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Certain things that I'd like to mention:

1) Not everyone's story is a love story.

2) Not everyone is who they seem to be.

3) As much as I try to change the plots as per the wishes of the readers, I can't always do that. 

4) Last, but not the least, thank you for reading and commenting! 

*

Rohaan

How is it that sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you feel it's over and that you were completely and utterly screwed, but then something happens to yank you out of that situation just in the nick of time?

Just when I was scared that the homeless man was going to die, the doctor told us that he was okay, but he would have headaches for a few days.

The police had looked at me suspiciously when I'd narrated what happened, but they'd admitted that I'd done the right thing by staying behind while my friends had run off. 

"What were you doing in that part of the city?" Papa asked me as he drove me home.

I glanced out of the window, not sure how to answer the question without having my a** metaphorically kicked.

"You reek of cigarette smoke. You think I don't know what was going on?" He snapped.

"I smoked but I didn't abuse the man." I insisted.

"And smoking is okay?" He wasn't happy at all. 

I pursed my lips together, not replying.

"We've warned you so many times that the company we keep can lead to either our success or our destruction, but you didn't listen." He shook his head. "You're a typical spoilt brat, Rohaan, and that is unacceptable." He paused briefly before speaking. "It's late. Go to sleep when we get home and we'll talk in the morning. But make sure you wake up for Fajr." 

"I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, Papa." 

"Rohaan, you're not in nursery. You don't need me or your mother to tell you who is the right company and who isn't. You should have enough common sense to realise it yourself. Why were you at the 'wrong place'? Nobody forced you. You went there willingly." 

"All my friends were going. I wanted to go too."

"You're still calling them friends? They didn't think twice before leaving you behind, did they?" He sighed. "I don't know how else to explain this to you, Rohaan. I don't think you want to learn. You just want to do whatever makes you happy, regardless of the consequences."

It wasn't true. I didn't want to cross the line that divided 'right' and 'wrong'. I wanted to remain on the right side; I wanted to do the right thing. But the peer pressure that I felt was too much to handle sometimes. I always ended up giving in. 

"You will no longer have access to a car. You want one? Earn it and buy it." Papa spoke firmly. 

I knew that was going to happen, but I didn't protest or complain. The incident today had shaken me to the core. If anything had happened to that man today, I had no idea what I would have done. Guilt would have eaten me alive, even though I wasn't directly responsible.

*

Hooriya

I'd wanted Farhaan as a life partner for a long time, yes. But I never wanted it by breaking a girl's heart, or by ending a relationship. I'd only prayed for his happiness, no matter who he was with. But I suppose, that innocent little wish of my heart subconsciously became a dua, which eventually came true. 

But the accusation I heard today of black magic was horrific for me. I would never snatch what wasn't mine, especially using sinful and forbidden methods. My Allah knew that my heart was pure, free from any malicious intentions. I didn't consciously pray for it, but my heart must have. And to say that it was black magic, whereas it was just Allah answering a dua, seemed like a sin itself. These people needed to be ashamed of themselves.

"Ignore her, Hooriya." Anaya Aunty had told me as we were driving towards my Nano's house that last night. "Unfortunately you cannot educate some people, no matter how many degrees they claim to have."

But it wasn't that easy for me.

The morning after that drama, I dressed in a long dark t-shirt and trousers and headed to the pool in the back garden of Nano's house, a towel folded over my arm. With my hair clipped up in a bun, I first dipped my toes in the water to test it. The sunlight had warmed it up, so I decided to get in straight away. Walking down the two steps, I was submerged in the water up to my neck. It felt cold initially, but I moved towards the end of the pool where the sun was shining directly. Laying my arms out on the tiles that bordered the pool, I tilted my head back and closed my eyes, enjoying the mixture of the warm sunlight and the cool pool water. It was nice and peaceful, and I forced my mind to get rid of the awful accusations.

"Hooriya." Nano's voice brought me back to reality.

I turned my head and saw her approaching the poolside with a glass of juice.

