The soft morning sun bathed the house in a warm glow. Walima preparations buzzed around Rubab, but her thoughts were consumed by the arrival of her family. As soon as she saw them, Rubab burst into tears. Whatever betrayal or grievances she received had was forgotten. All she wanted was to hug her mother tightly and cry her heart out.

"Ab bas, beta," Mahajbeen said, gently wiping Rubab's tears. "Koi apko aise rote dekhega toh kya sochega ki apki humne zabardasti shadi karai hai, aap khush nahi. Chaliye, ansu saaf kariye," Her tone was gentle, but Rubab's heart became heavy. It was then that she remembered their betrayal. But this wasn't the time to question her family while sitting in her in-laws' house.

(Enough now, my child,)

She sniffed, trying to compose herself. "Anisa apa aur Shireen api kaha hain?" she asked, attempting to shift the focus.

(Where are Anisa Apa and Shireen Api?)

"Khala ki tabiyat theek nahi thi isliye Shireen nahi aa saki, aur Anisa apa ke sasural walo ne mana kar diya kyuki durr ka safar tha." Ayesha replied honestly, earning a glare from Mahajbeen for mentioning unnecessary things.

(Khala wasn’t feeling well, so Shireen couldn’t come. And Anisa Apa’s in-laws didn’t allow her because the journey was too far,)

Rubab sighed, disappointment flashing across her face. "Khala ki tabiyat aksar aise mouke pe kharab ho jati hai." She muttered under her breath. Also feeling bad for Anisa, who had promised that Delhi wasn't far, but now she couldn't even make it to her sister's walima.

(Khala always seems to fall sick during such occasions,)

"Woh chorhiye, yeh batao Azlan ne munh dikhayi mein kya diya?" Ayesha said, leaning closer.

(Forget that. Tell me, what did Azlan give you as a wedding gift?)

Rubab blinked in confusion. Azlan hadn't given her anything. Why would he? After all, he married her for revenge. She doubted he cared enough to follow such customs.

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation, and Azlan walked in. His presence was commanding yet unassuming. "Assalam-Alaikum," he greeted, leaning slightly toward Mahajbeen.

Rubab stiffened immediately, her heart fluttering with unease.

"Walekum-Assalam. Khush rahiye," Mahajbeen said warmly, placing her hand on her son-in-law's head and praying for him. Azlan smiled faintly, then his gaze shifted to Rubab, who lowered her eyes instantly, her cheeks flushing under his eyes.

"Kaise hain aap? Rubab apko pareshaan toh nahi karti?" Mahajbeen asked, knowing her daughter's nature very well.

(How are you? Rubab doesn’t trouble you, does she?)

Rubab's head shot up, ready to defend herself, but Azlan's calm voice stopped her. "Ji, nahi. Balki yeh toh kafi khayal rakhti hain mera."

(No, not at all. In fact, she takes good care of me,)

Rubab's eyes widened. Was he being sarcastic? His face betrayed nothing, but his words left her flustered. She looked down at her hands. And Mahajbeen felt relieved hearing this.

•••

Later, as Rubab gets ready for the walima, the beautician worked skillfully on her makeup. The red lehenga, with its intricate golden embroidery, shimmered under the light, and the veil draped over her head, covering her face.

When the beautician left, Rubab sat alone, her nervousness mounting as she waited for someone to escort her outside. Suddenly, she remembered Anisa's walima, where they didn't even get time to sit with her because her sisters-in-law were constantly hovering around. Here, however, her own sister-in-law hadn't even bothered to check on her since morning.

The door creaked open, and Rubab peeked under her veil. Seeing Azlan, she frowned and quickly covered her face again, her heart racing.

Azlan stepped inside, his eyes softened when he saw her, seated like a regal bride, her innocence and hesitation tugging at his heart. He quietly walked to the side table, picked up a red velvet box from the drawer, and approached her.

Rubab was sitting on the sofa while Azlan sat on the floor before her.

"Agar aap parso behosh na hoti, aur kal meri chai mein mirchi na milai hoti toh yeh main apko de chuka hota aur bhabhi ke samne apko khamosh na rehna parhta." he said with a teasing smile, opening the box to reveal a delicate platinum ring with a princess-cut diamond.

