LAGAN IN ENGLISH PART 2

Falak Naz had been working in the office for six months now, and her behavior remained the same. In fact, now she started coming to the office all dressed up, as if she wanted to provoke Afaq.
Sometimes she would arrive late or leave before office hours ended, thinking in her heart that perhaps Afaq wasn’t noticing these things. Maybe she even wanted these things to catch Afaq’s attention so he would call her for some reason, and she’d get a chance to talk to him.

One day, Afaq finally called her into his room. That day she was wearing a bright red flashy maxi dress and had put on heavy makeup. Everyone’s eyes were on her. The room was filled with fragrance.
When Afaq called her on the phone to come in, she got up with a graceful, flirtatious demeanor and walked swaying toward his office.

“Sir, did you call me?”
“Yes.”
He didn’t look up and kept writing on a file.
“Sir, what’s the matter?”
“Falak Naz, you know this is a corporate office,” he said again without looking up, “Not a club.”
“Y-Yes…” Falak stammered.
“When coming to the office, one should respect the office rules and regulations.”
“I… I mean… what do you mean?”
“You understand very well what I mean. Keep it in mind next time. You may go now.”
Confused and embarrassed, she came out.
“Ugh… bastard…” she cursed in her heart.
He didn’t even bother to look at me. If he wasn’t interested, then how did he know what I was wearing today?”
“Who does he think he is? If I don’t resign today…”
“Why should I bang my head against a wall? That arrogant man… and he acts like he’s so proper…”

She kept fuming all day, thinking she should quit this job. What glamour is there anyway? The same routine, same work, same dull office atmosphere.
If only Afaq had come under her influence, it would’ve made sense. The mission she had come for had already failed, and now there was no hope left.

She was only afraid of her father, as she had promised him not to quit the job without his permission. Now she’d have to find a convincing excuse to get that permission.
He had made it clear — if she left the job without his consent and sat at home, he would think she had caused serious harm to his friend’s son’s firm.
She had come thinking she would eventually take over the whole firm, including the friend’s son, but now her ego had awakened.
Afaq was not her type of man, and wasting her talent like this didn’t sit well with her.

Even at home, she kept thinking about how to get out of this situation. Still, she had confidence in her sharp mind that she would find a way.

The next day, she came to the office reluctantly.
“Ugh, going to work today feels like such a burden. I don’t know why I got into this mess in the first place.”
She never liked servitude. She preferred to rule, to command, to have her way. But now she was someone’s employee.

She felt like resigning and throwing it in Afaq’s face so he would realize she wasn’t some helpless girl.
That day she didn’t joke around with anyone as usual. Nor did she call anyone outside the office to chat.
She kept checking the time again and again, waiting to leave.

Finally, when the workday ended, she began gathering her things. Afaq had left the office a little earlier.
It was the 22nd of the month — she thought she should plan to resign within a week so she could quit before the new month began.

Just as she was about to leave, the office peon approached her and, with great courtesy, handed her a sealed envelope.
“This was given to me by the boss for you,” he said.

Hearing "from the boss," she got nervous and quickly snatched the envelope and stuffed it into her purse.
“What could be in it?” Her heart started pounding.
Maybe Afaq had written an apology for his behavior.
Maybe he was scared she might leave. Who knows what he had written in that letter…
She rushed down the stairs. The peon had handed over the envelope so secretly, as if he didn’t want anyone else to see.

She wanted to tear it open right there, but there were too many people standing by her car, so she held herself back and started the car.
Just then, a colleague named Fakhra called out and asked for a ride.
Dropping people off was something she usually enjoyed — she even offered it herself.
But today, Fakhra asking for a lift irritated her.

Still, out of courtesy, she let her in.
Throughout the ride, she couldn’t focus on what Fakhra was saying.
“If only this girl hadn’t gotten into the car, I could’ve stopped somewhere quiet and read the letter.”
Now she’d have to wait until she got home. Only a few minutes left…

As soon as she got home, she rushed to her room, opened her purse, tore open the envelope, and pulled out the letter.
It was a typed, long letter.
She read it — and felt dizzy with rage.

