Generational Strife in a Unified Land

The Power of Betrayal and Love: Echoes of Retribution

CHAPTER ONE:

In the embrace of a village, which stands as a modest counterpart to a small city but is dwarfed by the grandeur of a metropolis, , the lives of its people are intricately tied to two influential families: the Dawood Chaudhrys and the Abid Chaudhrys. Despite a shared history and intertwined fates, these families are torn asunder by a bitter feud that has spanned generations.

Central to this strife is a coveted piece of land, a parcel owned by Dawood Chaudhry but situated within Abid Chaudhry's claimed territory. As tensions mount and the specter of violence looms, the villagers find themselves at a crossroads: how to resolve this conflict without fracturing their tight-knit community.

Seeking solace in tradition, the villagers invoke the ancient ritual of the jirga, a council of esteemed elders tasked with mediating disputes and preserving harmony within the village. As the jirga assembles and the destiny of the village hangs in precarious balance

After the jirga's deliberation for nearly three months, they unexpectedly decided that Noorbano, Dawood Chaudhry's daughter, would marry Wajahat Chaudhry, Abid Chaudhry's only son. This resolution was perhaps influenced by the fact that the disputed land was supposed to be inherited by Noorbano. By marrying 16-year-old Noorbano to 18-year-old Wajahat, the land would remain within the family. However, Dawood Chaudhry, who also had two sons of his own, saw this as a victory for Abid Chaudhry. In a surprising twist, Dawood decided to secretly give the land to his second son, Basit Chaudhry, instead of to Noorbano.

After the marriage, news of the land belonging to Basit Chaudhry ignited another conflict between the families. This time, Noorbano was forbidden from seeing her own family. The feud persisted over the years, even after the deaths of Dawood and Abid, leaving behind an unresolved war for their children to inherit.

In the Chaudhry family, Hashim Chaudhry's sons, Usman Chaudhry and Wajahat Chaudhry, along with Noorbano's son, Dawar Chaudhry, are known for their pride and arrogance. Some villagers are intimidated by them, while others believe their behavior stems from their upbringing and the influence of their grandfather's bloodline, which emphasizes the importance of family ties above all else. Dawar, in particular, is notorious for his cruel treatment of others. Usman, on the other hand, remains aloof from the villagers, choosing to avoid interactions with them altogether.

Despite the family's complexities, Basit Chaudhry, who has no biological children, decides to adopt an orphan from the village and names him Wajdan Chaudhry. This decision is met with resistance from Hashim who strongly believe in the primacy of blood relations. While Usman remains indifferent, Hashim sees Wajdan as an outsider, despite the boy's intelligence and potential. In contrast, Basit and his wife adore Wajdan, showering him with love and fulfilling his every desire. However, Wajdan is constantly reminded of his humble origins by those around him, which serves as a constant reminder of his place in the family and society.

Life's journey continued for both family, with Wajdan excelling in his medical career abroad, Usman finding stability in his civil service role, and Dawar managing his inheritance. Wajdan and Usman Chaudhry's relationship was cordial. Their relationships remained civil, but distant. Each son eventually married, with Wajdan marrying a nurse, Usman having an arranged marriage, and Dawar also tying the knot. However, tragedy struck when Basit, Hashim, and their wives lost their lives in an accident

The inheritance situation took a dramatic turn as Basit Chaudhry's entire estate, including the disputed land, was bequeathed to Wajdan Chaudhry as per Basit's will. This news came as a shock to Wajahat and Dawar Chaudhry, who had assumed the land would revert to them. Their pride was wounded, grappling with the idea that Wajdan, whom they considered beneath them, would inherit what they could not. This development changed the dynamics around the land, as their motivations shifted in light of this unexpected outcome.

Once again, Jigra was summoned, but they couldn't take any action because it was a basic inheritance matter, and it was Basit's choice to decide whom he wanted to give his inheritance to. While Wajdan was willing to give it to Noorbano or Dawar, he refused to give it to Dawar. This refusal led to a heated argument. Wajdan Chaudhry eventually left because his wife was expecting their second child, and he didn't want to stress her. Tragically, he lost his wife during childbirth.

After this loss, Wajdan wanted to return to the village, but it was challenging for him to manage the baby, a toddler, and his job. Despite this, he didn't want to burden his family or the people in the village. Therefore, he hired a full-time nanny and continued to work. He chose not to get married again, as he deeply loved his late-wife.

When Mehr-un-nisa was 10 years old and Azlan Dawar Chaudhry was 16, Wajdan visited his village again, finding things quite chaotic. During this visit, Usman Chaudhry approached Wajdan alone and asked him to engage Mehr-un-nisa to Usman's eldest son, 15-year-old Sabtain Chaudhry. Usman believed that this engagement would strengthen the bond between their families, despite not being biological cousins.

