After 4 years...
No matter how much time changes, some things remain the same, which does not change even after changing. But the situation had changed.
A dazzling city is Dubai! The city's centre was 'Casa del Ashfa'. Only the real and senior members of the Ashfaq family live in this house.
It was said that 'Casa del Ashfa' belonged to the British era. In 1971, the British started leading Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi. Since then, the 'Casa del Ashfa' has been established. What's more, the British King and Queen also used to stay in this house sometimes.
But as soon as the British era ended, whatever the British had built, the rich people of Dubai took it into their own name. And only then had 'Casa del Ashfa' come within the Ashfaq family. Because British people liked this place, they built 'Casa del Ashfa' here itself.
This three-floor house made of marble and stone was very big and square. There was an angle-shaped fountain in front of the house from which water was always flowing. Lots of tulips were blooming behind the house.
Every person in this Ashfaq family likes tulip flowers very much. And if seen, the eldest member of the Ashfaq family, i.e., "Leah Ashfaq"'s husband, "Adam Ashfaq," likes tulip flowers very much.
The living room inside the 'Casa del Ashfa' house was quite luxurious and magnificent. Sitting there on a long sofa was a 44-year-old beautiful woman whose name is "Nora Ashfaq". And sitting with her was her husband "Hakeem Ashfaq".
It was 7 o'clock in the morning.
Nora's face was a little distorted. Maybe she was angry. Whereas Hakeem, who had a thick 20-page file lying in front of him, was looking at his file only.
There was a very beautiful necklace around Nora's neck. Looking at it, it could be understood that Nora is very fond of jewellery.
Well, she looks beautiful. But right now, it was only her who was angry. Just then, a servant came to give Nora a cup of coffee. But by mistake, that coffee had fallen a little on the glass table. Seeing this, Nora said in her loud voice,
--"If you cannot work carefully, then get out of the house."
That servant started trembling after hearing Nora's screams. His hand had gone cold. The same Hakeem, while adjusting his thick-framed spectacles, signalled the servant to leave. Then, seeing Nora's face heavy with anger, he said, a little dissatisfied,
--"Nora? What was this? Don't forget, dad also lives here. And don't talk in such a loud voice."
Nora spoke slowly but angrily, gritting her teeth.
--"Can't you see? Mom, without Faraz's family, will not come here. It's been 4 years, but she has still not stepped into 'Casa del Ashfa'. If I ask her anything, she has only one answer: My granddaughter Luna is here. If she wants to go with me, I will live in 'Casa del Ashfa." After all, mom has crossed her limits. That bloody Luna had been pregnant for 12 years and is now raising a child. She should be ashamed, Hakeem."
Hakim looked at Nora and said it in a neutral tone.
--"Starting from you, every person in this house knows that mom's most beloved son is Faraz Brother and his family. So you remain silent. Even Dad is not telling them anything. So why should we?"
Nora said,
--"Haven't you heard? They will come here next week itself, along with Faraz's brother, Zoya Sista, and Luna. I don't understand; they haven't stayed at home for so many days, and now they are coming here to stay."
--"Think about yourself, Nora! Not about them."
Just then, a serious and cold voice came from behind. Hearing this, Nora and Hakeem simultaneously turned back. None other than "Adam Ashfaq" stands at the top of the stairs. 85-year-old Adam looked very strong and tough.
If anyone in this house is afraid of anyone, it is only Adam. Every person in this house considers him Adam. Even if he does not have any power over the Ashfaq family, his wisdom and knowledge are still needed by the Ashfaq family.
Seeing Adam coming down the stairs, Nora and Hakeem's eyes became wide with fear. Both of them quickly got up from the sofa. It didn't take long for Adam to come down the stairs to the middle of the living room. He glanced briefly at Nora.
Seeing this, Nora felt fear. Her eyes went down on their own. Hakeem was afraid of Adam. But he was also angry with Nora. Nora was the youngest daughter-in-law in the house. And despite being the youngest daughter-in-law, Nora is saying all this?
Looking at Adam in front, Hakeem began to say in a very soft voice,
--"Dad, you are here! You meditate so early in the morning."
