Chapter: 08
Today, Tania's heart was heavy. She was lost in thought: "The man I have accepted as my life partner, Almeer, already occupies my heart and mind. But what should I do with this heart, where a deadening realization is taking root? How can I start my life with the son of my mother's enemies? Will I break my father's trust?" On the other hand, her heart whispered that Almeer was innocent; he didn't know the truth either. He had found out at the same moment she did, and he, too, had been searching for his paternal aunt's family. Why did a strange attraction pull them toward each other every time they met? Now she understood the reason. But why did this distance emerge just as they reached their destination?
Lost in these thoughts, she reached home and honked the horn. The gatekeeper opened the gate, and as the car entered the driveway, Shahab Sahab stepped out in silence. He walked slowly inside and went straight to his room to lie down. Today, he felt as if the strength had drained from his legs. "Did I hand over my daughter to the very people I spent a lifetime protecting her and her mother from? They are not protectors; they are the murderers of our happiness." He was tormented by the legal reality—Tania was now Almeer's wife, and he could take her away whenever he wished. In his distress, he decided to call Sajjad for advice.
When Sajjad answered, he asked with concern, "Is everything alright? We just met this morning. Are you okay?" Shahab Sahab replied, "I am deeply troubled, Sajjad. We need to talk about Tania."
"Sajjad! I have made a terrible mistake. The owner of the firm where Tania was interning turned out to be Jahangir's son. I had my suspicions initially, but then I thought, how many people share the same name? It wasn't certain he was Sophia's brother. But my suspicion was right. I have met his son; he is nothing like his father. He is sophisticated and decent. We met a couple of times at the hospital where his mother was admitted. Her condition was critical, and she was going in for surgery with very low chances of survival. She asked me for something as a sister, and I couldn't refuse. I gave my Tania's hand for her son—not just a commitment, but I even had the Nikkah performed. Later, she mentioned it was her dying wish to find Sophia. That's when my suspicion turned into certainty."
Shahab's voice trembled with rage. "These are the same people who killed Sophia slowly, breath by breath. My marriage wasn't such a sin, Sajjad. You were my companion back then; you know everything. I worked so hard to give Sophia a good lifestyle. And now, they are looking for her? They want to return the property they once snatched from her? What will I do with that property now? I didn't marry her for wealth then, and I have no such intention now. Tell me, what legal path should I take to keep my daughter with me? I don't want her to stay in Almeer's life or have even the shadow of that family fall upon her. Sophia endured immense agony, and I was the one who held her. I will not let Tania be sacrificed to their cruelty. I want revenge on Sophia's enemies. Yesterday's Shahab was weak, but today's Shahab is financially strong."
After listening patiently, Sajjad Sahab said, "I will only say this: exercise some restraint. It isn't just about a marriage proposal anymore; Tania is legally and religiously Almeer's wife. Under Sharia law, if he comes to take her, you cannot stop him. Ask Tania what she wants; her will is vital too. And what is Almeer's fault in all this? Shahab, you have lived a large part of your life. You know today's generation doesn't think like us; they make their own decisions. What if Tania wants to stay with Almeer? Will you become a wall between them? Will you separate them? What guarantee is there that if you marry her elsewhere, those people won't be the same? Don't make a hasty decision."
Tania was pacing in the lawn, her heart aching for everyone. She was angry at her own feelings, yet she understood why her father had kept them away from these people. Suddenly, a horn blared. The gatekeeper informed her that guests had arrived for the master. Shahab Sahab came out and told the guard to open the gate, saying it must be Sherooz. He explained to Tania that Jameel Bhai had called; he had sent sweets and an invitation card through his son, Sherooz.
Sherooz drove in, stepped out with the sweets and the card, and greeted them warmly with a hug. Seeing her father's somber face light up with a smile, Tania looked at Sherooz. She wondered if her father's face would have ever glowed like this upon Almeer's arrival. He had welcomed Almeer before, but that was when he didn't know Almeer was Sophia's nephew. Sherooz waved his hand to snap her out of her trance. "Do you usually sleep while standing?" he teased. Tania replied, "Not at all. I just hadn't heard your name before, and Papa never mentioned you." Shahab Sahab laughed and invited them inside.