Wajdan, however, was not ready for such a significant decision, Wajdan did not give a clear answer during their visit. Like all their other visits, this one also ended without a resolution.

Three years later, Wajdan Chaudhry returned to the village for a visit, but his stay took a tragic turn. A few days into his visit, Wajdan's lifeless body was discovered on Dawar Chaudhry's land. This discovery sparked widespread chaos and accusations, with many pointing fingers at Dawar as the perpetrator.

Despite the intense scrutiny and accusations leveled against him, Dawar vehemently denied any involvement, and no concrete evidence could be found to link him to the crime. The situation escalated to the point where the village jirga was convened to address the matter. However, due to the lack of conclusive evidence, the jirga was unable to determine the cause of Wajdan's death, labeling it a mysterious and unresolved tragedy. Even the police investigation failed to unearth any evidence against Dawar Chaudhry.

Wajahat Chaudhry and Dawar Chaudhry, joined by their sons Mohid Dawar Chaudhry (16 years old) and Hamad Chaudhry (11 years old), met privately at Usman Chaudhry's home to finally end their longstanding generational conflict. This decision to settle their differences without the involvement of the jirga or the police underscores their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution within the family..

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Mohid POV

Mohid found himself seated among unexpected company: his half-brother Hammad, grandfather Wajahat Chaudhry, father Dawar Chaudhry, and their loyal servant Rahim. This gathering was more than just a family discussion—it was a revelation. As an illegitimate child, Mohid had always been an outsider, but here he was, drawn into the heart of the Dawood Chaudhry family matter.

The entrance of Usman Chaudhry, accompanied by his servant and his son Sabtain Chaudhry, added to the intrigue. Sabtain, two years Mohid's senior, shared a striking resemblance with Mohid, their similar builds making them appear almost the same age. The air buzzed with anticipation as the discussion loomed ahead.

Before the talks could commence, Wajahat Chaudhry requested Mohid to take Hammad outside for a while. Out in the garden, Hammad's eyes lit up at the sight of a football, igniting his desire to play. Mohid, always the responsible one, asked for permission would be better However, all he could see around him were servants, and he knew they couldn't make decisions regarding the family's possessions. then noticed Mehr-un-nisa already in the garden, watering flowers. He remembered seeing her picture with wajdan cahudhry and azlan cahaudhry as he entered the mansion earlier, heading towards the drawing room. With a plan forming in his mind, he whispered to Hammad, instructing him to seek her permission. Hammad eagerly darted towards her, and soon returned with a grin, announcing her approval.

Mohid stole another glance at Mehr-un-nisa, who, with an air of mystery, disappeared into the mansion without sparing them a glance.As Mohid watched over Hammad playing in the garden under their father's instruction, he felt a sense of responsibility. Hammad was absorbed in his own world when suddenly, Saad, a boy they barely knew, hit him with a ball, seemingly out of nowhere, causing Hammad to bleed from his head.

"Why are you playing with my toy?!" Saad screamed, causing Mohid's protective instincts to flare up at the sight of Hammad bleeding, his anger boiling over. He rushed over to Saad, who was startled by his sudden approach, and grabbed his arm tightly.

"Why would you do that?!" Mohid's voice was sharp with anger, his grip firm. Saad, taken aback, was on the verge of tears, clearly overwhelmed. Just then, Azlan arrived, sensing the tension.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing? Let him go," Azlan said angrily, his gaze locked with Mohid's.

Mohid maintained his grip on Saad, his eyes blazing with rage. "He hit Hammad with a ball, Azlan. Look at Hammad, he's bleeding!" Azlan glanced at Hammad, his expression showing a mix of fear and concern.

"It was an accident," Azlan said, trying to defuse the situation.

"Was it an accident?" Mohid chuckled, releasing Saad's arm. "I doubt it would be called an accident if the tables were turned."

Azlan's tone turned mocking. "Oh, so the illegitimate son of a murderer is talking about morals now?"

Mohid remained calm. "There's no evidence to prove that accusation. And as for morals, I've learned that morals and betrayal are different sides of the same coin. Be careful tossing that word around. At least I have a blood relationship with my family."

Azlan's anger flared, and he grabbed Mohid's collar. "You, I swear..."

Before either of them could escalate further, Mehr-un-nisa's voice cut through the tension. "Stop it." Her firm tone halted their confrontation.

