It wasn't like that he didn't want to get committed or he had any repulsion from the idea of marriage. Izmir had many times thought seriously about getting settled in the past however every time something happened that revoked this decision.

Most of the cause of this was the involvement of his brothers and widowed mother in his life. He was the eldest son and after the sudden demise of his father, he was the only one who was needed the most by his family. His brothers considered him a role model, a father figure, and an inspiration. Yet he didn't want to set a bad role model for them.

That thinking automatically led Izmir to delay the marriage until it became inevitable in his mother's eyes to remain single anymore. He was thirty-three now and all of his friends already fathered two or three kids. While all he himself did was time pass, dates which led to no avail, and flirt when he didn't have work to do. He loved women's company and he enjoyed it when they gave him attention because of either his good looks or his wealth.

He knew that either of the two was a reason why women flocked around a man however it didn't affect him. After all, he was standing in the same boat by saying every pretty girl out there. That was another thing both the parties knew that it would lead them to nothing. Izmir wouldn't marry her and she was also someone who would soon be forced to marry someone decided by her parents. And in this way, she would enjoy the momentary freedom that Izmir would give her.

Marriage was a thing he always pushed aside whenever he met a woman. He was well aware that no girl would like to come to a household where her husband had duties of four brothers and one old mother all over himself. His whole focus laid on his family for the time being and in between that, he had no motive to hear his wife complaining that he couldn't give her the time. He had once thought about it, got serious in a relationship as well, and decided to just go with the flow but everything backfired so badly that he now resisted it altogether.

Huffing, he shook his head to wash away that bitter memory. Izmir didn't want to even think about it. Still, it used to come back to his mind every other instant, giving him a feeling of deep pang and loss in his heart.

After breakfast with the family, he came back to his room. At eleven in the afternoon, he had a flight to Lahore for his Lahore Special Nine PM Live show with the Chief Minister of Punjab. Izmir was very excited about this. Among the other senior and junior anchors from his parent news channel, only he was deemed capable enough to interview CM Punjab. Every political and other difference aside, that was very fortunate for an anchor to meet CM and he was finding himself lucky. It would bring him all the clouts he needed as well.

While taking the shower, his mind went back to the talks from the morning with his mother. She was very adamant about bringing herself a daughter-in-law. However, who would tell her that what hell she wished to make her household? Women needed attention, love, and care all to themselves and if she would have to share it with five people, she would make a fuss surely. He didn't want to become either a bad husband or a bad son.

As he was wearing a comfy T-shirt over the denim jeans for the cozy flight, his phone vibrated. It was a call from his manager Khurram who took care of his magazine workplace Head Quarter there in Lahore. Izmir owned a popular magazine named Rise and Shine. It covered diverse topics ranging from politics, economy, business, fashion, entertainment, sports, religion, and kids section as well. Having branches in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, his work was thriving. He himself used to write a special column in the magazine which was liked by everyone.

While tying his watch around his wrist, Izmir shoved the earphones in his ears.

"Yes, Khurram?" He asked, in a hurry.

"Hi, Sir! How are you?" The other guy greeted him.

"I am fine. What's the deal?" His eyes went towards the mirror to stare at his reflection, making sure he looked presentable.

"Sir, I wanted to ask that when should we conduct the interviews of the candidates of graphic designers?" Khurram questioned.

Izmir gritted his brows in confusion before reality hit him. The Rise and Shine franchise of Lahore was getting short of devoted graphic designers. Part of the reason was the fact that some of the past workers were plainly lazy and they lacked enthusiasm. As the work was allowed to finish from home, they became extra comfortable and lagged behind. They also wanted perks and favors which Izmir never liked. This time he wanted to recruit someone by himself. That was why he had asked Khurram to arrange the interview.

"My flight is in an hour. Arrange everything for tomorrow morning. I won't be rotting myself in office work after a hectic flight," Izmir mumbled, bringing his shoes from the cabinet and wearing them one by one, as the headphone was still plugged inside his ears.

"Sure, Sir. Have a nice travel. We'll be looking forward to your arrival," Khurram said, truthfully.

Izmir didn't reply and then quickly ended the call. Black color suited him so much and most of his closet consisted of the color black. The majority of his flight wear was also ranging from black to dark blue. Right now too, in the black T-shirt and blue jeans, he looked breathtaking. No doubt girls would always want to come near him. One he was a successful and wealthy anchor who also had a rich way of speaking and second because of his good looks, he attracted the women like bees attracted towards the flower.

And there was no doubt that Izmir enjoyed it. He was repulsive of women. Yes, he didn't want to get married right now because of his responsibilities. However, like any man, he wanted the companionship of the women. Chatting, talking and dating were nothing for him. As far as marriage was concerned, he would see when the right woman would come into his life. A girl who would be loyal, sincere, loving, and caring. Someone who would consider his mother as his own. Someone who would consider his brothers as her own brothers. Someone who wouldn't put any rift between his family.

He was still in his thoughts when his phone rang. Thinking it to be Khurram again, he accepted it but that was the silliest mistake of his life as he heard a woman's voice.

"Hello, Mr. Handsome."

The voice was silky, smooth, and soft like honey dribbling onto the delicate surface. Izmir quickly stared at the screen. There was an unknown number glowing. He sighed in frustration. He used to get countless calls from many unknown numbers the whole day. When he himself was in the mood, he relished and played along. However, right now he wasn't in the right mood. So many things were pending and he had to do that. One of these was making his mother's mind move away from his supposed marriage. He was aware that if he kept on denying and complaining, Farhana herself would bring a girl for him. And an arranged and forced marriage was unacceptable for him. He had no time and tolerance to bear the tantrums of women. If he had to get married, he would prefer a woman of his choice.

"Who are you?" Izmir retorted.

"Your lover." Came the weird reply.

Izmir raised a brow. "I have no lover. So cut crap."

He heard a snort. "Haye Allah, you are in such a bad mood today. You seem so nice in your shows. Is this your true personality?"

"Yes. Any problem?"

"I watch your shows like a compulsion, Izmir Raza. I read your columns in the magazine too. I am your biggest fan. I love you so very much. Will you marry me?" The girl had no intention to remain quiet.

"Thank you for your interest in my work. Who are you?"

"Didn't I tell you? I am your fan and your lover."

"From where did you get my personal number?"

"From some unknown sources which I won't tell you. Lovers get to know everything about the ones they love so no big issue, Mr. Handsome."

"Why did you call me, Miss Weirdo?"

"Oh Good how many times should I say that I am your biggest fan? And my love is paving all the way to you for me. I even know this fact as well that you are single."

"Yes I am single but I won't ever mingle with someone like you, Miss Weirdo. You talked to me. Are you satisfied? There's nothing else I can do for you."

The girl was still speaking when he cut the call. Many things needed time, place, and mood for that and he was sure that he also came under the same category. He was glad that he disconnected the call or else his anger would have fallen upon the poor girl because the next moment, his mother entered his room. He was certain that was once again to use anyway to get him to say yes to her demand of marriage because she wanted him to stay at her sister's place. This indirectly meant she had asked his Aunt to search for proposals for him. He knew his mother very well.

                      ________________

Assalamualaikum/ Hi guys!

How are you?

Here's the next chapter.

How is it?

If you like this chapter, do vote and comment. ❤️❤️