It was a termination letter.

Afaq had written in strict words that she was never on time, did not respect office rules, and was not dedicated to her work.
Therefore, she could no longer be retained at the office.
She was instructed not to return from tomorrow.
However, her full month’s salary would be sent to her home.

“Bastard… son of an owl…”
In anger and hatred, she bit her lip.
“How dare he fire me? I’ll teach him such a lesson…”
“…But how?”
“It would’ve been better if I had resigned myself today. If only I had done that. Shouldn’t have cared about Dad. If only I’d slapped him with the resignation letter.”

But now the opportunity for revenge had slipped from her hands.
“But I won’t spare him. Just wait — I’ll take revenge for this humiliation that he’ll remember forever. Just wait and see.”

She paced the room like a madwoman in rage.
She picked up the letter again — read it a second, then a third time.
Such humiliating language!
“I’m not his slave! I don’t care about him!”
She tore the letter into pieces in fury and then stomped on them with her shoe.
“My shoes don’t care about you. Wretched man. Who do you think you are? Just wait — I’ll ruin you.”

“…But how?”
This thought doubled her rage.
And then — Dad came to mind again.
Otherwise, she would’ve stormed the office with her entire gang.
She could’ve destroyed everything.
Even gotten a protest march against him.

But then — Dad.
Now she had to find a way where “the snake dies, but the stick doesn’t break.”
Dad must not find out, but that jerk must suffer.
“Tomorrow, I’ll ask Nomi for advice,” she thought.
Nomi had once gotten a girl kidnapped who had spoken rudely to Falak Naz at a club.
She knew how to buy people.

She spent the whole night burning in rage — couldn’t eat, couldn’t even face anyone in the drawing room.
Who knows what strange assumptions people would make seeing her dangerous mood — and especially Dad must not know she was fired.
Otherwise, no future plans would succeed.

For a whole week, she kept plotting in her head.
But every morning, she would leave the house like usual and come back in the evening.
Even at home, she didn’t talk much.
Day and night, she burned in a strange fire.
The more intensely she made a dangerous plan, the more miserably it would fail.
And then she would start thinking all over again.

One Sunday, Dad came into her room and said:
“Falki, dear! These days you’re hardly seen, and you don’t even chat anymore. Is there too much work at the office?”

“No, Daddy,” she said, trying to hide the thief of her heart. “Actually, I’m not feeling well, and I…”

“Oh, then you should’ve told me earlier! Come on, I’ll take you to Dr. Sultan for a check-up.”

“No, Daddy, it’s nothing like that. It’s just that constant work has started giving me headaches.”

“Then take a few days off.”

God help me, she said to herself, this conversation is going nowhere.

“Listen,” Daddy said, “I actually came to your room for an important matter. It’s about Afaq, right?” he said very simply.

“Yes,” Falak Naz felt as if a bomb was about to explode. Who knew what Daddy would say next, and what would happen to that stupid Afaq?

“Yes?” Daddy paused, making her anxious. Why doesn’t he just say it?

“Afaq... it’s about Afaq.”

“Yes… yes…” she said sharply.

“Dear,” he softened even more, “he’s sent a proposal for you.”

“Daddy!” Falak Naz screamed so loudly that Daddy jumped in surprise.

“Daddy… Daddy…” she started breathing heavily and sat down on the bed in a panic.

“Sweetheart, this is your personal matter. I don’t want to make any decision about your life without your opinion. The choice is entirely yours. Afaq is a good boy, but if for any reason you don’t like him, I won’t force you. I’m going to my library. If you accept the proposal, come there. Afaq will come tomorrow evening for the answer. If you’re not interested, then just rest. Don’t worry, I’ll tell him clearly.”

With that, Daddy left the room.

“Oh God,” Falak Naz couldn’t believe her ears. What strange events are happening! That man never even looked at me properly in the office. Then, without any major fault or notice, he kicked me out. And now he wants to marry me? What kind of person is he? A man or some mysterious riddle trying to drag me into confusion for no reason?

