Kubra sat at the dresser, focused on her reflection, carefully applying makeup, her bangles creating tinkling noise in silent room.

The door creaked open, and Sarim emerged from the washroom. Their eyes met in the mirror, a moment pregnant with unspoken words.

A subtle tension lingered as both quickly averted their gaze, a shared awkwardness dancing in the air. Kubra's hands trembled slightly,

Sarim approached the dresser, and Kubra instinctively stepped aside.

"Brush..." Sarim points at his hairbrush and tells her.

Kubra nods her head on her stupidity. Of course, he needs to get ready, too.

Her fingers fidgeted with the ring on her finger as she hesitated. Just as she summoned the courage to speak. She wanted to apologize that she slept off early last night.

"Woh..."

(That...)

"Kubra," Simultaneously, he turned towards her, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange. The room held its breath as they stood on the verge of conversation, each waiting for the other to take the lead.

"Haan, bolo," Sarim insisted on her.

(Yes,?)

"Nahi, tum bolo..." Kubra shook her head, wanting him to speak first.

(No, you speak first...)

Before either could utter a word, a soft knock echoed through the room, interrupting them.

"Mom hongi shayad." Sarim told her and went to open the door.

(It might be mom.)

It was indeed Azma Randhawa, calling them for breakfast.

•••

Hayder and Shahzaib came to their house with breakfast. Kubra's face lits up with a warm smile, and she went to greet them.

"Baba nahi aye?" She looked behind them, then asked.

(Did Baba not come?)

"Woh ghar pe tumhara wait kar rahe hain." Hayder informed her.

(He is waiting for you at home.)

"Ajao, Kubra, nashta karlo." Azma Randhawa called her.

(Come, Kubra, have breakfast.)

Sarim stepped into the living room, his eyes involuntarily tightening at the sight Rafey. Hayder and Shahzaib are Kubra's brother, but why does Rafey have to come here?

Sarim took a moment to compose himself, concealing any unease.

"Assalam-Alaikum!" Sarim greeted them, then sat beside Kubra on the sofa.

"Chalo, sab aao nashta karlo." Azma Randhawa once again called them.

(Come on, everyone, have breakfast.)

After breakfast, Hayder suggested that it was time to take Kubra back to their home. The atmosphere shifted, and the unspoken conversation between Kubra and Sarim lingered in the air as they looked at each other.

•••

Sarim couldn't shake off the feeling that Kubra wasn't there. The room, where she spent just one night, felt empty without her.

He sat on the bed where Kubra slept last night and noticed her earrings. Picking them up, he smiled.

No matter what, the feeling of her being his wife was really beautiful.

•••

Meanwhile, at Mirza house, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and affection. Kubra favourite meal adorned the dining table, and her family members doted on her, treating her like royalty. The air resonated with laughter and the clinking of utensils, creating a comforting ambience.

"Hyra, yeh sab tumne banaya hai?" When Kubra tasted the biryani, she instantly knew it wasn't the maid who cooked it.

(Hyra, did you make all this?)

"Bana hi na le woh beena jale kuch." Tabu said, passing a teasing glance to Hyra, who did offer to cook biryani, but ended up spilling rice all over the floor.

(As if she could cook without burning herself or spilling anything.)

"Biryani toh niche se ayi." Then Tabu added.

(Biryani came from downstairs.)

"Kubra, tum yeh lo na." Minal picked a bowl of chicken karhai and said.

(Kubra, take this.)

"Fuppo, main already bohot kha liya." Kubra put the spoon down and protested, but too late, Minal already put some gravy in her plate.

(Fuppo, I've already eaten a lot.)

"Bas kar dein aap sab, ek hi din mein uska mota karna hai kya?" Rafey couldn't help but commented.

(Stop it, all of you, do you want to make her fat in just one day?)

"Haan toh tum kyu jal rahe ho. Bachhi shadi ke baad pehli baar ghar ayi hai." Asiya Begum said. Casting a loving glance to Kubra.

(Yeah, why are you jealous? The girl came home for the first time after getting married.)

"Bachhi kal hi yaha se gayi hai waise." Shahzaib mumbled and drank water.

(The girl just went from here yesterday.)

Kubra's hand froze on this, Despite the love surrounding her, a sense of overwhelming nostalgia overcame her. The familiarity of her childhood home clashed with the reality of her married life. Now, she feels like a guest at her own childhood home. The house where every corner held cherished memories. Now, her home was where Sarim was, and this realization brought a twinge of melancholy.

"Kya hua, Kubra? Sab theek?" Hayder, who was sitting beside Kubra, asked when saw she put the spoon down.

(What happened, Kubra? Is everything okay?)

