Soz-e-Yaqeen (one-shot)

Soz-e-Yaqeen

:- Passion of belief

*****

Murad Malik

24 years old

Ahzan Bukhari

24 years old

Yazan Kazim

29 years old

Alayna Dewar

21 years old

Qizrah Mehr

26 years old

Azra Radwan

27 years old

*****

After a two months long summer vacation, the gates of the university had finally opened to welcome the faces that wore different expressions. Some were grim due to the loss of the endless free time and study less hours. Some filled with joy for leaving behind days of boredom and finally hugging the life out of their mates while some just wore a neutral expression, not knowing what to do with life.

"Pray, tell me, why do we study?"

The dramatic voice sounded in the bustling corridor and Murad slammed a book directly on the face of the speaker.

"Why, to not end up like you."

A scoff was heard in retaliation along with numerous snickers.

"Ahzan, kuch kaam ki baat ho toh bol warna side ho. Ek toh pehle hi university walo ne sar kharab kar rakha hai."

Murad groaned out loud after saying the words. The book in his hand was twisted and turned but seeing as the poor thing had nothing to do with the tortures inflicted on them by the management, he politely kept it back in his bag and leaned back on the chair, closing his eyes to take in deep breaths.

Upcoming exams.

An impending football match.

Annoying friends who didn't let him follow his schedule.

"My my, Murad saheb, aaj kuch murjhaye hue kyu lag rahe hai?"

And a girl who didn't understand the meaning of peace.

Opening his eyes, he tilted his head to look at the maiden who voiced her concerns regarding his dull mood.

Standing in front of him was none other than Alayna Dewar, the girl with a loud personality and the habit of poking her nose in his business.

Ignoring her like he usually does, Murad opted for the better option and picked his bag up to take his leave but it looked as though the woman was in no mood of sparing him from her presence.

"Sach batao, kuch hua hai kya?"

Her voice was soft and low, the words meant only for his ears and no one else's. Trying to keep his annoyance in check, Murad shifted his gaze to Alayna's face. The two stood not far away and from the distance between them, he could clearly look at her features more clearly.

Features that weren't fond of in the desi society.

Oh, but to him, they were exquisite and one of a kind.

Alayna Dewar had the tiniest freckles across her upper cheeks and a little on the top of her nose. An aristocratic nose bearing a small ring paired with eyes equal to the shades of the tree leaves welcoming spring with open arms. Lips thin enough to not be put in a pout naturally but inviting nonetheless and skin darker than fair but a shade between light dusky. The midnight black hair was tied in a ponytail, not letting a piece out of its place and giving the perfect frame to pick out all her features.

Shaking himself out of his pointless reverie, he heaved a breath and gave her a glance for a second before turning his attention to his watch.

"Kuch hua bhi hoga then you aren't a person close enough for me to speak to. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Walking past her, he ignored the jab that he felt at his words. He was closed off. It was simple. He liked to be alone apart from when he was with Ahzan and his siblings. They understood him in ways the other people of his generation couldn't.

Being labelled as a freak for admiring books over loud music, silence over foul words and peace over unwanted show off of masculine power, he didn't need anyone apart from the people he already had.

But then why did his usual behaviour of avoiding conversations hurt more than necessary?

Alayna didn't turn back to glance at his retreating figure. A frown was what spread across her face involuntarily, not knowing how to get into the boy's good books who intrigued her for reasons unspecified.

"Ignore him. Aadat hai uski baaton se bhagne ki. He doesn't do well with stranger conversations."

The guy who sat beside Murad not long ago spoke. Alayna looked at him with a small smile, grateful for his explanation in hopes of trying to sooth the burn in her heart.

"I'm Ahzan. Ahzan Bukhari. And you might be?"

He cocked his head to the side as said the words. A glint of mischief passed through the shades of brown and Alayna knew instantly that the guy would be her soul friend.

With a wide smile, she took a seat beside him before chirping her name out loud,

"Alayna Dewar."

*****

Running as fast as he could for his next class, Ahzan bumped into a person or two, apologising profusely and continuing on his footsteps. Him and Alayna had bonded the very instant and in the midst of their jokes and mischief, he hadn't gotten the glimpse of time that clearly said that he was late enough for his class.

Opening the once closed door with a bang, he held onto the knob as he took in deep breaths, panting hard due to the marathon that he ran. Finally looking up, he almost had a stroke and it was definitely because he was out of breath.

But due to an entirely different reason.

Standing ahead of him was a woman of wonder. Someone who had Ahzan wrapped in a trance even with a displeased frown etched on her face. Wearing a navy blue full sleeved top bare of any designs apart from the pearls etched on the left side of the top and a modern pant crafted on organza, the woman was a sight to behold.

And beheld he was.

The sound of a throat being cleared made him look away. A blush of embarrassment threatened to make its presence known but he shook his head and tried calming his heart down.

"That isn't the kind of entry I would appreciate, mr.?"

Smoothness ragged with edges of dominance hit his ears through the feminine voice. Gulping down the lump in his throat, Ahzan straightened his posture and offered her a small smile.

"Ahzan Bukhari."

Wooden brown eyes narrowed in slits at his attempt of being casual and collected. Keeping the board marker aside, the woman turned completely to face him and Ahzan was left mute for the second time as now he could make out the features crafted to perfection more clearly.

