Unexpected | غیر متوقع

Tum hi socho zara kyun na rokhen tumhe,

Jaan jaati hai jub uth ke jaatay ho tum.

*----------------------------------------------*

Zahra stretched her body and yawned. She blinked a few times, and then slowly opened her eyes. Zohaib was intently looking at her every movement.

"Finally you woke up", Zohaib smiled. "I would have woken you up but your Ammi forced me to wait".

Zahra starred at him for a moment and gave him a smile. She turned around and hid her face in Faryal's embrace.

"Hey Zahra", Zohaib nudged her but she wasn't moving at all. "Zahraaa".

"Aww she is getting shy, it's been days she hasn't seen you", Faryal laughed.

"Zahra you were calling your daddy, look he is back", Faryal grazed her fingers through Zahra's hair. Zahra let out a giggle.

"Okay so you are throwing tantrums now", Zohaib picked up Zahra in his hands. Zahra squealed.

"Itne nakhre kahan say seekh rahi ho? (From where are you learning all these tantrums?)", he kissed her.

"Daddy missed you sooo much", he hugged her tightly.

"Zahra missed you too. Haina Zahra (right)?", Faryal said. Zahra sat down on Zohaib's lap.

"No", Zahra pouted.

"What?", Zohaib frowned.

"It's Yes, remember I taught you how to say it.", Faryal facepalmed. "Yes Yes".

"Yesh Yesh", Zahra Facepalmed too.

"She forgot", Faryal and Zohaib laughed.

"Copy cat you are getting too cute, I'll eat you up if you didn't stop being that cute.", Zohaib lightly bit her with his lips. Zahra dropped a kiss on his cheek. Zohaib smiled from ear to ear.

"I'll go and inform mom that you came back", Faryal said. Zohaib nodded and she went downstairs.

"Saleem said that Zohaib came last night", Mom stated as Faryal entered the living room where Mom, Tayi Ammi, Dadi phupho and Dadi jan were already present.

"Yes Mom, I came here to inform you that", Faryal's side hugged Mom.

"That's great, Zahra must be happy now", Tayi Ammi stated.

"She is veryyy happy Tayi Ammi I can't even tell you", Faryal said.

"Come here Faryal", Dadi phupho adjusted her glasses over her nose.

Faryal got tensed. Mom signaled her to go forward. She stepped forward.

"Sit here", Dadi phupho patted the sofa. Faryal sat down beside her.

"Who is Zohaib to you?", Dadi phupho questioned. Faryal's eyes flew open. Zain joined them. He frowned and settled down on the sofa.

"Shohr hai uska yeh kesi baatein poch rahi ho bachi say (He is her husband, what kind of questions you are asking the kid)", Dadi jan said.

"What is dadi phupho upto at this time", Zain mumbled.

"Faryal will give me an answer", Dadi phupho said sternly.

"Hus..Husband", Faryal stuttered. Dadi phupho's tone was scaring her.

"Thank God you understand this", Dadi phupho said. "Your husband came home after days. That's how you are dressed up around him", Dadi phupho pointed at her appearance. She was wearing a casual shalwar kameez and her hair was tucked into a messy bun.

"I know you would hate me for saying all these things to you but it's for your own betterment. Get dressed up for him, try to be always around him. Bewaqoof larki, shohr ko qabo krne ka tarika b muje seekhana parhay ga ab. Usko apne sath masroof rakho. (Foolish girl, Now I'll have to teach you how to wrap your husband around your little finger. Engage him with yourself)", This time Dadi phupho's voice was exceptionally soft. Faryal nodded.

"Did you understand?",

"Ji (Yes)", Faryal replied.

"Now go and get dressed up nicely", Faryal nodded and stood up and went upstairs.

She stepped deeper inside the room and directly walked up to the closet. She could hear Zahra and Zohaib's voices, they were still playing. She picked up her clothes and then entered the washroom.

Zohaib glanced at her. "What happened to her?", he frowned. Zahra was sitting on Zohaib's abdomen. She was non-stop blabbing.

"Hmm yeh bi hova tha (Hmm so this happened too)", Zohaib raised an eyebrow, Zahra stopped. She thought for a moment, it seemed like she was remembering things and then started blabbing again. A few minutes later, Faryal entered the room with her hair wrapped into the towel.

She unwrapped her hair and placed the wet towel on the hand rest of the chair. Her long hair was dripping wet and created a patch at the small of her back. Zohaib stole a glance at her. She looked stunning in that peach-colored dress. She applied mascara and then tint on her lips and cheeks.

"That's enough. Otherwise, Zahra would think we are going out", She mumbled.

"Are you going somewhere?", Zohaib asked.

"No", She turned around and questioned, "Why?".

"You were getting ready", he replied.

"Yeh tou aese hi (Just like that)", she shrugged. "Come Zahra, you haven't eaten anything".

