Bakht- Epilogue

*****

Years were nothing but like the falling leaves in autumn. One by one, each went by, leaving behind its mark in the form of memories and pleasant surprises. Amongst those surprises, were the two sitting in the library, one was busy trying to solve the equation she was given while the other sat staring at her, having had enough of his studies and was now managing the Mir empire.

"Ayaan! Help karne ke wajaye ghur kyu rahe ho?"

Amal sulked as she hit him once with the bind book that held more than a few scribbles, wrong answers and a frustrated aura. Amal had been working on the given set of questions for the past one hour but had only been done with half of them and all was his fault!

His constant gaze on her made her feel a little conscious though that didn't stop the colour that rested permanently on her skin- a soft pink that made Ayaan sigh at how cute she looked.

"Kar toh raha hu help. See, my presence is enough to give you moral support."

Ayaan wiped the imaginary dust from his shoulders, clearly proud of what he had said and Amal flared in annoyance. The man had been anything but morally supporting. In fact, Amal could label him as the biggest distraction as of now.

"Acha, yeh crossword solve kar dena toh. Mama asked me to do it in free time lekin man nahi hai."

Amal glared heatedly at him, showing just how annoyed she was and Ayaan unapologetically handed her the handwritten crossword. With a huff, she closed her rough book and started working on the questions. A frown marred her features when each question turned weird after weird.

1. What do you call yourself in the first person's point of view?

2. What do fairytales highlight with passion?

3. What sounds like an alphabet, can be a word and happens to be written like an incomplete curve?

Amal mindlessly scribbled the answers. An amused look rested in her eyes at the thought of who would've made such simple questions and after completing the 'across' column, she went to the 'down' section.

4. What is the first name of the person who played the role of Ginny in Aladdin?

The fifth word coincided with the third and she skipped to the sixth one.

6. What can be told as both a name and a bond?

7. How will you give 'meme' a nickname?

"Ayaan..."

"Hmm, read it for me please."

He peeked into the paper along with her while Amal blinked once, twice and again and again. The words almost left her trembling in place as she stared at them in wonder. Feeling hard to breathe, she gave a look to Ayaan who gave her his best puppy look with his lips set in a pout.

"I thought I had been successful in wooing you."

He wiggled his eyebrows to add more effect and Amal burst into a fit of laughter. Tears did flow down her cheeks but with joy. A giddy smile pulled on her lips as she stared at the paper once again and her eyes found the last question.

8. What is synonymous to the phrase 'I agree'?

"Do I have an option, Mr. Ayaan?"

Ayaan narrowed his eyes upon seeing her contemplating the decision. He subtly wiped his palms against his thigh clad jeans, trying to hide the nervous sweats and tremors through harmless teasing.

"Kyu? I'm one of a kind. Yeh offer bar-bar nahi milega."

"Haan, lekin scope toh hona chahiye na."

Amal was enjoying the predicament passing through Ayaan's eyes. The guy looked ready to go on one knee and pretend they were in a fairytale if it were in his hands.

The library was pretty empty apart from the middle-aged man snoring at his desk and a few students struggling through books and pages.

"Ab jab you've made me solve such a crossword, I have the right to make you do the same."

Amal got up from her place, collecting her books and headed towards the shelves to keep away the books she had taken for reference. Ayaan followed her like a lost puppy, a dull look took over his once cheerful face when he saw her scribbling upon a paper.

"Yeh lo, crack this and we'll be fine."

She stuffed the paper in his hands and quickly walked away, leaving him behind with a fast heart rate and unkempt negative thoughts.

Sighing to himself, he slid down the shelf and got onto the task of cracking what her reply was.

"English toh aati hai, but I'm not a native, damn it!"

Grumbling under his breath, Ayaan sat staring at the one question that had covered the plain paper.

"Roger that!"

He jumped out of his skin when the excited sound came from out of nowhere. His wide eyes looked at the guy he had seen studying not long ago, standing not far behind with an achieved look on his face.

"Arey, aap ko itna bhi nahi pata. In the US military they use 'roger that' to say they agree, as in a formal 'yes'. I thought it was common knowledge."

