Yes madam? I need to dictate the verdict. Right, madam.
Honestly, Mom, you could have fought the case yourself; what was even the need for a lawyer? Right, Aunt Sumera? Yes, absolutely!
Actually, I think you should just go ahead and get a degree in law. Hmm. .
. Then I have one or two issues of my own, so I’ll be contacting you for my case. Zeba Don't worry, relax.
Whatever happens will be for the best. A call from Zeba? Yes dear?
Mom The divorce is final. Subuk Yes, Granny, the divorce is final. Subuk, my dear.
. . this is the first divorce in our family.
Yes, but it won't be the last. Because from now on, whenever a girl in our family is in pain, she will take my mother's example and choose to separate. She won't have to hear that since you left in a bridal palanquin, you must only leave your husband's house in a coffin.
From now on, there will be no more women’s funerals from our home. Granny, I have something to take care of here. I’ll call you back.
Bye! Greetings! Greetings to you!
Greetings mom! Greetings to you! Brother, what happened?
The divorce is final. But don't talk to Mom about it yet; let her rest for now. How are you?
Sit. Yes, I’m at Brother Jamal’s house; there’s a nikkah function going on here. Mom, do you need anything?
Didn't you go to college? I took the day off. Just like that; it was a holiday.
Greetings mom! Greetings to you! Aren't you late for the office?
I'm not going today. Okay. Mom, breakfast is ready.
Tell me, what will you have? Scrambled eggs, eggs with sausages. .
. or a cheese paratha, or a cheese omelette? And for drinks, would you like coffee, tea, or a milkshake?
You tell me, what will you have? I’ll eat too. Did you also make an excuse to skip school today?
Mom, it’s a holiday today! No office, no school, no college. Today, we’re all staying home to relax, eat, and have a party.
Why? What’s the occasion? To celebrate your freedom, of course!
Really? Go ahead and make it then. What did you say?
Scrambled eggs, eggs with sausages, or cheese paratha? Scrambled eggs, coffee, and cheese paratha. Hurry up!
And Brother Subuk, go grab a lachha paratha from the Pathan's hotel. Fine. .
. I'm going. Come on Tania help us.
Tea with butter With all these demands, I might as well open my own cafe. I'll go get it now. Mom, I’ve only just arrived in Pakistan, and you’re already making me sit down to settle accounts.
Dear, it’s not about settling accounts. Your dad called; he was saying that. .
He transferred some money into your account for Warda’s delivery and for Zaviyar’s shopping. I’m only talking about those funds. Mom, I’ll give the money back.
It’s not like I’m running away with it. I just got back from abroad where expenses were high, and I had to cover the wedding costs too. Just let my salary come in, and then I’ll.
. . So you mean you’ve spent all the money?
Right? It’s gone. Money is meant to be spent, after all.
Dad sent that money for me! For my needs. What am I supposed to do now?
What 'needs'? Tell me. I’ll take care of it.
What does Zaviyar need? Just see. .
Fine, Nasir. Your dad will speak to you regarding this matter. What can I even tell you?
There are a hundred things to get for Zaviyar. All sorts of little items. Should I give you a list?
Then tell the father whose child it is! My dad sent money, which is why I’m asking. Don't you dare talk about my child’s father.
That is none of your business. See that, Mom? This is exactly how she must have spoken to Brother Saif’s family too.
Did you see that? Did you see how he's talking to me? He was the one who told me to come home, wasn't he?
Forget about Brother Saif. There’s no need to stay in that hell; I’m right here for you. Now, just look at him.
So you didn't tell me anything again. You want to handle everything yourself, oversee everything yourself, you want to be a superwoman, don't you? What could I have told you, Aliya?
You would have just gotten stressed, and anyway, telling someone over the phone. . .
it isn't easy to talk about such a massive life change. It was a necessary decision, and it was the right decision. Yes, but sometimes necessary decisions can leave a person hanging by a thread.