Zahra held Zohaib tightly.

"Your daddy is not going anywhere, let's eat something, and then Ammi will get you dressed up. Hun?",

"Seems like a good plan Zahra but daddy can do that for you too", Zohaib rubbed Zahra's back. Zohaib fed her the porridge and Faryal convinced her to get ready while Zohaib kept her busy with himself.

"Should we go downstairs now?", Faryal said.

"Wait", Zohaib remembered something. He picked out a paper envelope from the bag.

"I don't know if you would like these or not but couldn't find anything else except these", he handed her the handmade anklet.

"Beautiful", She smiled. She sat down on the bed and starred at the anklet.

"Jo pendant laya hai pehnaye ga bi wohi ( Whoever brought the pendant will make her wear it as well)", Meesha's words reverberated in her mind.

"Pehna den (Help me with it)", she pouted and forwarded the anklet in his direction. He looked into her eyes for a moment and then took the anklet from her hand. He sat down on the floor and clasped it around her ankles.

"Thank youuu". Her eyes were brimming with innocence. Her innocence, that was his undoing. Zohaib smiled. Faryal got up from the bed.

"Zahra do you remember our surprise", Faryal whispered in Zahra's ear, Zahra frowned.

"Bhool gyi kya Zahra? (Did you forget)", Faryal whispered. "You were supposed to walk in front of him". Zahra smiled coyly..

"What's going on between both of you?", Zohaib raised an eyebrow.

"Oh Zahra has a surprise for you please close your eyes", Faryal said. Zohaib looked at her questioningly.

"Come on Zohaib close your eyes", Faryal demanded. Zohaib heaved a sigh and closed his eyes.

"Zohaib agr ap ne cheating ki tou ap namak ka majasma bun jaen gay (Zohaib if you cheated you will become a salt statue)",

"What?", he laughed.

"I'm serious", she whined.

"Nahi kar raha mein. Tum tou roz cheating krthi ho aj tuk tou namak ka majasma nahi bana tumse (You cheat every day but you didn't become salt statue up till now)", Zohaib said playfully.

"Roz kub krthi hun? kabi kabi cheating krthi hun mein (When did I cheat every day? I cheat sometimes)", she pouted.

"Finally you accepted that you cheat", he chuckled.

"Zohaib please keep your mouth zipped, let me concentrate",

"Zahra you have to walk up to your daddy. okay?", She said in a low voice and made Zahra stand on her feet. "I'm leaving you, be careful".

Faryal backed off from Zahra. "Take a step forward Zahra", Zahra looked up to her Ammi and then back to Zohaib and took a step.

"Zohaib open your eyes quickly", Faryal said softly. Zohaib fluttered open his eyes. He paused when his eyes fell on Zahra as she was standing without any support. Zahra looked up to her Ammi again and smiled coyly.

"Go daddy is waiting", Faryal said lovingly. Zahra stepped forward. Zohaib's smile was getting bigger with Zahra's every step. Faryal was walking beside Zahra, if in case Zahra loses her balance she would catch her. Zahra hugged him once she reached there.

"She didn't stumble", Zohaib was surprised. Faryal smiled and nodded.

"It's the best surprise", Zohaib said happily and hugged Zahra tightly.

"What Zahra and her Ammi want as a reward?", Zohaib questioned.

"You are back, it's more than enough", Faryal shrugged.

*****

"Mom I want to marry Inaya", Huzaifa stated.

Faryal choked on the food. Zohaib rubbed her back "Easy", he mumbled. She turned her gaze towards Mahum. Mahum looked normal.

"I knew you won't wait to get married", Tayi Ammi bloomed. "Just like Uzair".

Uzair groaned.

"Huzaifa what's the rush, take your time and decide", Mom said.

"Huzaifa bhai kyun apne haathon qurban hona chah rahe hain, Apko andaza nahi Meesha baji kitni khatrnak hain (Huzaifa why do you want to get slaughtered by your own hands, you have no idea how dangerous Meesha is)", Zain thought. He shoved out his cell phone from his pocket and sent a message to Meesha explaining the situation. "Bhai May Allah keep you safe now".

"It's a lifetime decision Huzaifa. Think about it first", Dad said.

"Dad I've thought about it enough. I just want to get married to her", Huzaifa paused for a moment and then added, "Within two weeks".

"Within two weeks? Now, this is too much", Dadi jan said. "Aesi bi kya jaldi hai Huzaifa (what's the rush)".

"Silence", Dada jan said. Everyone stopped talking. "Huzaifa are you sure? is it what you want?",

"Yes Dada jan", Huzaifa replied.

"Saba if your son wants to get married to her that too with our blessing, I don't see anything wrong in it", Dada jan said.

"But abba Jan how will we prepare in such a short period of time?", Mom asked.

"You can do that together I know this. We don't accept the dowry so I don't think so Inaya's family would ask for time", Dada Jan said. Mom nodded.

