₦airaland Forum

Aliyeous: lyk seriously...wow gaskia ke guru ne, lalle underage kam

Lol .....Am no more underage now sha

Aliyeous: pray i wuld b lucky 2 b among dos 2 find 1 amng d 'FEW'

Ameen

Aliyeous: wow i wuld so b intrstd kam...i wuld luv 2 write besyd such great talent. Hehehe wlh u've made my day tunda naga response dinki i've in n out of nairaland 4 lyk 7 tyms. I told my brodas wyf habiba ur story cos shes also a fan of bollywood n guess wat she's joinin nairaland 2mao jst so she reads d remainin episodes of dis wondaful write up

She is most welcome here. Am flattered

[quote author=lola_bridget]Hmmmm, love in the air!!! U just can't hide it[/quote]Love shouldn't be hidden

I Hate 9ja: so much hatred,d guy na omode

What is Omode?

harlos: Wow

Wow yourself

Aliyeous: nima abin kam ya ban mamaki...saboda ta chanza sunan ne, kema #teamzeest koh

Underage has been my nickname right from secondary school, dats why nayi amfani dashi as my username. Its just that av always been the youngest in my class, could you imagine I graduated at the age of 19 ......hence the name underage.

I Hate 9ja: u re firm in making decisions....i.e 1 update per day...i wish i had access to d whole story....cant wait
so romantic,so thrilling

I made a promise to update once everyday, dats why I try my best to fulfill dat.

P.S. I aim to please

Aliyeous: Hehehe GO #TEAMZEEST how i wish al gals wr lyk Zeest...tnx 4 d update yaar

They are a few ones like her......if u search thouroughly

Aliyeous: ni dan kaduna ne frm Zaria buh i was born n brought up in kad infct komai nawa a kaduna nayi excpt my youth service...i luv ur story hw i wish ace da hausa kika rubuta da na baiwa wata frnd dina don mayyar littafin hausa ne da fina finan india...its nt dat i dnt spk hausa on nairaland amma da wa zan yi tohh, amma yanzu dana ganki da kuma fateema88 wlh i feel am nt alone...hws ur baby kuma naji dadi sosai kam don yanzu na sami 'yan uwa a nairaland

Ni kuma am from Kano bt nayi zaman Kd sosai, infact mijina dan Zaria ne. Kwanaki na tambaya a chat room ko zan iya uploading hausa story bt I got no reponse, so I took it as a No. Kawai dai abinda na fahimta, there're very few of us her on Nairaland. Maybe nan gaba, we can try between ourselves (you, fateema and I), and come up with a nice story with a Hausa setting i.e traditional and all but written in English, am sure it will be interesting. But that's if your guys are interested.

P.S. My baby is fine, thnks for asking

beyonDskygirl: as in unconciously JEALOUS? I mean, UNCONCIOUSLY JEALOUS? because.....

Because.....??

beyonDskygirl: Hahahaha, sooo Aariz do love Zeest hmmm, even to the extend of being jealous?

He is just being jealous

harlos: Hahahaha this is so lovely
*mimicking aariz*
How dare you talk to my WIFE like that.



Like say i dey there

Like say u dey there indeed

fateemah88: Oh my God do i call that jealousy oh wat,he called her his wife,nd he slapped a guy because of her so protective of him but i stil hate him #teamzeest#

Up #TeamZeest.

Abeg don't hate Aariz much oooo

Winnie1950: Interesting! So aariz is jealous? Hmm i wonder what will happen next. Thanks alot madam underage 4 this update.

U r wlcm Winnie. Hope u dnt mind if I rest on ur bed. I'm exhausted.

SPLENDIDFLOZZY: Am so loving Zeest.... Tnx 4 lenghty update

U r wlcm. Up up #TeamZeest

....

fateemah88: Dama ke bahaushiya ce?

Kwarai kua Fateema, a full indigene of Kano state.

The same evening, Zeest recieved a call from Sarah, Shaheryaar's sister.

"Bhabi, tomorrow is my birthday and you have to come. I won't accept any excuse." Sarah was telling her.

Zeest hesistated for a fraction of a moment. She shouldn't accept the invitation.

"No ulterior motives. No dance, no music, it will be an all-girl party." Sarah hastened to assure her.

"Alright, I will ask him. If he allows, I'd definitely come." Zeest managed to say, she didn't want to disappoint this cute girl who happened to be so nice and supportive.

"What? You will ask Aariz Bhai for permission? Oh well...." Sarah was startled. (Bhai: brother).

"Yes, why are you so astonished?" Zeest asked back. "As a muslim wife, I'm not supposed to go out of my house without his permission."

"But......Bhabi, I don't know whether you know it or not but there've been rumors about your marriage." Sarah said with an odd seriousness to her voice.

