All his life, Aahil found the gym bros insufferable. That was until he incorporated gym time into his own schedule. Work-out works wonders when you have lots on your mind and for the better or the worse, he almost always had shit to sort through in his mind. That stabilized his workout routine. It made him sweat it out, and he got a nice body in return, not too ripped, in moderation, just the right amount of muscles he preferred—a win-win.

"Don't slack, bud!" Umair, his instructor shouted from the other side of the room. Aahil rolled his eyes but did as he was told, putting his concentration back on the ellipticals.

"You seem lost."

He didn't grace this comment with a reply. Mahad shrugged his shoulders as he started with his pull-up routine. "The family drama still going strong?"

"None of your business, Lashari."

Mahad lips pulled into a smirk. Aahil knew he wouldn't like what was coming his way.

"Tell that to your grandmother."

Aahil wanted to sigh aloud. All his annoyance with the guy aside, Aahil had to admit that Mahad was a charmer whenever he wanted to be and ladies always gave in to that. His grandmother loved Mahad the most out of his friends' group. That would explain why Mahad was always up-to-date with the shitshow of his life. One more reason for Aahil to be wary of the guy.

"How much did she tell you?"

"The gist. But she specifically emphasized that she hated seeing her grandson shirtless in the company of bikini-clad goris, her words, not mine."

Aahil felt a small smile reaching his lips but he wouldn't give Mahad the satisfaction. "Yeah, something like that. You'd be a stinky-ass hypocrite if you nodded along when you are no goody-two-shoes yourself."

Mahad raised his hand. "Now, I don't talk back to elders. I still just stand and nod along when my grandfather is in the mood for a lecture."

"And this is how you woo the ladies? With your pseudo-mannerism?"

"I know your game got rusted in the past couple of years but don't expect me to give you the pointers now."

Aahil sat down, wiping his face with the towel and taking huge gulps from his water bottle. Sweat covered his tank top and shone on his forehead but that was the telltale sign of a damn good workout. He already felt light.

"Osama and Lina ran into each other."

Mahad's tone suddenly took a somber turn. Aahil gave him a confused look. "They are freaking adults, Lashari. What—"

"Yes, I know why your last relationship was a glorious fuckup. Don't make it obvious. With their history, their facing each other is never a good thing. Osama gave her something. A book maybe? But Lina was so lost after that and then to make things worse, her mother was already at her place when I dropped her home."

"And let me guess, you ran from there as if your ass was on fire."

Mahad glared at him. "Mahwish Asfandyar is a walking talking matchmaker for her daughter. I love Lina but I can't stand that woman."

Aahil could agree with that. "Makes sense."

"Yes! Totally. All I'm saying is, I've got Lina and you've got Sam. Do we have a deal?"

"Don't freaking make it look like we are a team of sorts. I might love my gym routine but I'm not particularly fond of your face."

"You've always been envious of my face card. Makes complete sense why do you hate it."

"Dream on, pretty boy."

Saying that Aahil got up but Mahad wasn't still finished.

"The new Jatoi couple is to go public on Asfar Naqvi's wedding."

Aahil raised an eyebrow, not even wanting to know from where Mahad got his hands on such information.

"Just wanted to let you know so if you decide to skip, I can make a valid excuse to Asfar seeing the guy will not be happy that the Aahil Jahangir didn't attend his big day."

"There's no need. I will be there. There's room only for one Devdas among us and we can't dethrone Osama now, can we?"

He patted Mahad's shoulder who looked oddly relieved by his answer. Aahil wasn't kidding when he told Alina he was over his and Vaneeza's relationship or would be over soon.

He had just gotten inside his car when his phone rang. A smile reached his lips when he picked it up.

"Aahil, where are you?" Saba inquired. Aahil could hear Arsh and Zain arguing in the background and Nawar scolding them. His smile deepened. "Just left the gym. Why? Is everything okay? Baba didn't send forces to my place now, did he?"

"Not funny. And to answer your question, everything's fine. Come for dinner tonight. I'm making Biryani."

Aahil laughed lightly. Why his mother was so damn bad at cover-ups? "You packed me a container full of that the last time I visited. I don't think I can stomach any more Biryani."