Anyway, let’s drop all of this. Why don't you come to my house for a few days? No, I’m fine here with my children.
Javeria was also here. I had taken a few days off from school, but I’m going to start going back again now. Sister Zeba, I know this isn't the right time to talk about this, but I'm under a lot of pressure from Sohail.
We were supposed to go to Daneen's house; what should we do about that? Aliya, you. .
. look, you’ll have to go there yourself. I can’t go right now.
I am observing my iddat (waiting period), so I don't feel it’s appropriate for me to go anywhere. I only go to school because I have to, but I don't want to go anywhere else yet. Yes, you're right.
But I'm also under a lot of pressure from my in-laws. Sister Samia keeps asking. Would it be okay for me to go alone?
Yes, yes, you can go. Don't worry, I. .
. I’ll speak to Shehla. Are you sure?
Praise be to God, praise be to God! Zaviyar is doing perfectly fine. It's just that he cries quite a lot.
Warda and I spend the whole night dealing with it; we can't get any sleep at all. But Masha'Allah, his presence has brought so much life and joy to the house. Greetings!
Greetings to you! How are you? I am fine.
Dear, would you like some tea or a cold drink? No no, thank you! What have you brought?
It’s some stuff for Zaviyar. Umm, my mom sent a few things over as well. Oh, I see.
Parveen, take these things. Look, Masha'Allah, how cute he is! He looks just like you.
So lovely. All praise to God. .
Greetings! Mom, I’m going to Anila’s house. I have to bring her back today.
That’s fine, dear, you can go, but Saif has just arrived. Sit with him for a little while. No, no, it’s fine; I’m running late.
Also, I won't be here for dinner, so don't wait up for me. Bye! Okay.
Aunty, I should head out too. Dear, stay for a little longer; you’ve only just arrived. No, Aunty, I’ll come back again soon.
By the way, there are some things for you in the bags my mom sent them. Nasir has no manners. When a guest comes to the house, one is expected to sit with them.
And this is his own sister's husband! Just look at him. Anyway, it's time for my prayers.
My baby. . Hey.
. My child! Look at what Saif has brought!
Well, well. . .
all of Zaviyar's things have arrived. Now, let me do one thing. I’ll tell Nasir not to get anything.
We don’t want him bringing the same items from the list all over again. That would only happen if he actually remembered to get them in the first place. My baby!
Didn’t Zeba come? We were waiting for her. Sister Zeba mentioned she would call you; didn't you receive a call from her?
No, I didn't get a call, but she did message saying you all would arrive on time. Is everything alright? Yes, yes, she’s just feeling a bit under the weather, which is why she couldn't make it.
Oho. . I’ll call her in a little while to check on her.
But please, don't be formal at all; please, have something. Zeba must have told you, we have a very close bond, just like sisters. We’ve spent so much time together.
In that sense, you are just like a younger sister to me as well. So please, feel completely at home. Thank you so much.
Actually, Sister Zeba speaks very highly of you too. So, I thought, why not turn this friendship into a family relation? It would have been easier to talk if Sister Zeba were here, but I’ll go ahead and speak myself.
Excuse me. My sister-in-law has a son, Taha. We’ve raised him ourselves since his father passed away.
We are currently looking for a proposal for him. Sister Samia would have come along, but she’s in the US right now helping him settle in. So, I thought I should come and meet you all personally first.
After that, I’ll arrange a meeting for everyone. You. .
Have you come here regarding a proposal for your sister-in-law’s son? Yes, yes. .
his name is Taha. He has gone to the US for his Masters. I spoke with Sister Zeba, and she spoke very highly of her; in fact, Subuk was also praising Daneen quite a bit.
He was saying they would make a wonderful couple. Once he returns, I'll arrange for you to meet; you can meet Taha and his family. Then, whatever you all feel is right, you can decide.
What happened? Did I say something wrong? Is everything alright?
