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The Illusion Of LOVE

"What do you think of love?", someone asked. "I think there is no such thing as love; it is just another label for 'responsibility.'" She replied. "What makes you think that way?" he asked. "Because every couple I have encountered has proven it to be true!! You all seem to have a lot of imagination and fantasy about it. But, I don't like it. LOVE. For me, that's crap. It is just a responsibility. You must always think about them first. You must change for them. No one ever loves anyone without any reason. The...." She stopped thinking she had said too much. PARENTS. The first and most prominent role model. People we aspire to be like in life. Our greatest heroes. Most of the things we learn from them in life. But what happens when the one you admire becomes the reason to hate the world around you. That is when love inevitably gives way to fear. The 25-year-old Hiba Khan is a shining example of perfection in everyone. Her family is always her top priority. Although she loves her family, she has built a boundary around herself that prevents any people from entering. She does not believe in love or marriage because, for her, these things are another label for "responsibility." She believes neither of them exists. Therefore, she doesn't wish to increase them any further than she already has. But, you don't have to love others to be loved by them. Tabish Qureshi is a 28-year-old boy who has no idea what his past is. He is an ideal son for any mother. Nothing is more significant to him than making his mother happy. Although she is married to another man, he has yet to forget his first love. One meeting though completely changed his mind about love. He vowed to himself that he would not give up on love easily this time. But little did he know that fate also had plans, but against him this time. As he waited for her at the venue all night, she never showed up. He lost his love again. What happens when the girl who only understands love in terms of 'responsibility' meets a boy who vowed to never give up on his love again? Can they find a way to heal one another's unknown wounds? Or will they hurt each other in the process? “You love him, right? Why not go and tell him?” “I am scared. What if he is like others?” “You can’t let your insecurities win! How will you know if you do not trust him? To love him, give him one chance. Not everyone ends apart!”

Sk_fatii_3107 · Ciudad
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36 Chs

Glimpse of the Past

(Flaashback)

Kashish's POV,

Hamdan and I arrived at the hospital. Throughout the entire journey, we were concerned about what might have happened!! I didn't want my mind to think about awful thoughts. But it felt like my brain wasn't under my control. I tried so hard not to break down. But the tears did not stop flowing from my eyes. Hamdan was also shivering thinking god knows what!! No one better than us could know her importance. We need her more than anyone. She was the only one who was always there for us whenever we needed someone. We both love her more than our parents. Our family is still together because of her. I was pulled out of my thoughts when we reached the reception. I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. Hamdan held my hand and squeezed it gently. Telling me to calm down. I took a deep breath and hung the head low.

"Can you please tell us in which room Ms. Heeba Khan is?" Hamdan asked the receptionist with a heavy voice.

"Heeba Khan?? The girl who had an allergic reaction??" She asked us. We both nodded our heads vigorously.

"Room no. 7. First floor to the right. Second room." she replied.

We both thanked her and headed up the stairs. After 5 minutes of searching, we finally found the room. We saw two boys there as soon as we arrived. One had his face in his hands, and the other was consoling him. I don't know what happened to me but it felt like someone possessed my body. I was feeling so much rage inside me. Like a volcano threatening to erupt at any moment. I wanted to kill them if they were behind aapi's condition. Nevertheless, Hamdan and I decided to ignore them and go meet her instead. But as we were about to enter a nurse coming out of her room stopped us.

"You both can't go inside together. One at a time. And please don't disturb her." She informed us.

"How is she now?? When can we take her back home??" Hamdan asked her.

"She is out of danger now. But still very fragile. Why do you let her eat allergic foods knowing how harmful it can be to her!? You won't be able to take her home until tomorrow. Doctor said to keep her under observation until then." She scolded us. We both hummed in reply not knowing what to say!! As she left, Hamdan and I looked at the boys. As soon as they felt our gaze at them they both looked up.

"What are you doing here??" Hamdan asked them while furrowing his eyebrows.

"How do you know them??" I asked him in utter confusion. Why does my brother know these bastards.

"His bike only I hit on the day when we had our sibling's dinner." He replied.

"Ohh!! You go inside, I'll talk to them. Time to have a little chat with them." I told him and he nodded. After he stepped inside I turned back to them.

"Who picked my call??" I asked.

"It's me." The one who looked uncomfortable answered.

"Will anyone care to tell me what the hell happened to my sister??" I shouted at the end.

They both flinched at my shouting. They both were looking at me as if I was some sort of alien standing in front of them. I waited for their answer but none of them replied.

"Did cat caught your tongues?? Don't test my patience!! I want the answer now!!" I said while gritting my teeth not wanting to shout at the hospital.

"See, I don't know how she ate it?? Or what happened?? I was just waiting for him when I saw her coming from the elevator. She was in her senses properly. She even stumbled while walking. I ran towards her to prevent her from falling. But she just passed out in my arms. And after that I brought her here as soon as possible!! That's when I found out she had a severe reaction to something. I thought about calling her someone from her phone but it was locked. However, you only called at that time. I received it and replied. That's it!!" He said with a shaky voice. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Do you think I am a fool or something?? Who will believe your stupid story?? You know what?? Let me call the police!!They will only handle you both." I said, and retrieved my phone to call..Their eyes widened at my statement. They looked at each other in confusion. As I was about to make a call, the other one snatched my phone from me.

"Heyy, what the hell?? What do you think of yourself?? Give me back my phone, you idiot." I said trying to take my phone from him. As he was taller than me, I couldn't reach him. I tried many times but failed miserably.

"What YOU think of yourself, huh?? My friend saved your sister and you are accusing us of harming her. And threatening to call police." He shouted at me. I flinched as I wasn't expecting him to shout. I closed my eyes and moved back from him.

