As the chilly December evening enveloped Shahana Imarath, a gentle car engine hum signalled the arrival of guests. Azlan emerged from the driver's seat, his breath forming misty clouds in the crisp air, and he opened the car door for his mother, Naziya Khan.

At the entrance, Nawab Riyaz Khan stood with an air of quiet dignity. His ancestors had once held the esteemed title of dukes, but in the post-independence era, much of their wealth and status had been relinquished to the government. All that remained was the venerable Shahana Imarath, an old kothi, where Riyaz Khan and his family now resided.

Though no longer a duke, Riyaz Khan still carried himself with the same composed authority that marked his noble heritage. The title "Nawab" and the ancestral kothi were the only remnants of a bygone era, and he wore them like a badge of honour, a symbol of the legacy he still proudly upheld.

His wife, Mahajbeen, stood side by his side. Mahajbeen was a strikingly beautiful lady, her allure not dimmed by the passage of time. She bore the unique blend of her Afghani heritage and an ageless grace. Her long, flowing henna-red hair framed her face, adding a touch of vibrancy to her features. But it was her blue eyes that often earned her praises from those who met her. Those captivating azure eyes held a depth of wisdom and warmth that drew people in. But none of her kids inherited her blue eyes.

Nawab Riyaz Khan and Mahajbeen had five children. The eldest was Anwar, followed by Raza, then Anisa, Shireen, and the youngest, Rubab.

The guests were gathering for Anisa's wedding. Although Anisa was a year older than Shireen, Shireen got married first because she had been betrothed to her maternal cousin since childhood.

As Azlan escorted Naziya Khan out of the car, Mahajbeen rushed forward, her arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace.

"Assalam-Alaikum, bhabhi," Naziya Khan greeted Mahajbeen warmly, embracing her.

"Walekum-Assalam, kaisi ho?" Mahajbeen replied, her voice filled with warmth.

(How are you?)

Meanwhile, Riyaz approached Azlan, extending his hand in welcome. "Assalam-Alaikum," Azlan respectfully greeted, bowing his head.

"Walekum-Assalam, safar kaisa tha?" Riyaz asked,

(How's the journey?)

"Masha'Allah, yeh Azlan hain, kitne bade ho gaye hain," Mahajbeen remarked, turning to Azlan. "Humne apko akhiri baar tab dekha tha jab aap itne se the. Ab toh ab itne bade ho gaye hain aur handsome bhi."

(Masha'Allah, this is Azlan, how much he's grown.)

(I last saw you when you were this small. Now you've grown up so much and are also handsome.)

Azlan's modest smile conveyed his gratitude for Mahajbeen's compliment.

"Mahajbeen, sari baatein yahi karni hain ya andar bhi chalengi?" Riyaz suggested, feeling the evening's chill.

(Mahajbeen, are we going to chat here, or should we go inside?)

"Haan, andar chaliye," Mahajbeen agreed, and she guided Naziya Khan inside.

(Yes, let's go inside.)

"Abeera Phuppo bhi ayi hain," Mahajbeen mentioned to Naziya.

(Really? I heard she doesn't attend weddings anymore. She didn't even come to Huzaifa's wedding.)

"Wakai? Humne toh suna tha ab woh shadi biyah mein nahi jati. Huzaifa ki shadi mein bhi nahi ayi thi," Naziya Khan recalled her eldest son's wedding, which happened a few months ago.

(Really? I heard she doesn't attend weddings anymore. She didn't even come to Huzaifa's wedding.)

"Hum bhi hairan the, par achha hua agayi, humari buzurg hain," Mahajbeen remarked.

(I was surprised too, but it's good she came, she's our elder.)

The soft murmur of their conversation mingled with the crackling of the fireplace.

Meanwhile, Azlan and Riyaz made their way to where the men were seated. The room was bathed in a warm, golden light, casting a gentle glow on the faces of the assembled gentlemen as they engaged in lively conversation. With them, Azlan didn't feel he met many of them for the first time. He got comfortable with ease.

•••

As the night wore on, most of the guests had retired to their rooms, leaving only a few lingering in the sitting room. Mahajbeen went to Naziya with a warm smile.

