As the twilight bled into the tranquility of the darkness, a canopy of glistening stars flickered into specks of life against the moonless inky blanket of hazy clouds. The soft summer breeze whispered in my ear like a lover, canoodling my skin with its fluttering touch, softly tousling the errant strands of my carefully coiffured hair. I closed my eyes to the lullaby of the cheerful murmurs that rippled through the crowds at the conclusion of tonight's celebration.

Shame rung through me as I looked at the audience in the rally, cheering and celebrating their leader, their eyes glittering with hopes of a better future. The sight pierced through my soul, a poignant reminder of the years of lies and empty promises the leaders of our country had been feeding these people.

The chain of my thoughts came to an abrupt end at the sudden thunderous boom that exploded above me. Glowing fireworks burnt with impatience against the canvas of stars, searing the night sky with their brilliant flares, twirling in vibrant blooms before cascading down like blithe fire fiends. Each burst painted the night in vivid inks of light, drawing a breathtaking pattern that inspired a whole new crusade amongst the crowd, that marvelled at the spectacle with startled gasps.

After the show was over, a brief but eerie pause lingered, before a loud applause erupted from within the crowds marking the end of a great show. And what a great show it had been. Tonight was a play of power and politics. A message, loud and clear, for the opposition and the critics, we were here and we were here to stay. The outpouring numbers in attendance had only reaffirmed the public support for the two parties, that had, in a monumental turn of events, publicly joined hands tonight.

The camera shifted and Aliyaar's face lit up the screen before me. His eyes shone under the blinding lights, like limpid pools of chocolate with specks of floating gold. A faint placid smile played on his lips as he waved back into the crowds, savouring the sweet taste of victory. His face etched with an excitement one has at the beginning of a new start.

This man was like an inferno, a blistering fire. Warm, glorious and enticing from afar, but deadly and dangerous when you inched closer, ready to smoulder and burn you with his ferocious, menacing flames. He was the epitome of everything I despised about life in the public eye, yet here he was thriving on the drunken haze of power. Tonight, amongst the crowd, under the preying eyes of the world, I could see how truly alive he was. His idea of heaven was my description of hell.

I slowly stood up, fleeting a hand over my heavily embellished gown to straighten out any creases. The tiny tussles lining the skirt jingled as I walked back into the private gardens for tonight's dinner. Soft music played in the background, over the hazy chatter of the people swarming in. A permanent smile plastered itself on my face, as I went around greeting the guests.

The air was ripe with rumours of my engagement, and I could feel the curious stares boring into me. But no one had asked me and I hadn't bothered to clarify either. I wonder if my earlier conversation with Aliyaar about my decision had anything to do with this.

The main doors flung open and Dada Jaan, followed by the rest of the men, entered the gardens. My eyes locked with Aliyaar's and he gave me a curt nod. Shehryar came around behind him, patting his back, as they walked away to meet the other party leaders and guests.

➰➰➰

I grabbed the heavy fabric of my gown, to ascend up the winding flight of steps. I groaned as the sides of my snug bodice bit into my skin and the soles of my feet felt tender and burnt within the confines of my heels. I carefully walked up the stairs, the last thing I wanted right now was to fall and tumble under the weight of my dress. I sighed, silently cursing Layla for her choice.

As I trudged up the long flight of steps, my ears perked up at the sound of distant voices coming from Dad's study and I couldn't help, but stop and listen.

"This is better than we had expected. The tide has turned in our favour." I heard dad's excited voice. "You were right."

"Within minutes of the announcement our share prices have gone up. They've summoned an emergency board meeting the day after. I'm sure we'd get the vote of confidence." Zayan piqued in. The unpleasant stench of cigars and  cigarettes didn't replace the fetor of fraudulence and desperation that hung heavy in the air.

"When do you want to announce the wedding, Aliyaar?" I heard Zaroon Bhai ask, his voice, unlike the rest, sounded a little strained. "I don't understand why you'd want to delay it?"

An unyielding silence prevailed, and I felt unease settle within me. "Soon. Let the rumours circulate for now; they're always more powerful than facts." A shiver shot through me at his glacial tone, a bitter reminder of the reality of this arrangement.

