Kashmakash

Part 29

Rafia and Naaziya found themselves in the company of Rehan, the interior decorator, as they discussed the plans for their upcoming store. Rehan, a successful decorator in the city and a senior of Naaziya from school, had been brought in to lend his expertise to the project.

Naaziya had previously shared some design ideas that she had liked, but Rehan had a different vision in mind. He believed that since their store specialized in Indian couture, embracing ethnic designs would be the ideal choice. He leaned forward, presenting a tablet to Naaziya, displaying his suggested designs and color palettes.

"Naaziya, I don't agree with the designs you liked and sent me. You should go for ethnic designs since you are Indian couture. The wall colors and décor should be bright and vibrant to match the color palettes of your designs," Rehan explained, urging her to take a look. "These are a few sample designs and color palettes that I have listed for you. I think they will resonate with the theme of your collections."

Naaziya, filled with excitement, eagerly passed the tablet to Rafia, wanting her to share in the moment, 'Ye dekhe, Bhabhi; the store would look fantastic.' She then turned her attention back to Rehan, her admiration evident, 'These are all part of your projects, Rehan? How impressive," she complimented him.

'Naaziya kahan hai? Wo nahi aayi tumhare saath' Salma asked her daughter in law, Rafia.

'Wo Ammi, Rehan uske senior hai to wo thoda ruk gayi unke saath' she replied 'They are catching up' she directed at Hyder.

**

For almost a month, Naaziya and Rafia had been immersed in the task of curating designs and collections for their upcoming store. Simultaneously, they were working closely with Rehan to design the store's interior. Given the substantial workload and time constraints, it often fell upon Naaziya to meet Rehan alone for discussions about the store's interiors.

On this particular late night, Naaziya hadn't returned home from the store yet. The opening date was just a week away, and the pressure was mounting.

'Naaziya abhi tak nahi aayi' Farheen asked Salma, who was sitting alone in the living room, engrossed in watching a daily soap.

'Nahi' Salma glanced at the clock, her worry growing. She was about to call Inayat to inquire about Naaziya's whereabouts when Farheen interjected with a hint of sarcasm 'Itna kya kaam rehta hai usko Rehan ke saath, ki ghar aana bhool gayi hai'. Her words carried a subtle taunt, one that Salma couldn't ignore.

Salma, a woman who had always tried to maintain a harmonious atmosphere in the family, responded, 'Aaya to Zain bhi nahi hai, kabhi uske bhi khoj khabar liya karo'.

While Salma had no personal issues with Farheen, she had noticed Farheen's habit of speaking bitterly about her own family members, and now Naaziya, who was destined to be her future daughter-in-law.

**

It was a joyous night for the Siddique family as they celebrated the grand opening of their daughters' store. Pride filled the hearts of the parents, knowing that this was just the first step in their daughters' exciting entrepreneurial journey. Rafia and Naaziya had displayed remarkable courage in venturing into this new exploration.

As the family and close friends gathered for the small celebration, Arif extended his congratulations. However, Farheen, could only manage a forced smile. Her demeanor hinted at a deeper resentment that lurked beneath the surface. Rehan was also part of the celebration, a thank you for his efforts for bringing the store to life.

'Adab, aap Rehan hai?' with an overly sweet voice, Farheen addressed Rehan.

'Ji' Rehan replied awkwardly as he had only interacted with Rafia and Naajiya, and occasionally with Sameer and Hyder.

'Main Naajia ki chachi hu. Bahut sundar bana hai store' Farheen continued 'Kaafi mehnat ki aapne Naaziya ke SAATH mil kar' she said looking at Hyder.

'Thank you' Rehan replied politely, unsure about the reason behind the hostility he sensed from Farheen. He had maintained a strictly professional relationship with Naaziya, despite their prior school connection.

Hyder on the other hand was furious. Her comments seemed to insinuate something more sinister about Naaziya, here was a woman who had been an abuser herself, openly casting doubts on Naaziya's character; that too publicly.

**

Hyder's anger boiled within him, intensifying with every passing moment. As the evening wore on, the guests departed, leaving only family members behind. By this time, Hyder could only see red. He had endured a great deal in his life, but witnessing Naaziya being attacked by Farheen's malicious comments had ignited a fury within him that he could no longer contain. 

While Farheen's taunt might have seemed small on the surface, Hyder understood all too well that she was not one to stop easily. He was keenly aware of her capabilities and just how vile and vindictive she could be. Her words were like the tip of an iceberg, concealing the immense hostility and malice lurking beneath the surface. Hyder had experienced firsthand the havoc she could wreak, and he had no intention of allowing her to harm Naaziya in any way. It felt as though all the pent-up pain and anger he had bottled inside him over the years were about to erupt like a volcano.

For over a decade, Hyder had endured immeasurable suffering at the hands of Farheen. His troubled adulthood had left him with deep scars, manifesting as anxiety and depression that had haunted him for years. It was only when he found Naaziya that he glimpsed a ray of hope, a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of his life. But now, that very same person who had caused him so much distress, Farheen, was launching an attack on Naaziya. The anger that surged within Hyder was unlike anything he had felt before. He had no energy left to tolerate or be passive. He had to protect Naaziya, no matter the cost. Even if it meant reopening the wounds of his past and reliving the agonizing memories he had long buried, he was prepared to do it.

'Bola tha maine, Naaziya se dur rehna' he seethed as moved towards Farheen. Areeb and Zain reacted swiftly, restraining Hyder before he could reach Farheen. Despite his outburst, Farheen remained unfazed, her expression unchanging.

'Himmat kaise hui Naaz ke naam bhi apni zuban pe laane ki. Tumhe kya lagta hai pehle jaise chup rahunga. Naaziya ke against kuch halka sa bhi kiya; I will destroy you' Hyder continued speak gritting his teeth. His rage was palpable, and he seemed ready to unleash it without restraint.

'Bhai, kya bole jaa rahe ho. Ammi hai, unke liye bakwas nahi sunege' Shohaib defended Farheen, stepping forward.

'Haan, teri ammi, farishta hai naa. Jiss din asliyat pata lagegi isko ammi bulana band kar dega' Hyder sneered bitterly, 'Pata bhi hai teri ammi ke karname...'

'CHUP HO JAO HYDER' Areeb bellowed at his nephew, snapping him out of his rage-induced trance.

Hyder locked eyes with Areeb, and within that gaze, he detected a complex mix of emotions. Guilt and fear seemed to lurk behind the tears that welled up in Areeb's eyes. 

'Aapko pata hai Chachu' Hyder managed to utter. Areeb nodded in response, leaving both Hyder and Naaziya stunned by his acknowledgment of a long-buried secret. Hyder couldn't help but feel betrayed.