I should've refused Maha the moment she suggested taking a turn to her village. Hell, I should've refused this entire Mafia escape plan in the first place.
Itna meine puri zindagi mein nahi bola hoga jitna kal bola hai.
(I hadn't talked this much in my entire life compared with yesterday)
And now, here I am, gripping the steering wheel of this van like my life depends on it....because it literally does....while the rest of these lunatics chatter away like we're on some happy road trip and not fugitives who just escaped a literal mafia shootout.
Sometimes all I wonder is why I took birth in the first place.
Maha, as expected, is in full tourist-guide mode. "Guys, you have NO idea how beautiful my village is. It's the best place in the world! There's greenery, fresh air, buffaloes, and...."
"Buffaloes?" I deadpan. "What are we supposed to do with them?"
"What do you mean!" She beams. "They give fresh milk! None of that packet waala chemical-filled garbage you city people drink."
I sigh, rubbing my temple as I focus on the road. "Maha, I don't even drink milk."
"Koi nahi, we'll make you drink it. You know my uncle has a cow named missy and her milk is known to grow heights you can even talk with her"
Uncle? Cow? Height? Kill me.
Ayan, sitting next to me, pats my shoulder sympathetically. "Our Rayan has to impress cows as well."
I glare at him through the rearview mirror. "Very helpful, thanks."
Meanwhile, Ayra and Zaid are busy bickering in the back.
"Zaid I swear if your shoulder touches me again I'll throw you from the window!" Ayra snaps, slapping his hand away.
"Oho, madam, ek centimetre ka gap bhi nahi hai idhar, kahin tou haath lagay ga!" Zaid argues. "Main kya hawa mein latak ke baithun?"
(Ma'am we don't even have a centimeter gap here... Obviously it'll touch)
(Should I hang in the air?)
Hoorain, clutching her seatbelt, looks between them in horror. "Please don't fight. Let's just focus on the fact that we're still ALIVE!"
"For now," I mutter, watching the narrow road ahead as we finally approach the village.
The moment we cross the entrance, Maha jumps onto her seat like an excited toddler. "WELCOME TO MY HOMETOWN, LOSERS!"
I swear, if this van had an eject button, I'd use it on her.
We drive past lush green fields, small houses with courtyards, and kids playing in the dust, waving at us like we're celebrities. The roads are unpaved, and the occasional cow or goat just casually strolls in front of my van like it owns the place.
And then...out of nowhere...a full-on desi wedding procession appears right in front of us.
Drummers. Fireworks. A horse. People dancing in the middle of the road like there's no tomorrow.
"Rayan!" Ahad's voice booms from the back. "Press the brakes!"
I slam the brakes, and the van skids to a stop, barely missing a group of uncles who are dancing like it's their own baraat.
"WHAT THE HELL?" I shout, gripping the steering wheel.
"Oh! This must be Chaudhry Shabbir's daughter's wedding!" Maha claps excitedly. "Guys, chalo na! Free biryani milay gi!"
(Guys let's go we'll get free biryani)
Maha has officially lost her mind.
"We are not crashing a wedding again!" I snap, gripping the wheel. "You already stole half the food from the last place!"
"It wasn't stealing! It was strategic survival planning," Maha huffs, flipping her hair dramatically. "Anyway, fine, let's go to my haveli. But remember, guys...act normal."
I raise an eyebrow. "Maha, you're the least normal person I've ever met."
She ignores me. "Buckle up, losers. We're going home."
Fifteen minutes later the van finally pulls up in front of what can only be described as a literal mansion.
"What the.." Ayra gapes, stepping out first. "I thought she said village....why does this look like a royal palace?"
The haveli is enormous...towering white pillars, sprawling courtyards, and so many peacocks just casually strolling around. Who the hell owns peacocks like they're house pets?
Maha dramatically throws her arms open. "Welcome to my kingdom!"
Zaid whistles. "Bro, are you sure your dad's not an actual king?"
"No he's not... This is basically our ancestral haveli," Maha says, flipping her dupatta over her shoulder. "Stay chill he won't kill anyone but Rayan ."
I freeze. "Kill?"
"Figure of speech!" she chirps. "Kind of."
Nope. Nope. Nope.
I'm not built for this.