Yes, Falak Naz! This is your chance to take revenge. Fate has handed you the opportunity itself. Give a straightforward reply. Tell him that marrying a useless and heartless man like him would be worse than drinking poison. It’s better to stay single forever than to live with a man like him. Yes, yes—spit on his face if you have to! Give the answer yourself, call him. Why involve Daddy in this if you can handle it on your own?

Alright, she sat up, this is the moment. I should give the most sarcastic and hurtful response possible.

Yes, yes… this is the moment!

She began pacing the room like a madwoman.

So he wants to marry me? Me?

What if… what if he’s actually fallen in love with me? a voice echoed in her heart. Some people show love in such strange ways. They act indifferent, treat you like a stranger, keep to themselves. But inside, they melt completely.

She began remembering several film-like love stories.

Can someone propose without a connection? He has seen me well, knows me, and still sent a proposal—with sincerity, to Daddy no less. If he had told me directly, I would have thought it was a joke. At least no one jokes with a girl’s father.

So Falak Naz, the fire is burning on both sides.

He’s dying inside too, pretending on the outside. Maybe he couldn’t bear the office distance any longer. That’s why he fired me, in a dramatic fashion, so he could later claim me. And then, immediately sent a proposal.

Yes… yes, it makes sense.

But he could’ve told me all this too.

Fool! If he had the courage, he wouldn’t have acted like a stranger in the office. Some men act all macho on the outside but are weak inside. They don’t have the guts to say even a word.

Yes, that’s right.

She smiled and stood up.

In just a short while, her thoughts had taken a complete turn. A little while ago, she had been planning revenge on Afaq. Now, she had completely forgiven him for all his coldness and distance. In his silent behavior, she now saw gestures of love. So, from the heart, she forgave him.

Coward! The poor guy is a coward. Lovers are cowards. No point in making him suffer now.

Yes, the time for revenge will come—after the wedding. Just wait and see. I’ll get back at him, count by count. If I don’t make him lick my shoes, my name isn’t Falaki!

Now the game will be in my hands.

But oh no—it’s 10 o’clock already. Daddy must be asleep. If I don’t tell him my decision tonight, he might say no tomorrow. Oh God, what a disaster that would be!

She quickly looked for her shoes, combed her hair, and ran upstairs, panting and trembling. When she entered, she saw Daddy sitting peacefully, reading a book and smoking his pipe.

“What’s wrong, Falaki?”
He looked at her with surprise and asked gently.

“Well, Daddy… umm…”

“You came to say something?”

“Yes, what you were asking earlier…”

“What was I asking?”

“Uff, Daddy! Your memory is so weak.”

“Then darling, remind me.”

“Just a while ago, you were… talking about me…”

“About Afaq, Daddy.”

“Afaq?”

“Yes, the matter about Afaq.”

“The matter about Afaq? Oh yes,” Daddy laughed. “I completely forgot. If you don’t like Afaq, that’s fine. But why are you so scared?”

“No, Daddy, why don’t you understand?”
And she actually began to cry.
Was it really such a big deal? He himself had said—"If you agree, come to the study."
And now, despite being a modern-minded and confident girl, how could she suddenly declare that she was ready to marry Afaq at any cost?

She kept crying and crying.

---

Daddy came closer to her and said, “Tell me clearly, what’s bothering you?”

“Bothering me...?” She got angry all of a sudden.

“What could possibly bother me? You said Afaq proposed. So I came to tell you. I agree, I accept!” she screamed and then burst into tears.

“What’s there to cry about in this?” Daddy started caressing her head.

“Alright, alright, I get it. I guess I misunderstood. I thought maybe you didn’t like the proposal. Well then, it’s all good.”

Daddy began lighting his pipe.

Oh God, when has Daddy ever completed a conversation? He always twists everything around.

“So, it’s settled then.”

“Now you go and rest. And listen, stop going to the office from now on.”

Hmph! She shrugged her shoulders and quickly left the room. Once in her room, she breathed a sigh of relief. For a while, she remained astonished at the sudden change in situation, and soon drifted into dreams of a new life.