"Naziya, apko koi dikkat toh nahi."

(Naziya, are you comfortable here?)

"Bhabhi, aap khamakha itna pareshaan ho rahi hain, humare mayke ki shadi hai, koi bhi dikkat hogi toh hum be-jhijhak batayenge." Naziya Khan smiled. The joy of visiting her maternal home was clearly visible on her face. No matter what age, a woman often lights up when she visits her childhood home. And this was her chachu's house. Her father and Nawab Riyaz's fathers were cousins, and lived in the same neighbourhood. When Naziya was little, she used to come here every day after school because she adored her uncle's eldest daughter, Nighat. Naziya learned all her etiquette from her.

(Bhabhi, you're worrying unnecessarily. It's my family's wedding. If there's any issue, I'll let you know without hesitation.)

Naziya Khan was originally from Aligarh, but now, the only family she had left there was Riyaz's family. After her parents passed away, her brothers sold the family home and settled in other big cities. After Nighat got married, she also settled in Hyderabad. Then, her uncle and aunt passed away as well. Now, there were no close relatives left in Aligarh that she could visit regularly. She had come after many years, and her happiness was understandable. Naziya was talking to Nighat right now.

Since only close relatives were there, everyone was sitting together. Just then, Ayesha brought some dessert. Kheer, especially in this weather, was a treat. But when Ayesha offered Azlan a bowl, he declined.

"Ji, nahi shukriya," Azlan refused softly.

(No, thank you.)

"Kya hua, beta? Apko yeh pasand nahi? Kuch aur mangawa dein apke liye?" Mahajbeen asked with concern.

(What's the matter, son? Don't you like this? Should I get you something else?)

"Aisi koi baat nahi," Azlan felt unnecessarily embarrassed.

(Nothing like that.)

"Formal kyu ho rahe hain aap, Azlan, apke mamu ka ghar hai jo chahiye bata dijiye." Naziya Khan scolded her son. Then she addressed Mahajbeen. "Darasal Azlan khane ke baad chai peete hain."

(Why are you being formal, Azlan? It's your uncle's house, just say what you need.)

(Actually, Azlan drinks tea after meals.)

"Pehle batana tha, abhi banwa dete hain," Mahajbeen felt relieved. Azlan had been sitting quietly for quite some time, making her worry that he wasn't comfortable here.

(You should have told me earlier, I'll get it made right away.)

Mahajbeen's gaze sweeping over her daughters-in-law expectantly. She had hoped that with a single glance, they would spring into action and head to the kitchen to prepare the tea. However, not to her surprise, none of them moved.

With a tight smile, Mahajbeen called out to her daughter, who was seated nearby. "Shireen, beta, jaiye Azlan ke liye chai bana dijiye." She requested, her tone gentle but firm.

(Shireen, dear, please go and make some tea for Azlan.)

On Mahajbeen's orders, Shireen's face casted down, she had been busy all day, handling one task after another. Now, as night descended, she longed for some rest, but another responsibility landed on her shoulders.

Something sparked in Shireen's mind, and she rose from her place with a smile, happily walking away from her burdens.

Instead of heading to the kitchen, Shireen went upstairs to her room, where she was currently sharing space with her younger sisters. This room belonged to Anisa.

Due to the arrival of relatives from different cities for the wedding, Shireen's room was given to her elder grandmother. Besides, Shireen only occasionally stayed here after her marriage. So, no one bothered to ask her before assigning the room to guests, and now she was sharing a room with Anisa.

"Billi, Billi, utho!" Approaching the figure lying still under the blanket, Shireen attempted to wake her, but she remained stubbornly inert, like a corpse.

(Billi, Billi, wake up!)

"Billi, uth rahi ho ya main Raza bhai ko bulau?" Shireen warned.

(Billi, are you getting up, or should I call Raza bhai?)

The mention of Raza bhai compelled the person to stir.

"Kya hai, api? Humara kamra toh cheen liya gaya hai, ab kya neend bhi cheen lengi?" Rubab Khan removed the blanket from her face and asked, irritatedly.

(What is it, api? First, they took away my room, now you want to take away my sleep too?)