"Why within two weeks", Faryal voiced her thoughts, Huzaifa's eyes shifted towards her." I mean Huzaifa we can wait a few months".

"Because Dada Jan and everyone else is going back to Lahore after two weeks", Huzaifa replied.

"I second you Huzaifa bhai", Zain said. "In this way, Mahum baji would also be able to attend your marriage too. Everyone can come back from Lahore to attend your marriage but Mahum baji can't come from the states. You don't want to dishearten her. It's very thoughtful of you", Zain added the salt to their wounds.

"Exactly", Huzaifa smiled.

"Mahum baji are you happy now? You would be able to enjoy Bhai's wedding", Zain questioned.

"A lot", she replied.

"Zain you are such a natural actor", Faryal thought.

"I'll talk to Inaya's mother", Mom said.

"I was thinking we should pay a visit to Roshni's family too. Since Zohaib is back we can join them for lunch today", Tayi Ammi suggested.

"Sure", Dadi jan replied.

*****

"Huzaifa...Huzaifaaa", Meesha yelled as she barged into the Durrani house. Faryal, Zain, Dad, Zahra, and Zohaib were sitting in the living area.

Faryal ran towards her and covered Meesha's mouth.

Dad and Zohaib looked at her in bewilderment.

"Anghoti ka size mangne ayin hongi (She must have come to take the size of the ring", Zain laughed sheepishly and scratched his head.

"She is just over-excited", Faryal added.

"Let's go upstairs Meesha baji we will give you the size", Zain literally dragged her.

"Strange", Dad said looking at their retrieving figures.

"Very strange", Zohaib shook his head.

Zain took her to his room.

"Yaar aj tum log muje na roko aj, in dono ka dimgh thikanay lagane do muje (Please do not stop me, let me fix them today)", Meesha said angrily. "Ajeeeb pagal log hain yeh..pyaar aik say krtha hai aur shaddi isko Inaya say krni hai (They are insane, he loves another person but wants to get married to Inays)".

"How did you know this?", Faryal frowned.

"I texted her", Zain said.

"Zain", Faryal shook her head.

"We will find a solution, just relax", Faryal tried to cool her down.

"I can not get relaxed. He wants to marry Inaya. Do you have the slightest idea what does that means? She is already engaged.", Meesha thundered.

Zain forwarded a glass of water. Meesha gulped it in one go.

"They have screwed my mind", Meesha huffed.

"How are they behaving since morning?", Meesha asked.

"Both are exceptionally calm today", Faryal said.

"Our plan got flopped, their ego is way bigger than I'd thought", Meesha said.

"There is only one-way" Meesha paused. She picked up a baseball bat from the rack and added.

"I'll beat the hell out of them". Meesha turned around, Zain and Faryal quickly caught her.

"Meesha baji don't do this please", Zain requested. Faryal panicked, she knew how serious Meesha could be.

"That's Insane, we can make them confess their feelings but we can not force them like that", Faryal said.

"I'm going nuts", Meesha threw the baseball bat angrily.

"If I say I have got a plan, then?", Zain raised an eyebrow.

"What plan?", Faryal questioned. Zain explained to them his plan.

"One last time, if it didn't work we will give up on them", Zain stated.

"One last time", Meesha mumbled.

"Tomorrow will decide their destiny, Allah Miyan please do something in their favor", Faryal prayed.

"Ameen. I am going to meet aunty, she needs to do something.", saying that Meesha left Zain's room.

"I'll go and see what's Mahum doing", Faryal left the room too and strode towards Mahum's room.

She knocked on the door a few times but got no answer. She turned the knob, the door was unlocked. She walked deeper into the darkroom towards the bed.

Faryal sat beside Mahum, grazing her hand over Mahum's head. "Mahum", she said softly.

Mahum stirred and opened her eyes.

"Why are you lying here like this. Are you okay?", Faryal asked worriedly.

Mahum sat down. "Just a headache".

Faryal moved forward and hugged her tightly. "Sub theek ho jae ga (Everything is going to be alright).

Mahum wrapped her hands around Faryal. She placed her head on her shoulder. That's what she needed the most.

"Sub theek ho jae ga, In'Sha'Allah. (Everything is going to be alright)", Faryal said again. Faryal didn't say or ask anything further, she just wanted to show Mahum that she is there for her. She patted Mahum's back in a comforting way. They stayed like this for a while.

"Where is Zahra?", Mahum asked.

"Zahra...pucho hi mut uske halat (Don't ask me about her whereabouts)", Faryal laughed. "She is stuck to Zohaib since he has come back".

Mahum backed off. She held Faryal's hand and said honestly. " I'm so glad to have you and Zahra as a family. You both are the most beautiful addition to our family".

Faryal smiled. "What are you going to wear?".

"Anything", Mahum shrugged.

