Give me that one
It was a small cuboid object, pink, glittery, with a 'my melo print'. A lighter!
She turned to look at Zaviyar, who stood there holding packets full of plushies while random uncles around him advised him to let his wife rest and do all the hard work himself.
She giggled softly when one old man scolded him.
"Biwi se kaam karwa raha hai,", he complained.
(You are making your wife work)
Safiya knew their mindset was flawed, but change always started small. She could not rewrite the world but maybe she could shift one thought at a time.
She called out to Zaviyar.
"Aapke liye,", she said, handing him the lighter.
(For you)
"Main iska kya karunga, Safiya?", he asked, confused.
(What will I do with this?)
"This will remind you of me every time you want to smoke. A reminder that somebody wants you to live a healthy life,", she said softly.
"So you want me to live a long life?", he asked, teasing. While flicking the lighter on.
"Zaahir hai, I want both of us to live a long life,", she replied.
(Obviously, I want both of us to live a long life)
"Aur aisa kyun?"
(And why is that?)
"Kya matlab kyun? It's because I care about yo-", She stopped mid-sentence, flustered, cheeks heating up, her eyes widened as she realised that her words had slipped. She fumbled before changing the subject.
(What do you mean why? It's because I care about-)
"Jaldi chalein, yeh kaise kachhue ki tarah chal rahe hain aap,", he smiled but followed her .
(Walk faster, why are you moving like a turtle)
Zaviyar smiled to himself as she hurried ahead..They soon reached the fountain, where two young girls were sitting with press on mehendi. They looked barely ten. Safiya bent down in front of them immediately.
"Aap dono mujhe mehendi laga dogi?", she asked.
(Will you both apply mehendi on my hands?)
The girls nodded eagerly. Safiya watched with soft admiration as they carefully drew patterns on her palms, their small fingers working with intense focus. The designs came out beautiful.
She then opened her bag and took out her purse, handing some money to the woman sitting beside them who sold candies.
"Yeh bohot zyada hai. Aapne toh itni mehendi bhi nahi lagayi,", the woman said, looking at her hands.
(This is too much. You did not even apply that much mehendi)
" Mujhe yeh bohot pasand aayi hain isiliye meri taraf se... ", she said to the woman.
( I really liked these, so this is from my side.)
Earlier, she had noticed how the triplets were sitting with dull, tired expressions, their tiny shop almost empty because no one was stopping by. Their hopeful eyes kept scanning the crowd, only to fall again in disappointment every time someone passed without even glancing.
Safiya had felt a strange ache in her chest watching them.
She wanted to help them in some way but directly giving them money felt wrong.
She knew it would hurt their self-respect and they might think she was showing pity.
That was the last thing she wanted. So she decided the best way was to buy something and quietly add extra money to it, making it feel like a normal transaction instead of charity.
She wanted to help them but doing so also meant risking her identity. If anyone recognized her, it would reveal that she was Safiya and right now they were under the cover of being commoners. Safiya hated seeing child labour; it made her stomach twist in anger and helplessness.
But for now, she had no choice except to stay silent. She had already made up her mind to deal with this situation later, in the correct way legally, properly and without exposing herself today.
The woman started frantically thanking her, her voice trembling with relief but Safiya quickly waved her off, uncomfortable with the attention, before turning to Zaviyar.
She didn't have to say anything,.he already knew why she had taken so many plushies.
Without questioning her, he simply walked forward and handed out one bag to the girls and the second bag to another set of children sitting beside a different stall.
The kids stared at the bags in disbelief, as if they couldn't process what was happening.
" Daro mat yeh meri taraf se gift hain aap logo ke liye", Safiya said softly, kneeling slightly and caressing the cheeks of the two girls.
Their eyes sparkled instantly, the dullness disappearing like magic and before she could even react, they hugged her tightly.
Their sudden warmth almost broke something inside her.
( Don't be scared, this is a gift from my side for all of you.)
Their mother gasped, hands flying to her mouth, frantically apologizing for the trouble but Safiya again waved it off with a small smile and soon bid farewell to the kids, forcing herself not to linger because she knew she wouldn't be able to leave otherwise.
Zaviyar, unable to handle the emotions he had been suppressing for so long, suddenly pulled her into a side hug, his arm wrapping around her protectively.
" Tum sach mein DIL ki bohot achchi hain... ", he said quietly, and that single sentence made her grin like an idiot. She wasn't used to praise, especially from him.
(You are genuinely very kind-hearted)
His eyes then landed on a game shop, and without warning, he grabbed her hand and pulled her along, making her gasp before she hurried to keep up with him.
" 3 rings for 200 ", the vendor announced.
Zaviyar immediately handed him the money, picked up the rings, and flung them one after another. Safiya watched with wide eyes because he didn't even try properly-his throws were so effortless that it almost felt unfair.