Her room had been emptied today to accommodate the guest.

"Jaldi se utho aur jao mehmano ke liye chai bana do," Shireen ordered.

(Get up quickly and go make tea for the guests.)

"Kya? Subah se jake ab hum lete hain, uspe bhi aap keh rahi hain chai banao," Rubab complained, sitting up angrily.

(What? I've just managed to lie down since morning, and now you're telling me to make tea?)

Rubab cherished her sleep dearly; her eyes always carried a hint of drowsiness, and once she fell asleep, nothing short of an earthquake could wake her. Anyone who disturbed her sleep was her enemy. But in a house bustling with wedding preparations, there were a thousand tasks to be done, and the constant noise meant she could never get enough rest. Whenever she managed to close her eyes for even a short nap, someone would inevitably come and wake her up.

"Sharm karo, tumne konse pahad torhe hain? Subah se sarey kaam toh bhabhi aur hum kar rahe hain," Shireen dismissed her protest. "Ek chai banani ati hai tumhe, woh bhi nahi karna?"

(Have some shame, you didn't do anything. Bhabhi and I have been doing all the chores since morning.)

(You only know how to make tea. You can't even do that?)

"Aur subah se aap log ke shaitano ki paltan ko kon sambhal raha hai?" Rubab retorted, her mouth agape at the ingratitude.

(And who has been taking care of your little devils since morning?)

"Kitni baar kaha hai bachho ko shaitan nahi bulate..."

(How many times have I told you not to call the kids devils...)

"Harkatein toh waisi hi hain."

(But they act like it.)

"Billi..."

"Yaar, aap dono bahar jake larho, hume sone do." Anisa, who was lying next to Rubab, interrupted, peering out from under her blanket to glare at them.

(Please, you two fight outside and let me sleep.)

"Billi, amma ne kaha hai chai banane ke liye. Ab issey pehle woh akey apko uthaye..."

(Billi, amma has asked for tea. Before she comes and wakes you up...)

"Kitna chai peete hain sab log yaha? Hum tang agaye hai, jissey jab dekho kehta chai bana do, chai bana do." Rubab muttered angrily. Her sleep was thoroughly disrupted. She put on a sweater and slipped her feet into her slippers.

(How much tea do people drink here? I'm tired of it, everyone keeps asking for tea all the time.)

"Billi, agar chai bana rahi ho toh hume bhi adha cup de dena." Anisa added before pulling the blanket back over her head.

(Billi, if you're making tea, give me half a cup too.)

"Hum ek deg chai charha de rahe hain, sab log phir peete aur peelate rehna," Rubab snapped. Leaving her warm bed on such a cold night made her heart sigh in resignation.

(I'm making a whole pot of tea, everyone can drink it as much as they like.)

"Dupatta toh le lo, bahar mehman hain." Shireen reminded her. Hearing this, Rubab returned with a stomping foot and picked up her dupatta from the bed. She could never manage the dupatta well, and wearing a dupatta over a sweater frustrates her because she can not do any task properly, but now that there were guests outside, it was obvious she would have to take the dupatta.

(At least take your scarf, there are guests outside.)

•••

When Shireen returned to the living room without the tea, Mahajbeen gave her a stern look.

"Shireen, kuch kaha tha apse." Mahajbeen said, casting a sideways glance at Naziya, who was now chatting with Abeera.

(Shireen, did you hear what I said?)

"Huzaifa ki shadi ke waqt koi tha hi nahi mujhe lane wala, iss baar toh main apne pote ke sath agayi..." Abeera was telling her.

(There was no one to bring me for Huzaifa's wedding, but this time I've come with my grandson...)

"Phuppo, apko hume batana chahiye tha, hum Azlan ya Shahzain ko bhej dete."

(Aunt, you should have told me, I could have sent Azlan or Shahzain.)

"Rubab bana rahi hai chai." Shireen whispered, warming her hands by the brazier.

(Billi is making tea.)

"Woh toh so rahi thi, apne Ruby ko utha diya?" Mahajbeen asked in surprise. Azlan, who was sitting on the other sofa and talking to Raza, could hear Mahajbeen's voice so clearly. Now, he was genuinely embarrassed. Because of him, someone's sleep had been disturbed.