No no, you. . Have some tea, and after we discuss it among ourselves, we will give you an answer regarding this matter.
Shehla Serve her some refreshments. Yes. I'll be back in a moment.
Please, have something. No. .
Tell me, what happened? Is everything okay? Is there some trouble?
Did Zeba not mention anything to you? No, about what? Dear.
. Dear. Dad.
. Its over now. I will accept whoever you choose for me to marry.
I cannot drag my self-respect through the mud any more than this. Greetings aunty! Greetings to you!
Where is Sister Zeba? She’s inside. Sister Zeba Sister Zeba!
What happened? Is everything okay? Nothing is okay; you have done a great injustice to me.
What happened? You knew Daneen liked Subuk, and that her family liked him too. I asked you before going to her house; I consulted you, didn't I?
I consulted Subuk. He felt Taha was the better option for Daneen. Where is Subuk?
Call him. He isn't home right now. Well, tell him to come see me the moment he’s back.
Do you have any idea how much embarrassment I felt there? They all thought you and I were coming with Subuk’s proposal. If Daneen liked Subuk, you should have told me!
I would have turned down Taha and Sister Samia. Subuk is just as dear to me as Taha is. You’re right, Aliya, I understand.
. . You don't understand, Sister Zeba.
You don't understand anything. One-sided relationships don't work, and no one understands that better than you. Haven't you realized even this much in twenty-four years?
You spent your whole life being patient and enduring everything, and now you're teaching your son to do the same. You should be telling him that the girl likes him, she’s good, she’s lovely. Get married!
But you never listened to anyone, so what can you even say to him? Tell me when he arrives; tell him to come and see me. Aunt Aliya, please, at least sit down.
. . And.
. tell Subuk that if he doesn't like Daneen, he should stop giving these useless suggestions about Taha being a good option or someone else being a good option. He himself is the best option for Daneen.
Why doesn't he understand that? Why does he keep degrading himself? You should be the one explaining this to him.
Send him to me the moment he gets back. He’s humiliated us. Auntie, please, just sit down for a moment.
Aunty. . What’s wrong?
Why are you both staring at me like that? Mom, this isn't fair. You know Daneen likes Brother Subuk, yet you still let this happen.
Now I understand why Sister Daneen was so angry. "Go and say these things to your brother. He doesn't listen to anyone; I don't know what he thinks of himself.
He’s obsessed with the idea that Taha is the better option for Daneen. Even though I explained to him that Daneen likes him and her family likes him too. He just won't understand.
He thinks he knows best, so I can't say anything to him anymore. Talk to your brother yourselves. Let Brother Subuk come home; I’ll talk to him.
You? You’re going to talk to Brother Subuk? Go and do your homework.
Mom, this lawyer keeps calling me over and over. Tell me, what am I supposed to do? Which lawyer?
The one we involved for the divorce case. Why is he calling you? Mom, he's asking for his fees.
He had the case ready, and then. . .
there were some court fees as well. I've already paid part of it, and the rest was supposed to be paid later. Now he’s asking whether we are going ahead with the case or not.
So what do I do now? I’ve gotten myself stuck in this mess. On one hand, I’m being humiliated at the lawyer's office every other day.
And on the other. . .
Anila is right. In the end, the blame for all of this is going to fall squarely on me. Oh, please.
Keep your wife’s 'golden words' to yourself. It’s barely been a few days, and you’re already reciting her verses. Mom, there is no point in talking to you.
I just want to tell you this: tell Warda that if she wants to file a case, the lawyer will charge a fee. She should get that fee from Dad, okay? Look at him.
. . What new trouble is this?
These children have left me completely exhausted. Come in. Why are both of them in such a bad mood?
I don't know, go ask them yourself. Your mood isn't great either; what happened? It's just that your aunt came over today.
She left upset. Shehla and Brother Humayun told her that Daneen is interested in you and. .