Morning turned to evening.

And just like that, a week passed by.

A whole week passed in such peace, as if nothing had happened in the house. Every day she would wake up thinking something would definitely happen that day. Guests would arrive, something big would unfold—she would sit waiting until the evening, but nothing happened. It was as if the family had dropped the news in her ears and then completely forgotten about it. She felt like she was hanging on a thread of curiosity. What was the decision? Daddy was always forgetful—what if he forgot this too? But people don’t forget such important matters. What if Afaq changed his mind? What if he didn’t come back to give his answer? Maybe Daddy was too embarrassed to tell her.

Oh God! How fearless and bold she used to be. And now? She was turning into a coward. It was such a small thing—she could just call Afaq and ask. But knowing his temperament, she was afraid he might get offended for no reason. He never cared about others’ feelings before. But Afaq—she had to win him. Without winning him, she couldn’t achieve her goal.

Mom, too, stayed busy with herself. Morning parties, evening clubbing. Mom never had time to talk to her, but at least in such an important matter, she should have shown some interest. Why was she so indifferent?

A week passed by.

And no one told her how far things had gone or why there was so much silence. That day, she was full of anger. As soon as Mom came out dressed up to leave, she ran and grabbed her.

“Mom, can’t you stay home for once?”

“Eh? What’s wrong with you today? And what would I do at home? Your dad’s always busy with business!”

“And what about me? I haven’t gone to the office in days. I’m so bored sitting at home.”

“Your boredom will vanish in a few days.”

“Mom, please... tell me something? I don’t know anything.” She clung to her mom’s neck.

“There! Now you’re making me late. Your marriage has been fixed with Afaq.”

“Really, Mom?!”

“Yes. It’s been a week. He’s even asking for an early wedding date. Didn’t your father tell you?”

“No!”

“How strange. He was just telling me Afaq wants the wedding within fifteen days.”

“Then why didn’t anyone tell me?” Falaknaz started twirling with joy.

“Well, now you know. Let me go now. Give me a list of your things tomorrow morning.”

“Mom... Mom!” She ran after her. “At least tell me the wedding date?”

“Your dad would know.” She shook her pallu free.

But now she didn’t even want to ask Daddy anything. She already knew the main thing.
And no one even considered it important enough to tell her. Wow—how would they understand what this news meant to her? How would she tell the world now? She just wanted to pick up the phone and call Afaq again and again.

“But why?”

Just like Afaq was doing everything according to his plans and teasing her, she should tease him too. Pretend like she didn’t know anything. Like she had no clue what was going on. She wanted to share this news with her entire gang—especially Pinky. How shocked they’d be to hear, “So I finally won the game, huh?”

He thought he was some kind of Prince Charming in front of me...

She was just about to call when she saw Daddy approaching.

“Oh Daddy!” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re so mean!”

“Why, dear?”

“Because you don’t tell me anything! You just keep doing everything on your own.”

“Well, listen...”

“Look, I brought some wedding card samples for you to choose from.”

“Oh my God, Daddy!”

She snatched the envelopes and started looking at the cards one by one.

“Sit here and listen to me calmly.”

“Afaq wanted the wedding date quickly, so I gave him January 1st. Is that okay?”

“Wonderful, Daddy! That’s my birthday!”

“That’s why I want to give you the biggest gift of your life that day.”

Falaknaz blushed.

“Pick a card. They’ll be printed in three days. Only ten days left. Tell me where all to send them. I’ve sent my staff out. And whatever things you want made in these ten days, get them done. The rest we’ll take care of later. Daughter, everything in this house belongs to you.”

Falaknaz was overjoyed.

She picked up the phone.

She called her whole group to share the news. Congratulations echoed from all sides. It was decided that everyone would come over that night to surprise her, and she’d have to prepare on short notice. She was so happy, she felt like she could sacrifice the entire world in that moment.

She and her friends decided that night who would accompany her on the shopping spree starting the next day.

She couldn’t sleep all night.