The first ring landed perfectly on a globe, glowing faintly with a galaxy trapped inside. The second landed on a small plushie, and the third on a certain white ornament box.
Safiya cheered for him, clapping softly as he collected the prizes and turned towards her. He handed her the glowing globe first. She switched it on, and suddenly the galaxy inside lit up, swirling gently like tiny stars floating in darkness.
" This reminds me of you. ", he murmured.
Because your eyes twinkle like this galaxy, he thought to himself, watching the way the corners of her lips curved into a soft smile as she admired the light.
Then he handed her the plushie and finally the ornament box.
When she opened it, she realized it was a music box that played a delicate tune the moment the lid lifted.
She loved things like this pretty and meaningful. She smiled at him, knowing this was the only way she could thank him right now without making things awkward.
" Mujhe bohot pasand aaya, mein inhe sambhal ke rakhungi. ", she said, carefully putting everything back into her bag like precious treasures.
( I really loved them, I'll keep them safe.)
" Chalo mere saath...", Zaviyar said, his fingers tightening around hers before pulling her along again. She couldn't help but smile at how natural it felt, how he was slowly warming up to her and actually enjoying himself.
( cime with me)
She ran behind him, watching his broad back, and for some strange reason, an urge rose in her chest to hug him from behind and just stay there for a while.
Both of them stopped in the second lane, which was packed with people, colorful lights and food stalls overflowing with smells of spice and oil. This was the last lane they had to visit.
They shared a look before moving towards the stall selling crispy chilli baby corn.
" 2 plates please. ", Safiya ordered. The man behind the stall looked up apologetically.
" We have only one serving left. ", the vendor said politely.
" Oh- then...", Safiya turned to Zaviyar but he immediately cut in.
" we will take it. "
" Let's take one serving of each dish so that we can try more dishes. ", Zaviyar leaned down and whispered, sounding logical and practical. Safiya agreed instantly, not realizing that all he wanted was to eat from his wife's hands again.
They started eating the crispy chilli baby corn together, occasionally bumping spoons and Safiya kept stealing small bites from his portion just to annoy him.
After that, they moved to the momo stall. She ordered one plate of steamed momo and one plate schezwan momo, while Zaviyar kept lecturing her about how bad it was for her gut, sounding like an overprotective grandpa.
" Mujhe paani chahiye... ", she said suddenly, feeling extremely thirsty. Zaviyar nodded and told her to wait.
( I want water.)
She was now standing in front of the same game stall where she had earlier shot all the targets. The moment the vendor saw her, he literally put up the closed sign. Safiya chuckled, feeling both proud and guilty at the same time. All thanks to Ahaan who used to
Just then, she heard someone behind her.
" Asalamualaikum... ", the man greeted. Safiya ignored, and immediately shot him a glare when the man greeted her once again.
" I can win a gift for you if you want...", he smirked.
" No, thanks. ", she replied, stepping away while subtly showing her ring by tucking her hair behind her ear. But it clearly didn't bother him.
" Areh dur kyu jaa rahi ho... ", he said, moving closer and reaching for her wrist. Before he could touch her, Safiya grabbed his hand and twisted his wrist sharply. It was difficult because he was physically stronger but she wasn't someone who could be bullied.
( Hey, why are you going away? )
" How dare you even try to touch me? ", she snapped, making the man furious.
" Angrezi bolti hain.", his nose flared. " Ek aurat hokar mard par haath uthati hain... ", he shouted, drawing attention from people around.
( She speaks English.)
( Being a woman, you dare raise your hand on a man... )
" Shukr maano haath uthaya hain. Aur ek shabd kha na muh todh dungi.
", she said, equally agitated, her voice shaking with rage as she dug her nails harshly into the man's wrist before finally letting go.
Her grip had been tight, almost desperate, as if she was trying to transfer all her anger into that single hold.
(Be grateful I only raised my hand. Say one more word and I'll break your mouth)
The man rubbed his wrist dramatically, exaggerating his pain, but instead of backing off, he only started screaming louder, his voice echoing through the street.
" Tu touh shaadi shuda hain na... Kha hain tera pati haa? Pati ke bina ese ghum rahi hain. Sharam bech khaayi hain.. ", he shouted, deliberately raising his voice to draw everyone's attention, as if public humiliation was his ultimate weapon.
(You're married, right? Where is your husband? Roaming around without him. Have you sold all your shame?),
Just as he was about to step forward again, his path was suddenly blocked by someone in black attire who appeared in front of her like a wall.
" Koun hain beh? ", the man started rudely, only to pause mid-sentence when he heard a single calm, deadly sentence.
Who the hell are you?)
" Uska shohar. ", The man slowly gazed up, his confidence slipping as his eyes widened at the sight before him.
(Her husband.)
