Love Trumps

  • 01 Jul - 07 Jul, 2023
  • Nadeem Alam
  • Fiction

Tamana and Haseeb found themselves drifting apart day by day, with their fathers being the only ones at the centre of this widening divide. However, it hadn't always been this way. Until a few months ago, everything was going very well.

Shahzad Chaudhry and Kamal Khan had been inseparable best friends since their childhood. They not only shared a business but also built their houses side by side, even leaving a door in the dividing wall unobstructed, symbolising their seamless connection.

Tamana, Shahzad Chaudhry's daughter, and Haseeb, Kamal Khan's son, were the only children of their respective parents. Tamana was in her final year of medical school, while Haseeb was busy in writing his Ph.D. thesis. Despite living together for years, their interaction remained limited as both were absorbed in their own worlds. Initially, they vehemently opposed the forced relationship. However, when even drastic measures like hunger strikes failed to bring about a change, they decided to collaborate on finding a practical solution. After several meetings, they discovered that not only did their personalities align, but their likes and dislikes were remarkably similar. It didn't take long for affection to bloom between them. Their bond grew stronger each day, and within six months of their engagement, more than half of Tamana's belongings had already found a place in Haseeb's room. And whenever Haseeb couldn't find something in his own house, he knew he could always find it in Tamana's room.

The eyelids blinked, and a year had gone by. Just as talks of marriage were underway, Haseeb received a one-year visa for the United States as part of his research. Obtaining the visa had been quite challenging, so Haseeb didn't want to let this opportunity go to waste. They both agreed to postpone the wedding until Haseeb returned from the States. However, their wishes fell on deaf ears as their parents insisted on proceeding with their original plan. This time, the children decided to stand their ground. Unable to reach a definitive resolution, a compromise was eventually reached. It was decided to hold the nikkah ceremony before Haseeb's departure and postpone the formal rukhsati for a year. In order to prevent the situation from escalating further, Haseeb and Tamana reluctantly agreed to this arrangement. A few days later, in the presence of a small gathering of close relatives, the nikkah ceremony took place. Shortly after, Haseeb embarked on his journey to America.

Just under two months into Haseeb's stay in the US, both friends encountered setbacks in their joint business venture. The situation rapidly deteriorated, devolving into a series of accusations and heated arguments. Both friends remained obstinate and driven by ego, refusing to accept any accountability for the losses incurred. Within a span of next six months, their partnership had reached an irreparable state, and they mutually agreed to dissolve it entirely.

Tamana and Haseeb were unaware of the mounting tensions between their parents, little did they know that things were about to escalate to a point of no return. Their nikkah had taken place a year ago, and now Haseeb was on his way back from America. Despite Tamana being heavily occupied with her house job, she eagerly awaited Haseeb's arrival.

However, everything changed dramatically one day when Shahzad Sahib unexpectedly returned home early from the office. It was during their evening tea that Begum Shahzad mustered the courage to bring up the topic of setting a date for their daughter's rukhsati. Shahzad Sahib's demeanor turned furious, and he unleashed his anger on Begum. Helplessly, Begum remained silent throughout the ordeal. Once Shahzad Sahib's anger subsided, he made his stance crystal clear: until Kamal Khan admitted his role in destroying the business, any notion of rukhsati should be eradicated from their hearts. Shahzad Sahib even declared that he was claiming his share and had no desire to even lay eyes on Kamal Khan anymore. Despite Begum's numerous attempts to reason with him, he remained unyielding. As a traditional woman, Begum quietly absorbed her husband's words, while Tamana stood near the door of her room, overhearing every painful word. She was too overwhelmed to close the door or seek support elsewhere. Confusion engulfed her, and she eventually collapsed onto the carpet in her room. Hearing the commotion, her parents rushed in and discovered their precious daughter lying unconscious on the floor. Her mother was devastated, and her father quickly comforted her while calling the family doctor. Thankfully, the clinic was nearby, and the doctor reached there within fifteen to twenty minutes. By then, Tamana had regained consciousness. After a thorough examination, the doctor reassured Tamana that she was perfectly fine and advised her to rest.

A few tranquil days went by. One evening, Shahzad Sahib returned home and declared that he had leased a residence in a different area of the city. He informed everyone that they would be relocating there within the next two weeks. Additionally, he shared that he intended to separate his business and had already provided the required instructions to the company's lawyer. On this occasion, not only Tamana but also Begum Shahzad herself lost consciousness.

Throughout the entire night, Begum Shahzad and Tamana were filled with distress. Meanwhile, Haseeb, who had returned from the United States, had already informed Tamana that she was his legally wedded wife. He urged her to gather her belongings and come directly to his residence. It seemed like there were no other viable solutions. The following day, Shahzad Chaudhry and Kamal Khan went to the office, while their wives, who had agreed to Haseeb's proposal, contacted their close friends and organised a small celebration. The guests arrived promptly, and Haseeb swiftly arranged for the baraat to arrive at the door between their houses. They were received with open arms from the other side. The guests were served tea, and soon after, Haseeb took his bride and crossed the entrance back to his home.

Upon Shahzad Chaudhry's arrival home around 10 o'clock that night, he was taken aback by the presence of flowers adorning the porch and driveway. The chairs arranged on the lawn added to his unease. In a rush, he entered the house and discovered his wife seated in the lounge, engrossed in watching TV. Shahzad Sahib's voice trembled slightly as he entered the room, raising his volume to inquire if there was a party happening at their home that day. Despite her pounding heart, his wife responded confidently, keeping her gaze fixed on the television screen, stating that it was their daughter's wedding farewell. Suddenly, Shahzad Sahib felt as if the ground had been pulled from beneath him. His face grew pale, and his breathing quickened. He turned on his heels and retraced the same steps he had taken, making his way towards the entrance door leading to Kamal Khan's house. He had resolved to bring it all to an end that very day, once and for all.

Lost in contemplation, Shahzad Chaudhry continued walking until he reached the entrance door. Taking a moment to close his eyes, he envisioned Tamana, his beloved daughter, standing on a distant shore, beckoning him with both hands. Standing there, immobile, a gust of wind swept open the door. Shahzad Chaudhry opened his eyes and saw his closest friend standing on the other side. His heart skipped a beat, and as their eyes met, the barrier of ego seemed to crumble to the ground. Kamran Khan took a few steps forward and extended his right hand for a handshake. Shahzad Chaudhry hesitated for just a brief moment before crossing the door and embracing his long-lost friend.

Oblivious to the miraculous event unfolding outside, Tamana had found solace in the arms of her adoring husband, drifting into a peaceful slumber. After many sleepless nights, she had finally found respite. In the far distance, the melodious voice of Sadhana Sargam was creating magic; tere dar per sanam chale aye...

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