The Dawn Is On Us

C H A P T E R 1 4

"A S S A L A M U A L I K U M, kia haal hai Abdul bhai?" A man in his late fifties inquired.
His graying hair, wrinkled eyes showing the wisdom age had given him over the years.
"Alhamdulilah sab theek hai! Arrey aap baithain na," Abdul Rehman gestured towards the luxurious mint coloured suede sofa.

"Abdul tumne baray arsay keh baad rabta kiya hai. Sab khariat?" His eyes observing each and every corner of the lavish living room.
"Ji Sajid bhai. Sab theek hai. Darasal mein apni beti Rumi keh silsilay mein baat karna chahta hun," he stated, without hesitation.
"Han tou bolo na," Sajid was confused.

Sajid was the childhood best friend of Abdul Rehman and Kamal. Much like Kamal, he worked hard at a young age and established himself an empire. Now his latest worry was to get his son married and retire himself. Abdul Rehman, who had been out of contact with him for quite sometime now, contacted him out of nowhere, leaving him shocked. Eventhough he had a hint of what was about to come, he did not raise his hopes to much.

"Dekhein Sajid bhai, hum bachpan mein akthay hi palay hain. Woh tou bas beech mein raabtay khatam ho gai jis ko waja sai duriyan bhar gi. Par ab mein iss faslay ko mitana chahta hun. Rumaisa tou aap ki apni beti hai. Mein aap keh betay Raees ka haath mangna chahta hun," he blurted out in one breath.

Sajid stared at him for a few seconds. Thinking deeply about the proposition. Nothing seemed wrong to him with the idea. They had grown up together and knew best how their families were. And of Rumaisa was anything like her grandmother then it would be his goodluck. Unfortunately, he immediately also remembered who her mother was. A woman who had been known for scheming against those that were happier than her. His best friend, Kamal had been the victim of it as well.

"Dekho mein manta hun hum bachpan sai achay dost rahay hain. Aur tumharay khayal mein koi burai bhi tou nahin hai. Magar yeh meray betay ki saari zindagi ki khushi ka sawal hai. Mein uss sai baat kar keh tumhe bataun ga". He stood up, straightening his shirt.
"Allah hafiz. Mujhe zaroori kaam hai," he hugged Abdul Rehman and left.

No sooner had Abdul Rehman left that Munazza entered the living room. She sat herself down on the sofa next to her husband. Waiting for him to deliver the good news.
"Phir kia kaha aap keh bachpan keh yaar nai?" Her voice full of eagerness.
"Usne sochnay ka waqt liya hai," Abdul Rehman stated in a bored tone.
"Le le jitna bhi waqt chahiye. Humari Rumi tou unhi ki baho banay gi," her eyes shining with a dangerous glint.