Qaza-e-ISHQ (PRAYER OF LOVE)

By Ali Jaffer

This story is a love sage extended on two generations. This story is about Anayah and Azhar. How Anayah and Azhar fall in love with each others have manipulated Anayah's mind by confusing Azhar's pure love for Anayah as just a phase of time. And he is just not mature enough to be married. And Azhar's mother hates Anayah as much that she sends messengers to Anayah's mother saying " control your daughter as she is playing her tricks on my son and my son has been distracted." and it becomes the talk of the town that Anayah is not a dignified girl. And in this pressure of self-respect and false integrity abuse all of this blindfolds her from looking at Azhar's love and passion for her. She accepts a proposal at the age of 17 and gets married. But destiny has decided something else for them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716777080

Book preview

QAZA-E-ISHQ

Prayer of Love

The story begins with a production house that has made a lot of consultative dramas in the country. The owner of this production house, Hassan Shehryar, the writer-director, was a very creative man. In this production house, very good and talented people were put on internship and then they were promoted based on their qualifications. This is about the days when Hassan Shehryar returned to Pakistan after winding up all his business from America and started this production house. When his business partner Chaudhry Sajid heard in a meeting with Hassan that he was setting up a business, he gave a blank check to Hassan Shehryar without asking any question. The friendship between the two was very strong and very old. They were childhood friends.

Hassan was very selective for the production house's creative team because for him the production house was not a business but a platform to express his feelings. All his life he wanted to say something but time passed and he kept silent. This production house was the medium of his expression, so the Creative team wanted would be capable of further refining his ideas. After a whole month of interviews and meetings, he hired only four people and gave internships to two people.

As time went on, Hassan Shehryar created some of the country's most talked-about dramas. They became very famous all over the country. He was also nominated for the national award three times but never took the award. I never gave an interview. Although, every channel would run to interview Hassan Shehryar.

Zara who was the set designer in Hassan's office and Ahad was the assistant director. Zara had a very traditional nature. Relationships and values were very important to her and Ahad would always go with the flow. That is why Zara was very annoyed by him. Zara had a boyfriend named Zohaib who worked in a bank. Zara's world revolved around her family and Zohaib.

Zara always came to the office on time and worked very hard.

Her coordination with Hassan was very good. Zara was Hassan’s mind reader. Zara always made the exact set Hassan wanted.

Ahad was in charge of props, dresses, Actor bookings, and dates of the artists. His biggest responsibility was to complete the serial within the allotted budget. So it was Ahad’s responsibility to keep Zara’s sets under the budget limits. The two did not compromise in their domain. Whatever Zara wanted for the set she wanted cum what May. Even if she had to kill Ahad. Ahad was an expert in not getting out of his budget, even if he had to wash his hands with his jinn, in both situations, Ahad’s life was to be lost. Zara and Ahad used to fight on creative control. Like Zara, her fight was very professional but Ahad always gave Zara the tug of his bunker friend, which set Zara on fire. But she always controlled herself. The rose which she always carries in her bag was also used in the fight. Zara had complained to Hassan many times about Ahad’s misbehave. Hassan always listened to her and scolded Ahad in front of Zara but did no one take any action.

One day Chaudhry Sajid asked Hassan why he would not take any action against Ahad. He replied Brother this is the quality of creativity. Will make a serial on Zara and Ahad one day and they both started laughing.

Hassan Shehryar's wife denied coming back from America and she was running her business in the USA. Hassan's son Mustafa was in school and lived with his mother. Hassan used to visit them whenever he got time. Hassan's parents lived in Canada with her brother.