Adam looked straight at Hakeem. And with some coolness in his voice, he started saying,
--"I didn't know that during my meditation you both talked about Faraz. It's good that I came to know this today. Otherwise, I thought that all the people here liked Faraz."
Hakeem spoke to Adam in a tone of understanding.
--Dad, you are in a misunderstanding. Nora's words did not mean that at all. Nora was meaning something else. Nora! Nora, you say something!"
Nora said fearfully,
--Dad, don't think wrong.But really, I have not said anything bad about Faraz brother. Believe me."
Only then will all of the family members also come. Nora and Hakeem's two daughters, "Sia Ashfaq" and "Orianna Ashfaq," come from the stairs. Sitting there in the wheelchair is a 55-year-old "Aidan Ashfaq", who is Adam's eldest son.
And a servant was pushing his wheelchair and bringing it ahead. Hearing so much noise, all the members of the house came. Aidan, sitting in the wheelchair, was the first to open his mouth to claim something.
--"What's wrong, dad? Why do you look so angry?"
Adam, who was fuming with anger a moment ago, now became silent after hearing Aidan's question. Apparently, Adam talks calmly only in front of Aidan. Because his son is the most intelligent, polite, and knowledgeable of all.
Who has managed the business of the Ashfaq family for 8 years despite not being able to stand on his own two feet. That too alone! Adam turned to look at Aidan. Everyone's eyes were now only on Aidan. However, Nora's eyes seemed to be shining now.
Aidan saved her all the time. A ray of hope appeared in her eyes. Only then will Adam become a little normal and answer.
--"Everything is fine, Aidan. You here? You were supposed to go to the office, right?"
Aidan turned his harsh gaze towards everyone, gestured to himself with his hands, and said,
--"I am ready. I was about to leave, but I heard your voice. By the way, what happened? Nora, Hakeem is standing here, and you too are looking angry."
Adam spoke in a slightly rough tone at first. Then, with some love,
--"I was explaining some qualities to some people. By the way, leave all this talk. Come out; I have something to say while dropping you off at the office. You have already had breakfast, huh?"
Aidan, yes, nodded. Aidan then looked at Hakim and asked,
--"Hakim, are you coming, yes, right?"
Hakeem also said yes. Because he also had to go. Aidan, Hakim, and Adam, wearing black suits, went outside. Only Sia, Oriana, and Nora were standing in the living room of the same house. Nora, not seeing anyone, moved towards her room.
A 40-year-old woman standing above the stairs, away from all this drama, was listening to everything. But her facial expression was dark. It was as if she was ignoring everything, even after hearing it. Or didn't want to hear anything.
Often, such a spectacle happens in rich and big houses. The Ashfaq family is also not an exception to this. Many such things used to go on in their homes, which are not talked about even in normal families. Pride and jealousy were everywhere in this house.
After one week,
Modern High School, Dubai
All the schoolchildren were standing on a big field during the assembly. Their national anthem was playing in front. Some girls were joking with some boys. But behind them, a girl was quietly singing her anthem.
We found the girl beautiful, with big eyes and thin red lips, around which there was lip balm. The girl with a thin waist of 5'1 inches, i.e., 154 cm, and a weight of only 39 kg, was like an angel. Long hair, which was kept under ban.
Due to her white face, her nose and cheeks were very red. It's none other than Luna! Her beauty has come back again. Despite seeing a lot of ups and downs in life, she is still completing her studies.
Luna has changed a lot in four years. She had completely stopped talking and socialising with anyone. Due to missing one year from her studies, she has not finished her schooling yet.
But this year she will complete her high school graduation and go to college. That's why Luna has set her heart on studying with attention.
Earlier, she used to do her schoolwork from home. But when her daughter turned 2 years old, she started living in her hostel.
And now only Leah has started taking care of Luna's daughter. By now, Luna has already decided that no matter what happens, she will take care of her grandmother. Because her grandmother was the only one in her life who has taken care of her a lot in these 4 years.