"You can choose something from my wardrobe", Faryal got up.

"We are going to see Roshni, it's her day. I don't need to dress up extraordinary", Mahum said.

"No, please come", Faryal insisted so much that Mahum had to accept her offer.

*****

Mahum braided Faryal's hair into a french braid.

"Is it how you wanted", Mahum questioned.

"Perfect", Faryal replied.

"I think I should tie my hair too", Mahum looked at her reflection.

"No, you are looking stunning Mahum. Don't change anything", Faryal said.

"Zahra won't you let your daddy get ready, huh?", Zohaib's voice came as he entered the room.

"No", Zahra shook her head.

"Please", Zohaib said in a baby voice.

"No", Zahra pulled his lips.

"I'll help mama, she might need my help", saying that Mahum left.

"Zahra come here beta, let your daddy get dressed", Faryal said while wearing her pearl studs.

"No",

"I am crying Zahra", Faryal acted. Zahra giggled at first and then she worriedly looked at Faryal.

"Your Ammi is crying", Zohaib told her softly. Zahra tried to jump out of Zohaibs arms towards her Ammi. Faryal stopped and took Zahra from Zohaib.

Zahra was still frowning. "I am not crying anymore, don't worry", Faryal said. Zohaib tip-toed into the washroom.

Zahra kissed Faryal's cheek. "Aww you were worried for me. Mera bacha (My baby). I'm so sorry".

"Zahra you didn't even notice that I am nicely dressed up which meansss", Faryal waggled her eyebrows "Should I say it, huh? It means...... we are going out", she chirped. Zahra giggled.

*****

Uzair was standing in front of the mirror. He folded the cream-colored dress shirt sleeves up to the elbows while he was mindlessly starring at his reflection.

Flashback:

Roshni cleared her throat "Umm Uziar, do you want to ask anything? If you want to you can ask me".

"I don't have", Uzair said. "You can ask me if you have any".

"I do have questions.....a bunch of weird ones actually. Should I start?", Roshni smiled.

"Go ahead", Uzair stated.

"What is marriage for you?", Roshni questioned.

Uzair thought for a moment and then said, "For me, marriage is companionship. The deepest form of friendship, trust, and respect which would eventually turn into love".

"What are the 2 personality traits you can not tolerate in another person?",

"Lies and disloyalty", Uzair replied.

"What qualities do you value most in the other people?",

"Honesty, kindness, and emotional intelligence", Uzair said.

"Emotional intelligence? that's new", Roshni raised an eyebrow.

Uzair nodded, "Emotional intelligence is more important than mental intelligence for me".

"Impressive", She mumbled.

After that, she asked a series of questions.

"What is your idea of women"

"What's your idea of a good weekend?",

"Interest in global politics and history?"

"What kind of books do you read?",

"How do you deal with setbacks and disappointment?",

"What do you think about a girl child?",

"Do you have any problem with adopting a kid?",

"What are your views about Hitler?",

"What role do you think a woman should play in a marriage?",

"Your idea of a fun day?",

"I'm done", she said. "Thanks for co-operating", she smiled gracefully.

Uzair slightly nodded his head. The only thing he has realized after answering the questions was that Roshni will deny the proposal.

Flashback ends.

Zohaib entered Uzair's room with Zahra walking beside him holding her daddy's index finger.

"Uzair", Zohaib called out. Uzair didn't give any reaction.

Zohaib stepped forward and snapped his fingers in front of Uzair jolting him out of the trance. Uzair turned his head towards Zohaib.

"Ready?", Zohaib asked.

"Yup", Uzair replied. "Ghar bula kar reject krne ki kya zarorat thi usko. Acha zaleel krvaye gi muje (What was the need to call us to her house for the rejection. She is going to humiliate me)."

"Do you still think she is going to reject you", Zohaib raised an eyebrow.

Uzair heaved a sigh and nodded his head.

"I ain't complaining though", Uzair's lips stretched into a smile. "Let's end this chapter today. Ghirthi hovi dewar ko aik dhaka aur de dethay hain. (Let's give one final push to the already falling wall).

Uzair stretched his arm forward and said, "come Zahra".

Zahra hid behind her daddy's leg and held it tightly.

"I won't bring chocolates for you", Uzair stated.

"Daddy", Zahra said meekly. Zohaib bent down and picked up Zahra.

"Don't tease my daughter Uzair chachu", Zohaib kissed his daughter.

Zohaib shook his head. "I would still say get yourself sorted. What if she accepted the proposal." They strode out of his room.

"Why would I think about the impossibilities", Uzair said as they were going down the stairs. They went downstairs. Everyone was gathered outside the house and settling down in their cars.

*****

Roshni's family warmly welcomed the Durrani's and invited them inside their house.

Haya smiled and waved a "Hi" to Huzaifa. Huzaifa looked at her blankly. He turned around his eyes fell on Mahum, she was sitting at the corner of the guest's room. He quickly walked up to her and sat down beside her.

