"I want the reports immediately," Wafa grinned ear to ear as she pushed open the door and walked into Shahzaib's office excitedly. Her college just ended half an hour ago and she didn't waste any time before reaching the Hussain firms.

"Hi!" She mouthed at him as he was still on the call. He smiled his charming smile as soon as he noticed her and mouthed, "just a few seconds,"

An instant smile appeared on her face as she mouthed back, "it's okay. You carry on."

Her heart fluttered as he wrapped up the call quickly and gave his whole attention to her regardless, "hey! How was your day?" He asked the first thing as she placed the lunch box in front of him and took her seat.

"My day was fantastic. How is the project going so far?" Wafa asked him about the latest work he was currently busy with these days. She liked discussing work with him. Shahzaib was so passionate about every little art that they bring to life. No wonder the Hussain's architecture business was such a huge success.

"Let's not talk about it,"

Wafa took it that it was not going well and didn't pry him more. She grinned excitedly while they opened the lunch box that she has brought. It was his favourite that she specially requested her mother to make.

"Eshal auntie makes the best rajma chawal," He muttered eagerly.

"I know, my mama is the best." Wafa smiled as they moved to the sofa area to sit freely and eat. It has been a routine for the past few days. Ever since she started doing her interning. And she could say Shahzaib looks forward to the lunch breaks every day these days.

It is the time when he made it clear to his staff that he should not be disturbed. Wafa couldn't believe he almost cancelled an important meeting because it was pushed to the lunch hour. She had to force him to leave that day.

"What are you smiling about?" He nudged her in the arms playfully as they began to devour the lunch. And she made it a habit to pack for both of them. It's kind of their thing now. Eating lunch together. Wafa has grown to like it so much. More than she'd like to admit.

"Nothing." She shrugged, while he gave her an amused glance, "I topped the tests this time too." She announced happily while he broke into a huge smile. He looked genuinely thrilled for her.

"Congratulations. Ms Genius," She blushed a little under his appreciative gaze.

"Thank you for helping me with the assignment, while I studied." Shahzaib has been really helpful. Wafa was secretly happy that they decided to be friends, now more than ever. He's freaking smart and his help was making a huge impact on her studies.

"What are friends for?" He shrugged nonchalantly while the corner of her heart twisted a little. He acknowledged nothing but the truth but still, it stung a little.

She had to remind herself that that was all she'd ever be to him. Just friends. Maybe they're onto the stage of becoming best friends at this point. At least there's that.

"I have a test tomorrow too." Wafa trailed off sheepishly.

"Which assignment do you want me to help you with again?" Shahzaib asked her even before she could ask him. She laughed at his sharpness.

"I think I know you so well these days, Wafa Zaidi." He grinned lazily making her heart skip a few beats.

"What am I getting in return?" He asked her teasingly even though she knew he was already going to help her with whatever she asked him to.

"I'll ask mama to cook your favourite dish once again," Wafa replied without thinking but bit her lips in the middle as realisation dawned upon him. His intent eyes made her all weak and mushy.

"You got this especially for me, huh?" Shahzaib asked while eyeing their lunch. Rajma chawal was his top favourite besides chicken.

"Yeah. You were working hard on this project. So I thought it'd give you the energy to work harder." Wafa couldn't look him in the eyes.

"I'll help you." He blurted out making her smile.

"Good. If I complete studying before seven and you helped with that stupid assignment, I thought we can both watch some cricket tonight." Wafa smiled excitedly even when thinking about it.

Cricket was something she loved a lot and Shahzaib liked it just as equally. So they bond a lot over that as well.

"Oh yes. That match. Who do you think will win?"

And they excitedly began to discuss cricket while having their lunch. And needless to say, they both looked forward to tonight's match.

"We should eat fast. There's a meeting after this." Wafa reminded him of work, as the lunch hour was nearing its end. Shahzaib groaned in response. For some reason, he didn't seem to like the current project that much.

"That stupid project. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise of training you myself," He grumbled like he usually did.

Wafa just smiled. She was pretty bummed when he told her about this project too. Which needed all his attention. He didn't have time for teaching anything to her. And she was made to work under someone whom she was sure hated her.

She never told all that to Shahzaib, of course. He was pretty stressed with the work as it is. Wafa thought she could handle it. If anything, her trainer seemed jealous of her. It was so ridiculous considering that lady has years of experience in this very company.

"Okay, it's time for the meeting. You'll attend it as well, right?"

