Chapter: 6
Written by: Ishrat Zahid
After the Fajr prayer, Almeer was discussing his mother's medical reports with the doctors when Shahab Sahib called Tania, who was still by Almeer's mother's side. After inquiring about her health, Shahab Sahib mentioned that he had already had breakfast and was on his way, asking if he should bring something for Tania. Tania declined. "Baba! Don't worry, Almeer Sir brought me tea and sandwiches from the canteen. Besides, Almeer Sir's mother will be discharged in about two hours anyway." Shahab Sahib advised Tania to come home and rest and then hung up.
A short while later, Almeer returned with the reports and his mother's new medications. As he began packing to leave, he thought of Tania. "Miss Tania! I am immensely grateful to you and your father for the way you've stood by me. You should go home and rest now; in fact, feel free to take tomorrow off as well. You truly need the rest."
Almeer's mother, Asiya Begum, called Tania to her side. "Will you visit me at home? I've grown very fond of you. Your parents have raised you with such grace." Asiya Begum saw a potential daughter-in-law in Tania—someone mature and sensible who understood the sanctity of relationships and how to respect elders. She felt that even if she were no longer there, Tania would take care of Almeer and support him.
Lost in these thoughts, Almeer interrupted, "Mama! Let go of Tania's hand now; Miss Tania has to go home." Asiya Begum snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. She showed her affection for Tania, and Tania helped her up. Almeer had arranged for a wheelchair, and the nurse accompanied them to the car. Tania held the medicines and reports. When they reached the car, Almeer insisted, "Miss Tania, please sit in; I will drop you off before heading home." Tania hesitated, saying she would call a cab, but Asiya Begum insisted, "Child, sit in. Almeer told me you live in Y-Block too. It is our duty to drop you; it doesn't feel right to send you alone. Your father would be worried." Tania finally sat in the back seat. For the first time, Almeer had a visible smile on his face, which Tania noticed. As he reversed the car, Almeer kept glancing at Tania through the rearview mirror. Tania began looking out of the window to avoid the gaze.
Upon reaching her house, Tania thanked them and invited them over once Asiya Begum felt better. Tania had already messaged her father, so he was waiting outside the gate. He also inquired about Asiya Begum's health and invited them inside, but Almeer declined. "Uncle! I need to go home, freshen up, and then head to the office. Neither Baba nor I has been there; I need to see what's happening. I've given Miss Tania today off; she can join from tomorrow or even the day after if she needs more rest." Almeer shook hands with Shahab Sahib, took one last look at Tania, and drove away.
Asiya Begum's speech was still slightly slurred, which Almeer noticed, remembering the doctor's advice that she needed a full-time attendant. He had already arranged for a nurse from the hospital to start physiotherapy today. Once home, Almeer called Khalida, the domestic help, to help his mother out of the car. Almeer took his mother's full weight on himself and brought her to her room. He told Khalida, "Khalida Baji! This nurse will stay here until Mama is well. If she goes anywhere, it's your responsibility to be with Mama. I won't be here during the day, so you must keep an eye on the nurse as well. I'm going to freshen up; please have soup made for Mama—without any salt—and prepare my breakfast. I'll go to the office after resting for two hours. Also, have the car cleaned. Make sure Mama gets her medicines on time."
After freshening up, Almeer came to the dining area. Just then, the gatekeeper informed him that the nurse, Ms. Fakhira, had arrived. Almeer went to his mother's room and felt relieved seeing the nurse applying a heat pad to relax his mother's muscles. He then returned to breakfast.
As he looked at the newspaper, the ground slipped from beneath his feet. On the front page was a photograph of his father, Jahangir, with a famous actress in Singapore. The headline blared that the Jahangir Group was launching a new product with her. Almeer tore the newspaper in a rage. "Baba! Was this your 'busy schedule'? Leaving Mama suffering while you do this?" He sternly told Khalida, "No one is to enter Mama's room, not even Baba. She must stay away from stress."
Almeer got into his car, put on his sunglasses, and called his manager to arrange all pending meetings for the day. At the office, he learned that shareholders wanted to meet. He held a board meeting immediately. After the briefing, Mr. Khawar, a senior employee, spoke up: "Sir! Everyone is talking about Jahangir Sahib's photo in the newspaper. Also, the legal advisor brought a file; Jahangir Sahib wants to transfer Sofia Madam's property to his name. Her company's shares are rising rapidly, and some bonds have matured, which should belong to her children."
Almeer immediately summoned the legal advisor to his room and ordered new documents: "From now on, the company I lead will be registered in my name—Almeer. One company will remain under Sofia Madam's name and the third under Baba's. This must be done secretly. I will not let anyone steal my aunt's rights. Until I sign these papers, do not contact Baba. You know well that I hold the Power of Attorney; Baba will only receive his own share."
Back at his desk, Almeer wondered if he should call Tania. He recalled his harsh behavior on her first day and felt guilty. He realized he hadn't even given her a birthday gift despite her help with his mother. He asked Ms. Sara if Tania's work was complete. Sara replied, "Yes, sir! Miss Tania completed it, and I've emailed you the PDF." Almeer replied, "I didn't have time; my mother was ill." Sara expressed her concern, "Yes, sir, we heard. The whole staff is praying for her."
Almeer left the office and bought a beautiful bouquet and a card that read, 'Thank you for everything—Almeer.' He drove to Tania's house. A new watchman told him Tania was sleeping. Almeer handed him the flowers: "Give these to her when she wakes up and tell her Almeer brought them." When Tania woke and saw the bouquet with Almeer's number on a note, she saved it and messaged, 'My pleasure—Tania Shahab.' Seeing the message, Almeer smiled. His mother, noticing his expression, said, "Almeer! Marry Tania. She will take care of you, and I will be at peace." Almeer replied, "It can be considered, Mama, but don't tell Baba yet."
Suddenly, they heard Jahangir Sahib shouting at Khalida because a file was missing from his study. Almeer confronted him about the newspaper photo. Jahangir snapped, "My choice, my company! Whoever wants to stay can stay; the rest can leave."
Almeer then asked his mother, "Mama! How did you get Sofia Phuppo's file?" Asiya Begum revealed, "I overheard your father talking to the legal advisor about taking over her property. I secretly took that file from his study and moved it to my locker. Now, it is safe with Tania's father. Jahangir can't even imagine it's there. Now, you must find your aunt and return her property so I can die in peace."
As she spoke, Jahangir burst into the room. Ignoring her illness, he barked, "Asiya! Did you steal the Sofia file? If I don't find it, you better make your own arrangements, because there is no place for you in my house!" These were bombs, not words, as he stormed out.
What will happen next? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Copyrights & Disclaimer:
All legal rights to this novel, "Along with the Spring (Bahaar ke Sang)," are officially reserved by the author, Ishrat Zahid. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or sharing of this content in any form (photocopy, recording, screenshot, PDF, or social media) is strictly prohibited. Legal action will be taken against anyone who steals or uploads this material without permission under the Copyright Act. This is a work of fiction; any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.