How many times has she been called to 'Casa del Ashfa', but Leah has not gone there.Luna did not feel any problems while studying and staying in the hostel. Her life, her career, and her daughter are all in the safe zone.
And if everything you love remains in the safe zone, what are you worried about?
As soon as, Luna finished her assembly, she started leaving for class. Luna didn't talk to anyone here. Here, she was known as an introvert. Her classes used to be completed only 4 hours later. Because the exam is to be held only after 3 months.
Luna finished all the classes very calmly. And then she started walking to her hostel. Luna was going down a peaceful path. She had just come out of the main area of her school when she heard a girl screaming from behind, who called her name only.
Luna turned back slightly. Then she saw a girl from her class coming towards her. Luna raised her eyebrows. That's when the girl came and stood near her. She said by coming down herself,
--"You... you... you stop a little. I need to talk to you."
Luna knew this girl. Because she was the second-topper in her class. Apparently, Luna had never talked to her. But this girl looks quite simple.
Luna gave her a water bottle from her bag. That girl drank half of it in one breath. The girl said while holding the bottle to Luna,
--"By the way, haven't you read the school notice?"
Luna asked, a little surprised.
--"No. Has the teacher given any important notice?"
--"It is necessary. The bookfair will start tomorrow, sorry, from today, i.e., from November 15 to November 23. And there will be many sports as well. If you want to participate, you can come. It is a long time. I thought it should be said. That's why I came, and by the way, because of seeing the result, you never even touch the notice board."
Luna didn't say much and just smiled a little.
--"Thank you."
And then Luna moved forward. Because she doesn't like all these sports and bookfairs at all. And by the way, it has been almost 2 months that Luna has not gone to her home, 'Birds of Paradise'. And she doesn't even seen her daughter.
Luna had already decided that now is a special time. She should concentrate on her studies. She was leaving while making this 8-day routine for herself. After reaching the hostel, Luna went straight to the third floor and then moved towards a single room.
Luna lived alone in this room. She did not even come out of this room. She had been living in this room for four years. This room gives her a strange peace all the time. There was just a bed and a table in this room.
The rest of the room was absolutely clean. However, it was very clean and wonderful. As soon as Luna put her bag down, her phone rang. Luna felt a little surprised. Because no one calls her at this time.
When Luna sees the caller ID, it is her grandmother's call. Luna was surprised, but she picked up the call first. And a little trouble she asked,
--"Grandma! Hello!"
From the other side, a loud voice of joy was heard from Leah. Hearing this, anyone can say that Leah is very happy, and that too.
--"Lu? Lu, are you listening? Your elder sister, Sia, is getting engaged. You just take a week's leave and come home quickly. Everyone is waiting for you. We will go to 'Casa del Ashfa' today."
Luna was expressionless. Because earlier, she had not thought that 24-year-old Sia would get married so suddenly. What's more, why is Sia getting married? Luna was happy but also very surprised.
--"But Grandma, so suddenly? Is everything alright?"
--"Everything's okay, Luna. You just came over."
--"Wait, wait, wait. Who is the groom? Please tell me."
Leah said,
--"With "Sheikh Mohammed Mihir Pahlavi", a member of the world's richest and most respected family, the "Sheikh Pahlavi" family. He is the groom. I hope you have heard this name."
Yes, she heard this name. But how is this possible? "Sheikh Pahlavi" and the Ashfaq family? Still, Luna asked to ensure her doubts.
--"Is this the "Sheikh Pahlavi"? Who is the richest family in the world? And Mihir is a Hollywood film director?"
--"Yes. You have understood correctly. Now come home."
Only then did Leah disconnect the call. Luna was happy that Sia is getting married to the richest man in the world and a film director.
Because, if we think from Luna's point of view, Sia is a beautiful and polite girl. And she should get such a husband, who is the best of the best.
But there was a strange thing at one place, namely, why are such rich families coming to her family? Has something happened between them? Luna started thinking while packing her bag.
After packing her bag, she went straight to school and took 7 days of leave from the principal. By then, the car that came from her family is also in reach. It is 2 o'clock in the afternoon. And Luna was moving towards her home.
