Inevitable Destiny- Mayi Ri

(39)

Aini had just came back from the college when she saw Aiman sitting in the backyard. Seeing her she remembered the photograph incident - not that she had forgotten about it - and thought to sort out everything. She quickly kept her bag in the room, and after changing she went towards Aiman with some snacks in her hand.

"Assalamu alykum, Aiman" she said with a smile and placed the things on the little table kept between them

Aiman looked up at her and with a sigh, replied "Walykum assalam"

"So, how are you? Itne dino baad aayi tum ghar" Aini started the conversation, as she sat on the chair

"I am fine and yes I am also busy with things Aini, it's not just you overwhelmed with work" Aiman replied, as she kept typing on her phone

Aini sighed at her reply, and being accustomed to her tone she brushed that away and directly came to the main topic

"Aiman, we need to talk about that photograph" she said firmly

Aiman looked up alarmed, but after composing herself she said defensively "What's there to talk about? It was clear enough"

"No, it's not. Why would you do something like that?" Aini asked

"I didn't do anything wrong Aini. It's you who is wrong" Aiman replied, now clearly looking agitated with the ongoing conversation

"But, you can't be wrong, haina?" she scoffed "Tum se accha aur sacha toh koi ho hi nhi sakta, nahi?" Aiman asked

Aini could feel the jab and sarcasm in her tone

"Why do you always talk with me in this tone? What have I done to you?" Aini asked

Aiman gave her a look of pure boredom and then replied "You don't know, Haan? Obviously, how could you?" she said angrily "you are always busy collecting appreciation from everyone... Right, Miss Perfect"

Aini looked at her with sheer astonishment

"What's gotten into you, Aiman?" Aini asked, clearly looking offended at that title

"Why are you saying all of this? Do you really think life is a piece of cake for me, that I could have everything I want... then listen to me, because it's not what you think. If I could be whatever image of mine you have in your mind, then I wouldn't be in this ill-timed marriage and struggling everyday to keep up with the household work and my piling up work from college. I would have been free from all of this" Aini said it all in one breath, clearly disheartened after listening to Aiman's words

.....

Aiman just stared at her for a minute and then said "Okay, maan lete hai. But what about all of that which I have to face because of you" she said, equally infuriated with everything

"Being compared to you in every aspect, may it be studies, looks and now marriage." She spat, as her eyes caught the ring on her cousin's finger

"It's like you enjoy making us all feel inferior to you. It's always... 'Why can't you be more like Aini?' from everyone" Aiman snapped back

Aini looked at her with dumbfounded expression, not understanding from where all this hatred came from...

"I never wanted that Aiman" Aini began softly, "It's not my doing, I have never seen anyone inferior to me. And... just look at you, from which angle anyone thinks that you are any less than me" her voice calm and peaceful

"Aiman, it's not a competition. We have different strengths and you have talents which I don't have"

"Wow, what a consolation. Thanks, but no thanks. But, I don't need your pity" Aiman said sarcastically