"Aahil!" Saba's reprimanding tone didn't have the desired effect on him. He put his car on the road. "Tell Baba to stop putting you on the front when he could've asked me himself. I'll be there. But Biryani alone wouldn't suffice."

"I know that already. Just be on time."

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Saba grumbled as she ended the call. Aahil sighed. So, the time had come, hun? For him to face the music of his actions. Faseeh Jahangir would lay it out in front of him. He just hoped there was enough room to dodge. He could only hope.

𝄞

AJ events' main office was close to Zamzama street. Sila parked her car in her designated spot. She picked the box of Rasgullas in one hand and her folder in the other. Ajwa had texted her to bring this heavenly goodness from Khoya Rabri, a famous sweet shop in Saddar Town, as it was close to Sila's residence. Ajwa Jadoon might be a no non-sense strict boss but she had a sweet tooth and wouldn't hesitate from indulging in her favorite desi street from her favorite sweet shop.

Sila still remembered the day she first met Ajwa. They were poles apart in personalities but one thing clicked, their shared trait of being absolutely honest with their work and their creativity. Just a few events with Sila being on the team and she had formed a niche for herself. Ajwa loved how driven she was, an asset for her company. This was the reason they were somewhat of friends out of the confines of this office. The box of sweets would explain that.

Sila stopped outside Ajwa's cabin where Ajwa was already seeing someone off. Sila didn't have to rake her brains to place the person.

Mrs. Nawar's visit to AJ's office was nothing of a novelty. If she was here, that meant only one thing. An event at Jahan. As if on cue, their eyes landed on Sila. Nawar gave her a smile. "I was just asking Ajwa about her favorite person on the team."

"Now, don't let Mr. Shakeel hear that. He'd sulk the whole day." Ajwa joked.

"Imagine the horror. How are you, Nawar? It's been a long time since I've seen you around here."

Nawar nodded. "It's been long, yes. I was caught up in work and family. But since we have an event coming, we will be seeing each other around, I hope."

"We'll definitely be," Ajwa affirmed. Nawar gave them a warm smile as she said her goodbyes and was on her way out of there.

As soon as Sila and Ajwa entered his cabin, Ajwa extended her hand for the box of sweets. Sila gave it with a roll of her eyes. "Yeah, you're welcome, Ajwa."

Ajwa wasted no time in placing the delicacy into her mouth. In the meanwhile, Sila made herself comfortable in the seat in front of her. The rest of the team members were there. Sila was again early, as per the norm.

"So, an event at Jahan?" Sila asked, earning a nod from Ajwa. "Yes, and this is the agenda of the meeting is for today. It's not every day we get to organize an event at Jahan. We need to go all out."

"We always go all out. What kind of event is this?"

"You know the latest season of SoundTest was a huge success? They are having a start-studded musical eve there to celebrate."

"Sounds fancy."

"It is. I'll share the details when we have everyone around. But Sila, I need this event to be a success. I know I can count on you and Talal but still, there can't be any mess-ups."

"There won't be, Ajwa."

Despite all her professional confidence, Ajwa was always a bundle of nerves when they had to work for big names. Jahan and SoundTest were both that. Sila wasn't perturbed though. She knew they had it in the bag. It wasn't the first time for them to manage an event of this scale and it surely, wouldn't be the last.

"And one more thing. Mr. Shakeel requested I have a guy work with us on the team. He's new and his relative. No, don't give me this look." Ajwa countered when she saw Sila was about to argue. "I don't endorse nepotism. But Mr. Shakeel is one of my oldest team members. He was there when I had nothing going on and he stayed loyal to AJ events. That's just me keeping in mind his dedication toward my company."

Sila rolled her eyes. Perfect. She expected better from Ajwa but at the end of the day, she was the employer and Sila was the employee. Ajwa would always call the shots and Sila had to oblige, no matter if she agreed with it or not. So, she had to keep silent but she couldn't wait for Talal to find out. At least, both of them would bitch out it and get it out of their system. Capitalism venting mechanism and all that jazz.

𝄞

"I didn't hold back. Didn't even care for Aqeel's pleading eyes. What does that girl even think of herself? She's independent, has a job, and isn't eager to marry; that's her problem. She's no one to try educating me on what I decide for my daughter."

