Chapter 46
Author's Pov
Safiya stepped out of the car, her heels touching the pavement as she strode towards, Al-Zahari Jewellers, the most exclusive jewellery house in the city.
Its name was spoken only in elite circles, its doors opened only for the elite. The towering glass entrance was soundlessly pulled open by two people who welcomed her in.
The moment she crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted. The staff, who only moments ago had been attending to the city's wealthiest patrons, turned toward her at once.
Within seconds, three impeccably dressed associates approached, their expressions warm with recognition and reverence.
"It has been far too long since your last visit, Miss Shah," the senior attendant said with a respectful bow of his head.
Another offered a polished smile. "We were beginning to wonder if you had abandoned us entirely.", Safiya's lips curved upwards into a professional smile.
"Hardly. I simply had other matters requiring my attention.", Her voice was soft and composed. The attendants exchanged subtle glances, before smiling warmly at her.
"What may we present to you today, ma'am?", Safiya slipped out of her coat with unhurried grace and handed it to a waiting attendant.
"A ring for my husband.", The words drew immediate attention.
The room was secluded behind crystal glass doors, reserved only for the highest-tier clients, ones who were at the top of the social ladder .
Within moments, velvet trays lined with the newest Al-Zahari's collection being placed before her, under the chandelier's of the private lounge. Safiya seated comfortably on the sofa, with a server offering her tea.
"Each of these pieces was unveiled only last week," one attendant said carefully.
"Designed exclusively...", Safiya's gaze drifted over them, flawless emerald solitaires, intricate platinum bands, rare diamonds framed in gold
Exquisite but it was not enough. Her fingers hovered over a particularly brilliant ring before withdrawing.
"It's beautiful," she said calmly, "but won't suit him.", A faint tension entered the air. The attendants straightened, surprised that she didn't like their best pieces.
Safiya while seated, looked out towards the display of of rare stones before her eyes settled on a particular piece. Slowly, Safiya lifted her hand and pointed toward the private glass chamber at the center of the showroom.
"That one.", The senior attendant hesitated.
"Ma'am..." His voice lowered carefully. "That piece is... It is not part of any public collection.", Safiya smiled, " That's exactly why I want it. ", The manager slowly approached her, and swallowed before continuing.
" Ma'am, this piece is priceless.", He paused, his expression almost apologetic. "It is not for a ring."
Safiya finally looked at him, her dark eyes cool and unreadable. "I'm aware and that's why I want it."
"Of course, Miss Shah.", the chamber was unlocked immediately. The ring was brought to her on black silk. It was breathtaking in its restraint. It was a flawless deep blue-purple diamond set into platinum. It looked like it belonged to him... with him.
"Yes," she murmured.
"This is his.", The attendant inclined his head. "An excellent choice but i fear it's very expensive."
"I know.", Safiya glanced at the ring one final time before speaking.
"Send it to my usual account.", Not a single member of staff looked surprised. Because women like Safiya did not prove they could pay. The world simply trusted that they already owned more than enough to buy it twice over.
The showroom manager himself emerged moments later, carrying the midnight-blue case containing Zaviyar's ring.
He was about to present it when his gaze caught on the necklace resting delicately against Safiya's neck. His expression froze and his eyes widened almost imperceptibly. He stepped closer, disbelief flickering across his usually composed features.
"This... If I may ask ma'am, who gave it to you?", Safiya looked down at the necklace, a deep violet stone resting in a lattice of white platinum very intricately. She touched it absentmindedly.
"My husband .", The manager stared, his professional composure faltering.
" So... ", The manager inhaled sharply, realization dawned all at once. " Mr. Khan is your husband.", Safiya said nothing, only arching a brow slightly. The man immediately bowed his head in respect.
"My apologies, Miss Shah. We had no idea.", he straightened carefully, still visibly stunned.
" No idea about what? How do you know my husband? ", she was confused.
" We had no idea that you were the owners wife. We failed to recognise you. ", he said still bowing.
" Wait... Owner? Zaviyar own this? ", the attendant nodded, " He does. "
" And this stone in your necklace, Mr. Khan personally brought it to us.", Safiya's fingers stilled against the necklace.
" The stone?", yhe manager nodded reverently.
"It isn't an ordinary gemstone. It's royal-grade tanzanite, one of the rarest naturally occurring violet stones in existence.
This particular piece..." His voice lowered.
