Taabindagi (Sequel Of Sharar)

emaanahmedkhan1 I know apke papers hain, so I thought I’d post an update to help you relax a bit. 🙈

•••

Yun na akar baitha karein samne mere
Dekhiye, sabr toh sabr hai, yeh mujhse har baar nahi hota

~

Eifa stepped out of her house, squinting slightly against the morning sun, when she noticed Kian emerging from his house. He was heading toward the university, his bag slung casually over one shoulder. Their eyes met briefly, and to her surprise, he stopped mid-step, visibly hesitant.

“Eh…” he muttered, glancing around awkwardly, clearly searching for the right words. His uneasiness made Eifa feel a little strange, though she managed to keep her expression neutral. She had known about the proposal before him and had acted normally around him, but now, seeing his discomfort, the absurdity of the situation hit her.

“Hi,” Kian finally said, his voice tentative.

Eifa’s lips twitched before a burst of laughter escaped her. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle it, but the damage was done. Kian blinked in surprise before letting out a sheepish laugh himself, scratching the back of his head as he walked up to her.

“I’m sorry, it’s just…” he began, his face reddening slightly.

Eifa waved her hand, cutting him off. “Relax. I understand. Pehli baar maine suna toh mujhe bhi kafi ajeeb laga tha. Lekin chorho, Ehan ka manna hai bado ko baithe bithaye ulti seedhi baatein ati rehti hai, hum zyada na soche iss barey mein.” She shrugged nonchalantly, trying to keep the tone light.

(Relax. I understand. The first time I heard it, it felt weird too. But let it go. Ehan says elders often come up with random things. We shouldn’t overthink it.)

Kian let out a long sigh, relief evident on his face. He had been dreading this encounter, fearing it would be awkward, but Eifa’s easygoing demeanor had eased his worries.

“Shayad pehli baar Ehan ne sahi baat ki hai.” Kian said with a small grin.

(Maybe Ehan is right for the first time.)

Eifa narrowed her eyes at him, making him raised his hands in surrender and motioned for them to walk. Eifa followed him.

As they settled into the vehicle, Kian broke the comfortable silence. “Pata nahi mummy papa ko achanak se meri shadi ki itni fikar kyu hone lagi.” he confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.

(I don’t know why mummy and papa are suddenly so worried about my marriage.)

Eifa turned to him with a questioning look, prompting him to share the story about Ishmal.

Eifa listened carefully, her head tilting slightly in thought. “Mujhe lagta hai Azrin api ki wajah se woh tumhare liye bhi pareshaan rehne lage hain.” she said after a pause. “Chahte hain ki tum toh settle ho jao.”

(I think it’s because of Azrin Api. Her situation might be making them anxious about you too.)

(They just want you to settle down.)

Kian’s lips pressed into a thin line as he considered her words. A moment of silence passed before he spoke again. “Toh main mil loon Ishmal se?”

(So, should I meet Ishmal?)

Eifa shrugged, keeping her tone casual. “Aaj nahi toh kal shadi toh karoge hi, ek baar milne mein kya jata hai.”