chapter 6

Welcome back

kaun seekha hai Sirf baton sa

Sabko ek haadsa zaroori hai

The car glides smoothly along the snowy road, leaving tracks behind as it ventures deeper into the wintry wonderland. His hands firmly grasp the steering wheel, his focus and determination evident as he navigates the snowy terrain with skill and precision.

In the midst of this foggy scene, the sun begins to emerge, casting a soft golden glow that gradually pierces through the mist. As the sun rises higher, its rays cut through the fog, revealing a breathtaking sight of glisteing frost on trees and a serene winter wonderland bathed in gentle sunlight.



Veer halted his car and come outside inhaling the familiar fragrance in his nostrils while his long legs gracefully gliding through the snowy woods, his footsteps leaving a trail in the freshly fallen snow. With each step, his boots crunch softly, creating a rhythmic sound that harmonizes with the peacefulness of the winter forest. He moves with a sense of purpose, exploring the enchanting landscape and embracing the beauty of nature in its wintry splendor.

It was one of his cherished places, which he was secured beautifully.

Moving forward a small cozy cottage nestled in the heart of winter forest came in view surrounding by tall evergreen trees, their branches weighed down by the weight of freshly fallen snow.

His voilet eyes enticed by the steam rising from the water surface, creating a mystical atmosphere, making him decide to swim in the hot, steamy pond as he put his hand in the warm water.



The sudden plunge into the warm water make him feel the rush of adrenaline and raised goose bumps on his arms due to blowing dry air as he took off his shirt. Those Hulk-like arm muscles are massive and bulging with veins as a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation corasing through him, melting away the chill of winter and leaving him feeling refreshed and invigorated.

He had been swimming in this pond since he was a kid, while staying in this cozy cottage along with his parents during his winter vocation.

It was a serene and peaceful, where the snow-covered place remains untouched and undisturbed, with no footprints or signs of human presence. It's a tranquil spot where nature takes center stage, inviting solitude and reflection.

He took in a deep breath and smelled the damp earth, the kind insects loved, and trees from the nearby woods.This place is somehow hell for other people but in contrary heaven for him.

It's a place where he can escape the hustle and bustle of his everyday life and find solace in the stillness of nature.

He shut down his blood-shot eyes as his tensed muscles started to relax, while his mind was roaming around the yesterday event.

He felt annoyed on his own self.

On his own thoughts.

Suddenly, as a thought crossed his mind, he opened his honey glazed eyes while running his fingers through his wet locks and came out of the water. He was supposed to meet his family for dinner tonight as the big feast was arranged for him. Last time he couldn't go Haveli with his grandfather because he had an urgent work.

He was devoted to his family and cared about everyone, so they were always willing to do anything for him, They did not even hesitate to give their lives. He was such that everyone fell in love with him without being forced.

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The Khan haveli interior is a sight to behold, exuding elegance and sophistication at every turn. The grand entrance welcomes with opulent marble floors and a majestic chandelier that cascades light throughout the space. Every detail has been meticulously curated to create a space that is both visually stunning and incredibly comfortable.



And in all of them, a woman was pacing impatiently, her eyes anxiously fixated at the door while everyone around was engaged in work.

Her anticipation is like a tightly wound spring, ready to burst forth with excitement. Everyone eyes sparkle with eagerness, scanning the surroundings for any sign of what they've been eagerly waiting for. Her restless energy is infectious, filling the air with a sense of anticipation that is hard to ignore. She had prepared countless dishes for his precious son choice. The dinner was organized on a grand scale for his welcome.

All of them were waiting for their very dear one's who had come back after so many years but had not met them yet.

"Baith jao Salma, How long will you keep looking at the door?"

"Maa g Jab Tak Main Apni bety ka Matha Chum kar uska istikbal nahin kar Leti, Mujhe Chain nahi aayega." Turning her head back, she said to her mother- in-law devotingly.

Her elegance was timeless as she donned a beautiful Pakistani dress, gracefully embracing her age with confidence and poise.

