My Soulmate (Mer Mahi) Chapter:2

My Soulmate (Mer Mahi) Chapter 2

Chapter: 2

The phone rang incessantly. Mani, who had just stepped into the kitchen to make some juice, dropped everything and rushed toward the stand, fearing a scolding from Mian Ji. Picking up the receiver, he greeted in his signature style, "Mani speaking!" On the other end was the voice of Zarif Sahib. After the initial greetings, Mani made sure to inquire about his well-being so he could reassure Mian Ji later. Although Mian Ji didn't speak to Zarif directly, he would strictly instruct Mani to keep in touch and provide constant updates.

Time and circumstances had changed Zarif Sahib; life had humbled him, which is why he often unburdened his heart to Mani. It was Mani who would encourage him, saying, "Uncle, please come back now. Mian Ji has grown very weak; he can no longer bear this separation." However, Mian Ji remained stubborn. His resentment stemmed from two main reasons: Zarif settling abroad and his decision to marry of his own choice.

It was a moment of pure joy for Mani when Zarif Uncle revealed that he was returning to Pakistan on the 28th of this month. He wasn't coming alone; he was bringing his wife, Fiza, and their three children—Shani, Mahin, and Talha. The children were incredibly excited to meet their grandparents and aunt. Fiza was also Pakistani but had shifted to London years ago. Fate brought her and Zarif together, and they tied the knot. Interestingly, Rehman Sahib (Anil's father) had been Fiza's classmate and was once fond of her, but her sudden move to London left his one-sided love unfulfilled. Rehman Sahib had buried that heartache deep within and immersed himself in his father's business.

"Mani! Where are you?" "Mian Ji is calling," a voice echoed. Mani hung up the phone and headed toward Mian Ji's room. He knocked on the door and asked, "Mian Ji, may I come in?" From inside, a voice replied, "Come in, son! How many times have I told you not to ask? You are a member of this household." Mani felt forever indebted to this affection. Mian Ji sat him down and asked about Zarif. When Mani shared the news of their return, tears welled up in Mian Ji's eyes. Mani lovingly wiped them away, saying, "Now these tears should turn into joy." Just then, Roshan Ara Begum entered, and hearing of Zarif's return, she too became emotional. Mian Ji immediately ordered the manager to be summoned to settle the accounts of the crops and lands so preparations for the homecoming could begin.

While they were talking, the sound of a car horn was heard outside. Mani saw that Anil had arrived. Anil's frequent visits weren't just to see Mian Ji; they were often an excuse to meet Rija. Anil parked the car and embraced Mani, pouring his heart out: "Mani, my friend! Today I've come to talk to Mian Ji about Rija and me. How long will we stay afraid of our fathers' grudges?" Just as he stepped inside, a grey Corolla entered the driveway. Mani knew Rija had arrived. When Mani smiled at her, she snapped irritably, "Mani! Do I look like a joker to you?" Mani laughed and replied, "No, it's just that seeing both your long faces makes me laugh because you never find the right time to express your love." Rija blushed, feeling caught, and ran inside asking for her grandmother. Mani smiled, thinking how they both thought he was oblivious.

As Anil walked inside, a storm of thoughts swirled in his mind about how to start the conversation with Mian Ji. Shyness, respect, and the traditional regard for elders always seemed to get in the way. Every Friday, all the children gathered here, but Mian Ji had a special affection for Rija and Anil. He knew these were the two souls who could end the years-long family feud and reunite everyone. He was well aware of the secrets in their hearts; he was merely waiting for the right moment when Anil would prove himself capable enough for him to speak to their parents. He had strictly forbidden them from meeting anywhere else, which made Mian Ji's house a safe haven where they could talk while staying within the boundaries of their upbringing.

"Mian Ji, how are you?" Anil sat near him after the greetings, and Mian Ji's face lit up. "I was just about to ask about you; it's Friday, and I wondered why Anil hadn't arrived yet." Anil explained that after university, his father had sent him to the factory for some work, and he came straight here afterward. Mian Ji smiled knowingly, "To see me, or to see Rija?" Anil lowered his eyes in embarrassment. Then, Mian Ji spoke seriously, "Loving someone isn't a bad thing; staying faithful to it is what matters. I loved your grandmother, and I am still honoring that love today." Roshan Ara Begum blushed, "You shouldn't talk like this in front of the children." But Mian Ji didn't stop. "The times have changed; love no longer needs to be hidden behind seven veils. This is a new era, and children are pure of heart. It's the elders who need to be sensible. Relationships cannot be forced; it is essential to ask for the children's consent."

At that moment, Rija came running in, calling "Nano!" and hugged Roshan Ara Begum. After receiving affection from Mian Ji, she asked playfully, "What have you cooked today? Tell me quickly; I'm starving!" Nano called out to Mani to tell the cook to set the table with the treats they had prepared so they could all have tea together. Mani, whom the household staff looked up to as their leader, rushed to the kitchen.

Later, while strolling on the lawn after tea, Rija asked anxiously, "Anil, how long will we keep meeting secretly at Nana Mian's house?" Anil let out a heavy sigh, "Be grateful we have permission here; there are strict restrictions outside. You know how bitter our fathers' enmity is. I don't know when this grudge will end." As they were talking, Mani arrived. Anil joked, "You were the only one missing." But Mani's face was serious. He informed them that Rehman Sahib (Anil's father) was on his way here for some urgent matter.

Upon hearing his father's name, Anil panicked. Mani laughed at his state. "You're acting as if Hitler is coming!" Without wasting a moment, Anil went inside, took Mian Ji's permission, and drove off to avoid any potential scene. Rija also decided it was best to head home with the driver, as she too lacked the courage to face Uncle Rehman.

(To be continued...)

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Disclaimer: This story is entirely a work of fiction. All characters, names, and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

All Rights Reserved © 2026 Ishrat Zahid. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.