۰۸

"Dina?" Yaseen whispered, as he slipped down beside her, who was getting her hands stained with the fragrant mehendi.

She simply hummed as she smiled looking at her hand that had intricate patterns being drawn on it.

"I had a thought." Yaseen pouted, as he looked at her slender hands enviously. Why wouldn't she look at him while talking? It was one of his biggest pet peeves. He hated when people did that.

"Oh no." Dina hushed through gritted teeth her eyes still strained on her hands. This caused Yaseen to pout even more.

"I swear, it's a good thought. Koi badmaashi nahi."

Dina sighed, biting at her lower lip.

"I have told you numerous times, sochne ka kaam aap mujhpar chod dein."

(Leave the job of thinking to me.)

The girl,who was applying Dina's mehendi let out a low giggle. She had been eavesdropping on their conversation.

Shooting the girl a glare Yaseen whined, resting his head on Dina's shoulder.

"Tum phirse ye 'aap' wale drame par aa gayi? Bezati karlo par itni izzat na do. Ese lagne lagta hai ki mein qurbani ka baqra banne waala hoon."

The mehendi artist giggled again, as she whispered something under her breath. Yaseen shot another stinky glare towards her but she skillfully ignored it.

"Tauba Yaseen Bhai! Aapki to mein badi izzat karti hoon. Mere bade bhai to tehre aap." Dina said blinking innocently as she pushed away Yaseen's head from her shoulder.

(God forbid, I respect you alot. You are are my elder brother after all)

"Haan bada bhai jiske nikkah mein tum ho nai?" Yaseen whispered scowling. He had enough of this drama.

(Yes, elder brother who you are married to right?)

The mehendi artist gasped scandalized as the mehendi cone slipped from her fingers. Dina on the other hand was shocked. He did not just say that.

"Haan hogaya bas inka, aur tum na apna mooh band karlo. Kahi koi naagin na ghus jaye tumhare mooh mein. Phir apne mehendi ke cone se been baja kar nikaal lene padega us naagin ko" Yaseen exclaimed smirking, as he grabbed Dina's empty hand that was yet to be filled by mehendi and dragged her towards a empty room. He left behind an embarrassed girl who was ready to dig a grave and bury Yaseen inside it.

(Yeah, she is done. Now you close your mouth otherwise some snake will crawl into it. After that you'd have to use one of your mehendi cones like a bean to summon the snake out.)

"Kya kar rahe hai aap?" Dina hissed as she smiled awkwardly at people who were shooting them weird glances.

(What are you doing?)

Not replying, Yaseen entered a random room and dragged Dina inside before slamming the door shut.

He breathed heavily as he eyed Dina in utter helplessness.

"Kya chahti ho tum? Why are you being so fucking difficult?"

Dina remained mute at his sudden outburst. She simply had nothing to say. Or perhaps didn't know what to say.

"Bolo?" Yaseen whispered as he grabbed her shoulders, trying to search for answers.

"Kya bolun? I don't know what you are talking about?" Dina said, as she diverted her gaze away from his. He was being too intimidating for her to even talk to him. Although, she knew exactly what he was talking about.

Yaseen let out a frustrated sigh.

"Mein tumhare bhai kabhi nahi tha Dina. Na humare nikkah ke pehle aur uske baad to bilkul bhi nahi."

(I was never your brother Dina. Not before our marriage and definitely not after it.)

Dina nibbled on her lower lip as she sat down on the bed. She was too exhausted to do this confrontation now.

"Yaseen, I don't-" Dina started but Yaseen cut her off.

"Ohh for fucks sake Dina. Stop running away from your problems. It's not going to help you in anyway." Yaseen whispered, as gently as he could. She was doing what she always did. She hated confronting her problems. And Yaseen had seen through like he always did.

Dina's eyes dulled as she stared at him. Yaseen Hamidi knew her more than she could ever know herself and that scared her shit-less. He could practically read through her like an open book if he wanted. But, he didn't. He respected her enough to not invade her mind.

"I-I can't. It's too over whelming. It helps me be sane. O-our nikkah is barely even real. Nobody knows about it apart from us and Momin B-bhai. A-and, here everyone thinks I am your sister. Heck, even I-i know that you think the same. I-i am just saving myself from an unnecessary heartbreak. Is that to m-much to ask for?" Dina finished, her eyes welling up with fat tears.

Yaseen stared at her wide eyed as he found himself drowning once again in the decadent pools of luciousness that were called Dina Farooqi's eyes. He wanted to kiss them so bad.

