3: Two Proposals?

Patience, a very important thing to have. Learn to have it in abundance, you never know when your life changes. Iman, faith,  more important than patience. Those who lose faith and hope in Allah, has ultimately lost everything.

Third persons P.O.V.

"Jannat, where were you?" Parveen asked as Jannat entered the door.

"Mom, I was at dad's place."

"You could have informed, at least. How did you come back?" Jannat's Nani said worriedly.

"I took a cab." Jannat mumbled and headed towards her room.

"Oh, I was worried when I saw your scooter here." Parveen said to her daughter.

"I don't drive anymore."

"Not again!" Zaid uncle stated.

"Why beta?" Rehana asked sweetly.

Jannat didn't reply. She knew the reason and she can't risk others life. She was very, very sorry for what happened with Ahmad but the other day she was very happy to see him all fine.

She turned around to leave even though she knew that her mom wasn't going to spare her without asking a dozen of questions more. The whole family gathered in the living room at 10:00 p.m. at night was something unusual.

"Jannat, we have to discuss something. Sit here." Zaid ordered.

"Mamu, can we talk about it tomorrow. I have a headache." Jannat asked as politely as she could.

"When don't you have a headache?" Zara interrupted.

"Zara, don't." Sufyan whispered.

"Right!" Jannat said and turned to go upstairs to her room.

"Jannat, manners!" Parveen scolded. "Behave yourself."

"I am seriously not in a mood to talk right now. Please spare me guys!" Jannat's voice echoed in the large living room.

"I don't understand the problem of these young generation kids." Jannat's Nani grumbled.

"Phuppu, let her go. We have her tomorrow." Sufyan said grabbing all attention.

"Come on then, everyone, go to your rooms." Rehana ordered.

Jannat ran to her room removing her abaya. Thinking about the accident some particular thoughts circled in her mind. She thought about her and prayed for her every day. She blamed herself for her death. She sighed in front of the mirror.

Her floral print skirt dancing due to the air of the fan whereas her cream-colored shirt tucked in neatly. She sighed looking into the mirror.

She crept quietly outside her door making sure not to disturb Zara and Sufyan who had their bedrooms adjacent and across respectively on the same floor.

Jannat enjoyed the cool breeze moving swiftly sitting on the rocking chair. She gazed at the stars and the moon for a long time until she felt the presence of someone else, she quickly turned around to find Sufyan with two cups of coffee.

"Are you okay? Two cups at a time!" Jannat exclaimed dramatically.

"Here." Sufyan extended his hand.

"Jazakallah Khair. Exactly what I needed." She giggled.

"Waiyyak."

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Both asked in union.

"Wasn't sleepy. What about you?"

"Nothing." Jannat lied.

"Are we playing 'Spot the lie' challenge? Come on Jannat."

Jannat laughed at herself. Her lie was

caught.

"Just…nothing. Work stress."

"Jannat, you can tell me." Sufyan insisted.

"Sufyan…I was wondering, isn't it too early for me to marry." Jannat blurted.

"Did anyone tell you anything? Ammi, Phuppu?"

"No! Why would they? Hamza said it to me."

"Hamza?!"

"Ummhmm." Jannat nodded.

"I don't think it's early. You are graduated. You don't want to study further. You are doing your dream job. What else is left now? Marriage." Sufyan answered himself.

"Sure?"

"Yup. I mean, like its fine. Not too early, not too late."

"I don't know why you guys are planning to send me away." Jannat gulped in the words Sufyan told, trying to understand everything. "Oh! I get it. Am I a burden upon you guys?"

"Astaghfirullah! Jannat, how can you think so low?"

"Okay, okay." Jannat said.

"Jannat, everyone loves you so much that they will never let you go. You are not a burden."

"What do you mean by 'never let you go'? Hmm? Is it what I am thinking?" Jannat asked confused.

She got a hint of the 'serious talk' that her family had been planning. She just wondered if this was related. Ahmad and Sufyan. But if this was related, then why would be there two proposals. Which one will she accept? Wait, she wasn't even planning to accept any of the proposals to her. But what if she is forced. No way! That cannot be done. She made up her mind. No! And no means no!

"No, nothing like that." Sufyan said.

"Well then, good night."

"Good night." Sufyan whispered as she walked across the door.