(If you hadn’t fainted the day before yesterday or spiked my tea yesterday, I would’ve given this to you already, and you wouldn’t have had to stay quiet in front of Bhabhi,)

Rubab stared at the ring, her heart skipping a beat. She remained frozen as Azlan gently took her left hand. With utmost care, he removed the gold ring she was wearing and slipped the new ring onto her finger. His touch was firm yet tender, making her feel nervous.

She lifted her veil, and she glared at him. "Humari galti hai? Kisiko bhi sadma lagta." she muttered, trying to sound annoyed but failing to mask her nervousness.

(Was it my fault? Anyone would be shocked.)

Pulling her hand away from his grip, she inspected the ring. Though she wouldn't admit it, she found the ring beautiful, and the faint smile on her face gave it away.

"Apko seriously nahi pata tha apki shadi kissey ho rahi hai?" Azlan asked, still sitting on the floor.

(You really didn’t know who you were marrying?)

"Hume pata tha humari shadi Azlan se ho rahi hai, hume yeh nahi pata tha aap Azlan hain." Rubab admitted truthfully. There was no point in lying.

(I knew I was marrying someone named Azlan. I didn’t know you were Azlan,)

In an instant, the mischief vanished from Azlan's face. Narrowing his deep, dark eyes, he looked at Rubab intently. "Phir kisko Azlan samjha tha?" Azlan asked, annoyed and angry about who she had mistaken him for.

(Then who did you think Azlan was?)

"Kisiko nahi. Hume sabne kaha Azlan bohot handsome hain, humne maan liya. Socha shadi ke baad dekh lenge." Rubab replied, her tone carrying a hint of complaint.

(No one. Everyone said Azlan was very handsome, so I believed them. I thought I’d see for myself after the wedding,)

Azlan burst into laughter, his annoyance melting away. If it had been anyone else in her place, Azlan would have been irritated or angry at their ignorance. But somehow, every little thing Rubab did seemed endearing to him. Maybe people were right-love truly is blind.

"Toh phir apko ab main kaisa laga?"

(So, how do you find me now?)

Rubab's cheeks burned in his question as she quickly averted her gaze, clutching her hands together.

"Besharm," She mumbled.

(Shameless,)

A knock at the door brought them back to reality. Rukhsar and Hamna arrived to escort Rubab downstairs.

•••

After the walima, when Rubab returned her maternal home, the exhaustion from the journey and the longing for her home overwhelmed her. Forgetting everything, she nestled into her bed and fell asleep almost instantly.

The next morning, sunlight seeped through the floral curtains, bathing the room in a soft glow. Rubab stirred lazily, only to be jolted awake by Anisa's voice, who had come from her in-laws' place.

"Sab humari neend ke dushman kyu hain?" Rubab grumbled in annoyance, brushing her hair away from her face as she headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

(Why is everyone an enemy of my sleep?)

By the time she returned, Shireen had also arrived, and breakfast was served in her room for her. Rubab ignored her sisters, focusing solely on her paratha and chai. Shireen and Anisa exchanged, knowing looks, sensing their younger sister's unusual silence.

"Rubab," Shireen began, her tone teasing. "Kuch bataogi nahi hume kya hua tumhare sasural mein, kaisa gaya sab? Azlan bhai kaise hain."

(Won’t you tell us what happened at your in-laws? How did everything go? And how is Azlan Bhai?)

Rubab froze, her grip tightening around the teacup. A pink flush crept up her cheeks, but she quickly masked it with a pout, setting her cup down.

"Aap sab ne hume dhoka diya hai aur ab puch rahi hain kaisa gaya sab?" she said, crossing her arms.

(You all betrayed me, and now you’re asking how it went?)

"Matlab?" Anisa asked, genuinely baffled.

(What do you mean?)

"Matlab aap log ne hume bataya kyu nahi humari shadi kissey ho rahi hai." Rubab declared, her eyes narrowing accusingly.

(I mean, why didn’t you tell me who I was marrying?)

"Azlan se ho rahi hai tumhe maloom toh tha," Anisa countered, her brows furrowing in confusion.

(You knew you were marrying Azlan,)

"Lekin hume yeh nahi maloom tha Azlan hain kon." Rubab shot back, her voice laced with exasperation.

(But I didn’t know who Azlan was!)

Shireen and Anisa stared at her, their jaws dropping simultaneously. "Kya?" they said in unison, their voices laced with disbelief.

(What?)