"It was gifted to the Khan family before partition and remained with them as a family symbol.
", Safiya blinked, shocked that she had been casually wearing the necklace all this while.
The manager continued, almost as if speaking of something sacred.
"He came here himself and ordered us to create an exclusive piece for his wife. He rejected every preliminary design and any ordinary stone", A faint smile touched the manager's lips at the memory.
" He said none of them were worthy enough.", Safiya's breath caught.
" This necklace took our master artisans an entire month to complete, Miss shah. Every edge was revised according to his specifications.", Her fingers tightened around the pendant.
A month, she thought. Zaviyar had done that for her? The manager's expression shifted into one of respectful admiration.
" To be truthful, the entire house was aware of who he was the moment he entered.", Safiya's brows furrowed.
"Who exactly is my husband to this establishment?", The manager hesitated only briefly. Then he answered carefully.
"Al-Zahari was founded by the Al-Zahari royal bloodline over two centuries ago.", Safiya's pulse slowed. The manager inclined his head.
"Mr. Zaviyar Khan is a direct descendant.", the words settled heavily between them. Safiya stared at him.
"What?", The manager gave a faint smile.
" The Khan branch is one of the private royal houses. They do not seek public recognition but within elite circles, their name carries extraordinary influence.", Her thoughts spiraled. Zaviyar had never told her any of this.
And yet, it explained everything. The effortless authority, the impossible wealth. The way men twice his age deferred to him without question. The manager continued softly.
"He owns most of AL-ZAHARI and co.", Safiya's breath caught. It was a big deal. This wasn't simply a place he shopped. He owned more than half of it.
Everyone stared stunned, because they were serving the women attached to the house's ownership. As though reading her thoughts, the manager smiled politely.
"Miss Shah, your husband is listed among our VVVIP clientele.", Safiya blinked.
"There's a category above VVIP?", the manager chuckled.
"Very few know of it.", He lowered his voice.
"There are only seven names on that list.", A pause.
"Your husband is one of them.", the room suddenly felt quieter. He placed the velvet box before her and bowed deeply.
"Which makes you, Mrs. Khan, also a VVVIP", his eyes lifted respectfully.
And for the first time since marrying Zaviyar Khan. Safiya truly began to understand just who her husband was. A man who owned so much wealth and power, yet remained so rooted to his village that he refused to lead an extravagant life and work for the village.
But the new information went over her head. How did the al-zahari bloodline become the khans suddenly. What was even going on with this family? Everyday she would wake up and find out they had a new business somewhere.
"So, Zaviyar shops here often?" she asked casually.
"Yes, quite frequently." The manager smiled politely. "Just last week, he made a purchase worth 30 lakhs-an antique watch from our private auction."
"Oh, is that so?" Safiya leaned closer as he turned the iPad towards her. The watch looked oddly familiar.
For a fleeting second, she thought she had seen it before, on Kabir's wrist, perhaps but she quickly dismissed the thought. After all, luxury collectors often owned similar pieces.
"He was particularly interested in this one," the manager continued. "Although he couldn't attend the auction personally."
He scrolled through a few more records of Zaviyar's previous purchases.
"We were actually quite surprised when he came in himself to purchase this necklace."
The manager chuckled softly. "It was the first time he had visited us in person instead of sending a representative.", Safiya nodded, masking the unease stirring inside her. A moment later, an employee returned with the ring, carefully nestled inside a blue velvet box.
Without another word, she handed over her card and completed the payment.As she stepped out of the store, the cool evening breeze did little to quiet the countless questions crowding her mind.
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That Same Day
Zaviyar absentmindedly tapped against his phone screen for what felt like the hundredth time, checking if a message from his wife had arrived.
His attention was so consumed by the glowing screen that he tore off a piece of chapati and, without thinking, dipped it into the bowl of kheer instead of the gravy.
He took a bite anyway, never even noticing the strange combination. His mind was elsewhere, far too occupied with waiting for Safiya to care about what he was eating.
"Zaviyar beta, khana toh theek se khaa lo.", Riffat reprimanded gently, watching him stare at his phone instead of his plate.
[ Zaviyar, at least eat your dinner properly. ]
"J-ji.", Zaviyar answered, startled out of his thoughts. The tips of his ears turned pink as he looked up and realized Nauman, Kabir Riffat and even a few members of the staff were watching him with amused expressions. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he quietly placed his phone beside his plate.