"You know what, he has a phobia of hospitals. But still he came here to help her. "And for his kindness you did this." He continued. Looking at him, I felt guilty for what I did. He was right he could leave aapi there only. Especially when he has phobia of this place. But he didn't. Rather than thanking him, I accused them.

"I....." He interrupted me and said to his friend.

"Let's go, Tabish. We should leave now. As her siblings are there to look after her. It's getting late."

Before I could say anything, Hamdan came and held me by my forearm.

"Kashish aapi, where are you going?? You can go and meet her now." He said.

"I am going to apologize to them." I replied and removed myself from his grip.

I turned back, only to see their fading figure heading outside. As I sigh heavily, I wonder if what I did was wrong? And I couldn't even apologize to them. I shook my head and walked inside.

After being sure she was not serious, we told Ammi Abbu about her. They were also shocked like us when they found out about it. They scolded her when she came back for being careless.

(Flashback ends)

I told everything from start to end to Zainab aapi and Arman bhai.

In an effort to change the topic of the conversation, Heeba Aapi asked, "Are you my friend? Since you came, you've only been talking with Kashish."

"And you know Zainab aapi, she didn't even rest properly after that. It's been only a week and she started working. When we wouldn't let her go to the office. She started doing it at home." I said trying to add fuel.

She widened her eyes at aapi and began her mental torture. She kept scolding her for half an hour. I enjoyed the view so much. At least someone is there to point out her mistake and to whom she listens!!

But sometimes I couldn't help but wonder what exactly Arman bhai saw in Zainab aapi. As far as I know him, he is no different than aapi. Both didn't talk much. Both are workaholics. Both don't like to attend parties and family gatherings. I guess that's why they're close. And seeing his personality, Zainab aapi was totally opposite of it. She is a total chatterbox, big foodie, loves to travel and always attends every single party she's invited. Seems like that's why people say 'opposite attracts'. And they were a perfect example of it.

"It's OK, Zainab. Leave her now. It gets boring to rest all day. And after all she just checked some emails. That's not a big deal!! She didn't leave the house, right!! Why you and Kashish are making a fuss about it. Let's have lunch together. You were starving, remember??" Arman bhai told Zainab aapi. See, I told you they both are same. That's why they understand each other.

"At last someone spoke for me!! Arman you are truly my savior. " Heeba aapi said in her hoarse voice and shook her head. Arman bhai just smiled at her. Her throat is still sore. She doesn't get it that she still needs rest. We all had lunch afterwards.

Sana's POV,

"I am making you a shareholder which means you should be responsible now!! You can't be daddy's little girl anymore. Understood!! You should start taking an interest in business now." Dad said in a serious tone to me. I nodded at him.

"But..." he said as I raised my eyebrows wondering what he was trying to say???

"Before that you should solve your problem with your brother. I want you to get started like him. The way he....." I stopped dad and said,

"You see, I have tried many times to apologize to your son. But he doesn't listen to me. And I am not willing to beg him to talk to me." I furiously replied thinking about how he ignored me every time I tried to apologize.

"He is your elder brother, bacche!! You shouldn't be upset with him. You know his temper right?? He just doesn't forgive anyone easily!! And you are his cupcake. He won't be able to remain angry with you. You need to respect the ranking sometimes!! He will forgive you. Just try some more times, please, for me." He explained, caressing my head.

"I...." I stopped when we heard the doorbell, knowing he was back. I thought I should really try one more time. He really loves me so much. He won't be able to do it anymore. I thought to give it a shot, one last time. Dad kept a hand on my shoulder bringing me to earth and making me aware of his presence.

I looked at him. He was losing his tie with his left hand. He just looked at us for once and turned away.

"Heyy, my boy. How was your day??" Dad asked cheerfully as he tried to lighten the mood.

"Fine, Dad!! They liked my presentation. They said they would reply soon." He replied and sat on the sofa while removing his coat.

"Ohh!! Good. You know I am making Sana a shareholder in our latest company as well. And she will be working with us from now on." Dad said happily. I looked at my brother to see his reaction. He had a grumpy look on his face.

"So what, dad!! She's your daughter, that company is yours. Do whatever you want to do!! Why would I stop you from doing it??" He replied harshly and threw his head back. He seems to have a bad day. But that doesn't mean he will vent his frustration on us. I stood up from my seat and shouted at him.

"What's your problem?? How many times do I have to apologize to you?? I know I shouldn't be talking about her. But she...."

"But what, she is our mother??? You know I hate that woman. She didn't think once before leaving us. And you still want to meet her. I don't give a damn if she is my mother or not!! You can meet her and do whatever you wish to do with her. I don't care in any way about it. I just don't want to see her face ever again in my life. Is it so difficult to understand such a small thing?? Can't you get it in your thick skull?? She will abandon you like she did before without thinking twice!!" He lashed out at me.

"Bhai, maybe she won't do what she did again!! We are her children, after all. You still got her love. But what about me?? Have you ever about me?? How much I miss my mother in my life?? I never got to know her. Why did she left us?? You know how many questions I have?? Can't you just give her second chance??" I said trying not to brust in tears infront of them.

"On what basis do you want me to give her one chance?? You are planning to join business, right?? So get one thing straight in your mind!! We don't give second chances to people who have betrayed us. We work on statistics. You can't let your heart decide what to do!! It helps us not to get hurt again by that same person!! Understood." He scolded me. He took his coat and was about to go to his room when dad stopped him.

"Heyy, where are you going?? Can't you both talk without fighting?? I wanted to ask you who is the girl you like?? Do I know her?" Dad asked him, hoping he would stay and solve our fight.

"You will know dad when the time comes." He replied and headed to his room.