A month later

Author's POV:

The next day after the Baat Pakki, everyone except Danish departed for Bangalore. Now, along with Anjum, Asif, and Ayesha, Danish is preparing to leave for Bangalore as well, as Afsha's due date is scheduled for tomorrow.

"Ya Allah, please make everything easy for Afsha. Bless her with strength and keep both her and the baby healthy," Danish wished, his heart heavy yet hopeful; his face reflected a whirlwind of emotions—joy at the thought of welcoming a new family member, worry for Afsha's safety.

Taking a deep breath, he rose from the prayer mat, folded it carefully, and set it on the room's table before heading downstairs with his bags. For the past month, Danish had been staying at Ayesha's house as he would be staying alone.

Upon entering the living room, he noticed that everyone, including Neha and her family, had already arrived and were engaged in discussions. 

Salma Dadi was giving Anjum some of her advices regarding Afsha's postpartum care and hygiene; while Ayesha was rechecking her things as she was not only travelling to Bangalore for Afsha's delivery but also to oversee and manage the upcoming wedding events especially the reception of Adil and Neha's.

"Bhai, I have made something," Neha got up and handed Danish a packet. Danish was intrigued and opened it to discover a variety of onesies, t-shirts, and tiny trousers. 

"I tried to choose colours that would suit either a boy or a girl," Neha replied enthusistically.

"MashaAllah!!! these clothes are gorgeous; the baby would love these clothes made by her mami." 

As the word 'mami' slipped from Danish's lips, Neha's cheeks turned into soft shade of red. Her gaze dropped shyly, and her fingers instinctively began to play with the ring on her hand—remembering the recent event of her Baat pakki

Flashback begins - Baat pakki day

After the completion of Baat pakki, Raza turned his attention towards Ali.

"So, we're thinking of scheduling the wedding after two months from now. It would be better for Afsha as well, given her current condition. What do you say?"

Ali paused, his eyes a little glistening and he turned to face his wife and mother. Both of them gave a reassuring nod, their expressions conveying understanding and agreement.

Later, gathering himself, Ali shifted his gaze towards Neha and asked softly, "What do you say, Beta?"

After a brief moment, Neha gave a slight nod, her cheeks tinged with colour, acknowledging her consent.

After the nod, the discussion shifted to talk about all the planning and preparations; Ayesha was given full authority over the wedding arrangements, from the pre-wedding rituals to the reception.

"Now let me show you guys my magic." Ayesha declared, attracting everyone's attention as she eagerly started outlining her plans.

"Okay, now let me barge in," just as the discussions were gaining momentum, Saniya suddenly sprang to her feet with excitement in her eyes.

"There is something for my Bhabhi from Bhai's side," as Saniya announced, everyone turned to look at her with interest.

Neha's heart was fluttering with different forms of overwhelmedness, and she was already flushed with emotions when Saniya stood up and approached her.

Saniya took Neha's hand gently, her mischievous smile softening. Handing her a bouquet of lilies, she leaned in and whispered, "There's a card attached. Don't forget to read it." leaving Neha even more flustered, her cheeks now a deeper shade of red.

Before Neha could process the moment, Danish arrived, carrying a box full of chocolates. Handing it to her, he too leaned in and murmured the same words, "Don't forget to read the card." His voice held a playful undertone, adding to Neha's already tangled emotions.

Then, Afsha slowly got up and made her way towards Neha. Sitting beside her, she held out a small velvet box containing a delicate pair of earrings. "These are from my side, for my soon-to-be sister-in-law," Afsha said with a warm smile, gently placing a kiss on Neha's forehead. 

Seeing the Afsha gifting the earings; Saniya, unable to resist, chimed in with mock disappointment. "This is cheating! I didn't bring a gift from my side," she exclaimed, crossing her arms dramatically, making everyone chuckle.

"No problem, beta, it's fine," Ruksana assured her with a kind smile.

"You can always gift her later, Saniya," Afsha added with a teasing glare, which finally silenced Saniya, though she still wore a faint pout.

After everyone had gone, Neha gathered the gifts and retreated to her room, her heart full yet heavy with emotion. Once alone, her curiosity got the better of her. 

She carefully picked up the bouquet, her fingers trembling slightly, and pulled out the card hidden within the lilies.

'Like these blooming lilies, I promise the new chapter of our life to bloom with warmth, love and joy.'

