.

Hyder continued, "You're both talented and skilful, and I believe you have the potential to achieve great things. Have you decided what you want to do?"

"Haan, I have decided to marry you" Naaziya replied with stoic face. Her unexpected reply left everyone momentarily bewildered before laughter filled the room. Hyder, however, shot her a stern look, clearly not amused by her attempt to divert the serious conversation.

"Kya karu...aap aise board meeting wale awaaz mein baat kar rahe the" she whispered to him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. He cleared his throat bringing back the attention to him. With a hint of sarcasm, Hyder suggested, "Why don't you try for stand-up comedy with such a great sense of humour...wait can it be because you can only make these set of jokers laugh" he said pointing at his brothers. She scoffed at his sarcastic comment, "Khadoos" she mumbled.

"I will give you till next week, think of something that you both are interested in else you both are joining the company" he declared, getting up and preparing to leave for the office.

**

Later that evening, Naaziya was unceremoniously escorted out of Hyder's study, where she had been trying to convince him that her best talent was doing absolutely NOTHING. Dejected, she joined Rafia and Sameer, the newlywed couple in garden.

"Bhabhi, ye to maan hi nahi rahe" Naaziya sighed, sympathizing with Rafia, who wore a similar expression of frustration.

Rafia shook her head and complaint, "Tumhara to samjh rahi hu, but mera chain kyu cheen rahe hai".

"Now you are part of family, to bhai aapka bhi sochenge. You know India mein shaadi dono parivaar mein hoti hai" Sameer chimed in with a mischievous grin, enjoying the spectacle.

"Ahhhhh" Rafia groaned in frustration, tugging at her hair in despair.

Hyder entered the garden, his teasing smile intact. "Kya ho gaya; Sab itne udas kyu baithe hai" Hyder asked playfully.

Naaziya glared at him "Kya problem hai aapki. Kyu kaam karana chahte hai? Hum dono khush aache nahi lagte aapko?"

"Naaz, everyone should be financially independent. Bahar jaogi, naye logo se milogi, nayi cheeze sikhogi. Dukhi mat ho, it would be fun' He tried motivating her.

Defiantly, Naaziya replied, "Main introvert hu, mujhe nahi milna kissi se".

Sameer and Rafia couldn't help but enjoy the show. Watching Hyder, the usually no-nonsense brother, try to persuade his little fiancée was quite entertaining.

Hyder continued, his tone firm, "Tumko khud ka kuch achieve nahi karna?".

Naaziya pouted, fluttering her eyelashes coquettishly. "Nahi...jo aapka hai wo mera hai" she declared. Hyder shook his head at her antics.

Hyder shook his head at her antics. He decided to approach her differently, asking with a warm smile, "Do you like it when people say that you're my fiancée?"

Naaziya nodded with an adorable pout, unable to resist his charm. "Similarly, mujhe bhi aacha lagega jab koi kahega that I am Naaziya's husband. Will you make me proud?" he asked with a warm smile. 

Hyder's love and persuasion had a unique way of breaking through Naaziya's excuses, a feat his anger couldn't achieve. He recognized that his gentle approach had paid off as he observed her frowning but ultimately uttering a meek "Okay." 

***

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WISHES!!

I initially planned to conclude the story in 30 chapters, but it seems there will be at least 5 more chapters to go. I hope you all won't find it monotonous by the time we reach the story's end.