Wafa has never been so terrified of anything in her life as much as she was of getting close to Shahzaib. Which was getting a little too much these past few days. She couldn't sleep last night. With all the overwhelming emotions that she felt because of him as he carried her to their room.

He was becoming such a significant part of her life in such a small time and that was terrifying her so much. What if this all ends as soon as it began? A little corner of her heart couldn't help but worry all the time.

But she reminded herself of his grandmother, Aliyah's words. She has asked her to be optimistic and patient with Shahzaib. And Wafa was going to do exactly that. It's going to be hard, but at least she has got to try.

"Can you believe it, Wafa? We will be moving out tomorrow. Like finally!" Shahzaib exclaimed while wearing his blazer, he looked excited and happy about it. She glanced at him through the mirror whilst brushing her hair.

She felt sleep-deprived because of last night but he looked as handsome as ever, dressed in a three-piece suit. Shahzaib was going to attend his cousin's engagement while she was going to attend her best friend's engagement.

It's so funny how both of them are happening on the same day.

They were finally moving out though. It took them almost three weeks to get everything ready for his home, everything happened in a very short span actually. And she was just as delighted for him to move out. But the thought of leaving her mother behind was making her sad. Eshal made it clear that she won't come with them. They tried persuading her so much, but her answer was always no. Her mother was stubborn like that.

So that's where Wafa gets her stubbornness from.

"Yes and I'm still mad at you, all the house staff were teasing me endlessly today," She replied while wearing one of her earrings.

She picked a gorgeous white netted Anarkali suit for the special day, which was gifted to her for their wedding by his grandmother. Wafa swore to not touch those dresses but she had nothing fancy to wear on her best friend's engagement. It was kind of depressing.

Wafa had no choice but to wear them. They were so pretty though. This particular white suit made her feel like a princess. The green jewellery set was complimenting it contrastingly.

"You were just being stubborn last night and left me with no other choice," Shahzaib replied nonchalantly as he walked towards the vanity table and picked up his perfume bottle. Her heart rate spiked frantically as he stood behind her and sprayed the scent near his neck and shoulders.

The smell was so intoxicatingly good. Wafa loved it secretly. She felt her legs become jelly as he stood a little too close to her while taking the hair gel. Their hands brushed for a nanosecond as he did that, and she felt his breath against her shoulders before he moved back. She had to hold the vanity table for support, lest she feared that she'd fall.

"Everyone is talking about us, your mom wasn't very happy with the show you put on last night," Wafa had to compose herself and speak. But she was happy that she was able to utter anything in the first place. It would be too embarrassing otherwise, she can't let him know how much he affected her these days.

Shahzaib's every little action was causing a ruckus inside her heart. And he was not aware of any of it. It's better that way anyway.

"Good thing that we'll move out tomorrow. And I don't care what she thinks." He replied while finally moving back a little. She gave him a disbelieving look, but Shahzaib was unfazed. He dared to smirk at her.

"Tonight I'm going to sleep with mama. Because you know right, I'll miss her. So it's only fair that I get to spend more time with her." Wafa turned around and smiled smugly at him. Shahzaib's face fell instantly but he didn't say anything. Of course, he won't.

Wafa has come to notice how much he liked her company these days. They spend their time on the bed, talking all kinds of nonsense. They share about their day and whatever interesting things have happened. It's their special time, sort of.

Shahzaib was someone who hated breaking his routine, he loved following a pattern and once he got used to something, it was hard for him to suddenly not have it. She knows that much about him at least. Which was the main reason why he went as far as picking her up for bringing her back to their room. It felt weird to acknowledge it as such. But it gave her a sense of belonging in the Hussain mansion, which she never felt in the whole twenty-two years of her existence.

Knowing that he can't have her all for himself tonight would surely make him go crazy. But Shahzaib can't do anything about it. She bit back another smile before wearing the other earring. Her hands began to tremble slightly as she noticed his intense gaze upon her through the mirror. The earring fell due to that.