"Yeah. If Stella wants me to. I'll see you around." She smiled as they closed the lunch boxes and kept them aside.

Wafa has maintained complete professional etiquette around Shahzaib during office hours though, at least in front of the staff. It's been a week and a half since she started doing her internship in the Hussain firms and it was crazy in every sense as she had a ton of college work piled up alongside, but she has learnt a lot about this company. So there's that.

"You'll be coming with me," Stella's annoying voice startled her as she just sat inside her cubicle.

"Okay," She fake smiled while following her. The meeting was about the new project in which the whole Hussain firm is so invested upon. It's going to give them huge profits. Wafa was thrilled to be able to see a whole project come alive through her internship.

"Good noon!" Everyone greeted each other as they walked into the meeting room.

Shahzaib is a different person around his staff. He was the serious kind of boss. It's fun to see him in his element. Her heart screamed at her as she checked out his white denim shirt and black pants. He left his blazer hanging on the chair. The shirt hugged him perfectly, showing off his muscular body. Gosh! He was so hot. And there was something seriously wrong with her. She had tried hard not to ogle at him even during their lunch.

But there was something about his strict boss Persona which makes her heart go crazy. It was hard not to check him out. He eyed her discreetly as she sat on her chair.

The eye contact was subtle but she knew he was looking at her. Just her.

Heat raised onto her cheeks as she opened her phone and kept it on silent mode.

Once settled in, the meeting began. The discussion was serious and interesting. Every team reported their progress and they all submitted their ideas of how to make this work out even better.

"So where is the final design from your end, Stella?" Shahzaib looked at Stella. Wafa looked at her trainer questioningly.

"Glad you brought it up, Mr Hussain. Mrs Wafa was supposed to edit that for me. But alas she hasn't submitted anything so far,"

The room went in complete silence as everyone's gazes fell upon her. Wafa's breath hitched at the accusation.

Her eyes automatically moved to Shahzaib's, who was already gazing at her. He looked as shocked as her. Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds.

There were around ten employees in this room. She was the only intern here and they called her in, to teach her how everything goes in the meeting as a part of her internship. But what she didn't expect was to be blamed so stupidly like that.

"Excuse me? That's a lie. You didn't tell me about anything such." Wafa blinked in disbelief as she glared at the lady. She could feel Shahzaib's gaze upon her. She waited for him to back her up, but he did no such thing.

"Why should I lie? You were supposed to work on that. Learn to own up to your mistakes, Wafa. Don't worry you won't be in any trouble. I'm sure Mr Hussain is very forgiving," Stella dared to smirk at her.

"Are you freaking serious right now?" Wafa was not the one who sits down quietly without putting up an equal fight. She would never let the other person walk over her, especially when she was not at any mistake.

"Stop raising your voice at me," Stella glared at her like Wafa was insignificant and is not equal enough to talk with her. She has always shown her dislike towards Wafa but she was good at her job, minus this meeting which was the cause of the argument.

Wafa had no idea what was her problem but right now, Stella has crossed all limits today and it was making her go livid.

"Stop it," Shahzaib snapped at them both, eyeing them sharply. Wafa gave him a look of disbelief.

"Out of my office, right now! Both of you," Shahzaib muttered coldly, Wafa couldn't believe her ears. She glanced at him in shock, unable to comprehend if he had just done that, she opened her mouth to argue but decided against it. She was waiting for him to back her up but that's why they say- too much expectation hurts.

She passed a glare at both Stella and Shahzaib before walking out of there with her head held high.

Stella came right behind her and rolled her eyes as they walked side by side.

"You're going to be fired. And that's my promise," Wafa muttered furiously as they walked into the elevator. Stella laughed haughtily in response, "well, it was fun, getting you out of there like that. I'd like to see you try and get me fired though. You won't succeed sweetheart,"

"How dare you do that to me? You liar." Wafa was seething in rage, she wanted to throw something at her. If she could, she'd slam that cake-faced Stella against the elevator's door.

"Who the hell are you anyway? An insignificant little girl. I don't know what Shahzaib saw in you to marry you," Stella made a face and walked out of the elevator as their floor arrived. Unfortunately, Wafa was on the same floor as her. She walked behind with her fists clenched.

She didn't want to stay in the same room as her, afraid that if she stayed any longer, there is going to be some violence happening. And Wafa was not kidding. She is a different person when you get on the wrong foot.

Wafa sat inside her cubicle for a second, trying to compose herself. It was humiliating just as she recollected everything. How can Shahzaib ask her to go out in front of everyone like that? How will she face them all tomorrow?