"I see. Like what?"

"Like.....like it's just a formal marrige and he doesn't like you. Also, everyone knows that he loves someone else and that is an open secret now." Sarah told her in a weak voice. "His behavior and attitude towards you has been very evident and people don't like him for that."

"Yes. But, if he hates me it doesn't necassarily mean that I hate him too, does it?" Zeest asked in a gentle voice.

"Are you saying you like him?" Sarah was still shocked. All she expected to hear from Zeest was Aariz's faults, weaknesses and bad aspects but what she heard was a totally different story.

"Yes, I like your Aariz bhai a lot." Zeest's heart had silently whispered. "Infact, the thing I feared most has happened. I've fallen in love with him." But naturally she couldn't say such things to Sarah.

"That's not the question. If someone's actions are bad for certain reasons, we're not supposed to react in the same way." Zeest explained. "Because, by doing so, we'd be putting ourselves on the same level."

Sarah kept herself silent.

"Don't worry, if Allah is willing, I'd defintely attend your birthday, happy?" Zeest said in a sweet voice.

"Thank you, I'd wait." Sarah replied in a happy tone.

As expected, Aariz raised no objection when she told him about Sarah's invitation.

"Do whatever you like. You're free as long as you don't interfere in my personal matters." Shrugging his shoulders, he had said in his casual 'I-don't-care' tone.

The next day, thinking it would be the first function she was attending after her marriage, she decided to wear something fancy. After a careful observation of her wardrobe, she selected a maroon saarhi with a matching full sleeves blouse. She remembered what Sarah had told her about the function being an all-girl party so there was no harm in wearing it. Still, she didn't forget to wear a light gray silky Abaaya and a jet-black scarf over her saarhi. As, after all, she had to go with the driver, because Aariz had never cared to drop her anywhere.

Once she was ready, she looked at him and said, " I'm leaving."

He was busy doing some office work, his face hidden behind a thick file.

"Very well, Miss Wife. Goodnight." He hardly glanced up at her. His cool unpoliteness was worse than a slap.

Dejected, she was about to turn away when she heard his voice again.

"Oh, you are going to Sarah's birthday, right?"

"Yes." She replied in a confused tone. She had already told him that yesterday, why was he asking again?.

"Damn!" He dropped the file. "I forgot. Shaheryaar invited me too. I am supposed to be there by now." He put a glance at his wristwatch and opened one of his cupboards in search of cloths to wear.

"But....." She said. "Sarah told me, it would be an all-girl party."

His searching hands stopped for a moment and he threw a rough and harsh look at her. "I do know that, Miss. Wife. He said there will be a seperate arrangement for men."

She let out a long breath and then sat down on the nearby chair.

She had to wait, she thought as she saw Aariz disappearing into the bathroom to change.

When they arrived, Sarah was more than happy to see her.

"Bhabhi, I'm so glad you came." She exclaimed happily, hugging her lovingly. "By the way, you're looking very smart tonight." Sarah said as she stared at her from head to toe.

"But now, you can take this Abaaya and scarf off." Sarah told her as she led her toward the hall where all the guest ladies sat.

Nodding, Zeest looked around her, checking and making sure that no male was there. Satisfied, she slowly took off her Abaaya, revealing her dark maroon saarhi.

"Oh, my God." Sarah said aloud. "What an outfit, and what a figure."

Blushing, Zeest gave her a warming glance, telling her through her eyes to keep her mouth shut.

She also recieved intent female glances, as her beauty was assessed and sighed over.

"So what are doing these days?" Sarah asked with interest.

"I have started teaching." Zeest gave a short answer.

"Teaching?"

"Yes, it's my old hobby." She smiled soberly. "When I was in my village. I used to teach a lot of children."

"But how did you get the children here?"

"There are plenty of them in our neighborhood. Plus, my mother-in-law has been very co-operative and supportive." As Zeest talked about her mother-in-law, Sarah could see her eyes were filled with respect and love for Aariz's mother. "She advertised in several newspapers."

"That's nice. What do you teach?"

"Arabic, recitation of holy Quran, basic beliefs and essentials about Islam and our moral values." Zeest told her soberly.

"That sounds wonderful." Sarah was definitely impressed.

"Bhabhi?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you satisfied?" She gazed deeply into her eyes, searching for some complaint, some disappointment.

Zeest sighed and decorated her face with a decent smile. "I'm satisfied with my fate. I am hoping and praying for the best future, and I'm sure my Allah won't disappointment me."

"But he is too dry and rough, isn't he?" Sarah asked.

"So what?" Zeest asked back in a soft, calm tone. "It's actually better to be dry and rough. As smooth and wet things often slip out of your hand very easily."

