Chapter 01: An Unexpected Encounter
The cool dawn breeze brushed against the curtains, drifting into the room just as the melodious call to prayer (Azaan) echoed from the distant mosque. Tania stirred, her eyes heavy with sleep. Reaching out, she picked up her phone from beside the pillow; the screen glowed with "5:00 AM." Taking a deep breath, she sat up, her feet touching the floor. This morning wasn't like any other; her heart was racing faster than usual. Today, people were coming to see her for a marriage proposal.
As the cold water splashed against her face during ablution, her mind wandered back to the day she first met Almeer. A meeting that was perhaps a mere coincidence, or maybe a beautiful plan orchestrated by destiny itself.
Eid preparations were at their peak in one of Lahore's famous shopping malls. Tania was stepping out of a high-end brand's outlet after shopping when she suddenly collided with someone. Losing her balance, the shopping bags in her hands fell to the floor.
"Oh, I am so sorry! I truly apologize, I didn't see you," a dignified and soft masculine voice reached Tania's ears. She looked up to see a handsome young man standing before her, his face reflecting genuine regret. He quickly bent down, picked up Tania's fallen dresses, and handed them back with great politeness.
"It's okay, no problem," Tania replied softly, yet she was struck by the stranger's gentlemanly behavior. He excused himself and walked inside the store. For some reason, Tania—who was about to leave—felt an invisible pull and walked back inside as well.
Inside, Almeer (whose name Tania learned later) stood scratching his head in front of heaps of women's clothing. He would pick up one suit, then another, his face clouded with confusion. Tania stood at a distance, browsing the new designs, when Almeer turned toward her.
"Excuse me! Could I ask for a small favor?" Almeer asked hesitantly.
Tania smiled at him, "Of course, how can I help?"
Almeer took a deep breath. "The truth is, I've come out to shop for my mother and sister, but seeing all these colors and designs has made my head spin. I always came with my mother, but she's quite ill this time, and I've insisted she stay home to rest. Now, I can't figure out what she would like."
Tania's smile widened. "That's very kind of you to take care of her. Tell me, what kind of clothes do they prefer? Give me an idea, and maybe I can give a better suggestion."
Almeer explained that his mother was a bit older and preferred soft, elegant colors. His sister liked bright colors but didn't wear heavily embellished clothes; she preferred delicate thread work.
Tania professionally began looking through the catalogs and led Almeer to the 'New Arrival' section. There was a beautiful light blue suit with exquisite white thread embroidery.
"This color will look stunning on your mother," Tania suggested. Almeer's eyes lit up. "Wow! This is actually perfect. My mother loves blue."
Almeer finalized that suit for his mother, but his eyes were still searching for the perfect outfit for his elder sister. Sensing his confusion, Tania suggested, "There are a few other brand outlets nearby with unique collections. We should check them out once." Following Tania's lead, they visited other outlets. Finally, Tania stopped at a suit and said to Almeer, "Here is the perfect suit for your sister, exactly according to your taste!"
Almeer was amazed. "I couldn't have made a better selection myself even if I spent all day. You've made my job so much easier." He had the suit packed, made the payment at the counter, and they walked out of the store. Outside, he thanked Tania sincerely, to which she replied simply, "Your task is done, that's enough. When your mother wears this, just ask her to pray for me." Almeer replied, "I will surely mention you to her."
Almeer then introduced himself. "I've been with you for so long and haven't even told you my name. I am Almeer, the son of the owner of 'Jahangir Group & Enterprises.' We live here in Y-Block." Tania responded, "Nice to meet you! I'm Tania. My father isn't a big personality; he's a school principal and runs his own school. We also live in Y-Block." Almeer laughed. "Really? It's surprising we never ran into each other before." He then told her, "I left my mother in the care of a maid; I should go as she must be waiting. You've helped me shop so efficiently. People often give women a bad name saying their shopping never ends, but you were incredible."
They walked toward the lift together, pressed the basement button, and headed toward their cars after saying goodbye. Sitting in his car, Almeer felt a strange sensation. This meeting with Tania had left an impression on his senses like a breath of fresh air. He was a man who kept to himself, never making female friends even during university, often being called "dull and boring" by his social circle.
This was the upbringing of Asiya Begum and Mr. Jahangir. They had raised their only son with a watchful eye. Despite being wealthy, Almeer was not a spoiled brat; he was a refined, mature man. His personality was so magnetic that any girl could fall for him, but his ethics, his way of speaking, and his respect for women were traits he had inherited.
As the cars were moving up from the basement, Almeer saw Tania on the main road. She was standing by her car with the bonnet open, looking distressed. Almeer pulled over and walked up to her. "Can I help you?" he asked.