Mahum peeked at him from the corner of her eyes and then looked straight and gave a tight-lipped smile to Roshni's mother.

Haya dragged a chair for herself and kept it near Huzaifa.

"I'm so happy to see you again Huzaifa", Haya smiled. "And Mahum you too", she added as a formality.

"Good to see you too Haya", Mahum nodded her head.

"Mahum I've heard you are going abroad. Best of luck!", Haya said.

"Thanks", Mahum gave her a half-smile.

Haya kept talking to Huzaifa to which he was answering through a nod or sometimes by a yes or no.

Mahum looked away.

"You know Haya, I wish we had something between us", Mahum stilled hearing Huzaifa's words.

"For example?", Haya asked happily.

"A wall", Huzaifa replied. Haya frowned. Mahum's lips stretched into a smile.

"I'm so sorry, but I can not give you whatever you want from me", Huzaifa said. "I don't want to give you false hope,

"But Huzaifa-",

Huzaifa didn't let her complete her sentence and added, "I already have someone in my heart". Haya narrowed her eyes angrily and left the place.

"Why didn't Mahum stop her today", he thought. He peeked at her from the corner of his eyes,  he wanted to deny that she was looking gorgeous but he couldn't.

"It's an honor for us to know your family closely", Roshni's dad said to Dada Jan. "Baki bachon ka rishtha hona ya na hona tou Allah ki raza hai (Apart from that if our child gets betrothed or not, it is Almighty's will)".

"It's all about the destiny", Roshni's mother added.

"They are trying to keep our heart. I can already sense the rejection.", Uzair whispered to Zohaib. Uzair looked at Roshni and gave her a tight-lipped smile.

Zohaib was also confused by Roshni's parent's words. For a moment he thought Uzair was right.

"Uzair do you have any issue regarding this proposal", Dadi jan asked.

"No Dadi jan, not all", Uzair smiled.

Roshni's mother walked up to Uzair. "We have already listened to Roshni's answer".

"It's okay aunty you don't have to forc...", Before he could complete his sentence.

"Mubarak ho (Congratulations)", Roshni's mother stuffed a Gulab jamun in Uzair's mouth. The elders got up and congratulated each other.

"Why are they celebrating a rejection...it's a rejection", Uzair turned his face towards Zohaib and spoke with his mouth full.

"It's a yes buddy", Zohaib stifled his giggle. "She said yes". Uzair's eyes shot open. He shifted his gaze towards Roshni, she smiled. Uzair felt the ground slipped under his feet.

"It happened", Zohaib smiled.

A few minutes later everyone settled down on the dining table for the lunch.

Uzair kept playing with his food. His mind was haywire.

"Uzair if you don't like the biryani, have something else", Roshni's father suggested. Uzair looked up from the plate.

"Fikr na kren uncle khushi k maray is say khaya nahi ja raha (Don't worry uncle. He is unable to eat due to happiness)", Zohaib said.

On the other hand, Roshni was happily sitting between Tayi Ammi and Dadi Jan.

Once they have had lunch, both the families discussed how they want to take things forward.

Roshni and Uzair were sitting silently, listening to their elders.

"Are you sure you don't have any problem marrying me?", Uzair whispered.

"I have already given my answer", Roshni replied. "Are you not happy with it?".

"It's not like that. It's just...I wasn't expecting a, yes, keeping in mind the responses I gave to your queries", he shook his head.

"Your responses were pretty wholesome. By the way, I wasn't going to recruit you into the police force", she laughed. "The thing is that I don't want to get married to an intolerant, dump, and ignorant person".

"I hope I don't have these beautiful traits you just named", Uzair raised an eyebrow.

"Luckily, you are not", Roshni smiled.

*****

"Guests are waiting for you in the guest room", Nadia baji said to mom as the Durranis entered the house.

"Who are they?", Mom questioned.

"I have not seen them before", Nadia baji replied. Mom nodded.

"Let's greet the guests first", Dadi jan said. "Everyone", she added when Uzair tried to escape.

Uzair understood.

They walked into the guest room to greet the guests. A middle-aged woman was sitting there along with a boy aged around mid-twenties and a teenage girl.

"Assalam u Alikum, what a surprise. ", Mom said.

"How are you Mrs. Durrani? ", the lady asked.

"I'm very well", Mom smiled. "Have a seat please". They settled down.

"We met for the first time a few days back at a wedding", Mom said to Dadi Jan.

"We are to ask for something precious", the lady smiled at her son and then glanced at mom "Actually we are here to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage".

"Daughter?", Mom and Tayi Ammi glanced at each other in confusion and then back to the lady.

"Hum kuch smjhe nahi (we didn't understand)", Mom frowned.

"It must be Mahum, she is the only daughter we have", Dadi jan said. Mom and Tayi Ammi nodded.