"Khuda hum dono ke nikkah ka gawah hai aur uski razamandi ke bina wo nahi hota. Aur is cheez se zyada mujhe koi faraq nahi parta. Tumhe bhi nahi parna chahiye. Aur tum kya nihaayati kaan ki mareez ho? Maine kaha ki mein tumhara bhai kabhi nahi tha aur na hi kabhi banunga." Yaseen exclaimed as he held Dina's face in his hands.

(God is the witness of our wedding and without his permission it wouldn't have happened. And I don't care about anything apart from this.Nor should you. Also, Are you deaf? I told you clearly that I was never your brother nor will I ever be.)

Dina felt a hue of crimson starting to peek at her cheeks. Did that mean he had accepted their nikkah?

As if reading her mind Yaseen started again.

"And yes, I wanted to tell you about this exact thought. I think we should give our relationship a chance. That is if you want. I am not pressuring you." He concluded, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

Dina felt like her body was on fire. She wanted to scream to him. Yes, absolutely. I am dying to give you a chance. This relationship a chance.

But that would make her seem pathetic so she simply stood up and pushed Yaseen away gently.

Yaseen's heart clenched at this. Has she already fallen in love with that meesna meezan?

"I always tell you to leave the thinking part on me, right?" Dina whispered slowly as she bowed her head.

Yaseen gulped harshly, ready to feel the slap of rejection.

"I am glad, you didn't listen to me this once." She mumbled softly.

Yaseen's eyes widened in exhilaration. What did she say?

"Kya?" He barely stuttered out, tumbling back.

"Ab kaun hai kaan ka mareez? Aap to dimaag ke mareez bhi hai." Dina smirked, not giving further explanation as she walked out throwing absolute sass. Though, only she knew how her heart had sped up and her cheeks had flared with a gorgeous hue as a laashein girane wali smile twisted at her lips.

Unaware to this Yaseen Hamidi stood flabbergasted. It was all for him. It had always been for him.

•••

The youngsters had gathered around in a circle as an empty cola bottle rested in the epicenter.

Loud hooting and cheering echoed throughout the room, while everyone settled down.

The mehendi function had ended and the youngsters weren't in the mood to retire to their rooms, so they decided to play something.

"Chalo truth Dare khelte hai." One of the cousin's pipped earning a earful of groans of denial.

"Kya yaar, nowadays even kids don't play that annoying game. Wahi ghise-pite questions." Noor said, as she slumped her head on Meezan's shoulder.

"Let's do one thing then. We'll spin the bottle and whoever it lands on has to sing a song. If they fail to do so then they'll have to do dare." One of the other cousin, suggested. Everyone was reluctant but agreed nevertheless.

The bottle was spun and so the game began. All the eyes were on the bottle. The bottle slowly stopped facing the groom himself. Shehryar.

Loud cheers rang as Yaseen slapped his bestfriend on the back.

"Aye Dulhe bhai ki turn ayi hai."

Shehryar stood up chest puffed as he cleared his throat.

"Chalo, kya gaana hai bolo."

"Arey, it's your wedding so we'll give you the privilege of singing whatever you want." Yaseen said, grinning wide.

"Acha, ab sab apne mooh par taala lagwalo. Ustad Shehryar Zardari moseeqi karne wale hai." Shehryar announced.

(Now all of you lock your mouths. Sir Shehryar Zardari is going to sing)

Everyone zipped their mouths, all expecting Shehryar to sing some slow romantic song for his to-be wife but everyone was shocked to their bones when.

"Coca Cola tu…

Shola shola tu…" started leaving his mouth.

Yaseen and a few of his other male cousins were in fits as they joined him. While the girl's stared at him is utter disappointment.

"Chakhna manaa hai

Rukna manaa hai

Mujhe peele zara aa tu" they screamed singing on top of their lungs.

"Bhai! Ye kya behudgi hai. Maine aapki video banai hai. Ab dekhen ye to Aylah Bhabhi ko bhejungi. Koi romantic gaana hi gaa deta hai banda." Noor hissed as she glared at her brother.

(What is this inappropriate behudgi? I have taken your video and I am going to send it to Aylah Bhabhi. Some romantic song you should've sung.)

"Ye kya zabardasti hai bhai. It's my wedding I'll sing anything I want. And which idiot doesn't like coca cola? Huh?" Shehryar said, defensively. This earned him a handful of insults from his sister.

Finally the monkey troupe calmed down as they sat around in a circle again. Once again the bottle was spun stopping at one of the cousins. Arif.