With a forced smile, Kubra shook her head and reassured her brother, "Ji, bhai." She didn't want to convey any dissatisfaction to Hayder.

(Yes, bhai.)

Hayder, though concerned, didn't force her to answer and patted her head gently. "Koi bhi baat ho toh begair kisi hesitation ke mujhe batana."

(If there's anything, tell me without any hesitation.)

Kubra nodded, appreciating her brother's understanding. As the evening unfolded with laughter and family bonding, Kubra couldn't help but steal glances at her phone, yearning for a message from Sarim.

•••

The evening unfolded in a warm glow as Kubra, Shahzaib, Rafey, Zara, and Hyra gathered on the balcony for tea. The fragrant aroma of brewing chai filled the air, creating a cosy ambience.

As they sipped their tea, Rafey, with a curious expression, turned to Hyra. "Yeh Uswa nahi dikh rahi?"

(Uswa is not coming?)

Hyra chuckled, "Mummy ne ussey uppar aney se mana kiya hai."

(Mom has forbidden her to come upstairs.)

"Hyra, idhar ana." Tabu called Hyra. Making Hyra put the cup down and leave.

(Hyra, come here.)

Shahzaib, seizing the opportunity to tease Rafey, interjected, "Australia mein reh kar tum humari reeti riwaj bhool gaye kya?" He sounded very serious.

(Living in Australia, did you forget our traditions and culture?)

"Reeti what?" Rafey asked, confused.

(Traditions what?)

"Riwaj. Larka larki shadi se pehle nahi milte. Balki main toh kahunga ab tum bhi niche se kahi na jana. Direct yaha balcony se jump karna gate pe land hona agar bahar jana hua toh." Shahzaib's suggestion earned laughter from Kubra and Zara.

(Culture. Boys and girls don't meet before marriage. In fact, I would say now you shouldn't go down either. Jump from the balcony directly onto the gate if you need to go outside.)

"Haan aur fit tooti hui haddi ke sath barat leke jau? Tum toh waise hi jalte ho mujhse, jante ho na main bohot zyada handsome dulha banuga." Rafey boasted.

(Yes, and I should bring the barat with broken bones? You are jealous of me, you know I'll be the very handsome groom.)

"Shahzaib se zyada handsome?" Kubra raised her eyebrow playfully. "Aisa toh Uswa bhi nahi sochegi tumhare barey mein."

(More handsome than Shahzaib?)

(Uswa doesn't think so about you either.)

"What?" Rafey was confused.

"Haan, chaho toh Uswa se puchlo, humare khandan ka handsome larka kon hai. Tumhara naam nahi legi woh." Kubra nodded, then took a sip of her tea.

(Yeah, ask Uswa if you want, who the handsome boy in our family is. She won't mention your name.)

"Toh fir kon hai?" Rafey asked,

(So who is it then?)

"Uswa aur Hyra ne toh rank diye hain sabko."

(Uswa and Hyra have given rankings to everyone.)

"First pe kon hai?" Shahzaib asked, now interested.

(Who's first?)

Rafey and Zara also leaned in, curious.

"First pe...." Kubra took a dramatic pause. "Shahzaib hai... According to Uswa and Hyra." Kubra announced but quickly added, clarifying it's not her opinion.

(First is... Shahzaib... According to Uswa and Hyra.)

"What?" Rafey was shocked, while Shahzaib put his cup down, shrugged his collar, leaned back in the chair, and ran his hand through his hair, appreciating his own looks.

"Dekha, heere ki kadar juwari ko hi hoti hai." Shahzaib said, with smug expression.

(See, the value of a diamond is known to a gambler.)

"Johri," laughing, Kubra corrected him.

(Jeweller)

"Wait... yeh 1st hai toh main 2nd?" Rafey was still in shock.

(Wait... if he's first, am I second?)

"Actually, 2nd pe toh Dawar bhai hain. Tum 3rd ho." Sheepishly, Kubra answered.

(Actually, Dawar bhai is second. You're third.)

"Main last hoon?" This was another shock for Rafey.

(Am I last?)

"Eh..." Kubra didn't say anything and thought of drinking tea. Shahzaib, noticing her expression, quickly did the math in his mind.

"Wait... Hayder bhai bhi toh hain... don't tell me woh last hain." Shahzaib asked, surprised.

(Wait... Hayder bhai is also there... don't tell me he's last.)

Slowly, Kubra bit her lips and nodded.

This made Shahzaib laugh harder. "Wow!" He clapped his hands together. Zara's gaze froze on Shahzaib's face and his carefree laugh.