"Oh so her name is Mahum I forgot to ask her. It is such a lovely name", the lady replied. Huzaifa snapped his head towards the guests hearing Mahum's name.

"Tou yeh hai wo kamina jo love letter bijwa raha tha (He is that bastard who has been sending the love letters)", his blood boiled.

"My son liked your daughter so much that I couldn't resist myself to visit your house. I've been waiting for this day for so long and finally, he agreed for someone, I can't explain how happy I'm today", the lady beamed. "If you don't mind can you please call your daughter".

"I'm really sorry to tell you that she isn't home", Tayi Ammi stated. Mahum and Faryal went to the market directly from Roshni's place. Huzaifa took a sigh in relief but his eyes were fixed on the potential suitor sitting in front of him. If looks could kill, he would be dead by now.

"We can wait",

Huzaifa rolled his eyes. Nadia baji served them tea and snacks.

"Ammiii", Zahra called out. Almost all the eyes shifted towards Zahra.

"Your Ammi is coming Zahra", Zohaib said.

"She is our granddaughter Zahra", Mom said.

"Ma'Sha'Allah she is so pretty", the lady smiled.

"Mommy Mahum bhabhi is here", the girl said as her eyes fell on Faryal and Mahum entering the house.

"Bhabhi?", Huzaifa cursed under his breath. He didn't know how much longer he would be able to control his anger.

"Assalam u alikum!", Faryal stated. "Aunty ap?", she smiled.

"Oh Mahum beta, we were waiting for you", the lady said in love laced voice, she stood up, placed the half-filled cup of tea on the table, and walked towards them. Faryal and Mahum exchanged a confused look.

"Who is she?", Mahum mumbled.

"Mahum my dear", Aunty held Faryal's face and kissed her forehead. "Finally you are here, we were waiting for you".

The Durranis paused as the reality dawned upon them.

"They were talking about Faryal bhabhi", Zain gasped. This time it was Zohaib who was burning with rage. Huzaifa took a deep breath and then worriedly looked at Zohaib, his expression changed from anger to amusement.

Zohaib's eyes were fixed on the so-called potential suitor who was busy starring at Faryal with a smile on his face. Zohaib wanted to clapperclaw his eyes.

"You have misunder---",

The lady cut mom's sentence, "Mrs. Durrani I can't wait to take your daughter home now". Faryal's froze.

"Daughter-in-law", Zohaib corrected her in a hard tone. The lady turned her head back and gave him a quizzical look.

"We would appreciate it if you will call her daughter-in-law", Zohaib gritted his teeth and forced a smile. He got up from his place and walked towards them.

"What?", Aunty's eyes shot open. "She is the girl my son selected for himself. How can she be married?".

"Zahra your Ammi is back", Zohaib said more like a declaration. He handed Zahra to Faryal. Faryal's eyes nervously fluttered between the lady and Zohaib.

"Go upstairs, Zahra is hungry", he ordered. She nodded and went upstairs.

"Bus yehi dekhna reh gya tha (that was the only thing left to be unfolded", Uzair muttered. Huzaifa, Usman, and Zain looked at him and then they pressed their lips together to suppress their laughter.

"But Mrs. Durrani you introduced her to us as your daughter", the lady frowned.

"I'm sorry If I couldn't make myself clear. Faryal might be my daughter-in-law but she is more than a daughter for me. That's what I meant", Mom explained.

"We are sorry if we offended your emotions", the lady apologized. "It's just for the first time my son showed interest towards someone. I should have researched before coming to your house".

"It's okay", Mom said.

"We should leave now. Sorry for the inconvenience",

"Please have the tea.", Tayi ammi offered.

"Nahi behn shukriay (No sister, thanks)", the lady closed her eyes, fetched an audible deep breath and shook her hand. "My son's heart got broken, I'm sorry I can not anything",

"What's this nonsense", Zohaib snapped.

"No", Mom held his arm to stop him.

"Let's go kids", the lady said and with that, they left the Durrani house without even saying a bye.

"Yeh kya tha (What was that even?)", Mahum laughed and with that, the living area vibrated with the laughter.

"Zohaib bhai you can think but about the proposal.", Zain chuckled.

"He wasn't that bad though", Usman added.

Zohaib glanced at his mom she was also laughing along with other ladies. Zohaib angrily climbed the stairs and entered his room. Faryal looked at him, their eyes met but he averted his eyes, and taking long steps he sat down beside her.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards himself. She collided with his hard chest and placed her head on his chest. He wrapped his hands around her possessively. She could hear his increased heartbeat. He started playing with her braid, wrapping and unwrapping it around his hand. She smiled and snuggled close to him.

He wrapped the braid around his hand and lightly tugged it, her face automatically moved upward. She looked up he was already gazing at her.

"You won't attend any gathering without me from now on", he said seriously.

"I was with mom", she reasoned.