Suddenly Ayan begins laughing like menace, "aur bolo mere susar Kay baare mein phas to khud bhi gaye"
(And you were talking about my Father in law.. now you're stuck as well)
"Sharam to nahi ATI Baki sab ata hai Tumhe"
(You have everything but shame)
Meanwhile, Inaya groans, trying (and failing) to adjust her ridiculously heavy dress. "Whatever guys?! I feel like I'm dragging around five extra kgs!"
"I can carry you," Ayan says, grinning as he tugs at one of the endless layers of fabric. "This thing has enough material to make a whole tent."
"Touch it again, and I'll strangle you with my dupatta," Inaya threatens.
Ayan just smirks. "Kinky."
Inaya grabs her shoe, but before she can throw it at his head, Maha claps her hands. "Alright, team! Quick family briefing before we go inside!"
Maha's Crash Course on Surviving Her Family
1. Talk about politics with my dad and support his arguments.. that always works.
2. My mother loves dramatic people, so feel free to oversell everything. Compliment the way she has decorated her house.
3. My bari chachi is the real boss of the house. If she likes you, you're safe. If she doesn't⦠well. Good luck.
4. My cousins always get over in front of guests.
5. If any of my younger cousins ask you for money, don't give it. They run a mini business inside the house, and once you invest, you never get out.
6. Don'tâunder any circumstancesâeat anything served by my cousin Shabbo. She's been trying to "experiment" in the kitchen, and last time, a guest had to be hospitalized.
7. Try not to break anything because it's mom's wedding sets being served since y'all are guests.
There's a beat of silence.
"So basically," Ayra deadpans, "we have a 10% survival rate."
"Sounds about right," Zaid nods.
"Rayan, how are you feeling?" Maha grins at me.
I exhale sharply. "Like I should've let the mafia take me instead."
"Great! Let's go!"
The massive wooden doors swing open, and instantly, chaos erupts.
I am not built for this.
Standing in front of Maha's entire village-sized family, I finally understand why she's the way she is. This is where she gets her chaos from.
The entire haveli is buzzing with relatives. Aunts, uncles, cousins, kids.
...so many kids....running around like they own the place. I know everyone by name as Maha already showed me their pictures.
And then there's him.
Maha's father. The land lord. The human equivalent of thunder.
His eyes are locked on me like I've committed a crime. I don't blame him. I feel like a criminal.
"Who is this?" His deep voice booms across the courtyard, and my entire life flashes before my eyes.
"Oh, this? That's Rayan. My..."
I instantly elbow her. Hard.
"Her friend," I say quickly, before she can say something that'll get me buried in the backyard. I obviously want to tell her parents but not like this... There's a way.
But Maha just grins, completely ignoring my silent pleas for survival.
"Actually, Abbu, he's my..."
"Maha!" one of her uncles suddenly shouts, storming toward us.
Within seconds, every single person in the haveli starts chanting it.
"Maha! Maha!"
Even Maha's dramatic mother joins in, clutching her chest like she's in a soap opera.
"Maha Meri bachi you finally came!" she cries.
"Ammi, please!" Maha groans. "I just went to the city, not a battlefield!"
But her mother ignores her, turning to me instead.
"And who is this young man?" she asks, eyeing me like I'm some sort of prized livestock.
"He's just..." I start, but before I can finish, one of Maha's cousins suddenly yells,
"OYE! WHO BROUGHT A WHITE MAN INTO THE HOUSE?"
WHAT. THEY ARE RACIST.
I AM NOT EVEN WHITE.
The entire horde of younger cousins rushes toward me like I'm some kind of alien species.
"Bro, are you foreign?"
"Do you speak Urdu?"
"Say something in English!"
"Do you have a green card?"
Before I can answer, a random chubby kid appears out of nowhere, slapping my arm.
"Oi! Say something, gora bhai!"
I stare at them in pure horror.
"â¦What the hell?"
They ERUPT into excitement.
"WOOOOW! He actually spoke English!!"
"I told you he's a foreigner!"
"Haji Abba, please let me keep him!"
LET ME KEEP HIM?! WHAT AM I, A PET?!
Maha is laughing her lungs out, barely able to breathe.
