Chapter 9
Author's POV
Zaviyar entered the house with Waqas tailing behind, giving him the brief of their work at the site.
" Sir, all the shipments have been made to the Rathore industries. ", Waqas informed Zaviyar, checking the boxes in his notes app only to see a message pop up in his phone. It was from his wife-
' Aaj ghar vapis mat aana. Apne boss ke saath hee sou jaana. '
' Ek no. ke bewafa shohar ho tum. '
' Mein apne mayke chali jaungi. '
Zaviyar joined his brows in confusion when he no longer heard Waqas speaking, only to turn back to see the guy standing near the entrance typing away on his phone. He rolled his eyes, knowing his secretary was probably texting his wife again.
Waqas noticing a heated gaze burning a hole into his head looked up from the phone reluctantly. Only to gulp in fear when he saw his boss glaring at him with his darkened gaze.
He jogged upto Zaviyar ready to apologise only for Zaviyar to bark out an order, ' Leave '.
Waqas who was more than happy to comply nodded frantically and walked till the door bowing to Zaviyar one last time. As soon as he was out of Zaviyar's sight he ran like a dog would for a bone.
Zaviyar stretched his neck, cracking it as his neck had turned stiff from hours of paper work to get the new factory started along with. He wanted to get to his room and unbutton the vest he had worn for the meeting today. It was suffocating him.
He was about to enter his wing when he saw Safiya seated outside the hall of his wing. He wondered what she was up to. He was about to walk past her only for his steps to halt when he heard her panicked voice calling out to him.
" Zaviyar... Wait... ", she sprang to her feet.
" You haven't left yet? ", Zaviyar asked turning around, sarcasm dripping in his tone. He was already tired from work today and wasn't willing to entertain anyone.
" No. I'm staying here till your wedding. ", she said awkwardly. It was a little embarrassing to face him but she knew it had to be done.
Zaviyar nodded turning around, ready to leave. His mood turned more foul at the mention of his wedding. Another burden that he had to shoulder.
" Wait... I won't take up your time. Hear me out. ", Zaviyar stopped but didn't turn around.
" I- I am sorry. I shouldn't have taken your bike- I thought you wouldn't mind. But I agree it was really childish and immature of me. ", taking it as a cue to speak she blurted out everything she had been pondering upon for the past few hours.
" I was impulsive and even insulted you when all you were trying to do was look out for me- ", she said fidgeting with the hem of her tshirt.
" Stop. ", Zaviyar turned around, his eyes narrowed into slits as he spoke.
" Cut me the slack. My concern was for my siblings not you. Others might consider you as family, i clearly don't. ", he said in a bored tone.
" You taking the bike was never the issue. It was you risking the safety of my siblings and defying my words. "
" Not everything revolves around you. ", Safiya looked at him stunned before nodding in understanding. Both of them were on the same page, they hated each other's guts.
" You need to understand that I'm not used to the way of living here.
Back in the city 9 pm is still evening to us but here- 8 pm is bed time for most people.
", she reasoned, her tone calm. " Believe me, I'm not here to be some rebel who fights with your spineless traditions.
I didn't think that simply going out of the house would be treated like I almost committed a crime.
", she breathed out all her frustration.
She understood the fact that maybe she had overstepped a little by taking his bike and thinking that going out at night wouldn't be a big deal.
Either way, no one would have allowed them to go out even if they asked for permission. Everyone acted like the three of them were going to a bar to smuggle drugs.
" neither do I expect you to understand our traditions nor do I expect you to stay."
Safiya looked away, trying to suppress the sting in her chest. She was here to apologise but he could've been a little more considerate.
But who was she kidding? She had insulted him over and over, talked back to him. There was no way he would back away or refrain from treating her the same.
"Then why did you come after me that night?" she asked quietly. Zaviyar didn't answer at once. His eyes darkened, jaw clenched.
"Because stupidity like that doesn't deserve silence," he said coldly. "And because-"
He stopped himself, finding the words stuck in his voice box.
"Because what?" she pushed. He looked at her, something unreadable in his expression.
"Because no matter how much I try to stay out of your mess, you keep dragging me back in," he muttered, frustrated.