Feeling annoyed, she packed her bag, cleared everything on the table and walked toward the elevator. She paused near Stella's cubicle. That lady was nowhere to be found. Must be in the restroom, she concluded.

With an evil glint in her eyes, she opened her desk and took out the design which Shahzaib wanted. It was there but Stella just wanted drama. Wafa rolled her eyes and tore them down without a second thought.

That will tell her! She smirked whilst placing the pieces right on the table for Stella to be surprised and turned around to see if anyone noticed. But they were all so involved in whatever they were doing to take a look at her. And Stella's cubicle is in the furthest corner of the floor came in handy today.

With a huff, she walked toward the elevator nonchalantly. Acting as if she didn't just get Stella in huge trouble. Wafa knows how hard it was to create the design. Exactly like how the client has envisioned. They were going to bring in huge profits but it looked doubtful right now. She didn't give a damn anyway.

A coworker of Shahzaib's age, stopped beside her to use the elevator as well. She glanced at him sideways and didn't say anything. He too glanced at her but she ignored him.

Wafa tried to recall his name and couldn't remember what it was. It wasn't a big deal, she told herself and walked in first. He followed her behind and passed her a smile. She blinked in surprise. No one passed her smiles in this office. They were too intimidated to even talk with her normally.

She was, after all, Shahzaib Hussain's wife.

"I saw that," The guy grinned.

Her heart stopped beating for a second. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead but she kept her cool and pressed the C button.

"Man, I hate Stella. You got some guts to do something like that," The guy didn't look like he was going to snitch on her. Which made her sigh in relief.

"Well, I won't be working here anymore. So, I can do what I want to do," Wafa composed herself and didn't try to hide what she did.

"Why? I mean. You were doing an awesome job as an intern. You could learn a lot here," That man, whose name she still didn't recall exclaimed in surprise.

"I hate it here. And stop meddling in my business," She muttered coldly before walking out. He followed her behind, "did I upset you? I didn't mean that."

"Okay, I don't know what your name is. Just leave me alone. My mood is already worse. I don't have time for this," Wafa hated how rude she was sounding but she was done for the day. And she swore to herself to never step foot in this office again.

"It's Zaroon."

Wafa gave him a blank look.

"My name is Zaroon." He grinned cheerfully, her sour mood wasn't affecting him in the least bit.

"Okay, Zaroon. I need to get going." Wafa tried hard to be polite, "do you want something from me?"

"Actually yes." The guy looked sheepish now.

"I was wondering about your friends, who came to visit you yesterday. Can you give me their father's number?" Zaroon sounded genuinely nervous.

She was taken aback by his strange request. Out of everything, Wafa didn't expect him to say this.

"Why would I do that?" Wafa was protective of her friends and she didn't like the sound of this conversation.

"I want to send a proposal to the girl in red churidar. I know it's so sudden and everything but my heart says she's the one for me." Zaroon had a dreamy look on his face now. She didn't know if she should laugh or be mad. He was so straightforward.

"You're talking about Humera. She's going to be engaged this weekend." She noticed how his face fell at the mention of it.

"I bet he's a rich guy." Zaroon was mad now, her silence only provoked him more, "yaar! If all the girls go for the rich and good-looking guys. What will happen to us, middle-class men?"

"You'll find someone, don't worry. What's meant to happen will always happen." He looked very dejected but what else could she do?

"Okay. I should get going now." Wafa wanted to sympathize with him, but she also wanted to get some peace and quiet. Today was too overwhelming.

She didn't wait for his reply and just walked towards the parking space, Shahzaib and she used the same car while going back. She checked her purse to see if there was enough money for an auto. Thankfully there was. With a sigh, she walked a few more minutes and got on the main road.

Her phone began to ring, startling her completely. She knew who that was without even looking at the caller ID.

And just as she guessed, it was Shahzaib.

She rolled her eyes at the screen before stopping an auto.

Stop calling me. Wafa sent him a text instead.

What the hell Wafa? Where are you?
He replied immediately.

Answer the call, damn it.

She left him on read and guided the driver to the Hussain mansion.

Wafa was still mad and upset with him. She couldn't believe he would ask her to leave in front of everyone like that. It was too humiliating and embarrassing, for a mistake she never did.

Eshal was surprised to see her in the servants' quarters that afternoon. She went straight into her mother's room and sat on the bed with a sulking face. It used to be shared by both of them once upon a time.