"Guys, he's not foreign! He's from the city!" she snorts. "Rayan, why do you look like you're going to pass out?"
"I am going to pass out!" I hiss.
Meanwhile, the chaos does not stop.
One of her aunties suddenly pushes forward, grabbing my face with both hands.
"MashaAllah, what a beautiful boy!"
Beautiful BOY?!
"So tall! So handsome!" she continues. "Are you married? Do you want to be married? I have a niece..."
"CHACHI, PLEASE!" Maha yells, dragging me away before I actually get engaged by force.
And then...just when I think the madness can't get any worse..
Maha's cousin, Bilal, appears.
And immediately spots Hoorain.
His eyes light up like he's seen the love of his life.
"SUBHANALLAH!" he gasps dramatically, clutching his chest. "WHO IS THIS HOOR OF JANNAH?"
Oh.
Oh no.
Ahad is standing right there.
I have never seen him look this close to murder.
Bilal practically throws himself forward, stopping way too close to Hoorain.
"Ya Allah, I must be dreaming!" he says. "Are you real? Or did I die and reach heaven?"
Hoorain blinks. "â¦I'm real."
"MashaAllah!" he shouts. "Chachi! Chachi! I found my future wife!"
"THE HELL YOU DID!" Ahad immediately steps between them, grabbing Bilal by the collar.
"EXCUSE ME?!"
Bilal beams. "Oh, are you her brother? Don't worry! I will keep her happy!"
"Brother?!" Ahad looks personally offended. "I am her..."
I quickly step in. "Ahad, breathe," I whisper. "Murder is illegal."
But Ahad is this close to strangling Bilal.
"Her smile will be my life's purpose!" Bilal continues dreamily.
"Oh really?" Ahad growls, cracking his knuckles. "Then let me give you another purpose...to run."
Bilal runs.
Ahad chases.
Maha collapses with laughter.
Meanwhile, Inaya is still suffering.
"Maha," she says through gritted teeth, "this dress is killing me. Get done with this family drama please."
Ayan, as always, takes this as an opportunity to be a menace.
"You know, Naya, you could just take it off..."
"SHUT UP, AYAN!"
Ayan smirks. "You're so cute when you're mad."
Inaya looks one second away from murder.
Maha, still grinning, suddenly turns to me. "So, Rayan, what do you think?"
I take a long, exhausted breath, trying to mentally prepare myself for whatever is coming next.
Spoiler: I am not prepared.
Maha's father claps his hands loudly, making the entire courtyard go silent.
"Bas, bas! Enough tamasha!" he declares. "Everyone! Let the guests breathe!"
It works...kind of.
Most of the aunts and uncles step back, but the kids?
They refuse to move.
One of them..a mini-sized devil with chocolate smeared on his face...points at me.
"But I wanna keep him!"
KEEP ME?!
"Beta, he is not a puppy!" Maha's mother scolds, dragging him away.
Before I can feel relieved, another kid pipes up. "If we can't keep him, can we at least ride him?"
â¦
WHAT.
"HE'S SO TALL!" another one squeals. "Like a giraffe!"
"Yeah, let's climb him!"
And suddenly a swarm of mini terrorists is charging toward me.
"Maha, CONTROL YOUR PEOPLE!" I yell, dodging tiny hands trying to grab my legs.
Maha? Laughing. Dying. Thriving in my misery.
Maha's father clears his throat, glaring at the kids. "ENOUGH! If you don't behave, no Eid money for you this year!"
Eid money is apparently the magic word because the kids immediately back off.
And just like that, we are all herded into the lounge like sheep.
Now, sitting in Maha's giant living room, I am experiencing a personal crisis.
Because I'm sitting directly across from Maha's father.
His judgmental gaze hasn't left me since we arrived. Does he know that I'm dating her?
Maha? Completely unfazed. She's sitting like she owns the place.
Ahad is still glaring at the door where Bilal ran out. Hoorain keeps mumbling prayers under her breath.
Zaid is sinking into the couch, looking like he wants to disappear, while Ayra sits beside him, arms crossed, still judging him for existing.
Ayan?
Ayan is thriving.
"Wow," he leans back, grinning. "Big house. Fancy decorations. Good lighting. Great first impression."