They were nothing out of the ordinary. Irises the normal brown, skin shade a little tan, lips not so full neither natural flush pink and cheekbones not to high but a little filled, though for Ahzan, the brown irises held the brightest of lights like the dawn seeping in through the dense forests packed with wood, the skin shade looked smooth and almost gave the idea of the sands of Egypt, depicted dominance and a rare sense of royalty. Lips that weren't exactly pink but enough to tantalise anyone who dared to stare at them for long.

"Mr. Bukhari, might I remind you that this is not your personal playground rather a classroom of mine. Since this is the first time and I reckon the last too, I'm letting it slide. Take your seat now and do not cause further interruptions."

Saying that, she turned around to face the whole class that up until now was nonexistent to Ahzan. Subtly clearing his throat, he took a seat on the fourth row, forcefully pushing the guy next to him to adjust and stay shut.

"Now, coming back to the introductions. My name is Qizrah Mehr, miss. Mehr to the rest of you and I'll be taking your business classes until your previous professor's return."

Her voice was loud and clear. Asserting the last bit of power to show who actually was in charge in the room. Many students shuffled on their seats, the aura of a lioness spread across the room.

"Tardiness is not something I'd tolerate neither late arrivals."

Her eyes darted to Ahzan as she said the last words and he could only offer a sheepish smile, one that was mercilessly ignored.

Trying to ignore the feeling of a teenager being avoided by his new crush, grumbling under his breath he opened the book and sat through the whole lecture.

The concept would've been boring if not for the one teaching it.

By the time the bell was heard, he made sure to be the last one to pack his things and take his leave. Within seconds, the huge classroom was empty apart from him and her.

"Can I help you with something?"

Qizrah spoke without looking up from the pages of the book she was going through. Ahzan stumbled upon the last step a little but quickly collected himself up and cleared his throat and discarded the second hand embarrassment.

Oh, when had he gotten so petty?

Probably since she waltzed into his life.

"Mind if we talk?"

"Yes, I mind it a lot actually. I have a few papers to attend to but if it's something important, you can meet me in my office at 1."

With that, she took hold of her bag and laptop, not bothering to send him a glance and walked out of the room.

Ahzan blinked at the place she once stood, finding it highly impolite of her but the stupid grin that took over his face was creepy enough to ward off the cleaner who was just passing by.

*****

Sneaking into the library like a spy on a mission, Alayna tip-toed past the snoring librarian and towards the thriller/ mystery section of the library. Frowning when her eyes didn't find the one she was looking for, with a pout, she turned around only to be left startled to find him staring at her with a blank look.

"Oh well..."

She collected herself, putting on another wide smile and for once, Murad almost let his mask slip.

"How are you this fine morning?"

"It's afternoon."

"Day is day, unfortunately."

She shook her hand, as though clearly disappointed by the finding. Murad heaved a deep sigh, placing the book he took to read back on the shelf and then adjusted his glasses that seemed to be concentrated on the figure of the girl in front of him much to his annoyance.

"So..."

"You're stalking me."

Murad crossed his arms across his chest, leaning on his side on the shelf. His eyes bored into hers that were now resembling the slightest of panic but she stood her ground with a determined expression.

"I'm not. I was interested in reading something."

"Great. Go ahead then. I'm done anyways."

Murad shrugged and adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder. Just as he turned around to leave, he felt her pull his bag back, successfully making him stumble on his steps.

"Kya hai?"

He gritted his teeth while balancing himself. Glaring at Alayna who clearly looked apologetic, he waited for her to answer only to be left bewildered.

"Itna kyu chidte hai mujhse?"

"Me?"

He pointed at himself, as though not understanding her words. Alayna rolled her eyes, giving him a blank look he always loved to wear and Murad sighed, knowing well that she wouldn't let it go.

"It's nothing like that. I'm just stressed."

"Har din? You don't even smile at me!"

Murad looked stupidly at her, not really knowing what his smile had to do with any of this. Frowning when he noticed how sad her eyes looked, he mentally prepared a small speech to say in order to not hurt her.

"I don't smile at 99.9% of this college's population."

"But I want to be a part of that 0.1%."

"You're supposed to be family-"

Murad bit his tongue the moment he said the words. He watched as the aggressive look on her face dulled second by second and when he was about to apologise, Alayna took a step back with a nod that was more for herself than him.

"Family. Right. Sorry."

One syllable after the other with small pauses.

Murad didn't like how she sounded. Taking a step forward he forwarded his hand only for her to offer him a small smile and turn away, leaving him to himself like he wanted but the way she left, it didn't settle well with him.

Debating whether to go after her or not, he decided against it and stayed for another hour in the library, trying to distract himself with books but for the first time, they weren't helping.

*****

"Ahzan?"

Ahzan closed his eyes in order to not be rude and ignore the call even though he was on his way to meet her. Putting on a smile, he turned to look at Alayna who looked distracted but had anyway wore a smile.

"Ghar nahi jaana?"

Alayna asked, peeking from over his shoulders and then shaking her head to herself. Her aura was off. It was sad and Ahzan had caught onto that.

"Aisa muh kyu banaya hai jaise ki someone stole your ice cream?"

He joked, hoping to earn himself a smile and he did, though it wasn't the one she had given him in the morning. Full of life and mirth. This one was clearly dull and forced.