"Drink this." She said. "Stay hydrated. This sunlight is very unforgiving."

"Certainly more forgiving then people of this society." I muttered. 

She frowned, setting the glass down close to me. "What do you mean?" 

"People are so judgemental and critical." I said, taking a sip of the mango juice, smacking my lips together at the wonderful taste. 

"Did anyone say anything to you?" 

I shook my head. "No, I was just thinking about a drama." A real life drama.

"People love to talk about others. They like to focus on the lives and problems of others, in order to briefly forget about their own dramas and troubles. It's best to let them be, ignore them. Such people have no relevance in our lives, no importance." She took a seat at a garden chair nearby.

"How do these people not care how much their words could hurt or impact someone?" I splashed the pool water with my free hand. The glimmering water looked mesmerising and I couldn't move my gaze away.

"People take enjoyment in discussing other people's lives. By feigning concern and sympathy, they try to involve themselves in matters that don't concern them. Most of the times, those people are simply harmless busybodies. But Hoor, there are time such people can do serious harm and damage to relationships. In Sha Allah, in your lovely in-laws, you won't get such people, but always stay alert. I'm not saying be distrustful, I'm just saying 'be smart'. Learn to judge who's a well-wisher, and who isn't." 

I considered her words.

"You are very innocent, Hoor." She continued. "Be loving, be caring and be the wonderful person that you are. Your immediate in-laws are very good people, I can vouch for that. But often we come across others that mean nothing but harm. Just steer clear of such people."

"How will I recognise such people?" 

"Well...if someone is backbiting about someone, that's a sign. Another sign is if someone attempts to provoke you against someone. Unfair and wrong accusations are also a clue." 

"I don't believe in any accusation without proof." I shrugged. "Don't worry about me, Nano. I'm not as naïve as I seem." I set the glass down. "Thank you for the juice."

"Anyway, did you select a Valima dress last night?" She asked.

I nodded.

"Lehenga? Gharara? Sari? What colour?" She asked eagerly.

I pretended to zip my mouth. "It's a surprise. You'll have to wait for the Valima day, In Sha Allah."

"Come on, at least tell me. I won't tell anyone." 

"No." I shook my head. "And if you ask again, I'll splash you." I grinned cheekily at her.

She laughed. "Not that again. I remember how the three of you used to splash me from the little paddling pool that used to be set up in your back garden. My little Arsu was the only one who didn't." She stood up. "I'm going out to visit a friend, and I'm taking Anabia with me. Will you be okay here on your own?" 

"I'm not a child, Nano. I'll be fine." I handed her the empty glass, and sank deeper into the water again. Grabbing onto the sides of the pool, I raised my legs up in the water. 

Nano headed inside, and a few minutes later she and Mama came back out to say goodbye to me before they left. Mama instructed me that lunch was ready whenever I wanted it.

As they left, I moved around the borders of the pool, holding onto the sides. I didn't know how to swim, but I was happy enough to just be in here in this hot weather. Suddenly, I got a cheeky idea in my mind. Using the metallic ladder by the steps, I climbed out and headed to the table where I'd left my phone. Picking it up, I took a selfie of myself, showing my face and my soaked shoulders. 

<Hooriya: It's a lovely day for a swim... especially when nobody else is home. 🏊🏻‍♀️>

I grinned as I waited for his reply. I waited a few seconds before I began to shiver. Setting my phone back down, I headed back towards the pool before I heard the notification of my phone.

<Farhaan: On my way...>

I smiled to myself. But then I realised something, and I called Mama. 

"Hoor, everything okay?" She sounded concerned. 

"Mama, I basically called Farhaan over. Nano or Kamran Nana won't mind, right?" 

"It's fine, Hoor. I'll talk to your Nano." 

"Thanks, Mama."

After I ended the call, I headed back to the pool, letting the water engulf me once again.

*

Sometimes in life you feel like you're living out a fantasy, a beautiful dream or a fanfiction.

Seeing Farhaan walk up to the poolside felt that way.