"Matlab tumhe tumhari biwi ne second last pe rakha hai," controlling his laughter, Shahzaib said to Rafey. "Aur bechare Hayder bhai, unhe toh Hyra ne khoobsurati mein last pe rakha hai, woh unhe handsome manti hi nahi. Kya ranking banayi hai Hyra ne."

(So your soon to be wife put you second last,)

(And poor Hayder bhai, Hyra has put him last in terms of beauty. What a ranking Hyra has made.)

This made Kubra and Zara laugh too.

"Very funny. Mashriki larki hai Uswa, aise thori apne husband ko most handsome man keh sakti hai." Rafey's face sulked.

(Very funny. Uswa is a shy girl. She can't say her husband is the most handsome man.)

"Mashriki aur Uswa?" Shahzaib asked.

(Uswa and shy?)

"Ab tum..." Kubra looked at Rafey to console him, but then she saw Sarim and Hayder coming toward them, prompting her to put her cup down and stand up.

(Now you...)

Others noticed them too and stood up.

•••

Sarim observed from a distance as Kubra laughed with Rafey, the sound reaching his ears like a melody. However, instead of bringing joy, it ignited an unexpected flame of jealousy within him. A pang of possessiveness washed over him, seeing Kubra sharing laughter with Rafey.

"Rafey mera ideal tha."

As Sarim approached, he couldn't help but feel a knot tighten in his chest. The casual banter between Kubra and Rafey, which had moments ago seemed innocent, now sparked an unsettling jealousy within him. His eyes subtly lingered on their interaction, and he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that gripped his heart.

Meanwhile, not far away, Hayder overheard Shahzaib's comment about Hyra not considering him handsome. The words hit him unexpectedly. For a moment, he was in shock, and then he shook his head. Such a childish thing is expected from Hyra.

•••

Kubra carefully applied a final touch of lipstick, glancing at herself in the mirror as she prepared to leave the Mirza house with Sarim. Just as she was about to stand up, a faint ring echoed in the room. She turned towards the source, discovering Zara's cellphone lying on the bed.

Kubra picked up the phone and answered the call.

A soft voice on the other end, spoke, "Hello,"

"Kon?" Kubra couldn't recognise the voice and asked.

(Who?)

"Main Deema bol rahi hoon, aap Zara bhabhi ko bula dengi." The girl introduces herself and politely requested.

(I'm Deema speaking, can you call Zara bhabhi.)

Kubra, still processing the unexpected address, couldn't help but ask, "Kon bhabhi?"

(Who bhabhi?)

"Zara bhabhi."

"Apne shayad wrong number dial kar diya." That's the only explanation Kubra could come up.

(You probably dialled the wrong number,)

Deema's tone remained calm as she spoke, "Yeh Zara Khan ka number haina?... Haan mere paas toh sahi number hai, woh meri hone wali bhabhi hain, unka rishta mere bhai se tay hai."

(This is Zara Khan's number, right?... Yes, I have the correct number; she is going to be my sister-in-law; her marriage is fixed with my brother.)

The revelation hung in the air, leaving Kubra stunned.

"Zara ki shadi? Kab tay hui?" Kubra whispered, her mind grappling with sudden news.

(Zara's wedding? When was it finalized?)

Deema, unaware of the impact of her words, repeated, "Achha mujhe filhal jana hai, lekin Zara bhabhi ko bata dijiyega maine call ki thi, unki ring size janni thi."

(Okay, I have to go now, but tell Zara bhabhi that I called; I needed to know her ring size.)

Before Kubra could respond, the call disconnected, leaving her standing there, phone in hand, processing the unexpected turn of events. A mix of shock, confusion, and betrayal lingered in Kubra's mind as she tried to make sense of the unexpected news.

"Kubra, Sarim bhai wait kar rahe hain tumhara..." Zara entered the room to call Kubra, but concern masked her face as she saw Kubra standing there with a stunned expression.

(Kubra, Sarim bhai is waiting for you...)

"Kya hua, Kubra, sab theek?" Zara inquired, sensing something amiss.

(What happened, Kubra, everything okay?)

In response, Kubra handed Zara her phone, her eyes holding a mixture of shock and disappointment. "Tumhari nand ki call ayi thi," Kubra said with a taunt in her voice.

(Your sister-in-law's called.)

Zara's face turned pale as she took the phone, panic flickered in her eyes as she opened her mouth to explain, "Kubra, actually...."

But before she could utter a word, Kubra raised her hand, cutting her off. "Yeh sach hai? Tumhara rishta wakai tay ho chuka hai?" Kubra asked, her voice tinged with hurt and betrayal. "Toh fir Shahzaib ke sath sab kuch kya tha? Hume dhoke mein kyu rakha, Zara?"