Everyone cheered causing him to wave and smile shyly.

"Chalo Riffy bhai. Ab aap koi bekaar gaana nahi gaana. Sing something nice okay?" Noor exclaimed, still glaring at her elder brother.

(Don't sing some bad song)

Arif nodded his head obediently and opened his mouth to sing. That's when hell broke loose.

"Meri rooh ka darinda phadphadaye. Lekin sukoon ka jal-jeera milna paaye" He sang closing his eyes and clutched his fists tight as if he was drowning in the song.

(The predator of my soul flutters its wings,

but the digestive beverage of peace is not found.)

Dina shifted beside Noor, burying her mouth in a pillow trying her best to control the bubbling laughter, just like everyone else.

Noor looked trumatized as she eyed Arif who was still lost in singing the wrong lyrics.

"Riffy bhai!" Noor screeched, causing the poor guy to jerk in surprise as he stopped singing. " Banda besura hi gaa leta. Par itne chaval lyrics nahi gaata. Aapne to Arijit Singh ko marne ki khwahish mein daal dena hai."

( A man could sing badly, but he should never sing the wrong lyrics. You will give a reason for dieing to Arijit Singh)

The poor guy looked flustered as he shuffled on his feet.

"Accha ho gaya tum sab ka. Enough for today. Go and sleep everyone." Shehryar declared, as he looped an arm around Arif, still chuckling and dragged him out.

Everyone got up, Noor all the while grumbling as she tugged at Meezan's hand.

"Bhai, mere to sir mein dard hone laga hai. Mujhe ice cream ke liye le jaye please."

(My head is paining, please take to get icecream.)

"Noorie, yaar. It's one at night. It's too late. Fridge mein padi hai wo waali kha lena. Kal le chaloonga tumhe mein."

(It's there in the fridge, eat that. I'll take you tomorrow)

"Bhai. Please. Accha agar aap nahi le jaa rahe ho to car ki chaabi hi dedein. I'll go myself" Noor pleaded.

Meezan sighed in frustration. He was damn tired.

"Meezan, mujhe dedo chaabi. Mein le chaloonga ise. You anyways look tired." Yaseen pipped, as he brushed his shoulder with Dina's who stood frozen.

"Arrey, aaj is kaneez ki baat aapne sunli. Agli baar ye kaneez aapke kadmon mein hogi" Noor exclaimed, jumping in exhilaration.

"Bas bongiyan maarna sikhalo tumse" Yaseen smirked causing Noor to show him her tongue.

Meezan seemed to be contemplating something. He couldn't let Noor go with Yaseen. As much of a good guy he was. He was still a na-mahram to her.

"It's okay, I'll come with you both." He finally announced, causing Yaseen to shrug and Noor to jump.

"Chalo, then it's done. Come on, Dina. Let's go!" Noor annouced, causing Dina to look at her wide eyed.

"No, I am not feeling well. Kal raat bhi theek se nahi soyi thi. I'll stay. "Dina said, softly.

"Arrey-" Noor frowned, but Meezan cut her off. "Noor, tang nahi karo unko. Let her rest."

Dina smiled gratefully at Meezan who returned a smile of his own.

"Okay, you rest. I'll get you a bucket of ice cream. Chalo Yaseen bhai." Noor said, but Yaseen nodded negatively this time.

"Maine nahi aana. Even I am tired."

(I am not coming, either)

"Fazool aadmi. Inka to dimaag hi set nahi hai." Noor mumbled as he walked away with Meezan who slapped her head lightly.

(Useless man. His brain isn't in the right place)

Dina was about to leave to her room, but Yaseen grabbed her elbow, pulling her to his chest.

Dina breathed heavily as she felt his cologne filling her senses. It was intoxicating despite being mild.

"Kahan chali jaa rahi ho, begum?" Yaseen whisper slowly, as he leaned down breathing behind her ear.

(Where are you walking off to, wife?)

"W-hat are you doing? Leave me. Someone will see." Dina stuttered, moving away from him.

"Meet me on the terrace in five minutes." Yaseen said, eyeing her with a small smile.

"Kyu? Mujhe neend aayi hai, yaar." Dina whined.

(Why? I am sleepy)

"Meri neend uda kar khud sone chali ho? Eise to main nahi hone dunga." He smirked, stuffing his hands in his salwar pockets.

A blush painted, Dina's cheeks as she huffed, turning around to leave.

"If you don't come, then see what I'll do to you. Pattar par likhwaalo,  Dina Yaseen Hamidi" Yaseen's words rang as she turned around the corridor.