Ambreen's voice was the only thing that could be heard in an otherwise silent house. Her long phone call to her sister was more overbearing today. Azka and Anza shared a look with each other and sat there somewhat remorseful. They hadn't liked the way Sila left the last time but their mother couldn't stop gloating at the fact that she one-upped Sila.

"Ditto copy of her mother, the same attitude problem. Her father's side of the family isn't any better. Arrogance runs in the blood. But I won't be taking any comments from a girl who doesn't even have a solid family to fall back on if, God forbid, something was to go wrong for her in the future."

"Mama is taking it too far, now," Anza said and Azka agreed wholeheartedly. Both of them glared at an unbothered Nisha, immersed in her phone. She felt her sisters' eyes on her and looked up. "What?"

"You have caused so much unnecessary drama, Baji and then you have the audacity to ask what?"

Nisha didn't like her younger sisters' rebuking and was about to give a fitting reply when Azka beat her to it. "You shouldn't have lied to Sila Aapi and we shouldn't have sat silent seeing your performance."

"Exactly! We should've told Sila Aapi that you're a stinking ass liar who thinks of no one but herself!"

Nisha couldn't stay quiet anymore. "Don't spew shit! I did what I had to do."

"Feeding Sila Aapi a shitload of lies you mean? What was that? I want to build a career, I'm already thinking of grad school from abroad."

"When the only reason you are refusing this proposal is that you already like one of your classmates even though he isn't sure about a future with you."

"Anza, shut up!" Nisha bellowed but Anza was unfazed. "You did so wrong, Baji. You knew Sila Aapi would melt hearing about your career aspirations and used that to your benefit. What did you get in return? Mama is still pretty sure about marrying you off and now Sila Aapi won't even set foot in this house. She shouldn't after that disrespect. Slow claps."

Both her sisters gave her disappointed glares and not giving her any chance to explain herself, they were out of the room. Not that Nisha had much to say in her defense. Everything went awry, not exactly as she had planned.

𝄞

"No, Muaz, you don't understand. She sounded so heartbroken. If it were possible I would've booked the next flight to Karachi."

Muaz couldn't help his chuckle. "Murree doesn't even have an airport, Ammi. You'll have to go to Islamabad and for that, you'll first need to wrap everything here and give some hundred instructions to everyone around as this house relies on you for everything. And what about your dictator of a husband? You would never be able to take him along. You know how he goes."

"Wait till I tell him his only child is calling him a dictator. Major Muaz Ikram, did we send you to the armed forces for this? Disappointed but not surprised."

Instead of panicking, Muaz's reply was a hearty laugh. Naheed chuckled as well but soon her serious mood was back. "I'm worried for Sila."

"You shouldn't be. She can take care of herself. Have been doing that for years, Ammi."

"And it shouldn't have been this way. We should've taken her with us after Nabiha's death."

"To where exactly? Murree? Hate to break it to you, Ammi but Sila's whole life was ahead of her there in Karachi. She was studying at one of the city's best institutions. She was already gearing up for her professional career. What would've been her life like in Murree? A small mountain resort city close to the capital city. More like a town. Whatever someone says, she's built a good life for herself and we all should applaud her for that. Her Mami or someone else's opinion doesn't even count.

"But—"

"You know the dynamic between her and Abu, Ammi. She would've never agreed to come here and live with you two. So, stop thinking about the bygones. Just stay in touch with her. I'll also ring her up on my next call time."

Naheed could see the sensibility in his words. She wished things were a bit easier but they weren't.

"You mentioned she got the shawl. I'll bring something else for the both of you when I come home the next time."

"Now that you've reminded me, there were three shawls in the packet. One for me, one for Sila, and one for?"

Muaz's sigh of frustration was very clear to hear. "I'm not doing this right now. You always steer the conversation this way. I'm turning twenty-nine this year. Will you ever let my lapse in judgment that one-time slide? I didn't know the daughter of the Malik family liked me romantically."

"You've always been a tube light. I don't even know why they accepted you into PMA."

"Yes, we are done here. Allah Hafiz, Ammi."