'Yes'

The guy shrugged and yelped when Ayaan sprang to his feet and pulled him in a tight hug. Awkwardly patting the grown man's back, he watched when a wide grin took over Ayaan's face and he quickly ran out of the library, controlling himself from screaming with joy.

Ayaan bit his lips to not yell when his phone rang. Quickly stuffing the paper in his pocket, he picked the call without checking the id only to wince when his twin yelled from the other side.

"Khuda ka khauf kar Ayaan. Apni behen se puche bina use propose karne chala gaya? Mujhse kuch tips aur tricks toh le leta. Mama ne na bataya hota mujhe toh you would've told me the news with your wedding invitation. Please tell me you didn't mess up. Please tell me she didn't throw the paper on your face and stomp your heart-"

"Kuch acha nahi bol sakti toh kam se kam aisi anap shanap baatein toh na kiya kar. And anyways, ja ke jiju se paise maang. You've got too much shopping to do."

Ayaan rolled his eyes when the other side went dead silent. He looked at the call only to see that it wasn't cut and as he hesitantly placed the phone back next to his ears, he almost felt his eardrums bleed when Zoya shrieked with an intensity of bats in a dead silent night.

"MY BROTHER IS HITCHED PEOPLE!"

*****

Zoya couldn't care less when Ayaan cut the call as soon as she screamed. She was too far in her bubble of happiness and the moment she yelled, everyone around hollered with joy. She and Haider had come to visit the Mir mansion as soon as Zaira had called, claiming that Ayaan was on his way to propose to the girl he had been making heart eyes to since the last 4 years.

"Allah ka shukar hai. Koi toh kaam dhang se kiya is ladke ne."

Zaira shook her head with a fond smile. Her son had finally developed the guts to propose to the girl he had been talking nonstop about for so long.

Zoya's wide eyes looked at her husband who chuckled at the pure happiness on her face. Glancing at her parents, Haider quickly pecked her forehead, unable to control himself when she looked so pure.

"Nano, nano, nano."

Tiny feets waddled into the living room while chanting for her grandmother. Zaira was up on her feet in an instance when the little girl who had her wrapped around her tiny fingers came into view.

Dressed in a fuzzy soft pink frock with her hair pulled back with a minnie mouse hair band, little Hayam had everyone melting with just one look of hers.

The 2-year old's lips were wobbling as her wide eyes stared at her nano with tears in them. Zaira immediately picked her up in her arms, cooing at her as Hayam rubbed her chubby cheeks to wipe the fallen tears.

"Hayam, mera bacha, kya hua? Kyu ro rahi ho?"

Azlan came to stand beside his wife and granddaughter. His eyes assessed her form thinking she was hurt but no injuries were found.

"Hayam, kyu ro rahi ho? Nano ko nahi batogi?"

Zaira pretended to put on a sullen face as she stared at Hayam who instantly perked up at her nano's sad face. Her tiny palms raised themselves to cup her nano's cheeks and she shook her head.

"Nano, no swad. Mama chocolate nahi de rahi."

Zaira narrowed her eyes at her daughter who rolled hers. Huffing in dismay, Zoya walked up to the two and gently pulled Hayam's ears who giggled at her mother's stern face.

"Drame kara lo isse bas. Chocolate nahi di toh aise muh bana rahi hai."

"Look who's talking. Khud ka time bhul gayi? I used to bribe you with chocolates so that you'd finish your food."

"Woh baat alag hai!"

Zoya whined at being cornered in such a way. Her eyes looked at her husband for help but the man shrugged, clearly not wanting to intervene in the little drama. In fact, Haider seemed to be enjoying the show with the way he hid a smile behind his palm, pretending to rub his face.

"Haye, meri Hayam! Mamu ko miss kiya?"

Ayaan skipped his steps into the mansion, clearly hyper-active after seeing his favourite human number 2 in the arms of his mother. Hayam squealed on seeing her favourite mamu come running to her. She wiggled out of her nano's arms and jumped into Ayaan's awaiting ones, laughing in glee when he pulled her cheeks with a funny face.

"Dekha! Bigad raha hai yeh ise!"

Zoya complained with a scowl and Ayaan pulled Hayam to himself, narrowing his eyes at his twin. Hayam looked at her mamu and tried to copy his actions but ended up closing her eyes completely.