"Assalam Alaikum." I stared up at him from the pool. 

"Walaikum Assalam." He took his sunglasses off and crouched down. "I don't know what looks more tempting: the pool or...?" 

My cheeks warmed up. "Why don't you get in here and find out what the answer to that?" 

"Let me go change into something more appropriate." He stood up, and grabbed the small duffel bag resting by his feet that he'd brought along. "Where can I change?" 

I nodded towards the side of the house. "There's a bathroom right there." 

As he walked, I moved around the sides of the pool again, trying to calm my nerves.

I only knew he was here when he dove into the pool, making me shriek in surprise and splashing water all over me. "Why did you do that?!"

"That's the best way to enter a pool!" He surfaced, the droplets of water gleaming on his bare skin as he ran both hands through his hair to push it back off his forehead. 

Am I really that naïve that I didn't even imagine that he'd come in here without a shirt on? I blinked at my own lack of forward thinking. "I'm all wet now!"

"What?!" He pretended to be surprised. "You're wet while you're in the pool? I would never have imagined it!" 

I splashed him. "I didn't have my face and hair wet!" 

"Let's not start this war, Hoor." He swiped at the water with full strength, and I almost lost my balance and fell into the water as a wave drenched me. I grabbed onto the side of the pool, my heart pounding hard at almost going underwater. 

"Oh, I want this war! I, Hooriya Rehan, officially wage this war against you, Farhaan Faiz." I again splashed water on him with one arm, using as much strength as I could muster.

He went underwater and I tried to see what he was up to, when I suddenly felt him grab my legs. I screamed. Water splashed everywhere as I flailed my arms around trying to remain on the surface. Briefly, I went underwater and I held my breath, eyes widening with panic. I felt disorientated and my chest began to feel tight, but suddenly I felt strong arms around my waist, and the next thing I knew, pure oxygen was filling my lungs. I clung onto him, breathing hard. My hair was free from the clip now and was plastered to my face and neck. 

"You know I don't know how to swim!" I complained when I was finally able to talk.

He held me tighter. "Trust me, I won't let you drown." 

I had my hands on his shoulders and I looked up. The colour of his eyes was reminding me of water in a tropical destination, serene and beautiful. It made me think of possible honeymoon destinations, especially since we were here in the pool together right now. "I have full faith in you." I whispered, our gazes locked.

He leaned down and my eyes closed instinctively. His lips pressed against mine and I gasped softly as the impact of it sent a thousand sparks running through my whole body. I kissed him back, wanting to express my feelings for him repeatedly and to show him how much I'd missed him.

Then I remembered something, and I shoved him back lightly. "This is war, not love." I splashed him again, using both arms, this time I kept on repeatedly doing so.

He grabbed my wrists quickly, a small amused smile on his face as he kept his gaze on me. His hair was again plastered to his forehead. Unable to stop myself, I reached out and pushed his hair away from his face. The water shimmering on his biceps made my heart pound uncontrollably. I'd always had a hopeless crush on his, but this was something else. I had never realised how s*xy he was. Ma Sha Allah, and he's all mine now.

"If all wars were like this, there would be no more hatred or conflict in this world." He spoke in a low voice that added immensely to his attractiveness. He ran his hands down from my shoulders, before holding onto my wrists again. My bare arms in the t-shirt tingled. The heat of the sun or the coolness of the water were nothing in comparison to the fire that his touch was spreading across my skin. 

I suddenly became aware of my appearance. The shirt was clinging onto me, and one side had slipped down my shoulder, exposing my bra strap. I immediately pulled it back up and tugged at my shirt to try and loosen it up a little, although I knew it was useless.

"I'll close my eyes if you want." He grinned teasingly, clearly understanding my thoughts.

A sudden boost of confidence made its way inside me. "Why? Are you shy?" 

Surprised, he laughed. "Sharam ki to yahaan gunjaish hi nahin hai." This time he pushed my hair away from my face, using both his hands.

*"There's no room for shyness here."