. they had also wanted your marriage to be fixed with Daneen from the start. She’s just angry that she wasn't told about this sooner.
She’s especially upset with you; she said you should go and talk to her. Have Daneen’s parents become as mindless as she is? Don't be so sharp-tongued; you shouldn't speak about your elders that way.
Taha is such a good option, Mom. He is a wonderful guy. They should think about their daughter's life instead of ruining her future by listening to her nonsense.
Why do you talk like this? What is even wrong with you? Mom, don't start this topic again.
We’ve talked about this so many times. You know, I just. .
live my life realistically. Everything is fine right now; the love is there for her. But tomorrow, when the needs and the struggles come face-to-face with us, then I’ll see.
It doesn't work out, Mom. Then she’ll regret it, and then we’ll regret it. I’m just thinking about these things; I want whatever is going to happen to happen now.
Do talk to your aunt. Fine, Mom, but please. .
let's not talk about this topic anymore. Then you tell me, what should I say to him? Me?
What can I say, Mom? Money comes up in every single thing Nasir says. He’s less interested in the lawyer’s case and more interested in the money Dad is supposed to send him.
Don't you worry about that. Your father will send it. Mom, Nasir used to tell me every time that I didn't need to worry I earn enough money to support my sister and her child.
And now, have you seen? He’s changed his colors like a chameleon. Dear, all brothers are like this.
That is why I am telling you whatever decision you make, think it through carefully. Then you should have explained all this to me before. Now, after I’ve been sitting here for months and we’ve been talking to them about divorce, am I supposed to just stubbornly go back?
No. Why would you go by yourself? I’ll go with you to drop you off.
Don't I have any self-respect, Mom? If I go back now, it's not like Saif is going to put me on a pedestal. He’ll just stay stuck in his arrogance, thinking I've finally been put in my place.
Then tell me, what do you want to do? Do you want a divorce or not? I need to think.
Praise be to God! Many, many congratulations. I used to pray day and night that Allah would grant my son a good job.
And look, Allah has heard my prayers. Mom, it’s all because of your prayers. I never even expected to get an appointment letter from this place.
Joining is in a month. That’s fine, but why didn't you expect it? I always knew my brother was very capable.
Whenever he got a job, it was bound to be at a great place. Plus, they’ll provide a car after four months. Wow!
Wow! All praise to God. I’m going to perform ablution and offer two rakats of nafil gratitude prayers.
Alright? You two talk. Have you told Warda yet?
No sister. Why? Sister, this news is only for you and Mom.
Warda has no interest in my life or my happiness. Her only interest lies with her parents and her brother so let her stay there. It’s not like that, Saif.
Look, if you tell her, she’ll be happy and she’ll come back. When there’s no money in the pocket, the wife leaves and when the money returns, the wife comes back too? Is that what the relationship between a husband and wife is supposed to be?
No Saif. Look, you know yourself that she is young and immature. She still has so many things to learn, doesn't she?
Sister, whether she has learned anything or not, I have learned a great deal. Alright, Saif, just listen to me. Forget all that.
Saif. . .
Daneen I am sorry. For what? I really had no idea that Aunt Aliya was bringing Taha’s proposal for you.
Fine, you didn't know then, but you know now. Otherwise, just ask your brother; everything happened with his advice. That’s exactly why I’m apologizing to you.
What is our friendship’s fault in all of this? No, it’s not your fault; in fact, I’d say it’s nobody’s fault. But the thing is, Zoya, whenever I look at you now, I am reminded of Subuk.
That’s why I want to maintain some distance between us, so I can move on with my life. Which is something I should have done a long time ago. Subuk is right.
I am stubborn. But this stubborn person has finally come to their senses. I can't cause my parents any more pain; they have already been through so much because of me.
So, I am sorry, Zoya. None of this is your fault; the fault is entirely mine. Because I was the one who made the mistake of falling in love.
The mistake of having expectations was mine, and I was the one who nursed those delusions. So now, I want to move past these mistakes. I just want to, you know, stop this.