With that, he ended the call. Naheed laughed out loud. She turned around when her eyes landed on the front porch of the house. Her husband was sitting in the sunlight, reading his newspaper and sipping on his tea while Billu massaged his shoulder all the while narrating the stories of the whole city to him. She rolled her eyes and reached them.

"Women are falsely blamed for the gossip. Billu, you can give any of us a run for our money."

His reply was a cheeky smile which she ignored. "Salam, Naheed Baji. You look lovely this morning."

"Aa han. Flattery. How original. Where were you the past week?"

"I swear to God I didn't want to miss even for a few hours. This is my bread and butter, working in this house. But the construction site is right in my way and they were digging the ground the whole week. I couldn't come even if I wanted to."

Naheed would've attributed this to his penchant for excuses but she knew there was a hotel being built in the city and the construction work often hindered the normal life for the citizens.

"I heard you. Get to work now."

Billu grinned. "That's what I'm here for."

With that, he breezed through the door inside the house. Naheed chuckled at his familiar chaos when she found her husband looking at her with an unreadable expression.

"What?"

"What were you talking to Muaz about?"

"You also talked to him. Did I ask you what it was about?"

"Our conversation didn't take that long. You almost snatched the phone from me."

"I had an urgent thing to discuss with him."

"About what exactly?"

She gave him a long stare and at last, he looked away, finally realizing what it must be about. He didn't ask anything further and Naheed's heart, as always, broke a little. She wished he'd have asked whom she and Muaz talked about. It was wishful thinking. As always.

𝄞

The door of Ghar was ajar, much to Amal's annoyance. She walked through it and as expected found Auntie Shamim, Rukhsana, and Chandni sitting around the ludo table. They hadn't yet noticed her, their complete focus was on their game which was in the middle stages, the most crucial part of any Ludo buildup.

"Good afternoon, hot ladies!"

She shouted and that made them all look at her. In an instant, the mood of the verandah shifted.

"Amal! Finally! We thought you fled the country."

Shamim hugged her close. Amal glared at her, her kohl-rimmed eyes making it look more lethal than it was intended. But Shamim just laughed it off. Amal's touch cookie exterior was almost cute to all of them. They knew their shit-talking, smut-loving, ass-kicking softie of a girl.

"Did you get a new piercing?" Rukhsana was quick to notice an addition of a stud earring to her collection. Amal brought her ear near her for closer inspection. "Leave some room, girl. Just how many piercings are you going to get?"

"Don't be jealous, Ruki Auntie. I know you envy how my piercing adds to my hot chick vibe."

"Whatever."

"I should go and start with the food. We had quite a heavy breakfast so weren't in the mood of making effort for the lunch but now that you are here, we have to go all out." Chandni, living up to her name, was nothing but the comfort of the moonlight. Soothing and caring.

"Don't fret. Lunch is my treat. Let's order something." Amal stopped her but Chandni didn't listen. At last, Amal had to let her be. As always.

These were some of the women residing in Ghar. A place Amal loved as much as Wadia House. These women weren't related to her by blood. They were betrayed by their blood. Some of them were abandoned by their own children, some by distant relatives and some didn't have any apparent family in the first place. But under the roof of Ghar, they were each others' kin.

Ghar came into being under the NGO Amal's mother was associated with. The location was the old house in the name of Amal's grandmother in Gulshan. The whole family relocated to the USA when the law and order situation in Karachi kept on deteriorating. But some years back, Amal came back and found Ghar and the women it housed in a miserable condition. She got to work and it was because of her efforts that Ghar was in a far better condition now. She contacted her mother's NGO as well. They tried as much as they could but for the most part, it was Amal's tireless work and her dedication toward this place and its residents.

They were all busy catching up with her, filling her in about what they did on the days she couldn't visit, and asking her about Mrs. Wadia and the girls. But Amal's eyes flittered around. Chandni, the always perceptive one picked on it and leaned toward her.

"She's on the terrace, readying the chilies for sun drying."

Amal gave her a thankful nod and went upstairs. As expected, she found Azra on the terrace, splaying red chilies on the neat cloth under the sun. Once they'd be dried enough, Azra would hand grind them, and there, organic crushed red chili.

Without making any noise, Amal took a step toward her when Azra spoke, without even looking up from the task at hand.