"Excuse me? Main acting classes de raha hu ise, woh bhi free mein!"

"Acting classes? Ek dramebaaz is more than enough!"

"Drama queen toh chahiye na! I'm bored with the ice queen now."

"Ice queen?"

Zoya gasped at the audacity of her brother and went forward to hit him only for Hayam to raise her hands. Her eyes were wide and fearful for her mamu as she pleaded with her mother silently.

"Mama, noooo."

Zoya blinked at her daughter and a pout settled on her lips. Hayam copied her mother's actions and gave her a pout back. Zoya sighed at last. Hayam had the same eyes like her father's- a beautiful grey that was worth melting for. In terms of other aspects though, she resembled Zoya. From her looks to her slightly rough hair, the little girl was a carbon copy of her mother if not for her eyes.

Haider laughed at the interaction. This wasn't the first time that the two had behaved as such but every time they did, he lost a piece of whatever remained his to the two of them.

"Now now, yahi karte rahenge or are we sending a proposal to the girl of Ayaan's dreams?"

Zaira teased her son who blushed at the reminder. Hayam pinched her mamu's suddenly pink cheeks and he winced at the sharp smacks. Hayam giggled at his expressions, doing it again and Ayaan didn't have the heart to put her away as he silently endured the torture while the others around him spread to prepare for taking over the proper rishta to her home.

*****

The one month set for the date had flown out of the window and at the moment, Ayaan was busy panicking and contemplating his whole life. The sherwani lay on the bed while he played with the rose petals, now a little nervous as to whether she'd run away from the wedding or not.

"Dimaag kharab toh pehle se tha. Ab pura-pura mental ho gaya hai?"

Zoya snatched the flower from his hands and smacked it on the dressing table, glaring at him. They had to leave for the baraat in an hour or so and the man wasn't ready.

"Bride jitters suna tha, tujhe kya ho raha hai?"

"Excuse me? Groom ko bhi nervousness hoti hai."

It was Haider who spoke. He had just been passing by, arranging everything when he heard his wife speak. Ayaan's wide eyes looked at his jiju in gratitude and the next moment, he gave a stink eye to his twin.

"Nikal yaha se. I'll be there in five!"

"You better be, warna baraat tere begair hi chali jayegi."

"Nikah kisse hoga phir?"

"Bahot honge baraat ki bheed mein."

Zoya nonchalantly waved her hand at her twin and Haider gave a pitiful look to his brother-in-law on seeing the way he paled.

"Leke jao ise yaha se!"

Ayaan screeched in annoyance and practically threw the two out of the room. Zoya scowled at the closed door, remembering the time when she did the same thing to him on her wedding. Haider cautiously pulled her away from the place, concerned about Ayaan's safety with the way Zoya had been grumbling all through the while.

"Hayam kaha hai?"

He asked in an attempt to divert her mind and Zoya narrowed her eyes at him. Crossing her arms across her torso, she sulked in front of her husband as she spoke.

"Glue ki tarah chipki hai apni nano se. Jab dekho tab meri burai karti rehti hai unse aur aap bhi kuch nahi kehte use!"

She complained with a whine and Haider felt his heart sighing in bliss. Pulling her into a corner, he pecked her forehead and cheeks. Zoya didn't give in so easily as her eyes still stared with defiance at him and Haider wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her closer to him as rubbed the tip of his nose with hers.

"Glue ki tarah toh you stick to me too. Do I complain about it, jaan?"

"Haww, itna jhut toh nahi bole! It's you who sticks to me."

"Guilty as charged."

He murmured, eyeing her lips with an urge to take hold of them. Zoya held his upper arms when Haider finally joined his lips with hers. A smile pulled on her lips when she felt his hands tightening their hold around her while he showed her just how guilty he was.

Her fingers raked through his hair, slightly envious at how they weren't disastrous like hers and she tugged at the strands at the end of his neck, making him almost lose the grip he had on her due to the tremor that went down his spine.

"Being bold, are we?"

He whispered after pulling away just by an inch. His lips graciously brushed hers when Zoya hummed in response and Haider couldn't bring himself to ask for something more.