A gentle smile appeared on Neha's face as she read the lines. She closed her eyes and carefully took the lilies and sniffed their scent as though she were lingering on the promise.

After a short while, she set the card and lilies aside and picked up the chocolate box. She carefully took the card present inside the box.

' Like these finest chocolates, I promise to shower our new journey with sweetness and joy lingering for a long time.'

For a moment, the world around her seemed to fade, leaving only the warmth of those words. Without a word, she picked a chocolate from the box and brought it to her lips to feel the rich aroma enveloping her senses. The sweetness of the chocolate felt like a prelude to the sweetness of life to come forward.

Flashback Ends

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

Neha's POV:

After a long day at a boutique, as I came home, a soft hum of conversations was audible. Curiously, as I entered, I found Ammi was on the call, and based on the conversation, I understood she was talking with Sumaiyya Aunty.

The moment she saw me, she smiled and handed over the phone "Look, Neha has come. Talk to her," Ammi said and went off.

Grabbing the phone eagerly, "Assalamualaikum, Aunty. Congratulations!" I congratulated her excitedly.

"Waalaikumussalam beta, and congratulations to you too!" she responded warmly, her tone filled with joy.

Unable to contain my excitement any longer, I asked, "How's Bhabhi? Can I talk to her?"

Afsha Bhabhi had delivered a baby girl in the afternoon, and I could barely keep my emotions in check. When Ayesha had sent me the picture of Bhai, Bhabhi, and their little angel, it felt as though my heart could burst.

SubhanAllah, the three of them looked so complete, so perfect together. Bhai's proud yet tender smile, Bhabhi's glow of motherhood, and the tiny bundle of joy cradled between them—it felt so adorable and cute, I quickly recited the dua (prayer) to cast out the evil eyes away from them.

"Ahh, she is sleeping," Aunty said, and I felt bad about asking her to talk; of course she would be resting, how foolish of me to be so naive.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Aunty. I just got carried away with excitement," I apologised, a flush of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks.

"It's fine, beta," Aunty reassured me kindly, her voice still warm. "You can't talk to Afsha right now, but it seems little Innu wants to talk to you."

"Sorry, Aunty; I didn't get you," I said, confusion taking over me.

"Wait, let me turn on the video; you can also see it." 

When she turned on the camera, in front of me was an adorable scene.

"Meet Syeda Inayah Danish, a.k.a. Innu," Sumaiyya Aunty announced. "And Innu, this is your mami."

Realisation hit me like a wave. 

This little bundle of joy—this cutie patootie—this little angel, who has now widened her eyes to the phone and was looking straight at me.

MashaAllah, Inayah is really pretty; her delicate features and soft baby skin made my heart melt. As I watched her play with her tiny hands, I was completely captivated. Then I noticed the onesie she was wearing; it was the same onesie I had made for her.

It was the first time I made baby clothes, and seeing my first being acknowledged and being adorned to the baby made my heart swell with emotions and joy, outweighing all the other achievements I received till now.

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

Author's POV:

A week later

Afsha was discharged from the hospital yesterday, and now Raza Mansion is buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the joyful chaos, with baby Inayah being the centre of everyone's attention, rarely left alone, always cradled in someone's arms.

Currently, Saniya was cradling Innu in her arms in the living room. The soft coos and smiles of the baby lit up the space, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss. Just then, the doorbell rang pulling Saniya out of her trance.

Placing Inayah carefully in her cradle and making sure she was secure, Saniya was about to head to the door. But before she could reach it, Rehana, the elder maid of the house, had already opened it. 

Standing at the entrance were Sameer and his mother, Khadeeja Akhtar.

"Assalamualaikum Aunty. Please come in," Saniya greeted Khadeeja Aunty politely, stepping aside to invite her in.

"Hello! I'm here too." Sameer said with a playful grin, making Saniya off guard.

"No one's inviting you," came a smug voice from Adil, who was descending stairs and shot a mocked look at Sameer.

"Oh, really?" Sameer shot back, his tone equally playful as he moved forward towards Adil. "If you don't invite me, I still have full rights to enter this house," he continued.

"And by what means do you have those rights?" Adil retorted, now standing directly in front of him, eyebrows raised in challenge.

You will know it soon, Sameer thought and looked at Saniya, who was looking everywhere else except him.

"Stop your nonsense, Adil!" Sumaiyya's voice rang out as she emerged from Afsha's room upstairs. 