(Is this true? Has your marriage really been fixed)

(So what was everything with Shahzaib then? Why did you keep us in the dark, Zara?)

Zara struggled to find the right words, her heart sinking at the unexpected confrontation. "Meri baat toh suno, yeh sab bilkul waisa nahi hai jaise tum soch rahi ho," she began, but Kubra's eyes held a firm resolve.

(Listen to me, this is not at all what you're thinking.)

"Toh fir tum batao kya hai yeh sab," Kubra insisted, her emotions on the edge.

(Then tell me what all this is about,)

Zara took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Kubra's. "Haan mera rishta tay ho chuka hai, lekin waise nahi jaise tum soch rahi ho. Tum janti ho mere bade papa kaise hain, yeh sab bohot complicated hai, Kubra, samajhne ki koshish karo," she pleaded.

(Yes, my marriage has been fixed, but not in the way you're thinking. You know how my uncle is, this is all very complicated, Kubra, try to understand.)

Kubra's expression remained hardened, her disappointment deepening. "Mujhe sirf itna pata hai ki tumne itni badi baat humse chupai. Tumne achha nahi kiya, Zara. Tumne Shahzaib ke sath achha nahi kiya."

(All I know is that you hid such a big thing from us. You didn't do good, Zara. You did wrong to Shahzaib.)

"Kubra, main..." Zara's heart clutches at Kubra's words.

(Kubra, I...)

"Baat mat karo tum mujhse." Kubra, fueled by a mix of disbelief and hurt, didn't wait for further explanations. She briskly walked out of the room, leaving Zara standing there with a heavy heart.

(Don't talk to me.)

As the door closed behind Kubra, Zara sank onto the edge of the bed, her hands trembling. She replayed the moment in her mind. The impending loss of Shahzaib and the potential strain on her relationship with Kubra weighed heavily on her.

The room felt suffocating, filled with the remnants of the shattered truth. Zara knew that her bond with Kubra had suffered a severe blow, and the friendship they once cherished now hung in the balance. She stared at the closed door, the silence amplifying the turmoil within her.

The impending revelation of her engagement to Shahzaib lingered like a storm on the horizon, and Zara couldn't escape the dread of facing Shahzaib's reaction.

She envisioned the disappointment in Shahzaib's eyes, the betrayal he might feel upon discovering the truth. The fear gnawed at her.

•••

As Sarim drove through the city, he couldn't ignore the palpable tension in the car. Attempting to break the silence, he gently asked, "Kaisa tha tumhara din?"

(How was your day?)

"Theek," Kubra's response was short and simple.

(Fine,)

Sarim noticed her lack of enthusiasm and frowned, his mind trying to decipher the shift in her mood. Memories of her laughter with Rafey flashed through his mind, contrasting sharply with the current atmosphere in the car.

"Itni khamosh kyu ho? Aisa lag raha hai jaise main kidnap karke le ja raha hoon." Sarim tried again, attempted to lighten her mood.

(Why are you so quiet? It feels like I'm kidnapping you or something.)

Kubra sighed, she removes her eyes from the window and looked at Sarim.

"Nahi bas... thakk gayi hoon."

(No, just... I'm tired.)

Sarim, however, thought differently. He recalled the times when Kubra was radiant, especially in Rafey's company this evening. The contrast between those moments and her current gloomy demeanour left him puzzled.

The car journey continued in an uncomfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts, with Sarim trying to understand the complexities of Kubra's emotions.

•••

"Tumhe Shahzaib kyu lagta hai handsome?" Rafey demaned, irritation visible in his tone.

(Why do you think Shahzaib is handsome?)

"Apne kabhi Shahzaib bhai ko black shalwar kameez mein dekha hai?" Uswa, however, was careless and asked him in return.

(Have you ever seen Shahzaib bhai in a black shalwar kameez?)

"What? Uska issey kya lena dena?" Rafey was taken aback by the unexpected question.

(What? What does that have to do with anything?)

"Dekha hai ya nahi?"

(Have you seen him or not?)

"Nahi. Lekin uska issey kya lena dena?" Rafey retorted.

(No. But what does that have to do with anything?)

"Lena dena hai. Apne dekha hota toh khud kehte Shahzaib bhai bohot handsome hain." Happily, Uswa said, as if she proved her point

(It does. If you had seen him, you would have said Shahzaib bhai is very handsome.)

but Rafey's frustration reached its peak. "Bas kardo, Uswa, agar main tumhe handsome nahi lagta toh shadi kyu kar rahi ho?"

(Enough, Uswa. If you don't find me handsome, why are you marrying me?)

"Well, mujhse kisine pucha nahi tha..." Uswa shrugged her shoulder.