"True. Sab halal hai, sab jaiz hai." I shrugged.

*"It's all halal, it's all allowed."

He placed his hands on my cheeks and kissed my forehead. I placed my hands on his waist and looked up at him, our lips meeting again. 

"Come on." He grabbed my hands as we broke away, and slowly swimming backwards towards the deeper end of the pool...the much deeper end.

"Uh...what are you doing?" I asked.

"Trust me." His blue-green eyes locked with mine again, making me feel calm. "I'm holding onto you."

My feet started to no longer feel the floor and I started to panic. "No, it's fine. I'm fine where I was."

"Hoor."

"I'm too short for this end of the pool! It wouldn't be a problem if I knew how to swim, but I don't!" I almost shrieked as my grip on his hands tightened. "Don't let go!"

"Hoor, it won't help if you panic. Remain calm." 

I glanced down at the water. The depth of it made me terrified. I imagined being underneath that water, unable to find my way up. I wasn't scared of water or large bodies of water; I was scared of the feeling of not having access to oxygen. That is a terror on a whole new level.

"Hoor, you're fine." His reassuring voice made me look back at him.

I realised that I wasn't rapidly sinking to the bottom of the pool, but I was remaining afloat thanks to his grip on me. 

"I'm holding you, now let your legs float out behind you." He instructed.

"What?" 

"Just stretch your legs out behind you." 

I did, feeling like I was lying on my stomach on the water, while I held onto his hands. "Now what?" 

"Try kicking your legs out, just to practice."

I tried, but my legs felt too heavy because of my trousers possibly. 

"Keep trying. Come on." 

I focused and I tried my best to kick my legs, and soon I heard the splashing of water as my legs kicked out with full force. I laughed. "Okay, this is kind of fun. I should have learnt how to swim with Haya." 

While Haya had chosen to learn how to swim by a professional, I had refused. I enjoyed being in the pool, but I didn't want to learn how to swim professionally. Yes, it was a good skill to have, but I hadn't been interested enough. Rohaan and Haya had learnt, but Arsu and I hadn't. Personally, I think Arsu had a bit of a fear of swimming pools after Rohaan had dipped his head inside the paddling pool when we were kids.

Only Rohaan, in our family, can cause someone to develop a phobia!

"Good." Farhaan said. 

I felt his grip loosen on my hands. "Don't you let go!" I pushed myself forward, lightly slamming into him and wrapping my arms around his neck. "Enough swimming lessons." 

"Okay, I'm going to swim a few rounds then."

"Guide me to safety first." 

"Guide you to safety? Hoor, you're not in the middle of the Atlantic." He wrapped his arm around me nevertheless, pressing me closer against himself. Before I knew what was happening, I felt his lips brush against my neck.

My hand dropped down and clenched into a fist over my stomach. One of his hand slipped under my shirt to hold onto my waist. This action caused the water to raise my shirt, and I felt my stomach press against his. I felt myself losing control, as my body burned with intense desire for him. It felt too s*xy; it felt too forbidden, even though it was perfectly allowed.

He trailed kisses across my neck, my collarbone and to the other side of my neck before his lips brushed the top of my again exposed shoulder. I put my hands on his cheeks, feeling his stubble brush my palms, and he looked up at me. 

"While some call it 'black magic' or 'sorcery', I call it a 'dua coming true'. Something this beautiful cannot be related to anything demonic; this is the pure love of Allah towards a devotee of His who had always prayed selflessly for you and your happiness." I said, feeling my eyes well up with emotions. Sometimes it still felt like a beautiful dream to me. 

"Not just His love towards you, but towards me too. He knew, as always, what was truly in my heart, and He granted it to me." 

A special warm feeling was created inside me. Being loved was a beautiful feeling, and Alhumdulillah, I was really blessed in this department.

*

Rehan

I owned a publishing company now and my workload seemed to be increased each day, rather than decreasing.

The intercom rang and I answered it. "No more meetings. I've had enough for the day."