In the drawing room, Shahab Sahab introduced them. "Tania, this is Sherooz. His father, Jameel Bhai, owns a textile mill. He is my maternal cousin. They used to live in Sargodha but shifted to Lahore years ago. You haven't met them, though your mother had. Sherooz studied abroad and has returned to attend his sister's wedding. Also, Jameel Bhai and his wife are looking for a bride for him. After Rumaisa's wedding, he has to go back, but they want him to get his Nikkah done and take the papers with him."
Then he turned to Sherooz. "And Sherooz, meet my only daughter, my whole world, the light of my eyes—Tania Shahab." Both Tania and Sherooz laughed at the elaborate introduction. Tania excused herself to make tea. While they talked, Shahab Sahab told Sherooz he would definitely attend the wedding, but as for Tania, it was up to her since she didn't know the family well. Sherooz smiled, "You will find me there, Uncle. I'll give her company. Please come. My mother's feet are swollen from all the shopping, and my sister's shopping spree never ends!" Tania laughed and agreed to come. Sherooz mentioned the Mayun was in three days, and they were hoping it would finally stop the endless trips to the bazaar.
After seeing Sherooz off at the gate, Shahab Sahab shared some history with Tania. "When I married your mother and went to her house, we didn't have a home in Lahore. We were originally from Sargodha. I brought your mother and my parents to Lahore and worked several jobs. Eventually, Jameel Bhai's father provided the capital for my business. I bought land, built a school, and joined a friend's construction company. That's how I built this first house where we live. Sophia grew up in this area. I wanted to give her everything her family had deprived her of. Now that I am self-sufficient, they suddenly remember her inheritance? I kept Sophia on my own strength, and she was happy and content with me. I can take care of you just as well. I don't want anyone to be your enemy; I just want to see you safe."
Moved by his words, Tania hugged him, and they walked into the lounge. "So, Papa, what are you wearing to Jameel Uncle's daughter's wedding?" While checking the card, she remarked, "Papa, this address is for a farmhouse." Shahab Sahab looked at the card. "Oh, I see. That was Jameel Bhai's father's plan. He preferred quiet, secluded places over the hustle and bustle. He spent his last days there. It's a beautiful place. If all the functions are there, it's going to be a lot of fun."
On his way back, Sherooz couldn't stop thinking about Tania. He had always admired Eastern beauty. Despite living abroad, he had never even befriended a foreigner, maintaining a boundary that made him quite popular and respected in his community. Some had even offered their daughters' hands in marriage because of his character, but he had always politely declined, saying it would happen according to his parents' wishes. After seeing Tania, he liked her so much that he decided the first thing he would do was tell his sister. She had been teasing him to pick one of her friends, but he had always laughed it off. Now, he thought, before his mother chose someone else, Tania was perfect—he liked her, and there was a strong family bond and friendship between the fathers. He smiled and turned on the music in his car: "You have entered my life like the spring; you are the queen of my heart, no one else but you, my love..."
Meanwhile, Shahab Sahab sat absorbed in his thoughts. He felt that if he had met Sherooz sooner, he wouldn't have rushed into the Nikkah under the influence of Almeer's mother. "It's still not too late. To protect Tania, I must separate her from Almeer. Yes, I have to do this."
Tania, who was about to enter her father's room with a tray of coffee, nearly dropped it.
"Will I be separated from Almeer? Will Papa make me seek a Khula (divorce)?"
To be continued...
Copyrights and Disclaimer
All Rights Reserved by the Author. All legal rights and ownership of this novel, "Along with the Spring" (Bahaar ke Sang), are reserved by the author, Ishrat Khanum (Pen Name: Zoaq e Isha/ Ishrat Zahid). Any reproduction or transmission of this text, story, or any part thereof in any form (including photocopying, recording, social media sharing, or PDF) without prior written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. Legal action may be taken under the Copyright Act in case of violation.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction intended solely for entertainment. All characters, names, places, and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) is purely coincidental. The views expressed in this story belong to the characters and do not reflect the personal opinions of the author.