The room is bathed in the soft morning light, casting a warm glow, as Hyra's eyes slowly flutter open. Feeling the warmth beside her, she instinctively snuggles closer, relishing the comforting embrace. As consciousness fully dawns, confusion replaces the sleep-induced haze. She blinks, her gaze shifting to the familiar surroundings, and realization sets in—this isn't Uswa's room.

She turns her head, careful not to disturb Hayder's still-sleeping form beside her. Hyra takes a moment to absorb the surreal atmosphere, her thoughts a mix of curiosity and a flutter of emotions.

As she shifts slightly, her eyes widen in realization. Uswa! Panic briefly flickers across her face as she tries to piece together the events leading to this unexpected situation. She struggles to fully remember.

"Main yaha kaise ayi?" Hyra thought. As she gently disentangles herself from Hayder's embrace, careful not to disturb his peaceful slumber. She sits on the edge of the bed, rubbing her temples in an attempt to recall the details of the night before.

(How did I come here?)

"Hyra, tum na, apni beti ka naam Dimple rakhna." In the soft glow of the night, Uswa's voice filled the room with laughter and excitement. As the two friends lay on the bed. Hyra's eyes flicker with a shadow of doubt.

(Hyra, you know, name your daughter Dimple.)

"Kya hua?" Uswa felt her silence and asked.

(What happened?)

"Aur larka hua toh?" Hyra shook her head and asked. Trying not to reveal her emotions to Uswa.

(What if it's a boy?)

"Toh Dimpu rakh dena. Yeh bhi pyara hai." Uswa, undeterred, quipped.

(Then name him dimpu. It's cute too.)

A burst of laughter escaped Hyra's lips, the sound echoing in the quiet room. Uswa, caught up in the infectious joy, hugged Hyra tightly.

"Socho na, uske mote mote gaal pe dimples kitne pyare lagenge. Aur dekh lena tum, uski favourite khala toh main hi hongi, Kubra api ko favourite bua nahi banne dungi." Uswa exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

(Imagine, dimples will look so cute on her chubby cheeks. And mark my words, I'll be her favorite aunt; I won't let Kubra api become the favorite aunt.)

"Jitna tum Dimple dimple kar rahi ho, mujhe toh lagta hai baby ko agar dimple na hua tum toh ussey disown kar dogi." Hyra, still chuckling, teased.

(As much as you're talking about Dimple, I feel like if the baby doesn't have dimples, you might disown her.)

"Haw Hyra, main tumhe itni selfish lagti hoon? Haan, main apne baby ka rishta nahi dungi, but still, hoga toh mera hi baja na." At first, Uswa sounded offended, then she nudges Hyra.

(Haw Hyra, do you think I'm that selfish? Yes, I won't get my baby marry him, but dimple or not, it will be my nibbling.)

Once again, Hyra burst into laughing. "Bhanja!"

(Nephew!)

"Flow flow mein nikal gaya." Sheepishly, Uswa said.

(It just came out in the flow.)

As the night unfolded with laughter, Hyra eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep. Uswa had a remarkable way of making Hyra forget her problems.

Hyra distinctly remembers sleeping with Uswa. How did she end up here, then? With a sigh, Hyra gets up. Now wasn't the time to dwell on these thoughts. There's a lot of work today.

She was needed upstairs as well because she was the eldest daughter-in-law of the house, so someone or the other kept calling her downstairs. After all, she was the sister of the bride.

•••

Arzoo noticed the distance between Hyra and Hayder during Uswa's mehendi and how Hayder had to come to call Hyra from where she slept with Uswa. Now, Arzoo decided to ask Hyra about this.

"Tumhare mood ko kya hua hai, Hyra? Tumhare aur Hayder ke beech sab theek toh haina?" They were the only ones in the room at the moment when Arzoo decided to have a conversation with Hyra. She didn't want Hyra to behave distance with Hayder, just like yesterday.

(Why is your mood off, Hyra? Is everything okay between you and Hayder?)

"Agar theek nahi hai toh ho jayega, aap fikar na karein." Hyra spoke in a reserved tone, leaving Arzoo momentarily surprised.

(If it's not okay, it will be, don't worry.)

"Kya matlab hai tumhara? Tumhara Hayder se koi jhagra hua hai? Par kyu? Hyra, itni badi news hai, iske baad bhi tum Hayder ke sath aisa behave kar rahi ho mujhe samajh nahi araha. Kuch hua hai kya?" Arzoo felt puzzled, unsure how to explain things to Hyra, as the reality of the situation was unknown to her.

((What does it mean? Have you had a dispute with Hayder? But why? Hyra, it's such a big news, and even after that, I don't understand why you're behaving like this with Hayder. Has something happened?)

"Kuch nahi hua hai." Hyra's eyes filled with tears, making her bow her head and lie. Arzoo was the one who told her to never complain about Hayder.

(Nothing happened.)

"Tum bataogi nahi tab tak main kaise samajh paungi Hyra. Kya hua hai? Hayder ne kuch kaha hai?" Arzoo tried to guess it herself. "Hayder ne data hai kya?" This time, her guess was correct. Everyone knew about Hayder's anger issues.

(If you're not telling me, so how will I understand, Hyra? What happened? Has Hayder said something?)

(Has Hayder scolded you?)

When Hyra didn't respond, Arzoo understood she was right and started saying. "Beta, tum janti ho uske gusse ka. Mat bura mana karo,"

(Dear, you know his anger is. Don't take it to heart.)

"Kyu na bura manu? Maama, main bhi insan hoon, kabhi kabhi koi cheez mujhe bhi buri lag sakti hai. Zaroori hai kya har waqt muskurati rahu? Aap hamesha mujhe hi kyu adjust karne ke liye kehti hain? Kabhi toh aap keh diya karein Hyra tum jo feel kar rahi ho galat nahi hai, tumhe bhi haq hai naraz hone ka, gussa karne ka." Hyra's patience had worn thin. Why does Arzoo always tell her to adjust? Just once, why doesn't she say something for Hyra?

(Why shouldn't I feel bad? Maama, I am also a human, sometimes something can hurt me too. Is it necessary for me to always smile? Why do you always ask me to adjust? Sometimes, you should say, 'Hyra, what you're feeling is not wrong, you also have the right to be upset, to get angry.')

"Tum nahi samjhogi, Hyra, main yeh sab kyu kehti thi tumhe. Akeli aurat ko yeh society kaise treat karti hai main janti hoon, main tumhare liye woh sab nahi chahti. Tumhare papa nahi hain iss liye..." Hyra stopped Arzoo from explaining further.