"Careful. One wrong move and you'll itch and burn all day. These lovelies are as lethal as you're when riled up."

Amal narrowed her eyes at her jib. Azra just smiled lightly. Amal sat next to her when Azra grinned in her way, her greying hair shining under the late February sunlight. "What was that? I won't ever sit foot here. I won't be talking to you. Amak Rafiq, you didn't even last a whole week."

"Don't be deluded that you're the only resident of this house. I came here for Shamim and Ruki Auntie. I wanted to show them my new piercing and Chandni Auntie promised she'd teach me pleating a saree. So, I just couldn't cut ties."

She fully faced Azra. "But I'm still angry with you. Just to make it clear."

The hurt in her voice wasn't hidden from Azra. "Amal—"

"How could you let him talk to you like that? How could you let him talk you into that? He knew I'd cause a racket that's why he didn't call me this time around. Instead, he chose you! He is such—"

"He's your father, Amal and as I said before, his demand isn't outrageous."

"He can't sell this place, Azra! I won't let him."

Shamim, Rukhsana, Chandni, and every other woman in this house here Auntie to her. But Azra was just that, Azra. It spoke of their bonding. Amal was the closest to her, despite their clashing opinion on everything. This could also be due to the fact that Azra was the best friend of Amal's late grandmother, Amma.

"This isn't his place. It is Amma's. She gave it to you all before her passing. It was her vision for this house. Mama left for another country and didn't look back. Her NGO people also did the same. That time it was Amma who took care of you all and then you all did the same for her in her last days. This is your house, Azra, and Shamim Auntie's. Ruki Auntie isn't going anywhere and neither is Chandni Mausi. That's my last verdict and I'll forever fight for it no matter if the people I have to fight are my own family."

Her outburst had summoned everyone else to Terrence. Azra gave a pleading look to her fellow residents. Chandni was the first person to come forward and embrace Amal in a hug which she reciprocated. Azra couldn't do that. She had spent all her day with chilies.

"Chandni Auntie, can't you knock some sense into Azra."

Chandni smiled, her Bindi making it all the more beautiful. "I believe none can do. Except for you."

"That I will. Dare she agree with my father once again." Amal glared at Azra who huffed. She was offended which meant another argument was about to ensue between her and Amal. They all had to prevent that. "What about the lunch you promised?" She asked Amal.

"Let's go downstairs. I'll treat you oldies today. Where's Nomi, by the way."

Shamim made a face. "MIA. You know him, don't you? But now that you're here, it's only a matter of time before he also will be."

That sounded like Nomi. Amal shrugged as she made her way downstairs. She might have wrapped the argument but she wouldn't be sitting silent. She never had, when it came to this house and its resident. That's the least she owed to her Amma.

𝄞

Mrs. Khanzada peeked inside her daughter's room and found her sitting on the bed, much to her disappointment. She opened the door wider and stood at the threshold.

"Vini, we are getting late for dinner."

Vaneeza ignored her. To Mrs. Khazada's utter horror, she hadn't even showered yet, getting ready was a far cry. She sat beside her on the bed.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"I just don't feel like going out tonight."

"You do know it's not a friends' hang out but dinner at Jatoi's place, right? Your in-laws, if you must remember."

"You didn't ask me before accepting the invite."

"What is the matter with you? We've just entered into a relationship with them. We can't just refuse their invitations and why should we? Give me one good reason!"

Vaneeza chose to stay quiet. Mrs. Khanzada sighed. "It's about Aahil, isn't it?"

Mrs. Khazada's suspicion got proved right when Vaneeza didn't meet her eye. "For the love of God, Vini! Seriously?"

"Mama, It's not like I'm pining for him. I just...It's hard to explain."

Mrs. Khazada patted her cheek affectionately. "It was a long relationship. That's why. That's another reason why it was so necessary for you to get away. He should've started putting more effort when you two were together for so long but he didn't and that is why your Baba and I had to take things into our hands."

Vaneeza sighed, knowing how right her mother was. Mrs. Khazada's relief showed in her smile. "I'm your mother. I know what's best for you and believe me when I say it wasn't Aahil. You didn't love him Vaneeza, and neither did he love you. Otherwise, it would've ended the way it did."