(Well, no one asked me...)

The words hung in the air, leaving Rafey stunned. "Toh kya tum Shahzaib se shadi karti?"

(So, are you marrying Shahzaib?)

"Maine aisa kab kaha? Kaisi baat kar rahe hain aap?" Angrily, Uswa asked

(When did I say that? What are you talking about?)

"Main toh bakwas hi karta hoon, mat karo mujhse baat." Unable to comprehend the situation, Rafey disconnected the call abruptly.

(I just talk nonsense; don't talk to me.)

"Arey, maine aisa kya keh diya?" Uswa looked at her cell phone and asked herself.

(Oh, what did I say?)

Feeling a growing sense of concern, Uswa attempted to call Rafey again, but he ignored her calls. Frustrated, she decided to seek insight from Hyra, as she dialled Hyra's number, hoping for some clarity.

"Haan, bolo, Uswa?" Hyra's voice echoed through the phone.

(Yes, tell me, Uswa?)

"Hyra, kya chal raha hai uppar?" Uswa questioned.

(Hyra, what's going on up there?)

Hyra, who was making bed to sleep, stopped and looked around. "Main bed set kar rahi thi..." She answered.

(I was setting up the bed...)

"Arey main uski baat nahi kar rahi thi, yeh Rafey khamakha naraz ho gaye. Mujhe toh kuch samajh nahi araha."

(I wasn't talking about that. Rafey got upset for no reason. I don't understand.)

"Hain? Woh kyu? Shaam tak toh mood theek tha." Sitting on the bed, Hyra said in confusion.

(What? Why? He was fine until the evening.)

"Pata nahi, maine bas itna hi toh kaha tha ki Shahzaib bhai ko black mein dekha hai kabhi ya nahi. Aur nazar go gaye woh." Uswa was upset by Rafey's behaviour.

(I don't know. I just mentioned that if he had seen Shahzaib bhai in black, and he got upset.)

"Kya? Puri baat batao." Knowing there must be more than this, Hyra asked. And Uswa told her everything.

(What? Tell me the whole story.)

"Uswa, tum pagal ho. Puri ki puri pagal ho." Hyra's eyes widened, and she smacked her forehead in disbelief

(Uswa, you're crazy. Completely crazy.)

"Tumhe nahi pata kya issey yeh lagta hai ki tum na khush ho iss shadi se."

(Do you not know what he thinks? That you're not happy with this marriage.)

"Maine aisa kab kaha?" Defensively, Uswa asked.

(When did I say that?)

"Tumne aisa nahi kaha, lekin matlab toh yahi nikalta haina... mujhse kisine shadi ka pucha nahi... soch samajh ke bola karo tum. Shadi ho rahi hai, aise nahi chal sakta ab agey." Hyra sternly scolded her. She was shocked how could Uswa say this.

(You didn't say it, but that's what he seems to infer... Think before you speak. We are getting married; we can't continue like this.)

Hyra's words made Uswa realise her irresponsibility.

"Achha na, kuch zyada Hayder bhai ka asar nahi ho raha tum pe? Ho gayi galti, daat kyu rahi ho?" Uswa pouted.

(Don't behave like Hayder bhai. Mistakes happen; why scold me?)

"Daatu na toh kya karu?"

"Rafey se baat karo na." Uswa pleaded, quivering her lips as if Hyra could see her innocent face on the phone.

(Talk to Rafey.)

"Main? Main kyu baat karu? Tumne galti ki, tum baat karo." Hyra, still frustrated, said

(Why should I? Why don't you talk? It's your mistake.)

"Arey main karlu, lekin woh mera phone nahi utha rahe, kam se kam unhe bolo meri call hi receive kar lein." Uswa's guilt lasted only 1 minute, and she was back to her usual self.

(I could, but he's not answering my calls. At least tell him to pick up my call.)

"Achha hua nahi utha rahe, tum deserve karti ho." Hyra scoffs. Taking off her specs.

(It's good he's not picking up; you deserve it.)

"Hyra, please na, meri behen nahi ho kya? Please baat karlo Rafey se. Yaar ab toh tum meri woh bhi toh ho... woh.. woh kya hota hai?... Jethalal. Mere liye itna nahi kar sakti?"

(Hyra, please, aren't you my sister? Please talk to Rafey. Now you are my what... what is it? Jethalal. You should do at least this for me.)

"Jethani hota hai woh. Theek hai kal kar lungi baat." This emotional plea softened Hyra's stance, and she sighed, agreeing.

(It's Jethani. Fine, I'll talk to him tomorrow.)