"You don't deserve what he's doing to you." Sarah expressed her sympathy.

"He have his reasons, I'm sure." Replied Zeest. Always the kind and forgiving woman, Zeest leaned back against the chair, rolling her eyes back in her head.

"You're so forgiving, I wish it didn't have to happen to good people like you."

"Allah often examines his creatures by different methods. When you see the results, only then you can find out who's good and who's bad."

"I know what you mean." Sarah gave an understanding nod. "But you portray him like he has no faults, no dark aspects and that's not true."

"No. There's already too much darkness in this world and in our society. Why don't we just spread the brightness?" Zeest's smile was as soft and gentle as ever as she presented her opinion. "So, whenever I think about him, I try my best to consider his positive aspects only."

"Positive aspects?" Sarah asked sarcastically. "Could you tell me only one positive aspect of his personality?"

"Sure. Why not?" Zeest said with a firm determination. "He didn't use me. I am legally married to him. He could have used my body. He could have played with me like a toy, but he didn't. Atleast he is honest with his feelings. He didn't take advantage of the situation."

"But....but he hates you." Sarah watched her closely, waiting for a reply.

"If he does, then I love the way he hates me."

Sarah felt like a dumb person on her remark. She never knew that women like Zeest still existed in this world.

"You.....you're impossible." Sarah breathed. "Everyone knows what he's doing to you." Sarah was not giving away an inch in her opinion about the man who'd treated this nice girl so badly.

"Even his bitter accent is more better than anyone's sweet accent. While counting one's faults and weaknesses, we often ignore the positive aspects and that makes the matter worse." Zeest said. Her comments about him came in short, but wonderfully strong sentences. Sarah's eyes widened in astonishment and suprise as she listened to Zeest.

"I accept he is rough but he is tough too. I admit, he is rude but he is protective. He is harsh but he is honest as well. I know he is arrogant but at the same time, he is decent too."

Sarah opened her mouth to say something but Zeest was not finished yet.

"I have accepted him as a new challenge in my life." She told her and it was true. Zeest saw her marriage as that new challenge she craved.

"I wish I could help you with this exam." Sarah squeeze her hand in a warm gesture of affection. "If you ever need any help, don't hesitate to ask."

"That means so much, Sarah. Thanks....... I'll be alright." Said a much more relaxed Zeest.

"Now one more request." She grinned.

"Yes?"

"Would you mind taking off this scarf of urs? I'm sure you'd feel more comfortable."

"Thanks Sarah." Zeest shook her head gently. "I feel more comfortable with my hair covered."

"I know Bhabhi." Sarah nodded. "But there's no single man around. It makes me uncomfortable to see you like this among all of us women."

Zeest hesistated for a moment, not knowing what to do. But then she knew Sarah's point did make sense. There was no adult male around.

"Alright." Zeest slowly unclipped the corner of the silky black cloth and let it fall slowly, very slowly.

Inch by inch, the cloth revealed a generous expense of long, straight, silky black hair.

"Oh my God." Sarah was shocked. Open mouthed she stared at her in pure fascination.

"Now I know why you hide it."

"No." Zeest said in a serious tone, unaffected by the big compliments she received. "I hide my hair because my Allah, and my dear prophet orders to do so. But I do it on my own free will because I know the logic behind it."

Smiling, Sarah took her hand into hers and carried her toward her other friends. She introduced Zeest to them with pride in her eyes for having such a wonderful friend.

As dinner was served, Zeest felt like something was wrong. For some unknown reason she was not feeling well.

She put down the plate she was holding and secretly looked around her to see the cause of this mysterious disturbance.

For some reason, she felt awkward. The feeling was weird, just like as if someone was watching her secretly.

And then, she felt the heat of someone's eyes on her face.

She had guessed right.

Jaazib, Sarah's cousin had just come to the section where female guests sat to ask something from Sarah and then he saw her.

She was truly a breath-taking sight. He forgot to breath, forgot to take his eyes away.

"She's married, don't think about her." Sarah slapped him playfully on the cheek.

"Really?" His heart stopped. "You sure?"

"You stupid!" Sarah threw an angry look at him. "She is one of my best friends, married to my brother's best friend." She looked toward Zeest. "Too bad her husband treats her very badly." Sarah told him. "Now get out of here." She pushed him with force, laughing.

But it was too late for Jaazib to get out. His heart was here, how could he leave this place?

He hid himself behind a tree, just to take a closer view of her.

She had a body of some super model and her hair made her look like a graceful, ancient eastern queen. Her big, large eyes were set neatly on her glorious face. She had those typical, traditional Pakistani eyes, which look sleepy and have a dreamy touch in them.

Suddenly those black eyes moved toward him for a second, spreading a shock wave through his whole body.