Zeba. . Sister Zeba!
Hey. . You?
Greetings! Greetings! How are you?
I am fine. How are you? I am perfectly fine.
Sister Zeba, why such coldness? Are you upset with us? Hey no no.
. It’s nothing like that; you were such a great support there. It’s just that my time there has simply come to an end.
Yes. . I found out about your divorce from Brother Jami.
Yes, it’s over; we are divorced. Tell me, how are you? How is Warda?
Warda is fine. She’s at her parents' house. Now, she and I are also headed for a divorce.
Oh! Why? What happened?
Sister Zeba, I don't have an answer to that 'why. ' I can only say that perhaps I couldn't meet their standards or their expectations. How can that be?
You are such a good son, such a good brother. You take on responsibilities and you are so empathetic. How is it possible that you wouldn't take good care of your wife?
Perhaps their definition of 'care' is just different. Sister Zeba, you should come over to my place sometime. If you want, I can talk to Warda and see.
But there’s no point in that. I’ve already been patient about many things. I’ve compromised, and I can manage separation too.
I’ve fulfilled every responsibility of a good man and husband. Actually, I’ve tried to do even more than what I was capable of. But some women and their demands can exhaust a man.
Warda has exhausted me. I used to think marriage was such an easy thing. I thought that just as I keep my mother and sister happy, I would be able to keep my wife happy too.
What does a wife even ask for? Love, attention, empathy, care, respect, and support. If I give her all of this, why wouldn't she be happy with me?
How could she possibly be upset? I was wrong, Sister Zeba. Some women don't need a husband; for them, their father and brother are enough.
By the time they are ready to replace their parents and brothers in their lives, they have already fallen out of that man's heart. You and I are perhaps sailing in the same boat. Only our genders are different.
All praise to God. . Many, many congratulations!
Nasir dear. . First thing in the morning, get up and give charity (sadqah) in the name of God.
Right after the wedding, Allah has given such wonderful news. May Allah protect my children from the evil eye. By the way, Mom, after getting the report from the doctor, this was the very first thing we did.
And also, Anila’s parents have already given charity (sadqah) today. All praise to God. .
Aunty, may I go and rest for a bit? I’m really exhausted. Of course, my dear.
Go and get some rest and take care of yourself. And yes, if you need anything at all, just let me know. I will, aunty.
Okay? Go. Thank you.
. Will you eat this? Daneen What’s happened to your appetite?
What’s wrong, Mom? I am eating. Yes, but your diet isn't usually this small.
Dear, if you don't like it, we can get something from the market or order something. No Dad, there’s no need to order anything from outside. Your dad was saying, why don't we try talking to Subuk one more time?
Please dad. No! I can tolerate being insulted myself, but I cannot bear to see you all insulted.
Dear, Subuk is a very good boy, a very respectful boy. Why would he insult me or your mother? No matter what he is like, you just won't speak to him.
Fine, okay. We will talk to Zeba then. No, Mom.
You won't talk to her either. Dear look. .
I can't bear to see you like this. You know that in life, it has never happened that you liked something and we weren't able to get it for you. There is a huge difference between things and people, Dad.
And I understand that now. You should say yes to Taha. Daneen.
. She. .
She has left as well. We'll have to do something. Why aren't you going to Aunty's house?
She calls me every day. She calls me every day too, but what am I supposed to do at her house? Conversation is possible.
But what is there to talk to her about now? How can someone who has lived their entire life without a single struggle understand the perspective of a person whose life is full of problems, Mom? What am I even supposed to say to her?
She’ll get upset. So let her be upset. She can stay angry for a while, and then, obviously, I’ll go and appease her.
And Daneen? Daneen is a fairy who belongs in dreams; let her stay there. Has your NADRA work been done?
If not yet, I’ve found a reference. We can get it done through him. Let me know.
I’ll be back in a while.