At the same time, Hayder entered the room. He raised his eyebrow at Hyra, asking whom she was talking to this late. Hyra shook her head, then stood up to sit on the sofa, leaving the bed for Hayder, who followed after her and sat beside her on the sofa.

"Kal kyu? Aaj karo na. Balki abhi, mera dil aise dhakk dhakk dhakk kar raha hai." Uswa demanded.

(Why tomorrow? Do it today. In fact, right now. My heart is pounding.)

"Tum pagal ho main nahi jo raat ke iss waqt baat karu. Kaha na subah baat karungi. Achha hai abhi tum aise dhakk dhakk dil leke raho."

(You're crazy. But I am not that I'll talk to him at this late hour. I said I'll talk in the morning. It's better if you keep your heart pounding like that for now.)

"Achha! Theek hai kal kar lena baat. Lekin wada karo subah sabse pehle baat karogi tum Rafey se." Uswa said.

(Fine! Let's talk tomorrow. But promise me you'll talk to Rafey first thing in the morning.)

"Haan, wada. Ab phone rakho." Hyra promises and disconnects the call.

(Yes, promise. Now hang up)

"Uswa?" Hayder inquired.

Hyra responded with a nod and stood up, placing her phone on the dresser as she began to braid her hair.

As Hayder anticipated Hyra's explanation, but she didn't, he broke the silence. "Kissey baat karna hai iss waqt?"

(Who do you want to talk to right now?)

"Kuch nahi, bas Rafey bhai se...."

(Nothing, just Rafey bhai...)

"Kyu?"

(Why?)

"Kuch khas nahi. Bas aise hi." Hyra hesitated to share details with Hayder.

(Just like that.)

Observing Hyra's irritation due to Uswa's call, Hayder grew concerned. Hyra rarely got angry with Uswa, so he probed further. "Dono ke beech kuch hua hai kya?"

(Did something happen between between them)

Hyra acknowledged with a nod, tossing her braid behind her.

"Isliye shadi se pehle baat nahi karni chahiye. Sari baatein aur jhagre toh shadi se pehle kar lete hain, shadi ke baad ke liye bachta hi kya hai." Hayder removed his wristwatch, placing it on the side table before settling on the bed.

(That's why you shouldn't talk before marriage. All the discussions and arguments happen before marriage; there's nothing left for after marriage.)

Hyra burst into laughter at his remark. "Shadi se pehle baat karke ek dusre ko samajhna galat toh nahi. Haan, apki soch bhi galat nahi. Apke time nahi hota hoga na yeh sab, tab toh shayad phone bhi nahi hote honge." She continued expressing her thoughts while sitting on the bed, leaving Hayder in shock.

(Isn't it wrong to understand each other before marriage? You aren't wrong either, in your time probably these things weren't normal; maybe there were no phones then.)

"Mere time matlab? Stone age? Main bhi ussi time se hoon jis time se tum ho,"

(What do you mean by my time? Stone age? I'm from the same time as you.)

Hyra, who was reflecting on life without mobile phones, paused and looked at Hayder, realizing the impact of her words.

She felt embarrassed, questioning why she always indulged in such nonsense in front of him.

"Mera matlab.... Aap waise type ke nahi lagte nahi na...." Hyra attempted to explain.

(My point is... you don't seem to be that type...)

"Kaise type ka nahi lagta?" Hayder raised an eyebrow.

(What type do I not seem?)

"Woh... woh pata nahi." Unable to come up with any excuse, Hyra looked away and mumbled.

(That... I don't know.)

"Pata nahi kya hota hai? Batao, kis type ka lagta hoon tumhe main?"

(I don't know what it means. Tell me, what type do I seem to be to you?)

"Aap... Aap achhe haina." She said, fidgeting with her fingers, trying to appease him.

(You... you're nice)

"Bas?" But he wasn't satisfied.

(Just nice?)

"Toh aur kya?" Hyra looked at him with wide eyes.

(What else?)

"Tum batao aur kya? Tumhe tumhare husband mein bas achhe hone ke alawa aur koi khoobi nahi dikhti?"

(You tell me what else? Do you see any other qualities in your husband besides being nice?)

Hyra blinked in response, trying to process his words. "Nahi, maine aisa toh nahi kaha."

(No, I didn't say that.)

"Matlab toh yahi nikalta hai. Burai karne ke liye toh hazar lafz honge tumhare paas. Gabbar Singh ke ustad, shakal dekhke darr lagta hai, bachho ke dushman aur kya..."

(That's what it implies. You probably have a thousand words for criticizing. The master of Gabbar Singh, scary to look at, enemy of children, and what else...)

"Yeh sab toh shadi se pehle kaha tha." Hyra, who was shocked by Hayder words and wondered how does he knew all of this, she quickly said, defensively.