"First impression?" Maha's mother immediately perks up. "Beta, do you like our house? Do you want to stay longer?"
I kick Ayan in the shin before he can answer.
He just smirks, completely ignoring the pain.
"How did you all reach here?" one of Maha's uncles asks, curious.
Before I can form a decent lie, Maha jumps in.
"Oh, you know," she waves a hand, "we were just escaping the mafia..."
I CHOKE.
"Maha." I hiss.
She shrugs. "What? They don't know it was a small mafia..."
"SMALL?!" Ahad explodes. "THEY HAD GUNS!"
The entire room erupts into shocked gasps.
"Maha, what kind of company do you keep?!" her mother dramatically clutches her chest. "Is this what you do in the city?!"
"No, no, don't worry!" Maha says quickly. "All of them are my friends and they're nice!"
Maha's father's glare sharpens. "All of them?"
"Yes!"
"Even him?"
Oh no.
His eyes land straight on me.
Everyone turns to look at me.
The room is dead silent.
I have never been more afraid in my life.
"Uh⦠yes?" I say weakly.
There's a long, painful pause.
And then...
"GREAT!" Maha's mother suddenly claps her hands. "Y'all must be tired Let's get them food!"
Fifteen minutes later, we are surrounded by food.
A lot of food.
Plates of samosas, pakoras, kachoris, chai, jalebis, and...
A freaking glass of warm milk.
For me.
Maha smirks at me. "Aww, Rayan. They brought you milk like a good little guest."
I glare at her. "I hate you."
She grins. "Drink up, baby boy."
Meanwhile, chaos is still in full swing.
Ahad is fuming as Bilal has somehow snuck back inside and is staring at Hoorain dreamily.
"Hoorain ji," Bilal sighs. "You have the most beautiful hands I have ever seen."
Ahad snaps. "SHE HAS TWO HANDS, YOU WANT A THIRD?!"
Bilal yelps.
Zaid is losing his patience as Ayra is complaining about everything.
"Ugh," Ayra frowns. "This sofa is too soft. It's like sitting on a cloud..."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, your highness," Zaid mocks. "Should we get you a throne?"
"Yes," she replies immediately.
Zaid groans. "I walked into that one."
Inaya is still suffering.
"Maha," she says through gritted teeth, "if I don't get out of this dress, I will pass out. I'm sweating like a roasted chicken."
"You're exaggerating," Maha says.
Ayan grins. "Nah, she's just hot."
Inaya throws a samosa at him.
I try to get up and escape, but Maha's aunties immediately block my way.
"Where are you going, beta?!" one of them asks. "You haven't even had your kheer!"
"Kheer?!" Maha's mother gasps. "Someone bring the kheer!"
Oh my god.
I am never leaving this house.
Maha's father claps his hands again, silencing the entire room.
"Bas, bas!" he announces. "Let the guests rest. They must be tired from their journey. Meanwhile, we will visit the lands."
Maha's mother gasps dramatically. "But they haven't even had their second round of tea yet!"
"Ammi!" Maha whines. "Let them breathe!"
Her father nods approvingly. "Yes, let them rest. Maha, show them their rooms."
I exhale in relief. Finally. A break. A moment of peace. A chance to...
HAHAHAHA.
I was so naïve.
Maha grins evilly as she leads us through the house.
"This is where I spent my childhood," she says nostalgically. "All my memories⦠all my secrets⦠all my unfinished pranks..."
I pause. "Unfinished pranks?"
Maha ignores me. "ANYWAY!" She throws open a massive wooden door.
"Welcome to your resting quarters!"
We all step inside.
â¦And immediately freeze.
Because there are children.
SO MANY CHILDREN.
Akhir Kitne Bache hai is ghar mein?
(Exactly how many kids are here in this house?)
And they're all staring at us.
One of them..probably the leader
...crosses his arms and squints at us. "Who are you?"
Maha claps her hands. "This is Rayan Bhaiya and his friends. They're guests, so behave."
The kids exchange glances. Then the leader speaks again.
"I don't trust them."
"Yeah!" another one pipes up. "They look suspicious!"
A third one...a tiny menace with chubby cheeks...points at Ahad. "That one looks angry. He might be dangerous."
Ahad's eye twitches. "I am dangerous."