The PA's rushed sentence was almost inaudible, but I understood the relevant words. My jaw clenched, but I knew that I had to remain professional. "Send her in." I set the receiver down and leaned back in my seat, pinching the bridge of my nose.

A few moments later, a knock on the door made me sit up straight and answer, "Come in."

She entered, looking much older than the last time I'd seen her, but nevertheless as smug as ever. Her blue eyes gleamed behind her glasses and her hair- now all grey- was in a neat bun. Miraal Hassan had stepped back from publishing, but was still a successful author. I'd had the misfortune of running across her on a regular basis. 

"May I help you?" I asked her directly.

She sat down without being asked to and looked at me, a smirk on her face. "The irony makes me laugh."

"What are you talking about?" I was already losing patience with her.

"My nephew Mohib Naveed works as a lecturer."  She explained. "And he expressed an interest in the daughter of Rehan Tariq. Imagine my surprise." 

My jaw clenched. 

"He knows I know you, and he wanted me to approach you regarding this." She sat back in the chair as casually as if she was just a friend visiting me.

I scoffed. "I suppose you know my answer very well, Ms Hassan." 

"My nephew is a good looking, successful and intelligent man. Your daughter would be lucky to have a man like him in her life."

"Knowing that he's your nephew is enough of a reason for me to say no." I said. "I cannot believe that you even had the audacity to come in here and mention that to me, let alone say that my daughter will be 'lucky' to be his wife." 

"You cannot refuse a good alliance, Rehan." 

"I can refuse any alliance where I would feel that my daughter would be 'settling'. And getting married to anyone associated with you will be settling." My frowned deepened. "I don't know how this whole thing started, but tell him to stay the hell away from my daughter."

She looked furious. "You settled, and your daughter is a product of that 'settling'. So how can she possibly even be worth my nephew?" 

"How many times do you need to be escorted out of my office by security, Ms Hassan?" I asked. "I will not tolerate a word against my family, and you know that very well. Leave immediately, or I will have you thrown out. Oh, and I mean it, warn that nephew of yours clearly." 

She headed towards the door. "The things we do for the love of our nephews and nieces. But, oh well, Mohib will finally believe me that he deserves much better than what he has chosen for himself." She left with the final word.

But I was too lost in thoughts. He was a lecturer, so he could only know Hoor, right? But Hoor was married already. Haya? I had no idea how Miraal's lecturer nephew had come across Haya, but I felt an intense amount of overprotectiveness as I even thought about Haya being associated with Miraal in anyway, even through marriage.

Not in my lifetime. 

*

Haya

This time I was so bored that I was drawing a cricket pitch where a match was being played. My foot was acting up a little, making me irritated, and trust me, that boredom was not making things easy for me.

I was sitting on the patio deck at Dado's house, completely focused on my drawing, when I heard footsteps. I looked up and a wide smile spread across my face. "Assalam Alaikum, Papa."

"Walaikum Assalam." He came and sat down beside me, running a hand over my head. "How are you feeling now, Haya?" He glanced at my drawing. "Very nice, Ma Sha Allah!"

"My foot's being annoyed and I'm bored." I pouted as I spoke to him. "And where have you been, Mister? Like Yamna complains to you about Rohaan, I'll complain to Dada Jaan about you. My existence has been forgotten by both my parents." That was a blatant lie, and I knew it. They both checked up on me daily over phone or video calls. 

"Drama queen." He laughed.

"I want to come home now." I told him, quietly. "But I don't want to make Dada Jaan or Dado feel bad. Can you claim responsibility of wanting to take me home so that you look bad and not me?" 

"Just be honest with them. They'll understand, Haya, and you know it." He glanced out towards the garden, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Okay, tell me. What do you want to talk to me about?" I sighed. "Clearly, you have something on your mind." 

"Haya, do you know someone named Mohib Naveed?" 

I was surprised by his question. "Yeah, I've come across him.  He's a future colleague of Hoor's, a lecturer at the university. Chachu knows him too."

"He has expressed an interest in my daughter and..."