(She was sleeping, did you wake up Ruby?)

"Kya zaroorat thi? Bechari abhi toh jake laiti thi." she added, feeling sorry for her youngest daughter.

(Was that necessary? The poor girl just lay down.)

"Amma, usne waise bhi Isha ki namaz nahi parhi thi, ussey uthna hi parhta." Shireen replied, unaffected by the concern.

(Amma, she hadn't prayed Isha yet, she had to get up anyway.)

Mahajbeen glared at her, then resumed her conversation with Naziya and Abeera.

Soon, Rubab arrived with the tea tray and stood beside her mother. "Amma, chai,"

"Yeh tumhari choti beti Rubab haina?" Abeera asked Mahajbeen as soon as she saw Rubab. She had also arrived today and had met all of Riyaz's other children except Rubab. That's why she couldn't help but ask upon seeing her.

(This is your younger daughter Rubab, right?)

This caught Naziya's attention as well, and she looked at Rubab too.

"Ji," Mahajbeen proudly said.

(Yes.)

"Beta, hume nahi, bhai ko dijiye." Mahajbeen then lovingly said to her daughter, whose red eyes clearly showed her fatigue.

(Dear, give it to your brother, not me.)

Confused, Rubab looked around. Aside from her two brothers, there were other men in the room whom she barely knew, except for Daneel. The remaining two faces were unfamiliar to her. Now, God knows which brother her mother instructed to serve tea among them.

Naziya Khan was still looking at Rubab. She has heard from relatives, Riyaz's youngest daughter Rubab was said to be the most beautiful in the family, and today, she truly believed those rumours.

Rubab was indeed stunning. With a milky complexion, a clean-sculpted face, light brown eyes, rosy lips, a petite nose adorned with a golden ring, and honey-brown hair cascading down to her waist, she capt Naziya at first sight. However, then it dawned on her that Rubab must be around 17 or 18 now, and Azlan had made it clear that he wanted a girl close to his age, at most 1 or 2 years younger. He didn't want a significantly younger wife. And here Rubab was six years younger than Azlan. Naziya turned her attention back to Nighat and her daughter, Noor. Noor was very sweet, and since she was Nighat's daughter, Naziya was confident that she had been raised exceptionally well.

The main reason for attending this wedding was to find a match for Azlan. Riyaz Khan was cousin of her, and they didn't often meet except at weddings. This time, however, Naziya came to Riyaz's daughter's wedding specifically to find a bride for her second son.

Her eldest son, Huzaifa, had married her niece Rukhsar. And Azlan, her middle son, had yet to find a suitable match within the family. Although Naziya Khan had preferred her husband's niece, Ramsha, for Azlan, he had refused.

Azlan had set high standards for his future wife, much to the surprise of both Naziya and Behroz Khan.

**Flashback**

"Suna apne? Apke laad sahab ko full package chahiye. High qualified balki masters bhi kiya ho toh aur behtar, khoobsurat ho, khush libas ho aur modern bhi, khane mein toh multi cuisines banana ana chahiye, mehman nawaz lekin zyada baat na karti ho, aur jab baat kare toh phool jharhe... aur yeh baithke chunte rahe." Naziya Khan vented her frustration, her anger evident.

(Did you hear? Your spoiled son wants a full package. She should be highly qualified, preferably with a master's degree, beautiful, well-dressed, and modern. She should know how to cook multiple cuisines, be hospitable but not talk too much, and when she does speak, her words should be sweet... and he's sitting there, picking and choosing.)

"Itna zyada kyu bol rahi hain aap, saaf saaf kahiye kisi t.v host se shadi karega Ullu ka pattha," Behroz Khan also got angry.

(Why are you saying so much? Just say he should marry a TV host, that fool.)

"Apko sunke gussa agaya, aur hume dhoondna hai. No compromise keh diya hai unhone. Kehte hain hum umr larki chahiye, zyada choti hui toh koi saleekha nahi hoga."

(You got angry just hearing it, and I have to find her. He said 'No compromise.' He wants a girl of his age, not too young, or she won't have good manners.)