"Aap sab ne hume dhoka diya hai." Rubab continued, her eyes welling with tears. "Humari shadi uss shaks se karwa di jinhone humse shadi sirf aur sirf badla lene ke liye ki hai." Her voice cracked, and Anisa's hand flew to her mouth in shock while Shireen looked utterly bewildered.

(You all deceived me,)

(You married me off to a man who only married me for revenge.)

"Puri baat batao, Rubab. Kya hua?" Anisa urged gently, scooting closer to Rubab.

(Tell us everything, Rubab. What happened?)

Rubab sniffled but refused to look at them. "Puri baat batane ke liye kuch hai hi nahi." she murmured, tears spilling over despite her efforts to hold them back.

(There’s nothing much to tell,)

Anisa gestured for Shireen to lock the door, and once it was done, she handed Rubab a glass of water.

"Achha hume batao toh hua kya hai. Azlan ne ya kisi aur ne kuch kaha hai?" Anisa asked carefully.

(Alright, tell us what happened. Did Azlan or someone else say something?)

Rubab shook her head, wiping her tears. "Gharwale achhe hain." she admitted, though her voice still wavered.

(The family is nice,)

"Achha toh suhagraat pe Azlan ne kuch kaha?" Shireen prodded.

(Okay, so did Azlan say something on the wedding night?)

"Uss raat toh hum behosh ho gaye the." Rubab mumbled, her voice barely audible.

(I fainted that night,)

Shireen and Anisa exchanged another look but refrained from saying anything about it. "Aur dusre din," Shireen pressed.

(And the next day?)

Rubab hesitated, the memory of Azlan's unexpected gesture making her heart race. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she buried her face in her hands.

"Rubab, rona band karo aur batao kya hua. Humara dil doob raha hai." Anisa exclaimed, thinking Rubab was crying.

(Rubab, stop crying and tell us what happened. You’re making us anxious,)

"Kuch nahi hua," Rubab insisted, her voice muffled.

(Nothing happened,)

"Toh tum ro kyu rahi ho?" Shireen said, leaning closer.

(Then why are you crying?)

"Pucha tha toh humne, tumne kaha tum janti ho." Anisa reminded her.

(I asked you, and you said you knew,)

Rubab shook her head furiously, her hands still covering her face. Finally, she peeked out, her eyes darting nervously between her sisters.

"Hume nahi pata tha." Rubab trailed off, her cheeks growing even redder.

(I didn’t know,)

"Rubab, yeh batao tumse kisne kaha Azlan ne badla lene ke liye shadi ki hai." Shireen asked, her brow arching.

(Rubab, tell me who told you that Azlan married you for revenge?)

"Unhone khud kaha aur phir..." Rubab blurted out, then abruptly stopped,

(He said so himself, and then...)

"Aur phir kya?" Shireen and Anisa assumed the worst.

(And then what?)

"Aur phir kuch nahi." Rubab quickly replied, placing the glass she was holding onto the table. She couldn’t tell what Azlan had done.

(And then nothing,)

Shireen and Anisa were left confused, but before they could ask further, a knock on the door interrupted them, followed by Mahajbeen's voice calling out.

"Rubab, ansu saaf karo. Amma se abhi kuch mat kehna." Anisa advised her firmly.

(Rubab, wipe your tears. Don’t say anything to Amma just yet,)

At Anisa's request, Rubab refrained from confronting Mahajbeen, even though she had her grievances with her too-why did she agree to marry her off to Azlan?

•••

Meanwhile, in Delhi, Azlan found the morning unusually dull and empty. It had only been two days, yet the intensity of his emotions surprised him.

He stepped into the lounge, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. The faint whiff of motiya from the aangan lingered in the air, but it failed to lift his mood.

When Shahzain saw him, he immediately dropped the steel glass he was holding, letting it clatter dramatically to the floor.

Azlan sighed, his patience thinning. "Tum kya loge iss cheez ka dubara zikr na karne ke liye?" Azlan asked in exasperation. Every time Shahzain saw him, he would either pretend to faint or drop whatever he's holding. While the people around them found this highly amusing, Azlan was thoroughly embarrassed.

(What will it take for you to stop bringing this up again?)

"Sport bike." Shahzain replied without a moment's hesitation. The same sports bike Behroz Khan had flatly refused to buy for him. If no one else, he'd at least try his luck with Azlan.

