Chapters 16 & 17 (Mega Finale)
Author: Ishrat Zahid
Farhan's mother visited Shama Begum to inquire about her health. During the conversation, she brought up Arifa's future. "Shama! Arifa's cast is off now, and she seems much more sensible. A cousin of mine has a very noble, well-settled son. I was thinking it's time Arifa settled down in her own home. Daughters are never a burden, but a parent's true peace lies in seeing them happy in their own life."
Arslan, sitting nearby, immediately added, "Yes, Aunty! I also want Arifa to forget the bitterness of the past and start anew." Farhan's mother gently advised him, "Son, never lose hope. You have stepped up to your responsibilities; Allah will open doors for you too. Go talk to your wife—every problem can be solved through communication."
Arslan reflected, "Aunty, dowry is a cancer in our society. We burden the girl's family so much, forgetting that their daughter is the most precious gift. A man should take full responsibility for his wife's needs. People make this sacred bond difficult with useless rituals." Farhan's mother smiled, "I am so happy to see this sense of responsibility in you. My prayers are with you."
Dark clouds loomed overhead. Shanze stood on the terrace watching the raindrops when Hamza arrived with two cups of tea. "What are you thinking, Shanze? If the heart is happy, the weather feels beautiful; otherwise, even rain feels melancholic. Arslan is genuinely remorseful. He wants to make amends. Happiness is knocking at your door—don't turn it away." Shanze simply said "okay" and joined the family in the lounge, but Hamza's words resonated deep within her.
Shama Begum, with the help of physiotherapy, could now sit up briefly. Arslan worked tirelessly with the nurse to help her exercise. Six months of hardship had buried her arrogance. She thought to herself, "The moment I gain my speech back, I will seek forgiveness from Nausheen, Shanze, and their parents." She finally realized that one should only inflict as much pain as they can endure themselves, for Maqafat-e-Amaal is inevitable.
Afzal Sahib was finally at peace. As Jamila brought him soup, he said, "Jamila, I'm thinking we should go for Hajj after Mohsin's wedding." Jamila agreed, "You're right. I always prioritized showing off, but true joy lies in simplicity and pleasing our Creator. We think we own people, but everyone's string is in Allah's hands." Afzal Sahib smiled, "It's never too late to return to the right path. Now, tell Arslan to go and bring his wife home."
Arslan had transformed the house. After renovating the lounge and dining area, he entered Arifa's room to discuss the marriage proposal. Hearing him, Arifa broke down in tears. "Brother, forgive me! I was blinded by greed. I realize now that while we play our games, Fate plays its own—and only Fate prevails." Arslan wiped her tears. "Arifa, humans are prone to error. If you've learned from your mistakes, don't look back." Arifa replied, "I agree to the proposal, but first, I must apologize to Shanze."
The next day, Arslan and Arifa reached Shanze's home. Arifa held Shanze's hands in front of everyone. "Shanze, I am here to apologize. In my greed and jealousy, I accused you of something worse than death for a woman." Shanze's father spoke gently, "Arifa, seeking forgiveness is a sign of greatness. True bravery lies in admitting mistakes and reforming oneself." Shanze then embraced Arifa.
Meanwhile, Jamila warmly welcomed Maria's family. Mohsin hugged his mother, overwhelmed with emotion; the maternal love he had craved since childhood was finally his. As promised, he arranged a separate home for Maria where she could live on her own terms.
On the way back, Arslan asked Shanze, "Will you go to Mom's house or 'our' house? I've bought a small apartment, and I want you to decorate it. I've hired a nurse for Mom; you don't need to worry about the chores." Arifa added from the back, "Sister-in-law, your only responsibility is my brother; I am learning to handle everything else." Arslan stopped the car and bought two sets of jasmine garlands (Gajray)—one for Shanze and one for Arifa. The fragrance seemed to wash away years of sorrow. Arslan had finally learned that a man's true duty is maintaining 'balance' in relationships.
Upon reaching home, Shanze went to Shama Begum's room. Seeing her, Shama Begum gestured with trembling hands and whispered brokenly, "For... forgiveness!" Shanze held her hand. "Mother, I have forgiven everyone. I never wanted to take your home; I only wanted your love." Soon, the whole family gathered with sweets. Afzal Sahib announced Mohsin's wedding, and Arslan shared that Arifa's Nikkah was also fixed for the end of the month.
At Mohsin and Maria's wedding, the entire family was together. A beautiful group photo was taken—everyone wore genuine smiles. That night, as Shanze was taking off her jewelry, Arslan came up behind her. "Close your eyes!" He placed a delicate chain with an 'A' pendant around her neck. "Is this a dream?" Shanze asked. "This is your 'Mun-Dikhai' gift... just a bit late," Arslan said lovingly. Shanze smiled, "Better late than never."
Every story should have a happy ending. If we let others live in peace, society will find harmony. Shanze's 'fortress' was no longer one of agony but of Arslan's sincere and selfless love.
Moral of the Story
Maqafat-e-Amaal is real: The thorns we sow in others' lives eventually find their way back to our own path.
Balance in Relationships: A man's success is measured by how well he balances the rights of his mother, sister, and wife.
No Compromise on Self-Respect: Love is important, but a relationship should never cost you your dignity.
Forgiveness & Reform: Admitting a mistake is not a weakness; it is a sign of a noble soul.
Daughters and Daughters-in-Law: If we want our daughters to be happy in their homes, we must give the same respect and love to the daughters-in-law in ours.
Copyright & Disclaimer
© 2026 Ishrat Zahid (Ishrat Khanum). All Rights Reserved. This work is a product of the author's imagination. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author. The characters and events are fictional; any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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