Love Beyond The Screen

By Nid Younus

ENDING FRIENDSHIP WAS EASY BUT HOW CAN SHE PUT AN END TO LOVE?

In a community where love is forbidden, two strangers from two opposite worlds collide on the internet and fall in love. Are they destined to be together?

 

Zeeshaan Siddiqui, a 25-year-old Elite Hyderabadi living in Dubai, UAE decides to indulge in a secret affair on the internet as he struggles with commitment problems but, the girl behind the screen doesn't fail to charm him. Will she manage to change Zeeshaan's opinion about love and marriage? Will Zeeshaan let her heal his wounds or will he continue to suffer in silence hiding his past from the world?

Zareen Khan, a 16-year-old Indian resident in Jeddah, KSA is out to explore the world of internet and connects with a stranger who makes an impact on her. She falls deeply in love but will her parents marry her away to some stranger whom she met on virtual world and can she trust him enough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nid Younus
• Release date: Mar 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386546917

Nid Younus

I am an Indian author, raised in the captivating Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has deeply influenced my passion for writing about Muslim cultures and crafting love stories with unique and captivating flavors that break away from the ordinary. Writing has been my lifelong passion, and from a very young age, I discovered the power of storytelling and the magic of the written word. My diverse upbringing and rich cultural background have ignited my imagination, inspiring me to embark on a literary journey that resonates with readers from all walks of life. With an innate ability to weave intricate tales, I delve deep into the intricacies of love, romance, and human emotions. My narratives are a celebration of diversity, offering fresh perspectives on love stories that transcend cultural boundaries. Self-publishing numerous books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), I take immense pride in sharing my stories with the world. Through my writing, I aspire to spark conversations about love, culture, and the shared human experience. As readers turn the pages of my books, I hope to leave an indelible mark on their hearts, reminding them that love knows no bounds and that the beauty of diverse cultures lies in our shared humanity.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Z areen! Where are you ?! My Mother called as I roll my eyes annoyed, turning from the computer. I have to deal with her outburst.

How many times do I need to tell you to wipe off the table after lunch?!

Mamma...it slipped my mind! I make an excuse ignoring my Mom who works so hard to keep this house in its place.

You didn’t even fill the water bottles, Zareen. My Mom continues. You know your summer vacations had started and instead of helping me in the kitchen you sit on that computer and waste your time.

Mom! I wail in response. Please! I needed a break from my studies.

Yeah. Right!She snaps at me.Can I never expect to see you in the kitchen? Can’t you give me hand in the house chores?

I don’t like them, Mom! I wail again as we have discussed this so many times but she fails to understand. And I told you so many times not to worry about me.

My Mom used to worry as to how I will manage my house after marriage whereas; I have different plans for myself where marriage was the last decisions to opt for.

You don’t have time for your Mom? My mom let out a deep sigh feeling upset as her voice held disappointment. Ignoring her soft approach towards me, my eyes glance back on the screen which irks my mother again.

You have time for your dumb computer!

Mom! Please! I plead trying to rescue my computer from my Mom’s anger. Dad brought this computer for me a month back as a present for clearing my Tenth with merit. It enraptures me as I explore the internet and start enjoying this new universe that exists behind the screen.

Moreover, I didn't take interest in the household chores which made my mother anxious about my future. She was a typical housewife who wanted her daughter to represent her but I am far more than what she expected. I desire success by reaching heights in education but for my Mom, success depends in shouldering a responsibility and bringing up a family with all the love, affection and devotion.

Therefore, our thoughts never match and thus, I did what I wish whereas my Mom went on complaining and screaming at me. We used to argue over these issues and land up in Dad’s court where everything would go in my favor. Being an only daughter fetched me benefits.

We are in Saudi Arabia, and that is a privilege that our daughter is enjoying,

You know how our society is, and who will accept her as a life partner? My mother would frown upon my Dad when she stated these words.

You worry too much, My Father replies. Have faith on Allah and let her enjoy in this home as we don’t know what future holds for her.