"You're right," she said after a moment, softer this time. "We're not family. We're not even friends. Baba is adopted so you probably think of us as outsiders.. ", He blinked, surprised at the honesty in her voice.
"But I'd rather not spend the next few days fighting with you either," she added with a shrug.
Zaviyar looked at her long and hard. Then finally, he exhaled.
" I'm here only for a few days. Let's just become friends till I leave. That way we won't fight anymore. What say? "
Zaviyar looked at her with suspicion before nodding slowly, the movement stiff and skeptical.
" Deal? ", Safiya extended her hand for him to shake and he looked at it as if it repulsed him.
Zaviyar stared at her hand long enough that made her feel awkward. When she understood that he wasn't going to shake her hand, she slapped her outstretched hand with the other.
Zaviyar muttered a good night before walking past her making her stand there and ponder. At least she wouldn't feel guilty any longer for doing stupid things.
" i shouldn't have said that- ", Safiya turned around abruptly to see Zaviyar standing under the golden light of the hallways, his back facing her.
" Those words I used for you..I didn't mean them. The area you were in was enemy territory. One small mistake and... ", Safiya noticed the hesitation in his voice which he was trying so hard to mask.
She looked back to the direction Zaviyar went only to freeze when she saw him staring at her with an intent gaze, before he turned the corner towards his chambers.
His eyes held something unspoken. One which made her insides stir with questions. And before she could comprehend the thoughts in his mind, he disappeared into the hallway.
Temporary friends.
It was a start. Not ideal but at least better than enemies.
She sat back down, her gaze drifting to the dark sky outside the window.
And somewhere deep in the mansion, a door clicked shut behind Zaviyar, as both of them settled into a truce neither trusted but for now, it was enough.
The morning breeze rustled the leaves gently in the Khan family's garden. Sunlight filtered through the trees in soft patches, casting golden light across the stone pathway.
The members of the Khan and Shah family were seated in the patio set as they had breakfast.
Zaviyar sat rigidly on one of the wrought iron chairs, a file open in his lap, his brow creased in frustration. Nauman Khan sat beside him, his cup of tea now cold on the table as he listened with growing concern.
Riffat and Rabiya were seated on the swing quietly under a large neem tree with Khwaish, who was helping them arrange the teacups on the tray.
Safiya sat slightly apart, though engaging in their conversation but with her phone in hand. She was scrolling absentmindedly, half-listening and half-ignoring.
The calm environment was disrupted by the sudden arrival of men in suits, followed by guards. Riffat and Rabiya seeing the men approaching quickly got up followed by Khwaish who immediately covered their heads with their head scarves.
Mr. Shaad, the Khan family's trusted lawyer, stood in front of Zaviyar holding a folder thick with documents. Behind him were the factory's general manager and a nervous-looking assistant.
Mr. Shaad greeted the men seated around the garden table. But as his eyes widened ever so slightly when they landed on Safiya, lounging at the corner, legs crossed, eyes fixed on her phone.
Safiya looked up, her gaze sharpening with surprise at the familiar face.
" Ms. Shah. Now this is an unexpected delight.", He walked over with a genial smile and extended his hand. She stood up instinctively.
"Indeed," she replied smoothly, shaking his hand. "Didn't think we'd cross paths here."
She said feeling a little awkward to interact with a fellow colleague without her professional attire. Her work persona was something entirely different and she felt somewhat weird standing in front of Mr Shaad in her sweatpants and t-shirt.
"Neither did I. But it's hard not to run into you these days," he added with a chuckle.
"You've barely stepped out of the courtroom, and yet, you're already making headlines again."
Safiya gave a light, modest smile. "Just wrapped up the Sanghvi case. I guess it drew attention due to the political connections. "
"Ah, that explains it," he nodded knowingly.
"I just spoke to Rajeev Mehta this morning. He's been trying to get in touch with you. He said he needs urgent consultation for land litigation in Gurgaon, said some criminal elements are causing disputes. You've become a hard woman to catch, Ms. Shah."
Safiya glanced briefly at her phone. "I'll return his call once I head back. Just here for a short visit."
