Shahzaib never believed in love or marriage, thanks to his wonderful parents.

All they ever did was fight and argue with each other. It left such a lasting impact on him that he began to dread the very thought of spending the rest of his life with someone, only to fight with them and argue with each other for every small thing. He didn't have that kind of energy in him. He just wanted some peace and quiet and marriage was not going to give him that, he was sure of that.

Which was why he swore not to get married at all.

That is until his lovely grandmother began to meddle in between. She left him in such a tough spot and he was left with no option but to marry his nanny's daughter.

Marrying Wafa was something he never saw it coming. But his grandmother made sure that he was married and he had to do it. It was something which he never wanted to happen, but there are a few moments in life when you have no control over some things, and marriage was one of those to him.

Wafa Zaidi was a firecracker, literally.

She gets annoyed so easily and always has a comeback for everything. He has never seen someone who can get angry that quickly before.

He observed how she had such an intense aversion for him even before they got married. It only increased after their marriage. Especially from the night when he disclosed how she's only his temporary wife. It was hard for him as well but the marriage was not his cup of tea.

The said wife was dressed in the saree that he brought yesterday and good gracious, she was stunning. Her hazel eyes were as deep as the sea. He looked away when he realised what he was doing.

Wafa looked elegant and classy in every sense as she did something on her phone distractedly. She kept peeking at him now and then from the sofa, as he sat on the bed, sending emails to a few important clients.

It seemed like they both couldn't stop staring. There was an awkwardness in the room.

The sofa had become her sleeping place for three weeks now. He missed using his sofa. But there was no way he is sharing a bed with her. Guess, he has to sacrifice a few things until everything ends.

Shahzaib was almost ready for the evening when she marched into the room, smelling like coffee. Her whole dress was drenched in coffee. He couldn't believe it when she said it was his sister and cousin who were responsible for that. Ifrah was someone who does things like that but he was surprised even his sister Anushey had a hand in it.

"Do you want something?" Wafa questioned him with a scowl and he didn't realise he was ogling at her until now.

Shahzaib passed her a cold look as he stood up, not knowing what else to say, he just walked out of his room. He needed to get a grip on himself.

When he passed the staircase, he noticed the coffee spilt on a few steps.

His jaw clenched as he guessed what would have caused this. He was still in disbelief. How could his sister and cousin do something as barbaric as that? It was beyond him.

"You!" He stopped a servant who was passing by with a bunch of things in her hands.

The girl immediately stopped and looked at him tensely. Why was she so scared? He wondered confusedly.

"Ask someone to clean this up. Immediately. And where are Anushey and Ifrah? Tell them to come to my study." The girl nodded at his words and literally darted away from him.

Strange! He thought with a shake of his head and walked towards his study. In the meantime, he chatted with his cousin, asking if he was back home, but sadly Rayyan was still out of town and he had promised to spend the weekend with him to make up for it.

It didn't seem like such a big deal to him. Of course, it won't matter when he had parents who were absent for almost every important event of his life. His cousin bailing in the last moment was literally nothing compared to all the bitter memories his family gave him.

"Zaiby! Did you call me?" Shahzaib internally cringed as he heard that voice. God! He hated that stupid name. He looked up at her while turning off his phone.

"Yes, I did."

Anushey and Ifrah were staring at him with anticipation.

He motioned for them to have a seat through his eyes.

"What is it, Bhai?" His sister asked him curiously while crossing her legs.

"Anushey." He started in a clipped tone and noticed how their faces changed a little as if realising they were in trouble.

"Why did you do it?" Shahzaib passed her a cold stare, his sister was blank for a second but the realisation dawned upon her slowly and she scoffed with arrogance.

"Don't you know how many high-profile people are going to attend today's birthday party? And I can't stand her annoying presence there. She can't come to the party, bhai." Anushey justified her actions, not feeling an ounce of regret for what she did. Shahzaib couldn't believe his ears. Was his sister always this obnoxious?

"And what justification do you have, Ifrah?" He turned his attention toward his cousin, who squirms in her seat. She couldn't meet his eyes.

"Zaiby. She stole my damn place. I was supposed to be your wife," Ifrah began the same old lines and he ran his hands through his hair, frustratedly.

"I told you hundred times already, that I was never interested in marrying you."