(You won't understand, Hyra, why I used to say all this to you. I know how society treats a single woman, I don't want all that for you. Your father is not here, that's why...)

"Papa nahi hain, Maama, aap toh hain. Papa hote toh woh mere liye yeh karte, woh karte, bohot baar suna hai maine. Aap toh thi, apne mere liye kya kiya? Hamesha mujhe bas dusro ke hisab se jeena seekhaya. Jab bhi mujhe koi cheez pasand ati thi aur Uswa ko chahiye hoti thi, aap hamesha mujhe woh cheez Uswa ko dene ke liye kehti thi, aap kabhi yeh kyu nahi dekhti thi ki mujhe bhi woh cheez kitni pasand hoti thi."

(Papa isn't here, Maama, but you are. If papa were here, he would do this for me, that for me—I've heard it many times. You were there, what did you do for me? Always taught me to live according to others. Whenever I liked something and Uswa wanted it, you always asked me to give that thing to Uswa, why didn't you ever see how much I liked that thing too?)

"Maye betiyo ki dhaal hoti hain, lekin jab log mere aur Hayder ke barey mein baatein kar rahe the apne kabhi kisi se nahi kaha ki meri beti aisi nahi, uska naam kharab na karo, Hayder ka rishta aya toh apne sirf isliye haan kaha ki main badnaam ho rahi thi, shadi ke baad mein khush nahi thi phir bhi apne hamesha chup rehne ke liye kaha, compromise karne ke liye kaha." Hyra paused, taking a deep breath. She had endured so much for so long, and today, when she finally spoke, Arzoo was looking at her with shock, unable to say anything.

(Mothers are the shield for their daughters, but when people were talking about me and Hayder, you never told anyone that your daughter is not like that, don't tarnish her reputation. When Hayder's proposal came, you only agreed because I was getting a bad name, even though I wasn't happy after marriage, you always told me to stay quiet, to compromise.)

"Papa hote toh shayad yeh sab mere sath kabhi na hone dete, lekin woh nahi hain, aap hain, apne bhi toh mere liye kabhi kuch nahi kiya na. Main yateem hui thi, apne majboor banaya." Her face was wet with tears, which Hyra wiped away mercilessly.

(If Papa were here, maybe all this wouldn't have happened to me, but he's not here, you are. You haven't done anything for me either. I became an orphan, you made me helpless.)

"Aur yahi wajah hai, mujhe iss bachhe ki koi khushi mehsoos nahi ho rahi."

(And this is the reason, I don't feel any happiness for this baby)

"Hyra!" Arzoo's mind was shaken by Hyra's response, and she immediately intervened.

"Kya tumne yeh sab Hayder se kaha isliye tum dono..."

(Did you tell all this to Hayder, that's why you both...)

"Apko abhi bhi Hayder ki fikar hai?" Hyra looked at her mother with disbelief.

(You are still worrying about Hayder?)

"Main..." Arzoo immediately realized her mistake and tried to say something.

(I..)

"Nahi kaha hai Hayder se kuch. Kuch bhi nahi kaha hai." But Hyra spoke and left.

(I didn't say this to Hayder. I didn't say anything.)

Hyra, after wiping her tears, Hyra felt an urge to sit alone for a while, letting herself cry freely and release the emotions that had built up inside her. But Uswa called her, setting aside her own concerns, she decided to be there for Uswa on her special day.

"Hyra, tum baraat ke sath aaogi?" Rabia now realized that they had no idea from which side Hyra would attend the function.

(Hyra, you'll come with baraat?)

"Mummy, kaisi baat kar rahi hain aap? Of course Hyra mere sath rahegi." Uswa immediately responded.

(Mummy, what are you saying? Of course Hyra would be with me.)

Rabia smacked her head. It was obvious that Hyra would be with Uswa on this day. "Beta, fir tum jao aur apna joda le aao. Uswa ke sath parlour mein hi taiyyar ho jana tum."

(Dear, then go and bring your outfit. Get ready in the parlour with Uswa.)

Hyra nodded her head and went upstairs. For today, Hyra had chosen a very beautiful, finely embroidered dress to wear.

Hyra entered her room. As she approached her cupboard, her eyes were drawn to a shopper placed on the dresser. Intrigued, she picked it up, unveiling a stunning white saree adorned with red stones and a matching red blouse.

Perplexed, Hyra couldn't fathom who the elegant attire belonged to. A moment of hesitation swept over her as she delicately traced the intricate details. Deciding not to pry into someone's privacy, she carefully placed the saree back in the shopper.

But, her fingers hesitated over the shopper once more, a perplexed frown on her face. Why would someone leave such a beautiful ensemble in her room?

"Woh dress main laya tha, Hyra, tumhare liye." Maybe Hayder? The idea that Hayder might have bought it for her crossed her mind, but he didn't tell her.

(I bought that dress, Hyra, for you.)

Shaking her head, she dismissed the notion, contemplating the possibility that Hayder might have bought it for someone else. The thought made her feel upset.

Slamming the saree onto the dresser, Hyra went to the cupboard to take her dress.

"Hyra, Rabia bhabhi bula rahi hain tumhe." Minal entered her room and informed

(Hyra, Rabia bhabhi is calling you...)

When her eyes fell on that saree and then on the sharara in Hyra's hands. "Tum yeh saree pehen rahi ho?" Minal picked up that saree and examined it closely.

(You'll wear this saree?)

"Fuppi, main toh yeh pehen rahi hoon." Hyra showed Minal her sharara and started putting it in the bag along with her other necessities.

(Fuppi, I'm gonna wear this.)

"Kyu? Yeh itni pyari hai. Tum yahi pehno."

(Why? This saree is beautiful. You should wear this.)

"Fuppi, nahi..."

(No...)

"Kya nahi?" Now Minal started looking into the shopper where there were matching jewellery and bangles for the saree. "Pura set taiyyar rakha hai tumne aur keh rahi ho woh pehnogi? Itne sarey options leke na jao. Yeh saree pehno bohot pyari lagogi." Minal carefully placed the saree back into the shopper and concluded the conversation.

(Why not?)

(You have the whole set ready, and you're saying you won't wear it? Don't yake various options with you. Wear this saree, you'll look very lovely.)

Now, what could Hyra say? This saree wasn't hers, but whose saree could be in her room? She didn't know for whom Hayder had bought it. Hyra was afraid thinking about Hayder's reaction.

•••

"Hyra, mujhe na tickling ho rahi hai." Uswa's makeup was done, and now a girl was pinning up her dupatta when Uswa said.

(Hyra, I'm feeling ticklish.)