The two separated once the commotion around grew louder. Zaira was instructing the band members to play something nice and within the next half an hour, the baraat had left for the venue.

Ayaan anxiously adjusted his sherwani, tugging at his collar every now and then. His usually scattered strands were gelled back, giving him a posh and sophisticated look. The venue was not too far and they reached in a little over 35 minutes.

It was as though Ayaan had blinked and soon, he heard Amal's 'Qubool hai' through the transparent barrier. His heart skipped numerous beats when it was his turn and with a deep breath, he said the sacred words three times, bonding her under his name.

The curtains fell and so did his breath. Ayaan had always known Amal was a rose born amidst thorns. Her beauty was one thing and the gentle aura that she carried around was another. For many, her facial features would be nothing out of the ordinary but for him, she was the one who held his senses captive without even trying.

She was a Juliette rose- rare and hard to find and he had turned out to be the luckiest person out there.

The two sat side by side on the stage. Ayaan had found solace in keeping her hands encaptured in his. Zoya came up with Hayam in her arms and the little lady instantly made grabby hands to her favourite person.

Ayaan let go of Amal's hand but just for a second. He held Hayam securely in his hands and let the other grip his wife's palm once again.

"Mamu..."

Hayam slowly whispered in Ayaan's ear who was quick to give her his attention. He raised an eyebrow at her and little Hayam leaned in to whisper the secret in Ayaan's ears.

"She's pwetty."

Hayam smiled shyly, peeking at Amal every now and then. The little lady was well-behaving for quite some time and Zoya raised an eyebrow at the sudden shyness of her daughter.

Ayaan gave a wide grin to Hayam, nodding his head in agreement.

"You want to talk to her?"

He whispered back with a hopeful tone. Little Hayam thought for a while, taking glances at Amal who was smiling widely at her. With a nod, she climbed off Ayaan's lap and settled in Amal's hold who held back an 'awe' when Hayam took hold of her mehendi clad hands and played with the rings she had worn.

"Pasand aayi?"

Amal gently asked Hayam when the kid wouldn't let go of the ring on her finger. Hayam hesitantly looked at Amal and gave her a nod. The interaction seemed to have calmed Hayam's shyness a little as she scooted closer to her and rested her back upon Amal for the rest of the while.

The bustle didn't bother little Hayam as she soon fell asleep, tired through the exhaustions of the day. The smile Amal wore widened upon seeing the cute little being in her own world. Giving her a kiss on her forehead, Amal gently handed Hayam to Zoya who took her away from the scene, in dire need of rest herself.

Amal's smile remained as it was when she turned to look at Ayaan. The man was shamelessly staring at her. A look of pure amazement swirled through his eyes and Amal cleared her throat, looking away from his intense gaze. The blush she had worn coincided against the natural colour that spread across her skin.

"The guy is running a little low on common sense. Please adjust."

Zoya smiled apologetically at Amal. They were currently in Ayaan's room with Zaira arranging the things that had been dropped by the kids who refused to listen and had barged into the closed room much to her annoyance.

"Zoya, apne kamre mein jao."

Zoya gave a sullen pout at her mother's stern voice. Her puppy eyes looked at Amal who was controlling a laugh and with the last bit of dignity left, she huffed and walked out of the room.

The golden and black lehenga she wore wasn't the most comfortable, much to her frustration. The lining wasn't the issue but the little zardari edges on the inside of the wrist and shoulder region itched her once in a while.

With a helpless look, she threw open the door to the room she once called hers- the one she resided in even now. Most of the paintings had been moved to the Razdani mansion apart from a few special ones that she had made for her family and in remembrance of her grandparents.

"Zoya, jaan, kya hua?"

Haider was instantly by her side when he saw her looking ready to cry. Her face had turned red and her eyes were already welling with tears. She would've changed the clothes if not for the last moment delivery and had to suffer in it for more than a few hours.

"I-it hurts."

She motioned at her shoulders and back. Haider instantly undid her zip, gently gliding the material off her form. Zoya had gotten far more used to the habit after Hayam was born. Not to forget, how the stretch marks had made her go insecure. Most of them had faded into her skin but they could be noticed when looked at closely. A few big ones were still clear though they didn't bother her anymore.