The kids scream in excitement. "HE'S DANGEROUS! WE LOVE HIM!"
WHAT.
I step forward, attempting damage control. "Listen, we just need to rest..."
"PROTECT THE FORT!" the leader yells.
And chaos erupts.
Suddenly, pillows are flying.
Ayan gets hit in the face with a teddy bear.
Zaid is fighting off three kids at once.
Hoorain is hiding behind Ahad, who is being chased by tiny humans.
Inaya? Absolutely done. "Maha, GET YOUR PEOPLE IN CONTROL!"
Maha? Laughing too hard to help.
One kid climbs onto my leg. ANOTHER climbs onto my back.
"Maha!" I yell. "CALL THEM OFF!"
She wipes tears of laughter from her eyes. "I CAN'T! THEY'RE TOO POWERFUL!"
"ENOUGH!" a booming voice suddenly echoes.
Everyone freezes.
Maha's bari chachi stands in the doorway, hands on her waist, looking like she runs the mafia herself.
"What is this nonsense?" she demands. "Leave the guests alone!"
The kids instantly surrender.
TERRORISTS. TURNING INTO INNOCENT ANGELS.
One by one, they mumble apologies and run out of the room.
I collapse onto the bed. "Finally. Peace."
Maha's bari chachi turns to us. "Do you all need anything?"
"No, no," I say quickly. "We're fine."
She smiles warmly. "Okay. Just remember...if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
I nod, relieved. "Thank you.."
Today was pure chaos. But I knew my family wouldn't be strict with my friends. We're the most welcoming people. Y'all must've witnessed that just a POV ago. Hehehe.
But right now, I have a mission.
Because poor rhino hasn't eaten anything since we got here. My fitness-freak boy prefers salads and weird green smoothies that taste like grass (no offense to his taste buds), so he probably refused the hearty Desi feast earlier.
I balance a beautifully prepared plate of food in my hands and march towards his room. Since we arrived late at night, everyone has settled down now. Except me. Because feeding my grumpy man is now my life's purpose.
I knock on his door. No answer.
I knock harder. Still no answer.
Okay, final round.
I bang on the door like a tax collector. "Rayan, open up before I declare this door illegal and break in."
The door swings open.
And there he stands.
Disheveled hair. Sleepy eyes. Tired. Annoyed. And yet, when his gaze falls on me, his lips part slightly, and for a split second, his entire face softens. I'm falling again...
"Thought you were hungry, Mr. Rhino," I tease, lifting the plate like a proud chef.
He exhales, runs a hand through his messy hair, and leans against the doorway like a drama hero. "Maha⦠I was trying to sleep."
"And I was trying to let you, but then I remembered you're an idiot who didn't eat. So come with me."
He stares at me, then at the plate, then back at me. "I...."
"No excuses." I grab his hand and drag him away.
I take him to my favorite spot in the haveli...the terrace.
It's peaceful. A soft breeze blows, carrying the scent of old wood and jasmine. The night sky stretches above us, filled with stars.
In the center of the terrace, there's a long wooden swinging chair, big enough for two people to curl up in. My personal favorite spot.
I plop down onto the swing and pat the space beside me. "Come, Mr. Rhino. It's feeding time."
Rayan hesitates. Then sighs and finally lowers himself onto the swing.
I lift a bite of rice to his lips.
He stares at it like it's poison. "Maha, I can eat on my own..."
"Shh." I push the spoon closer. "Say ahh."
He rolls his eyes. But then, he opens his mouth and takes the bite.
SUCCESS.
I grin, proud. "See? That wasn't so bad."
He chews slowly, then swallows, his eyes flickering to mine. "You really care a lot me?"
"Of course I do." I frown. "How can I not?"
His gaze softens again. And then... without a word...he reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
I blink. Oh.
Now I'm the one malfunctioning.
He clears his throat and chuckles. "Feed me another bite and then you can blush."
Oh. OH.
SOFT RAYAN HAS ENTERED THE CHAT.
Just as I prepare another bite, I sense it.
We're being watched.
I glance toward the staircase and spot a tiny head peeking out. A little girl, her dark eyes wide with curiosity.
Rayan notices her too. He narrows his eyes, focusing. "Who is that?"
I tilt my head. "Madaya."