One day when Zara came to the office, she was looking very depressed. She was confused even in the morning meeting. She didn't talk to anyone. Hassan called and asked if everything is all right? Zara answered. Hassan said, If you don't want to tell, that's okay, but don't waste yourself. And then he left. Zara was busy with her work. She was completely silent even while going to the shooting site inspection. Ahad was going crazy as if Zara's replies used to work as his oxygen. Today she was very quiet and Ahad was holding his breath. Finally, Ahad fed up, he stopped the car and got out of the car took a few deep breaths came back in the car and saw Zara was crying. Ahad did not realize what to do. He asked, What happened to you today? Silence since morning? And now this flood is intended to shed some excuse? Zara’s started hiccups while crying but she didn't say a word. I'll call your house, he said. He picked up the phone and dialed Zara's mama's number. Immediately a voice came He is seeing someone else Ahad turned towards Zara, Cut the call and got out of the car, laughed, and went crazy.

After realizing the situation he got back in the car and drove on. Kept giving tissue to Zara along the way but no one spoke a word. When he reached on the location while getting out of the car, he said Zara, Let no one see your tears. You are not so weak.

In the evening, he called Zara and told her that Hassan asked them to visit a site for shooing so I am coming to pick you up. Get ready."

She was very depressed and was not in the mood to go out but Ahad reached her house and met her mother. Finally, she came along. Ahad stopped Zara in front of a hotel. She was very surprised where he had brought her. Ahad took Zara inside; Zohaib was already there with his new girlfriend. Ahad grabbed Zara's hand and sat her on the rag in front of Zohaib. Like a rose, Zara used to bring in her bag every day. The same was seen in the hand of Zohaib’s new girlfriend. Who was sitting with Zohaib? Ahad was standing with his hands on the table and Zohaib was pale. The girl was also wondering what was happening. Tears were flowing from Zara's eyes. You're not even capable of talking to me, said Ahad, turning his back on Zohaib. He is not worthy of you, Zara, Burry him right here right now out of your life Said Ahad.

Tears welled up in Zara's eyes for a minute she stared at Zohaib. Maybe she wanted to say something but her values did not allow her. In a moment she got up and left. To get back in the car, Ahad made his way to Zara's house. I don’t want to go home, came Zara's voice. It will be too late. Your mother will be waiting, said Ahad. The meeting got longggggggg Zara replied in her hard voice and a smile appeared on Ahad’s face. Welcome back, Ahad said. They had a good dinner that night and when he dropped Zara at her house, Zara turned and looked at him as she got out of the car. Maybe I wanted to say something but didn't.

The next day was office day as usual. Ahad was busy with his activities. A few days later, Hassan noticed that loud noises had stopped coming into the office. Where the office used to be a fish market, now it is very quiet. The flag of peace was now flying on the battlefield. The war was over in seat requirements and budgeting. Ahad used to approve every request of Zara. The debate was now over

And in the meantime, for a song shoot, Hassan called a meeting, as usual, Zara, was responsible for Sets. Hassan especially emphasized that we have a limited budget for this shoot but the sets are required very big and the quality should be is very high. Hassan had never insisted on a budget before, even looking at Ahad. Zara said she had designed some sets after the client meeting. But after this briefing, she wanted to work on some new things.

When Ahad left for home in the evening, his eyes fell on Zara who was still at work. Ahad asked, Why are you still sitting in the office? No answer came. Ahad asked again then no answer came. He pulled out Zara's pan which was in her hand and asked why you haven't gone home yet? Zara said, I heard it for the first time So why did you not answer? He said, I am not answerable to you. You are done with the day? You carry on. You will have a lot of work to do at night. Zara said angrily. Ahad kept looking at her in silence. And asked the same question again. You think I don't understand? I'm not a fallen girl and I don’t need you, Zara said. You think I'm badly oppressed, weak and you'll pity me? No, Ahad, and I don't want your favors. Now if you please excuse me? I have a set to make. Zara shouted and Ahad just kept looking at her. Then he went to the gate. I came back to Zara's cabin and said, Well you need to work so hard for this set. Your first plan is very good. I will fulfill it in the budget. Ahad said this with a devilish smile. Zara, who was looking at something on her laptop, threw the pen towards Ahad intending to kill him. I hate you, I will kill you in Ahad, I can make every set on Merit. "