"But you were engaged to me," Ifrah's eyes watered like it always does. She was such an emotional manipulator.

Anushey looked disinterested as she sat there.

"Bullshit. There were no rings exchanged nor did I give you any false hopes," he snapped despite himself, "it was your mother who always instilled that idea in you but I never said yes." He paused angrily.

"I never wanted to marry you. Not even Wafa. But accept it or not, I'm married now. You should just move on." He spoke sharply.

"I won't let you go easily, Shahzaib!" Ifrah turned frantic as she snapped at him. Her tears disappeared and there was so much anger in her eyes now. 

"I was never yours, to begin with, Ifrah"

"I don't care if you accept it or not. But Wafa is my wife now. As long as we stay married, I won't tolerate you both mistreating her. It should be the first and last time something like this is happening." They both flinched at his tone as they eyed each other with disbelief.

"What are you saying Bhai? She can't stay here forever. Why don't you get rid of her already?" Anushey stood up furiously.

"You're doing wrong, Shahzaib," Ifrah muttered with a trembling voice as she clutched the handrest of the chair.

"You both can go now." He dismissed them while taking the phone again. There was a new message from Rayyan.

"But remember, don't mess with Wafa. No one can treat Shahzaib Hussain's wife as you did today. I won't let you go easily the next time," he eyed them sharply before calling his other best friend.

Anushey dragged Ifrah along with her and shut the door behind them with a force. He ignored them completely and groaned when that annoying friend of his didn't answer his call.

When are the divorce papers getting ready?

Shahzaib sent him a message instead and decided to take a look at the outcome of the decorations. Everyone is going to come in a few minutes and he liked it when things go on perfectly.

His life had been perfect but then Wafa happened.

He can't wait to get rid of this marriage already.

***

"Where are you?" Wafa looked at the clock anxiously and remained silent as she heard Shahzaib's cold voice through the phone. It was time for her to go downstairs but she has been a nervous wreck.

There were going to be hundreds of people there. So many rich and elite. Doctors and CEOs and businessmen.

Wafa was intimidated to go in there and get insulted by Anushey or Ifrah once again. Knowing them, they were capable of that and so much more. She did plan on taking her revenge but as the hour approached, she became more nervous instead.

"Wafa! I don't have all day, come downstairs already. People are asking for you," She sighed while hanging upon him.

He called again almost immediately. She rolled her eyes at his impatience and took a final glance at herself and walked out of the bedroom a little anxiously.

You got this! She encouraged herself mentally before walking on the staircase slowly.

Wafa could feel so many eyes on her as she walked. It made her self-conscious. It looked like everyone was staring at her. She searched for something else to look at that might keep her distracted and her eyes met that familiar pair of chocolate brown orbs that were gazing at her intently.

She gazed at him nervously.

Shahzaib stood near the staircase and as she neared him, he forwarded her his hands. She looked up at him in surprise but placed her hand anyway. There was so much spark when they held hands. It was ridiculous. Her hand looked so tiny in front of his. He gripped it tightly while passing her a charming smile.

Wafa felt goosebumps all of a sudden and she was mesmerized by that stupid smile before realisation dawned upon her.

It wasn't a real smile. He was acting for the sake of the audience. And it hurt her somewhere. But she ignored that feeling.

"You're such a great actor, you should give some audition and try out for acting one day," Wafa whispered with a fake smile as they walked towards the round table where the cake was present.

Wafa also noticed her mother from among the crowd of workers, who was grinning ear to ear, looking at the couple. She smiled at her.

"You should learn a little from me then, act natural." He too whispered with another fake yet charming smile.

Why the hell was she finding his smiles very charming? They were freaking fake.

Wafa averted her gaze from him and felt like it was a big mistake for every eye was on them, watching their every move keenly. It was super intimidating. Shahzaib held her hand tightly in a comforting manner. Why does he care suddenly?

She sighed before plastering another fake smile as they stood near the cake. No more holding hands, she thought happily.

"Good evening guys! I'm so glad to have you here this evening, I hope you enjoy every moment. Thank you for coming," Shahzaib looked at everyone in the hall and smiled at them. It was a different kind of smile. Not the charmingly fake ones that he gave her but instead it was all business-like. He was in his element completely. All confident and charming yet unapproachable.

Wafa stood beside him uncomfortably as her mother-in-law glared at her subtly. Shahzaib's father looked least interested in standing there. He was just there for the sake of it.