"Nothing, just tired."

"Ahuh, and I'm good at accountancy."

Ahzan nodded his head and Alayna would have taken his words seriously if not for the look in his eyes. Chuckling at his attempts to cheer her, she lightly patted her cheeks to cheer her spirits.

"If you claim to be as smart as you are, you should be good at accountancy."

"Is that a taunt, miss. Dewar?"

"I don't know. Depends if you consider yourself smart or not, Mr. Bukhari."

Alayna shrugged, finding her cheeky self back. Ahzan gave her a wide grin, feeling accomplished upon seeing her trying to control a cheesy smile.

"Ab you go home. I've to meet someone, okay?"

"Hmm."

Alayna gave him a nod and Ahzan waved her a quick goodbye, making his way to her office. Rubbing his slightly sweaty palms against his jeans, he huffed out a breath and knocked on the closed door.

"Come in."

Turning the doorknob, he saw Qizrah swarmed with papers, rummaging through her drawers with a scowl on her face. A thud was heard when she closed it with a frustrated expression and her fueled eyes met his worried ones. Clearing her throat, she tried to stay calm and kept aside the papers that were messily arranged on her table.

"Sorry about the mess."

Her voice was small as she kept aside all the papers.

Ahzan debated whether or not to close the door behind him but not giving it a penny more of his thought, he closed the door and she looked up at him, clearly on the verge of tears.

"Mehr, kya hua?"

He kneeled in front of her, cupping her face gently. Caressing her warm skin, he waited for her to speak only for the words to be jumbled.

"Thosestupidmanagmentpeoplerejectedmyrequestonceagain."

"It's a good thing I'm a language expert, no?"

He teased, watching her huff and shake off his hands. Wiping her eyes with the back of her palms, Qizrah felt him take her palm in his and pull her off the seat.

"Why do they do this every single time?"

Her voice broke slightly but the anger in them was clear.

She wasn't crying because she was sad, she was crying because her anger had crossed its limit.

"Because they are afraid you'll surpass them."

He kissed her forehead, not at all fond of her tears especially since it wasn't her fault. The ways of the management were ugly. The only people who soared through their ranks were the ones who had connections with high ups and unfortunately, Qizrah refused to be a part of such blasphemy.

"But I tried really hard this time."

"I know and that's what matters. Forget those hairless idiots. Their brains are fried enough due to the lack of protection."

Qizrah scrunched her nose at the horrible description and shook her head as though unable to believe she had chosen this man willingly. Ahzan, as though reading her mind, grinned wildly, showering her face with small little kisses that made her giggle.

It was astonishing how she looked so cold and calculating to many but melted in seconds when it was him in the picture. Only she knew how she kept a straight face when he was in her class.

"You ignored me today."

He grumbled like a displeased child while placing his head on her shoulder. Qizrah smiled widely, her anger long forgotten as she ran her hand through his hair, shivering when his relaxed breath hit the skin of her neck.

"I need to be fair while teaching."

"Nobody would notice if you behave a little politely with me."

"Yeah, because then, you and I will not notice anyone else."

She didn't have to look at his expressions to know that he was grinning like a child. Snuggling in her hold, Ahzan closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of having his wife in his reach without any care of the world.

They had met through Mayza, his cousin sister and on the day of Mayza's wedding had Ahzan first seen Qizrah, sitting in a secluded corner when the group of ladies decided to steal Mayza away from her.

He had not given it much thought but when the woman blatantly ignored his presence and brilliant jokes, he was wounded to the heart.

It was that day and right after a month of nagging and trying his best to earn himself a laugh from her, Ahzan didn't realise when his heart had caved in, whispering embarrassingly cheesy whispers when she was around.

The woman was stubborn to reject him more than twice but after the fifth attempt, where he made sure to highlight that it'd be the last time he'd let her crush his heart, Qizrah finally said 'yes', having had enough of the emotional drama and her overthinking skills.

Coincidentally, since Qizrah happened to be a prodigy of her age, she had opted to join the teaching field and had secured herself a good rank at the age of 26.

Talk about beauty and brains.

"Now, shouldn't you compensate?"

The change in his voice made her chuckle nervously. Gulping down the nervousness, she held onto his shoulders when his lips brushed the hollow of her neck ever so lightly.

"F-for what?"

"For ignoring me."

His words trailed just like his lips on her skin. Gentle, but with a firm hold. Qizrah closed her eyes, relishing the touch as he reached the corner of her lips, placing a lingering kiss there before touching her lips with his. And just like the many times, Qizrah found her world dissolving into nothingness- just him and her.

He made her feel cherished like no one else. He made her want to smile, laugh and giggle at every chance he got and her reactions were always worth embarrassing himself.

"Hmm, did I mention you look destructive when you're serious?"

"You mean hot."

"I was looking for more of a formal word, but yes, hot."

The two laughed at the silly joke while he stole another kiss from her. The papers long forgotten just like her worries as Qizrah wrapped her arms around his neck, locking him with herself just like he locked her in his hold.

*****

Murad tried Ahzan's phone for the nth time but the man refused to pick up. Sighing in frustration, he threw it on his bed, clearly riled up with the way his day was going.

"Murad, ab tak tayyar nahi hue?"

He heard his mother's voice through the locked door. Trying to keep his tone in check, he rubbed his hands over his face before taking a few deep breaths to not freak out.