God! He made her so nervous.

Before Wafa could react, Shahzaib has already bent down to pick it up for her. And he didn't just stop there. He moved closer to her, placed her hair behind her shoulders and made her wear it by himself. Her heart almost exploded at his action. It was like her skin was on fire wherever his hands brushed.

The moments from his birthday evening flashed before her eyes unknowingly. He did something similar on that day as well. But the circumstances were so very drastic. For starters, they hated each other's guts back then.

Wafa can't get herself to face Shahzaib without hating him back then and now, there is absolutely no hate. She looked up at him in pure wonder. How did they go from that to this, in just two months?

The answer to it was friendship.

Their friendship had a huge hand in it, so Shahzaib did play a major role in whatever progress they had today. Otherwise, she'd be too busy resenting him for marrying her. 

"What are you thinking?" He questioned her in his husky voice, making her heart skip a few beats. She blinked her eyes and moved back as he was done. Gosh! She needed to get a grip on herself.

"Nothing. Just some stuff." Wafa's voice was barely a whisper.

"You look..." he paused making her cheeks heat up, "beautiful," There was a twinkle in his eyes as he complimented her.

"Thank you, you look good as well," Wafa replied almost in a whisper. Gosh. There were so many butterflies in her stomach. It was his gaze, which keeps making her feel things.

"Do I?" He smiled teasingly, she pretended to not hear him.

"Are you sure Zunera is sending a car or should I drop you there? I guess I'm going to the same place as well. Nearby area." He asked her while pocketing his wallet with an amused smile.

"I'm sure the car must already be here. Thanks for the offer," She smiled at him for his thoughtfulness.

Shahzaib hummed in response while Wafa took her phone and purse. Her silver sandal was the most favourite part of this outfit. It was gifted to her by Shahzaib, on one of their house-shopping trips. She gazed at it for a little too while and he bought it without a second thought.

It was a special memory.

She took several pictures of her sandals and tried taking a selfie of her face as well, but was completely startled as Shahzaib placed his hands on her shoulders and joined her for a picture. Heat raised onto her cheeks at the sudden closeness.

"We don't have any selfies together, we should change that," Wafa was surprised he even thought about such things.

The camera captures it exactly when she looked up at him.

Her heart raced as he took the phone from her hand and positioned the camera at a better angle, Wafa was too surprised to react properly. She couldn't believe this just happened. It was so sudden and unexpected.

It also felt intimate for some weird reason as he pulled her close to him.

"Smile," he said while looking at her in the camera. She couldn't help but oblige. They captured a few beautiful clicks.

"Perfect. Send them to me as well."

"I'll send it myself, wait." Shahzaib smiled as he sent himself those photos. Wafa noticed how his smile was replaced with a little frown suddenly. 

"Who is Zaroon?" He questioned curiously before she snatched the phone back from him, "it's bad manners to go through someone else's chats."

"And he's a coworker from Hussain firms," Wafa explained nonchalantly before walking towards the bedside table and picking up the mug of water, she drank it silently while watching him from the corner of her eyes. Something was definitely bothering him.

"Ex-coworker you mean, you quit today remember?"

She was surprised by his sudden clipped tone, what is wrong with him? She wondered.

"So what? He was just letting me know about Stella's termination. You didn't tell me about it in detail. He was kind enough to let me know everything." Wafa smiled but noticed how his expression became rigid.

"And I'm glad you made her apologize publicly. She was so arrogant and haughty yesterday. I still don't understand why she felt the need to do all that drama."

"I didn't know you were best buddies with Zaroon." Shahzaib made a face as he uttered Zaroon's name.

Wafa and Zaroon actually got instantly connected this afternoon when he let her know everything about Stella's termination. She apologized for being rude to him yesterday. He said that it was okay. And they also talked about a few other coworkers who got an earful from Shahzaib for backbiting about her.

She couldn't believe Shahzaib has done that. He was too image-conscious for doing something like that, which will project him as a favouring boss. But apparently, he did take a stand for her in her absence. And Wafa was so happy thinking about it the whole noon.