Mr. Shaad nodded but then gestured toward the table. "Well, don't let me interrupt. I'm actually here to meet Mr. Khan- "
"Of course," Safiya said quickly, taking a half-step back. "Please, go ahead with your meeting. I'll leave you to it."
She gave him a polite smile and was about to leave letting out a sigh in relief as she was feeling quite awkward. But before she could fully retreat, Nauman called out to her
"Safiya beta, why don't you sit? You've handled a few of my land matters before. You might find this relevant."
Safiya hesitated, caught between professionalism and courtesy, but finally nodded and moved closer to the table, settling into a seat beside Nauman.
Zaviyar remained silent, watching the exchange unfold with an unreadable expression as Mr. Shaad began unzipping his suitcase. Zaviyar rolled his eyes not liking Nauman's sudden suggestion to include Safiya in this matter.
"I'm afraid the situation is a bit more complicated than we thought," Mr. Shaad began, clearing his throat. "The paperwork for the new plant, the board has flagged the plant. They've already issued a notice."
Zaviyar looked at him, disbelief giving way to irritation. "You told me this was a routine issue."
{ Dekho guys jhoot nhi bolungi. I've zero knowledge about this land stuff. So, I had to do a thorough research with my loneliness ka partner - chatgpt. Kuch galat ho touh iss author ko bewakoof goldfish samajh ke ignore kardena. }
"Yes, sir, we assumed it was. But yesterday I spoke to the board's assistant secretary. They've made changes to the application process. Every submission needs to go through the new state portal and the deadline passed three weeks ago."
Nauman sighed, running a hand over his beard. "So, what now?"
Mr. Shaad hesitated. "The worst part is, two of the required officials who need to sign the clearance.
.. they've both been transferred. The new officers haven't even taken charge yet.
Getting those documents signed... at this point.
.. it's nearly impossible. Not to mention their reluctance to work in accordance with the same principles of the previous officers. "
The words hung heavy in the air.
Zaviyar stood up abruptly, his voice laced with frustration. "What are we supposed to do? Shut the plant down? Fire three hundred workers?"
The manager spoke up, his voice timid, "Sir, we didn't think it would reach this stage. I thought the legal document had already been filed-"
"You thought?" Zaviyar snapped, leaning closer. "You didn't confirm anything and now we're stuck?"
Safiya was silently listening to the case, trying to register each word.
"May I take a look at the file?" she asked quietly.
Everyone paused. Zaviyar glanced her way, still tense, but nodded. "Yeah. Sure."
Mr. Shaad handed the file over, rolling his eyes as Safiya flipped through the pages in silence. Her fingers moved steadily as she read the files with unwavering focus.
Mr Shaad rolled his eyes not liking her interference in his work. He knew she was goot at what she did but no matter how good she was, she could never compare to the men in the field.
Safiya was well aware of Mr Shaad's arrogance and misogynistic views regarding women in the field of law. But she didn't pay mind to him, she wasn't the one who insisted on staying there.
She stopped at a page toward the middle, her eyes scanning a printed government circular.
"There's an exemption here," she said softly. "Factories that submitted the safety audit report in the past six months don't need fresh clearance unless the machinery and goods have changed."
Zaviyar frowned. "Ours hasn't."
She nodded once. "Then this should apply to us."
Mr. Shaad blinked, clearly annoyed at her acting as if he hadn't already read that.
"Even so, getting that acknowledged officially... the officers who signed the previous reports have already left. We'd need signatures from someone who isn't even in the office yet. And even if they were they will refuse to compromise. "
There was a beat of silence. Safiya wondered if something could be done about the matter. Thats when her mind clicked. Safiya closed the file slowly, then looked towards Zaviyar and Nauman, and said quietly, "I can make a few calls."
She said it with no arrogance, no drama, just calm certainty. Zaviyar studied her for a moment.
"Are you sure?"
"I know someone in the ministry office. He's not very high up, but he's quick. He can help us find out who's holding the file and where the documents are stuck."
Mr. Shaad looked both surprised and bitter. "If we can even locate the file, we might be able to push it before next week's inspection.", he said trying to make his presence known.
Safiya gave a small nod. "Let me talk to him first. If it works, we'll draft a fresh covering letter and attach the previous audit. That should be enough for an official clearance."