I stood there for a while, overhearing the men discuss the upcoming strategies, the finances and media coverage. I clenched my fists, my teeth gritting together as frustration and anger flared through me. The veracity of their warped schemes jabbed at me, reminding me how inconsequential my feelings were in this mundane game.

Aliyaar had assured me of his support, yet here I was completely unaware and clueless of what his next move was.

A vile pain shot through the soles of my feet, and I felt myself stumble, too tired to stand any further.

The soft clank of my heels echoed off the tiled flooring, as I stepped into the threshold of my room, welcomed by the lonely singing of crickets from my balcony. I ungracefully fumbled inside, and sank into the nearest couch, not caring to change out of the uncomfortable dress. Switching on the small lamp besides me, I pulled my legs up, resting them on the coffee table, my head sinking back against the soft hand rest. I stared at the racing fan above me, as the carousel of my thoughts began to slow down.

Silence and softness hung like a cloud, filling the room with their restful serenity. I sighed, as my eyes drooped under the heaviness, melting me into the crags of darkness, wrapping me in profound sleep.

A soft groan escaped my lips, as I snuggle into the warmth of a blanket, my aching foot relaxing under a soft touch. I stirred slightly as a subtle awareness rose over the fog of my heavy slumber.

A soft touch?

My eyes snapped open in shock, my dreamy sleep escaping me, violently jolting me back to reality. "Ya Allah!" I shrieked, seeing the dark shadow lurking in front of me, my eyes adjusting to the dull light in the room.

"Hey, it's me," I heard him whisper, and I held the blanket over my chest, trying to steady my racing heartbeat. "Calm down, its me. Aliyaar." He said, shifting towards me.

"You scared the living shit out of me. What's wrong with you?" I glared at him angrily, pulling my feet down, straightening up to sit properly.

He chuckled lowly, standing up to his full height and I huffed still trying to calm my erratic heartbeat. "I was taking your heels off. I saw they were hurting you tonight. A thank you would suffice."

"Huh?" I squint at him, my mind still hazy with drowsiness.

"You really don't like listening to me." He said shaking his head, turning the main chandelier on. I groaned squeezing my eyes shut, covering them with my palms as the room flooded with the sudden light.

"What's wrong with you? At least warn me before opening the lights." I said peaking at him through the blinds of my finger. He let out a low laugh turning back to see my hiding behind the palms of my hand. He came and knelt besides me, his callous fingers fleeting over the dainty strap on my ankle. "What are you doing?"

"Playing cricket." I heard him say. I rolled my eyes, pulling my foot back. "Leave it, you'd break it."

"What do you think I'm? An oaf?" He retorted with a long, resigned sigh, his hand grasping my foot and slowly slipping the heel off. My heart clenched at the relaxing feeling. "You should have taken them off, if your weren't comfortable." He said slipping into the opposite seat.

I laughed pulling the blanket over me, "And then strut around the party barefoot?" He shrugged, a half smirk playing on his face. "Did you put this blanket on me?"

He nodded, before resting his head against the sofa. His eyes closed, the fatigue of the day evident on his face. "You should head home. It's late. Why did you come here though?"

"Hmm—" He said, his eyes still shut, his voice tired, "I didn't talk to you properly this morning when you called. I thought I'd come talk to you right now, but you were asleep."

"You should have woken me up."

"You seemed comfortable. I didn't want to disturb you." He said, opening his eyes to meet mine. "It's been a long day, although that didn't stop you from eavesdropping on our conversation." His lips twisted with a grin and I felt my cheeks burn in embarrassment. He let out a chuckle seeing my busted expression.

"I wasn't eavesdropping." I objected, but he raised his eyebrows, his eyes shining with a mischievous, challenging glint. I rolled my eyes, "Fine. Whatever. How did you even know?"

"I've trained for years. I could tell if a feather fell down outside that door, you are living, breathing person then." He smiled, as I narrowed my eyes at him, "—those hanging beads on your dress also helped." He said pointing to the skirt of my gown.

"They're called tussles, silly. Not hanging beads," I giggled at his choice of words. "I knew this dress was a poor choice."

He rolled his eyes, rubbing his hands over his knees, "Excuse my ignorance. Last I checked I didn't hold a degree in fashion. And on the contrary, you looked beautiful in that dress. I'd say it was an excellent choice."