Typical rich people. She wanted to roll her eyes but something stuck in her mind instantly and her eyes searched for those two people.

She couldn't stop herself from smirking smugly as she glanced at those evil best friends. She played with her earrings innocently and noticed how their jaw clenched at her action.

It was worth keeping her ego aside and accepting the saree from Shahzaib. She wanted to laugh in their faces but controlled herself.

Ifrah and Anushey stood beside Sania, who was beside Shahzaib. Aliyah smiled at her as she eyed her. It was a big circle and Wafa was already tired of this party.

When will this end? She thought frustratedly. Even though it was fun to see the look of annoyance on both their faces, she couldn't wait to get out of there already.

Rich people's party is not Wafa's cup of tea.

"Okay, let's cut the cake birthday boy." Aliyah Hussain clapped excitedly.

Shahzaib tensed at her voice but remained nonchalant. It was good that his grandmother doesn't live with them. It would be so uncomfortable for him otherwise.

Aliyah was not their favourite person at this moment and it was something which both she and Shahzaib mutually reciprocated. The only thing that was common between them right now, which was crazy.

Wafa looked at everyone as they began to sing happy birthday. It was ridiculous. What was he, thirteen? She thought with a shake of her head. But the fake smile remained on her face constantly.

Shahzaib cut the cake and picked a piece of it with the spoon, his mother who stood beside him, looked at him with anticipation and so did Ifrah. But he took everyone by surprise as he turned towards Wafa and fed her the first piece.

She gaped at him with surprised-filled eyes as he whispered, "eat!" She chewed the piece with great difficulty. She can't believe he did that.

Her cheeks flushed as she took the spoon from him and fed him another small piece. It was his turn to be surprised. Wafa didn't know what came over her to do that.

Everyone began to clap excitedly but she could feel heated glares passed on her way. It was both Sania and Ifrah. She ignored them both before looking at Shahzaib, "good one." He whispered with a charming smile before taking another small piece and fed his mother for namesake. There was always a cold war between the two of them.

She had to remind herself again that his smiles are fake ones. He didn't mean them.

Her cheeks turned red as he placed his hands on the small of her back. She went completely still at that moment. Why the heck was he touching her? She wondered nervously.

"Excuse me guys, I'll just be back in a moment. Please enjoy the party. The fun games will begin soon." Shahzaib announced with a smile and nodded at her to follow him through his eyes. Again, the smile was so different from the ones he gives her.

A servant was called to distribute the cake and soon Shahzaib will go and mingle with his guests. She didn't understand why she was required here.

"Where are you taking me?" She asked in a whisper.

"Just to let you know that we should act like a normal newly married couple. Don't be too rigid when I touch you," He explained while taking her to some deserted corner.

"Can't this happen without too much touching?" Wafa questioned with a frown as she kept some distance between them. 

"Why? Does my touch bother you?" He asked smugly, she rolled her eyes, "it's repulsive. I can't wait to get bathed and remove all your scent from me." His jaw clenched at her response.

Did she speak too much? She wondered worriedly. It doesn't matter. She told herself.

"Don't irritate me, Wafa. I have a reputation to maintain. Just act like we are a happily married couple for this evening." He encircled his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, just to touch her more and get on her nerves. She felt shivers run down her spine at his action.

"I'm a bad actor, Shahzaib." She muttered with a scoff. Trying to get away from his hold. But somehow he seemed stronger.

"Do it for your mother's sake. Didn't you marry me because of her? What will she think if you act all rigid and still just because of a small touch?" He traced her jawline as she glared at him. His every touch made her shiver and tremble.

"Alright fine. But keep them minimum. I really can't stand being close to you." Wafa muttered grumpily, trying to act nonchalant. As if his closeness was not bothering her.

"I'm not dying to touch you either," he left her almost immediately. She glared at him before walking away from there and surprisingly he didn't say anything.

Wafa needed a moment to compose herself. Freaking hell. Why was this weird sensation forming in her stomach every time when they are close to each other? 

No one could get on her nerves as Shahzaib does. Except maybe Ifrah. God, she can't stand her stupidity. Her eyes involuntarily searched for Ifrah in the crowd, who was standing in one corner. Sulking over something. Wafa noticed how her gown was long and wavy. It was a cinderella type of frock and suddenly an evil idea struck her mind, making her forget about everything else.

