Wafa has never been happier before.

She couldn't believe her five years of misery had finally come to an end. Today was her last examination and her friends couldn't shut up about it as they all submitted the papers. There was chaos on the whole campus.

There was lots of yelling and cheering as the bell rang, indicating it was time up but most of the students were done anyway.

Today marked the end of a great chapter in her life. She grinned ear to ear whilst walking towards the corridor, her friends followed her just as excitedly.

"We did it," the three of them beamed at each other once they were out of the classroom. They discussed the paper for a few minutes, it was hard but they couldn't care less about it.

The happiness of it finally being over had overtaken the toughness part of the exam.

"This is so unnecessarily emotional," Humera wiped off her tears which came out of nowhere as they discussed what will happen next now that they were done with college.

"Come here," She pulled Wafa into a bone-crushing hug. Zunera joined in instantly making the trio chuckle. Wafa enjoyed the comfort of this hug to the fullest knowing well that they had to part different ways from this point on. She could have never imagined creating such a beautiful friendship when she joined this college five years ago.

But here she was.

"You guys are the best thing ever to have happened to me in this college," She couldn't believe there were tears in her eyes as well.

"Good thing that you'll marry Rayyan, I'll have a reason to always have you around," Wafa mumbled wishfully but there was an awkward silence at the mention of his name. She raised her brows in confusion.

"I didn't want to stress you out in the final week, but he and I are over." There was a bitterness behind Humera's voice which Wafa has never seen before and it took her a moment to process what she heard.

"What? Why?"

"He's not into me," Humera huffed while her twin caressed her forearm, trying to calm her down.

"He's clearly into someone else and I don't think I have it in me to settle for anything less, I deserve better than that." She frowned.

Wafa could guess who that someone else was but she decided to be quiet, a sudden thought struck her mind making a smile widely, "gosh. It's his loss. I have always wanted to tell you something."

Zunera looked at her curiously.

"My ex-coworker, Zaroon. Do you remember him?"

The twins looked at each other before nodding their heads, "yeah. What about him now?"

Humera questioned not understanding why Wafa would bring him up so abruptly.

"Do you know what was the first ever thing he has asked me?"

"I seriously don't know where you're going with this." Zunera was intrigued regardless.

"He asked me if I could give him your dad's number." Wafa gushed excitedly, she couldn't wait to see Zaroon and Humera happening. They'd make such a cute couple.

"Why would he ask that?" Zunera asked confusedly but a huge tint of blush appeared on Humera's face, who has probably understood what Wafa was trying to say all along.

"Do you like him too?" Wafa asked her friend excitedly, "I don't know. He is cool." Humera looked away instantly, probably feeling too shy, "awe. You did deserve the best and I'm hoping this goes well." Wafa squealed and pulled her into another tight hug.

"I don't get it," Zunera was still clueless making the both of them laugh out loud.

"So, should I give him your dad's number?"

"Sure."

"Wait. Really?" Zunera understood only just now and there was a full-blown smile on her face.

"You're so slow." Her twin rolled her eyes but Zunera pinched her in return.

"I thought you swore not to marry,"

"Yeah. But Zaroon is..." Humera began to justify but shook her head as they both passed her teasing glances.

"He had this huge crush on you. I was so bummed for him. But I could text him right away." Wafa was jumping in joy, and Humera looked mortified for a second even though she was blushing, "do it when I'm not here."

"Awe! Look at you,"

"Guess it was meant to be all along." Zunera spoke with a smile, "I didn't like Rayyan much anyways, he's such a coward."

"Let's not talk about him, I'll text Zaroon and you all should keep me in the loop too. I'm so excited," Wafa grinned.

"But I'm getting late. I should be on the way home. Shahzaib is taking me out for lunch."

"Awe. We don't want to hold you any longer." The twins pulled her for another short hug before Wafa's phone began to ring.

"Someone is impatient,"

"Shut up," Wafa grumbled as she answered her phone.

"Where are you?"

"On my way,"

"Be back soon." She could feel his smile even from miles away it was crazy.

"And how was your exam?" He questioned eagerly as she mouthed goodbyes to her friends and walked towards her car.

"It was hard." Now that she thought about it, it was very hard. But she was able to answer everything though.

"I bet you attempted everything," Shahzaib replied with a chuckle.

"How did you know?"

"Because you, my wife, are a genius."

Blood rushed to her cheeks instantly.

"Stop buttering me." She mumbled whilst getting into the car.

"How's work?" Wafa asked him instead.

"Seriously. You're brilliant, Wafa." She didn't know what to do with him.

"And work is hectic. But I'm wrapping up early today."

"Were you aware about Rayyan and Humera's engagement?" She questioned him eagerly, "yeah. I heard that she has called it off."

"Why didn't you tell me?" She whined, not liking how she was the last one to know.

"You were busy with exams, Wafa. When will you reach home by the way?"

"You're not even home yet and you were hurrying me by calling. I could have spent some more time with my friends," She complained as the driver rolled down the windows and started the car.

