BY ZEE ASLAM
CHAPTER FOUR
The next day being sunday was spent on a low key, Farida had moved her belongings to one of the guest rooms despite her husband’s plea.
She strongly believed that was the best for her.
Mama kept her eyes on them keenly, she wants to make sure Bello’s attention get drafted to Husna claiming she brought joy into their family.
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The family of Engr Mansoor Mainasara went on a tour visit, they visited many places before heading to their family house which happened to be a royal home.
His younger brother, HRH Dawood Mainasara took over his position as the king since his passion lies not in being a king.
They were welcomed warmly and passionately by the king, his wife and the princess.
The women went in while the men kept themselves busy in the king’s zaure discussing family affairs.
Didi, the queen was overwhelmed by her August visitors since no one foresaw their visit.
“Hajiya, you should have informed me about your visit even though I know the men won’t do that”. Didi said with smiles boldly written on her face.
“My sister, we were in this neighborhood so we decided to stop by to say hello”.
It isn’t a formal visit you know!.
‘Hajiya said also smiling’.
The two women are so fond of each other, many even mistake them for sisters.
The girls too were not left behind in the tete-a-tete.
“You guys should please excuse us” Hajiya said referring to them and they left to the princess’s chambers immediately……
My sister there is something bothering me that I want to share with you, maybe you could be of help. “Hajiya said adjusting her sitting position”.
“Didi fixed her gaze at Hajiya curiously waiting to hear what is bothering her”.
“It’s about your son Khaleel, he’s not getting any younger and yet no issue of marriage”. Hajiya said worried.
Indeed this is a serious issue but don’t worry I will discuss with him. Let me know his reasons for keeping mute. ‘Didi uttered’.
“Hajiya took a deep breath and said, I pray he succumb to this because it’s getting me worried”.
Look at me, my mates are already grandmothers and am here still nurturing full grown up children. “She added staring at herself”.
Don’t let this get into you too much, am sure he will put that into consideration after our discussion. “Didi said confidently”.
‘Hajiya just smiled’.
She wanted to say a word again when the maid came in and announced that dinner was served.
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They left the room to the dinning table and met the rest all sitted.
“Khaleel, I would like to have a word with you after dinner”. Didi said before sitting and he nodded positively.
They had dinner peacefully and had little discussion before the men headed back to the king’s chambers excluding Khaleel.
He followed Didi to the garden where they sat on a long couch and then she brought up the topic of discussion.
Ever since she started speaking, his mind was no longer at ease. There was nothing he disliked like marriage, the thought of getting married had never crossed his mind twice.
“Khaleel am sure you know that you are not getting any younger and we want the best for you………..Didi said bringing him back from his thoughts.
“Ehmm……..ehmmm………ehmmmm Didi………he stammered scratching his head with the car key”.
“Is there any reason you don’t want to get married or are you sick somewhere”? She bombarded him with questions.
He was beginning to get confused. Didi there is nothing wrong with me, am perfectly fine.
“He replied instantly”.
“Or do you want me to get someone for you”? She asked and he widened his bulgy eyes.
“I have someone already”. He replied without knowing when the words spilt out of his mouth.
………..who does he actually have, women don’t freak him in anyway. “He inwardly laughed at his foolishness”.
“That’s nice, am glad to hear that”.
So when are you going to introduce that someone else to us? She asked and winked at him.
“Khaleel bent his head down and calmly said, soon In Sha Allah”.
God bless you my son, you can go. She said and he stood up then left.
She followed suit.
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When Didi got to her chambers, there was a long pause before Hajiya enquired of the outcome.
As they sat, Hajiya wore a worried face, she wasn’t sure if it went well or not.
“How did it go?”………..she asked Didi impatiently.
“Well it was not that bad as you thought it would be, maybe he was shy to let you know”. Didi replied looking straight into her eyes.
“He actually has someone, maybe he isn’t just ready yet”. Didi said and Hajiya looked at her shocked.
“Are you sure, because I have never seen or heard of this before”? She asked as her curiosity arose.
Didi smiled and said, just leave me to handle this issue, it will surely yield a positive result.
“He promised to introduce her to us soon and am sure he is serious about that, it was evident in his voice”.
“Hajiya just heaved a sigh of relief and hoped for the best”.
“She left the palace with a heart filled of joy”