Haider had been the one to give her the confidence she had started losing. The thoughts of not-being good enough and the mental health that had started declining were a load but he had been patient through it all. He listened, he understood, he provided her comfort and the assurance, he showed her just how much she means to him.

"It's all red. Pehle kyu nahi change kiya?"

There was an edge to his tone, clearly angry at the way she had let it be. Zoya had wiped her tears and now wore a sullen look. Her cheeks were puffed as she looked at him through her lashes, silently apologising.

"Jaana, see, there are a few scratches too. You should've told me sooner."

He guided her to the bed and made her sit on the edge. Quickly retrieving a cream from the drawer, he spread it gently across the light scratches. The redness reduced after a few minutes but the lines were what bothered him. Some held light traces of blood and Haider took in a deep breath- trying to calm himself from saying anything else.

Zoya bit back a hiss and closed her eyes while he treated her. Haider placed feathery kisses on her shoulder blade when she'd shuffle at the itchy sensation that brought about the slightest bit of pain.

"Hayam, kaha hai?"

The little one's crib was empty and she clearly remembered putting her to sleep. Haider had decided to stay with her while everyone took their leave.

"Sameera, aayi thi. Said that Hayam uske saath rahegi toh use acha lagega."

The Razdani family were invited to stay since it was already too late at night.

Haider kept the cream away and helped Zoya change into comfortable clothes. She had opted for a crop top to let the skin heal and Haider kissed her once in a while, diverting her mind from the slightest pain.

"Haider, neend aa rahi hai."

Zoya mumbled, snuggling into his hold. Haider pulled the two under the covers, holding her close to himself. The night had faded into an eerie silence and the two remained silent with him placing occasional kisses on the top of her head and exposed shoulder.

"So jao phir. I'm here."

He whispered back and Zoya didn't need to be told twice. Wrapping her arms around his torso, she buried her face into his chest while their legs tangled themselves. Haider closed his eyes, resting his cheek atop her head and soon, his heartbeat lulled her into a blissful sleep while he found comfort in her presence and the scent of lavender he had grown addicted to.

*****

"Ayaan, kya kar rahe hai?"

Amal frowned as she tried to peek into her husband's shenanigans. Ayaan had come into the room not long back and had instantly gotten into the task of doing something.

"Ayaan!"

Amal snatched the paper he was sneakily scribbling on and scowled at her husband who looked ready to faint. His frantic eyes looked at the paper she was on the verge of crumbling and he quickly tried taking it back.

"Nahi nahi nahi. Give the paper back, please."

Amal pulled it away from him, clearly annoyed by whatever he was doing. With a huff of annoyance, she looked at what the paper held only to blink

"Y-yeh.."

She opened her mouth to speak only to be left speechless. Ayaan pulled the paper away. A blush came to rest atop his skin as he cleared his throat and took hold of the pencil again.

"I- ahm, I thought of making a sketch of you as a bride. My skills are not the best but I'm trying! Matlab, I- I think, ahm, mama aur behen artists hai toh mujh mein kuch toh hona hi chahiye, but how the hell do I shape the nose?"

Ayaan grumbled in dismay. He had rubbed it more than a few times and each time, it looked as messy as the first or maybe even more.

"I- I can get you something else as the muh dikhai too, lekin I thought this will-"

He had just started rambling in nervousness when Amal pulled him in a hug. Ayaan was quick to save the paper from getting crumbled as he placed it a little away and hugged her back, sighing when the dizzy scent of citrus rose hit his nose. Snuggling into her hold, he kissed her dupatta clad head while she sniffled ever so lightly.

Ayaan panicked at the sound. Thinking of it as a sign that she had disliked his sketching skills more than he thought, he quickly pulled away. Cupping her face in between his palms, he gave her his best apologetic gaze and started speaking.

"Ro toh nahi. I know it doesn't look just like you lekin itna kharab toh nahi hai na? Or is it? Khair, please don't cry. I'll get you something nice, something expen-"

Ayaan almost jumped out of his skin when he felt her kiss his lips. Amal ever so shyly pulled away from the peck even though it was her who made the first move. Her eyes couldn't look at him when the shyness flowed through every pore of her being and she fumbled with her fingers. Clearing her throat, she shook her head once at him.