She kind of missed having lunch at Shahzaib's office today. It was their routine for the last week, to have lunch together. But she promised herself to not work for him anymore. And she was so good at keeping up with promises, especially the ones which she makes for herself. Even though she forgave him for not standing up for her, the hurt was still fresh.

"He wanted to be my friend and we just clicked," She shrugged while recollecting their conversation again. Wafa kind of felt bad for Zaroon. He really liked Humera and sadly she's not available. What's meant to happen will happen anyway.

Shahzaib's expression went completely stiff as she mentioned their friendship. She didn't understand what was wrong with him suddenly.

"Okay then, I'll see you tomorrow I guess. I will go to the servant quarters directly when I come back, it will probably be very late." Wafa informed him before checking her purse for everything.

"Message me when you reach Hussain mansion though," She smiled at the hidden care in his words whilst humming in response.

"Take this," Shahzaib placed something inside her purse, "my card. It's yours actually. Use it if you need anything."

Wafa gave him a puzzled look.

"Don't argue with me on this, Wafa. What if you need something?"

She opened her mouth to argue but decided against it. Shahzaib looked pleased as she accepted it silently.

"Bye then," She walked abruptly, lost deep in her thoughts. Wafa hated accepting money from anyone. It makes her feel less worthy, but Shahzaib was just being a responsible husband. He gave her this on the second day of their marriage itself but she was adamant about not using it.

She wasn't sure if she'd ever get herself to use it though.

But as his wife, she did have all rights to use his money. The thing was, Shahzaib just considered her as his temporary wife. It felt wrong to use his money. Her insides twisted painfully as she reminded herself of the reality.

Why was everything so complicated? She wondered annoyedly.

Her heart was in haywire as she sat inside her friend's car and asked the driver to switch off the AC. The ride went in complete silence with her thoughts wandering everywhere possible.

Wafa's mood was completely off as they reached the engagement venue. The entrance was so gorgeous, although it was packed with so much security and guests. The beauty of the place took her mind off of the heavy thoughts as she gazed at everything enchantingly. But not for long it seemed.

"What are you doing here?" Ifrah Siddique blocked her way just as she was about to enter the venue, looking at her from top to bottom with her judgemental eyes.

Wafa wasn't expecting Ifrah to be here either, her already spoiled mood just got worsened by her presence, "move aside. I don't have time for you."

Ifrah frowned at her attitude before a smug smile appeared on her face.

"Where's your e-invite?" She questioned her in a very loud voice, catching as much attention as possible.

"It's my best friend's engagement, I don't want any card to enter," Wafa replied through gritted teeth, hating the audience that Ifrah was attracting. Few were blatantly staring at them both.

"Security." Ifrah hollered and one of the bouncers appeared instantly at her service, "throw her out. She doesn't have an invite."

Wafa's eyes widened in disbelief, she couldn't believe this girl's audacity, "I'm the bride's best friend. I don't need an invite damn it." Ifrah just looked more pleased by her reaction.

"How can we believe your words? Everyone needs an invite to enter, don't you know that the groom is our chief minister's son? You could be someone dangerous for all we know,"

"Ma'am you needed to show an invitation to enter." The bouncer was going to hold her hands and move her away from there but Wafa slapped his hands as he neared her, "don't you dare come near me."

"Why are you creating a scene? He's just doing his job. Plus you don't even belong here. So get out already," Ifrah muttered in a venom-filled voice.

Wafa just wished she could punch this person in front of her. Why was she so vile? Her eyes became red with fury.

"Ifrah, it looks like you didn't learn anything from the birthday party. Don't mess with me, you'll regret it." Wafa warned her annoyedly, Ifrah's face paled while recollecting that day.

"You're just an insignificant gold digger. I'm not scared of your lame threats. Throw her out." Ifrah's words felt like a punch on her face as she yelled at the bouncer. A few of Shahzaib's business associates were also passing through the entrance and they gasped at Ifrah's words. They know who she was and by the looks of it, they were clearly judging her.