Wafa hated it here. It was so lonely most of the time. She did not have many happy memories growing up in this room.

"Mama!" She whined to her mother moodily, "why did you get me married to him?"

"What happened, Wafa? Is everything alright?" Eshal sat down beside her on the bed, trying to hold her hands but Wafa pulled them angrily.

"I told you it was a bad idea. Me and Shahzaib. We are poles apart. The class difference is so huge. I just don't understand why would you do this to me." Wafa's voice cracked in vulnerability, she hated how Stella and the likes of her looks down at her. Like she has trapped Shahzaib into marrying her or something. It makes her so mad.

"You married him because it was the qadr of Allah. And we can't fight fate, darling. Allah knows best. Stop trying to give people the power to validate your life, they don't matter." Eshal grabbed her face and spoke sternly. She blinked away a few tears, "the marriage is between you and Shahzaib. No one should have a say in it. You got married to him because it was meant to."

Wafa sighed tiredly, "I want to sleep."

And boy did she sleep. It was the longest afternoon nap she ever took after a long time. With the internship and house shopping, life was so crazy and busy. And they were supposed to move out this weekend.

She did not feel like waking up. Her eyelids refused to be opened, but she blinked open them softly and her heart almost jumped out as she met with the familiar pair of chocolate brown orbs gazing at her intently.

Wafa sat up with a jerk.

"God! You scared me." She whispered whilst tapping near her heart. Shahzaib sat right beside her on the bed. It was too small for the two of them but he somehow managed to fit in. And his familiar cologne was invading her nostrils already.

Why did he have to smell so good? Stop it, Wafa. She reprimanded her stupid heart.

It looked like he has ditched his blazer somewhere. Wafa has a thing for men in plain white shirts and black pants. And seeing Shahzaib like that, in her childhood bed was something right out of her dreams.

Of course, she could only dream about him. Shahzaib can never be the reality. Her heart pained at that thought. But the truth was bitter.

"What are you doing here in the servants' quarters, oh mighty shahzaib." Her voice became cold as she recalled what happened in the office.

She was still not over that uncalled insult.

"Why did you leave like that, Wafa?" Shahzaib sounded mad which made her even more furious.

"Oh, you're mad at me. How wonderful." She threw the blanket off her body and stood up from the bed. Her eyes threw daggers at him.

"I was so worried. You won't pick up the call and you just walked out of there with everything." Shahzaib too got down from the bed.

"What else do you want me to do? Huh? That lady blames me falsely and you won't even support me there." Wafa snapped in frustration as she tied her hair in a messy bun.

"I was trying to be diplomatic. I don't want people to think that I'm favouring you as my wife," He sounded annoyed, like why was she not getting the simple point.

She scoffed at his words, "of course you'll be worried about your image. But why should I sit quietly when it was not my mistake in the first place."

"Wafa, just listen to me." He tried to coax her, "stop justifying yourself. You know you were wrong." She moved away before he could hold her hands.

The air in the room felt so thick with tension. Wafa passed him a deadly glare while Shahzaib looked done for the day.

"You should have stood up for me." She whispered in a disappointed voice.

"I-" He had no further words to say and Wafa wanted to throw something at him.

"I'm not coming back to work in that stupid office ever again, do you get me? What is the guarantee that it won't happen again? I can't bear such pathetic treatment just because you want to be in the good books of your staff, Mr Hussain."

Wafa's eyes were red in fury. She huffed before walking toward the bathroom and slamming the door on her way. She splashed some water on her face whilst glancing at herself in the mirror. She was so disappointed in him and it hurt just as badly.

When she came out, Shahzaib was still present in the room. It was much smaller when compared to his. She expected him to leave and was surprised to find him still there.

"What else do you want?" She questioned him coldly.

"Why are you here? You could do that in our room too." Shahzaib pointed toward the towel in her hands. But the fact that he acknowledged his room as ours made her freeze in shock.

When did that happen? Her heart was fluttering at his acknowledgement. Wafa never dreamt of hearing those words from him but it sounded perfect. It was their room. It has been for a while now.

"Come back to our room, Wafa."

She passed him a strange look in return, "why can't I be here? I miss my mama. I'll sleep here today."

"Didn't you sleep enough already?" Shahzaib rolled his eyes.

"And what about our plans? I was supposed to help you and we were to watch cricket tonight."

"What is it with you? I'll sleep how much ever I like," she huffed before wiping her face and walking to sit on the bed again. Shahzaib watched her every move in silence.

