Taabindagi (Sequel Of Sharar)

One

(That’s how kids are. When they get possessive about something, they don’t want to share. And Baloo is an only child, I was the same.)

"Lekin woh Kian se kis tarah se baat karte hain..."

(But the way he talks to Kian…)

"Cousins mein hota hai aisa. Rehnuma api aur Ayla api ki bhi toh nahi banti thi na." Hanan had a response for everything, as if he had thought it all through. Ayat fell silent, perhaps realizing she was overthinking.

(It’s normal among cousins. Even Rehnuma api and Ayla api didn’t get along.)

"I actually have an idea," Hanan said, trying to pull her out of her deep thoughts.

Ayat, who had been staring into space, turned toward him.

"Hum ek aur baby kar lete hain, Baloo bada bhai banagea toh seekh jayega sharing is caring." Hanan teased playfully, holding Ayat's hand. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Kya kehti ho? Abhi try kar lein?" Leaning toward her, Hanan asked playfully, only to be pushed away by Ayat.

(Maybe we should have another baby, then Baloo will become an older brother and learn that sharing is caring.)

(What do you say? Should we try now?)

"Ek toh aap hamesha romantic mood mein rehte hain." Ayat complained, attempting to leave, but Hanan grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him.

(You’re always in a romantic mood.)

"Sara ilzam mujh masoom pe lagado haina? Mera dil tum behkati ho, aur galti meri hamesha romantic mood mein rehta hoon?"

(Blame it all on innocent me, huh? It’s you who tempts my heart, and then you blame me for always being romantic?)

Ayat sighed deeply and then looked at Hanan with a tired expression. "Abhi romance se bhi zyada important cheezein hain."

(Right now, there are more important things than romance.)

"Meri biwi zyada important kya ho sakta hai?" Hanan ignored her frustration.

(What could be more important than my wife?)

"Hanan, Shah..."

"Chorho na, honey, office se thakk ke aya hoon, pyar ki baatein karo." Hanan was in no mood for serious conversations; he just wanted to enjoy their time together.

(Forget it, honey, I’m exhausted from work, let’s talk about love.)

"Shah ko apse mila hai yeh ziddipan..." Ayat said, smiling and pinching his cheek. He did look cute when he complained.

(Shah got his stubbornness from you...)

"Yeh ziddipan sirf tumhare liye hai." Hanan leaned toward her.

(This stubbornness is only for you.)

Before he could kiss her, the bedroom door opened, and Shahnan entered, causing Hanan to groan, and Ayat pushed him away.

"Mummy papa nahi hain toh yeh kebab mein haddi banega." Hanan muttered, and Ayat lightly smacked him, reminding him not to call their son such things. "Mujhe lagta hai hume wakai mein Baloo ke liye chota bhai ya behen le ana chahiye. Kam se kam uske sath busy rahega yeh toh hume disturb nahi karega." Hanan still wouldn't drop the topic, determined to express his thoughts.

(If mummy and papa aren’t around, he’s going to be a third wheel.)

(I really think we should have a little brother or sister for Baloo. At least he’ll be busy with them and won’t bother us.)