I could feel the heat slowly rising up my face, tinting my cheeks with a rosy flush. I suppressed the growing smile itching on my lips. "How did you get in here?" I asked trying to change the topic.

"Your door was open. I thought you were awake."

"I didn't realise when I fell asleep." He nodded, picking up and flipping through the magazine lying in front of him.

"I talked to Shehryar. He is happy with your choice, but he is worried because of your grandfather." He tilted his head up to see me. "He is concerned your family might back out from the coalition. But—"

"Why is he not here? He didn't even talk to me once." My jaw clenched, my voice low and irritated.

He looked at me, keeping the magazine back on the table as he relaxed back into the seat, "I told him not too. We can't risk anyone having any suspicions."

I let out an exasperated sigh, but nodded my head in agreement, "We'd get the exit poll results later this week. That would give us a clearer picture of where we stand, but seeing the reaction to tonight's rally, I can safely say we will emerge as a coalition kingmaker in the upcoming elections."

"But where does this leave us, Aliyaar? My family would never let you back down. They can destroy your career." I gasped, fear gripping my heart. "I'm so sorry for putting you through this." My voice falters into cracks, sounding almost hollow. I could feel his eyes pricking into me and feel myself snap into shards of brittle glass. I cowered under his watchful eyes, as the eddies of my conflicting emotions ride over me in undulating waves.

"Eyes up here, on me, Shanzae." I heard him say, as he leaned forward. "Don't ever let your head down or be ashamed for putting yourself first. It takes immense courage to be yourself, for fighting for what you believe in. Not everyone has that spirit, don't ever let anyone crush that spirit, not even you."

His eyes settled on the decorative chess board on the side table, and he bent forward picking up the queen from the board. He sat back, his expression cold and stoic, as his eyes carefully examined the queen in his hand, patiently rolling it in between his fingers. "You thought this would break you, yet you survived. Now straighten that crown and keep your head up high like the queen you are." He looked up, his hazel eyes burning into mine. "Don't forget you're the queen of this game."

"What do you plan upon doing?"

"We'll trap your grandfather in his own game, and then wait for the right time to strike. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. I just need time to dig them up." His eyes narrowed, studying my face for any reaction. "You and Shehryar can escape to England. Your family will have little choice then, but to accept it."

I bit my lips. This was all too dangerous. "This is very risky. We can't run away like this."

"There is—" a knock on the door interrupted him and I looked at the door horrified.

"You should hide, it's probably mum." I whispered, getting up.

"Why would I hide?" He asked with genuine confusion.

"Because you're in my room, at this ungodly hour." I interrupted him, turning around to place a finger against his lips. "Go hide there." I said pointing at nothing in particular.

Aliyaar's face twisted with amusement, his eyes dancing with excitement and mirth. "How old are we? Twelve? Even if we were, I've always hated hide and seek." I scowled at him, trying to pull him up from his seat. "No, Shanzae I'm not playing hide and seek with you. Go open the door."

"No!" I pulled at him again, my eyes looking at him pleadingly. "Please get up. It's probably my mum. She wouldn't like you being here."

He stood up, "Why can't I be in my fiancé's room? They can't stop me from meeting you. You're mine."

He stepped closer, his eyes deeply boring into my own. The intoxicating smell of his cologne loitered over my heightened senses. I looked at him lost, and in that moment his eyes told a different story, drawing me into those mystical swirls.

I don't know how long we stood like this, staring into each other trying to read the unwritten words in our eyes, when another knock sounded and Aliyaar was quick to recover. "I mean, your family doesn't know the truth. I'm still the fiancé." He offered, clearing his throat, taking a step back. I nod, dropping my gaze.

Another impatient knock banged at the door, a little louder than the last time and I turned towards the door. I looked back at him, but he had already settled in his seat. I sighed, this was a lost battle, he wasn't going to budge.

I slowly opened the door, peaking through the slight crack. "Why am I not invited to this little tea party of yours?" Layla said pushing the door open to walk in, her gown trailing behind her.

"Sorry to disappoint, but there is not tea here." I gave her a wry smile. "You should come back later." I said tugging at her hand.

"Well, then let's spill the tea—oh, look who do we have here?" She turned to me wriggling her eyebrows suggestively and I rolled my eyes, folding my arms over my chest.