"Fine," Azlan sighed deeply. "Lekin dubara iska zikar na karna tum." He pointed at Shahzain, who nodded obediently, like a good boy. Not that Shahzain had any intention of doing it again; the joke was getting old, and most of the guests had already left, so there was no one left to entertain with his antics. But there was no need to tell Azlan that.

(But don’t mention this again.)

"Azlan," Naziya called out to him. Azlan walked over to the dining table where she was standing. "Apni phuppo ko aap ghar chorh aiye." She instructed, gesturing toward Uzma and her daughter. Azlan nodded in agreement.

(Drop your aunt and Tuba home,)

"Phuppo, aap itni jaldi ja rahi hain. Kuch din aur rukti." Shahzain said to Uzma.

(Aunt, you’re leaving so soon? You should stay a few more days,)

"Nahi, beta, pehle hi itne din ruk gaye." Uzma replied affectionately,

(No, dear, we’ve already stayed too long.)

"Shahzain, ab hum tumhari shadi mein ayenge." Tuba teased.

(Shahzain, we’ll come back for your wedding,)

Shahzain raised an eyebrow at her, his smirk growing. "Achha ji? Meri shadi tak yahi ruk jaiye aap."

(Really? Why don’t you stay here till my wedding.)

Tuba's cheeks flushed as she looked away, flustered by his teasing.

Standing nearby, Nigaar felt a pang in her heart. Seeing Shahzain pay attention to someone else, even for a moment, unsettled her. Rukhsar, who was beside her, elbowed her gently and gestured for her to fix her expression. With difficulty, Nigaar forced a smile.

She knew Shahzain had a habit of being friendly, joking around, and even flirting occasionally. He was never serious about anyone. But Nigaar couldn't help disliking even a moment of his attention going elsewhere. She felt embarrassed for her feelings, but what could she do? Love doesn't allow the presence of anyone else, not even for a second.

•••

Rubab barely got any time to talk to Anisa or Shireen again. She was surrounded by people all day. If it wasn’t one guest coming to meet her, it was another. And Mahajbeen was glued to Rubab, not leaving her side. The same Mahajbeen who used to scold Rubab for speaking too loudly or laughing too much now seemed content just sitting by her, listening to whatever Rubab had to say.

After lunch, Anisa finally got a chance to talk to Rubab. Shireen had returned to her in-laws because her mother-in-law had called her, leaving Anisa alone to try to make Rubab understand.

"Puri baat batao hume kya kya hua." she demanded, settling herself on the bed.

(Tell me everything, what exactly happened.)

Rubab pouted, folding her arms as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. "Kuch bhi nahi hua. Bas unhone humse khud kaha badle ke liye shadi ki hai." she said, her tone so nonchalant it made Anisa blink in disbelief.

(Nothing much. He just told me outright that he married me for revenge.)

"Badla?" Anisa echoed, her voice tinged with shock.

(Revenge?)

"Lekin aap fikar na karein. Hum kuch bardasht nahi karenge." Rubab continued with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Pata hai humne kya kiya..."

(But don’t worry. I’m not going to tolerate anything.)

(Do you know what I did...)

Anisa leaned forward with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Rubab began recounting her antics with glee, only for Anisa to groan and slap her forehead. "Rubab!" she exclaimed. "Already Azlan apse khafa hain aur aap aag mein ghee daal rahi hain." And Rubab literally had added fuel—or rather, chili.

(Azlan is already upset with you, and now you’re adding fuel to the fire.)

"Toh kya karte? Unka intezar kare ki thappar ka badla lein?" Rubab said, offended.

(What else was I supposed to do? Wait for him to take revenge for that slap?)

Taking a deep breath, Anisa composed herself. "Dekho, zyadti toh tumne ki thi. Koi bhi mard apni touheen nahi bhoolta. Ab tum mazeed apni bachkani harkato se unhe gussa mat dilao."

(Look, you were wrong in the first place. No man forgets his insult. Stop making him angrier with your childish antics.)

"Toh kya karein?" Rubab asked, genuinely confused.

(So what should I do?)

"Pehli baat toh tum thori samajhdari lao apne andar. Ab tumhari shadi ho chuki hai, zindagi bhar yeh hasi mazak nahi chalta, khaskar sasural mein." Anisa said firmly, trying to knock some sense into her.

(First of all, you need to start acting a little mature. You’re married now; life isn’t just fun and games anymore, especially in your in-laws’ house,)

Rubab stayed silent, staring at her hands.

