••••••••
"Ammi please Hume nahi Jana, Aap sufiyan bhai se kahiye na humare saath ghar ruk jaye" Noor pleaded to her mother who was busy making a Facepack for herself and her daughter.
(Mom I don't want to go, please tell Sufiyan brother not to go; ask him to stay at the house with me.)
"Noor Mera dimaag mat kharab kariye ab aap, sufiyan ko aapke abbu lekar he jayenge , maybe Zayd ko dekh Kar wo bhi kuch business mai interest Lene ki soche" Said Naziya begum clearly frustrated due to her daughter's continuous Nagging.
(Noor, don’t mess with my mind now; You're father will take your brother with him. Maybe seeing Zayd, he might think about taking an interest in business too.)
"Lekin hamara kya kaam waha Hume to buisness ka b bhi nahi aata aur na Hume Janna hai" pouted Noor.
(But what will I do there? I don't know anything about business, nor do I want to.)
"Noor agar aap 2 minute ke andar yaha se gayab nahi hui toh hum aapki saari novels gayab Kar denge" Warned naziya making her daughter zip up her mouth, She can't risk the collection of novels that She had gathered over the years just for a 3 to 4 hour event.
(Noor, if you don't disappear from here within 2 minutes, then I will make all your novels disappear.)
"Aap sabne toh mujh masoom ki jaan he le leni hai kisi din" Huffed noor taking the bowl of facemask and left the kitchen turning dramatically, Gaining an eye roll from her mother.
(You all just want to take the life of this innocent one someday.)
••••••••••
Seated in front of her dressing table, Noor applied a face pack on her face, with lofi songs playing on caravan radio she got as a prize from, her securing 1st position in painting contest in the University, in the background.
After covering her face with the gooey face mask she laid on her bed placing two slices of cucumber,one on each eye.
Just 10 minutes after Noor had laid down, her phone started ringing, and upon seeing her best friend's name, she quickly picked up the phone.
"Assalamualikum Noor bibi" Said the person on the other side of the phone.
"Waalikumassalam Afsa ,kaisi hai aap"
Noor exclaimed happily.
(How are you Afsa?)
"Allhamdullilah bas abhi apne Maklawe ki rasam ke liye ghar aayi hui na, toh socha tumhe call karlu, chalo kisi Cafe chalte hai bada time ho gaya apanko mile hue"
(I'm fine by God's grace, just came home for the Maklawa ceremony, so I thought I’d call you. Let’s go to a café; it's been a long time since we met.)
"Hamesha ki Tarah aapki Timing aur meri qismat bohat galat hai" noor commented sharply
(As always, your timing and my luck are very wrong.)
"Phir koi Masla Hua hai kya?"Asked Afsa sighing at her friends fate
(Did Something happened again ?)
"Kya he batayein ab aapko, humare bade daadu ke pote Dubai se aaye hai kisi event ke liye ,aur ab unka boring event attend karne Jana padega, Hume ye samajh nahi aa raha ki poori duniya chod Kar unhe hamara chota sa Lucknow he mila event rakhne ke liye"
Complained Noor
(What should I tell you now? Our great-grandfather's grandson has come from Dubai for some event, and now we have to attend his boring event. I don't understand why, out of the whole world, they chose our small Lucknow to hold the event.)
"Acha chalo koi itni badi baat bhi nahi hai noor, zyada se zyada 3 se 4 ghante ka he toh hota hai event, aur phir socho waha jab itne alag alag jagah se log aayenge toh waha kitne alag alag type ki cuisine hongi"
The foodie in Afsa couldn't think of anything else other than food.
(Okay, it's not such a big deal, Noor. The event lasts only about 3 to 4 hours at most, and then think about how many different types of cuisines there will be when so many people come from different places.)
"Chaliye hum apko baadme call karte hai hamara face mask dry ho gaya hai zyada baat ki toh wrinkles aa jayenge,allahafiz"
(Let's talk later; my face mask has dried, and if I talk too much, wrinkles will appear. Goodbye)
Noor sighed after ending the call.
"Waise abhi ke liye khana koi itni bhi buri motivation Nahi hai"
Noor convinced herself and ran to the bathroom to wash off her face
(Well for now, food isn't such a bad motivation either.)
•••••••••
"Mr. Ahmed about the event, has the security arrangements been made, and the boxes that were instructed to be prepared for every incoming guest to be given from my side, are they ready?"
Zaid as an outstanding buisnessman he is , knew how to stand out and make a history, even though he never have to try, it just flows out naturally.