Shahzaib has strictly ordered the driver to never turn on the AC in Wafa's presence and she fell in love with him all over again as she came to know about it a few days ago.

"Haha. I bet I'll be home before you." He sounded so self-assured much to her amusement.

"Let's see. Race me to home." Wafa mumbled mischievously, knowing well how he gets excited about these things.

"Done. I'm starting my car now. Let's see who gets there first." Competing with Shahzaib is always so fun.

"What does the winner get?"

"The loser should listen to whatever the winner demands, for a whole month." Shahzaib's answer made her gasp, "one month? Are you serious?"

"Why? Are you already admitting your loss?" He sounded too smug for her liking.

"Oh, shut up, Zaib. Let's meet at home." Wafa rolled her eyes but he just laughed.

"I'm hanging up the phone now. Drive safely, okay?"

"I love it when you pamper me with all this care," Wafa went silent for a second as she looked down, hoping the driver hasn't seen her blushing.

"Drive safely," She repeated and hung up the call. A soft smile played on her lips as she gazed out of the windows. The passer-by people held her attention for a while. All the exhaustion of the last two months has finally come to an end. She could use some sleep in all honesty but Shahzaib wanted them to go out. She was ready to compromise for canceling his plans the last few times.

"Stop by the flower shop," Wafa told the driver all of a sudden. He mumbled an okay whilst continuing to drive.

She liked surprising Shahzaib with flowers for no reason. He genuinely loves receiving them from her, which encourages her to give him one all the time.

"Hi," the florist was her friend at this point. But they never asked what was each other's names.

"Which one do you want today?"

"I'll take the roses. Give me the rosiest ones." Wafa pointed to the red rose and smiled excitedly.

"Gotcha. And what should I write on the card?" The florist was already arranging a bouquet for her.

"I'll write it myself, like always." She grinned.

"Your husband is so lucky," The florist always said this line.

"And what is all this?" She pointed to the chocolates which were new to this shop.

"We're trying to expand. Chocolates are always the go-to," The florist replied, Wafa smiled as she picked a large bar of Cadbury dairy milk.

"I'll have this too." Shahzaib loves his chicken and all the spicy stuff but he does have a sweet tooth. She hoped he'd like her little gift.

"Great. I'll pack these."

"How much?"

"That will be 600," Wafa knew it was too much but then again she knew Shahzaib's happiness is worth this.

Her phone rang again, "I guess I need to hurry up."

"Have a great day ahead," the florist smiled widely as Wafa sat in the car, and the phone continued to ring. She ignored it, "Bhai, please drive home quickly. Shahzaib is expecting us soon."

"Okay, ma'am."

She knew the little stopping at the flower shop had left her far behind in the race which they had and Shahzaib is not going to have the end of it. He was going to come up with something crazy and she couldn't wait to see it.

On the way! Talk to you face to face.

She left him a message instead of answering the call. He replied okay instantly.

I see you.

Shahzaib messaged her just as they entered the porch. She grinned at her screen before looking out for him, he has been waiting for her impatiently it seemed. And there was also a smug smile on his face.

"Guess who won?" Wafa rolled her eyes as he opened the door for her and held his hand out for her to hold on to. She took them gladly and he beamed at the flower she had in the other hand.

"Are they for me?" He sounded excited even after all this time which made her heart flutter. She blinked in yes whilst getting down and he immediately pulled her into a hug, not caring about the driver.

Her cheeks turned crimson red although Shahzaib didn't seem to care about the show he was giving. The driver was respectfully looking anywhere but at them.

"Gosh. Let me go." She pulled away with bright red cheeks and walked away as fast as she could.

Wafa juggled inside her bag to search for the home keys. Shahzaib beat her to it as he unlocked it quickly and pulled her inside.

"What?" She questioned him in surprise as he pressed her against the door and took her mouth into a fierce kiss.

Wafa's eyes widened slightly as she enjoyed being kissed like that, so passionately and greedily. Her hands go to cup his face, pulling him more into her as the other one held the flower for him safely.

Shahzaib was the one who pulled away but she was not done with him yet, and so cupped his face for another long kiss.

"Best kiss ever," he mumbled playfully as they broke apart, gasping for air. Wafa can get pretty wild when she wants. She blushed at his words before placing another kiss along his neck.

"Okay. Let's stop. I have other plans." He seemed reluctant but stopped her anyway. Wafa frowned at him as if it was not him who started it all along. She handed him the flower with a cute frown which he bent down and pecked softly.

"Thanks for this,"

"I want you to change, not that it's not good. But I got you a dress. And let's not waste any more time. I'm hungry, " he looked at her intently as he said the last word. She shook her head before walking towards their room.

"Damm. You have great taste, Zaib." Wafa gushed as she saw the dress which was laid on the bed.

She picked it up excitedly and smiled at her husband, who sat on the bed smugly.