"Aur agar Azlan ne keh bhi diya badla lenge toh unhone kuch kiya toh nahi na." Anisa pressed.

(And even if Azlan said he married you for revenge, has he done anything to harm you yet?)

Rubab hesitated, unsure of how to explain Azlan's way of revenge.

"Tum maafi manglo apni galti ki." Anisa said, noticing her silence.

(You should apologize for what you’ve done,)

"Hum kyu maafi mange?" Rubab asked, her temper flaring slightly.

(Why should I apologize?)

"Dekho, shadi mazak nahi hai, zindagi bhar aise thori chalega. Agar woh naraz hai ya kuch bhi toh tum pehel karo aur koshish karo rishta theek karne ka. Shadi mein samjhota karna parhta hai." Anisa explained patiently.

(Look, marriage isn’t a joke; you can’t keep living like this forever. If he’s upset or angry, you need to take the first step and try to fix things. Marriage requires compromise,)

"Lekin bhai ne kaha tha ki koi cheez bardasht na karna." Rubab protested.

(But bhai said I shouldn’t tolerate anything,)

"Woh toh hum bhi kahenge, har koi kahega. Lekin iska yeh hargiz matlab nahi ki aap zara si bhi koshish na karein rishta bachane ki. Haqeeqat ko agar samne rakhe toh apko kya lagta hai agey kya hoga?" Anisa asked pointedly.

(Everyone will say that, and it’s true to an extent. But if you think practically, what do you think will happen in the future if things keep going this way?)

Rubab blinked, trying to picture her future but seeing nothing but uncertainty.

"Dekha. Isliye tumhe kuch koshish karna hoga. Uske liye sabse pehle toh yeh pranks chorho." Anisa said softly. "Rishto mein samjhota karna parhta hai, Rubab."

(Exactly. That’s why you need to make an effort. The first step is to stop playing these pranks,)

(You have to compromise in a relationship.)

Rubab nodded reluctantly, the spark of mischief in her eyes replaced by a growing sadness. She swallowed hard, fighting the urge to cry.

Before Anisa could say more, the door opened, and Kinza and Saleha walked in.

Anisa left Rubab alone with Kinza and Saleha, hoping that talking to them might lighten her mood. However, all Saleha and Kinza seemed interested in discussing were Azlan and his family.

Their questions kept circling back to the same topics—how Azlan behaved, how his house looked, what his family was like, and every little detail about Rubab’s new life.

Rubab answered in the fewest words possible, her voice soft and her choice of words minimal. Even she was surprised at herself. But what could she say? There wasn’t much to tell, and what there was didn’t seem worth sharing. She had enough sense to know that some things were better kept private. Especially Azlan’s shameless behavior, which she couldn’t share with anyone.

"Waise Azlan bhai ne gift mein kya diya?" Kinza finally asked, breaking the rhythm of questions. Rubab hesitated before holding out her hand, revealing the elegant ring that Azlan had given her.

(So, what did Azlan bhai gift you?)

Saleha leaned in, inspecting it with a critical eye. “Rubab, maine toh suna hai tumhare sasural wale bohot raees hain.” she said casually, though her tone carried an undercurrent of judgment.

(Rubab, I heard your in-laws are very wealthy,)

“Hain toh. Khandani raees hain.” Rubab replied, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.

(They are. They’re generationally wealthy,)

“Toh Azlan bhai ne tumhe silver kyu diya? Gold toh de hi sakte the.” Saleha remarked, frowning as if the ring itself were an offense.

(Then why did Azlan bhai give you silver? He could’ve at least given you gold,)

Rubab looked down at the ring for the first time in a new light. She had loved its delicate design, how it sparkled understatedly on her finger. It hadn’t even occurred to her that it wasn’t gold.

“Pata hai, meri cousin Arifa ki shadi mein uske shohar ne kitni moti gold ki ring di thi." Saleha continued,

(You know, at my cousin Arifa’s wedding, her husband gave her a really heavy gold ring.)

Rubab’s jaw tightened, but she forced a small smile. “Azlan ko dikhawa nahi pasand.” she said, her tone defensive but restrained.

(Azlan doesn’t like showing off,)

“Toh halki si de dete. Wakai silver kon deta hai.” Kinza said.

(Then he could’ve at least given you a thin gold one. Who gives silver, honestly?)