"Aur kam bolne wali larki kaha se laye?" Naziya Khan's anger showed no signs of subsiding.

(And where will I find a girl who speaks less?)

"Toh kya baki sari khoobiyan mil jayengi ek larki mein?" Behroz Khan questioned.

(So, do you think all those qualities will be found in one girl?)

"Aur nahi toh kya. Kya kami hai humare khandan ki larkiyon mein, sari hi parhi likhi saleekha wali hain, lekin ghar mein rounak toh bahu betiyo ki baaton se hota hai. Khud toh yeh zyada bolte nahi, aur ab biwi bhi aisi hi chahiye." Naziya Khan vented her anger to her husband.

(Of course. What else? What's lacking in the girls of our family? They're all educated and well-mannered, but the liveliness of a home comes from the chatter of the daughters-in-law. He doesn't talk much himself, and now he wants a wife just like that.)

When Naziya Khan couldn't find a girl who met Azlan's standards within their family, she started looking among distant relatives, which was why she was attending Anisa's wedding.

"Ruby, chai do." Raza perhaps understood Rubab's confusion, so he gestured towards Azlan and said to her.

(Ruby, give the tea.)

Rubab nodded her head and walked over to serve tea to Azlan. As she approached him, he had a chance to take a good look at her. When she leaned down slightly to offer him the tea, their eyes met. Azlan's dark eyes contrasted with Rubab's honey brown ones, creating a fleeting moment of connection between them.

It was just a moment, but in that moment, something happened to Azlan that had never happened before. Rubab also glanced towards him, then looked down at the tea cup. It took Azlan just one second to return to his senses, and he lowered his eyes to tea cup, but in that one-second eye contact, so much had changed within him, unnoticed by anyone else present there.

Be-iraada nazar mil gayi toh mujhse dil woh mera mang baithe...

Rubab didn't stay after serving tea; she went back quickly. She still had to pray the evening prayer and then have dinner. Meanwhile, Azlan started sipping his tea, but more than the tea itself, he liked the one who made it.

•••

Azlan stepped wearily into the room Raza had shown him, his shoulders heavy with the fatigue of the journey. The room was softly lit, and as he took it in, he noticed the unmistakable feminine touches-delicate floral curtains, a vanity adorned with intricate trinkets, and a faint, sweet fragrance lingering in the air.

A pang of guilt tugged at Azlan's heart. It was clear that someone had vacated this space for his comfort. This was precisely why he disliked staying at others' houses; the hosts always went out of their way to ensure he was comfortable, often at their own expense. He sighed, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort.

Sitting on the bed, Azlan felt the warmth of the quilt, and the softness of the mattress began to melt away his guilt, replaced by the overwhelming pull of sleep. He had a habit of reading before bed, so he reached for his bag to fetch a book. His eyes fell on the bedside table, where an Urdu novel lay, its cover adorned with elegant script.

Curious and too tired to dig through his own belongings, Azlan picked up the book and began to read. Halfway through a passage, sleep finally claimed him.

A soft meow broke the silence, pulling Azlan from his slumber. He blinked groggily and saw a cat perched on the windowsill, its fur glowing softly in the dim light. The window was closed, and the cat's gentle cries signalled its desire to come in. Azlan rose from the bed and opened the window. The cat nimbly climbed in, then promptly made herself comfortable on the bed.

"Toh yeh apka room hai." Azlan chuckled softly, shrugging his shoulders. He watched the cat for a moment, its presence oddly comforting.

(So this is your room.)

Not minding the unexpected company, he returned to the bed, the cat curling up beside him. As he settled back under the quilt, his thoughts returned to Rubab. Before sleep took over him, the thought of those honey brown eyes filled Azlan's mind.

•••

Mahajbeen was showing Nighat the gifts that would be given to the groom and his family when Nighat suddenly asked, "Apne Naziya ke rehne ka intizam mehman khane mein kyu nahi kiya?"

(Why didn't you arrange for Naziya to stay in the guest house?)

Mahajbeen's eyes widened on this, but she composed herself before answering.