Noticing a man who was continously staring at her, Zeeat turned from where she stood. Leaving her dinner unfinished, she quickly left her place in search of some suitable place where she could hide herself.

Enjoying her condition and the situation, he followed her and paused beside her, feeling excited.

As he drew nearer, Zeest saw him. He was a man in his late twenties, staring at her boldly.

He came closer, looking at her with interest. There was a sheer anger and pure astonishment in those feminine eyes. He enjoyed the sight alot. Infact loved it.

"Hey miss. Oops sorry. I mean Mrs. Can we talk for a while?"

Due to the intensity of her fury, Zeest began to shake like a fallen yellow leaf in a strong gale. Giving him one last look that told him exactly what she thought of him and his question, she made her way through the main door.

On the grass lawn just ahead of her, Sarah was chatting with her friends.

Trying her best to control her anger, Zeest reached near Sarah and shook her elbow. "This is bad, Sarah. You told me this would be an all-girl function." She protested. "Who's this man here?"

"Oh come on Bhabhi." She tried to say. "It is a family function and he is my cousin, real cousin. Don't be scared of him. She explained as she looked toward Jaazib.

"He is a stranger to me and I'm not in my Hijaab." Zeest said in a dangerously serious tone.

"Okay, I'll tell him to leave....." Zarah stepped forward but Zeest grabbed her arm again, that suprised even Sarah. This was not the same soft, shy and gentle Zeest she knew. At the moment, she looked like an angry lioness, a brave courageous lady who could do anything to defend herself.

"Where is my scarf and Abaaya?" Zeest asked coldly, keeping her voice low.

Sarah stalled, seeking an adequate excuse. "I'm sorry. I told him not to.......well. You wait here, I'll go and get your Abaaya in a second.

As Sarah left her alone, he got more courage and walked boldly toward her. He wanted to know more about this woman who was so different, so unique.

"A girl with your looks should be showing her charms, not hiding them." He leered at her. "Ever considered modeling?"

She bit her lips but didn't reply. He noted that all the blood of her body had been accumulated on her face then. Her breathing became rapid and her heart began to pound heavily.

"If you consider, I'm not such a bad man to talk to." His voice was husky with emotions now.

Without answering him, she took quick steps forward.

He followed her, commenting continously.

"I also know that your relations with your husband are not going so well these days. Don't worry; he is such a fool to waste a beauty like......"

"MISTER!!!"

"Jaazib." He bent his head slightly and threw a daring smile at her.

Her nose and cheeks became red due to the height of her extreme patience, her nostrils flaring in and out rapidly.

"Mister, whoever you are, I'm an adult Muslim girl and for all of your questions, I just have one answer."

"Sure, sure......and what's that" He folded his arms across his chest, a grin spreading across his face.

"THIS!" She slapped him with full force, leaving full print of her fingers on his cheek. It was something he could never forget.

The sound of her slap echoed loudly, making everyone startled at the place. Mouths agape, women stared at them. This was when Sarah returned. But she was not alone, she had Aariz and Shaheryaar with her. She had told them everything.

Aariz almost ran toward them, his anger far from concealed.

Zeest winced at the fire that smoldered in his eyes. At first, she thought he was going to hit her for what she had done, right here, in front of everyone. But this time, suprisingly, she was not the center of his fury.

Blood came into his eyes. Without wasting a second, he grabbed Jaazib by his collar and pulled him roughly, pinned him to the sidewall.

"I..... I." Jaazib tried to say fearfully, but words wouldn't come out of his mouth.

"How dare you talk to my wife like that?" Aariz yelled, getting out of control.

Aariz first slapped him hard across his face then punched him in his belly. He winched in pain and doubled over.

"Aariz, stop it." Shaheryaar shouted and pulled Aariz away from the screaming guy's body.

"It's enough. I'm sorry it ever happened. Just leave him, I'll take care of him." Shaheryaar pulled Aariz's hands away from Jaazib's body who was almost about to cry due to his pain and fear.

And Zeest.

She couldn't believe her ears. Aariz had called her his 'wife' and the feeling was just so unbearably wonderful for her.

With fire burning in his eyes, Aariz threw one last look of disgust at Jaazib and then took Zeest's hand in his.

"Let's go." He murmured in a strange voice. "We can't stay here now." Aariz said, leading her out of the place. He pulled her to his car, opened the passenger door for her and slammed the door with his foot when she sat.

Sometimes, some unpleasant experiences turn out to be pleasant in the end. Occassionally, some unexpected accidents and incidents bring people closer than before. Zeest thought.

Okay guys, here we go, for today's update I think I will dedicate it to #TeamZeest.