That night, Jannat just wondered about Ahmad, and she didn't know why she didn't consider his proposal but her heart was in a war with her brain for considering Ahmad and it seemed like her heart was going to win this battle against her brain. But she wasn't too happy at her heart's victory because she knew that it would play a trick on her, again. She tried to sleep, but whenever she closed her eyes, those light brown eyes flashed in her mind which wouldn't let her sleep. Their conversation flashed in her mind.

Firstly, she was shocked to see that it was Ahmad. Secondly, he had brought a proposal for her. Thirdly, thank goodness he didn't know that it was her, the one who almost killed him. She was 99% sure that she wouldn't consider the proposal but that 1% weighed way more.

Jannat tried to hide her face in presence of Ahmad. She wore her Hijab but her niqaab wasn't with her. She wanted to bury her face deep under the ground. He looked at her with such strange expressions. They greeted each other. He asked her name.

'What in the world was he doing when my father said my name to his parents? Was he dreaming? Or he started talking the same way he was at the hospital after looking at me? Was he really fine after the accident? He was hurt at his head. There could be some problem possibly.' Her mind thought all the possibilities. 'Because of you!' Her mind taunted again.

"Name?" He said again bringing Jannat back from her thoughts.

"Jannat." She replied with a sweet smile.

"Jannat!" He repeated. "The final destination of a true Muslim. I am Ahmad." 

"I am an engineer." He said her about his job and where he works to which she kept nodding.

"Do you want to ask anything related to me?" Jannat asked to which he nodded.

"Would you like to work after marriage?" He asked.

'Hold your horses.' She said mentally. 'What's the rush, he is asking as if it is decided that we are marrying. Huh!'

She mentally scolded her mental mind to shut up or else she won't be able to concentrate on her talk.

She nodded, simply pushing the awkward thought beside.

"Fine. Would you like to ask anything?" He asked sweetly as he brushed his hands through his hair and showing off his dimples which made her jealous.

"Uh, um…actually it is very necessary to know each other before marriage. But we don't have that much time nor the opportunity. We won't be interacting much to know each other until marriage." Jannat said to which he nodded seriously. "So, I want to ask…if there is anyone…you liked before or wished to marry or something like this?"

"I…actually, I" He stammered. "There was a girl I liked but honestly speaking I've never even seen her. I don't know her."

Jannat frowned at his statement trying to hide jealousy.

"I won't have any problem if you don't wish to marry me. I would support and respect your decision." Jannat said unwillingly.

"I hope our parents take the right decision."

This ought to happen with her?! Obviously, her life had some grudges with her. But, little did she know, she was jealous of herself.

Jannat's dad informed Aslam, Ahmad's dad that he had separated with mom due to some personal reasons. They had no issue regarding it but Ahmad's face seemed quite sad after listening the fact. Jannat's dad also informed them that Jannat stayed with her mom and they can have a meeting with her mother too. Ahmad's mother, Munazza was such a sweet lady and Jannat already figured it out at the day she met her at the hospital. 

After they left, Jannat was ready for her interview taken by her dad.

"Beta, do you like him? Do you consider him?" Zayd asked.

"Dad, you know I can't marry so easily after all that I've sensed between mom and you." Jannat replied sadly.

"See Jannat, every marriage isn't supposed to destroy life. In sha Allah, you will be happy." Her father explained.

"I hope I find the right person then."

"Don't you like him?" Her dad inquired.

"Yeah. He's good. I need to know him in a better way." Jannat said as if not interested, especially in front of Hamza.

Wondering about Ahmad and his proposal, her sleep overtook her.

  ***

Jannat was returning from her work with Katie, who offered to give her a ride back home as Jannat wasn't using her scooter anymore.

"Aapi, surprise!" Asif screamed as Jannat entered her room.

"Asif, you here?"

"Yes, me here." Asif said as he hugged Jannat.

"How come, I mean-"

"Uff Aapi, I've got holidays."

"I know Asif, I've been in 10th too. But, how come dad allowed you. You got to study man."

"I have my ways sis." Asif winked. "Why are you early today?"

"Just, didn't have much work."

Jannat wanted to stay late at work because she knew ones she gets home, everyone will start 'their' 'discussion and talks'. But thanks to her job, and the ways her life played with her, she had to come.

There was a knock on the door followed by 'come in' by Jannat. Zara entered the room and asked Jannat to come down.

Jannat removed her abaya which she had been wearing to work.

"Aapi, look at you. You are so thin and skinny." Asif said.

"Look who's talking."

"No really-"

"Asif, I have to go down. No more talks."