Rayan frowns, thinking. And then his expression changes.
Oh.
Ohhh.
He remembers.
I told him about my seven-year-old cousin. The one with Down syndrome. The one who is deaf and cannot speak.
Madaya, my precious little star.
She's always been hesitant with strangers. People don't always treat her right however I know she wants to be treated like a normal kid. But she's watching Rayan so curiously right now.
Rayan inhales deeply. Then, softly, he asks, "Can I go to her?"
I nod.
Rayan slowly gets down from the swing and kneels to her level.
Madaya freezes. Her hands tighten into little fists. She's afraid. Hesitant.
Rayan doesn't push.
Instead, he does something that makes my entire soul stop.
He raises his hands and⦠starts signing.
"Hi," he signs. "I'm Rayan."
Madaya's eyes widen in shock.
She stares at him, completely frozen.
Rayan grins and waves his hands playfully. "Can I be your friend?"
Madaya's lips part in pure surprise.
And then..for the first time ever..she laughs.
My heart shatters.
I⦠I have never seen her laugh like this before.
My vision blurs. My throat tightens.
I blink rapidly. No, I will not cry.
But..oh my god..this man.
This stupid, grumpy, gym-freak, walking-rhino-of-a-manâ¦
He learned an entire language.
For her.
But just when my emotions are about to break me....
THE REST OF THE KIDS ARRIVE.
"GORA BHAI!" The naughty little leader shouts. "Are you stealing our sister now too?!"
Madaya giggles as the kids storm onto the terrace.
Rayan looks at me in panic. "Maha, help."
I wipe my eyes and grin. "Sorry, Mr. Rhino. You're on your own now."
The kids tackle him.
Rayan accepts his fate.
After the chaos dies down, after the kids leave and it's just us again, I take a deep breath.
Then I turn to him and say, "I love you."
He blinks. "What?"
I smile. "I love you, Rayan. You learned sign language just because my cousin was never treated right. Can this guy be any greener?"
Rayan stares at me. His jaw clenches slightly. His fingers tighten around mine.
Then, softly, he murmurs, "Come here."
I scoot closer.
He leans in, rests his forehead against mine, and sighs.
"I love you more, Maha."
And that? That's my soft, grumpy, green-flag rhino.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
The night is peaceful. The chaos has settled. Rayan sits beside me on the swing, his fingers still laced with mine. My heart is warm, my world is soft.
And then...
"MAHA."
I freeze.
Rayan stiffens.
Oh no.
Oh no, no, no.
Because standing at the entrance of the terrace, bathed in moonlight, is none other than my father.
The great businessman, the legend, the green-eyed king...my Abu.
And those exact green eyes...MY green eyes..are staring right at us.
I don't even get a chance to react before his lips curl into a smirk. "Enjoying the night, bachay?"
Uh-oh.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Now, listen.
Most girls would panic. Most girls would hide their relationship. Most girls would try to act innocent. My father has always been like a friend to me, he believes in honesty. I know he isn't against the idea of me dating someone as long as we're serious for eachother.
I grin. "Abbu."
Rayan sucks in a sharp breath.
Abu raises an eyebrow and steps onto the terrace. I hop off the swing and practically launch myself at him. "You didn't sleep yet?" I whine, dramatically clinging to his arm.
He sighs, softly pinching my nose. "How can I sleep when my daughter is outside on the terrace with a boy?"
I scoff. "Abu, he's rhino Ammi knows about him and I'm sure she told you as well"
Rayan chokes on air.
Abu raises an eyebrow and glances at him. "Rhino?"
I nod proudly. "Because he's big, grumpy, and runs into problems headfirst."
Rayan buries his face in his hands. "Maha, please."
Abu chuckles but then...his face grows serious. "Beta, sit down. I need to speak with Rayan."
I blink.
Then, instantly, I sit beside Rayan again, crossing my arms. "Okay, go ahead."
Abu sighs. "Maha, I meant alone."
I gasp. "EXCUSE ME?"
"Maha..."
"NO, Abu. I am a part of this conversation. I am the main character. I am not leaving."
Rayan grabs my hand and squeezes it. "Maha, it's okay."
I pout but reluctantly stay silent.
