******

"Your grandson had a severe nervous breakdown. He is taking tension of something big. Please take care for him as he is very weak. Well, Mr. Ali it is quite unusual for someone so you g to be in such condition. It would be good if you find the cause of stress."

Doctor said as he left leaving Noor Bano and Sher Ali to ponder over Eezad's condition.

When Eezad woke up he found his daada and daadi near him. He didn't want to see his father and didn't see his father anywhere near. This was the last nail in the coffin that would greatly affect son father relationship in the future.

**********

Eezad returned home but the only change in him was he became the distant and the silent one. He would only talk to his grandparents. His grandparents tried to make him talk but all in vain.

On the other hand, Ehtisam never came to visit his son once. He was guilty for his behavior all these years and the guilt and remorse caused him to not see Eezad. He did this without knowing that he would not be able to mend their relationship.

Ehtisam became busy with Sonia but he was not forgetful of Eezad's condition. Sometimes he went to visit him but either he pretended to sleep or moved his attention towards anything else.

Ehtisam was heart broke at this behavior and Sonia was the only one who could bring him back from all that guilt.

Years passed away. Eezad was doing his MBA and was hopeful to start his own business. While, Sonia was in first year of MBBS. During all these years it was a silent agreement between Eezad and Sonia that they would never talk in any condition. When Sonia was younger she tried to talk to him but Eezad would either treat her silently or scold her brutally.

So Sonia was only confined to Ehtisam or her Bibi jaan and baba jaan.(grandparents)

It was another brutal day in their life. Ehtisam got in an accident and had severe injuries. Noor Bano and Sher Ali rushed to the hospital. When they arrived Ehtisam was only taking name of Sonia and Eezad.

Both were called. Sonia cried so hard when she saw his father on the bed. While Eezad stood like an emotionless statue. His father called him in a low tone.

"Ee....Eezad....idhar aao."

(Come here.)

Eezad didn't know how to react as he heard his father's injured cracked voice.

He came forward but didn't held his arm.

"I am sorry son for what I have done to you. You were the only thing left with me after your mother and i couldn't even take care of you. I am a bad bad father I know. Can you please forgive me? I think my time has come and I cannot meet your mother in such an ashamed condition."

Eezad's heart filled with sadness and eyes filled with tears as his brain registered those words.

"Baba don't say such words. I am your son and nothing in the world can change this fact. I know your love for Ammi (mom). I know that you wanted to mend our relationship. But even I was stubborn like you. There is nothing to forgive here. Please don't make me guilty. And you aren't leaving so soon I assure you that."

He said while holding his father's hand. Ehtisam smiled and patted Eezad's head.

Then he looked at Sonia dishevelled state and an idea struck his mind.

"Eezad if I ask you something will you do it for me?"

Ehtisam asked with hope in his eyes.

Eezad nodded quickly. Ehtisam took his hand and put Sonia's hand in it. Ehtisam was shocked and so was Soniya.

"Can you please take care of Soniya while I am gone. I know the world is cruel and Soniya's mother left me to take care if her. Please accept it."

He said with pleading eyes. Eezad was perplexed at the situation. At one hand was the girl he thought of as the one who snatched his father. On the other side was his father who he had only got in touch with.

"I will."

He answered with difficulty and looked up to Soniya.

Soniya could sense the anger in his eyes. She was scared.

"Baba please."

Soniya said. Ehtisam gestured her to come near.

"Beta I know it is difficult for you but please can you believe me for once."

Soniya only beckoned.

In no time a nikkah (Muslim marriage contract) was arranged in the hospital room. Soniya signed her rights to that heartless man.

After nikkah both if them came to visit Ehtisam. Ehtisam smiled while looking at them. After a while he stated,

"Baba I would want their rukhsati (Bride's leave to Groom's home) right now if you don't mind. Consider it the last wish of a dying man if you may."

Sonia and Eezad were the only ones left with the biggest shock of their lives. Guess no one knew what turn life would talk for them.