"And let the plan go to hell. I'm not in the mood. I don't want your help. I'll do it myself," She told adamantly.

"I said I'll help you. Come back to our room, already."

"What do you want, Shahzaib? Can't you see I'm mad at you. So mad at you that I feel like throwing something at you." She picked a pillow and threw it right at him, he caught it on time and passed her an amused smile.

"It's a war now."

Wafa shrieked before holding another pillow and shielding herself with it. He gave a small hit on her head and laughed as she aimed at his face. They landed a few successful hits and many missed ones. Wafa was taking her anger out completely as she hits his face but was caught off guard as he threw the pillow down and used his hands to tickle her instead.

"Stop it," She giggled as he began to tickle her continuously. Their pillows lay on the floor as he ticked her mercilessly. She couldn't help but laugh at his torture.

"Shahzaib, I swear. You'll pay for this." Wafa muttered in between her giggles.

"Looking forward to it," He replied smugly.

"Truce." She yelled when he wouldn't stop tickling her.

"I thought you were stronger than that, Wafa Zaidi." He stopped just as she uttered a truce and sat beside her. She took deep breaths and composed herself.

"You should sleep with your eyes open from here on. I'll get back at you, just watch." She whispered challengingly before turning her face away.

And then there was this silence.

Wafa could feel his hesitation about something as he sat by her side. She did not push him for more. She wanted to see what he is up to.

"Wafa," He called her name softly whilst placing his large hands on top of hers. She wanted to pull them away but he held them firmly, not giving her the chance to move.

"I know I let you down today."

She remained silent, waiting for him to speak further.

"I should have stood up for you."

"Of course, you should have." She grumbled, unable to contain herself.

"I was put on the spot. Stella was a senior staff there. She has been working since the beginning. Everyone in the office values her opinion and I don't know why she did that. But I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you,"

Wafa gazed at him in disbelief as he squeezed her hands. She didn't think he'd apologize in the first place. But Shahzaib Hussain has been so unpredictable lately.

"It was insensitive of me to think about my goodwill in that situation. I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me." His apology was so sincere and honest. She didn't know what else to say.

"I won't let something like this happen again." He assured her while giving her hand another tight squeeze.

"Stella should be fired," Wafa muttered coldly.

"I want her gone."

Shahzaib gave her a look of disbelief, "I don't fire anyone just like that, Wafa. Please try to understand my situation,"

"She lied to you. Insulted and blamed your wife in front of everyone, albeit a temporary one. So of course, she deserves to be fired." Wafa was adamant about her demand.

He looked torn by her request. Of course, it was putting him on the spot. But Wafa wanted to get back at Stella and see the arrogance fade out from her face.

"Okay, fine. I'll remove her. Anything else?" He muttered exasperatedly while she passed him a fake smile, "you should leave me alone now. I'll see you tomorrow."

"What do you mean?"

"It means, I'll stay the night here."

"Wafa. Stop being childish and come back to our room." Shahzaib snapped at her in annoyance.

Again with our room! What happened to him? She eyed him confusedly.

"You can enjoy your space which you love so much. Leave me alone-" her words died deep down as he got up from the bed and scooped her into his arms swiftly. She was taken completely off guard.

"What is wrong with you?" She yelled in surprise as he began to walk out of the servant's quarters, carrying her in his hands. Like she didn't weigh anything.

"Put me down," She muttered sternly but he didn't look fazed.

"I'm mad at you, let me down."

"You can be mad at me, but in our room."

"Shahzaib, everyone is watching." Wafa's cheeks turned bright pink as she noticed the house staff's eyes on her. She tried to wriggle out of his arms but he was too strong for his own good.

"Let them watch," He replied nonchalantly while continuing to carry her like it wasn't a big deal. She eyed him sharply, his jawline looked breathtaking from so up close. And she felt envious of those long eyelashes. It looked so good on him.

Wafa looked away when she realised what was she doing.

As they reached the staircase, Wafa wrapped her arms around his neck subconsciously. There was a slight fear evident in her eyes.

"Don't worry. I'll not let you fall." His voice sounded husky and intense as he gazed down at her.

Her heart might as well jump out of her ribcage at that moment. She couldn't stop feeling all those butterflies in her stomach as she gazed into his chocolate brown orbs.

"I wound never let you fall," he repeated himself again as they moved towards his room, which apparently was also hers.

Why did that make her so emotional?

It was official, Wafa Zaidi was a goner for Shahzaib Hussain.