She was, after all, a servant's daughter. Who was married to one of the richest businessmen. There's nothing common between them. Wafa never felt so humiliated.

The bouncer was going to drag her out again but was stopped by another angry voice, who held that guy's hands firmly before he could ever touch Wafa. 

"What is happening here?" Wafa's ears perked up as she heard that familiar voice, "I asked something damn it." She looked at Shahzaib in utter shock, she couldn't believe he was there in the first place. And boy, he was livid.

Suddenly, it made sense. Humera's fiance and Shahzaib's cousin were both the same person. They were too dumb to not put two and two together.

Ifrah's face changed colours as she noticed Shahzaib. She left from there abruptly before he could notice her. Wafa was too numb with the humiliation to stop her or teach her any lesson.

"She didn't have any invite, sir. Mr Khan has ordered us strictly to not let anyone in without the invite," the bouncer tried to act tough but it was clear that he is intimidated by Shahzaib.

"So? You were going to throw her out?" Shahzaib glared at the bouncer, looking extremely angry, "be thankful that you didn't touch her."

The bouncer looked at them both with nervousness, the guy knew that he has messed up with the wrong person.

"She is Wafa Shahzaib, the groom's sister-in-law and the bride's best friend. She doesn't need to have any stupid invitation to enter this damn place," Shahzaib announced loud and clear for everyone who stopped by to hear, he glared at them all before taking Wafa inside the venue. No one has dared to stop them this time.

Wafa just followed him behind numbly. Her heart was racing in frantic beats. It pained everywhere. She was on the verge of breaking down at any moment.

"Shahzaib stop." Her voice cracked in vulnerability, he paused almost immediately.

"Are you alright, Wafa?" He took her to some deserted corner, where it was less crowded. The first thing Wafa did was to open her purse with shaky hands and take out the card that he placed before she came here.

Shahzaib looked surprised by her actions, "I didn't marry you for your money," she spoke while fighting off her tears. Ifrah's venom-filled voice was still ringing inside her head.

"What are you talking about?" He was clearly clueless.

"I don't want your money." Her voice was barely a whisper as tears rolled down her cheeks. She placed the card in his hands forcibly.

"Wafa. You're scaring me. What happened?" Shahzaib held her shoulders firmly as he glanced down at her,  looking worried and tensed. The card fell off as he did that. She wanted to stop crying but her emotions felt out of control at that moment.

"I didn't marry you for your money." Wafa repeated herself again as she looked at him complainingly, "I'm not a gold digger, Shahzaib." It was at that moment that she broke down.

"I-I don't want your money," She stammered vulnerably.

"Wafa..." Shahzaib brings his hands near her face and wiped off her tears the first thing. She looked at him in shock. Her skin burned with every touch.

"I know you, okay." He whispered while gazing down at her intensely, her insides warmed by his response. She just stared back at him silently, taking deep breaths.

"I know you more than anyone else. You don't have to prove anything to me," Shahzaib wiped off all her tears gently, "your tears are breaking my heart, Wafa. Please stop crying."

It just made her more tearful. She gave him a longing look, before throwing her arms around him and engulfing him in an emotional, bone-crushing hug. Wafa didn't know what came over her to do that, but it felt right at that moment.

So very right.

Shahzaib went completely still for a second. But he hugged her back just as quickly. She breathed against his neck, holding onto him as tight as she could, trying to control her tears but they flowed down her cheeks despite herself. Wafa couldn't explain the peace which she felt at that moment. She didn't want to let go anytime soon.

Her heart melted altogether in this hug, with the way he held her back. Like he wanted her to be okay. Like he wanted to comfort her.

They remained like that for a while. Her breathing became shaky and her toes curled subconsciously. Wafa fit into his arms so perfectly, like she was made just for him to hug.

Gosh! She loved everything about this hug. It was their first-ever hug. And it will be remembered for all the right and wrong reasons.

***