"No." I shook my head immediately. "Absolutely no. Nuh-uh. No frickin' way."

"Don't worry, I said no already."

"You did?" 

He sighed. "Haya, I know that ultimately it's about your life, and you have the right to make a choice. But I refused for a reason." 

"I'm not complaining, Papa. I was just surprised. I have a reason to refuse him, but what is your reason?" 

He looked sharply at me. "What is your reason to refuse him? Haya, did he ever do or say anything to make you feel uncomfortable?" 

"Papa, I have no solid basis for saying that, and maybe he's a great guy. But I simply don't feel comfortable when he's around. I get icky vibes from him, even though he's never given me a reason to feel that way." 

"Those are your instincts, Haya. Listen to them."

"And what is your reason?" I repeated my question.

"I'm your father, so just trust me on this."

"I do trust you, but I have full rights to know the answer that you're so clearly opposed to the idea of me marrying Mohib Naveed." 

"Look, Haya, some things are best left in the past, but let's just say that we hadn't had the best history with some relatives of Mohib Naveed." 

"Okay, Papa." I leaned my head against his forearm. "I trust you, and I know you and Mama would make the right decisions for me." 

"We'll do everything to ensure that, Haya. But that doesn't mean that we'll enforce anything on you or that we won't take your choice into consideration. You have a right, Islamically, to choose, as long as it's done within the religious limits."

"Look, for now, just put the Haya Case on hold. Focus on Hoor's wedding and then plan another honeymoon with Mama or something once Hoor's married of. I'm still at a point in my life where I have other priorities."

I wish I could say that things were going to be that simple for me; for what is life if not full of tests?

*

***BONUS SCENE***

**FLASHBACK**

Anabia

I stared out at the beautiful sunrise, the breeze gently ruffling through my hair. I glanced up towards the sky as light completely overwhelmed the darkness of the night, bringing about the start of a brand new day.

Clutching my robe tightly against my self, I closed the balcony door and headed back to bed. We'd prayed Fajr; it was time to go back to sleep.

"I need a spa day today." I groaned. "Full body massage. As much as I wanted a large family, and as much as I adore my kids, I'm exhausted."

Rehan grinned at me sleepily, pulling me against himself. "And here I thought that I had exhausted you."

I lightly smacked his chest. 

He kissed my forehead. "I'm so grateful to Mama and Mum for taking care of them for the night. Maybe we'll request another night?" 

"Rehan..." I smiled.

We were all on a family beach holiday in Türkiye, but our mothers had somehow realised that my husband and I would need some time to ourselves as well, so they had graciously offered to take care of the kids for the night.

I sat up, turning to look down at him. "I almost forgot. Aapne kuch zayada hi daant diya tha bechare Rohaan ko kal. Ro raha tha woh." 

*"You told off Rohaan a little too much yesterday. He was crying."

"He put a huge live spider on Hoor's plate, Anya!"

"Yeh, but he's only five! He doesn't understand yet. He's just playing around." 

He sat up as well. "I know, but Hoor was crying and I couldn't bear it. I guess I do get a little overprotective when it comes to my daughters."

"Yeah, but it's not fair on my sons." I pouted, placing a hand on his back.

"Anya, you know I love my kids equally, and I'd give up my life, my everything for them." 

"I know." I kissed his upper arm. "Just be a little bit calmer when dealing with Rohaan as well, otherwise he'll feel like there's favouritism, whether it's true or not."

"Who has that boy gone after?" He smiled fondly. "He's like neither of us."

"Mama says he's like his Saim Mamu. She says Saim used to be almost out-of-control mischievous." 

"Maybe he can stay with Saim for a while then, and Salaay sahab can handle him." He teased, glancing my way because he knew that I'd react to that.

"My poor little Rohaan!" I narrowed my eyes at him. "Stop being mean to him! Mera bechara bacha."

*"My poor boy."

"Why are we even discussing the kids? We're meant to be having some time together...finally." He pulled me against himself. 

I laughed.