Her emotions were at such a high, she couldn’t believe she was suddenly ready for marriage. She always used to say, “A woman should enjoy life till thirty, and then marry some fool.”

And now? She had gone to make Afaq fall in love, and she ended up falling for him herself. Was she really in love with Afaq?

“Oh,” she clutched her heart. “What has happened to me?”

She always said she believed in wounding, not killing. So many boys and rich brats were crazy about her. She’d played the game of love with so many.

“Love is nothing but stupidity,” was her philosophy. “Men are fools, and can be made fools easily.”

---

To get what you want, you have to be clever. Girls who fall for someone are the real fools. They ruin themselves. So why not ruin them first?

You should always stay alert. She liked many boys, but after a few days of friendship, she’d dump them. She had the courage to say no. She had pride. And rightly so. She had youth, and God had blessed her with every quality of beauty and charm. So why would she gamble it away? Until now, she made others fall for her beauty.

But today…

There was a strange storm inside her heart. A fire. A heat. Her heart throbbed like a fish out of water. That heartless man couldn’t leave her thoughts for even a moment. Her longing to meet him, talk to him, love him—it was growing with every second.

So is this what they call love? If this is love, then truly, love is a beautiful and precious thing. And how unfortunate she was, who always made fun of it. No wonder people say, “You don’t choose love, it just happens.” And when it happens, it makes you completely helpless.

Wow… love really is a magical thing.

And books around the world are filled with its praises. So it can't be something useless.

Today, she was enjoying the pain, the longing, the burning sensation that love brings. Again and again, she wanted to call Afaq and share her feelings. Maybe he also...

She was thinking, she really wanted to ask him when he first fell for her. When did he lose his heart? When did he admit to himself that he was in love? That moment—when one meets their beloved and gets to know the state of their heart—is so beautiful.

And she wanted to experience it soon. She decided she’d call him before sleeping tonight. And then what? He’d say, “What a bold girl!” So let him say it! What’s wrong with calling your fiancé?

Even while eating dinner, she kept imagining what she would say, and how she would say it. First, she’d tease him a bit. Who knows if he’d even recognize her voice?

She didn’t even pay attention to what Mom and Dad were saying. But when she heard Afaq’s name, she froze.

“Dad, what were you saying?” she asked hesitantly.

“Nothing.”

“Weren’t you just talking about Afaq?”

“Yes, your mother was saying we should finalize the dates for the mehndi and other ceremonies. But I was telling her that Afaq doesn’t like all those formalities. He wants a simple wedding.”

“Mom, why don’t you just talk to him?”

What would she say? He’s not even here. He’s gone to America.

“America…?”

The spoon fell from Falaknaz’s hand.

“You mean he’s in America? And he’ll be back in four days?”

Daddy laughed out loud.

“Yes, dear. He told me before leaving. His mother is still in Washington. He wanted to consult her about the wedding. Maybe he’ll bring her along too. After all, he doesn’t have any relatives here.”

“Oh God!” Falaknaz stood up from the table, frustrated.

“What strange and bizarre events are happening! On one side, he’s rushing the wedding, and on the other, he runs off to America at the last minute. And what if he doesn’t make it back in time? What if his mother doesn’t agree to the wedding? Oh no, it’ll be a disaster!”

“Ugh, he’s such a frustrating idiot,” she thought as her anger boiled.

“He ruins the excitement of everything. I had so much to say to him today, and he leaves me tangled in new confusion. God knows what kind of man he is. And what will happen to me? None of his actions ever make sense. I hope he’s mentally stable. I jumped into this without even thinking. Ugh!”

She couldn’t sleep. A thousand thoughts ran through her head.

“Just think... what strange circumstances. Only four days left for the wedding and the guy goes to America! And look at Daddy…”

Daddy never finds anything odd about him. God knows what Afaq fed him to win him over.

Then why don’t you ask your heart? He hasn’t fed you anything. But still, look how madly you’re falling for him...

Totally crazy… That’s what you are now...

“Once he’s in my hands… oh, the way I’ll deal with him… the way I’ll deal with him... the way I’ll deal with him!”

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