"Ji, give me a moment more."

"Jaldi neeche aa jao. They're here."

Trying to lay down his anxiousness, Murad looked into the mirror. The suit was slightly uncomfortable but he wore it nonetheless because of his mother. Adjusting the collar that all of a sudden was far too suffocating, he shook his head and murmured words of incoherent sentences to himself, hoping to ignore the way his heart was behaving.

Walking down the stairs, the bustle was hard to ignore and what was even worse was the laugh he heard. She was here. And Allah knows how long he had spent in her company to just recognize her quicker than his own reflection on the morning of an exam.

"Hai na? Aur phir-"

Alayna had just gotten the touch of Zameer's nonsensical jokes that matched with hers when her eyes fell on the arriving figure. Remembering the words he said in the morning, she didn't bother greeting him unlike her parents who were delighted.

Murad gave his polite salam to the older couple, taking a seat beside his mother. Opposite to him sat Zameer and Alayna on the same couch, whispering to each with grins on their faces and the next second, the two broke into suppressed fits of laughter.

"Alayna..."

Her mother gave her a stern look but with a sweet smile, asking- threatening her to behave politely and she motioned zipping her lips. Zameer, who was just sipping water, politely coughed it all out, unable to hold in his laugh and the elders of the family shook their heads at their antics.

Murad didn't realise that he had been frowning while watching the interaction. The cup of tea his mother had placed in his hand was long forgotten as his eyes bore holes in Zameer's skull. The latter looked up on sensing the gaze only to frown at how weird of a look his cousin was giving him.

Alayna had been doing a good job at ignoring the man, much to his displeasure and surprise. She kept herself busy with silly conversations with Zameer, not really in the mood to even engage in the talks the elders were involved in.

"Toh, date kab ki nikale?"

Alayna stiffened at the mention. Her eyes for the first time strayed to where Murad sat only for them to widen when she found him already looking at her. Just like always, his expressions were tough to decipher and this time, she didn't bother looking much into it, ignoring him once again.

"Woh bacho par chod de toh acha hoga. They're still young and have more say in this."

Zaviyar Malik, Murad's taya abbu spoke. Everyone else agreed with the decision and all of a sudden, Alayna found herself as the centre of attention.

"You guys can talk about it in private."

Mahira, Murad's mother, suggested with an easy smile. Alayna tried to hide the palm she had fisted, a lot of scenarios playing in her head and none of them were even remotely pleasant.

When she tried to relieve herself with the thought that he'd decline the offer, Murad got up from his seat, looking expectantly at her. Sighing knowing that she had no other choice, Alayna glanced at Zameer only to find him munching on a samosa without any care of the world.

Following Murad to the lawn at the back of the Malik house, Alayna waited for him to speak while she gazed at the plants around. Apparently Dua Malik, Murad's tayi ammi, had a love for plants and it was no wonder when she found the garden in such a good condition.

"Alayna?"

It might have been the first time that Murad Malik was initiating a conversation with her and she could only say that it was forced- or was it?

"Hmm.."

Murad was about to speak when she interfered with his words, this time, with her attention solely on him.

"You know we can cancel the arrangement right? I know you're not too fond of me and I- I don't really know why but marzi tumhari hai. I'm sure they'll understand and if you want, I can talk this through with them. Pata hai mujhe-"

"Kya pata hai?"

She was rudely interrupted with a tone that she wasn't familiar with. Assessing his expressions, she came to a conclusion that he was not at all pleased.

-But then again, when had she seen him smile?

"Aisa muh kyu banaya hai? I know you don't like me and it'll be better if we get this through. I'm not interested in having a moody person as my other half especially when they refuse to talk and ignore me like I'm a plague. Nahi karna hai nikkah toh bol do, nakhre kyu kar rahe ho?"

Alayna burst out all of a sudden. She knew there were people who were highly closed off and did not like anyone intervening in this affair but in Murad's case, she couldn't take it anymore. It hurts every single time and he better realise that.

"Nakhre?"

"Aur nahi toh kya! Jab dekho tab gussa rehta hai shakal pe, as though you'll be anywhere but in my presence. Nahi pasand hu toh say it on my face, aise bacho ki tarah kya expression game khel rahe ho?"

Murad remained stunned, not really aware of how he was supposed to answer her queries that weren't exactly questions but facts- false facts- she had picked up and all because of his behaviour.

He was to be blamed and he knew.

"Alayna-"

"What? Phir se daant na hai? Or is it another jab?"

She didn't know when or how she had started crying. Her voice remained firm but the tears she had kept at bay started flowing down her cheeks much to her annoyance. Roughly wiping them away, she grumbled when they wouldn't stop. Fanning her face while turning her back to him, she cursed mentally for embarrassing herself in front of him once again.

"My lucky stars..."

Sarcasm dripped from her tone as she kept fanning her face, seconds away from having another breakdown. She heard him shuffling behind her, his presence now closer than before but she didn't turn around to face him.

"Alayna, I-I'm sorry..."

He sounded so unsure, as though he himself had no idea about what he was apologising for. Alayna snickered at his tone, not replying to his words.

"I-I know I've been rude-"

"A prick."

Murad cleared his throat at the insult but since he knew he deserved it, he heard it with no protest.

"Right, ahm, a prick. But don't you see? I don't really know how to socialise or make friends. It's a wonder how Ahzan even stuck to me for all these semesters. I know I've turned you down with rude remarks and jabs again and again but that's just a way to keep you away. I-I haven't had the brightest of interactions with my mates in the past. It gives me no right to behave as I did with you but I was clueless on how to treat someone who was actually interested in making a conversation with me. All I've had for all these years in the name of friends are my cousins and siblings. The rest of them were just..."

Murad took in a deep breath, not having it in himself to continue. Alayna turned around when he paused. Her tears now gone as she stared cluelessly at him. When Murad looked away, her eyes caught onto the scar just beside his left eye, so dangerously close that she didn't know how she had missed it before.

"I was bullied. I wouldn't say bullied would be the right word since it was worse than that. A boy who liked to read rather than sports? An outcast. Not a fan of parties or is an introvert on an intense level? An outcast. Doesn't know how to fight? Such a shame. How does he see himself in the mirror every day?"

Those were whispers he had heard and some told it to him on his face. A certain summer class, did he finally cave into his violent instincts and in the fight, he injured his left eye- not severly but enough for the vision in it to be damaged a little. Since then, he had worn glasses, changed schools and became someone who didn't know what having friends meant.

Ahzan was like a blessing in his 2nd year of university, someone who was the complete opposite of who he was but had anyhow stuck to him, calling him his buddy.

"I-..."

Alayna swallowed down her words, afraid she'd curse the people she had never met for treating him as such. Huffing, she patted her cheeks and Murad's curious eyes followed the action.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to calm my anger."

Alayna almost fell back when she heard him laugh- Murad Malik was laughing, a human reaction she thought didn't exist in him or maybe, he was just shy?

Murad tried controlling his laugh as he stood straight. His eyes met her awe filled ones and knowing that the emotion was directed to him, the simple interaction tinted the tip of his ears red.

Alayna could bet she had seen him blush. The grumpy nerd was blushing. She made him blush.

"Oh my Allah! You're a human!"

To her surprised gasp, Murad rolled his eyes, wiping the traces of smile from his face but the hint of humour in his eyes made Alayna gush in victory.

He wasn't a robot!

"Toh, date?"

Murad blushed once again, not really bold enough to talk about stuff as such. Alayna grinned like an evil at its best, enjoying his reactions to the core. Her heart had wrapped itself in the warmth of the realisation that he wasn't behaving closed off with her, at least, not to the extreme extent.

"After the main semester exams?"

"Exams? We have exams? When?"

Alayna voiced her confusion with an adorable frown and Murad couldn't even say that he was surprised. The lady opened her books once in a blue moon and was allergic to morning study sessions or any study sessions in general.

"In 3 months."

"Itna late?!"

"You need early exams?"

"Exams ki kise padi hai? I'm talking about our nikkah!"

Murad tried to keep the embarrassed sounds in check. His shy personality seemed to have been spiked in her presence and her words were not helping the blush that was already resting atop his skin.

"A month?"

"You-... forget it."

Murad didn't bother with his words when Alayna was already on her way to tell the elders regarding their decision. The conversation they just had replayed in his mind and once again, Murad chuckled to himself.

*****

"Wait, so we're the baraat?"

Ahzan asked with a confused expression, seeing as Qizrah and him were getting to attend the wedding of Murad and to his not so surprise Alayna was the bride to be.

"You tell me. Murad aur Alayna dono tumhare hi two peas in a pod hai."

Qizrah commented while putting on her jhumka. Leaning back on the bed, Ahzan stared at her dressed in a blush pink suit that suited her far too much in his eyes.

Qizrah lightly patted her lips with a small touch of lipstick and then met her husband's eyes through the mirror only to blush when she found him staring at her unblinkingly, as though unable to believe she was real.

"Chale?"

Ahzan got up from his place hearing her speak. Trying to shake the thoughts in his head, he smoothed the surface of the matching sherwani.

Qizrah adjusted her dupatta and looked at him, only to turn alert when she caught onto the mischievous look in his eyes. Narrowing her eyes at him when he started walking towards her, Qizrah took a cautious step back only to be blocked by the dressing table.

"Kya chal raha hai tumhare dimaag mein?"

"Nothing holy."

If she thought he couldn't make her blush today, she was wrong. The hues of pink matching the silk of the dress she wore spread across her skin as she tried to glare at him, wanting him to shut up but the man was always bad at taking hints.

With a teasing smile, Ahzan circled his hands around her waist, pulling her closer as he leaned in. Qizrah's fake anger didn't last long especially seeing their proximity and she leaned in, closing her eyes, awaiting a kiss.

Frowning when the touch never came, she opened her eyes only to find him staring innocently at her but oh the devil lurking behind the brown gaze was hidden from none.

"Main toh bas tumhara make-up check kar raha tha. Tumhe kya laga?"

He wiggled his eyebrows, knowing well that he was threading a dangerous territory. To his question, Qizrah gave him a sweet smile, locking the nape of his neck with her palms. Ahzan's eyes widened when she pulled his face closer only to whisper back in his ears.

"You're sleeping on the couch tonight."

"Excuse me!"

Ahzan let out a flabbergasted shriek when she pulled herself away and acted as if nothing happened. The smile remained on her face as she ruffled his hair and walked past him, silently asking him to follow since they were already late.

Grumbling under his breath about how 'tit for tat' was ugly, he followed her with puppy eyes, hoping to change the ridiculous judgement.

"Mehr, yaar, it was a joke! Aise na karo. Dil toot jayega mera!"

"Dil ki itni fikr hai toh mujhe kyu chidhaya?"

"But I love you na!"

He pulled her wrist, stopping her from passing by the living room where his whole family was buzzing like bees on a pollen hunt. Cornering her beside a wall, he gave his best puppy eyes to her while she glared at him.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

He mumbled along with sweet kisses across her face and Qizrah couldn't stop the smile that surfaced on her lips. Trying to keep in a laugh when the touch turned ticklish, she tried to push him away but he didn't budge.

"Acha okay! Okay!"

She giggled when his lips broke into a huge grin that made her feel fuzzy. Shaking her head at his antics, she flicked his forehead gently while he stole a quick peck from her lips.

"Chalo ab. Late ho raha hai."

"Aye aye, madame."

He kissed the back of her palms and resumed their walk with her palm in his.

The Malik mansion was in an uproar to say the least. Mahira was a mess, seeing that her youngest child was getting married and all she could do was weep every few hours and Dua had to console her with the facts that he wasn't going anywhere.

"Main bata rahi hu, roses are better."

"Chrysanthemums are unmatchable."

Zaahira glared at her Darya, who glared back. Stuck between them was Azra. Looking left and then right, she took a step back, hoping to get away from the scene before she was dragged into the mess but of course, when was luck ever at her side.

"Azra, bolo ise ki roses are better."

"As if. Azra, you know chrysanthemums are more beautiful."

"Pata hai na we can keep both the flowers?"

Azra chuckled nervously, giving her suggestion and the two stared down at her, as though disappointed.

"You're my sister-in-law!"

"She's my sister-in-law!"

"I knew her before you!"

"But we're the ones who live in the same house!"

"Why are you two so moody today?"

Azra groaned, slumping on her seat in exhaustion. She never knew marrying Zaahira's brother-in-law would lead to such a drastic share of her time. Darya was her brother's wife but she was close to Zaahira too after being married and living in the same house for over a year now.

"Main ja rahi hu!"

Azra got up with an annoyed expression, leaving the two to their childish banter. Her head was aching at this point and she knew a sudden outburst was on its way. Why you ask? Because she hadn't got a single minute to herself in the whole day. She was moving from one corner to the other hoping to find peace only to be dragged back to the bustle that was too loud for her liking. The chirpy part of her had taken a leave for the day as she massaged her shoulder to relieve the stress.

She jumped in surprise when another pair of hands took over the job once hers were tired. Feeling the familiar warmth, she rested her back on his chest, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths in his embrace.

Yazan kissed the crown on her head, moving his hands from her shoulder to around her stomach, turning her to face him. She looked tired but beautiful nonetheless. Caressing her cheeks as he drank in her features, he brushed the tip of his nose with hers and to his luck, she smiled.

"Itna kaam karna zaroori hai?"

To his stern question, she opened her eyes and gave him an apologetic look. Shaking her head, she kissed his stubble covered jaw and snuggled in his hold.

"Nahi na, lekin I was so excited."

"Itni excitement ka kya faida hua?"

He rubbed her back, hoping to ease the tension in her muscles and slowly, Azra felt her aching shoulders give her a rest and as did her headache, disappearing as though it never existed.

"Kuch khaya bhi hai ya nahi?"

"Chips."

"Main asli khane ki baat kar raha hu."

"Nahi na, the buffet section was too crowded. Mujhe achi feeling nahi aa rahi thi."

Yazan sighed, not knowing what he was supposed to do with her. Placing another sweet kiss on the crown of her head, he made her sit on the chair at the corner and gave her a look that said to say put. Azra got comfortable on the chair while he disappeared for some time. Around ten minutes later, when Azra thought she'd doze off while sitting on the chair, did he arrive with a take out in his hand.

"Sahi se baitho."

Yazan pulled the box back when Azra refused to sit straight. Pouting at the injustice, she sat straight and gleefully took hold of the box. Opening it, she found aloo tikki, malai kofta and butter naan creating a thirst trap for her.

"Main khilau?"

Yazan sat cross legged on the ground as he stared up at her. The height difference between them didn't make it too awkward and Azra forwarded the box to him with a giddy smile.

They had met via food, in the very same mansion and who knew that small encounter would lead to something this big.

Azra had gotten married at the age of 26, something that many of her relatives frowned upon seeing as they believed a girl was supposed to get married young. The whispers were not ignored by her and even though 26 was a very young age, many in the desi society did not think so.

The whispers had gotten cruel at some point. Many pointed at the fact that maybe she was infertile hence why wasn't married yet. Others thought she had other diseases and people rejected her for those.

Her meeting with Yazan was the most beautiful coincidence she could ever think of. They hadn't set off at first, maybe because her wild side refused to calm down when she spotted sweet food- gulab jamun- her love.

"Aapko bhuk nahi?"

Azra frowned when he kept feeding her, not taking a morsel himself. Yazan raised an eyebrow, as though amused that she was sharing her food at him and Azra read through the expression, huffing at his looks.

"Aise mat dekhe. Dil hai mere paas."

She broke a piece of naan and fed it to him. Yazan tried to bite back the grin that wanted to surface at her adorable expressions and once he had swallowed down the food, he kissed the tips of her finger that came rest near his lips, asking him to take another bite.

"Aapko pata hai aapki bhabhi aur meri bhabhi, dono ne mera sukoon kha rakha hai."

Yazan chuckled at the dramatic line, not stopping the feeding spree. Azra kept rambling about her day to him while he threw away the empty box. Pouring her a glass of water, he gave it to her only to receive a half filled back.

Rolling his eyes when he saw the expectant look on her face, he smiled as he drank from the spot she had and received a cheerful clap from her as a praise.

"Haye, maine bataya ki aap bahot ache hai?"

Yazan made a thinking face as he kept the glass away. Standing up as she did, he winced when his knees protested. Lack of calcium or was he ageing?

Astagfirullah! He shook away the thought with a scowl.

"Yeh kya muh banaya hai?"

Azra straightened the lines on his forehead. Yazan leaned in the touch, savouring the warmth as she took her sweet time to run her fingers through his hair. Yazan pulled her closer, kissing her cheeks while she gave him a wide smile. Nearly a year to their marriage and it still felt anew and Insha'Allah, may it remain as such.

"Yazan..."

"Hmm?"

He kissed her cheeks once again as Azra looked at him. The look in her eyes always stirred his soul, awaking it from a deep sleep, asking him to interweave all that he believed in with her.

"Zu darsara minna kawm janan."

She wasn't a Pashto but he was. Her pronunciations weren't to the point but the words always left Yazan thinking and praying that she wasn't a dream. A dream so sweet and loving, that he could kiss his life away just to have her beside him.

"Za ta sara meena kwam."

Taking a quick glance around, Yazan pulled her to the side, capturing her lips with his when her eyes wouldn't let him stay in peace. They created havoc in his heart, not letting it stay silent, always eager to beat when she was around.

Azra smiled into the kiss and so did he. Content was a small word for how her heart felt. It was like Allah had given her the pain so that she could cherish his love better, to value his love with her life.

*****

Saying 'Qubool hai' was harder than what Alayna had first thought about it. Her sniffles wouldn't stop nor would her tears. Her nose was making a mess and her make-up was almost ruined and that made her cry harder.

Makeup was love.

Maybe because they covered her freckles. Maybe because they saved her from judging gazes. Maybe because they gave her an identity that the majority praised but alas, her heart didn't.

"Alayna, mera bacha, bas kar abhi."

Her mother consoled her with tears of her own. The wedding took place at a fast pace but they were ready for it since Alayna and Murad had been engaged for the past one year. They were young enough to be burdened with the responsibility of a partner and hence why, they decided to wait for a year before officially wedding them off. The thought of engagement and postponed marriage wasn't the most suited but the situations called for it and they went on.

Murad heard her small cries and it pained him for a reason unknown to himself. Throughout the function, he listened to her silently, aiding her when she needed him. The tears were abundant but so were the blessings.

A few hours later, they finally decided to hold the rukhsati and Alayna refused to leg off her baba. The old man had done a great job at hiding the tears in his eyes but at that moment, a trickle or two escaped as he hugged her close.

"Mera bacha, chalo abhi, rote nahi."

"Toh jaane ko na bole na. I'll get married and stay with you. Aap Murad ko bole yaha shift hone ke liye."

Numerous chuckles were heard at the suggestion and even Murad smiled at the adorable way in which she pleaded to her father.

"Par Murad nahi mane ga."

Her father tried to make her understand but instead, she gave a glare to her now husband who frowned at the expression.

"Kyu nahi maane ga? If he doesn't stay with me, why should I go with him?!"

Alayna's mother heaved a long sigh, shaking her head at her daughter's arguments.

"Woh bhi hai. So why don't we take turns? Some days here and some days there."

Mahira, Murad's mother, suggested with an excited smile and Murad almost had a whiplash. Were they going to play housemates or something?

"Pakka?"

She asked in a small voice and Mahira nodded her head excitedly. Sighing in dismay, Alayna hugged her father for another good few minutes before accompanying Murad to his car. Zameer had given up on being the driver after a full plate of food and drowsy eyes.

Murad tried to ignore the way Alayna kept glancing back every few minutes. The mansion had long been out of sight and still, she couldn't stop looking behind her. Her tears had calmed down only to start fresh again when the Malik house came into view.

"Alayna?"

Murad called out gently as he parked the car in the garage. Turning to face her, he smiled softly when she refused to look at him.

"Alayna?"

"Nickname..."

"Huh?"

"Arey, jaan bulao, jaanu bulao! That's the tradition!"

Alayna huffed, as though unable to process how dumb he was and Murad couldn't even bring it in himself to be surprised.

Maybe he was too used to her dramatics.

They were nice.

"Kya bulao phir? Woh bhi bata do."

Alayna gave him a wide grin, clapping her hands as she finally looked at him. Murad had read a few rom-com books, each of which described the emotion of the hearts in a silly manner but to think they were true when one was with the right person was a surprise.

"Meri jaan?"

"Ji?"

Alayna blushed but at the same time, she couldn't stop the giggle that escaped her lips when she saw the hues of pink on his cheek. She had just suggested the nickname but clearly, he was already in the character.

Shortly after that, Alayna found herself being welcomed in the Malik house. She and Azra had clicked instantly and as one would have it, Alayna found herself staring curiously at Murad's room in which she had been left alone, waiting for him.

The walls were an off-white shade and just as she had guessed, the room wasn't extravagant. It was minimally arranged and looked spacious and cozy. A large bookshelf was set at the corner of the wall facing the bed directly filled with books. Curiosity got its best as she made her way to the beautiful beings. The spines of each one of them pulled her in as she ran a finger across them. She wasn't a fan of books but she wouldn't mind if a certain someone read them to her.

The door clicked and she turned around slightly surprised only to see a sheepish Murad giving her an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, thodi der ho gayi."

There was a permanent blush on his face and Alayna could only think of the many reasons why it was such. Straightening her lehenga, she quickly sat on the bed, veiling her face.

"Okay. Follow the traditions."

Murad swallowed down a laugh as he sat beside her, slowly lifting the veil and from behind it, peeked through her smiling face. The noor her face held was astonishing and so much more were those freckles.

They were not equal in number. The right side held 9 of them whereas the left one had 12. They created a serene look on her face as though the specks of light weaving through a forest. Her dusky complexion was like the softwood one took comfort in while the green of her leaves were like the leaves that provided someone with the most tranquil of shades.

His reading might as well pay off as he kept imprinting each and every detail of her face in his mind, left completely star-struck when the hues of pink peeked shyly from under her dusky complexion.

Indeed, Alayna had the blush mechanism after all.

"Tareef karo ab."

She motioned for him to start as she sat expectantly and Murad smiled- a thing that had been a constant when she was around.

"I once read a quote."

Alayna gave him a curious look, placing her cheeks in between her palms and blinked at him, silently asking him to say it aloud.

Murad leaned a little closer. His fingers brushed the freckles on her cheeks lightly and Alayna's wide smile turned to that of a shy maiden, enjoying the attention of the man who was now hers.

"I felt like kissing the swords

because their glimmer

reminded me of your smile."

Alayna knew it wasn't fair. He was supposed to be the silent one and not the one to make her speechless. If she had a doubt that she was blushing, then the way he was looking at her confirmed every silent whisper of her mind.

"Y-you a-aren't- ahh!"

She whined and Murad smiled once again.

"Murad?"

"Ji?"

Alayna tried to ignore the stupid blush and the feeling within her as she smiled, albeit a little hesitantly and Murad tried not to panic, thinking he had done something wrong.

"Am I- am I a part of that 0.1% population now?"

Her question made him want to slap himself but controlling the urge, he pointed his index finger at his face and made a full round of his chand sa mukhda.

"What do you think?"

"I am! I am!"

Alayna lurched forward to tackle him in a hug and Murad laughed at her excitement. Smoothening the dupatta on her head, he kissed the crown of her head, murmuring a much needed apology.

"You were always a part of that population. I was just a prick to make you an exception."

They didn't share a physical intimacy that night but what they did share were intimate secrets, unspoken doubts and innocent kisses on the fingers, the forehead, the palm, the cheek and sweet shy nothings of the heart.

Maybe, for them, that was more than enough.

The night was still young, their lives had just tangled, giving it a little time would only nourish the bond with a love so pure and strong.

Kasur toh tha hi in nighaho ka

Jo chupke se deedar kar baithe;

Humne toh khamosh rehne ki thani thi

Par bewafa yeh zaban izhar kar baithi

*********

Happy 8900+ words. No fingers and brain cells were harmed in the process.

Three in one! I know I know but I swear, I didn't have any solid foundation to make a one-shot for each of them separately and had to think it all through and come to a conclusion that we'll merge! Sooo, how was it?!

My Murad bacha has went through a lot and often we overlook the fact that being a man doesn't necessarily mean that they have to stand strong in ever fricking situation. They're humans, they have emotions and likes and dislikes and the society needs to stop with its stereotypes already. It burns me whenever I come across such realities but the people never listen.

I wouldn't rant much about it because if I start then I wouldn't stop.

Here's a cheers to the last chapter of Mehr-o-Mah, the ending of a timeline, a journey of generations and awe-ing love stories.

Idk if it makes sense but for me, Mehr-o-Mah is more precious that Ahd-e-Vafa. You'd ask why? Well, Ahd-e-Vafa is my first kid and Mehr-o-Mah the youngest. You may connect the dots and come to a conclusion on your own! (P.S. I've made drastic improvements in my writing skills, so yeaaaah!)

I thought I'd cry but I'm not, maybe because I was preparing myself for it. It's always tough to say goodbyes especially when I've been working around the same family tree for the past 1 year.

There were chapters that made me cry, some hit a soft spot that was still fresh regarding its wound, some made me crave for a partner like those that I've written while the real part of mine often ended up overthinking about my future and my- hopefully- cheesy partner.

Isn't it scary? The thought of not finding the love you read about in books and poems and plays and movies?

That's reality and it sucks but anyways, Mehr-o-Mah is always up to make you feel loved and cherished! My characters might be too surreal but that's them and this is me. I've had enough of reality.

With such a long emotional speech, I hereby announce that Mehr-o-Mah is complete.

Let's grin for one last time for their happily ever afters and keep the evil eyes away!

For the last time on Mehr-o-Mah, your author,

- Dilara💕

**********