Enjoy

Aliyeous: Wow ghost mode deactivated: gaskia ina jin dadin wannan labarin ohh ohhh yaar cant rili hide my excitement dis is d bst luv story i'v read here so far...or is it coz am a fan of bollywood No!! Its coz its bn written so exceptionally beautiful. weneva am readin i play dis track frm sharukhs Jab Tak Hai Jaan (saans) n its jst lyk am watchin one of dis bollywood blockbusters...al d scenes jst begin 2 fal in place, wow u ar rili gud am rili enjoyin dis pls mor update. no wonda princesa is also here who no lyk beta tn abi...

Wow wow wow . Gaskia naji dadin zuwanka wannan waje. Keep playing that track, its one of my best too. And by the way, Thanks for d compliment.
Don Allah a wane gari kake? Karkace na fiye tambaya, am just curious to find a hausa guy on nairaland cos even if there are some, they normally don't speak hausa here.

Niela Love: Thank u, underage 4 dis thread, i feel pity for Zeest at d same time admire her courage, she is a strong woman.

Yeah, dat she is. U r most welcome to this thread, I hope u'll enjoy ur stay.

Winnie1950: Good morning everyone! Yesterday's update was superb. @ underage: i want today's own to be lenghtier than yesterday''s own. Now let me lie on my bed and relax while waiting (im)patiently 4 the next update.

Don't worry Winnie. Just sit back and relax. Its coming soon

Shuq29: Promise is a promise o

And it shall be fulfilled

harlos: Thanks for the update bt short one again

I guess zeest father wants her daughter to bare Ali's name since he couldn't give his to aariz's mother

Aariz's heart is too strong

You are so on point

Shuq29: Hmmmmm...............so small bt its well appreciated sha.

I will give u a long and interesting one tomorrow. Do not worry

SPLENDIDFLOZZY: Wow... U kept to ur promise... Bin refreshin dis tread for the past 1hr nao i cn gladly slp..... Gudnite

I suppose you don't get the error msg anymore. Glad you are back. Gudnite

Once she was settled, Zeest had put her artistic religious talent to teach children, transforming them into a new generation, which was very much familiar with ethics and religion.

Those children were a bright precocious and constant challenge to Zeest. Their parents had selected the finest school for their worldly education but unfortunately had paid no attention to their basic religious knowledge. Those children were experts in alphabets, basic science and grammer but were duffers in even first-step essential knowledge about their faith. But Zeest loved rising to that challenge, determined those children would turn out to be responsible and productive humans and muslims.

That day, when Aariz returned to his home, he was feeling more tired than usual. As soon as he pulled the door of his room open, his eyes and ears came across something he was not prepared to face.

Zeest was praying.

But that was not the thing that suprised him, as he'd never seen her missing her prayers. It was her style, the way she was praying and above all, the choice of her words that suprised, even shocked him.

With her eyes closed, tears flowing down her soft, smooth cheeks she presented a very holy picture to him. Her black scarf was surrounding her glorious face like dark clouds surrounding the moon.

"Oh Allah, help me overcome those obstacles which are in my way toward a successful life." She was saying and crying at the same time.

As his uneasy glance went to her, he noted that she was so absorbed in her prayers that he was sure she didn't hear him entering.

"Oh Allah, there is no one who will listen to me, except You. And this feeling is so touchy, so sentimental, that there's someone who is there always for me. There's someone, who hears everything and sees everything, and someone who understands. Oh my dear Allah, keep me and my husband away from the sins in the best possible way. Oh my creator, help us all, in seeking guidance toward true eternal path. Oh Allah, may my parents-in-law achieve all the health and prosperity they deserve. Enlighten my husband's heart with the glory of light."

Breathlessly, he stared at her as she prayed for divine guidance with her eyes closed.

"My dear Allah..... I don't want him to be unhappy. I know we haven't always been as close as I'd like to but I wish for the best future days for both of us."

He was in her prayers.

What else could one ask for?

He looked at her for what semmed like endless moments. She was looking so holy, so innocent while praying. She wore a plain, white cotton jumper shilwar and a big, broad black scarf surrounded her face like dark rainy clouds surrounding the moon. She looked so wildly beautiful; her glassy eyes closed, guarded with thick, and curved lashes, her expression modest and natural.

It was not just beauty that was present on her face. It was something else too, but what? He couldn't find out. He felt ashamed of himself. He hadn't prayed for so long. Last time he prayed was on Eid day, last year.

Just then, he noticed her tone had changed. She was now reading something, perhaps some poem.

I just want few moments from my own life,
Moments, which I could hide from myself,
And then dedicate it to 'him',
Who holds a name-less relation with me!
Who gives me thoughts, when I can't think anything!
He......who makes me feel myself when I feel nothing.
He, who is not mine, but is in me.

Listening to her wonderful words, Aariz realized a few things for the first time.