The irony stung—none of them recognized it as platinum, a rarity far more valuable than gold in its simplicity and elegance. But their uninformed criticism lingered in the air like a cloud, and Rubab found herself twisting the ring absentmindedly, her confidence in it faltering.

The conversation moved on, but Rubab’s mind stayed on the ring.

•••

By evening, the Khan Haveli had emptied out. The guests had all gone home. With Nigaar gone, Rukhsar felt lonely again. Who was there to keep her company? Hamna had her moods; sometimes, she'd talk for hours. Other times, she wouldn't leave her room. Naziya was busy with her own chores, and Rukhsar couldn't sit with her all day. The silence of the house made her restless, and she feared she'd go mad from the quiet.

It wasn't like this before, but perhaps her pregnancy hormones were making her feel more uneasy these days. There wasn't much work to do in the house either; the servants handled everything. She only cooked meals, and even after finishing that, she would end up sitting in the lounge. Just as she was pondering what to do, the phone on the side table began to ring.

"Hello," Rukhsar answered.

"Rukhsar, main koi file bhool gaya hoon kya room mein?" Huzaifa's deep but busy voice came through.

(Rukhsar, did I leave any file in the room?)

"Konsi file?" With so many files in the room, how was Rukhsar supposed to know which one he meant?

(Which file?)

"Huzaifa, tum iss file ki baat kar rahe the?" Before Huzaifa could say anything, a girl's voice came from the background. Rukhsar froze. Her grip on the receiver tightened.

(Huzaifa, are you talking about this file?)

"Rehne dijiye, mil gayi." Huzaifa told her and hung up. Rukhsar stared at the phone, wondering who the girl was, but then scolded herself, thinking she must be an employee. Still, the heart doesn't always listen to logic.

(Never mind, I found it,)

"Bhabhi, kya soch rahi hain?" Shahzain snapped his fingers in front of her face, pulling her out of her thoughts.

(What’s on your mind, Bhabhi?)

"Kya hua, beta?" Behroz Khan, who had just returned with Shahzain, asked from behind.

(What happened, dear?)

"Kuch nahi, khalu. Aap baithiye main chai banati hoon." Rukhsar said with a smile, placing the phone back on the table. Behroz nodded and walked away.

(Nothing, Khalu. Please sit; I’ll make tea,)

"Kya hua hai, bhabhi?" Shahzain asked again, concerned now.

(What’s wrong, Bhabhi?)

"Kuch nahi, bas abhi Huzaifa ki call ayi thi, pata nahi piche kis larki ki awaz thi." Rukhsar said innocently. She had been friends with Shahzain since childhood, so she felt no hesitation in confiding in him.

(Nothing. Huzaifa called earlier, and I heard a girl’s voice in the background,)

"Unki secretary hongi." Shahzain reassured her.

(It must’ve been his secretary,)

"Toh phir woh unhe naam se kyu bula rahi thi, sir kyu nahi keh rahi thi?" Rukhsar voiced the thought that had been bothering her.

(Then why did she call him by his name? Why not ‘sir’?)

While Rukhsar explained her worry seriously, she didn't notice the mischievous grin spreading across Shahzain's face. When she finally looked at him, he quickly straightened his expression.

"Hmm, toh bhai ki employee unhe sir nahi bulati." Shahzain stroked his chin as if deep in thought. "Main toh pehle hi kehta tha Huzaifa bhai itne bhi shareef nahi jitne aap log ko lagte hain lekin meri sunta kon hai. Main aitbar ke kabil thori."

(Hmm, so Bhai’s employee doesn’t call him ‘sir.’)

(I’ve always said Huzaifa Bhai isn’t as innocent as everyone thinks, but who listens to me? I’m not trustworthy, apparently.)

"Kya matlab?" Rukhsar's voice wavered.

(What do you mean?)

"Arey, bhabhi, aap bohot seedhi hain. Huzaifa bhai bachpan se bahar rahe hain school se leke University tak sari parhai bahar ki hai, kya bahar rehne wale larke shareef ho sakte hain?"

(Bhabhi, you're too naive. Huzaifa bhai has been living away from home since childhood, from school to university, he's done all his studies there. Can boys who live away from home really be innocent?)

"Toh?" Rukhsar's voice felt distant to her ears. She couldn't even fathom the idea of someone else in Huzaifa's life.

(So?)