She kept saying all this but Ahad had left the office. Despite working for a long time, Zara could not make any plan within the budget for the seat. Which would be following the standards of Hassan? In the same predicament, the eye fell late at night. And she entered the office late in the morning meeting. Everyone stood up and started clapping. She was amazed at what was happening. Hassan said, I am proud of you, Zara. You have proved this low budget project to be a beautiful plan beyond our standards and you are perfect in your work. I'm proud of you and she was wondering what she did. She came to the meeting planning that she would tell Hassan this project is not possible on such a low budget. In the middle of nowhere, she saw a man clapping and smiling loudly. He had brought this magic and all of them were applauding to her for the same reason.

After the meeting, Zara went to Ahad’s room and asked, What is this all about, Ahad? no answer came she asked again, I'm asking something. Ahad was lost in his mobile game. Is that what you've been doing for a few days now? Ahad said, What have I been doing for a few days? Ahad asked again, I will drink your blood in Ahad, said Zara. Where will you start, Ahad asked, You are a vain man. She said, I have asked what is happening. Before, you used to argue over everything I said. Now you accept everything? And today? Why did you do all this today? And were you also clapping for me? she said, I don’t need your kindness. I will tell the boss now that you have done all this. I did not do it.

She said and turned towards the door to leave. I have started hating came Ahad’s voice and her feet froze. Started hating? came out of Zara's dried throat. Started hating what? Zara turned and asked, your tears. That's why I won't let you cry for the rest of your life" said Ahad while playing his game.

Zara was not able to breathe for a moment. It was as if her breath had dried up. She was standing as if she had been asked a question that she didn't know the answer to.

She kept looking at him as he had gone back to his game. Zara stood there for a while and came to her room instead of going to Hassan's room. The same phrase echoed in her ear, I will not let you cry. Again and again, the ears were hearing only one thing and the question was only one, why? Why? Why? I'm always fighting. I've always looked down on him. Why am I still thinking? My mind was bursting at the seams. The whole day passed in the same half-thought. It echoed in my ears and the answer came from someone else, He took pity on me when he saw my weakness." That is why he is supporting me. I always wanted to beat him by silencing him in the debate, which was the answer she felt. Yes, but now he had stopped repeating to me. On the contrary, he accepts everything I say even recommend everything I ask for. Yeah Al that sounds pretty crap to me. I will clear everything in the morning. She planned.

Giving more confidence to her, she entered the office in the morning, her eyes were searching for him, she put the bag in her cabin and stepped towards Ahad’s room, and then Hassan called out to Zara What is your plan for today? Hassan asked, Nothing special. Zara replied, Are you all right? Hassan asked again, Yes, I'm fine. Zara replied, All right, carry on. Hassan said and left. And she came back to her cabin with a heavy head which she put on the laptop a voice came in her ears. Whose blood are you going to drink today? She looked up and saw the one standing in front of her who didn’t let her sleep all night. What do you think of yourself she shouted. Don’t think I'm so weak. I don't need your gifts you get it? I can do everything on my own at Merit. You don't need to do anything for me. I just shared one small matter with you and thought you have a chance here? I'm not so weak you remember that. She said everything that came to her mind, even more then what she planned.

This time the whole office was listening. When Zara noticed the whole office was there, she left. Brain began to celebrate Great job, Done Zara, you had a blast in there.  Now he won’t dare ever again. he will always remember all this. And from somewhere the voice was slowly coming I will never let you cry all my life. Gradually this voice overcame the joy that the mind was celebrating. Gradually this voice crushed all the congratulations of the mind. There was a headache from the pain. When she came back to the office, everyone was busy with their work, but he was standing there as if he knew she would come back. As soon as she entered her cabin, the same voice came to her ears: I hate your tears. I will not let you cry for the rest of your life. Zara looked at her in astonishment. This time he was not busy in the game but was looking straight into her eyes. Zara felt the time had stopped there, her breathing had stopped, her throat was dry she felt like she was standing in the court room. And the judge had sentenced her for life in prison. I used to work to fight you, now I work for you, Ahad said again. Suddenly Zara felt warmth on her hand and started walking on her own as if she was walking towards the prison for life imprisonment. It was Ahad’s hand that grabbed Zara's hand and Zara was following Ahad like a lamb. He got into the car and drove away. Zara was staring at Ahad in the car. When he noticed Do you intend to drink blood with your eyes today? said Ahad

Where are we going? Zara finally said something. That's a good question, said Ahad. The next question.