Walking towards them, she smiled warmly and said, "Sameer beta, it is your home itself, you can come anytime and there is no need for the invite," making Adil shut his mouth and Sameer teasingly mock towards Adil.

Later, Sumaiyya greeted Khadeeja and invited her into the living room, Saniya followed behind the ladies, still refusing to look in Sameer's direction.

"Let's go as well." As the women walked away, Sameer turned towards Adil and grabbed Adil's arm, dragging him towards the living room.

As Sameer entered the living room, his gaze was immediately drawn to the sight before him. Saniya was gently rocking a crying Inayah in her arms, and cuddling her to make her silent, it was too captivating.

In that moment he again realised that she is the one; she is the one who is meant for him; she is the one who will be baring his children—he pictured his happy complete family with Saniya and all he could see was her, as a mother to his future children.

But his dream was shattered by the abrupt reality of Adil rushing forward to scoop Inayah out of Saniya's arms. "Come here, my little princess" Adil  cooed, cuddling the baby close with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Sameer's jaw tightened, and he silently cursed his friend. This guy will never let my happy family to get form, he thought, a hint of irritation flashing in his eyes.

"Let me try." Sameer approached the two of them, took Inayah from Adil, and began to play with her. As he did so, the baby magically shushed and giggled innocently, making everyone smile at her.

Saniya stood silently and watched the scene unfold; seeing Sameer's playfulness with Inayah made her heart flutter.

He would make a wonderful father, she thought, her eyes glistening. But the thought carried a bittersweet weight.

But unfortunately... reality set in and reminded her of the Sameer's love for someone else, which made her heart sink.

"I'll go make some tea." Overwhelmed by her emotions, she excused herself and headed to the kitchen.

As Saniya returned to the living room, holding the tea tray, the sight in front of her triggered her off. Her steps faltered, and she stood still for a moment.

Sameer was seated on the couch with baby Inayah nestled in his lap, while Ayesha sat beside him, leaning slightly forward and talking with the baby in gibberish baby terms. 

Even though they were at a respectable distance from one another, but a pang of jealousy surged through Saniya's chest, uninvited and undeniable.

Saniya tried to straighten herself and was about to head towards the living area. "Oh my God! You are a model, aren't you?" A cheerful voice from behind startled her. 

Saniya turned around to see a young man, probably in his mid-20s, with an enthusiastic smile lighting up his face.

"Can I take a selfie with you?" he asked, his tone brimming with excitement.

Caught off guard, Saniya hesitated for a moment but then gave a slight nod. 

The man immediately pulled out his phone, opened the front camera, and positioned himself beside her.

As Sameer saw the scene in front of him, his eyes narrowed with jealousy—the man standing too close to Saniya, grinning widely. 

He immediately rose from his seat and gave Inayah to his mother.

"Who are you?" He approached the man and snapped at him, turning everyone's heads to watch the scene. 

Little Inayah began to cry hearing the loud commotion around, so Khadeeja shushing baby Inayah, left the living room.

"I'm Hassan," the man replied cautiously, anxious about the situation.

Before Hassan could elaborate, Ayesha interrupted with a firm yet gentle tone, saying, "Sameer, I called him," causing everyone to look at Ayesha curiously.

"Hassan works in the Bangalore branch of our company," Ayesha began. "He's going to look after the Bangalore events for the wedding. That's why he's here."

She then turned to Hassan with a slight frown. "But why were you late?"

"You see the Bengaluru traffic; I was stuck at the signal for an hour," Hassan said, shaking his head impatiently.

Sameer, however, wasn't interested in any of it. His eyes darted to Saniya, who had been silently observing the exchange.

Turning to Saniya, he said with quiet authority, "Call Adil. He just went to his room."

Saniya nodded quickly and walked toward Adil's room, and as she left, Sameer shot a final glance at Hassan and turned towards the couch to sit.

Meanwhile, Ayesha, who witnessed the shift in Sameer's demeanour, thought, Some khichdi is definitely being cooked here, she mused with a sly grin.

She turned back to Hassan, who was oblivious to the trigger he had set off—invited him to sit in the living room, making sure he was far away from Sameer.

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

The Jealousy game was on full stretch, wasn't it?

And now coming back to Adil and Neha, wedding festivities are about to begin from the next chapter. Are you guys excited?

Do let me know about the chapter.

Don't forget to vote and comment