How can I not worry? My Mother would exhale a sigh, but remain silent knowing my father wouldn’t say anything to me even if she insists. Of course, I am Daddy's dearest after all!

So, let me introduce myself. I am Zareen Khan and I have resided in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from last 16 years. I grew here and my parents have pampered me as they choose to keep me safe behind the walls of our home and I didn't experience any cruelty of the world. I imagine and fantasize to meet someone who will love me abundantly and keep me safe in his own world.

I am joyful, innocent and believe that the world is full of good things. Regardless of what anyone said, I am of an opinion that life is wonderful with promises of future so I never expected that someday my life will change forever.

Not again! I grumble to myself shaking my head in disgust as I couldn’t take it anymore. I grab the envelope and dash toward the hall without checking what is inside it. Ammi is busy arranging the cupboard in the kitchen whereas it's visible that Baba isn't home. Ammi, please not again! We have discussed this so many times.

Exactly! You need to approve of this now! She insists smiling at me as I couldn’t argue with her. However, I pull the photo from the envelope to bestow one look at the girl in the photograph for my Ammi’s assurance and slip it back. Ugh! The alteration is clearly evident in the photograph.

You know my decision, I grumble throwing the envelope with the photograph in the drawer giving my disapproval.

She is your Aunt Seema’s niece. My Ammi starts all over again with the girl’s bio-data ignoring my displeasure. She has completed her post graduation in Economics as she loves working. A complete career-oriented girl for you.

Ammi! Ammi! I try to pull her out of this fantasy world. I have no plans of getting married. Not now! Not in the near future. Okay?

Zeeshaan? My Ammi glares at me as I wait for her to complete. What is your problem?

Ammi, my love! Can you please stop insisting about my marriage? I say taking her hands in mine and kissing them. This works in my favor without exception. You know I am least interested and still, you insist me to get married.

Every mother wants to see her son settled in life. She replies giving me a loving look. You are my favorite child after all!

That won't work, Ammi. I say shaking my head amused. Everyone knows you love Bhai more!

But I still love you! You are my youngest son. She says blinking with innocence as I love it when Ammi appear ingenuous regarding all this. Somehow, we began to divert from the topic and I need to bring her back.

I told you clearly. I will not marry a girl who is related to us! I reply putting forward my condition regardless of her feelings as her eyes grow wide and her brows furrow.

That’s impossible! My Ammi snaps at me horrified by my demand. You know our family tradition. We never had daughters-in-law from outside.

I know, I answer sighing as I get ready to leave. And I am sorry I cannot follow it. I am really sorry...this time no family traditions, please! This is my whole life!

What’s your problem? My Ammi demands as I have been going through this discussion from last three years. I came close to an engagement with a cousin but I had to call it off because of personal reasons.

Ammi, you and Baba were relatives, and a slight friction between your families brings a lot of differences between you both, I explain. Furthermore, you got Zayaan Bhai married to Areesha, but you know how strained their married life had been and they are still living under the same pressure. Divorce is impossible in these matters and I hate that.

It’s not what you think it to be, Zeeshaan. My Ammi try to persuade me but I stand up as she continues. I am certain you will get used to it too.

Ammi, I am happy with my life right now and I don’t need a trouble, I answer wittily checking myself in the mirror. I work very hard and when I return home, I feel happy that I can grab few hours of sound sleep. If I get married to any one of my cousins then I know that my life will become a living hell. Every day I will return to hear something or the other created by our own relatives and I am not ready to give away my peace of mind.

Zeeshaan...

Before, Ammi starts another round I give her a kiss on the cheek and hurry to my car. In spite of refusing, so many thoughts cloud my head and I wonder, how long will I keep rejecting the pictures of the girls?

As I turn my keys to ignition, I make a promise to myself. I have seen trouble in my own house and if I wish to keep myself safe thereupon it would be better to keep myself faraway from marriage, family and Girls. They aren't for me and at present my work fascinates me over any girl in this world.