"Yes. Tell me about it,"

Rolling her eyes, she went on to get ready. It was so pretty and Wafa couldn't wait to put it on her. But the only problem was the zip. She walked back into their room, whilst trying to zip it up but it seemed like an impossible task.

"Can you zip me up?"

There was a moment of silence as he just gazed at her without blinking his eyes. Gazed at her like she was the most beautiful woman on the earth. Her cheeks were on fire as she walked towards the mirror realising how she was giving him a show of her back.

Shahzaib got up from the bed and took slow steps toward her, their breaths became uneven as he stood behind her. His hand traced on her back for a few seconds making her shiver before he finally helped her with the zip. He did leave a kiss on the nape of her neck. Her toes curled as they gazed at each other through the mirror.

"You look gorgeous," Wafa's heart skipped a beat as he turned her around and pecked her cheeks.

She wore a bright red frock with a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was left loose. She loved her look as well. Shahzaib does have great taste in dressing her up.

"Thanks for this," She smiled at him.

"Thanks for the flowers," Shahzaib grinned at her as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He has already placed them on a vase beside his bedside table it seemed. She sucked in a breath but her eyes widened slightly as she remembered the chocolate.

"I got you something else as well," Wafa went on to grab her bag and her eyes lit up excitedly as she got hold of the chocolate. Shahzaib gave her an amused look but he accepted the gift.

"Wow. That's so sweet," He looked genuinely thrilled, "You know what's sweeter?"

She raised her brows, "what?"

"You." He flirted whilst looping his arms around her waist and kissed her deeply. Wafa felt like she was floating in the air.

"Come on, let's go." He rasped against her lips. Although it seemed as if he was rethinking his plans.

The afternoon passed in the blink of their eyes as they spent most of it, making up for the past, spending as much time together as possible. Talking about anything and everything. Getting to know each other a bit more, sharing their likes and dislikes.

It was by far their best date, the one which Wafa could never forget.

***

"That was fun," Wafa mumbled as they removed their slippers. She wore black heels and her legs felt relieved to be finally free.

"It was," Shahzaib agreed as he left the socks on the floor, she gave him a pointed stare, "tuck them in the shoes, Shahzaib. How many times do I have to tell you?" He looked sheepish but did as he was told.

"Come here," he dragged her to the middle of their living room, turned on the Bluetooth music, and held her hands, "dance with me,"

Wafa was taken aback by his request as she looked at him with surprise, "it will be cool. Come on,"

And so they danced, barefoot in the dark.

She laughed as he twirled her swiftly, the music was not very loud but just perfect. And it was her favourite, Until I Found You by Em Beihold and Stephen Sanchez.

He even mouthed a few lines much to her amusement.

The day sounded too good to be true.

As if she has jinxed it, Wafa heard their doorbell. They both stopped dancing and looked at each other, "Were you expecting someone?"

Shahzaib shook his head, "I'll see who it is." He said and walked towards their door. Wafa missed the warmth of his hands against her but she was curious to see who it was.

Ifrah Siddiqui was the last person they ever expected to see on their doorstep. The evil glint in her eyes was enough to say that she was bad news.

"Hello, Cousin. Long time no see, huh." She tried to hug Shahzaib but he stepped away much to her annoyance.

"What do you want?" Shahzaib was not friendly at all.

"Since you were ignoring my calls and messages, I thought I'd stop by and tell you that I was serious about my threats,"

"What is she talking about?" Wafa was confused would be an understatement.

"Awe. Poor Wafa. Did you get to tell her though?" Ifrah mumbled vaguely whilst smirking at her.

"Tell me what?"

"Get out, Ifrah." Shahzaib was furious for some reason.

"Don't worry, I'll make it easy for you and tell her myself."

"What is she talking about, Zaib?"

"Haha. Zaib. I like it. Wouldn't last long I guess. Not after what I'll tell," Ifrah sounded so confident that it was scaring Wafa. She didn't want to believe this person, who had every intention of breaking her and Shahzaib apart.

But with the way Shahzaib was behaving, Wafa couldn't help but worry. He looked seriously uncomfortable.

"Okay. Enough of this drama. You're making him uncomfortable, get out of my home." Wafa was going to throw her away. But Ifrah passed her a mean glare.

"Don't you dare"

"I thought I'd be kind enough and let you know about your dear father who was killed by his dad in an accident."

Wafa's breath hitched at what she just heard. She turned to her husband in shock, who wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Oh, and the only reason why he married you was because he wanted to help his dad from going to jail. That was the deal. You were just a deal, don't be so full of yourself alright?" Ifrah seethed in rage.

She stumbled a few steps, unable to believe what she just heard.

And just like that, all of this felt like a dream from which she was given a rude awakening. The reality was too bitter to digest.

But then it all made sense, of why he, Shahzaib Hussain would marry her, Wafa Zaidi, a servant's daughter of all people.

She did always wonder what has forced him to marry her, but could never get herself to ask. Now that she knew, Wafa was not sure how to feel about it.

***