Nauman leaned back, visibly relieved. " That's why I entrusted all the cases of my land litigations to you. You are the best at your work , beta.", He flashed her a smile, patting her shoulder in pride.
{ I asked my dad for some factory related info and he said - kya fayda itni padhayi likhayi ka. Istg indian parents. ?? Then he spent an hour teaching me legal stuff. }
Safiya smiled faintly. "It's just a phone call."
But even Zaviyar knew it wasn't just that. She wasn't loud about it, didn't seek praise, didn't raise her voice or take over the conversation. But in the middle of all that tension, her calm presence had cut through the chaos like a steady hand on the wheel.
He watched her for a moment longer than necessary as she pulls out her phone and walks a few steps away. She speaks in a calm but authoritative tone, brief and to the point.
Ten minutes later, her phone buzzes. She returns and places it on the table.
"Your inspection has been moved to tomorrow. And they've agreed to recheck the treatment plan with your engineer. You'll have your documents signed by the end of next week."
"That quickly? ", the factory manager asked stunned. Mr Shaad who had previously told him that doing this would require at least 3 lakhs only for the documents visibly stiffened. He was sure Safiya wouldn't be able to do it but his arrogance shattered.
" Thank you so much, beta. ", Nauman said with gratitude. Zaviyar who was still hesitating felt the words stuck as he felt somewhat ashamed to have doubted her capabilities.
" Thank you... ", he said with a curt nod.
" I apologise if you felt like I overstepped. I'll leave the rest to you Mr. Shaad. ", she gave a polite nod to Mr Shaad before excusing herself.
Nauman seeing the change of colour on his son's face gave Zaviyar's fisted hand a tight squeeze that meant, 'Handle this matter quitely.'
Nauman got up and keft knowing Zaviyar was the best at his work.
As soon Nauman was out of sight Zaviyar'd eyes travelled to Mr Shaad who was shivering like a rattle snake's tail. Mr Shaad wiped the sweat forming on his forehead when Zaviyar said, " And you needed how many lakhs to do this shit work? "
" S-Sir any lawyer would take this muc... "
" All she needed to do was make a simple phone call and you have been running around like dora the explorer to get one papper signed.
Didn't i already pay you enough to atleast read the fucking documents properly.
SPEAK OR I WOMN'T HESITATE TO CUT YOUR FUCKING TONGUE AND FEED IT TO THOSE BITCHES YOU HAVE BEEN FEEDING MY MONEY TO. "
" S-sir Safiya shah... she's been sleeping around a lot with the higher ups. That's how she climed the ladder. s-she's a bitc- "
A loud bang echoed through the space as blood oozed out of Mr Shaad's arm. The factory manager almost fainted when he saw the bullet being fired from Zaviyar's gun. It happened in the blink of an eye.
The lawyer cried out in pain as he clutched his arm, the blood oozing out and staining the couch.
Zaviyar abruptly got up from his seat adn strode to where Mr Shaad sat crying out in pain. Zaviyar's held his collar roughly jerking him up and shoved the gun's barrel in his mouth making the lawyer's eyes widen in shock.
The man tried to muffle out pleas for Zaviyar to show mercy, but he was shocked seeing the once composed man turn feral.
" One for degrading word about her and I won't hesitate empting the rest of the five bullets right into the shitty mouth that dared bad mouth her. ", with that he shoved his back making him fall back on the couch.
Zaviyar rested his hand behind his back and turned around to leave. His blood boiled as he wanted to shoot the man in front of him. But he still had to get his work done.
Safiya wasn't important but letting Shaad talk about her without any filter in front of the guards only tainted his family name.
No one dared to disrespect his family. Not in his presence.
"Is something going on today? Why is everyone making such a ruckus?"
"Mom has invited Zulekha Bhabhi's family over for dinner."
"Who's Zulekha?"
"Arey hamari hone wali bhabhi-jaan, urf jinn ki fiancée.", safiya said making Safiya make an 'ooh' face.
(Our soon-to-be sister-in-law, aka the fiancée of the jinn.)
"Come on, Aapi, let's get ready. They must be arriving soon....", she said holding her wrist and pulling Safiya along.