I had completed my M.Techfrom a university in the U.K and worked as a System Safety Engineer in Dubai that keeps me occupied leaving very little space for females in my life.

However, my career required me to travel all over the world where I ended up meeting women from different countries, culture, and society but none ever made it to my heart.

Hardly, did I know that within few days I will fall seriously in love. Never did I expect someone so mysterious to rein my heart with the words on the screen?

I am Zeeshaan Siddiqui and although I am an Elite Hyderabadi I have been staying in Dubai from last 25 years. My experiences force me to build walls within my heart as I remain uptight, strict and reserved but now, I realize that love knows how to sneak in and win your heart. This happened to me, and I have failed in keeping love beyond my territory.

1

Y ou have to fill this up so that I could show it to my cousins in Kuwait, Asfiya says handing me her autograph diary. She was my childhood friend who resides in the adjacent building.

You know everything about me, Asfu, I say taking her new autograph book. I used to call her Asfu with affection.

But I want my best friend to fill it first. She insists on it giving me a smile. She was the most loyal friend to me as we have been together since childhood.

Why did you buy this anyways? I ask studying her pink little autograph book as I search for a pen or pencil in my drawer.

You know we are going to Kuwait this year. She says taking a deep sigh. It’s been few years dad haven’t seen his family.

How is your grandma doing? I ask frowning as I find the pen but it won’t work. I scratch it on the paper but still no success.

She is not keeping very well. The tickets are full, so we are not sure when we will leave but Dad’s trying to get them as soon as possible!

Hmm...when did you last go to Kuwait? I continue as my search comes to an end when I find a glitter pen under my study table and I pick it up.

It’s been 15 years. Mom says I was not even two when grandma saw me and now I get to see her.She says with mirth. I am nervous as I am going to meet my cousins and uncles for the first time...Give me butterflies but I do look forward to meeting them.

Why don’t you guys drive over to Kuwait? I ask filling her autograph book. She shrugs at my question as it was odd that Asfiya's paternal family resides in Kuwait, but they avoid visits due to personal conflicts.

Don’t know! Financial constraints maybe.

Flight is expensive compared to drive, stupid! I chide her as she chuckles.

I really don’t know. She smiles at me making me frown. 

My winter vacation is going down the drain if you leave for Kuwait. I will be really bored. I complain as she gives me a big hug.

I know. We enjoyed so much in summers that I wanted to spend winters with you but looks like that’s not happening this time.Asfiya replies.

She continues to talk regarding her cousins as I scribble the answers, but one column makes me wonder. Asfiya peeks from behind as she studies what I was writing.

So I finished with everything except this one question which I never thought about. I say biting the end of the pen. Asfiya try to sneak again to get a clear view.

What do you look for in your life partner?

Have you thought about it Asfu? I ask turning to face her and she nods.

For me, he should be damn good looking! She answers sweetly, and I tried to think about it. For me good looks don’t count. Does it?

For me, only good looks don’t actually count, I say thinking as I consider this matter.

Then? Asfiya asks raising her eyebrow wondering.

What else do you seek?

Well, I would definitely want my life partner to love me madly, I answer scratching my head and continuing. And he should trust me completely. Umm, he should be romantic, kind and he must go to any length to win me. Someone who should treasure my love and knows how to treat a girl.

Wow! That's a perfect description. Asfiya gives a slow clap as I flash my perfect grin proudly batting my eyelids.

Ahem... so are you describing someone here? She inserts with curiosity and I smile at her blushing

Not yet! I reply shrugging. I haven’t thought about this before but someday I would love to have someone who loves me. Someday I would get married... I mean would love to get married...someday...

Finally, you are out of your career dreams and talking some sense, Asfiya mutter and I immediately cut her.

I have no plans of giving up my career, sweetie...but I definitely want to experience ‘love’ in my life and get married. I explain my thoughts.

Is it love marriage I am going to hear? She questions excitedly, and I shrug pausing for a while. Everyone knows how Muslim families are as ‘love marriages’ remain forbidden by our culture so I have no idea what my parents thought regarding this matter.

