They were on the expansive, open terrace that faced the sky and was surrounded by full-length, one-way mirror pieces. This Baig mansion's terrace was created especially for these two girls Hessah and Amirah, to provide them privacy while also enabling them to take in the scenery and the fresh air outside without being noticed by others. Beautiful plants that were flourishing healthily along its edge were the result of Hessah's diligent efforts as a plant lover. The center featured an elegant swing and a set of patio furniture. Her favorite place was here. She would come here to offer salah and speak to Allah with all of her heart when she was feeling very down, and she would also come to share her happiness with her creator when she was happy. She had a very strong relationship with her creator, who served as her closest friend, guardian, and he was the only, she ever found in every situation she faced. Amirah always teased her by saying "Take this terrace along for your dowry."
The weather was windy and gloomy. It looked like it was going to rain shortly. Hessah was reading a novel by Nimra Ahmed, her personal favorite author, while resting down on the couch. Her but wavy long black hair was open and blowing in the direction of the breeze while she wore a simple white churidar frock outfit.
"Oh My God, Aiden?" With utter disbelief, Amirah exclaimed.
Upon realizing what she had spoken, Hessah got up from the couch, closed the book, and approached her cousin, who was standing at a glass, staring outside.
And really, there was he, wearing a black pant and black shirt with three buttons open and the sleeves pushed up, showing off his veiny hands, with goggle and an expensive watch as accessories, stood in front of the Rolls-Royce Ghost on the porch, staring at and conversing with the man in his late forties behind him. His thick, black hair was styled in a messy yet attractive way. As usual, his extravagant sense of style made him appear tall and handsome.
"Hessah, please pinch. I think I'm dreaming. He's here, but why?" Amirah was still in shock and disbelieving at what she saw.
However, if it was believing, she was also finding it difficult to accept and was unable to understand why he was there. At the university, he hardly interacted with any of them. He wasn't among those who knew his father for professional reasons either.
Possibly sensing that someone was watching him, he stopped entering the house, removed his goggles, and glanced up at the terrace. Because of his intense and profound gaze, he was giving her, for a moment, Hessah forgot that it was one-way mirror glass and that he couldn't see her. After staring at her for a considerable amount of time, he put his goggle back and entered the room with a small smirk on his lips.
....
As the guests were getting ready for the chat they had come for, the entire sitting room was silent, and the Aliyan Sahab waiting patiently for them to start talking. The two maids were serving the guests, as it was customary in this Baig place to serve the guest with the best.
Mr. Hamid finally started the conversation, after maid retrieval, "Actually, it was your daughter that brought me here."
Knowing the true purpose of their visit, Aliyan Sahab's hand briefly vibrated as he lifted his cup to his lips. But he did not interrupt them and let him complete his conversation.
"My son, Aiden" pointing to Aiden, who was enjoying tea and listening attentively to the conversation while relaxing on the couch, he added further "He recently earned his master's degree in biochemistry from the same university as your daughter, and following his successful research in 3D skin regeneration, he began receiving calls from several research companies overseas.
And he'll shortly be joining one of them."
He returned the smile with certainty as Aliyan Sahab turned to face him and read his description. He was used to being liked by everyone since he was a young child, so he knew he couldn't be rejected. And a lot of the girls he had known at university had nurtured feelings for him.
"We'd be delighted if you gave your daughter Hessah's hand to him for marriage."
Fire surrounded him, beginning to scorch his whole body. He is transported back to 26 years ago, when his wife's eyes were weeping, his father's body was in front of him, and he was presented with impairment. It was one question that had ruined their whole house.
"After we've discussed it and my Bhai Jaan gets back from his farm, I'll get to know you." What he said with his face devoid of emotion, nevertheless, was plain and straight; it was a common response to this purpose. It was free of the rage and all the emotion he was experiencing at the moment.
"Ok, we'll look forward to your reply. I'm hopeful that it will be yes." Hamid Sahab spoke in a confident manner and stepped up to shake hands with Aliyan, who could not to get up of his wheelchair.
Is history going to happen again? Would he once more had all of his beloveds taken away from him? But this time who will be snatched? He abruptly shook his head and muttered, "I won't let this happen this time"
Amirah, who was hiding behind a curtain and using both hands to cover his mouth to keep from yelling, rushed to Hessah's room.
She was deep in thought when she noticed Amirah rushing over to her. Amirah grabbed her by the shoulder and began to circle her.
"Hessah, he came for you" For a moment, Hessah was unable to figure out who Amirah was referring to. However, after realizing, she stopped her and gave her a disbelieving look.
In disbelief, she pushed herself back and sat on the bed.
"Allah Allah, it's surprising that he is interested in you. Actually, it brings me excitement to think of the two of you toget..."
"Will you shut up Ami...." Hessah yelled from her throat, looking at Amirah with teary eyes.
"Do you really think it's good. Don't you get what he has done to me. Abbu and Taya will kill me..." She sobbed and continued, "Do you not realize what happens to the girls here when some come for us? They believe that these guys came for proposals that we approve of and desire."
Amirah approached her, placed a kind hand on her shoulder, and tried to ease her down by massaging her shoulder.
"And given that he never saw me due to proper niqab, how can he come for me?"
"May be your eyes, it's beautiful, you kn...ow" Amirah felt her concentrated stare and halted, "Sorry"
What had been the situation? She had to study, achieve her dream, and show her father that she was different from her Phuppo. She also had to make her father proud and raise his head because of her. She took care of every step, stayed out of sight, always kept herself hidden and steered clear of any unwelcome attention. Then what? This was not what she wanted. Where had she gone wrong?