"Toh..." Shahzain stretched the word dramatically. "Mera ek dost bohot achhe baba ko janta hai jo apne ek amal se bhai ke sar se sari larkiyon ka khayal hata dega aur apke alawa koi aur naam yaad hi nahi rahega unhe." Shahzain said this with such sincerity that it took Rukhsar a moment to realize he was only teasing her.

(So...)

(I know a friend who knows a great spiritual leader. He can perform a ritual that will make Bhai forget every other girl and only remember your name.)

Rukhsar gaped at him, realization dawning. "Shahzain!" She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Laughing, Shahzain caught the pillow.

"Yeh kya ho raha hai?" Naziya and Behroz entered at that moment. Seeing the scene, Naziya asked, "Shahzain, kab bade honge aap?" She immediately scolded her son, knowing he must've been at fault.

(What’s going on here?)

(Shahzain, when will you grow up?)

"Ammi, meri koi galti nahi. Rukshar bhabhi ke dimagh mein pata nahi kya kya chalta rehta hai." Shahzain tried to act innocent.

(Ammi, it’s not my fault. Who knows what all Bhabhi thinks about?)

"Haan, hum toh tumko jante nahi, ullu ka pattha na ho toh." Behroz retorted.

(Yeah, as if we don’t know you, son of an idiot.)

"Beta toh apka hi hoon," Shahzain muttered under his breath.

(Well, I am your son,)

"Khalu, pata yeh mujhe kisi baba ke barey mein bata raha tha, keh raha tha ki..." Rukhsar started to complain, but Shahzain interrupted her.

(Khalu, do you know what he told me about a spiritual leader who—)

"Kya kar rahi hain, bhabhi, aap? Aisi baatein sabke samne nahi kehte." Shahzain raised his hand, trying to stop her.

(Bhabhi, what are you doing? You shouldn’t discuss such things in front of everyone.)

"Shahzain," Naziya cut him off, already understanding the situation without hearing the rest.

"Aney dijiye Huzaifa ko. Sarey baba ka ata pata batayenge woh apko." she threatened before taking Rukhsar to the kitchen.

(Let Huzaifa come back. He’ll tell you all about these spiritual leaders,)

•••

Shahzain was joking, and Rukhsar had caught on. However, she still couldn't understand why Huzaifa's employee didn’t call him "Sir." So, that night, she finally asked him.

"Woh Abbu ki age ki hain, achha nahi lagta woh mujhe sir bulaye." Huzaifa explained calmly. Rukhsar felt embarrassed—she had let Shahzain's teasing spark all sorts of unnecessary thoughts in her mind.

(She's around abbu's age. It doesn't feel right for her to address me as 'Sir,')

"Lekin aap kyu puch rahi hain?" Huzaifa looked at her curiously. Rukhsar quickly shook her head in denial.

(But why are you asking?)

•••

Two weeks had passed in the blink of an eye, for Rubab, it felt like mere moments. It seemed like just yesterday she had arrived at her parents’ home, basking in the warmth of familiar faces. Now, Azlan was here to take her back, and the entire house was alive with excitement and chatter.

Saleha and Kinza had been waiting eagerly for this day. They hadn’t had a proper chance to meet Azlan during the wedding. Ever since morning, they had been at Rubab’s house, brimming with anticipation.

When Azlan arrived, however, he lingered outside with the men, exchanging pleasantries and having tea. This left Saleha and Kinza disappointed. Their enthusiasm deflated when he barely acknowledged their greetings with a brief nod.

"Azlan bhai aise hi hain kya?" Saleha blurted out, unable to hold back her curiosity.

(Why is Azlan bhai like this?)

Kinza shot her a warning look, but Saleha wasn’t one to take a hint.

"Kaise?" Rubab asked absentmindedly. She had just returned to her room after greeting her in-laws and had no idea what Saleha was hinting at.

(Like what?)

"Noman bhai toh jab aye the kaise Anisa apa ke agey piche hi phir rahe the. Yaad hai, woh toh baithe bhi Anisa apa ke sath hi the, aur Azlan bhai ne toh tumhari taraf dekha bhi nahi." Saleha said bluntly.

(When Noman bhai came to pick up Anisa apa, he was hovering around her the entire time. Remember? He even sat next to her. But Azlan bhai didn’t even glance at you.)

Rubab paused, her expression unreadable. Over the past two weeks, she had thought so much about her marriage and Azlan that she was too tired to overanalyze it anymore. Whatever his behavior, she had already decided she would adjust to it. Like Anisa had said.