    The car stopped. Zara was not seen coming down. Ahad got down and opened the door on Zara's side and took her down. When she came back into the world, she realized this was Ahad’s house. Why are we at your house? Zara asked Ahad, Is Auntie unwell? Ahad silently grabbed her hand and started walking forward. Zara started walking again. As soon as he entered the house, he brought Zara to the living room. Where his mother was waiting for him. I have brought your daughter-in-law, said Ahad, and Ahad’s mother, Salma, looked at Zara. Zara's ears were drowning in a sea of a surprise to hear this sentence again. A fight was fought in a car in which the brain was exposed. The heart was won. There was only one sentence in my heart, I will never let you cry. Now hearing this daughter-in-law made her feel like she was part of a movie. This Ahad was proving to be more decent and sophisticated than he used to be. Ahad’s father finished his prayers. And joined everyone in the living room.  There was a very happy atmosphere in the house. Zara was just looking at Ahad. She did not dare to say or ask anything. Yes, Ahad. Tell me, son, will you always keep my daughter in law happy? Ahad’s father said, Yes, Baba, I do everything for her as you have always done everything for mama. Ahad said, God bless you, son, said Ahad Father.

Zara my dear, do you like Ahad? Ahad’s mother asked Zara. Zara who was looking down must have been electrocuted. It was as if she had been caught stealing. She had a lowered face. Ahad was smiling when he saw Zara. ۔

Mash Allah Zara is a very sweet daughter. And she did not forget her values even in this time of chaos, said Ahad’s father. Ahad’s mother said. I'm talking to Zara's parents right now. And we're going to talk in the evening to get our daughter home, said Ahad’s mother. This time Zara was looking at Ahad and there was a strange smile on their faces.

Hello, how are you, Anaya Bhabhi? Ahad’s mother spoke on the phone with Zara's mother. Hello, Salma Bhabhi. I'm fine. How are you? Zara's mother Anaya replied, I'm fine. How are you? Salma said, I am fine by the grace of GOD Anayah replied, Anayah Bhabhi, we want to come over to your house. Me and Ahad’s father, will you stay at home this evening? Salma asked, Of course, Salma Bhabhi. We will wait, will have dinner together

Ahad had to go back to the office. Salma and Ahad’s father said goodbye to Zara with a lot of love and prayers. Ahad dropped Zara at her home. All the way Zara didn't speak, just looking at Ahad. And Ahad just kept looking ahead and kept driving.

When he reached the office, Hassan called Ahad and immediately ran to Hassan’s office. Your dad called. Are you getting married to Zara? And he asked me to go to Zara's house with him? To talk to her parents about your and Zara's wedding? Hassan asked Ahad. ? Hassan asked Ahad. So what do you think? For all of us office staff, you are just like our parents. We cannot do any work without you. And Hassan hugged Ahad.

So it was decided that Hassan would take Ahad and his parents from Ahad’s house to Zara’s place. Ahad's mother had packed a dress and gold set for Zara, as well as nine gold bangles, as well as lots of sweets and fruit baskets. Hassan Shehryar left his house and was on his way to Ahad’s house when suddenly a truck crashed into his car. A large crowd gathered and Hassan was shifted to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Ahad and his family were waiting for him. Ahad was constantly calling on Hassan’s mobile phone but it was switched off. That is why Ahad’s father said. We are already too late so we should move. Meanwhile, Zara's family was waiting for everyone. And Zara was dying in anticipation. When Ahad’s family