A man dressed entirely in black stood there, his face hidden behind a keffiyeh, only his eyes visible-cpld, sharp and terrifying eyes that froze him in place. A fire burning in his eyes for daring to touch his wife.
" Apni biwi ko dekh... kese mere doreh daal rahi thi. Esi aurto ko sabke saamne maarna chahiye ", he said defensively, trying to regain control of the situation.
(Look at your wife... how she was throwing herself at me. Women like her deserve to be beaten in public)
" Aur mere upar haath bhi uthaya isne... ", he added, pointing at Safiya over Zaviyar's shoulder, as if expecting him to scold her.
(And she even dared to raise her hand on me)
" Galat kiya... ", Zaviyar said slowly, turning his head to look back at Safiya like he was disappointed, his eyes narrowing into a glare.
(She did wrong...)
Safiya froze. Her brows furrowed in confusion, a sharp sting settling in her chest. For a second, she genuinely wondered if he doubted her. If he believed this man.
" Bohot galat kiya tumne... ", Zaviyar repeated, pulling Safiya in front of him, making her stand beside him.
(You did very wrong...),
" Ese logo ke upar haath nhi uthana chahiye, ", Zaviyar continued and for a brief moment, the man's chest rose with pride.
(You shouldn't raise your hand on people like this)
" Seedhe goli maar deni chahiye.. ",
(You should shoot them straight in the head.)
The sudden shift in his tone made everyone gasp as Zaviyar pulled out his gun and pressed it firmly against the man's forehead.
" Tum jese logo ki vajah se hamari ladkiya surakshit nhi hain. ", he said, his voice thundering with fury, making the man visibly tremble.
(Because of people like you, our women are not safe)
" T-tum mere upar ese bandook nhi taan sakte, tum jaante ho me-mein koun hu. ", the man stuttered, trying to threaten him.
(You can't point a gun at me like this, do you know who I am?)
" Nizaam ke bete ho na... ", Zaviyar said with a slight chuckle.
(You're Nizaam's son, right...)
The man smirked, suddenly regaining confidence.
" Mere abbu ki pehchaan hain Nawab sahab se. Ek call aur tera kaam khatam samjha tu.", he said with a crooked laugh.
(My father has connections with the Nawab. One call and you're finished.)
" Wese tu bach sakta hain ", he added, smirking again at Safiya.
(Although you can be spared...)
That was it. The thin line of patience inside Zaviyar finally snapped. Without another word, he punched the man square in the face, hard enough to draw blood instantly. The sound alone made the crowd gasp.
" Teri himmat kese hui mujhe haath lagane ki?, the man cried in agony, before screaming.
(How dare you touch me?)
" Abh touh yeh baat nawab sahab tak jayegi. Tum dono ko gaon ke bahar na phekwa diya touh mera naam badal dena. ", Zaviyar smirked.
(Now this will reach the Nawab. If you both aren't thrown out of the village, change my name.)
Slowlu, he held the end of his keffiyeh and loosened the knot. One fold at a time, he unwrapped the cloth from his face. The crowd fell silent.
Gasps echoed when his face was finally revealed. It was none other than their Nawab Sahab himself.
The man's blood drained from his face.
Slowly, all eyes travelled to the woman standing behind him poised, graceful and confident. The realization hit everyone at once.
They hadn't just questioned a random woman. They disrespected their Khanum. Zaviyar walked back to her, his entire demeanor shifting. His voice softened, his hands gentle as he leaned down.
" Aap thik touh hain na... " , he asked softly, cupping her cheeks.
(Are you okay?)
Safiya nodded, smiling faintly through her sheer dupatta. Zaviyar carefully wrapped his keffiyeh around her shoulders, shielding her, protecting her from every gaze.
" I'm sorry you have to witness all this. ", he said quietly, clearly unhappy that their date had ended like this.But his words were cut off.
" Chehra kya chhupa rha hain... Dikha chehra... Pehle teri khabar leta hu fir Teri biw- ", Zaviyar turned around in a flash.
(Why are you hiding your face? Show it... First I'll deal with you, then your wi-)
He grabbed the man by his neck, his fingers digging in like iron. With pure strength, he lifted him off the ground, strangling him mid-air. The man flailed helplessly, gasping, his arms swinging like a dying fish.
Safiya watched in horror as his face turned pale while Zabiyar's glowed red, probably in anger she could see his veins outlining which did make him look hot. His veins popping out, and muscles flexing. He looked sexy-
'Okay, Safiya snap out of it. A man is literally dying.', she snapped out of her daze realising she might have a choking kink which she would certainly explore with her husband later but for now she needed to intervene since no one dared to intervene.
" Leave him, Zaviyar. ", she said, stepping closer, gently placing her hand on his arm. Slowly, he let go and threw the man onto the ground.
Then he looked at Safiya, holding her by the waist.