"That's what Zoya says."

"And she's absolutely right. So, it's time to shed this heartbroken look and embrace what life has blessed you with. Ali loves you, Vini. All of us are aware of the Jatoi and Jahangir clash. But he convinced his family about you even though you were in a relationship with Aahil that too for years. Don't be harsh on that guy."

Saying that she got up. Vaneeza also did. She had a dinner to attend. She saw her mother walking out of her room and then glanced at her phone. Ali's name was flashing on it. She silently cut the call.

𝄞

Bushra's arrival at Wadia House was a pleasant surprise for them all. They were setting the table for Dinner when Bushra entered through the door, followed by Jeffery. She had a bowl in her hand, seeing which Haleh immediately perked up. "Auntie, please say it's your delicious Haleem?"

Bushra laughed, ruffling her hair. "Of course it is. I thought it's been a long time since I cooked my trademark dish so why not."

Bushra was naturally gifted with the art of cooking. Her job and single mother life didn't allow her the time to invest in elaborate dishes but once in a while, she'd spent her whole day in the kitchen, preparing recipes she'd then put into her colorful bowls and give to every person who was close to her. Wadia House and Rameen's place were the two designated spots.

"I've packed Chapatis as well. I know Sila likes crispy Chapati."

Sila hugged her sideways, always grateful that through Danish, she had gotten Bushra in her life. Sila couldn't say if she'd met anyone as amazing as her.

"But Auntie, you must've spent your whole day in the kitchen preparing the Haleem. You could've asked Dareer to deliver the bowls." Sila told her. Bushra gave her a confused look. "Dareer? He's not home."

It was Sila's turn to be surprised. "Is he not? Has he gone to Lahore with Danish?"

"Lahore's plan got canceled. They are in Islamabad right now. Dareer and Rafay wanted to visit some campuses of the universities they want to apply to as well. As a backup and Danish had some work there so he took them both with him. Reen didn't tell you?"

Sila turned to Rameen who was looking as shocked by this as Sila. Then her shock morphed into discomfiture. Sila immediately masked her shock and hurt. "She did. Must've slipped my mind."

Bushra was talking to Dinbanu and Sakeena. They might not have sensed the awkwardness around but the girls did. Haleh and Amal were looking between Sila and Rameen. None of them said a word, not even when Bushra went back home. Not during dinner. Not when Sila did take only a spoon of the Haleem. They remained silent and awkward.

𝄞

The clanking of the cutlery, the sound of her parents' civilized talks, the aroma of a well-organized dinner. Alina played with her food as she took in the scene in front of her. For any outsider, this would give a domestic feel. But only Alina could see beneath that veneer. Her father's passive-aggressive comments, her mother's overly sweet smile, as if she was taking the act too far. Alina had seen it all before, countless times.

"So, Alina."

Her mother cleared her throat. That got Alina's attention. "Who dropped you home the other day when I came to meet you at your place?"

Alina groaned inwardly. Classis Mahwish. "It was Mahad."

"Ahan? Lashari?"

"Yes, the very one."

Mahwish wiggled her brows. "Is there something we should know?"

Alina didn't hide her scowl this time around. "Aahil, Mahad, and Osama have been a permanent fixture in my life since middle school. If even now, you don't understand what kind of bonding I have with Mahad, then maybe you should indeed know something; more about your daughter's life."

Mahwish's face reddened while Amir hid his smile behind his glass of water. It wasn't every day that their daughter would snap at one of them.

"Alina Asfandyar, I will not allow you to talk to me this way."

"I was just making a point. Mahad is my friend, one of the closest. I'll appreciate it if you don't make any such assumptions about me and him."

"Very well. What about Osama? Are you two civil?"

Alina gave her mother a wounded look. Everyone who knew Mahwish Amir also knew that she was a vicious woman. Giving it back as good as she had gotten was her forte and she never cared if the person against her was her own child. Alina had just talked back to her. She would strike back, one way or the other.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Why not? It's not a difficult question. He's making quite waves in the film industry. His new project is with Shireen Khan and we all know how picky that woman is with her work. Osma is going to make it big. I still think your decision of calling off things with him was foolish. Now that he—"

"Is more loaded than he was before." Alina finished in a whisper earning a glare from Mahwish. "Are you implying I'm materialistic and want you to be a gold digger?"