" Yeah, let's go.."
Riffat smiled, watching the two girls run upstairs. She was genuinely happy that her daughter finally had a friend to confide in.
°°°°°
The dining room was filled with the laughter of the Khan family along with Ahmed's. At the head of the table Nauman sat with Murtaza Ahmed by his side and Wajahat to his left. Rabiya, Riffat and Mrs Ahmed sat tohgether causally talking as the staff served the food.
" Where is Zaviyar? I've not seen him around since we arrived. ", Mrs Ahmed said looking around for him
" Zaviyar ko elections ke chalte Sheher jaana para.", Nauman said addressing his absence.
" Khan sahab, the sooner this wedding happens, the better. You know Zulekha just completed her studies and is now helping me in business. ", Ahmed said praising his daughter who blushed at the mention of her marriage.
Nauman nodded knowing that this marriage was important. Zaviyar wpuld be angry at him for agreeing in his absence. But as time passed it was getting crucial to move ahead with the preparations.
Nauman shared a look with Wajahat and Riffat who nodded at him to accept the request of Mr Ahmed to prepone the wedding dates.
"It's decided then, Zulekha and Zaviyar will be married on the last date of this month."
Safiya and Khwaish walked down the stairs followed by Kabir who was busy on his phone as he almost ended up stepping on kHwaish's dupatta making her stumble as she glared at him.
The trio greeted the elders before taking their seats as usual. Safiya sat in the middle with both the siblings sticking to her either side.
" Murtaza sahab, this is my daughter - Safiya Shah.", Wajahat said as he saw the confused look on their faces seeing a new face. Safiya gave the guests a polite smile.
" Safiya shah- the lawyer who's fighting the case for that corrupt politician?", all the eyes snapped towards Zulekha who said it then gasped. " Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean it in that way, its just what they are showing in the news. "
Safiya's eyes turned into slits as she finally noticed the girl who almost blended into the background. She looked really pretty wearing the white salwar no doubt, pretty face and soft features.
" Oh.. that's you. Let me tell you... as a girl it's too dangerous for you to get associated with this kind of people. ", Murtaza said turning towards Safiya. He let out a hearty laugh before continuing, " That politician. I heard he is- "
" My job protocol doesn't allow me to gossip about my clients. And yes, I'm That. Lawyer. ", Safiya cut him off with a straight face before turning her attention back to the food.
" Don't mind me Mr Shah but girls aren't really made for such jobs. It's just not that safe for girls. Take my Zulekha for example she wanted to become an engineer. All these jobs are not really for women, you know what I mean. ", Safiya looked at Mr Ahmed as though he had grown two heads.
And then he had the audacity to laugh like he had cracked some joke.
She stabbed her fork into the grilled potato before looking up at him.
If no one had the guts to speak then she would gladly answer back.
She wouldn't let some old uncle with a bloated belly whose one leg is almost into the grave talk shit about her profession.
To fuck with these bloody manners.
"Mr. Ahmed," she said, wiping her mouth with the napkin and placing it gently aside, her voice calm but edged with steel "I think you're confusing your comfort zone with our limitations."
The entire table went silent again. The clatter of the spoons against the plates stopped. Safiya's voice clearly indicated that she hadn't taken the words thrown at her as a joke.
"I didn't know pursuing law or defending clients required me to have Y chromosome," she added, her brows slightly raised. "But thank you for your concern. I'll be sure to let my medals and certificates know they were achieved despite me being a woman."
Mr, Ahmed shifted in his seat, visibly uncomfortable. He opened his mouth, but Safiya wasn't done.
"And since you brought up your daughter," she said, turning slightly toward Zulekha, "if she wanted to be an engineer, she should've been given the chance. Dreams don't come with a male-only tag. Nowhere is safe for girls that doesn't mean we stop existing. "
Zulekha lowered her gaze, her mouth shut as someone had taken a stand for her.
That's when Nauman cleared his throat softly, setting down his spoon. All eyes turned to him.
"Safiya is right," he said, his tone calm, firm, and deeply respectful. "It's unfortunate that in this day and age, we still question the rights of our daughters to dream and do what they like."