Since Zeest came to his house, she brought a new life for everyone. She had simply brought a big change in everyone's life. After all, that's what the word 'Zeest' meant....... Life!

Before she came, his mornings used to start with music. But now, her fragrant, musical voice poured sweet essence of Quran into his ears every morning before he leaves his bed.

Everything seemed to be under control now, whether it was his home's monthly budget or his mother's blood pressure. Even his room was very neat and clean now. Everything seemed to be at its exact place now, well-organized and well-arranged. She was the best cook he had ever seen, expert in making different good 'finger-licking' eastern and western dishes. His father had already become a big fan of her.

"Mother, Chicken Qourma, without salt is for you, and this sugar free Kheer is for you, father." As he remembered her instructions and comments, an involuntary smile came to his lips.

She was taking care of his hypertensive mother and diabetic father at the same time and both had improved a lot since she came into their home.

Her beauty, her laughter, her cries pulled at him like a physical force and in spite of all his intentions, and whether he liked it or not, his life had assumed a new purpose, and a new meaning.

"How are you always able to sum up my problems?" He wanted to ask, but the ego of his mind was stronger than this honest thought of his heart.

It was true. This girl named 'Zeest' had brought a big revolution in his home in such a short time.

"I didn't know you were here." Her voice broke the chain of his thoughts as he shook his head, only to find her staring at him with questioning eyes.

"Y....yes." He said, keeping his briefcase on the table and loosening the knot of his tie. "There wasn't much work to do in the office today. So I returned early."

"I see." She gave him a nod of understanding.

"Well......" He wanted to say but couldn't find the appropraite words.

"Yes?" She asked, her heart praying at the same time, not knowing what was new in his mind today.

"Thank you so much." He said automatically. "You fulfilled your promise."

"Sorry?"

"I mean." He came to stand in front of the dressing table, giving himself a critical look. "You convinced my mother for my second marriage. That was not an easy task."

"You are welcome." She smiled soberly. "But do you remember your promise too?"

"Huh....what promise?" He turned his face toward her.

"You said you won't divorce me. You won't seperate your name from mine." She looked into his eyes with hope and expectation.

"I don't need any share in your property or wealth." She added in the same soft, sweet tone. "All I want is your name."

Yes, Aariz Ali, I will be content with the feeling, that, atleast our names are attached with each other. She thought

"Why do you want that?"

"Because....." She closed her eyes for a second. "It was my father's wish."

"Just your father's or is it your wish as well?" He wanted to ask, looking closely into her big eyes, trying to find any traces of longing or love. Had she fallen in love with him? He thought for a second.

Unanswered questions haunted him, questions he couldn't block from his mind.

What were Zeest's true feeling? Did she care for him......really care?

Their relationship had come to an end. He had nothing to offer Zeest. All he was interested in was returning to Komal as soon as possible. No woman in her right mind would want to live with a man who loved another woman continously.

Anyway, who said Zeest was interested in him? He sensed she had her own problems. She had suffered too.

But right now, this poor girl was getting over-emotional. To him, she was like other typical middle class conservative and fanatic eastern women, who think that their husband is everything for them.

Well, it's just a matter of time. She'll soon feel a need for a husband and children and ask for divorce definitely. He smiled inwardly and agreed.

"Yes, I remember." He gave a short answer, taking his brand new glasses out of his jackets's pocket. He never actually worn spectacles before. Just today, he met his ophtalmologist gor a recent attack of short eye sightedness and his doctor had suggested contact lenses or glasses for his eyes.

He brought the thin neat metal frame to his eyes and set the spectacles on his nose with care and deliberation.

"You look good in glasses." She commented against her will, only to wish she had kept her mouth shut

He whistled slowly, shooting a brief glance on her reflecting image through the mirror but said nothing.

"Okay, anything else you want from me?" He asked, releasing his tie and allowing it to flap over his shoulder.

As he spoke, Zeeat realized that despite of all his anger, fury and cursing, she liked his voice. She wasn't sure how it had happened---maybe it was the dark sound of his voice. When he was not angry there was a velvet quality to it, as if it belonged to another person apart from the man she knew. She often hung onto the sound of his voice, remembering it afterwards.

She cleared her throat and stated, "I do want something for myself. But, I don't want it from you. I want it from my Allah and I've already told him."

"For you, however." She added in a whisper. "I'd like to suggest only one thing."

"What's that?"

"Don't miss your prayers. It's best for your depression."

On her suggestion, he glared at her for a long time. Unable to meet with the intensity of his gaze, she had to take her eyes away from him.

"Okay, I'd think about that." Unexpectedly, he murmured in a low voice, his tone calm.

"Sometimes," He gave her a long, in predictable look as he spoke. "I really ask myself this question."