" Step on his right hand. " Safiya stared at him, confused until she understood. The same hand... the filthy hand that had dared to touch her.
" Aaj ke baad kisi aurat ho haath lagane se pehle yeh sabaq yaad rakhna. ", Safiya said, stomping down on his right hand brutally with her heel.
(From now on remember this lesson before touching any woman)
She wasn't someone who supported killing. But she believed in consequences. Anyone who thought abusing women was entertainment deserved pain. The kind society never gave them, the kind women were forced to carry alone.
" Mujhe maaf karein didi... ", the man cried, dropping to his knees, his voice breaking.
But some apologies come too late.
(Forgive me, sister...)
Safiya cared less. At that moment, her dupatta slipped from her head, falling loosely over her shoulders. She turned back to look at Zaviyar and smiled at him, not the smile of a frightened woman but the calm, quiet smile of someone who knew she was safe.
" Ghar chalein... " , she asked softly.
(Shall we go home?)
And just like that, Zaviyar felt his heart thump in his chest. There she was, his wife standing proudly while the man who had dared touch her was still groaning on the ground, begging for forgiveness.
The people around them couldn't help but stare. They were seeing her closely for the first time. And indeed, she was beautiful, not just in face but in the way she stood, composed and elegan.
It almost looked like the heir of the entire Khan empire was wrapped around her little finger, the way he immediately nodded to her words before both of them turned and began walking away from the crowd.
" Aap dono thora ruk kyu nhi jaate hukum. ", the people started saying from around them.
(Why don't you both stay a little longer, my lord?)
" Phir kabhi zaroor. Iss baar ka mela bohot achcha hua hain.", Zaviyar replied with a nod, his face back to its neutral expression.
" (Another time, for sure. This time the fair was really nice)
Meanwhile, Safiya turned back to bid farewell to the little girls she had earlier gifted plushies to. The kids were in shock, the same woman who had given them toys was actually their Khanum.
" Aapi kya hum aapse milne jaa sakenge? ", one of the little girls asked, looking up at Safiya with shining eyes.
(Sister, can we come meet you?),
" Aap hamare saath thodi der aur reh nhi sakti kya? ", the other one asked.
Safiya smiled awkwardly, unsure how to refuse them without hurting their feelings.
(Can't you stay with us a little longer?)
Just then, both girls turned to Zaviyar, who scratched his head slightly, clearly as clueless about dealing with children as Safiya was.
" Mujhe bhi aapke jese waleel banna hain.. ", one of them said innocently. She had heard her mother say their Khanum was a wakeel (lawyer). She didn't even know what that meant but she just wanted to be like her regardless..
(I also want to become like you, a waleel)
" Awww... woh waleel nhi wakeel hota hain aur aap zaroor banengi. ", Safiya said, patting the little girl's head gently.
(Aww... it's not waleel, it's wakeel, and you will definitely become one)
" Zaviyar... ", she called softly.
" Woh chocolates pakdana zara? ", she asked. Zaviyar nodded and handed her the bag he was carrying.
(Can you hand me the chocolates?)
The women around looked slightly perplexed. Safiya was addressing Nawab Sahab by his name. Talking casually. Giving him instructions. It was strange to them, almost unreal.
( Author - koi nhi bolega ki bag appeared from nowhere ????? Bhool gaye kya Zaviyar ke loug aur Waqas the auto-man is there na... )
" These are for you all... ", Safiya said, handing chocolates to the children. Then her tone changed slightly.
" Aur aap sab inhe please school bheja karein, instead of making them work in all these stalls and sending them to work in the fields. They are too young to be working. ", she said firmly, her authority finally visible now that her identity was known.
(And you all please start sending them to scholl, instead of making them work in all these stalls and sending them to work in the fields. They are too young to be working)
" Yeh sab kehna aasan hain bibi-ji. Lekin innhe padhane ka kharcha kha se uthaye... ", the mother replied helplessly.
(It's easy to say all this, madam. But where will we get the money to educate them?)
Safiya let out a deep breath. Only now did she fully register it, all these children belonged to the same woman. 9 kids! Barely enough resources to feed even one properly.
There was no sex education given to these people nor did they know their basic rights Something clicked inside her.
" Iss Sunday aap sab please badi haveli aa jayega... ", she declared loudly.
(This Sunday, all of you please come to the big mansion)
A plan had already begun forming in her mind. She knew exactly what to do now.
" Let's go ", Zaviyar asked as their car arrived. Safiya nodded, following him. She briefly noticed a few men still holding Nizaam's so, but she didn't care whether he lived or died. Some people didn't deserve her attention anymore.
Zaviyar opened the car door for her. She bent slightly to enter and he automatically shielded her head with his hand so she wouldn't hit the edge.
Then he followed her inside. Completely unaware of the storm brewing within her, a storm that was about to change many lives.
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