She knew what was going to happen but that one percent hope which Sufyan assured her weighed more than her fear. 

She wasn't prepared and she knew that. She knew she could burst any moment. This time, not with tears but anger. But in front of Asif? No. She would never want Asif to think the same way everyone else did.

"Mom, I am here." Jannat's voice echoed as she stepped in the living room.

"Beta, sit." Zaid said.

Jannat sat on the couch between her Nani and Zara. Asif chose to stand near the door unaware of what's happening. Sufyan wasn't there. He decided to stay in his room after the previous night discussion. He just couldn't face Jannat.

"Beta, take it smoothly." Parveen suggested.

"Put it smoothly." Jannat replied sharply.

"Look Jannat, you are all grown up now, and it's time for your marriage. We all were worried about you and we have come to a final decision and that is...we were considering you for Sufyan." Zaid finally managed to say.

"Hmm." Was Jannat's only reply as she looked at Asif's shocked expression.

The room was filled with tension and lacked oxygen. Parveen's heart was beating so loudly at her daughter's silence. The room was silent except the noise of the hearts racing so fast. Everyone waited for Jannat's reply but she simply got up to leave when her Nani stopped her.

"Beta, we are waiting for a reply."

"What do you guys expect me to say? 'Yes, I am ready to marry Sufyan, oh wow', seriously?" Jannat replied with anger and sarcasm in her every word.

"Beta, what's wrong with Sufyan?" Parveen asked still hoping for a yes.

"There is nothing wrong with him. I am wrong for him mom."

"No Jannat, there is nothing wrong with you." Rehana said.

"Don't I have the opportunity to make my own choices? Isn't this my life? So, let me control it. No need for anyone's support or help." Jannat shouted. "And no need to worry about me, I. am. fine." She said turning to Zaid.

With that she left the room followed by Asif. Parveen sat down with a sigh.

"I knew we should have waited, but no, you guys don't have patience." Jannat's Nani said.

Jannat went to her room and slammed the door after letting Asif in. She did not say anything. Asif just stared at her, walls and the ceiling waiting for her sister to speak until there was a knock on the door. Asif got up and went out.

"Asif, you should talk to her. I am afraid she will hurt herself." Parveen said worriedly as she clutched her dupatta tightly in one hand and caught Asif's hand with the other.

"Mom, I know. But, I am waiting for Aapi to speak. I need to let her free her mind and not stuff more tension in." Asif replied calmly and comforted his mother.

"But still Asif, just don't let her be alone, please. I know she wouldn't talk to me right now."

"Mom, I know her. She wouldn't do anything to herself after being aware of all that happen the last time."

"Okay, go to her."

Asif went to his sister's room thinking about what happened earlier. His thoughts forced a tear out of his eye all the way down through his cheeks followed by two more tears. A small smile escaped his lips as he saw his sister all okay before himself.

Jannat was busy in her own thoughts while Asif had gone far away in the world of past, the exact thing the three-siblings hated.

"She had a lot of blood loss. It's hard to have it right now in the blood bank. If any of you can donate it…" The doctor informed. "Or else, it would be hard to save her."

Jannat had cut her nerve from a blade and loss a lot of blood and Hamza donated his blood to Jannat as both of them shared the same blood group while Parveen had the different one.

The one question that disturbed everyone was, 'how could she do this?' She hated these types of acts. She often used to say how 'weak' these kinds of people are who try to kill themselves. But now, she understood why they did so. Everyone was very cross with her as no one ever expected her to do something like this. But she was forced, by the situations of her life.

Asif wiped his tears and noticed that Jannat sat right next to him with her arm on his shoulder.

"Asif don't worry, I will never do what you are thinking.

"Again." She added. "This wasn't a big deal, just a marriage proposal."

"Aapi, is Ahmad Bhai the reason you are rejecting this proposal?" Asif asked with a relief at her sister's statement.

Jannat's brain said 'no' and heart said 'yes' at the same time. Heart v/s brain battles are very difficult. She didn't know what to answer. But she knew that if she wouldn't answer anything, Asif will think that it was a yes, which she didn't want.

She simply shook her head.

"Aapi, I think Ahmad Bhai is very good. I don't mean that Sufyan Bhai isn't. He is good too. But…still."

As soon as Asif finished his statement, his phone beeped indicating a message. He ignored it waiting for his sister's reply. And then another message appeared on the screen. He took his phone, typed something and kept it aside hiding it from Jannat.