Abu leans forward, green eyes sharp as he studies Rayan. "I know you and my daughter like each other. I can see the way she looks at you."
Rayan swallows. "Sir, I..."
"I don't need to hear explanations, beta." Abu sighs. "I need to hear your intentions."
Silence.
The air shifts.
I glance at Rayan. He's⦠different now. Serious. Vulnerable. But determined.
And then...he speaks.
"Sir," Rayan starts, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I won't waste your time. I have nothing but love to offer your daughter."
I suck in a breath.
Abu's expression doesn't change. "Go on."
Rayan sits straighter, his grip on my hand tightening. "I come from a really wealthy family but I'm not a businessman, nor am I someone sure of his future. I'm just a football player with a dream. I can take my father's place at business but I believe in independence."
Abu listens quietly.
"My dream is to become one of the best footballers in the world. And sir," Rayan swallows. "I love your daughter."
Oh.
Oh.
My heart stops.
Abu finally reacts. His eyebrows rise slightly, as if he wasn't expecting Rayan to be so⦠direct.
But Rayan isn't done.
"I have never played with her feelings. I have never made promises I can't keep. I don't plan to see where this goes or test the waters. I know exactly what I want. And that is her."
I forget how to breathe.
Rayan exhales sharply. "My parents⦠they don't support this idea. They don't understand that I don't want to marry someone they choose for me. But that doesn't matter. Because I will fight for her, sir. I will fight for Maha every single day of my life."
Abu blinks.
I stare at Rayan like he's an entire miracle.
Then, Abu asks a question that makes my heart stop.
"Maha is childish. She's loud, chaotic, and crazy. What if, one day, you get irritated by her?"
Rayan doesn't even hesitate.
"Sir," he says, his voice deep, honest, and so incredibly gentle. "The world is already too cruel, too harsh, too serious aesi dunya mein hasne waali Maha Kisi naseeb wale ko hi milegi."
Oh.
Oh my god.
"Maha makes my world brighter. Her chaos is not a burden...it's a blessing. And even on days when I'm tired, even when I'm stressed or irritated, I would rather have her madness than a life without her."
Oh god, I'm going to die.
"Jhalli, pagal aur ziddi hai par Meri hai aur mujhe jaan se zyada pyari hai"
(She's crazy, chaotic and stubborn but she's mine. She's more dear than life to me)
I throw my arms around Rayan and dramatically sniffle. "THIS MAN LOVES ME, ABU. ARE YOU HEARING THIS?"
Rayan groans. "Maha, please..."
"NO, LET ME HAVE MY MOMENT."
Abu shakes his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Beta, I heard him."
I beam. "So, does this mean you approve?"
Abu sighs. "You're my only daughter, Maha. No father can ever approve of a man stealing her away. Please maintain distance."
I huff. "Abu, I'm not being stolen. I'm choosing him."
Rayan glances at me, his gaze filled with so much warmth.
Abu studies Rayan for a long moment, then finally....he nods. "If my daughter chooses you, Rayan⦠then I trust her choice but if you break her heart ever... I'll kill you"
I squeal.
Rayan exhales deeply, relief washing over his face. "Thankyou sir I promise I'll treat your daughter like how I want my daughter to be treated."
Abu chuckles, shaking his head at me. "You're lucky Maha"
I grin. "He's more lucky.. har Kisi ko Maha nahi milti hehe"
(Not everyone gets Maha)
Abu laughs. "That is true."
Rayan sighs. "I'm successfully approved to be your Mr crazy."
I smack his arm. "Welcome to my world, Mr. Rhino."
And just like that, my world feels even brighter.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
HEY GUYS I HOPE Y'ALL ARE DOING FINE AND WELL.
OK GUYS WE READ AND EE DON'T JUDGE ð I WASN'T SATISFIED WITH THE CHAPTER... IDK WHAT HAVE I WRITTEN BUT I ASSURE YOU THAT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER YOU'RE GONNA GET ALL THE COUPLES AND IT'S GONNA BE REALLY ROMANTIC. Y'ALL ARE GOING TO LOVE IT.
THANKYOU SO MUCH TO ALL THE READERS WHO SENT ME BEAUTIFUL WISHES AND MADE MY DAY EVEN BRIGHTER ð
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