"Which one?"

"Can't you ignore me?" He asked and then added. "I'm sure you can, just as I do."

"I can sure try to ignore you, but your insults are hard to ignore." She said in a low voice, her gaze touching the floor. "As they say, an injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult "

His brows rose upward on her sudden remark, and she knew instantly that he was getting into his 'mood' again.

"Okay." He muttured sharply. "Do whatever you like. But, you are an unwelcomed guest. Keep that in mind." He cautioned, signaling an end to the discussion.

"I'm also an unwilling guest." She wanted to say but her brain refused her heart's suggestion.

She'd never in her life saw a man who was so hard to reason with. But she had to admit he had a point, this was his house.

The slamming of the door told her he was gone.

Once she was settled, Zeest had put her artistic religious talent to teach children, transforming them into a new generation, which was very much familiar with ethics and religion.

Those children were a bright precocious and constant challenge to Zeest. Their parents had selected the finest school for their worldly education but unfortunately had paid no attention to their basic religious knowledge. Those children were experts in alphabets, basic science and grammer but were duffers in even first-step essential knowledge about their faith. But Zeest loved rising to that challenge, determined those children would turn out to be responsible and productive humans and muslims.

That day, when Aariz returned to his home, he was feeling more tired than usual. As soon as he pulled the door of his room open, his eyes and ears came across something he was not prepared to face.

Zeest was praying.

But that was not the thing that suprised him, as he'd never seen her missing her prayers. It was her style, the way she was praying and above all, the choice of her words that suprised, even shocked him.

With her eyes closed, tears flowing down her soft, smooth cheeks she presented a very holy picture to him. Her black scarf was surrounding her glorious face like dark clouds surrounding the moon.

"Oh Allah, help me overcome those obstacles which are in my way toward a successful life." She was saying and crying at the same time.

As his uneasy glance went to her, he noted that she was so absorbed in her prayers that he was sure she didn't hear him entering.

"Oh Allah, there is no one who will listen to me, except You. And this feeling is so touchy, so sentimental, that there's someone who is there always for me. There's someone, who hears everything and sees everything, and someone who understands. Oh my dear Allah, keep me and my husband away from the sins in the best possible way. Oh my creator, help us all, in seeking guidance toward true eternal path. Oh Allah, may my parents-in-law achieve all the health and prosperity they deserve. Enlighten my husband's heart with the glory of light."

Breathlessly, he stared at her as she prayed for divine guidance with her eyes closed.

"My dear Allah..... I don't want him to be unhappy. I know we haven't always been as close as I'd like to but I wish for the best future days for both of us."

He was in her prayers.

What else could one ask for?

He looked at her for what semmed like endless moments. She was looking so holy, so innocent while praying. She wore a plain, white cotton jumper shilwar and a big, broad black scarf surrounded her face like dark rainy clouds surrounding the moon. She looked so wildly beautiful; her glassy eyes closed, guarded with thick, and curved lashes, her expression modest and natural.

It was not just beauty that was present on her face. It was something else too, but what? He couldn't find out. He felt ashamed of himself. He hadn't prayed for so long. Last time he prayed was on Eid day, last year.

Just then, he noticed her tone had changed. She was now reading something, perhaps some poem.

I just want few moments from my own life,
Moments, which I could hide from myself,
And then dedicate it to 'him',
Who holds a name-less relation with me!
Who gives me thoughts, when I can't think anything!
He......who makes me feel myself when I feel nothing.
He, who is not mine, but is in me.

Listening to her wonderful words, Aariz realized a few things for the first time.

Since Zeest came to his house, she brought a new life for everyone. She had simply brought a big change in everyone's life. After all, that's what the word 'Zeest' meant....... Life!

Before she came, his mornings used to start with music. But now, her fragrant, musical voice poured sweet essence of Quran into his ears every morning before he leaves his bed.

Everything seemed to be under control now, whether it was his home's monthly budget or his mother's blood pressure. Even his room was very neat and clean now. Everything seemed to be at its exact place now, well-organized and well-arranged. She was the best cook he had ever seen, expert in making different good 'finger-licking' eastern and western dishes. His father had already become a big fan of her.

"Mother, Chicken Qourma, without salt is for you, and this sugar free Kheer is for you, father." As he remembered her instructions and comments, an involuntary smile came to his lips.

She was taking care of his hypertensive mother and diabetic father at the same time and both had improved a lot since she came into their home.

Her beauty, her laughter, her cries pulled at him like a physical force and in spite of all his intentions, and whether he liked it or not, his life had assumed a new purpose, and a new meaning.

"How are you always able to sum up my problems?" He wanted to ask, but the ego of his mind was stronger than this honest thought of his heart.