[Y-yes.]
"Zaviyar, table par mobile nahi chalane ke niyam toh tumne hi banaya tha na?", Riffat teased knowingly, fully aware that he was simply missing his wife.
[Weren't you the one who made the rule that no one uses their phone at the dining table?]
"Ammi, aap bhi na. Bhabi ka call aane wala hai, isiliye bhai aankhein gadaaye baithe hain.", Kabir chimed in with a grin, earning himself a sharp glare from Zaviyar.
[ Ammi, you should know. Sister-in-law is about to call, that's why brother has been staring at his phone.]
Zaviyar had barely opened his mouth to retort when his phone lit up. Safiya's name flashed across the screen. A small smile instantly found its way onto his face. It was time for their nightly video call.
Without wasting another second, he hurriedly finished the last piece of chapati, practically shoving it into his mouth and pushed his chair back, before fleeing from the dining area.
"Zaviyar, dinner toh achche se kar lo.", Riffat called after him.
[Zaviyar, at least finish your dinner properly.]
"Nahi Ammi, mera ho gaya. Aap log dinner karein ", Zaviyar replied before walking away, his phone was already in hand.
[ No, Mom, I'm done. You all continue with dinner.]
The family exchanged warm, knowing smiles as they watched him disappear upstairs. After such a long and exhausting day, seeing the usually reserved man so carefree and eager over a simple video call with his wife was enough to warmn their hearts.
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That night
A soft knock echoed through the house well past dinner time. Riffat frowned in surprise as she opened the door, only to find Zaviyar standing outside. It was unusual for him to visit so late at night. He offered her a small nod before stepping inside at her silent invitation.
"Areh Zaviyar beta, itni raat ko yahan?", rabiya asked surprised.
[Oh Zaviyar dear, what brings you here so late at night?]
"Ji Ammi... woh... mujhe parso Akshat se milne ke liye Almora jaana tha. Toh main soch raha tha ki Safiya ko bhi saath leta aaun.", Zaviyar replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
[Yes, Mom... I have to go to Almora the day after tomorrow to meet Akshat. So I was thinking of bringing Safiya back with me.]
"Mera matlab hai... paanch din toh ho gaye hain na...", Zaviyar awkwardly admitted that he wanted to bring Safiya back with him from Almora. Embarrassed to confess he missed her, he hoped his mother would understand the real reason.
[I mean... it's already been five days.]
"Bore ho gayi hogi wahan...", Zaviyar said, while Riffat bit the inside of her cheek to hide her smile.
[She must be getting bored there.]
"Mujhe toh nahi lagta ki woh wahan bore ho rahi hai. Kabir ne mujhe uski... kya kehte hain usse...", She tapped her finger thoughtfully against her chin before her face lit up.
[I don't think she's bored there. Kabir showed me her... whzt do they call it..]
"Haan, yaad aaya. Story dikhayi thi. Badi pyaari aur khush lag rahi thi. Kitni afra-tafri mein shaadi hui thi. Bechari ko zara waqt bhi nahi mila apne doston aur parivaar ke saath.", Riffat playfully insisted.
[ Yes, I remember now. He showed me her story. She looked so happy. The wedding happened in such a rush. Poor girl didn't even get time to be with her friends and family.]
Nauman quietly shook his head, instantly recognizing that his wife was deliberately teasing their son.
"You are right, Ammi. I thought it would be easier that way.
Uhm... you tell me when I should bring her.
I mean, I'll have to settle all the matters of the village, and...
you know the water canal project is also going on...
", Zaviyar rambled, trying to sound practical, though his restless expression gave him away completely.
Riffat couldn't help smiling. The confident, composed man who handled entire businesses without hesitation suddenly looked like a flustered teenager all over again. Zaviyar tried to hide his impatience behind work excuses but Riffat could clearly see that he simply missed his wife.
"That's fine. There's no rush. But if you're missing her then...", Riffat gently teased him about missing Safiya.
Before she could finish, Zaviyar immediately shook his head, denying it so quickly that it only confirmed the truth
"N-no... nope. Aisa kuch nahi hai.", He denied far too quickly, making his answer sound even less convincing.
[N-no... nothing like that.]