"Asuuf." Jannat sang in a scolding manner. "Who is it?"

"Just a friend."

"Only a friend?"

"Yes."

"So that's the reason little bro doesn't miss me, huh?"

"Nothing like that. I don't know why this girl is staking me and talking to me."

"You know there is an option called 'block'. I may spell it for you as well, B.L.O.C.K."

"I did Aapi but this is the other number."

"Oh, girls these days." Jannat said face palming herself.

"You talk to her and say…umm…say that I am your boyfriend so don't talk to me."

"Wow." Jannat said sarcastically. "You've got any worse idea."

"Astaghfirullah Asif."

"And Aapi, I do miss you. I just don't text you because then I require an emergency visit to you." Asif said while Jannat placed a soft kiss on his forehead.

***

Sufyan entered the door of the terrace and stood beside Jannat leaving a considerable space between both of them. Jannat turned to leave when Sufyan called her.

"Jannat, I wanted to speak to you."

"Yes?" Jannat replied trying to figure out where to land her gaze.

"Jannat, I am sorry. I lied to you yesterday. I was just afraid that you would reply negatively. And also considered the fact that we shouldn't talk on such topics." Sufyan explained while Jannat just nodded.

"Sufyan, I am so glad you understand me so well that you didn't come downstairs this afternoon."

"I just couldn't face you."

"You couldn't face me? I couldn't face you Sufyan."

"I am sorry."

"It's alright Sufyan. Please don't apologize again. You are the one who supported me, guided me, and helped me till now. When I was going mad with stress, you were the one who took care of me. No matter you were far, but you always made me feel that you are closer to me than any of them. Sufyan, I am really sorry that I've disappointed you but –"

"It's not your fault. Don't be sorry Jannat, please." Sufyan interrupted her.

"I've always considered you my good friend and a responsible brother. Hamza never spoke to me regarding these topics. There was literally no one for me. It was so difficult and today, I still hurt you." Jannat said as a tear escaped her eye.

"Jannat, it's okay."

"I hope you understand, I don't want to lose my friend." Jannat said.

These words completely convinced Sufyan not to marry Jannat. He loved Jannat immensely and that is why, he understood her. He has to be there for her. He knew that Jannat isn't like everyone thinks she is, that is, mad. He knew that she is very sensible and smart. Just a bit nervous and short tempered but still mature. And unique.

***

Jannat went to her room and lied on her bed texting her 'loyal best friend' to meet her the next day.

Jannat considered Zeenat as the sweetest yet the most abusive person on planet. A meeting with her would solve half of Jannat's issues. Zeenat just said her to be 'normal' which was too much to ask for. Jannat started behaving more weirdly every coming day. She just didn't speak because Asif was there at home.

Jannat helped Asif with his studies as her father asked her to. He was at holiday so he needed to spend some time studying. Asif would start mentioning about the awesome trip he had with his friends that year. And how half of the school girls were his fan and called him their crush. But each time Asif started his 'tareefein', Jannat would taunt him saying 'muh miya mithoon'.

There was no doubt that Jannat was once the most popular girl in her school, in her tuition and her family until she was 17. But then, everything changed.

  ***

Jannat's P.O.V.

It had almost been a week since Sufyan's proposal topic was closed. It was a usual day when I was returning home and I saw something which shouldn't have happened. Ahmad's family was at home. Seriously?!

I blinked my eyes several times as I saw his mother and him sitting in the living room with my family. Mom, Zaid Mamu, maami, Nani, Zara and even Sufyan. No! I knew I was going to die when they go. I should have told mom about Ahmad but I didn't. I didn't have the courage. I just talked to her rarely. Actually, to everyone. As soon as Asif left, I was back on my normal mode, that is, the irritated, angry, bad, ill-mannered, crazy, silent, dangerous mode. But seeing Ahmad and his mom, my mind stopped functioning. Hamza should've informed me before. But that stupid guy didn't. I just wanted to go upstairs unnoticed as I saw them sitting in through the glass door, with my heart beating so loudly that I can bet that they could hear it. My mom was going to burst after they leave, and I was sure about it. I just turned to leave when I heard my name being called.

"Jannat!"

A/N: As salamu alaikum lovelies. Sorry for the late update. How was the chapter? Hope you liked it. Please don't be a silent reader. Comments are very much appreciated. Vote and let me know what you think about the characters. You guys can ask if you have any questions regarding the story. Next chapter, on its way… BOOM!