No one here knew that her name was "Luna Ashfaq". Because it was very important to hide her family name and real identity. Otherwise, from the news of her daughter to other news of the Ashfaq family, it would have been or could be leaked.
The whole world is unaware that Luna also has a daughter. Luna had to hide this fact because she was born into a rich and respectable family. Otherwise, people would make completely wrong statements. No one will like Luna or her family.
Luna was very happy because she was missing her daughter Alina a lot. But she was not able to go, as she did not get the chance. But finally, she will meet her daughter. With Alina. With "Alina Ashfaq"!
'Birds of Paradise'
Afternoon time,
Leah was looking very happy today. She had done all the packing with her daughter-in-law, Zoya. Because they are going to leave for 'Casa del Ashfa' at night itself. After arranging everything properly, Leah sat down.
Zoya has not talked to Luna about even a single thing till now. Earlier, Luna used to worry about her, but with the passage of time, she too had stopped thinking about Zoya.
Luna feels that her mother needs more time. Or Luna herself also wants everything to get better, slowly but surely!
Just then, Luna's car came and stopped outside. Leah gave a smile after seeing Zoya and then moved towards the front door of the house. Just then, she saw Luna. The long, silky hair was loose and was blowing in the wind. Luna wore a pink shirt with a long skirt.
Seeing her beauty, Leah herself said,
--"Mashallah! You look so beautiful, Lu."
Luna was lost after watching this house for so many days. But when she heard this, she felt very happy. She looked at the front door and then went and hugged Leah. Leah also stood there, hugging her for about 30 seconds.
While Luna's eyes were brimming with tears, Leah's condition was also similar. Luna asked, leaving Leah behind.
--"How are you, Grandma?"
--"Your grandma feels alone without you. Now everything will feel fine to me."
Leah brought Luna inside the house. Alina is in kindergarten. That's why Luna won't be able to meet her right now. This is Alina's trial class. And her first kindergarten class will start next year.
As soon as Luna came inside, her eyes went straight to Zoya. Zoya was not looking at her. After all, can anyone remain so upset about something so much?
Which remains intact even after 4 years, just like before. Luna took one look and convinced herself that no matter what happens, her mother will always be hers! And one day, she will definitely be fine with everything.
Zoya went straight towards her room. While sitting on the sofa, Luna asks,
--"By the way, tell me, Grandma. What is the meaning of a sudden marriage?"
Leah also replied while sitting next to Luna on the sofa,
--"What would be the meaning of marriage? Sia likes Mihir. That is why she is going to get married. Haven't you heard the news?"
Luna smiled at Leah's words and commented,
--"Grandma, there is a phone in the hostel, and there is no TV to open the news channel to watch the news. And by the way, I have almost stopped watching the news for the last few years. By the way, that news is being shown here too."
--"Yes. Why don't they show it anyway? You also know how big news this is, Lu."
--But eldaUncle doesn't like all this, then?"
--"I am not there, so I don't know. Now that you get up, freshen up quickly. Because Alina will also come in some time."
Luna's attention suddenly turned to her own daughter. Luna was confused. To date, she has not been able to forget what happened a year ago.
Lines of worry started appearing on Luna's forehead. Looking at her grandma, Luna took a deep breath and asked softly, worriedly,
--"Grandma, is Alina?"
Suddenly, Leah, whose hand was moving towards the table to take something, stopped midway. Leah gave a small smile and sat back again. And then say,
--Luna, there are some things that are best left to happened for everyone!"
Luna started looking at Leah with sad eyes. Because this is her grandmother? Who was in trouble for almost a year regarding Alina?
Whom she had gone too far for a year to solve the problem of Alina, the same Leah is today saying that everything is fine and let it happen!
Leah was able to understand Luna's questions and gaze very well, but she did not show it towards her questioned face. Rather gave a somewhat confused chimed,
--"Even after working hard for a year, Alina could not achieve anything. I think we should give up now. This is for everyone's benefit."
That's when Leah looked towards the door. She looked in that direction and called out smilingly,
--"Alina, baby, you have come!"