"Kuch log sharmile hote hain." Kinza intervened, attempting to smooth over Saleha’s bold remarks. She glanced at Rubab, hoping to gauge her reaction, but Rubab remained calm.

(Some people are just shy.)

"Dulhan hain kya jo sharma rahe hain?" Saleha scoffed.

(Is he the bride here that he’s acting shy?)

Kinza frowned at her, but Rubab, however, remained silent. Her heart felt heavy, but she wasn’t about to let anyone know.

•••

Azlan wasn’t sure if he was overthinking, but Rubab’s unusual silence had been bothering him. It wasn’t like her to stay so quiet, but the day had been so chaotic that he hadn’t found a moment to ask her.

On the way back to their home, Shahzain and Hamna were with them in the car, and as usual, Shahzain dominated the conversation. His light-hearted teasing filled the vehicle as they drove through streets then highways, the rhythmic hum of the car blending with the faint sound of the radio playing a melody.

"Tumse kehne wali,
Aur bhi hain pyari baatein
Samne sabke bolo, kaise keh doon sari baatein
Aaj magar bas itna hi karna hai iqrar..."

"Bhabhi, aap galti se zuban ghar pe toh nahi bhool ayi?" Shahzain teased, leaning slightly toward Rubab with his characteristic grin.

(Bhabhi, did you accidentally leave your voice at home?)

Rubab, startled out of her thoughts, glanced at him and then at Azlan, who was watching her through the rearview mirror. His steady gaze sent an inexplicable flutter to her chest.

"Sari baat tum hi kar le rahe ho." Hamna spoke, sparing Rubab the need to respond.

(You’re doing all the talking anyway,)

"Tum mujhe aap bola karo. Choti behno ko bhai se izzat se baat karni chahiye." Shahzain replied, shifting his teasing toward Hamna.

(You should call me ‘aap.’ Younger sisters should speak to their brothers with respect,)

Rubab turned her face toward the window, letting the cool breeze soothe her, choosing silence over participation in their light banter.

"Izzat wale kaam karo," Hamna shot back, refusing to let Shahzain win.

(Then act in a way that earns respect,)

"Ab tum dono jhagra mat karne lagna." Azlan said, his voice calm yet authoritative. It was enough to quiet the two, and the rest of the journey passed uneventfully, with the occasional laughter breaking the silence.

(Don’t you two start fighting now,)

•••

Rubab felt emotionally drained and physically exhausted from the long day. As soon as she entered their room, she collapsed on the bed, too tired even to change out of her formal clothes.

When Azlan entered the room much later, he paused at the door. The sight of Rubab curled up in the corner of the bed, her face relaxed in sleep, and made him smile. The room, which had once felt unfamiliar and cold, now carried a sense of belonging, thanks to her presence.

His smile faded as he noticed her state. The AC hummed quietly, and the room was cold, yet she was sleeping without a comforter, her dupatta loosely draped around her. She hadn’t even removed her heavy jewelry. A faint frown creased Azlan’s forehead. Didn’t she feel uncomfortable?

Quietly, he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. He gently picked up her hand and began removing her bangles one by one, careful not to wake her. He removed her earrings and necklace, leaving only her ring untouched. Rubab shifted slightly but didn’t wake, lost in her dreams.

The cold had turned her nose a soft shade of red, and Azlan couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Pulling the comforter over her, he lightly touched her nose with his finger. His hand lingered near her face, tracing the air above the curve of her lips. Without realizing it, he leaned in slightly closer, his gaze softening.

"Hain toh aap bohot pyari ki mera dil behkati hain." he whispered, his voice barely audible, meant only for her sleeping ears. She didn’t stir, her serene expression unchanged.

(You’re so beautiful that you make my heart waver.)

"Lekin fikar na karein, aisa kuch nahi karunga jissey apko apne bhai se shikayat karni parhe." he added, a faint smile playing on his lips. He sat back, studying her for a moment longer before standing up and turning off the lamp.

(But don’t worry, I won’t do anything that would make you complain to your brother.)

Azlan had no idea what strange thoughts ran through Rubab's mind or what she truly thought about this marriage. But one thing he knew for sure about himself was that he didn’t want to conquer Rubab; he wanted to make her his in every way.

•••

So, how's it?

-Ufaq

Dedicated to @Mochichimmy681