My Soulmate (Mera Mahi)- Chapter 11

 My Soulmate (Mera Mahi)

Chapter 11

The clinic room was shrouded in an eerie silence, but inside Rehman's chest, a storm was brewing—a tempest capable of destroying everything in its path. Dr. Usman, a longtime friend and the family physician, watched Rehman's deteriorating state and refused to leave him alone. "Rehman! You are in no condition to drive. Your hands are trembling, and you look like you've seen a ghost," Usman interjected with deep concern. Rehman tried to protest, his lips moving to form words, but his voice failed him. Without giving him another chance to argue, Usman picked up the phone and dialed Aneel's number.

"Aneel, son, please come to the clinic. Your father isn't feeling well; you need to take him home," Usman said, his voice unusually grave. On the other end, Aneel, who was preparing to leave Mian Ji's house with his mother, was instantly struck with anxiety. He immediately informed Nasreen, "Mama, Papa isn't well. Uncle Usman just called. We need to pick him up from the clinic on our way home." Deep lines of worry etched across Nasreen's forehead as she walked silently toward the car. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions; he had been perfectly fine just a moment ago, so what could have possibly happened at the clinic?

Meanwhile, in the serene atmosphere of Mian Ji's house, Fiza's heart was beating to an irregular rhythm. The mere mention of Rehman had trapped her in a strange web of anxiety. Standing by the window and staring out at the lawn, her eyes were actually lost in the windows of the past. Her life with Zarif had been blissful, and she had never felt the need to look back. For Fiza, Rehman had never been "love"; he was simply a good friend and a classmate. She remembered how Rehman's affection had always been one-sided, a relentless obsession. He would often insist, "Fiza, when can I send my family to your house? I am waiting for your answer." But Fiza would always remain silent or brush the topic aside. She had never given him a glimmer of hope. During those days, her father had applied for UK visas, and when they were approved, she didn't even think it was necessary to tell Rehman about their move to London. In her eyes, their bond ended at friendship, and she was stepping into a completely new life.

When Zarif entered the room after attending to the guests, he paused, seeing Fiza standing by the window. "You haven't slept yet? I've been looking for you," he asked affectionately, stepping closer. Fiza turned around and whispered, "I was just waiting for you." Zarif studied her pale face. "Are you worried? You were so happy this morning, and now this sudden silence? Did someone say something to you?" Fiza skillfully composed herself and replied, "No, it's nothing. I think I'm just exhausted. Your family is wonderful; they've given me so much love." Zarif went to change, but when he returned, Fiza was still lost in thought. "Something is bothering you, Fiza," he insisted. Gathering her courage, she asked, "Your sisters are lovely, but don't you think their husbands don't quite 'match' them?" Zarif let out a cold sigh. "Those were decisions based on Baba's preferences. I chose for myself, and you can see the difference. My sisters aren't truly happy; they are just getting by. Siraj used to be quite difficult, though he has changed a bit now. " With a racing heart, Fiza asked, "Nasreen Apas's husband, Rehman Sahib... is he a relative? "Zarif explained that Rehman's father was a close friend of Mian Ji, and these unions were built on old friendships.

He added that they would visit Rehman's house tomorrow to check on his health, since he had left abruptly. Fiza felt her heart sink. "We are going there? Why do I need to go?" Zarif smiled. "You are coming with me. It's a good gesture to visit the sick, especially since he is Nasreen Apa's husband. " Fiza fell silent, but a deep-seated fear took root inside her.

As Nasreen and Aneel were leaving Mian Ji's house, Mian Ji stopped them. "Nasreen, because of Rehman's health, our discussion about the will remained unfinished. I will call both sisters back this weekend. Tell your husbands that I need to finalize the will; I've already informed the lawyer." Nasreen nodded and headed to the car where Aneel was waiting. Once inside, Aneel asked curiously, "Mama, why did he stop you?" When she mentioned the will, Aneel joked, "Is something big coming your way? Just don't take this old mansion; take the orchard that sends us fresh fruit!" Nasreen scolded him lightly, but Aneel's tone turned serious. "I want to marry Reeja, Mama. I don't like Ramsha; she is too arrogant. Reeja and I have a great understanding. Why don't you talk to Papa?" Nasreen cut him off as they reached the clinic. "We are here. Be quiet and go bring your father."

Inside the clinic, Dr. Usman gave Aneel the medications and warned him that Rehman was suffering from extreme stress. Aneel helped his father to the car in silence. The drive home was quiet, and after dropping his father off at his room, Aneel went to his own, his mind stuck on one question: What had happened to his father the moment he saw Fiza, Mummy? Late at night, Aneel called Dr. Usman to dig for the truth. He described how his father reacted at the party, mentioning Fiza's name in shock. Usman hesitated but decided to hide the truth for now, telling Aneel it was just stress over a land deal. Aneel thanked him, but he was certain that Dr. Usman was hiding something significant.

The next morning, Rehman decided to stay home and rest. However, a call from Usman increased his anxiety. "Rehman, Aneel called last night. He is suspicious and keeps asking about Fiza. I stalled him, but he is your son—he will keep digging." Rehman felt the veins in his head throbbing. "Usman, this is not good. Aneel is stubborn like me. I have to pull myself together, or this storm will sweep everything away." Meanwhile, at the university, Reeja was discussing a trip with her friends Samra and Rohan. When asked if she had permission, Reeja sighed, "I forgot to ask; there's so much tension at home." Aneel arrived shortly after, and despite the lighthearted teasing between them, the underlying family tensions remained on everyone's mind.

Back at Mian Ji's house, Fiza was in a state of inner turmoil, wondering how to avoid the upcoming encounter with Rehman. "I don't want to go. How do I stop Zarif?" she muttered to herself. Zarif walked in, catching her talking to herself. "Who are you talking to, Fiza?" Caught off guard, she fumbled for words. Zarif informed her that Nasreen Apa was home and they were going to visit. At the mention of Rehman's household, the color drained from Fiza's face. She felt dizzy, and as her vision blurred, Zarif caught her before she collapsed, calling out in a panic, "Mani! Come quickly!" Will Fiza be able to hide her past, or will this meeting ignite a fire that consumes their present?
To be continued...

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All rights reserved by the author. Ishrat Zahid (Ishrat Khanum).

Disclaimer: All characters, places, and events in this novel are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental. Copyright Warning: All rights to this text belong to Ishrat Zahid. Copying, publishing on other platforms, or altering any part of this story without the author's permission is a legal and ethical offense. Please share using the original link only.