The Chaudhry Haveli was alive with chatter, but not the kind that warmed hearts. Today, envy whispered louder than laughter.
The breakfast incident still lingered in everyone's minds Ayesha's fearless words, her father's defense, and the silent humiliation of her critics. Her cousins and aunts could not let it rest.
The Cousins' Gossip
In the grand courtyard, Sania, Iqra, and Hamza sat together. The afternoon sun poured light through the haveli arches, but their hearts were darker than their shadows.
Sania pouted, playing with her long braid."Did you see the way Ayesha answered me in front of everyone? She thinks she's some heroine."
Iqra folded her arms. "And Uncle Naeem supports her every move. That's the problem. If my father let me dress like her, I'd look just as stylish."
Hamza scoffed. "Stylish? She looks shameless. Jeans, tops, makeup in the morning this is not our way. But of course, everyone stares at her, not at us. Even the servants admire her!"
Sania sighed in frustration. "I swear, she gets everything clothes, attention, freedom. And what do we get? Just lectures about manners and tradition."
Hamza leaned back lazily, smirking. "Don't worry. A storm is coming for her. No one in this haveli tolerates arrogance for long."
The Aunts' Complaints
Meanwhile, in the women's sitting room, Begum Shahida (Chaudhry Arsalan's wife), Begum Farzana (Chaudhry Suleman's wife), and Begum Sofia (Chaudhry Mursaleen's wife) gathered. The room smelled of strong henna and fresh pakoras, but the bitterness of their talk overpowered the aroma.
Shahida spoke first, her eyes sharp."Naeem has truly ruined that girl. Did you see her today? Arguing with Sania like some street girl. No respect for elders."
Farzana adjusted her dupatta tightly around her head."Not just that. Her clothes, her habits, her smoking! The servants talk about it. What kind of example is she setting for my sons?"
Sofia, the youngest of the three, added with a sigh,"And the way Naeem shields her! Sometimes I feel he has forgotten this is a joint family. We all live under one roof. His daughter's behavior affects us all."
Shahida nodded firmly."I'll speak to Arsalan tonight. We cannot allow one spoiled girl to ruin the dignity of the Chaudhry name."
Their voices dropped lower, their plans more poisonous. What they didn't know was that outside the door, little Zara was listening, her heart aching for Ayesha. She ran straight to her cousin's room.
Zara's Confession
Ayesha was sitting by the window, reading a fashion magazine, when Zara barged in, tears in her eyes.
"Baji! They're all talking against you again. Chachi Shahida, Chachi Farzana, even Chachi Sofia. They want to complain to Baba Arsalan and Abba Suleman."
Ayesha put the magazine down and pulled Zara into her arms. She stroked her cousin's hair gently.
"Let them talk, Zara. Words cannot break me."
Zara sniffled. "But why do they hate you so much? You never hurt anyone."
Ayesha smiled sadly, her hazel eyes softening."Because, my sweet Zara, sometimes people don't hate what you do… they hate what you are. They see freedom in me, and it reminds them of their chains. They see confidence in me, and it reminds them of their fears. Jealousy is a shadow that follows light and I… I was born to shine."
Zara hugged her tightly. "I wish I could be like you, Baji."
Ayesha kissed her forehead. "One day you will be braver than me."
The Servants' Courtyard
In another corner of the haveli, the servants and their wives gathered after lunch. Their conversation was softer but more genuine.
Rubina, the cook's wife, whispered,"Log kehte hain bari larki bigri hui hai, par kal hi usne meri beti ke liye school ki fees di."
Rashida, the cleaner, nodded."Haan, aur meri bachi ki kitaabein bhi usi ne khareedi. Jo log uske bare mein burai karte hain, unhe asal mein uska dil nahi maloom."
Even the haveli's staff knew that Ayesha's heart was bigger than her pride.
The Evening Gathering
By evening, the family gathered in the veranda. The men smoked hookah and discussed business, while the women sat together, embroidering and gossiping. Ayesha arrived late, wearing a soft pastel dress that made her glow even brighter in the fading sunlight.
Immediately, whispers began.
Sania muttered, "Of course, the princess arrives last."
Ayesha ignored her and walked straight to Hassan and Danish, who were sitting with books.
"What are you two up to?" she asked playfully.
Danish smiled. "Trying to study, but Hamza keeps disturbing us."
Hamza rolled his eyes. "Don't act so innocent. You two are just pretending to be good boys to impress Ayesha."
Ayesha smirked. "Well, at least they're trying to be good at something, Hamza. Maybe you should try it too someday."
The group laughed, leaving Hamza red with embarrassment.
Hassan leaned closer and said softly,"Ignore him, Ayesha. You don't deserve their nonsense."
Ayesha's expression softened. For once, someone understood.