"It's nice to meet you too, Layla." Aliyaar smirked, getting up to greet her.

Layla smiled graciously, "The pleasure is mine. Don't mention it." She said flicking her hair before taking a seat, her eyes throwing him a knowing glance. He smiled softly, turning to look at me.

I narrowed my eyes, watching them settle back in a comfortable silence. "How did you know he was here?" I hissed lowly, as I came down to sit besides her.

"You do realise I can hear you." I heard him say, his hand hiding the devilish smirk adorning his face.

"How can I forget." I shook my head at my stupidity. "How do you two know each other?"

"No, we don't." Layla defended. I gave her a knowing look and Aliyaar bellowed a laugh. Layla huffed, rolling her eyes, "I might or might not have helped him, find his way to your room."

"You're such a bad actor, Layla." Aliyaar laughed.

Layla waved her hand dismissively at him, "Oh please, you still owe me my payment. I'd accept diamonds or designer dresses."

Aliyaar let out a cough, before bursting into a laugh. "Duly noted." He said, placing his hand over his heart and bowing his head. I smiled at his sweet gesture.

"I'd appreciate it you clear my dues in the earliest. But, all that aside, now that you're family, what would you like me to call you?"

He smiled softly, "Whatever you like. I'm not one for formalities. You can call me Aliyaar." He shrugged.

Layla and I exchanged an amused look, before breaking into a laugh. "I wouldn't want Grandfather dearest, having a heart attack. You're probably older than her by a decade." I gave him a sorry smile.

"Ouch! You wound me, dear fiancé." He said clutching his heart, feigning hurt. "I turn 31 this fall."

"Oh!" I smiled awkwardly. "You're almost the same age as Zaroon Bhai."

Layla cleared her throat, diverting our attention. "Why are we discussing ages? We have more important matters at hand, like establishing our new relationship." Her hands gesturing between Aliyaar and her. "But this reminds me, why wasn't the wedding announced today? It was on the agenda."

Aliyaar's face hardened and his shoulders visibly stiffened. I looked at him apprehensively, before shifting towards Layla who was looking at the two of us curiously. "She knows." I told him, and he nodded at the information.

"The plan was to announce our engagement, but I told your family to abstain from giving any official statement as of now. If we had announced, it would be a PR disaster when it's Shehryar and not me. For now, the rumours are doing the job just fine." There was a seriousness to his tone, as he bent forward, his intertwined hands resting against his knees. "I hope you wouldn't tell this to anyone. Not even Zaroon." He said looking at Layla.

Layla nodded giving me an encouraging smile, her hand comforting mine. The momentary smile, however was quickly replaced with shock, her eyes widening as her head snapped back at Aliyaar. "How do you know about us?"

Aliyaar eased back into the chair, his face softening, "I'm a magician. I know everything." He shot her an amusing look.

"And I'm Coco Chanel." Layla pursed her lips, visibly annoyed. "And here I thought we were being discreet. Seriously, did he tell you? I will wring his neck."

"Easy there!" He chuckled. "I just guessed during one of our meetings, when your family mentioned you instead of Shanzae. I'm just good at reading people."

"Good for you. Have fun studying her," she said looking at me. "Because you'd probably never graduate." He chuckled and I scowled, slapping her hand away. "Ouch." She screamed. "What's wrong with you? Did mother drop you as a child or something?"

"I've been wanting to ask the same question." Aliyaar smiled languidly at me, stretching his arms, the weariness of the day finally catching up with him.

"You two are annoying me. The party is over. Time to leave." I said getting up, pulling the earrings out of my ears and keeping them on my dresser. "Good bye. Out you two."

"You're right. It's late, I've an early morning meeting." He said getting up to pick his coat from my bed. "You have my number," he turned towards me, "I'll send you a new encrypted phone tomorrow. Only call me using that. I don't want anyone tapping our phone calls. And this conversation doesn't leave the room." Layla and I exchange a knowing look, nodding our heads in agreement.

"I'm thankful for what you're doing for my sister. But please be careful, because in our family either you're with them, by them or in their goddamn way. And you don't want to be there." Layla warned.

I looked at him, silently drinking in my fear.

^Their dresses for the celebration. The last one is Layla.

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