Tania replied helplessly, "Sure! It was fine just a moment ago. I had it serviced just a few days ago; I don't know why it suddenly stopped." Almeer inspected the engine like an expert and asked Tania to start it. It started up. Almeer cleaned his hands and said, "It'll get you home for now, but it still needs work. Do take it to the mechanic." Tania thanked him, and they both headed toward their respective homes.
Upon reaching home, Almeer entered his mother's room to find her lying in bed under the dim lamp light. He didn't disturb her and went to his own room to pray. Almeer was a man of faith and tried never to miss a prayer. Soon, a servant informed him that his father was home. Almeer folded his prayer mat and joined his father in the lounge, discussing his business meeting and Iftar party.
Asiya Begum woke up and came out to the lounge. Almeer immediately went to her side. "Mother, you should have rested," he said. She smiled, "When did you get back? Why didn't you wake me?" Almeer explained that he had checked on her but didn't want to wake her. After showing her the shopping, Asiya Begum was stunned. The color combinations were exactly to her taste. She kissed him and asked, "Since when did you learn to shop so well? You never used to go. Your sister always said Almeer should go with me so he learns, or what will he do when his wife comes?" Almeer laughed and said, "Mother, I didn't select these. It was all Tania."
His parents were surprised. "Who is Tania? As far as we know, our son doesn't have a girlfriend!" Almeer smiled and narrated the whole story. Asiya Begum watched her son's face closely. This was the first time he was speaking so highly of a girl. "What else did you talk about with Tania?" Jahangir asked playfully. Almeer felt a bit shy. "Nothing else, father. She just left." Almeer went to the lawn with his coffee, but that one meeting with Tania was still lingering in his mind.
When Tania reached home, her father, Mr. Shahab, was waiting in the lawn. He smiled seeing the shopping bags. Tania sighed and told him about the car stalling again and how Almeer had helped her. Shahab listened intently.
"So, what was this Almeer like?" he asked teasingly.
As Tania praised Almeer's personality, Shahab smiled. "Where does he live? Did he give you his number?" Tania realized he was teasing her and blushed. "Father, you're in the mood to tease me. I'm going to my room."
Shahab followed her. "Daughter, your mother is no longer here, so I must do this. If you like the boy, tell me. I'll search every house in Y-Block for this Almeer."
Tania replied while walking away, "He is the son of the owner of Jahangir Group of Enterprises."
The name made Shahab freeze. "Jahangir..." The name echoed like an explosion. Tania went to her room, but Shahab was lost in the corridors of the past.
"Is this the same Jahangir? Sofia's brother?" Memories began to resurface. When he married Sofia, Jahangir was abroad for studies. Sofia had tried many times to contact her brother, but the answer was always the same: "Jahangir is away."
Shahab had been true in his love. He had gone to Sofia's uncle's house with his parents, but Sofia's uncle rejected them due to their lower status and insulted Shahab's parents. Sofia stood up against them, declaring she would marry no one but Shahab. Her uncle threw her out. Jahangir, being away, was told that Sofia had run away and disgraced the family. Infuriated, Jahangir broke all ties with his sister. This was exactly what the aunt wanted! Asiya was their only daughter, and she wanted Sofia out of the way so Asiya could inherit everything their parents had left for them.
Asiya was different from her parents—innocent and far from politics. She spent most of her time with the housemaid, who taught her good values. When Sofia couldn't reach Jahangir, her aunt gave her an ultimatum: marry their choice or leave. Sofia chose Shahab. They opted for a simple court marriage after one last failed attempt by Shahab's parents to reconcile with her uncle. The uncle set a condition: Sofia must leave everything behind—her mother's jewelry, the property in her name, everything.
Shahab's father had proudly replied, "We may have less wealth, but we have honor. My son earns enough to keep Sofia with dignity." On that note, Sofia left her past behind and walked into a new life with Shahab.
Shahab hadn't forgotten that moment. Tears welled in his eyes. "If Almeer is Jahangir's son... will destiny reunite these two hearts, or will the walls of the past stand between them?"
"The name 'Jahangir' was a curse that had haunted Shahab's nightmares for years, and now, it was standing right at his doorstep in the form of his daughter's savior. As Tania smiled, oblivious to the storm brewing in her father's heart, a chilling realization struck Shahab: the past he had buried was not dead—it was coming back to claim everything he held dear. Would he tell Tania the truth, or would he let her walk straight into the lion's den?"
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All rights reserved to the author, "Ishrat Zahid." All content, including the story, characters, dialogues, and unique ideas in this novel "Along with the Spring," belongs solely to the author. Reproduction, republication, or distribution of any part of this work in any form, including uploading to other platforms or YouTube, is strictly prohibited without written permission.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The purpose of this writing is solely for literary enjoyment and not to offend any individual or group.