With a grin, she goes to stand behind her and stepped on the dress silently and Ifrah didn't even seem to feel anything. She was just lost in her bubble, getting angry over something. Probably because of the cake which Shahzaib has fed her. Her smile turned even smugger now.

Good! She thought evilly and patiently waited for someone to call her. And just as she wanted, someone called Ifrah after what felt like ages and that girl moved her legs in a hurry but her dress didn't let her move. She tried walking with a force and at the same moment, Wafa stepped aside innocently.

Ifrah fell with a force, grabbing everyone's attention. They looked at her for a while before the little kids of the business associates burst out laughing.

The elders tried to keep them quiet but few laughed despite themselves.

"Do you want some help?" Wafa walked towards her with an innocent smile and forwarded her hands. She blinked at her with a tch.

Ifrah glared at her with bloodshot eyes as she got up without her help, feeling utterly humiliated. Tears welled up in her eyes. Wafa felt satisfied seeing the same feeling on Ifrah's face that she had to go through this afternoon.

"I won't forgive you for this!" Ifrah whispered coldly and marched out of there. Wafa just grinned to herself, unashamedly.

Shahzaib cleared his throat and tried to distract everyone. He was successful in that and Wafa tried to escape before he could get hold of her but she wasn't very quick in her actions and gave up running as he dragged her somewhere. For others, it just looked like an impatient husband taking his wife somewhere. If only they knew!

"You did that, didn't you?" He questioned vaguely while taking her into an empty room in the living room but she passed him an innocent smile in return, "an eye for an eye. She humiliated me just as badly and she deserves it."

"I told you not to mess up anything," he said through gritted teeth.

"That was before I was humiliated in front of all your staff for nothing. What did you expect anyway? I won't just sit quietly and accept their rudeness. They should know better than that." Wafa looked him dead in the eyes.

"You're impossible, Wafa!"

"Oh yes, I am. Deal with it." He glared at her with such an intensity that it made her stumble a few steps but she remained still.

"Stay away from Anushey. I can't stand more drama for today,"

"Alright, fine. Let's go now. Your guests must be searching for you." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm warning you. Don't do something stupid," he said again, "and I said fine." She replied exasperatedly as they walked out of the room.

The whole evening passed in a blur and Anushey stayed as far away from Wafa as possible, much to her amusement.

Good for her! She thought with an eye roll while removing her earrings.

All her energy drained at the party and it wasn't even that fun. Except for when Ifrah fell and humiliated herself in front of everyone, it was pretty much boring.

Wafa changed into cotton pyjamas and came back into the bedroom. Her hair was tied in a messy bun.

"Here, take this back." She placed the saree and his earrings back on the bed.

Shahzaib looked at her with questioning eyes.

There wasn't much touching from his side for the sake of acting like a happy couple after their argument and she was glad for that. She couldn't stand being so close to him like that. It was too much for a single day.

"What is this?" He asked while unbuttoning his shirt.

"I don't want it. I mean, the party is over. I don't have anywhere else to wear this. I don't want it even. Thanks for lending it for some time," she shrugged while walking towards her sofa and slumped on it lazily.

"You have so much guts, to stand and talk in front of me after the drama you put up there." He muttered grumpily while eyeing her and then at the saree.

"It wasn't my fault. She had it coming," Wafa said adamantly.

"Take this back, I got it for you anyway." Shahzaib sighed as he walked into the closet. Wafa just ignored his words and lay down to sleep.

It was uncomfortable on the sofa, but she'd rather sleep here than on the bed. She can't imagine sharing the same bed as him.

"I told you to take it." She heard Shahzaib's voice just as she closed her eyes.

"And I told you already, I don't want it. I took it because of the party. Otherwise, I'd never accept anything from you." She opened her eyes and muttered adamantly. He was on the bed, ready to sleep.

"You shouldn't be so egoistic."

"Well, I am. And I don't want that." She grumbled before turning to the other side, facing away from him.

"Throw it in the dustbin for all I care," Shahzaib muttered grumpily before switching off the lights.

She flinched a little but remained adamant about her words even though it was very tempting to take the damn saree. It was so gorgeous after all.

But Wafa reminded herself that she shouldn't take anything from him, after all, she was just his temporary wife.