Despite our little 'arguments' where I defended our sons and he got overprotective of our daughters, Rehan and I adored our family beyond words. We loved our children, each one of them unconditionally. They were our whole world, our perfect family. 

*

"Papa!" Arsalan wrapped his little arms around Rehan's neck as he climbed into his lap. Our four-year-old boy immediately began to sob.

"What did Rohaan do now?" Rehan asked me.

"Not Rohaan. Haya." I narrowed my eyes at my husband. "She threw a tennis ball at him, attempting to teach him how to catch, and it hit his head instead." I sat down beside him. "This is meant to be a holiday, but the kids keep making each other cry." 

As soon as Arsu saw that I was sitting down, he moved onto my lap, his eyes filled with fresh tears. Burying his head against my shoulder, he wrapped his arms around my neck now.

"Maa paas aagayi to baap ko bhool gaya." Rehan smiled adoringly at our youngest.

*"Now that his mother is here, he forgot his father."

"Arsu is Mama's sweet little baby, right Arsu?" I whispered to our son before kissing the side of his head.

I had a difficult pregnancy with Arsalan, and most of it I had spent crying due to what I feel was a nine-months-long extreme case of hormones. I'd barely recovered from giving birth to Rohaan, and was still on maternity leave when I had fallen pregnant again, and because my body hadn't fully recovered yet from Rohaan, it wasn't a smooth one for me. 

One of the hobbies that I'd loved during my last pregnancy was reading Rehan's detective books. I'd read a lot while pregnant with Arsalan, to the point that everyone used to joke that our baby boy would be born with an ability to read. 

But because I'd taken a longer maternity leave during Arsu's time- with plenty of sick days due to feeling completely down- I had spent a lot of time talking to my Arsu, silly as that sounds. Moments when I was alone, I'd lovingly stroke my belly and speak to him about how my day was going so far, or what his brother and sisters were up to. So even though I'd cried a lot, I also formed a very special tight-knit bond with Arsu, and it seemed like he felt the same. He had always been the closest to me, always been the most affectionate towards me.

"Haya was just teaching him. She didn't intentionally hit him, right?"

"Always defending your daughters." I leaned closer to whisper in my husband's ear, making sure our Arsu didn't hear.

"Oh, come on. Be honest, I never tell him off unfairly or unreasonably. In fact, I tell the girls when they're wrong as well." He reached out and took Arsu from me. "Shall I tell Haya Appi off?" He asked.

Arsu shook his head. "No. She wanted me to play too."

Rehan smiled at me. "No matter how many fights, how many tears, our kids will always have each other's backs, In Sha Allah. I have faith in that because I have witnessed it so many times. They have a beautiful bond, Anya. May Allah retain their bond forever. Ameen." 

"Ameen." I repeated. "That's true. Even Ro and Haya fight a lot, but they stand up for each other, Ma Sha Allah."

We'd repeatedly told them about the importance of siblings. Like for Rehan, Yasin had been his whole world, and for me, Saim had been one of my biggest supports, we'd wanted our children to share the same sibling bond. We wanted them to know how much a strong and supportive  family system could come through in the biggest tests of life. We wanted them to always feel like they had each other, even after Rehan and I were long gone.

I ran a hand over the back of Arsu's head as he rested it on Rehan's chest.

May their bond always remain intact. Ameen. I made another silent dua.

*

PRESENT

Arsalan

It was last, almost two at night. I woke up due to strange sounds. Sleepily, I got up and made my way out of the room. I saw the light spilling out of Rohaan's room and I made my way towards it.

I knocked on the ajar door, but when he didn't answer, I went in anyway. The bathroom door opened as I entered his room and Rohaan stepped out.

"ROHAAN!" I almost yelled out as I looked at my brother.

*

Sorry for the delay guys, but life was too hectic.

I tried to give you guys sweet moments between Hoor and Farhaan, as well as flashbacks, to compensate for the delay.

What's going on with Rohaan?

Thoughts and comments?

Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote!