Nikki Eid Da Tohfa By Sajeela Nisaar

About this novelette

Nikki Eid Da Tohfa (Urdu: نکی عید دا تحفہ) by Sajeela Nisar is a short, funny Urdu Eid special about a gang of mischievous cousins in Malik Villa. They hatch a secret plan for the new neighbours that must be hidden from the house’s strict Jallad-e-Azam, with a little romance on the side.

The story opens with gossip: “I heard a husband and wife have moved into the bungalow behind us,” Nisha whispers, leaning in. “Sach? Matlab, new target!” Tania says excitedly, a little too loudly, and Ahmar taps her on the head and tells her to keep her voice down. Zawar quietly asks what the plan is. “The plan’s all ready – just make sure Jallad-e-Azam doesn’t find out,” Mishal says with a face, and everyone pulls a face along with her. Azan scolds her for even mentioning that “executioner” at such a moment, and then Mishal explains the whole scheme, which they’ll carry out after iftar while hiding from him. By the end of it, everyone is grinning wickedly.

The writer introduces the family. Malik Villa, home to cousins each naughtier than the last, is shared by three brothers: Akmal, Jamal and Ahsan. Akmal married his chosen bride Amna, and they have two children, Shehryar and Nisha. Jamal married his cousin Jameela, and their children are Zawar, Ahmar and Mishal. Ahsan, the youngest, married his class fellow Husna, and their children are Azan and Tania.

افطاری کا دسترخوان، کزنز کا خفیہ پلان، اور “جلادِ اعظم” کی ایک نظر۔

“Children, where is everyone? It’s almost time for iftar,” Husna Begum calls as she lays out the dastarkhwan, and the family gathers. Amna Begum asks where Shehryar and Nisha are, and Mishal is sent upstairs to call Shehryar. She knocks, peeks in and says Tai Jaan is calling – he has just done wuzu, his face still damp. As she turns to leave, his voice stops her: “Mishal… where is my watch?” Caught by surprise, she nervously bites her lip, unable to lie, and stands there with her head down while Shehryar walks slowly toward her.

Sajeela Nisar keeps it light, festive and full of cousin chemistry – and the tense little moment between Shehryar and the mischievous Mishal hints that there’s more between them than a missing watch.

You can read Nikki Eid Da Tohfa online here or download the complete PDF for free. More by Sajeela Nisar: Ashiq Hoya Tere Te, Tery Ishq Main Hari and Saddi Yaari SubhanAllah, or see all Sajeela Nisar novels and more cousin romance.