"Naziya bahar ki toh nahi unka intizam mehman khane mein karein. Nawab Sahab ne kaha hai Naziya ke rehne ka khas khayal rakhna hai. Abbu ke inteqal ke baad woh pehli baar ayi hain, unhe koi kami mehsoos nahi honi chahiye ki chachu hote toh aisa hota." Mahajbeen explained patiently. Just then, Noor came in with tea for them.

(Naziya isn't an outsider that we should put her in the guest house. Nawab Sahab said to take special care of Naziya. This is her first visit since Abbu passed away, and she shouldn't feel that if her uncle were here, things would have been different.)

As Nighat and Mahajbeen took their tea, Noor sat down on the sofa nearby.

"Woh sab toh theek hai, lekin kam se kam Azlan ko toh ghar mein nahi rakhna chahiye tha apko. Jawan larka hai, aur yeh ghar bahu betiyo wala hai. Uppar se apne uske liye Rubab ka kamra khali karwa diya." Nighat couldn't resist giving her advice.

(That's all fine, but at least you shouldn't have kept Azlan in the house. He's a grown man, and this house is full of daughters-in-law and young women. On top of that, you made Rubab vacate her room for him.)

"Apa, woh bhi toh ghar hi ka bachha hai. Aur Masha'Allah se kitne nek aur shareef hain. Humare sath baithe the lekin kisiko nazar uthake bhi nahi dekha." Mahajbeen replied, leaving Nighat with no room to argue. She had also noticed Azlan's respectful demeanour at the gathering.

(Apa, he's also a child of ours. And Masha'Allah, he's so well-behaved and decent. He was sitting with us and didn't even look up at anyone.)

"Naziya ko bhi na jane kya hua jo jawan bete ko le ayi shadi mein. Beti ko le ati agar akele nahi ana tha toh..." Nighat still found it hard to accept.

(I don't know what Naziya was thinking, bringing her grown son to the wedding. If she didn't want to come alone, she could have brought her daughter instead.)

"Shayad Naziya Azlan ke liye rishta dekh rahi hain, issi wajah se?" Mahajbeen suggested, sipping her tea. Nighat straightened up a bit at this idea. Before she could respond, she noticed Noor sitting nearby and reading a book.

(Maybe Naziya is looking for a match for Azlan, that's why?)

"Noor, raat bohot ho gayi hai, jaiye so jaiye." Nighat instructed, wanting to send her away. Noor nodded and left.

(Noor, it's very late, go to sleep.)

"Kya unhone Rubab ka hath manga hai Azlan ke liye?" Nighat asked conspiratorially.

(Has she asked for Rubab's hand for Azlan?)

"Nahi, apa, Ruby toh abhi bachhi hai." Mahajbeen was surprised at the direction of the conversation and answered with some confusion.

(No, apa, Ruby is still a child.)

"Masha'Allah se 18 saal ki ho gayi hai, kya aap uske liye rishta nahi dekhengi?" Nighat reminded her.

(Masha'Allah, she's 18 now. Aren't you going to look for a match for her?)

"Rishta toh dekhenge. Betiyo ko kon hi umr bhar apne paas rakh pata hai. Lekin aap janti hain Ruby Nawab sahab ki sabse ladli hai, baki bachho ke time toh woh aksar hi kaam mein busy rehte the, Ek Rubab hai jiska bachpana unhone dekha hai, aur waise bhi choti aulad choti hi lagti hai. Abhi ke liye hum Ruby ke liye rishte nahi dekh rahe. Bas khair se Anisa ki shadi ho jaye." Mahajbeen replied with a smile.

(We will look for a match. Who can keep their daughters with them forever? But you know Ruby is Nawab Sahab's dearest. He was always busy with work during the other children's time, but Rubab is the one whose childhood he has witnessed. Besides, the youngest always seems like a kid. For now, we aren't looking for a match for Ruby. We just want Anisa's wedding to happen smoothly.)

The tea was finished, and Mahajbeen started gathering the cups to take them to the kitchen. However, Nighat seemed lost in thought.