"Sir, all arrangements have been made, and the boxes have also reached the venue. Our informants have informed us that the Home Minister will also be attending this event, who had declined your demand for a weapon dealing license in India." Informed Mr.Ahmed as Zayd smirked.
"Firearms load karna start kariye, license ab clear mai karwaonga"
(Start loading the firearms, I'll get the license cleared soon.)
"Y-Yes sir"
Dealing with such situations was nothing new for Zayd; he knew how to get things done, either through the straightforward way or his own way, depending on the other person.Zayd always believes in dealing with any situation calmly, despite being a mafia boss. There have been very few incidents where anyone has seen Zayd in an outrageous form.
"I take what I once set my eye on, even if I have to go against my principles to get it."
Said Zayd to himself and signaled Mr.Ahmed to leave
•••••••••
"Noor!! Aur kitni Der lagegi aapko tayiyaar hone mai, sab time se tayiyaar hokar aa gaye lekin in madam ko time ki kadar he nahi" Naziya begum was again frustrated about our Noor bibi taking a little too much time in getting ready because she accidentally slept and was
Awakened by her mother just half an hour before.
(Noor! How much longer will you take to get ready? Everyone else is ready on time, but this girl doesn't seem to value time at all.)
"Koi baat nahi begum bachhi hai ,aa Jane do itni bhi koi Der Nahi hui hai hume"
Said Mr.firoz Defending his dear daughter.
(It's alright, dear. She's just a kid. Let her come, we haven’t been delayed that much.)
"Chaliye aap sab gaadi mai bethiye mai noor ke saath aata hu" Sufiyan suggested and everyone agreed walking out, while sufiyan sat on the couch in the living room waiting for his little sister.Not long after, Noor came down the stairs dressed in a black and golden flowy frock suit with a net dupatta, looking gorgeous.
(Alright, you all sit in the car. I'll come with Noor.)
"Aree waah!! Jab humne kaha tha ki hume bhai ke saath ghar chod jayiyega, ammi se tab toh inkaar Kar diya aur daanta alag Hume ,aur ab Zara der ho gayi toh Hume chod Kar chali gayin"
(Wow! I had asked mom to let me stay at home with brother , but she refused and even scolded me. And now, just because I’m a little late, She left me behind.)
Exclaimed noor with her hands kept on either side of her waist, glaring at nothing.
"Bewakoof ladki, mai tumhari tareef karne he wala tha lekin phir tumne apna mu khol Kar apni sachhaiye Bayan Kar he di" Taunted Sufiyan standing up and fixing his tailored dark charcoal grey suit. Without paying any heed to The fuming girl who glared at him now.He walked ahead.
(Foolish girl, I was just about to compliment you, but then you opened your mouth and revealed your true self.)
"Haan toh aapki jhooti tareef ki zaroorat bhi nahi hume, rakhe apne paas he, apni girlfriend ki Kiya kare tareef" Taunted Noor folding her hands.
(I don't need your fake compliments, keep them to yourself, compliment your girlfriend instead.)
"Meri koi girlfriend nahi hai samjhi, mai tumhari saari novels jala doonga agar tumne phirse Abba ke Kaan bhare toh, ab chalo sab wait Kar rahe hai queen Elizabeth"
(I don't have a girlfriend, got it? I'll burn all your novels if you fill Dad's ears again. Now come on, everyone's waiting, Queen Elizabeth.)
After checking everything, Sufiyan locked the main gate, and then he and Noor joined everyone in the car.
Noor's grandmother took out a 500 rupee note from her purse, waved it around her, and gave it to Sufiyan.
"Daadi aap mujhe indirectly faqeer kehna chah rahi hai"
(Daadi, are you trying to indirectly call me a beggar?)
No offense against anyone by the author
Sufiyan said with a fake hurt expression
"Allah ise akal Ataa farmaye, aapko isliye diya ki raaste mai kisi zarooratmand ko de dijiyega, ab aapne apne upar le liye toh hum kya kare"
(May Allah grant him some sense. I gave it to you so you could give it to someone in need on the way, but if you took it for yourself, what can I do?)
"Mashallah meri bachhi, kisi ki nazar na lage, Mera chaand ka tukda"
(Mashallah, my child, may no evil eye befall you. You're a piece of the moon to me.)
Hamna Begum couldn't help but praise her granddaughter.She gently placed her hand on Noor's head, a gesture filled with warmth and affection, as if bestowing a silent blessing.
"Thank you daadi" Noor exclaimed happily.
