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.

                       __________________

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, has stunning natural beauty and impeccable architectural beauty. It was known as the capital of the country for a reason. While residing here, he realized how calm, serene, and relaxing it was in Islamabad. It was surrounded by grand hills and lush greenery which would give the tranquility to the eyes. Modern infrastructure and cultural beauty were something noteworthy as well. Izmir had dwelled in many cities of Pakistan and even different countries for work purposes as well. However, the peaceful and placid vibes of Islamabad were unbeatable.

He remembered being a citizen of this gorgeous city since he gained an understanding of this world. Sohail Raza, his father, was a small government when he got married to Farhana. Izmir's mother had left for her home city,y Lahore, to accompany her groom to Islamabad, and then they lived there till his death.

Izmir was always outgoing, extroverted, sociable, confident, and vivacious. He was the life of together, and since school age, he was fond of reading, studying, and speeches. In school and college debate competitions, he was always the first one to raise his hand to participate. His lively nature and handsome build earned him a good reputation, along with popularity among girls too. He was well aware of his intelligence as well. All these things led him to pursue a better use of his intellect and social skills which was that he opted for a profession of journalism. He had a sharp memory and a way to deal with things, so he soon got a name in the media industry at such a young age.

Work had made him a bit disjoined with the rest of the world as well. However, he liked the colors of this world at the same time. He gave proper time to himself and his family, too.

The beautiful and vast bungalow which they were residing in now wasn't this big before. As the firstborn, Izmir knew the efforts and hard work that his parents had put into making their future bright. His father was just an ordinary employee earning a few thousand when he married Farhana. Yet they tried their best to give every necessity to their kids. Sometimes, the loss of a sister was felt by all of them; however, still, the brotherhood between the brothers was strong and unbreakable. And Izmir had strived to never allow this bond to shatter under any circumstances by any external or internal force as the oldest son.

Farhana entered his room, the tiers of her wheelchair making a distinctive sound as they moved over the tiled floor.

"Oh Mama, you here?" He murmured, with a smile. "Do you need anything?"

All of his brothers were gone to their respective schools or workplaces by now. On regular days, Izmir, too, would have gone to his office as well. After that Yousuf came back at around two. Farhana had to remain alone for around eight hours in this way. Seeing this, Izmir hired a female physiotherapist, Zenia, his trustworthy female assistant, to go to his mansion to supervise the physiotherapy. While being in a wheelchair in bed, her muscles needed some activity and exercise to prevent them from atrophying; hence, physiotherapy was best for it. Zenia was just here to take care of Farhana till none was at home. She earlier worked in his office howeve,r Izmir had restricted her right to two jobs in their house for his mother's sake. It also provided her with company, and Zenia helped with her medicine, food, and other things as well.

She moved forward and then raised her hand. Izmir took the gesture and then leveled his head next to her hand so that she could pat his head. "Are you ready to go to the airport?"

Izmir nodded. "Yes. I am about to leave in a while. You have to take care of yourself, Mama. I've called Zenia. She will be here any time soon. Your physiotherapist is on her way. Perform the exercises. Eat well, sleep well, and enjoy a lot. I love you, Mama." He bent down again and dropped a kiss on her forehead.

"I was thinking that you stay at Aqia's place there in Lahore," Farhana said, explaining her real reason for coming here.

Izmir gritted his brows. "Mama, there's no need to worry them. Everyone has their own life and stuff. Aqia Khala and her family make so many arrangements for me as though it's not me, but the prime minister is coming to their home. They will get disturbed for no reason. I'll meet them for dinner or lunch, maybe. Even Tabinda Khala as well."

For work purposes, Izmir had to do yours in a different city every other month. They had relatives or friends at many places but he preferred to stay at any hotel. He never liked to become a nuisance to anyone. He knew that it was very difficult to adjust to just one person suddenly by their own personal experience. Whenever they had any guests, it brought havoc; all the brothers didn't even know about the time.

In Lahore, both of his Aunts lived. His mother was the eldest, followed by Tabinda and then Aqia was the youngest sister. He was the eldest cousin among the kids of all the sisters. He was followed by Haider, Aqia's son who was ASP Punjab police right now. In childhood, he and Haider used to play together because of the considerably small age gap. Haider was serious, goal-oriented, and very respectful of everyone. They made good friends; however, things became distant when they grew older and got busy with studies and other stuff. After that, Tabinda's daughter Nisha came. The introverted, kind, and sweet Nisha was the apple of the eyes of her mother and Aunts because she was the only girl in the family to that date. He recalled the petite girl who would be jutted in her books, remained as a shadow to her mother's side, and was often seen to be playing with dolls. In childhood, the three of them mostly played together.

Huzaifa was Aqia's second son, and he was the total opposite of his brother. Having a clever, sharp, naughty, and mischievous personality, Izmir suddenly felt that he had a new playmate. Haider and Nisha were his good companions, and he adored the time he spent with them; however, with Huzaifa, it was different.

Haider and Nisha never liked to do adventures and take risks which Izmir himself loved. Huzaifa was the one he enjoyed thoroughly and throughout. Their friendship was based on the mutual likeness of their nature, which intensified their bond. Huzaifa was many years younger than him; however, their amazing bonding didn't make it seem like it.

Huzaifa didn't call him a brother or any such surname because they came on a friendship level. He still had contact with both the brothers tho. Hiba was a kid, almost the same age as his two younger brothers. While Unaiza was a girl adopted by Aqia. She was innocent, nice, and loving. In short, he had a nice bond with his cousins. The distances had put some spaces still whenever they met; it would bring havoc.

They all were busy in their own lives. Nisha was already married to a rich businessman and her paternal cousin Ruhaan Sufiyan Ahmad. Together they had three kids now. Izmir knew that Nisha and Haider were engaged, but their engagement ended because apparently, Nisha was in love with Ruhaan, who had probably married her to take some revenge.

He often found it weird how their relationship was working after her husband was the one who married her for a reason and she herself left Haider for him. Some said that Haider broke off their engagement and some said, Nisha did this. However, he always found it peculiar how an innocent girl like Nisha could maintain a relationship with Ruhaan while being engaged to Haider. But maybe they had found love along the way. Or perhaps their kids bound them. However, this thing made Haider bitter, and he only married after eight years of that incident.

Haider's marriage occurred suddenly in a private ceremony that Farhana and his brothers had attended. He couldn't because he had a meeting scheduled with one of the media persons in Dubai on the same day. He often complained to Haider about this; however, he said that he would make it up for him by arranging some dinner or party.

"What trouble, Mir? She is your Aunt and she would be glad to host you. I have already talked to her and now you are going to stay at her place," his mother contended.

He placed his hands over her shoulder. "I know, Mama. Aqia Khala is a sweetheart. But I also know what's your motive behind suddenly being so excited about my Lahore trip. You want Khala to search girls for me. Right?"

Farhana scoffed. "I gave you full freedom to search a girl for yourself but you didn't listen. So, it only gave me a choice to ask my sister to meet some match-making agencies. She has a lot of contacts so she can do a very good job."

Izmir just sighed in response. There was no coming back from here at all.

                         ______________

Assalamualaikum/ Hi guys!

How are you?

Here's the 3rd chapter.

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