•••

The early morning light bathed the Shahana Imarath in a soft, golden hue, casting long shadows that danced playfully across the ornate architecture. The air was filled with the scent of marigolds and roses, freshly arranged for the day's Haldi ceremony. The house buzzed with activity; a few members of the family hurried around, setting up decorations and arranging seating, while the ladies of the house bustled in the kitchen, ensuring everyone was well-fed and ready for the day ahead.

In the serene courtyard, a small oasis of calm amidst the chaos, Azlan sat at a wooden table, savouring his breakfast. The courtyard was adorned with potted plants and colourful cushions, offering a peaceful retreat. Mahajbeen served him fresh parathas and chai.

As Azlan took a sip of his steaming chai, Ayesha entered the courtyard, her dupatta trailing behind her. "Amma, apne Billi ko dekha hai?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of urgency.

(Amma, have you seen Billi?)

"Humne toh raat ke baad se unhe dekha hi nahi." Mahajbeen shook her head.

(I haven't seen her since last night.)

"Billi mere room mein hai." Azlan, unfamiliar of whom they are talking about, looked up curiously, then told Mahajbeen, causing a few nearby family members to pause in their tasks and glance his way.

(Cat is in my room.)

Mahajbeen eyes widened while Ayesha stared at him in confusion. Azlan, noticing the puzzled expressions, continued, "kal mere room mein hi so gayi thi, shayad sardi ki wajah se..." He drops his sentence in middle.

(She fell asleep in my bed last night, probably because of the cold...)

At this, the bustling activity of the courtyard came to a halt. All eyes turned towards Azlan, some filled with shockness, others with outright bewilderment. While Azlan was unaware of what he said and why they were looking at him like that.

"Kya hua?" Naziya Khan, who was sitting nearby, was surprised by everyone's reaction and looked at Mahajbeen.

(What happened?)

Mahajbeen leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper, "Billi yeh log Rubab ko pyar se bulate hain."

(They call Rubab 'Billi' affectionately.)

Azlan began to cough as he tried to recover from the embarrassment. Naziya Khan eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. She exchanged a quick glance with Azlan, disbelief written on her face.

A deep flush spread across Azlan's cheeks as he realized his mistake. He quickly added in firmed tone, "Main asli wali billi ki baat kar raha tha."

(I was talking about the actual cat.)

Laughter rippled through the courtyard, breaking the morning's tension. Azlan's awkward charm endeared him to the family.

"Koi baat nahi, beta." Mahajbeen assured him. "Inn log se kitni baar kaha hai Ruby ko ulte seedhe naam se na bulaya kariye." Then she glared at Ayesha, as if it was her fault.

(No worries, son.)

(I've told them so many times not to call Ruby by such odd names.)

"Aap uppar dekh lijiye shayad waha ho Ruby. Aur sune, Raza ko bhejiye, Naziya ko doctor ke paas leke jaye." Ayesha nods her head and left to find Rubab and Raza both.

(Go upstairs and check; Ruby might be there. And listen, send Raza to take Naziya to the doctor.)

"Kya hua, ammi, apko?" Azlan asked when he heard this.

(What happened, Ammi? Are you okay?)

"Kuch nahi bas mousam ki wajah se, apse kaha bhi tha train se atey hain, lekin apko car se ana tha." Naziya Khan said in a scolding manner.

(It's nothing, just because of the weather. I told you we should come by train, but you insisted on coming by car.)

•••

Yo! How's the first chapter? Main toh bohot excited hoon isko likhne ke liye idk why🤭

And let me tell you, everyone's stories will start at different times, obviously, because there's an age difference between them. So you'll have to wait for Shahzain and Khushnuma's story. (Bas ittu sa hi)

Azlan's story is good too. Trust me, bro.

Although I don't know why none of you were excited about Azlan and Rubab's story😒?

I understand for Shahzain and Khushnuma, Huzaifa and Rukhsar are also interesting characters, Kazim and Hamna are good too. But Azlan and Rubab, how could you forget what Naziya Khan told Ayat about their meeting? Everyone ignored them, not even one person told me they wanted to know more about Azlan and Rubab. Khair, ab parhlo, I hope yeh dono bhi pasand aye apko😁🫰🏻

- Ufaq