His Beloved

9

Crushing the remaining of the cigarette under my boot, I took a deep breath in, before locking my car, and heading inside. The house was all too quiet, but the atmosphere wasn't the same as always.

I directly headed for Baba's room, I was now worried as to why was he not in the living room like always watching TV, that whenever I come I can hear the television from the veranda even. Just as I rounded the hallway to Baba's room, I crashed into something, or precisely someone. The person was none other then my only aunt's daughter, Raniya.

She was the last person I wanted to see right now, let alone ever. Raniya api was divorced, and now lived with my Aunt who stayed hidden in the shadows of my Baba's money.

"oh Hello Dani. How are you? Didn't hear from you since like forever." She went on, her squeaky voice directly providing me with a headache.

Even though she was a year older then me, but her fascination for me never got old.

"Raniya, it's Daniyal for you, and we just met two months back, so don't whine, not now at least. I am exhausted."

I went past her, if she is here then most probably my aunt, Samiya will be here. I could already sense another dose of headache coming.

Knocking the door twice, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. I saw them both sitting over there on the sofas, talking, or more like my phuppo asking for money in her manipulative ways. I just shook my head at her old tactics, but I had to respect her, after all she was my father's sister, but nothing like my father.

I greeted both of them, as she showered me with lots of fake love. That only I could detect from her sickly sweet voice.

I need to talk to baba urgently, alone. But my leach of a phuppo will never leave a chance to poke her nose in our business. This was important, very important, I have waited enough.

"Baba? I need to talk to you about something important." I spoke as politely as possible, giving a fake apologizing look to my precious phuppo.

"Sure beta. What is it?" He asked, not getting that i did not need a company over here with him right now for the matter I am here for.

"Um, Baba alone." I gave them an apologetic smile. Phuppo right away turned her face away, sourness spreading her facial expressions, but hiding them perfectly, she spoke out with a small smile.

"Sure beta. You guys talk. Let me see what Raniya is making for you. You know she loves making new dishes for you." She left the room, not closing the door. I knew she was standing there, in the hallway, listening to us, and that is what I wanted, making her feel like an outsider.

"What do you want to talk about that can't be discussed with her in the room." He didn't hide the distaste in his voice. He loved her dearly, as well as his niece.

I took a deep breath in.

"Baba. I am ready to marry someone." Then and there I said it.

I keenly observed the changes in his expressions. First he looked surprised, and then a smile so big spread out on his lips.

"Wakai?" He asked in disbelief. I nodded, sitting beside him on the sofa, as he moved forward to hug me, he was happy, why not will he be? It was his wish coming true.

(Really?)

"Yes baba. I want to marry someone. And i know you will love her." I stated proudly. As he pulled away from the hug.

"Who is she beta?" He asked, his face beaming in absolute joy.

(Son)

From the corner of my eye, I saw her shadow retreating, probably in delight that I am going to marry her daughter. Gazing back at my father, I saw him watching me expectantly.

His worry lines on the forehead, were faded, as the wrinkles subdued, he looked so much younger, just like old days. Aging didn't suit him at all.

Before he could ask again, I responded.

"Haya. Haya syed."

-

It was almost the time for dinner. The clock struck nine, and just like that a knock on the door resounded. It was a daily thing for a servant to come up and knock on the door to call me downstairs for joining baba in the dining room. But today I had no will to accompany him, not because I didn't like spending time with my baba but his sister and my cousin were the problem. They both couldn't keep their hands to themselves, which irritated the hell out of me.

The door opened, as I wore the t-shirt lying on the sofa.

"Please tell baba I am going out. Will be coming home late." Without turning around, I spoke, as I picked up my wallet and phone from the nightstand.

"Dani this is not the way. Why are you leaving? I made dinner for us. Your favorite mutton biryani." Raniya's irritating, shrilly voice echoed. Snapping my head to the side, I saw her coming inside, getting me over the edge. No one was allowed inside except for the head maid.

I knew she won't leave the matter, she was like a leach, always sticking to me like a gum. I sighed annoyed.

"I am coming, you get out." I spoke nonchalantly. As I dropped the car keys I picked, but changed my plan eventually.

Stepping out of the room, I softly closed the door behind.

Visit to Haya's will have to wait. I need to get done with these people before they crash here for a week or worst a month.

i hated this mother daughter duo. always over at our place and causing havoc, their presence irritated the hell out of me!

they never leave a chance to try to trap me in marriage with Raniya. as if i don't know who this witch is!

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