"I-I like it. I love it."

Ayaan blinked through whatever had just happened. To her words, he gave a curt nod and took hold of the paper again, trying to hide the way his hands were shaking at this point. Throughout the sketching session, he found himself getting carried away more than he would like to admit. With utmost patience, he completed the sketch and was quick to keep it away.

"Arey dikhai toh mujhe-"

Amal yelped in surprise when he pulled her to him. Her wide eyes looked into his dark mocha ones that could possess her into committing any sin and as Ayaan leaned in, his breath hit her lips ever so lightly and if not for the last remaining bit of consciousness, Amal would've never heard his words.

"Let's teach you how to kiss, Mrs. Ayaan."

Amal's wide eyes closed in an instant when he covered her lips with his. Ayaan gently lifted her in his arms, pulling her impossibly closer. As his lips molded against hers, Amal found her hands wrapping themselves around his neck for support. The jewelleries she wore were still on her form and the materials made Ayaan pull away.

"We need to get these off."

Ayaan was quick to remove the necklace, the bangles, the earrings, placing feather light kisses on every inch of her skin that was once adorned with jewelleries. Amal could swear that if not for him holding her, she'd have fainted at the sensations that took over her body.

Her top lay discarded on the floor when he lowered her on the bed. Ayaan kissed her closed eyelids, murmuring sweet nothings. Amal felt her cheeks being caressed with his slight stubble. His cologne was all she could focus on, all that mattered after the touches of his that led to goosebumps across her with the lightest touch of fire.

"I- you never replied to my confession."

He whispered next to her ears. Amal opened her eyes, slowly meeting his with every bit of courage that was left in her. His eyes looked ever so reluctant, ever so fearful. Amal bit back a giggle at the silent complaint that swirled through his eyes and caressing his rough cheeks, she kissed the tip of his nose with a shy smile.

"Nikah kar liya hai. Abhi bhi samajh nahi aaya?"

Her question was met with a grumble that clearly said how he wanted to hear the words no matter what. Ayaan kissed the inside of her wrist, not separating from her even for a second.

"I love you, itna ki samajh hi nahi aata how to bring it to words."

Her voice was coated with emotions Ayaan didn't deem fit to be put in mere words. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her staring at him so innocently. The heart she wore on her sleeves was for him- for him to protect, for him to cherish, for him to love.

"I feel no different, Amal. I've loved you and will always love you, meri jaan."

He let his lips trail softly down her jaw, to the junction of her neck. Giving the skin the sultriest bite, he took in a deep breath when his fingers brushed the edges of her lehenga. He felt her stiffening beneath him and instantly halted. Feeling as though she was against it, he was seconds away from withdrawing when he felt her pull him to her.

Her eyes tried hard to not close themselves at all that she was feeling. Gulping the urge to shy away, she pulled him in for a kiss ever so shyly and Ayaan stopped himself from swearing at how surreal it all felt.

The consent was given, the bond was weaved.

Souls that were meant to be met after a wait of ages as Ayaan made the most tantalizing of love to his wife, to his Amal, to his little rose who had captured him like a bee to a rose.

.

.

.

The End

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(A/N: I own the damn copyright to this stupidity and the stupid questions. Do not use it if you think google has suddenly opted to giving proposing classes 101. Thank you🙇‍♀️)

Been trying to type it through my exhaustion and here's the result! I have no idea how it turned out to be, all I know is that I'm a great grandmother now and Hayam deserves a chocolate.

What do I even say about Bakht? I was more active in the past 2 weeks than I have been in the last 2 months and that says a lot in itself.

The story was a quick read to mend your boredom. Not much drama (there's never too much drama) and it can make you smile, squeal and blush (hopefully!)

Haider and Ayaan have my heart at how considerate they are and how deep in love they are. Is it too much to ask for? A loyal partner who'd love me till the end of time?

Now, let's not weep over our luck and get on with the journey. Bakht is now complete on a sweet note and a happily ever after with banters playful enough to make you smile.

Since my classes have commenced after 2 months of vacation and exams are near, I'll most likely take a little time off before updating Hassas. I'll try not to prolong it but no promises since my so-called schedule is messed up!

- Dilara💕

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