Mehr-un-nisa took charge, her demeanor calm yet assertive, as she led Hammad and Mohid away to tend to Hammad's bleeding forehead. Azlan, seething with anger at his sister's interference but knowing better than to argue, stayed silent, his jaw clenched

As Mehr-un-nisa led Hammad and Mohid away to tend to his wound, Mohid couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He followed them quietly, watching Mehr-un-nisa's calm and assertive demeanor with admiration. Despite being only 13 or 14 years old, she handled the situation with a maturity that surprised him.

Once they were settled, Hammad looked up at Mohid with questioning eyes. "Can I go with her?" he asked softly, seeking permission from his older brother.

Mohid nodded, his gaze softening as he watched Hammad join Mehr-un-nisa. He felt a surge of protectiveness towards his younger brother, grateful that Mehr-un-nisa had intervened to help.

As Mehr-un-nisa tended to Hammad's wound, Mohid observed her quietly. He was amazed by how efficiently she worked, silently requesting the first aid kit and skillfully attending to Hammad.

"How did you know how to do this?" Mohid finally asked, breaking the silence, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Mehr-un-nisa paused for a moment before answering, her voice soft. "My father taught me," she said simply.

Mohid remembered hearing about Mehr-un-nisa's mother's death in childbirth and how Wajdan had raised his two children alone. It dawned on him that Mehr-un-nisa had likely learned to take care of herself and others at a young age, out of necessity.

Mohid's mind wandered back to a conversation he had overheard between his grandmother and father, where he learned more about Mehr-un-nisa's family history. The mention of her mother's death struck a chord with Mohid, making him realize the depth of Mehr-un-nisa's loss and the challenges she had faced growing up.

As Mohid watched Mehr-un-nisa care for Hammad with such grace, his heart swelled with admiration for her. He could see the love and strength in her actions, traits forged by both necessity and affection. Their moment was abruptly interrupted by Sabtain's entrance, breaking the calm that had settled over them.

Sabtain, clearly puzzled by the situation, approached Mehr-un-nisa, ignoring Mohid entirely. Mohid, relieved not to engage in another argument, noticed Mehr-un-nisa directing Sabtain to ask Azlan for details. However, Mohid wondered why Sabtain was there instead of with the others. Before he could ponder further, the sound of a gunshot shattered the air, sending them all running towards the guest room.

As Mohid entered the room, his world crumbled before his eyes. His father, Dawar Chaudhry, lay lifeless on the sofa where he had been sitting. His grandfather shook Dawar's body, searching for a response, while Usman Chaudhry held the gun, his eyes filled with a mix of rage, anger, and regret. Hammad, running towards his father's body, seemed to bring Mohid back to reality. The room filled with cries and screams as the gravity of the situation sank in.

Mohid dragged his feet towards his father's lifeless form, his mind reeling with questions about what had led to this tragic end. The scene before him was a stark reminder of the complexities and tragedies that often accompany familial bonds

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third person pov

1 month later 

After Dawar Chaudhry's funeral, the village elders gathered for a jirga to address the tragic events that had unfolded. Wajahat Chaudhry, still grieving the loss of his son, stood before the assembly, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.

"I have called this jirga to seek justice for my son, Dawar Chaudhry," Wajahat began, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him. "But I have also called it to bring an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued our families for generations.so I won't be demanding for khoon baha"

The elders, accustomed to Wajahat's firmness, listened intently as he recounted the events leading to Dawar's death, his words carrying the weight of a father's grief and a leader's determination. He spoke of forgiveness, not as a sign of weakness, but He spoke of forgiveness, not out of weakness, but out of a desire to break free from the shackles of hatred

"I have chosen to forgive Usman Chaudhry," Wajahat declared, his words resonating with a mix of sorrow and steely resolve. "But let it be known that this forgiveness comes with a condition. Usman and I shall never set eyes upon each other again. Our families shall remain apart, and if Usman or any of his kin meddle in our affairs, they shall bear the consequences. And let it be remembered by all, Usman is the one who took Dawar from us. "

The jirga members, though surprised by Wajahat's decision, respected his wishes. They knew that his forgiveness came from a place of deep pain and a longing for a better future. And so, with a heavy heart, Usman Chaudhry accepted Wajahat's condition, 

As the jirga came to an end, the villagers dispersed, each carrying with them a renewed sense of hope and a commitment to building a better tomorrow, one free from the burdens of the past.

The forgiveness extended by Wajahat, known for his egoism and brutality, was a mystery to many. Some villagers speculated that perhaps Dawar had been the one to kill Wajdan, Wajahat's son, which would explain Wajahat's decision. This theory added a layer of complexity to the situation, leaving the villagers to ponder the true motivations behind Wajahat's forgiveness. Despite the uncertainty, Wajahat's act of forgiveness earned him even more respect from the villagers, as it showed a willingness to let go of the past and embrace a future of peace.

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