(All that was said before marriage.)

"Toh shadi ke baad ka batao."

(So, what about after marriage?)

Hyra, taking him seriously, blurted out, "Abhi toh aap bohot achhe hain. Apki shakal dekhke bilkul bhi darr nahi lagta."

(Now you are nice, and I am not scared of you.)

Despite Hyra's attempt to ease the tension, Hayder's countenance remained stern.

"Sachhi mein, Hayder, abhi maine apko aisa koi naam nahi diya. Shadi se pehle hi bolte the, tab aap datte bhi toh bohot the na, hamesha rok tok toh bas aur kya karte hum? Lekin abhi aisa bilkul nahi hai. Abhi toh apko dekhke mujhe darr nahi lagta aur maine Sami aur Uswa se bhi keh diya apko Gabbar Singh ke Ustad na bulaye." Hyra rambled, attempting to diffuse the tension and clarify her intentions.

(Right now, you are very nice, Hayder. I haven't given you any names like that. Before marriage, you used to scold a lot, always stopping and controlling. What else could we do? But now, it's not like that at all. Now, looking at you doesn't scare me, and I told Sami and Uswa not to call you Gabbar Singh's Master.)

"Mujhe toh sabse zyada apke dimples pyare lagte hain..." Putting a finger on her cheek, Hyra told him.

(I like your dimples the most...)

Hayder, unable to contain his laughter, finally broke into a smile. "Achha? Aur kya kya achha lagta hai tumhe?" He playfully leaned toward her, awaiting her response.

(Oh? What else do you like?)

Hyra realized he was teasing her, and it ignited a spark of anger within her, causing her to huff her cheeks. "Aap... aap mujhe dara rahe the?"

(Were you scaring me?)

"Kam se kam issi bahane mujhe pata toh chala tum kya sochti ho mere barey mein." Hayder, undeterred, threw his arm around her shoulder, pulling her gently closer to him.

(At least this way, I found out what you think about me.)

In response, Hyra glared at him and pushed his hand away, retorting, "Aap bohot bure hain, Hayder." For a moment, her heart stopped thinking he was angry.

(You are very mean, Hayder.)

"Tum bohot achhi ho, Hyra." Hayder's words were warm, and he once again enveloped her in a comforting embrace, dispelling any lingering tension in the air.

(You are very nice, Hyra.)

•••

"Aunty, aap kuch din aur ruk jaiye." Kubra asked Azma in a meek voice.

(Aunty, stay a few more days.)

Yesterday was their Walima, and today, Azma was leaving for Canada.

"Abhi bhi aunty? Tum bhi mujhe Sarim ki tarah mom bulao. Sach tum mujhe bilkul meri beti lagti ho."

(With a kind smile, Azma pats Kubra's cheek.
Still aunty? Call me Mom, like Sarim does. Honestly, you are exactly like my daughter.)

"Aur mera jana zaroori hai. Asal mein Tabrez ki wife ki death ke baad uska khayal rakhne ke liye koi hai nahi, bachhe bhi apni zindagi mein busy hote hain, Bas Tabrez ki surgery ho jaye, uski recovery ke baad ajaungi." She tries to make Kubra understand why she is leaving. Kubra nods her head. Tabrez is Azma's youngest and only brother.

(And I have to go. Actually, after Tabrez's wife's death, there is no one to take care of him. The kids are busy with their lives. I'll come after Tabrez's surgery and recovery.)

Azma began, her voice gentle yet firm. "Tum ghar ka khayal rakhna. Sarim ke dad ki death ke baad iss ghar ka aur unke sarey rishto ko maine waise hi sambhala jaise woh sambhal ke rakhte the, abse yeh zimmedari tumhari. Bohot khayal rakhna iska."

(Take care of the house. After Sarim's dad's death, I handled this house and all his relationships just like he used to, and now this responsibility is yours. Take care of it.)

Kubra nodded, a hint of worry clouding her eyes. She had just stepped into this new relationship, and Azma's departure left a void. And now this responsibility.

Azma turned to Sarim, "Aur tum, Kubra ka khayal rakhna, uski himmat banna. Tum dono hi ek dusre ke liye mazboot sahara banna."

(And you, take care of Kubra, be her strength. Both of you be a strong support for each other.)

Sarim met Azma's gaze with a solemn nod, understanding the weight of the responsibility placed upon him. Kubra stole a glance at her husband, a mix of emotions playing on her face.

"Chalein, mom, issey pehle apki flight miss ho jaye." Sarim asked.

(Let's go, Mom, before you miss your flight.)

"Haan chalo," Azma nods her head.