"Maha You don't know how excited I am to see khanzada even I made a lot of preparation with tai Jan for their welcome."

"Oh Faria please don't spew all this nonsense in front of them, Khanzada has a serious and reserved demeanor, he rarely showing any signs of excitement or enthusiasm so their dinner conservation were often serious and straightforward and to the point, lacking any additional flair, so don't do such things to embarrass yourself."

Faria pouted on her older cousin words.

"Ohhhh someone doing backbiting behind the back of Khanzada?" A nighteen years old Hamid muttered with a serious face while hiding his laughter while coming in their way.

"And what you're doing behind their back?" Faria scoffed.

"Maha you know what yesterday some baby name was calling on his cell phone and there were many kisses emojis in front of her name...am i right Hamid?" Raising her one of the eyebrows, Seventeen year faria mumbled crossing her arms.

"Heyy what are you talking about...and how dare you check on my phone?" Hamid asked frowning.

"Your phone was ringing loudly on the table and I caught a quick glance, i didn't do anything on purpose but if you still have any problem then we will ask khanzada and Haris bhai who is wrong and who is right."

Faria very cleverly put her point before him.

"I don't want anything for God sake spare the life of an innocent like me, you churail." With his hands folded, he stomped on the ground angrily, he strides away.

"Aaye Bade masoom." She stuck out her tongue on his back.

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In the side of the hall the dining table adorned with a feast fit for royalty. The table is filled to the brim with steaming bowls of fragrant curries, sizzling platters of grilled meats, and an array of aromatic side dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked food fills the air, making mouth's water in anticipation.

"Tai Jan Khanzada has come with Haris bhai!" Hamid hurried inside and told, happiness spread over everyone's faces as they step toward the door.

As the Range Rover door swung open, The veer Khan Rayyzaada, a man with a serious and commanding presence stepped into the Haveli.

Grandma reached out and embraced him in her tiny olderly arms and then his mother welcome him pecking on his head.

After that all the younger cousins and workers greeted him with great respect and all headed towards the dining hall.

"Beta Your mother has been in the kitchen since morning and made all these delicious food with her own hands for you." His grandmother muttered with olderly smile while a houseworker was serving him a plate of biryani and koftas.

"Maa, why did you need to do so much for me, just take care of your health!" He turned his head towards his mother and said while everyone was listening to their conservation.

It was quite rare when their khanzada said such things so they'll always very eager to hear such words.

"Kyun Na Karu, you are my only precious son, my pride it's my duty as a mother to do these things and anyway, look how weak you've gotten by staying out in foreign country without eating my butter paratha." Salma scowled as her voice filled with motherly love.

"Just Look how big and masculine khanzada are, anyone will die easily under them with their hulk-like physique and the Tai jan is still saying that khanzada is getting weak, why they can't see their muscles which are bulging out from their shirt?" Hamid murmured in Faria ear which make her giggle.

"Don't laugh on the dining table when older's are engaging in conservation." Haris mumbled lowly glaring at both of them which make them both coughed.

"Haris bhaiya has also become kharoos after staying with Khanzada." Faria muttered lowly munching on a spoonful of rice.

"By the way, Jahnab how long do you intend to stay here and how is the foreign business going?" His grandfather asked curiously taking little sips from his kahwa.

"Business is successfully thriving and on the top peak. We've really nailed it with exceptional services and our unwavering commitment to excellence and as far as my stay I'm going in a week after handling issues of our lands property in Skardu."

"Beta... Abid's Chaudhary dogs is hungrily behind the piece of your land where you want to build a five star hotel, they are killing our innocent people there every day behind your back." His elder uncle who are the father of Haris and his dad younger brother said worriedly.

"Being there, I had an eye on everyone, whatever people were doing behind me. I know that the stray dogs of the street have barked a lot and now their time came for their tongues to be pulled out of their mouths. By now even their pet dogs would have found out about my arrival that is why they have gone and hidden in their holes for their survival." He said in deep domineering voice while wiping his mouth with a handkerchief.

"You're absolutely right they don't have the guts to face VeerKhan Mir Rayyzaada."

Smile spread on everyone lips on uncle's words.

"Maa, the food was very delicious!" He praised the food in a sincere tone at which his mother smiled.

"I'm delighted that you liked the food Meri Jan!"

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"Yarrr i'm so bored, walima is at night and there is nothing to do in the morning. Let's go for a walk somewhere!"

Grabbing the pillow from the bed, I hit on Ana's back and shouted in boredom voice.

She glared at me who was trying on her dress while standing in front of the mirror.

"Ack Zoyaaa!!!"

"Hahaha what?" I hold my laughter while stuffing my mouth with bunch of almonds.

"Ana on the one hand, you say that your mother wants to get you married soon, and on the other hand, you want to get someone behind you by being so beautifully ready." Sana scoff while giving me high five.

"Main sirf apne liye taiyar Hoti Hun, not for anyone!"

"Na jany isky bandy ka kiya ho ga bichara suicide kr lyy ga lgta ha!" Sana scoff.

She said proudly, putting her hands on her waist and blowing her hair.

"Aish kry ga dekhna...Btw Shangrila resort or kharpocho fort is really mesmerizing places. While on the way, the beautiful view of Skardu valley that you will come across is unmatchable, with its vast greenery and majestic mountains spreading in all directions.

And you know what the best part is that entire city of Skardu can be seen from the top of Kharpocho fort."

"Madam Aise hi Hamare Kan khaogi ya Kuchh Dikhane bhi Lekar jaaogi." Sana pouted.

"Once I am free from the wedding, I will definitely take you people for mini tour... believe me!

"Huh This is the problem I don't trust the words which came from your mouth, because you dementia patient always forget them."

Ana pulled a funny face on Sana words and then whole room echoed with our hysterical laughter.

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(In Khan Haveli)

"Maa jee my heart is fill with worry for your grandson, after that dreadful and cruel event his face remain stoic, his voice devoid of any inflection. It was as if he has built a fortress around his heart, keeping his emotions locked away from prying eyes.

He never laughed once at the dinner table and as a mother I never seen warm and tenderness in his cold eyes. As much anger and revenge as he has suppressed in his heart, I am afraid that one day it will explode and it will burnt everything and nothing will be left...I have lost my husband, I have no courage to lose my son, I will die maa Jee...i'll definitely die!"

Salma's heart was heavy with sorrow as tears streamed down her face, her sobs echoing through the room.Her love for him overflowed, and in her tears, she expressed the depth of her emotions, longing for his son well-being and happiness.

"Bahu wipe your tears, you're the mother of Khanzada, Be strong, have some courage. If you have lost your husband, then I have lost my son, but there is no tears in my eyes because I have my whole trust on my grandson.At the roar of my lion, all the mice go and hide in their burrows...dekna Tum!"

Laughter rose on Salma's lips at her mother- in-law last words, and they both smiled together wiping each other tears.

"I think we should get ready now because Murtaza's mother was getting sad on the phone why we didn't come on yesterday event, They have invited us again with great honor so now we have to go to the reception now."

She said to her daughter-in-law while getting up from her couch.

(In Lahore)

"I even told to you not to send her to that place but you still stubbornly sent her there." Zoya's father said to his wife worriedly while eating his meal.

"Dear why are you tensed, she has gone to her friend's house and will return home straight from there after attending the wedding." His wife muttered handed over him a cup of chai.

"What do you think she will step in there and everyone will be unaware?Have you forgotten that our own people are our enemies there?" His wife was well aware of the fear on his husband face and understand inner state.

"Nothing will happen as you think, Gilgit is very big and no one there even knows her anyway." She tries to calm her husband down.

"I hope you won't forget what apocalypse happened there thirty years ago." Zoya's father remind her again.

"I have not forgotten anything...aur na hi bhool paaungi us keyamat ko!" She said in a sad voice drinking back her tears.

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