"Daadi waise aap bhi kuch Kam kehar nahi lag rahi" Sufiyan added playfully making everyone crackle up in the car.
(Daadi, you don't seem any less either.)
"Madam tum ye heels pehan to aayi ho , dhyaan se chalna warna giri toh mujhe he princess ko uthana padega" Sufiyan said in Sarcasm, glancing back at her with a wink.
(Madam, you came wearing these heels, so be careful while walking; otherwise, if you fall, I’ll have to lift you, the princess.)
“Ab dikhiye aap, I’ll show you who the real princess is,” Noor shot back, adjusting her sparkly earrings and feigning annoyance.
(Wait and watch,I'll show you who the real princess is)
Their father chuckled, shaking his head at the sibling banter. “Just remember, Sufiyan, it’s not a princess if she has to be carried! You might just end up being her Khidmat gaar( Footman)”
Noor burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Khidmat gaar? More like the Mazahiq(comedian)!”
The car was filled with lighthearted teasing and laughter, creating a warm cocoon of joy as they drove toward the event. Noor leaned back in her seat, heart swelling with happiness.
•••••••••
Noor and family reached the Venue , the very famous spot of Lucknow.
"Bara Imambara"
Noor stepped out of the car, and couldn't help but admire the beauty of the venue
The entrance was adorned with elaborate floral arches, vibrant marigold garlands intertwined with delicate jasmine, exuding a sweet fragrance that filled the air. Soft, warm lights illuminated the pathways, casting a golden glow on the intricately carved walls of the Imambara, highlighting its rich history and craftsmanship.
They walked inside, Noor was unaware of the admiring glances the people would take at her, but sufiyan noticed it and was quick enough to walk next to her sister, in a protective manner.
Inside, the grand hall was draped with luxurious fabrics in shades of deep red and gold, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Ornate chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, their crystals sparkling like stars, while flickering candles added a romantic touch to the setting. Tables were set with fine china and crystal glassware, each centerpiece featuring stunning arrangements of fresh flowers, accentuating the color palette of the evening.
The atmosphere was filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. Soft classical music played in the background, enhancing the sense of elegance while guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries. The gentle sound of laughter and conversation echoed through the hall, blending harmoniously with the delicate clinking of glasses.
"Ammi, ye jagah aise decorated kitni achi lag rahi hai na"
(Ammi, this place looks so nice decorated like this, doesn’t it?)
Said Noor while Naziya begum smiled at her daughter who was now So indulged in the place ,as if she wasn't the one eating her brain to avoid coming here, from the time she knew that she had to attend this event.
"Noor zyada excitement mai aap idhar udhar na ho jayiyega ,sabhi anjaan log hai yaha" Added Hamna begum.
(Noor, don’t get too excited and wander off, there are all strangers here)
"Ji daadi aap fikar na karein"
Noor reassured them.
(Okay granny, don't take tension)
Just as they reached in the middle of the hall, They saw Mr.Ahmed approaching them. Everyone except Noor recognized him and greeted him.
"Aayiye mai aapko apki table tak le chalta hu"
(Please come, I'll show you you're table)
Mr.Ahmed walked ahead as they all followed him and found themselves at the very front table, usually assigned for VIPs.
"Please bethiye, event shall begin any minute now"
(Have a seat please, event shall begin anytime now)
Said Mr.Ahmed, while they all settled.
"I'll take my leave now, shall see you soon" Mr.Ahmed left.
•••••••••
The function had started a while ago, and initially, Noor didn’t understand much, but now she realized that this event was not just for awarding businessmen but also for the auction of historical assets.
"Daadi wo Zayn ko toh award he nahi mila" She whispered to her Daadi who sat next to her almost dozing off.
(Grandma,that Zayn, he didn't receive an award)
"Beta Zayn nahi Zayd hai unka naam aur
Abhi Khatam thodi hui hai ceremony,Aa jayega unka number"
Hamna begum Explained her granddaughter who seemed really uninterested with everything going on.
(My dear, it's Zayd, not Zayn, and the ceremony hasn't ended yet; his number will come up)
"Ammi Hume restroom use karna hai, hum aate hain"
(Mom I want to use the restroom, excuse me)
Noor almost stood up when her mother said
"Ruko mai chalti hu saath mai"
(Wait let me accompany you)
"Naziya rukiye , Agar aapki gair maujoodgi Mai Zayd ka number aa gaya toh unhe acha nahi lagega , Noor ko jaane dijiye, restroom he toh Jaana hai"
(Naziya, wait! If Zayd's number comes up in your absence, he won't feel nice about you not being here. Let Noor go; she just needs to go to the restroom.)