•••

Dina didn't go. She couldn't find herself to face him. Her face had started resembling a ripe tomato. And she was sure if she went to meet him, her blood vessels that were present on her cheeks who suffocate.

She was beyond happy to know that he was willing to give their nikkah a chance. But, there was only so much blushing she could afford in a day.

Sighing she sat in front of the dressing table, her face devoid of any makeup as she removed the earings Noor had lended to her. Her mehendi had partially dried off and a few parts remained wet. Dina struggled to take off the earnings because her hair kept getting stuck in it.

"Kya musibat hai yaar?" She hissed feeling her scalp hurt from tugging.

(What is this problem?)

What she didn't notice was that Yaseen had entered the room and was an audience to her misery.

He slowly walked towards her from behind and softly pushed her hand away. Dina looked at him flabbergasted through the mirror as she bit down on her lower lip.

"Musibat to hogi agar tum apne shohar ki baat nahi manogi." Yaseen  mumbled as he took hold of the earning in her ear.

(Problems will be their is you don't listen to your husband.)

"Woh-mein aana hi waali thi" Dina lied through, gritted teeth.

(I was going to come.)

Yaseen sighed as he worked his way, trying to detangle her hair from the earing. While Dina gazed at him through the mirror. He was looking extremely handsome. He was wearing a white pathani that fitted him to perfection. His sleeves were folded until his elbows. His soft hair fell right on his forehead as his ocean ble eyes furrowed in concentration right below them. Light facial hair had started appearing on his always clean shaven face.

Dina had always been attracted to him, even when he had braces, his hard-core band-boy phase or his mullet hairstyle. And after all that his glowup. It felt surreal to have this gorgeous human as her husband since this was something Dina had never imagined.

A sharp tug felt at her scald causing her to wince and snap back to reality.

"I am sorry." Yaseen muttered wincing with her.

Dina shook her head and looked down at her hands, suddenly she felt the sensation of warm lips against her scalp. Dina jerked her head up and looked at him. Yaseen just stared at her eyes as his fingers massaged their way into her scalp.

Dina could swear she could drown in his eyes and never look back for an eternity.

"Dina?" Yaseen whispered, through his parted pink lips.

Dina hummed, her eyes not leaving his.

"Aise nahi dekho, kahi muhabbat hojayegi mujhe."

(Don't look at me like that, maybe I'll fall in love with you.)

"Kya wo itna bura hoga? A-gar tumhe mujhse muhabbat hogayi to?" Dina barely managed to stutter out, her heart thudding at an abnormal speed.

(Will it be so bad? If you fall in love with me?)

A beautiful smile graced Yaseen's lips as he leaned down and slowly planted his lips on her forehead. Lingering there for a good few minutes before he looked up.

"Whenever, I am around you. I-I can't-. Meri saansein tham jaati hai. So, no it wouldn't be bad if I fall for you. Dar to is baat ka hai, ki kahi mein tumse muhabbat mein khud ko aur tum ko fanah na kar doon."

•••

a/n

Helloo, mere pyare tamatars!

Eid Mubarak!

Did you enjoy the chapter?

Yaseen ne finally kar diya pyar ka izhar :)

I wanted to discuss a few things with y'all.

First of all its about Palestine. Please pray for them guys. It's heart breaking to see what's happening with our fellow brothers and sisters. Please take a moment and pray for them and their safety. You have no idea, how grateful we must be considering Allah has granted us a safe Ramadan and Eid despite covid-19. I have had relatives who have succumbed due to covid-19 and it's absolutely heartbreaking. And in Palestine they are battling not only a pandemic but also a brutal eradication of their entire community. May allah protect them and ease their pain. May allah bestow his mercy on those poor humans.

Aameen.

Secondly, it pains me to see so many reads on this book but not even half as many votes. Commenting and giving your feedback is a far call if you can't even appreciate the author for what they have written by voting.

Alhamdulillah, I have been blessed by some really amazing readers who have thoroughly been supportive. But, a little more support would be really appreciated from the silent readers.

There have been readers who have had the audacity to demand updates despite not dropping a single vote or comment. You can't expect me to comply, when all you do is demand updates.

I am sorry if I am coming off rude, but this has been troubling me from the past few days and I just wanted to get it right out.

I would also like to dedicate this chapter to misskillerdarkness

She's an absolute sweetheart!<3

Until next time guys, do leave you feedback if you deem me worthy.

Bye! Stay safe

~flawfully