Nauman glanced around the table, then back at Mr. Ahmed.
"We've always taught our children, sons and daughters to build their lives with their own merit.
Safiya stands here not because she's someone's daughter, but because she's Safiya Shah.
And that is reason enough. Just today morning she helped us with a legal procedure that was atking us months to tackle. "
A slow silence followed his words. Mr. Ahmed looked thoroughly chastised, though he tried to smile.
"Of course, of course. You're both right. Just... old ways of thinking, you see. No offence meant from my side.
At the end I'm also a father and Safiya's the same age as Zulekha... she's also like my daughter. ", Safiya visibly cringed at his words.
Safiya gave a tight-lipped smile, " Your words don't offend me Mr Ahmed... I've heard worse and put them in their place. "
Wajahat chuckled softly at that, clearly proud. Afterall, he didn't raise a child who listened and stayed quiet biting their lips.
The table relaxed again, murmurs of agreement returning.
Kabir nudged safiya and whispered, "Remind me never to mess with you again... "
Khwaish who was also listening to them turned to Kabir and added, " Aapi is like a knife.
One sentence and", she moved her hand in a sliding motion on her neck, " Instant death"
Kabir smirked.
" Thats exactly why I like her. She isn't a chuhiya like you.
", khwaish rolled her eyes fighting the urge to stab the fork to gauge his eye out.
( Chuhiya - mouse )
Safiya chuckled at their stupid fight.
And just like that, dinner resumed but the atmosphere had shifted. Safiya had shown Murtaza Ahmed his place. Murtaza gritted his teeth. First it was Zaviyar who always answered him back and humiliated him several times.
Finally when he was not here today, Murtaza thought he coukd express his opinions but another version of Zaviyar who was no less than him answered back, more fiery and more witty.
" Samir... Please understand... Please I'm not at home... I-i'll talk to you when I reach home. ", Zulekha whispered, tightly clutching the phone to her ear. Her voice laced with panic, as she looked over her shoulder in case somebody walked in.
" there's not much time but... everything will be done. ", she said desperately but froze when she saw Khwaish standing near the door of the balcony.
"W- what are you doing here?", she quickly cut the call, and asked her rudely, the sheer panic within her voice quite evident.
" Bhabhi, the desserts have been served so I came to call you... ", Khwaish said squinting her eyes at Zulekha's weird behaviour.
" What is with all this 'Bhabhi'... 'Bhabi' nonsense? Call me aapi. ", Zulekha snapped at her, gritting her teeth at the term. She rolled her eyes and walked past Khwaish towards the dining area. Her shoulder brushed past Khwaish's making her stagger.
(Aapi - sis/di )
Zulekha frowned when she saw Safiya there just behind Khwaish and passed her a forced smile.
Safiya who was approaching the two girls in the balcony frowned hearing the conversation.
Wasn't this the same meek girl who was blushing and acting all cringe in the dining room?
" Does she always talk this rudely? ", she asked placing her hand on Khwaish's shoulder.
Khwaish nodded her head making Safiya realise that her shy, soft and meek personality is all a pretense.
What was Zulekha Ahmed really like?
So this is regarding a dm I received telling how Safiya seems like a pick me and 'im different from other girls' type because she wears baggy clothes even in the village.
So? She's not there to please anyone.
And personally while writing Safiya's character I didn't put much thinking into clothes.
She'll wear traditional attire when she needs to wear it.
If she wore baggy clothes to a function then I would have agreed.
Cuz that's pick me behaviour but wearing comfortable clothes?
Who in their right mind wears a kurta all day - especially a girl living in the metropolitan city?
Please think a little out of what serials try to portray - girls who wear traditional are sanskari Sushil and girls who wear modern clothes are rude, arrogant and disrespectful.
There's nothing like that. Clothes do not define people and their mindset.
I agree it makes or breaks our impression but that's just because we people prioritize external beauty rather than valuing a person's quality or morality.
She is enjoying the company of Khwaish and Kabir who accept her for who she is.
Bold and talkative. Wearing baggy clothes in a village doesn't make her a pick me.
Ranted out a little too much because the dm actually offended me.
I also go to villages and wear baggy pants.