(Yes, let's go.)

"Allah Hafiz, Mom. Have a safe journey." Kubra went to see her off to the main gate.

"Allah Hafiz!" Azma pats Kubra's cheek and sat in the car.

As Azma bid her farewell, Kubra's eyes welled up with tears. The house echoed with the bittersweet whispers of change, and Kubra braced herself for the adjustments ahead, missing the lively chaos of Mirza family.

•••

"Rafey bhai, aap Uswa ki baat ka bura na mane. Darasal uske dimagh se uski zuban connect nahi isliye beena soche samjhe bolti hai." Hyra delicately addressed the situation, stepping into her role as a sister. Trying to clear Uswa's blunder.

(Rafey bhai, please don't mind Uswa's words. Actually, her brain and her tongue don't connect, so she speaks without thinking.)

Unexpectedly, Rafey erupted in laughter at Hyra's explanation, catching her off guard. "Waise keh toh tum sach hi rahi ho." he chuckled.

(Well, you're saying the truth.)

Hyra couldn't suppress a relieved smile, sensing Rafey's positive mood. "Haina, lekin uska dil saaf hai. Aap naraz na ho ussey."

(Yeah, but her heart is pure. Please don't be upset with her.)

As Rafey's laughter faded, he gazed at Hyra with a smirk. "Theek hai nahi hota naraz, lekin ek shart pe. Uswa se kaho mere samne akey maafi mange."

(Fine, I won't be upset, but on one condition. Tell Uswa to come and apologize to me in person.)

Hyra's eyes widened in surprise. "Lekin Uswa aur aap shadi se pehle nahi mil sakte. Mummy nahi manegi."

(But Uswa and you can't meet before the wedding. Mom won't agree.)

"Fir main bhi nahi manuga." Rafey replied nonchalantly, hands in his pockets.

(Then I won't agree either.)

"Rafey bhai," Hyra almost pleaded.

"Uswa se puch lo, rules important hain ya mera manna." Rafey declared, leaving Hyra to contemplate the unexpected predicament she found herself in.

(Ask Uswa if rules are more important or me.)

•••

Hyra took a deep breath and approached Uswa, conveying Rafey's condition. Uswa's eyes flashed with anger upon hearing that Rafey wanted her to meet him before the marriage. "Woh samajhte kya hain, mera dil kal band ho jata unki narazgi ka soch sochke toh? Ab toh main unse baat nahi karungi. Shadi ke baad hi karenge baat." She muttered, clenching her fists.

(What does he think of himself? My heart would have stopped thinking he was angry with me. Now I won't talk to him either, we'll talk after marriage.)

"Uswa, aisa na ho tum unhe aur naraz kardo? Mil lo na, konsa tumne pehle koi rule nahi torha?" Hyra advises.

(Uswa, don't make him more upset. Just meet him; it's not like you haven't broken any rules before.)

"Woh aise aram se milne ka kehte toh mil leti, lekin ab toh nahi. Aye bade chalak."

(If he had asked to meet nicely, I would have, but not now. He's too clever.)

"Meri mano toh mil lo..." Before Hyra could give her advice, the living room door swung open, and Laraib entered. Alarmed, both Hyra and Uswa fell silent, exchanging quick glances to keep their conversation private.

(If you take my advice, meet him...)

Laraib, catching the tension, looked at them suspiciously, "Yeh tum dono sar jode har waqt konse secrets share karti rehti ho?"

(Why do you two always have your heads together? What secrets you two talk about?)

"Secret toh aise hi sar jodke hi share karte hain, bhabhi. Sabko bata denge toh secret kaise hua?" Uswa said with a cheeky smile.

(That's how one shares secrets, bhabhi. It wouldn't be a secret if we share it with everyone.)

"Uswa," Hyra called her in a warning tone. "Bhabhi, yeh mazak kar rahi hai."

(Bhabhi, she is just kidding.)

Laraib, unfazed, raised an eyebrow. "Mujhe tum dono ki bachkani secrets koi lena dena nahi, mujhe toh durr hi rakho inn mazak se." She turned to leave.

(Keep me out of your childhish secrets and jokes.)

Just as Laraib was about to exit, they all noticed Dawar standing in the doorway, a curious expression on his face. "Kya hua?" he inquired, glancing between them.

(What happened?)

•••

I can't come up with Hayder and Hyra's ship name. Like Hanan and Ayat is HanYat, Zimraan + Badia = ZaDia. Zaim + Hanaya = ZaYa

I can't make one for Hayder and Hyra because their name is too similar 😶 I've faced the same issue with Haris and Haya but now they are RisHa

Khair, how's the chapter?

-Ufaq