"I said no", he replied. His blood boiled as he remembered how that guy was looking at her.

"But--",

"No if and buts Faryal", he said sternly.

"Choti is baat hai, unko ghalat fehmi hovi thi (It's not a big deal, they have misunderstood)", Faryal said.

"Is it a small matter?", Zohaib wriggled his eyebrows.

"Yes", she replied cooly. She released herself from his grip and got up from the bed.

"It really doesn't affect you?", he asked.

"Nooo", she picked up Zahra.

"Where are you going now?",

"Downstairs",

"You won't go anywhere, stay in the room. Everyone will make fun of me", he sulked and mumbled the last sentence.

"Now you are clearly overreacting", she stated.

"Be it whatever you call it", he replied.

"I'm going downstairs, everyone will be discussing things about Uzair's engagement and I'm here stuck with you", she turned around.

"Faryal stay in the room", he was getting annoyed.

"Mein ja rahi hun ap mun phulaye behthen rahen (I am going, you can keep sulking.)", she left the room.

"Faryalllll ", he groaned.

He stayed in the room for a few minutes and then decided to join everyone.

"Ohoo Zohaib bhai", Usman winked. Zohaib ignored him and walked up to the sofa where Huzaifa and Uzair were sitting.

Zohaib sat down beside them. His eyes shifted towards Faryal she was talking with Tayi ammi. For a moment her eyes met his, he signaled her to go upstairs. She shook her head and averted her eyes.

"Ab ignore bi kre gi muje. Huh...Meri narazgi ki koe parwah nahi (Now she is going to ignore me. She doesn't care about my displeasure)", Zohaib thought and shook his head.

"Roshni nay mere irado par andhera kar deya (Roshni has blacked out my plannings)", Uzair groaned internally."Dada jan was looking at the three of them intently.

Huzaifa was lost in his thoughts too.

"What happened to all of you?", Dada jan jolted them out of their thoughts.

"Nothing", Zohaib said. Uzair and Huzaifa shook thier heads.

Dada jan understood. He heaved a sigh and smiled, "If you can't handle your woman, you have found the right one".

Three of them starred at Dada Jan in surprise.

"Dada Jan you know better than us. Women...they are so smart and unpredictable.", Uzair said. Zohaib and Huzaifa's eyes unintentionally shifted towards Faryal and Mahum. Dada Jan was right their women were indeed uncontrollable.

"I've called Inaya's mother they didn't have any problem. Instead, they liked Huzaifa so much", Mom said.

"Woohoo", Zain screamed.

"But Huzaifa we have decided that you and Inaya should meet once before finalizing everything. Why don't you take her out tomorrow for lunch?", Mom suggested.

"Mom I have got an important meeting tomorrow", Huzaifa stated.

"Your dad can manage that for sure", Mom glanced at Dad.

"Huzaifa you can go out with Inaya, I'll reschedule the meeting", Dad said.

"Mahum baji don't forget to wake me up early, I'll go with you to the embassy", Zain said.

"Thank you Zain", Mahum nodded.

Zain turned his head towards Faryal and winked. Faryal smiled and shook her head.

Huzaifa excused himself and went to his room. Dada Jan too left after a few minutes leaving Zohaib and Uzair.

Zohaib glanced at Uzair he seemed lost in thoughts.

"Uzair is there anything you don't like about Roshni", Zohaib questioned.

Uzair shook his head slowly. "She might be totally opposite to whatever I wanted in my life partner, but still there is nothing I dislike about her".

"If you don't marry her I can talk to everyone, we still have things in our hands. You have played enough tricks already. Don't waste your or her time if you don't want to get married to her", Zohaib suggested sincerely.

Uzair thought for a moment and then asked, "If you were me, what would have you done?"

"If I was in your shoes, like moved on from the past and has no one in my heart anymore I would have married her without any tricks. Marriage is a beautiful bond. Give it a chance Uzair your tricks won't do any good to you. Go with the flow.", Zohaib said.

"Hmm...you have a point", Uzair nodded. "Don't worry, I am going to accept her with my heart just the way a wife should be accepted.....I am finally getting married. I can't believe it man". Uzair laughed.

"Yes you are", Zohaib patted him.

"Girthi hovi dewar ko dhaka dene ja rahe that tum yeh nahi bathaya tha tum ne k girthi hovi dewar tum khud hi thay (You were going to push the already falling/damaged wall but you didn't tell me that you were that damaged wall by yourself)", Zohaib laughed. Uzair elbowed him and then laughed at himself.

"How's everything between you and that little wife of yours?", Uzair questioned.

"Don't call her little, she doesn't like that", Zohaib shook his head.

"Are you still friend-zoned?", Uzair raised an eyebrow.

"I'm her best friend after Meesha, Zahra, and you but I am", Zohaib laughed.

"You managed to make your place on the list, quite an achievement my boy", Uzair teased him.