"Achha, main soch rahi thi... Khala-jaan ko kuch samaan bhejna tha. Woh Hajj se kuch hi dino mein wapas aayengi. Tab hum sab waise bhi unke ghar jayenge. Ek kaam karte hain, sab saath chalenge. Tum bhi unse mil lena aur phir Safiya ko lekar aa jaana.", Zaviyar nodded obediently.
[ Well, I was thinking of sending a few things to your aunt. She'll be returning from Hajj soon, and we'll all be visiting her anyway. You can meet her there and then bring Safiya back.]
"Alright... aur woh wapas kab aa rahi hain?", he inquired.
[Alright... and when is she coming back?]
"Yahi kuch teen chaar hafte baad.", the words had barely left her mouth before Zaviyar's jaw dropped. He stared at his mother in complete disbelief, looking utterly betrayed.
[In about three or four weeks.]
"Begum... aur kitna pareshan karengi apne bete ko? BP shoot na ho jaye iska." ,Nauman warned with a chuckle, remembering how stressed Zaviyar had been lately.
[Begum, how much more will you trouble your son? His blood pressure might shoot up.]
"Ammi...", Zaviyar gasped, shocked, sounding thoroughly defeated.Unable to hold back any longer, Riffat finally laughed.
"Jao, jaakar le aao apni biwi ko.", Zaviyar who didn't pay attention to her words, nodded sadly.
[Go. Bring your wife home.]
For a brief second, Zaviyar simply stared at her, almost as if he couldn't believe she'd actually said it. Then, without another thought, he stepped forward and wrapped his mother in a tight embrace.
"Thank you, Ammi."
"Lekin haan, kuch din wahan ruk jaana. Safiya ko achha lagega, aur uske waalidain ko bhi.", Rabiya said fondly, ruffling his hair.
[But stay there for a few days. It'll make Safiya happy, and her parents will appreciate it too.]
"Shukriya, Ammi.", he said once again before walking towards the door.
[Thank you, Mom.]
"Shabba khair."
[ Good night.]
As the door closed behind him, Rabiya remained standing in the same spot, her eyes growing misty.
"Uss haadse ke baad pehli baar usne mujhe gale lagaya hai., she said clutching her arm.
[After that accident... this is the first time he's hugged me.]
She quietly wiped away the tears threatening to spill, while Nauman looked at the door with a gentle smile, silently thanking fate for slowly bringing their son back to them. That simple hug meant more to Rabiya than words could ever express.]
Later that night, after the house had fallen quiet, Riffay sat down on the edge of the bed beside Nauman.
A faint smile still lingered on her face as she thought about the way Zaviyar had rushed off to bring Safiya home.
It had been so long since she had seen him so carefree snd so eager for something, or rather someone.
Her thoughts drifted toward someone she feared would never accept the changes in Zaviyar's life.
"Hamara beta sach mein badal raha hai. Lekin koi hai jisko yeh badlaav bilkul pasand nahi aane wala." , she murmured, the smile on her lips slowly fading.
[Our son is truly changing. But there is someone who is not going to like this change at all.]
"Unhone phir se koi chitthi bheji?",bNauman asked quietly.
[Did she send another letter?]
"Zaviyar se milna chahti hain." , Riffay gave him a small nod.
[She wants to meet Zaviyar.]
"Zaviyar se... ya Zaviyar ki biwi se?" , Nauman asked knowingly.
[Zaviyar... or Zaviyar's wife?]
Riffat lowered her gaze, nervously rubbing her hands together.
"Nauman, humne jaldbaazi mein Zaviyar ka nikah toh karwa diya. Lekin jab unhe pata chalega ki uska nikah Safiya se hua hai... Allah, humein toh soch kar hi khauf aata hai..."
[Nauman, we hurriedly got Zaviyar married. But when she finds out that he married Safiya... Allah, even the thought of it frightens me.]
Nauman knew the real concern was never just Zaviyar. It was Safiya. The thought of the truth coming out filled Riffat with dread.
"Sab kuch aise hi hona tha. Tum itna tension mat lo. Woh samajh jayegi." ,nNauman reassured her, gently patting her back.
[Everything happened the way it was meant to. Don't worry so much. She'll understand.]
Riffat let out a quiet sigh before looking up at the ceiling.
"Allah kare aisa hi ho.", she whispered like a prayer before finally lying down beside him, hoping fate would be kinder than her fears.
[May Allah make it so.]
Riffat could only pray that the truth, when it surfaced, would not destroy the peace their family had finally begun to find.
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