It was true. This girl named 'Zeest' had brought a big revolution in his home in such a short time.

"I didn't know you were here." Her voice broke the chain of his thoughts as he shook his head, only to find her staring at him with questioning eyes.

"Y....yes." He said, keeping his briefcase on the table and loosening the knot of his tie. "There wasn't much work to do in the office today. So I returned early."

"I see." She gave him a nod of understanding.

"Well......" He wanted to say but couldn't find the appropraite words.

"Yes?" She asked, her heart praying at the same time, not knowing what was new in his mind today.

"Thank you so much." He said automatically. "You fulfilled your promise."

"Sorry?"

"I mean." He came to stand in front of the dressing table, giving himself a critical look. "You convinced my mother for my second marriage. That was not an easy task."

"You are welcome." She smiled soberly. "But do you remember your promise too?"

"Huh....what promise?" He turned his face toward her.

"You said you won't divorce me. You won't seperate your name from mine." She looked into his eyes with hope and expectation.

"I don't need any share in your property or wealth." She added in the same soft, sweet tone. "All I want is your name."

Yes, Aariz Ali, I will be content with the feeling, that, atleast our names are attached with each other. She thought

"Why do you want that?"

"Because....." She closed her eyes for a second. "It was my father's wish."

"Just your father's or is it your wish as well?" He wanted to ask, looking closely into her big eyes, trying to find any traces of longing or love. Had she fallen in love with him? He thought for a second.

Unanswered questions haunted him, questions he couldn't block from his mind.

What were Zeest's true feeling? Did she care for him......really care?

Their relationship had come to an end. He had nothing to offer Zeest. All he was interested in was returning to Komal as soon as possible. No woman in her right mind would want to live with a man who loved another woman continously.

Anyway, who said Zeest was interested in him? He sensed she had her own problems. She had suffered too.

But right now, this poor girl was getting over-emotional. To him, she was like other typical middle class conservative and fanatic eastern women, who think that their husband is everything for them.

Well, it's just a matter of time. She'll soon feel a need for a husband and children and ask for divorce definitely. He smiled inwardly and agreed.

"Yes, I remember." He gave a short answer, taking his brand new glasses out of his jackets's pocket. He never actually worn spectacles before. Just today, he met his ophtalmologist gor a recent attack of short eye sightedness and his doctor had suggested contact lenses or glasses for his eyes.

He brought the thin neat metal frame to his eyes and set the spectacles on his nose with care and deliberation.

"You look good in glasses." She commented against her will, only to wish she had kept her mouth shut

He whistled slowly, shooting a brief glance on her reflecting image through the mirror but said nothing.

"Okay, anything else you want from me?" He asked, releasing his tie and allowing it to flap over his shoulder.

As he spoke, Zeeat realized that despite of all his anger, fury and cursing, she liked his voice. She wasn't sure how it had happened---maybe it was the dark sound of his voice. When he was not angry there was a velvet quality to it, as if it belonged to another person apart from the man she knew. She often hung onto the sound of his voice, remembering it afterwards.

She cleared her throat and stated, "I do want something for myself. But, I don't want it from you. I want it from my Allah and I've already told him."

"For you, however." She added in a whisper. "I'd like to suggest only one thing."

"What's that?"

"Don't miss your prayers. It's best for your depression."

On her suggestion, he glared at her for a long time. Unable to meet with the intensity of his gaze, she had to take her eyes away from him.

"Okay, I'd think about that." Unexpectedly, he murmured in a low voice, his tone calm.

"Sometimes," He gave her a long, in predictable look as he spoke. "I really ask myself this question."

"Which one?"

"Can't you ignore me?" He asked and then added. "I'm sure you can, just as I do."

"I can sure try to ignore you, but your insults are hard to ignore." She said in a low voice, her gaze touching the floor. "As they say, an injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult "

His brows rose upward on her sudden remark, and she knew instantly that he was getting into his 'mood' again.

"Okay." He muttured sharply. "Do whatever you like. But, you are an unwelcomed guest. Keep that in mind." He cautioned, signaling an end to the discussion.

"I'm also an unwilling guest." She wanted to say but her brain refused her heart's suggestion.

She'd never in her life saw a man who was so hard to reason with. But she had to admit he had a point, this was his house.

The slamming of the door told her he was gone.

Shuq29: .............she said if she like dat she won't update today nd i think dats wat she is going to do today bt anyway sha............let me take my humble self............

I was just kidding dear............oya smile for me

Am so sorry guys but I got really busy, somethings came up. Update will come later tonight by God's grace. Please add more patience

harlos: *comes into the thread, see no update.
*put on a angry face*

underage where is our daily bread

Am still kneading the dough, and am having a lil problem with d oven. Is there an electrician in the house?