"Yeah", Zohaib's eyes automatically shifted towards Faryal. She was following Zahra with a bowl in her hand. Zahra was crawling and sometimes would stand up and with quick steps, she would hide behind the things. Zahra was giving her a tough time. A slow smile crept across Zohaib's face.

*****

Zohaib glanced at the wall clock, it was late at night.

"Where is she?", he frowned. He looked at Zahra who was lying over him. He could hear her soft snores. He carefully laid down Zahra on the bed and strode out of the room in search of Faryal.

The house was as silent as a grave. The lights were dimmed in the house except in the kitchen.

"She might be there", He mumbled and walked up to the kitchen. His eyes fell on Faryal and Zain. The were standing near the window with their backs to the entrance.

"I pray everything goes well tomorrow", Faryal took a sip from the soft drink.

Zohaib put his hand on Zain's mouth from behind and pulled him towards him. Zain looked at him with wide eyes. Zohaib signaled Zain to go out through his eyes and slowly removed his hand from Zain's mouth.

"Zain please tell me our plan will work", Faryal said.

Zain picked up his soft drink and left the kitchen. Faryal frowned as she didn't get any reply from Zain.

"tum-", she turned around and collided with something hard. She rubbed her head and looked up.

"App", he looked into her eyes and added in a hoarse voice. "Barhoun ko app kehte hain", Zohaib snatched the glass from her hand and drained the soft drink in the sink.

"Hawww", Faryal's mouth fell open. He lifted her into his arms and strode out of the kitchen.

"Put me down, I can walk", she struggled to get out of his hold. "What if somebody saw us like that, put me down please".

"Be silent Faryal or else you will wake up others by yourself", he stated as he climbed up the stairs.  She tightly held his arm.

"Open the door", he said once they reached in front of their room. She carefully turned the knob and he entered inside and then closed the door behind them without making any noise. They glanced at Zahra, Zahra was sleeping soundly.

He walked inside the balcony, made her sit on a double-seater swing chair, and sat down beside her. She pouted and looked away. "I was discussing something very important with Zain...Oh wait, where did Zain go?", she raised an eyebrow.

"I shooed him away", he shrugged and grabbed her hand.

"Allah Miyan", She groaned. Zohaib spread her fingers and grazed his thumb on her palm.

She looked at him, then shifted her eyes towards her palm, and asked "You've turned into a palm reader now?"

"Uh'hun", he nodded.

"What does it say?", she questioned.

He looked at her palm intently, "It says someone was waiting for you in the room, and neither did you listen to him nor you care about him".

She smiled at his words. "What does that someone want now?"

"Ab yeh bi muje bathana hoga? (Now I'll have tell you this also?)", he rolled his eyes. "You have to figure out by yourself how to make amends."

"Should I cook something for you?", she raised an eyebrow. He shook his head knowing her cooking skills.

"I can play video games with you", she proposed.

He shook his head again.

"hmm Allah Miyan what should I do?", she frowned.

She thought for a moment and then suggested, "We can go out where ever you want. Tomorrow is your day, I'll oblige whatever you would tell me to do".  He looked convinced. "I promise", she added quickly.

"Okay", he replied. She got closer to him and placed her head on his chest.

"HAPPY?", she traced on his chest and looked up into his eyes.

He grabbed her hand and traced "VERY", on her palm. She beamed. The meaningful silence, his presence, and a starry night were a perfect combination. She stared at the sky, searching for the brightest star.

"Should I talk to him about Zahra's birthday now?", she thought. "I'll speak to him tomorrow", she decided.

A mischievous idea popped up into her mind.

"Zohaib", she broke the silence.

"Huh?",

"Yeh chahye (I want this)", she slightly tugged the T-shirt he was wearing.

"This one?", he frowned.

She nodded her head.

"You can take any from the closet", he suggested.

"I want this one", she pouted.

"Don't give me these looks", he looked away. "It makes me forget what I am supposed to say", he mumbled incoherently.

"Now", she demanded.

He heaved a sigh and slightly backed off to detach himself from her. He grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it upward to take it off. The moment his lower abdomen came into her sight she quickly pulled his shirt down, trying her best to cover him back. Her face flushed. Her heart pounded and the butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

"It was a bad idea to tease him", she thought.

"Isn't it what you wanted? take it", He again pulled his shirt up.

"No", she adjusted his shirt. His lips twitched up in amusement at her attempts to cover him.

"I was being facetious", she said. She thought about how easily he agreed to fulfill her uncanny demand.  A smile crept on her face.

"I can not tell you how cute you are Mr. Zohaib Ahmad Durrani", she pulled his cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the tip of his nose.

"Handsome", he corrected her.

"Han wohi wohi (Yeah, same thing)", she laughed.

-------------------------------

Assalam u Alikum/Namaste,❤

I hope everything is great at your side.

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