Hyra, who was already ready, was now adjusting the pallu of her saree and looked at Uswa. "Tumhe darr bhi lagta hai?" In her eyes, there was fear and hesitation, thinking about Hayder's reaction.

(You are getting cold feet?)

"Mujhe darr nahi lag raha, Pagal. Excitement ho rahi." A deep smile appeared on Uswa's face, and she said,

(I'm not scared, duffer. I'm excited.)

Upon hearing her words, even the makeup artists had a smile on their faces. One of them asked, "Apki love marriage hai?"

(You are doig love marriage?)

"Nahi, arrange." Happily, Uswa answered. Now she was ready.

(No, arrange.)

"Hyra, tum na pehle hi sabko bata dena meri rukhsati mein koi na roye. Tum janti ho mujhe hasi ajati hai." Then she ordered Hyra. "Aur rukhsati ke waqt main hasi mummy ussi waqt mujhe datne lagengi. Sab bhool ke."

(Hyra, you just let everyone know in advance not to cry at my rukhsati. You know, it makes me laugh.)

"Don't worry, tumhare liye koi nahi royega. Uppar hi aaogi tum." Hyra didn't take her seriously. Today, Uswa was blabbering a lot.

(Don't worry, no one will cry for you. You'll just come upstairs.)

"Sune, aap meri lipstick light kar dijiye." Then Hyra asked to a girl.

(Listen, please lighten my lipstick.)

"Light kyu? Itni pyari lag rahi ho. Ek toh waise bhi tumne itna kam kam make up karwaya hai, ab lipstick bhi light karwa rahi ho. Koi zaroorat nahi hai ab iska make up light karne ki." Uswa made faces and started scolding Hyra, then she told the make-up artist.

(Why lighten it? You look so beautiful. Besides, you've already kept the makeup so minimal, there's no need to lighten her lipstick.)

"Mana ki bagair make up bhi tum bohot haseen lagti ho. Par meri shadi hai, lagni chahiye na tum dulhan ki behen."

(I agree, you look beautiful even without makeup. But it's my wedding, you should look like the bride's sister, right?)

I'm not beautiful, Uswa. Hyra thought in her heart. Her heart had been bitter since the day before; Hayder had never praised her. But from Uswa' haldi's conversation, Hyra began to feel as if she was not worthy of Hayder at all. Not in education, not in intelligence, not in beauty. Their relationship seemed nismatch, perhaps this marriage is something that Hayder was enduring only for Baba and Dawar.

"Tum chashma pehnogi? Lens laga lo na." Uswa made a face again when she saw Hyra wearing her huge glasses.

(Are you going to wear glasses? Put on contact lenses.)

"Lens se mujhe uss din allergy ho gayi thi." Hyra made up an excuse.

(I had an allergy from lenses that day.)

In the midst of their conversation, they didn't even notice when Dawar arrived. Hyra covered her face with a black dupatta and took her outside. Uswa's face was hidden, but seeing his younger sister in wedding attire brought tears to Dawar's eyes, which he didn't let fall. When Uswa and Hyra approached the car, Dawar immediately opened the backseat door.

•••

Barat's arrival set a festive tone in the air as Hyra, along with others, gathered at the entrance to welcome them. Uswa's cousin handed Hyra a plate adorned with flowers, a gesture symbolizing joy and celebration. With a radiant smile, Hyra gracefully presented the floral offering to the arriving barat.

As Rafey and his family made their way in, Hyra's hand moved rhythmically, showering petals on the groom.

Her gaze, however, was fixated on Samiya. "Rafey bhai kitne handsome lag rahe hain."

(Rafey bhai is looking so handsome.)

"Masha'Allah!" Hyra mumbles.

Unbeknownst to her, Hyra unintentionally sprinkled flowers on Hayder as well. At first startled, Hayder's initial anger melted away when he realized it was Hyra behind the playful act.

Hayder's eyes softened as he observed Hyra, and a genuine smile formed on his face. His confusion turned into amusement as he recognized she's wearing the saree he had personally chosen for her.

Hyra glanced down to find the plate empty, realizing she had sprinkled all the flowers in her playful distraction. Sheepishly, she looked up and caught Hayder's gaze, a moment of hesitation colouring her expression. Hyra looked away, only to realize that everyone had left.

Hayder approached Hyra, his smile lingering, and said, "Jaan ke mara haina tumne mujhe?" He raised an eyebrow.

(You've hit me intentionally?)

Hyra, taken aback by Hayder's words, felt a mix of confusion and offence. "Main kyu..." she replied, furrowing her brows.

(Why would I...)

Before she could articulate her feelings, Samiya approached, linking arms with Hyra.

"Hyra, aao na!" Samiya came back to call Hyra and dragged her to where Rafey was sitting.

(Hyra, come!)

Hyra followed Samiya, her heart still fluttering from the unexpected encounter with Hayder. As she joined the gathering, she exchanged smiles and pleasantries with the guests, the vibrant atmosphere of the barat adding to the excitement in the air.

•••

"Qubool hai," Uwna replied in such a low tone that only Hyra, who was sitting close to her, could hear the sound. Hyra nodded with a big smile as Uswa had just given her consent.

(I do,)

The same question was asked twice, and both times, Uswa answered very softly.

Rabia's tears didn't stop after this. Arzoo, who was with her, immediately handed a tissue to Rabia, wiping her own tears with another. Molvi sahab and the other men had left; now, it was time to ask the groom.

"Hyra, pani dena..." Uswa asked Hyra.

(Give me water...)

Hyra quickly picked up a small bottle of water that was placed there for Uswa, but Uswa didn't drink it herself; instead, she offered it to Rabia.

"Mummy, please na roye, pura make up kharab ho jayega, apne waise bhi parlour se waterproof make up nahi karaya, kaha bhi tha maine. Photos nahi achhi ayengi."

(Mummy, please don't cry, your makeup will get ruined, and you didn't even get waterproof makeup done at the parlour as I suggested. The photos won't look good.)

Even while crying, a smile appeared on Rabia's face. Taking the water, she lightly but affectionately tapped Uswa on the head, showering her with numerous prayers for her to always stay happy and cheerful.

Rabia and Arzoo also went outside. After Rafey's acceptance, there is a tradition that the mother-in-law of the groom performs a ritual.

"Hyra, yeh molvi sahab theek toh hain?" Uswa asked with curiosity.

(Hyra, is that cleric okay?)

"Kya matlab?" Hyra was confused.

(What do you mean?)

"Matlab theek se toh parhaya haina inhone nikkah? Mujhe gadbad lag raha hai. Matlab mujhe lag nahi raha meri shadi ho gayi." Hyra was surprised by Uswa's question. How could she bring up such matters at a time like this?

(I mean he conducted the nikah properly? I feel something is off. I don't feel like my wedding has happened.)

"Tum kis cheez ka wait kar rahi ho? Qubool hai kehte hi koi tezz hawa chale, piche background mein koi romantic sa song play ho?"

(What are you waiting for? After saying 'Qubool Hai,' is there a sudden gust of wind and a romantic song playing in the background?)

"Nahi, yeh sab toh filmo mein hota hai, I know, lekin... kuch toh alag sa feel hona chahiye na? Kuch bhi nahi lag raha mujhe toh."

(No, I know all that happens in movies, but... there should be some different feeling, right? I'm not feeling anything.)

"Uswa! Pagal ho tum. Kuch alag feel nahi hota." Hyra tried to explain to her.

(Uswa! You're crazy. You don't feel anything different?)

"Fir log shadi kyu karte hain?" Uswa was genuinely surprised. If there weren't any unique feelings, why do people get married? They could just live happily in their own homes.

(Then why do people get married?)

"Yeh sab tum Rafey bhai se puch lena." Hyra didn't have much of an answer for this. Taking a deep breath, she said. Uswa is now Rafey's responsibility, which he has accepted happily, so it's his responsibility to answer her each question.

(You can ask this to Rafey bhai.)

"Main ati hoon..." Hyra suddenly remembered that Dawar had asked her to take care of Laraib.

(I'll just come...)

•••

Hayder's gaze repeatedly fell on Hyra, who was smiling and meeting everyone. In her a saree which he liked for her, Hyra looked extremely beautiful, and Hayder wished to take her far away from here, where only the two of them would be. But for now, Hayder restrained his desire.

Despite wanting to, Hayder couldn't get close to Hyra. He didn't even know the people Hyra was with, perhaps Dawar's cousins. But when Hayder saw Hyra with Kubra, he headed in her direction.

"Hyra, tum choti mummy se keh kar apni nazar utarwana, Masha'Allah iss saree mein tum bohot achhi lag rahi ho." Hayder overheard Kubra saying this. Hyra's cheeks turned red with embarrassment, and she lowered her gaze.

(Hyra, ask your maama to remove the evil eyes off yoy, Masha'Allah, you look very beautiful in this saree.)

At that moment, Hayder arrived, gently taking Hyra's arm and drawing her closer. "Achhi toh lagegi na, main laya hoon iske liye saree."

(Of course she looks beautiful, I bought this for her.)

As he held her, Hayder sensed Hyra's cold arm and tenderly rubbed it with his warm hand.

Hyra's cheeks flushed even deeper, and eyes widened as she shot a surprised glance at him, her heart pounding at his open advances.

"Apki pasand toh perfect hoti hai, Hayder bhai." Kubra praises her brother's choice.

(Your choice is always perfect, Hayder bhai.)

"Main abhi ayi..." Feeling a sudden wave of embarrassment, Hyra excused herself, stepping away from Hayder's arms. She tried to mask her discomfort with a faint smile, so Kubra won't be suspicious and worried.

(I'll just come...)

Hayder, sensing her unease, decided to follow her.

As he caught up to her, he gently held her hand, reassuringly intertwining his fingers with hers. "Ab tak naraz ho?"

(You are still upset with me?)

"Aap please sabke samne yeh sab na karein." Hyra responded with absolute clarity.

(Please don't do this in front of everyone.)

"Kya na karu?" Hayder asked as if he had no idea what Hyra was talking about.

(Do what?)

"Yeh..." Hyra raised her head to reply, but the smile on Hayder's face made it clear that he was teasing her. Hyra huffed at this and looked away.

(This...)

"Achha nahi karta." Hayder's said as he removed his hand from her. Hyra immediately felt the absence of Hayder's wamr hand, and perhaps that was why she shivered despite the mild cold. It was getting late at night, and the weather had become slightly chilly. Hyra placed her hands on her arms to keep herself warm.

(Fine, I won't.)

Sensing her discomfort, he Hayder removed his coat. "Khayal rakho," he said softly, draping the coat over her shoulders.

(Take care of yourself.)

Hyra, wrapped in his oversized coat, felt a comforting warmth enveloping her petite frame. The coat enveloped her, the sleeves hanging loosely around her wrists. Hayder couldn't help but smile at the adorable sight of her in his coat. He remembered the night at the hotel when he had given his coat to Hyra.

"Abhi theek hai?" he asked, noticing her shy smile. The dim glow of the night highlighted the sincerity in his eyes as they locked onto hers.

(Now it's fine?)

•••

Uswa had said that no one would cry at her rukhsati, but as she met Asim Mirza while leaving, tears started falling on their own. She hugged her father tightly, and then she cried so much that it became difficult for everyone to console her. She had found a life partner who loved her so much, and for now, she would go upstairs after rukhsati. But she couldn't control her tears.

Nevertheless, Uswa now realized how two simple words could change her life. Nothing would be the same anymore; her childhood had come to an end, and a new beginning awaited her.

Seeing Uswa crying, Hyra's eyes also welled up. It reminded her of her own time. She, too, had cried a lot while hugging Arzoo. Wiping her tears, Hyra went to Uswa to comfort her.

After meeting everyone, Uswa sat in the car, and as the barat bid farewell and left with the bride, guests started leaving, and family members headed towards their respective cars. However, Hyra was still standing at the entrance, watching Uswa's car move away with teary eyes.

"Tumhe kya yaha ruk ke caters walo ke sath bartan saaf karwane hain ya tent walo ke sath parde hatwane hain? Chalo." Hyra was startled by Hayder's voice and looked towards him, finding him standing nearby. Hayder took her hand in his, guiding her towards his car.

(Do you want to stay here and clean dishes with the caterers or remove the curtains with the tent team? Let's go.)

"Woh baba?" As they sat in the car, Hyra asked,

(Where is Baba?)

"Baba Shahzaib ki car mein hain." Hayder informed her and started the engine. Hayder had started driving, then he took Hyra's hand in his, placing it on his lap. Hyra was a bit surprised but didn't say anything. After a long silence, Hyra realized that the banquet and their home were just a difficult 10-minute drive away, and he had been driving for quite some time.

(He is with Shahzaib.)

"Hum ab tak ghar kyu nahi pohche?" Hyra asked.

(Why we haven't reached home?)

"Fikar na karo tumhe kidnap nahi karunga." Hayder said playfully,

(Don't worry, I'm not gonna kidnap you.)

Upon his words, Hyra rolled her eyes and then started looking out of the window.

After a while, their car entered through the large gate of the farmhouse. Surprise appeared on Hyra's face, and she looked at Hayder.

"Hum yaha kyu aye hain?" She again asked.

(Why are we here?)

"Mera mood badal gaya, tumhe aaj raat ke liye maine wakai kidnap kar liya hai." Hayder leaned towards her and said. Hayder's voice still had that playful tone; he seemed quite different from the usually serious Hayder.

(I've changed my mood, I'm gonna kidnap you for tonight.)

"Hayder, mazak na karein, wapas chalein. Ghar pe sab kya sochenge, abhi toh bohot si rasmein honi hain..."

(Hayder, don't joke, let's go back. What will everyone think at home? There are still many rituals to be done...)

"Jinki tumhe fikar karne ki zaroorat nahi. Fuppi aur aunty hain sab rasmein karne ke liye." As Hayder removed his seatbelt, he said and got out of the car. Then he walked towards Hyra's side and opened the door. Hyra was still looking a bit bewildered.

(Fir which you don't need to worry about. Aunty and Fuppi are there to take care of all the rituals.)

"Chalo, ya fir kal ki tarah tumhe firse uthau?"

(Let's go, or should I pick you up again like yesterday?)

Hyra snapped out of her thoughts, then quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car.

Inside the farmhouse, the warm glow of candlelight filled the air, casting a soft ambience on the carefully decorated surroundings. Red roses adorned the room, creating an atmosphere of romance. In the living room, a table was elegantly set with a tempting cake.

Today, perhaps Hayder had the intention of surprising Hyra again and again.

"Yeh sab kya hai, Hayder?" Hyra asked in a throaty voice.

(What's all this, Hayder?)

Hayder led Hyra through the charming setup, his eyes sparkling with love.

"Aaj humari shadi ko 1 saal ho gaye hain." Hayder reminded her.

(Today is our 1st wedding anniversary.)

"Dawar ki shadi ke baad hume farmhouse hi toh ana tha, aur apne gusse ki wajah se main tumhe bhi sath mein hi meeting ke liye leke chala gaya."

(After Dawar's wedding, we were supposed to come to the farmhouse, and due to my anger, I took you along for the meeting too.)

"Lekin mujhe apni uss galti pe zara bhi afsos nahi. Uss raat hi mujhe pehli baar mohabbat ka ehsas hua, jo behadd khoobsurat tha." Hayder was telling her very lovingly, and Hyra kept looking at him without blinking.

(But I don't regret that mistake at all. That night, I felt the beauty of love for the first time, which was incredibly beautiful.)

He didn't talk much, but he had a way with words. He had the skill of expressing himself in a way that was hard for the listener to escape his charm.

"Aur yeh jo tum apni choti si naak pe itna gussa liye phirti ho... tumhe kya lagta hai aaj tak maine jo kaha, jo kiya, sab jhoot tha?" Hayder pinched Hyra's nose, which turned red. Her cheeks were also red, like a blooming rose.

(And the anger you carry on your little nose... do you think everything I've said and done until now is a lie?

Upon Hayder's question, Hyra looked away. She didn't want to answer, but indeed, she was thinking all those things.

"Aise hi nahi main tumhe badd-aqal bulata hoon." Hayder lightly tapped Hyra's head because her silence had conveyed all the answers.

("I don't call you stupid for no reason.)

"Yeh.... aap aisa karte hain fir kehte hain main galat samajhti hoon. Aap hamesha mujhe aise naam kyu dete hain? Aur fir bewajah datte hain bas." Hyra's words echoed in the tense air, her frustration palpable. Hayder, caught off guard, attempted to respond, but her interruption silenced him.

(You... you do things like this and then say I misunderstand. Why do you always give me such names and scold me for no reason?)

"Ab kahenge abse nahi datunga lekin fir aap apna promise torh dete hain. Kaise yakeen karu main apka?" Anger had returned to Hyra's small nose. There's a way to explain things, but Hayder always makes a joke out of her intelligence. She didn't like this at all.

(Now you'll say you won't scold from now on, but then you break your promise. How can I trust you?)

Hyra, fueled by anger, turned to leave, only to feel a gentle tug on her pallu, making her halted on her steps. Hyra had put her hand on her shoulder, preventing it from falling, then she looked back and found Hayder was holding her pallu and knelt down.

Then, with a swift move, Hayder pulled her towards him and made her sit on his knee. Hyra tried to distance herself, but Hayder was much stronger.

"Maaf karne ka kya logi, Jaan-E-Hayder?" With love, Hayder placed his hand on her cheek and asked. One hand on Hyra's waist and the other on her cheek.

(What will you take to forgive me, my love?)

Hyra turned her face to the other side. She wasn't going to compromise under any circumstances.

Then Hayder removed his hand from Hyra's cheek and held his ear. "Sorry," he uttered, sincerity in his eyes.

"Yeh saree aap kiske liye laye the?" With puffed cheeks, Hyra asked.

(For whom you bought this saree?)

"Apni girlfriend ke liye... tumhare liye laya tha, Hyra, aur kiske liye launga." At first, Hayder said it jokingly, but immediately realized that Hyra might actually think he has a girlfriend.

(For my girlfriend... I bought it for you, Hyra.)

"Kya aap mujhse wakai mein mohabbat karte hain?" With fear in her eyes, Hyra looked up and asked.

(Do you really love me?)

"Mujhe mohabbat pe yakeen nahi tha. Mere liye baba, Shahzaib, Kubra, yahi mera pyar the aur mujhe lagta tha mujhe kisi aur rishte ki zaroorat nahi. Lekin tumse mohabbat hone ke baad mujhe ehsas hua asal mohabbat kya hai."

(I didn't believe in love. For me, it was Baba, Shahzaib, Kubra—those were my loves, and I thought I didn't need any other relationship. But after falling in love with you, I realized what true love is.)

"Main khudko tumhare liye badal raha hoon, Hyra. Aur ab mujhe lagta hai tumhare bagair main marr jaunga." He confessed.

(I am changing myself for you, Hyra. And now, I feel like I will die without you.)

"Allah na kare, kaisi baatein kar rahe hain aap." Her heart raced with the gravity of his words. "Main bhi apke bagair nahi reh sakti, mujhe bhi apse behadd mohabbat hai." she confessed, resting her head on his chest. It was the first time Hyra had expressed herself, and Hayder felt joy in every fiber of his being.

("Allah forbid, what are you saying?)

(I can't live without you either; I also love you immensely.)

"Chalo, cake cut karo." Hayder gave her a gentle pat on the head and said.

(Come on, cut the cake.)

Hyra distanced herself from Hayder and wiped away her tears, which had unexpectedly welled up in her eyes.

Standing up, Hyra went to the table and sat on the floor, and Hayder joined her there.

Hyra cut the cake, and Hayder fed her

"Aap thora sa bhi nahi kha sakte?" Hyra asked and took a large piece of cake on her plate.

(You can't eat even a little bit?)

Hayder shook his head.

"Oh," Hyra's expression changed. She loved sweets, and Hayder couldn't eat them.

"Tumhe udaas hone ki zaroorat nahi. Toh kya hua main meetha nahi kha sakta, mere paas tum ho na." In a mischievous tone, Hayder whispered near her ear.

(You don't need to be sad. So what if I can't eat sweets, I have you.)

"Kya matlab?" Hyra looked at him with a puzzled expression, not understanding what he meant.

(What do you mean?)

"Cake kha lo, fir sarey matlab samjha dunga." The warmth in Hayder's eyes conveyed the meaning to Hyra, and her cheeks blushed with shyness. She lowered her gaze.

(Have the cake, then I'll explain everything.)

And then, Hayder explained to Hyra in detail. He embraced her in his arms and reassured her of his love.

•••

After the function and all rituals were done, the elders gathered in Hanif Mirza's room, sharing laughter and stories.

"Mere khayal se ab hume Shahzaib ke barey mein bhi soch lena chahiye." Hanif Mirza cleared his throat, capturing the attention of the gathering, and started saying. "Ab ussey bhi settle ho jana chahiye."

(I think now we should also consider Shahzaib's future.)

(He should also settle down.)

"Aap bilkul sahi keh rahe hain, Baba." Ibtisham Mirza agreed.

(You are absolutely right, Baba.)

"Meri koi beti toh main toh kabka Shahzaib ko apna damad bana leti." Tabu chimed in.

(If I had a daughter, I would have made Shahzaib my son-in-law.)

Hanif Mirza's eyes crinkled with amusement, and he turned to his daughter Minal. "Tumhara iss barey mein kya khayal hai, Minal?"

(What do you think about this, Minal?)

"Baba, mera?" Minal, caught off guard, stammered,

(Baba, Me?)

Hanif Mirza's expression softened. "Zara aur Shahzaib ke barey mein kya khayal hai tumhara?"

(What do you think about Zara and Shahzaib?)

"Issey behtar aur kya ho sakta hai." Before Minal could answer, Ibtisham did. Agreeing with his father. Tabu also nods her head.

(What could be better than this.)

But Minal's heart skipped a beat as her mind raced. "Baba... agar apne kuch mahine pehle pucha hota toh... main apko kabhi mana na karti. Lekin bade bhaiyya ne Zara ka rishta tay kar diya hai."

(Baba... if you had asked a few months ago... I would never have refused you. Zara's marriage is fixed.)

"What?" Ibtisham was the first to react. "Aur tum yeh hume ab bata rahi ho?"

(And you are telling us now?)

"Bhai, mouka hi nahi mila..." Minal tried to excuse,

(I didn't get the chance...)

"Lekin, Minal, tumhe hume yeh pehle batana tha na..." Tabu was unhappy with this too.

(But, Minal, you should have told us this before...)

"Zara khush hai?" Hanif Mirza asked.

(Is Zara happy?)

"Ji," Minal didn't want to worry her father and lied. Both mother and daughter were unhappy, but Minal never discussed her marital problems with her family.

(Yes,) 

"Bachhi khush hai toh issey zyada kya zaroori hoga." Hanif Mirza's hopeful expression faded, replaced by a subtle understanding. Hayder, Shahzaib, and Kubra were dear to him more than anyone else, but he can not ignore Zara's happiness either.

(If Zara is happy, what more could be important than this.)

None said anything, but a tension hung in the air.

•••

Laraib lies on the bed, gazing at the vacant space beside her, where Dawar used to be. His absence was a stark reminder of the tension lingering from the events of yesterday. Dawar's decision to stay away from their shared space hangs heavily in the air, creating an unspoken distance between them.

She thought about today's function, where she sat alone at a table, no one from the family came to her. Only Hyra came a couple of times asking if she's okay. Dawar didn't even glance her way. Laraib was reminded of Hyra's wedding day when she was a new bride herself and how Rabia and Dawar pampered her. Rabia sought her opinion in everything, but Laraib distanced herself, saying she had no interest in such matters.

And today, they kept Laraib away from all of this.

•••

Rafey gently closed the door, the room adorned with the soft glow of candles and fragrant flowers. His eyes sparkled with genuine happiness as he approached the bed where Uswa sat.

Today, he truly felt fortunate. The one he had fallen in love with was now in his house, in his room, as his wife.

Seated beside her, he couldn't contain the joy that emanated from his heart. Rafey removed Uswa's veil, and she sat gracefully in front of him, looking incredibly beautiful in her bridal attire. Rafey had finally had the opportunity to admire her properly; otherwise, with the mischievous glances and remarks from Shahzaib and others, he couldn't have raised his eyes to look at Uswa through the mirror.

Whatever words were in Rafey's mind seemed to vanish. He couldn't figure out what to say.

And before Rafey could say anything, revealing his happiness to Uswa, expressing his love, Uswa asked him instead. "Rafey, Hyra kaha hai? Jabse ayi hoon mujhe dikhi nahi." She inquired, her voice soft but insistent. The mention of her best friend cast a shadow over the joyous atmosphere, and Rafey's smile began to fade.

(Rafey, where is Hyra? I haven't seen her since I came here.)

"Tumhe abhi bhi Hyra ki baat karni hai?"

(You want to talk about Hyra right now?)

"Mujhe woh dikhi nahi. Batao, main pehli baar sasural ayi hoon, kya fyada uska meri jhetani banne ka agar woh mere sath na ho?" Rafey was looking at Uswa with wide eyes. He knew Uswa was not like others; she lacked the usual shyness. However, on the first night after the wedding, there must be some modesty for girls. But no, Uswa was still talking to him in her carefree manner.

(I haven't seen her. Tell me, I've come to my in-laws' house for the first time, what's the use of becoming her sister-in-law if she's not with me?)

"Uswa, aaj ke liya kya hum Hyra ki baat na karein?" Before Uswa could say anything more, Rafey pleaded,

(Uswa, for today, can we not talk about Hyra?)

"Toh kiski baat karein?" Uswa asked.

(Then what we should talk about?)

"Hum apni baat karein?" Rafey tried to make her understand.

(Can we talk about us?)

"Achha boliye. Nahi! Pehle meri munh dikhayi dijiye." Uswa adjusted her maang teeka and then immediately extended her hand forward.

(Okay, you tell me. No! First give me my wedding gift.)

Rafey took a small box from his sherwani pocket and placed it in Uswa's hand.

Happily, Uswa opened the box, revealing a delicate platinum chain with a heart-shaped pendant inside.

"Yeh bohot pyara hai, Thank you."

(This is pretty.)

"So..." Rafey cleared his throat. Uswa lifted her big eyes and gave Rafey her full attention.

"Tum..." Rafey again started saying, but then stopped.

(You...)

"Kya hua apko? Itna ahem ahem kyu kar rahe hain? Gala kharab hai kya? Hoga hi, kitni behes ki thi apne Hyra se jhoote churai pe. Sharafat se ussey paise kyu nahi diye apne?" Initially, Uswa asked in concern, but then she got genuinely upset when she remembered how Rafey and Shahzaib had not given Hyra the amount that she had asked in jhoota churai.

(What happened to you? Why are you clearing your throat? Is your throat sore? It must be; you had so many arguments with Hyra for money. Why didn't you give her the money she asked for?)

Rafey held his head in his hands, and then a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Kya hua?" Seeing him hold his head like that, Uswa asked.

(What happened?)

Rafey starts laughing at her innocence. "Uswa, main tumhara kya karu?"

(Uswa, what should I do with you?)

"Kya karu kya?" Uswa looked at him weirdly. Rafey didn't say anything; he just approached her with mischievous eyes.

(What do you mean?)

The night was long. The room, adorned with candles and fragrant flowers, witnessed not just the union of two souls in marriage but the weaving of a love story that would endure the test of time.

•••

Hyra stirred in bed, her face contorted with an unexpected wave of nausea. Panicking, she pushed Hayder's arms away and rushed towards the bathroom. This prompted Hayder to wake up.

"Hyra? Kya hua?" Concerned, Hayder hurriedly followed her, finding Hyra puking.

(Hyra, what happened?)

Without hesitation, he went to her her, tenderly rubbing her back as she emptied her stomach. Hayder's comforting presence acted as a silent reassurance in the midst of her discomfort. He reached for a hair tie, gently pulling back Hyra's hair to keep it away from her face.

•••

Hyra emerged with a towel in hand, wiping away any traces of distress from her face. The discomfort lingered, and she sank onto the edge of the bed. Hayder handed her a glass of water, his eyes reflecting concern.

As she sipped the water, Hayder settled beside her, his touch gentle as he began to rub her hand.

Hayder broke the silence, his voice filled with sincerity, "Tumhe kuch chahiye? Chai, juice kuch?"

(You want something? Tea or juice?)

Breathless from the ordeal, Hyra looked at Hayder with a plea in her eyes, "Ghar jana hai."

(I want to go home.)

Hayder, sensing her fatigue, suggested, "Pehle kuch kha lo, lamba safar hai, issey tumhari tabiyat aur kharab ho jayegi."

(First, eat something. It's a long journey; it will affect your health.)

Hyra's eyes welled up with tears, and she whispered, "mujhse kuch khaya nahi jayega."

(I can't eat anything.)

"Kya hua? Kaho takleef ho rahi hai kya?" Concerned, Hayder cupped her face and asked. Hyra shook her head.

(What happened? Are you hurt somewhere?)

"Ro kyu rahi ho?" Gently placing her head on his shoulder, he again asked.

(Then why are you crying?)

"Yeh khud hi se aa ja rahe hain."  She shook her head slightly, her voice breaking,

(They come their own.)

Shock registered on Hayder's face as he recalled a conversation with Dawar from the past. It hit him like a sudden realization, the memory of when he teased Dawar for being wary of Laraib's anger. Dawar, with a knowing look, had warned him about the unpredictability that came with pregnancy.

"Hyra, ro mat." Hayder embraced Hyra fully in his arms, wanting to absorb all her tears as if he could take away her pain.

(Hyra, don't cry.)

"Hayder, mujhe samosa khana hai." In a meek voice, Hyra demanded,

(Hayder, I want to eat sasoma.)

Hayder, taken aback by the unexpected request after the emotional turbulence, couldn't help but crack a small smile at the sudden shift. He kissed her head and said. "Abhi mangwata hoon."

(I'll get it for you.)

•••

Hayder returned with a plate filled not only with warm samosas but other healthy breakfast options, too. There were slices of fresh fruit, yoghurt with granola, and a small portion of scrambled eggs.

Happily, Hyra picked samosa and nibbled on them, but Hayder told her. "Sirf wahi nahi khana, yeh bhi tumhe hi khana hai."

(Don't eat only samosa, you'll have to eat this too.)

Hayder gestured toward the tray. Silently, Hyra glanced at the tray and pouted but didn't utter a word.

After Hyra took a few bites of the samosas, she declared, "Mera ho gaya. Ab nahi kha paungi."

(I'm done. I can't eat more.)

This made Hayder glare at her. "Bas? Hyra, tumhe theek se khana chahiye, apna nahi toh mere bachhe ka khayal karo, uske liye main laparwahi bardasht nahi karunga." Hyader playfully smacks Hyra's head, teasing about her carelessness with a warm smile.

(Is that it? Hyra, you should eat properly. If not for yourself, then think about our child. I won't tolerate neglect for my child.)

However, instead of laughter, he notices a flicker of distress on Hyra's face.

Concern furrows his brow as he asks, "Kya hua?"

(What happened?)

She shakes her head, hesitating to share the true source of her unease. After Hayder's joyous discussions about the baby last night, it seems impossible for Hyra to share her concern with Hayder.

"Achha theek hai, zabardasti mat khao yeh sab. Baad mein kha lena." Hayder took a different meaning to her silence and said.

(Okay, fine. Don't force yourself to eat all this. You can eat later.)

•••

By the time Hayder and Hyra reached home, preparations for the Walima were underway. Hyra was feeling unwell, so Hayder told her to rest in the room for a while.

The exhaustion from the long journey and feeling unwell took a toll on Hyra. As she entered the room, sleep overcame her. When Hyra woke up after some time, she remembered Uswa and immediately felt angry with herself for not being with Uswa yesterday and today.

Hyra left her room but then realised Uswa must have left for parlour. It was her appointment time.

"Hyra, uth gayi? Ab kaisi tabiyat hai?" Minal, who was in the lounge at that time, called Hyra over and asked her.

(Hyra, you are awake. How are you now?)

"Sar dard ho raha hai." Hyra answered,

(I have a headache.)

"Choti si toh jaan ho, zahir hai yeh sab mushkile toh hongi hi. Apne khane peene ka tum khas khayal rakho." Minal advices her.

(You are weak; it's obvious there will be challenges. Take special care of your food and drink.)

"Woh Uswa parlour gayi?"

(Has Uswa left for parlour?)

"Kaha," Minal suddenly remembered. "Kitna kaha ussey Kubra ya Zara ke sath chali jao lekin keh rahi Hyra ke sath hi jaungi. Tumhe agar theek lag raha hai toh tum dono chali jao, main abhi Shahzaib se kehti hoon." As Minal got up from the sofa to call Shahzaib, Hyra also followed her.

(No,)

(We've told her so many times to go with Kubra or Zara, but she insisted on going with Hyra. If you're fine now, both of you can go. I'll tell Shahzaib to drop you.)

"Ab tak nahi gayi? Ab toh late ho jayega, mujhe utha dete." Hyra was surprised.

(She haven't gone yet? It will be late now; you should have wake me up.)

"Hayder ne kaha tha tumhe koi disturb na kare." Minal replied, making Hyra feel a bit embarrassed as she lowered her head.

(Hayder had said not to disturb you.)

•••

"Chalo, kisi ko yaad aya ki iss ghar mein ab ek Uswa bhi hai." As soon Hyra entered Uswa's room, Uswa taunted her.

(Finally, someone remembered there is a Uswa in this house now.)

"Pehle chalo late ho rahe hain, fir karti rehne tum taunt." Hyra took Uswa's taunt lightly and gave her an order.

(Come, we are already late, you can taunt me later.)

"Main kyu taunt karne lagi? Waise main bata doon main bohot gussa thi tumse, but baad mein yaad aya tumhari anniversary hai toh maine socha theek hai. Waise tum log kaha gaye the?" Uswa, seemingly uninterested in getting up. So Hyra went and sat beside her because she had been feeling exhausted since yesterday.

(Why would I taunt? Well, I should tell you, I was really angry with you, but later I remembered it's your anniversary, so I thought it's okay. By the way, where did you guys go?)

"Farmhouse, Hayder ne waha surprise plan kiya tha." With a soft smile, Hyra recalled the delightful surprise.

(Farmhouse. Hayder planned a surprise there.)

"Hayder bhai ne? Surprise?" Uswa pretended to faint, collapsing on Hyra's shoulder. "Hayder bhai toh mujhe bhari jawani mein heart attack denge," she said dramatically, earning laughter from Hyra.

(Hayder bhai planned the surprise?)

(Hayder bhai will give me heart attack at such young age.)

"Ho gaya tumhara drama? Ab utho."

(Are you done with your drama? Now get up.)

"Hayder bhai ne gift kya diya?" Uswa, now sitting up, inquired.

(What did Hayder bhai gift you?)

Hyra gestured towards her neck, displaying a delicate platinum chain.

"Hey, same pinch." Uswa's face lit up as she revealed her matching chain along with its pendant. "Tumhara pendant bhi heart shaped hai?" Joyfully, Uswa asked, retrieving the chain from Hyra's kurti. Instead of the heart-shaped pendant, an 'H' dangled there.

(Is your pendant heart shaped too?)

"Oho, waise yeh H Hyra ka hai ya Hayder bhai ka?" Teasingly, Uswa asked.

(Oh, so this H is Hyra's or Hayder bhai's)

"Hum dono ka." Hyra shyly admitted, tucking the pendant back into her kurti.

(It's ours.)

"Toh kya tun dono ab woh ho... do dil ek jaan." Laughing, Uswa playfully remarked.

(So you two are like two hearts, one life.)

"Haan, hum wahi hain, tum utho na, parlour nahi jana hai kya?" Hurriedly, Hyra said.

(Yes, we are, now you get up, we have to go to the parlour.)

"Arey, haan! Chalo." Uswa quickly stood up and wore her sandals.

(Oh yes, let's go.)

But as Hyra stood up, blackness enveloped her vision, and she sat back down.

"Hyra? Tum theek ho?" Worriedly, Uswa put her hand on Hyra's shoulder and asked.

(Hyra? Are you okay?)

Hyra nods her head and tried to get up again. "Theek hai bas aise hi. Chalo, main bag le loon apna."

(I'm fine. Come, I'll get my bag.)

"Hyra, tum baith jao." But Uswa gently pushed Hyra down. "Aram karo agar tabiyat theek nahi, main yahi taiyyar ho jaungi."

(Hyra, sit down.)

(Rest for a while if you aren't feeling well, I can get ready here.)

"Uswa, tumhara appointment book hai, chalo main chal rahi hoon."

(Uswa, your appointment is there, I'm coming with you.)

"Kaha na baith jao, samajh nahi ata." Uswa looked at Hyra with sharp eyes.

(I told you to sit down.)

Hyra bowed her head down, then again looked up. "Achha tum toh parlour jao, main theek hoon."

(Fine, you go to the parlour, I'm fine.)

"Main bhi theek hoon." Uswa didn't want to leave Hyra in this condition, but upon Hyra's insistence, she went to the parlour with Kubra.

(I'm fine too.)

•••

Uswa played the role of a shy, traditional bride in every wedding function, and her performance was still going strong. Perhaps she still had Rabia's fear, but seeing her acting today, Hyra felt the need to stop her.

"Bas karo, Uswa, agar kal tak tum sharmane ki acting kar rahi thi toh aaj over acting kar rahi ho." On the stage, Hyra sat with Uswa, and she and told her.

(Enough, Uswa. If you were acting shy until yesterday, today you're overacting.)

Kubra was sitting on the other side of Uswa and heard what Hyra said. She couldn't help but smile. Thinking that maybe she and Zara would also have such conversations at Zara's wedding, and with this thought, Kubra's face lost its glow.

Kubra had eagerly anticipated Zara becoming her bhabhi. Kubra was most excited for Shahzaib and Zara's wedding more than anyone else. However, Zara broke Kubra's dream and Shahzaib's heart

"Main acting nahi kar rahi, mujhe wakai sharm arahi hai." Uswa spoke in a slow and trembling voice, creating a sense of astonishment for both Hyra and Kubra. When did Uswa start speaking in this tone?

(I'm not acting; I'm genuinely feeling shy.)

"Tumhe kissey sharm aney lagi?" Hyra asked in amazement,

(What made you feel shy?)

"Woh..." Uswa was about to respond, but when she saw Rafey approaching the stage, she immediately lowered her gaze. Since last night, she had been feeling a mix of embarrassment, hesitation, and shyness in Rafey's presence.

(I...)

•••

Hash, kafi lamba chapter tha na😁 aap log 2 rounds mein parhna, double update lagega 🤭

Khair, kaisa tha chapter?

Aur jaisa ki aap log jante ho agar chapter long hota hai toh mereme fir himmat nahi hoti ussey read karke mistakes wagera dekhu😬 so do tell me if there's any mistake.

-Ufaq