Hamna begum interrupted her Daughter in law, who agreed with her and warned Noor to go and come straight without roaming anywhere else, to which she agreed and left.
•••••••••
Noor asked the lady gaurd standing at a good distance from the guests, about the location of the restroom.The lady gaurd explained her the route and she walked ahead not before thanking her.
"Ye itna dur washroom hone ka kya sense hai, agar koi emergency mai ho toh Bechare ke saath toh haadsa he ho jaye" Noor said to herself walking in the long hallway. She noticed that this hallway was very silent and she didn't spotted any being around her.
(What’s the point of having the restroom so far away? If there’s an emergency, something could really happen to the poor someone.)
The sound of her heels striking the marbled floor was quite evident.
Noor was feeling a little scared, but she urgently needed to use the washroom, so she kept walking and spotted the washroom. After checking carefully, she entered and quickly locked the door from the inside. After doing her buisness Noor stepped out and walked the same path.
As she rounded a corner, her heart raced when she spotted a tall figure leaning against the wall, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. The smoke curled around him, obscuring his features in a haze.
"Ya Allah!! Ab hum kya karien, Akele jaane mai Hume darr lag raha hai aur hum apna phone bhi wahi chod aaye"
(Oh Allah!! What should I do now? I'm scared to go alone, and I left my phone there too.)
After gathering some courage Noor,decided to walk past him as soon as possible.She started walking with quick steps keeping her gaze on the floor.Nervousness flowed out in her actions, as she held the dupatta around her tightly.The echo of her footsteps felt unnervingly loud in the silence, amplifying her sense of unease. Unintentionally, she looked up to see the distance left, But her eyes made contact with those grey eyes directly.
Noor felt a shiver run down her spine, a mix of curiosity and fear swirling inside her. She could sense his gaze lingering on her, heavy and intense. It made her feel vulnerable, as if he could see straight through her. She quickly averted her eyes, her heart pounding, wishing to escape the situation.
Noor, without stopping and looking down again, walks past him, but suddenly she starts coughing due to the smoke.Out of fear that the man might get offended, Noor exits the hallway almost running without looking back.
She didn’t stop until she reached where the people were. Before going to her family, she paused in a corner to regain her composure after running away.
"Allah, bacha Liya aapne, pakka wo kahi bahar ke lag rahe the" Mumbled Noor and hurried towards her seat.
(Allah, you saved me; he definitely seemed to be from outside.)
••••••••••
There was only a little time left for Zayd to receive the award, and to clear his mind and to smoke, he went into a hallway through the back gate where no one was present.He was not nervous; he just didn’t like being around people. He wanted to finish everything quickly and return to Dubai.
Zayd leaned against the wall by the window, took out a cigarette, placed it in his mouth, and lit it with an expensive lighter, beginning to smoke.
He was lost in his thoughts but was suddenly startled when he heard the sound of someone walking loudly, so he looked toward the source of the noise.
As Zayd stood in the secluded hallway, his attention was immediately drawn to the figure approaching him. A beautiful girl emerged, her presence striking against the backdrop of the dimly lit corridor. The elegant black dress, adorned with intricate gold embroidery, clung gracefully to her figure, enhancing her allure.
He noticed how her long, sheer dupatta she wrapped around her, as a protective instinct, contrasting sharply with the boldness of her attire. Her eyes darted nervously, a hint of Anxiety evident in her steps. Yet, there was something magnetic about her vulnerability that captivated him even more.
As she walked past him, Zayd felt a surge of excitement mixed with a predatory instinct. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air, intoxicating him. It wasn't just her beauty that held him captive; it was the thrill of the unknown. He recognized the fear in her demeanor—a delicate creature caught in a world she barely understood.As she hurried away, he couldn’t help but follow her with his gaze.
After Noor walked away, Zayd couldn’t shake her image from his mind. He had seen girls who were more beautiful, but there was something about her that stirred something deep inside him. It wasn’t just her looks; it was the way she carried herself, a mix of innocence and vulnerability that intrigued him.
He found himself replaying the moment she passed by, the way her dress flowed and how she seemed both scared and captivating at the same time. It was as if she had sparked something in him he hadn’t felt in a long time, a combination of curiosity and desire. Zayd realized that he wanted to know more about her, to uncover the layers beneath her timid exterior. Something about Noor made him want to chase after her and understand what made her so special.
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