You know my family will kill me if I opt for ‘love marriage’...so it’s definitely not happening for me.Asfiya answers, trying to read my mind.

Hmm, that’s something expected. I think as I scribble down few lines in her autograph book.

He should believe in himself. Take his own decisions, and he should be extremely romantic. Asfiya read them aloud as I put a full stop.

What about his looks? Asfiya asks after I close the book.

Looks don’t count as far as he loves me honestly, I answer and she gives a slow nod.

Oh! And he should know what makes me happy, and what makes me sad. I try to reopen the book when Asfiya snatch it.

My God! No need to write that down, Asfiya says, and I smile at her showing off the dimples on my cheeks. You already have a clear image of the person you want as your life partner. It makes me recall someone.

Who? I ask with enuthsiasm.

Prince Charming in Beauty and the beast. Asfiya mocks as I didn't understand.

Prince Charming was really handsome, I retort back.

I am talking about the one under the spell, She winks as I become horrified and throw pillows on her.

Oh! Shut up! I react at her when she nags me with the name 'Prince Charming' and we laugh together.

So is there anything more to add? She asks dodging all the pillows that I had hauled her way.

Not exactly, I nod wondering. I want him to love me with all my imperfections and I will accept him for what he is.

Zareen, you are something else! Asfiya says patting my back. People seek perfection in their life partners and you are willing to love him for his imperfections.

Yes, because I know that I have lots of flaws and I want someone to accept me without complaints, I tell her.  I am so sick of hearing about my flaws every day that I feel I am the worst girl alive on this planet.

Don't tell me about it! Asfiya says shaking her head. I feel the same way.

Well, let's hope for the best then, I reply with so much hope in my voice.

I am impressed...by your dreamboy. Asfiya winks at me as the name 'dreamboy' brought a weird sensation in the pit of my stomach which I cover with my smile. Was he out really out there?

2

P lease Shaukath, I mutter agitated as my best friend went on ranting about her cousin who saw me at his wedding and they were dying to get a date with me. You know I don’t prefer going on dates.

Zee. What do you think you are going to do with your life? Shaukat Fateh Ali demands with a glare.

Stop calling me, Zee! I warn as it got on my nerves but Shaukath enjoys nagging me when I sulk at him.

Okay, Okay! He says raising his hands in the air in defeat. Look you are young and you spend your time after these files. You should go out and meet girls.

What’s the use? I raise my eyebrows and ask Shaukath who knows regarding my family traditions. I cannot marry someone from my relatives and falling in love doesn't exist in my dictionary.

Look, I know you cannot marry anyone outside your relatives but no one stopped you from dating girls, Shaukath says showing me a possibility. Come on! You can have fun at least and this will give you experience my boy.

I couldn't help chuckling at Shaukath's silly mimicry as I nod finishing the remnants of my tea in one gulp.

I agree completely, I agree with him. But what if I fall in love with my kind of girl... Then what?! The hardest part starts after that...When you get serious and you cannot spend your life with her. You know what I am trying to say here, right? I ask him and a thoughtful look crosses his mind.

I know you Zee...you are very strong, and it’s not a big deal if things don’t work out...Everybody moves on in life so stop worrying about it. Shaukath explains. You will get used to it when you experience it.

He says though I know it wasn't that easy but I shrug in response presenting my second excuse.

Going on dates and bonding up with someone is risky. Even if I get serious and try to break up...You know the crap girls do as they want it to work no matter what... I say faking a headache and rolling my eyes. I am in no mood to deal with all that shit as I already have lots of things to worry about.

Hmm, Mr. Zeeshaan wants to enjoy the dessert without worrying about putting on weight. Is that possible? Shaukath jokes and I glare at him as some of his jokes are lame.

Reviews for Love Beyond The Screen

[Mohammed Younas Hussain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have purchased the paperback version of this book and it was interesting!

[Mrs. Younus Hussain · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A simple story with unexpected climax. I wished it to go otherwise but worth reading once. Give it a try!