"What's there to imply? That's the truth." Amir took his part in the conversation. Alina placed her fork back. There they were. The drama was about to unfold.

Mahwish's eyes blazed. She pushed her plate harshly and got up. "That's it. What the hell is your problem? The whole evening you have been coming at me with your backhanded comments. Why aren't you in your best spirits? Now that you are back from a week-long getaway with your secretary slash mistress."

Amir didn't stand up but he wasn't going to stay silent. Not after this. "Don't you fucking dare bring Samavia into this mess."

"Did you forget? It's Mavi for you, as you were very lovingly calling her when I overheard you talking to her on the phone."

"I'm not entertaining any of these assumptions. How much of my money did you lose in poker last week when I was away? And don't you fucking lie to me. I have receipts."

"Your money? Amir, if I must remind you—"

"Don't dodge the question. Don't you fucking dodge the question! Just answer me. How much!"

"If you already have the receipts, why don't you fucking use your hands and eyes and go through those? Don't ruin my night. You've already ruined my life."

"You wretched woman! I'll—"

"Mom, Dad! Enough!" Alina tried interjecting when Mahwish turned to her. "Yeah, enough. After giving this man ammunition, starting this mess now you had had enough. Stop being shallow, Alina, and stop fucking eating! You'll gain extra pounds! I know you're no longer a model but still!"

She hadn't even touched her food properly but it had always been like this. She'd come in between their arguments and suddenly, Mahwish's whole attention would be on her, nitpicking on everything and making her feel miserable about things she had never even given two shits about.

Alina picked up her purse from the table. "That's it. I'm out. Thank you for the food, you guys. Carry on."

Saying that she didn't wait for them to say anything. She went straight to the door and was out of the house without looking back.

𝄞

The dinner at Jahangir Residence was without any incident. No one mentioned anything, no sign of any ulterior motive at the play. It was too calm for Aahil. But then Faseeh called him into his study. Aahil got up immediately. About fucking time. He was getting antsy.

He knocked at the door and entered inside. Faseeh wasn't alone. Saba was also sitting with him. Aahil hid his smirk. Baba was playing all his cards.

"Sit."

Faseeh pointed toward the seat in front of him. Aahil did so as he was told.

"I asked you to be at the office on Monday."

"You didn't elaborate on which office. Karachi is huge. I could've gotten lost or worse stuck in the traffic while finding out."

"Aahil!" Saba hissed but he leaned some more into his seat. Faseeh nodded as if his excuse made complete sense.

"I see. The thing is, Aahil. I have a proposition for you."

"Talking exactly like a shrewd owner of a chain of hotels."

Faseeh smiled. "A trip to New Zealand, Prague, Budapest, Edinburg, and Athens. How does it sound?"

Aahil's laid-back expression morphed into one of surprise. "What? I mean—"

"Your dream destination, or some of those. I will pay for all of it. You plan the trip. I'll give you the money. But before that, I'll need six months of your life. Six months according to me and the rest at your own terms with no worries for money and other arrangements."

"These places are on my travel bucket list," Aahil mumbled and for the first time, Faseeh's cool composure faltered. Aahil's eyes narrowed.

"I knew it! I fucking knew it!"

"Behave!" Faseeh hissed but Aahil had gotten up from his seat. "This is why she came to my place."

"Your place?"

That made him angrier. "Yeah, your place. Not mine. What is mine anyway? She always plots against me and you all let her. She looked around MY PLACE and got her hands on something personal so you could blackmail me!"

"Blackmail? I offered you a deal, you imbecile!"

"I'm your son, Baba. Not a business associate! You are trying to buy me?"

"Apparently, someone told me I have a lot of money and should go for it."

Wow. His own words came to bite him in the ass. He wanted to slap himself if that was possible.

"Wow, Baba! Aren't you talking as Adan's father right now? You know what? I was always right. I'm adopted, am not I? It wasn't a late pregnancy. You guys found me somewhere and took pity on my sorry excuse for a life. That explains this favoritism. I'm not your kid. Adan and Faran are. Who in their right mind births a kid when they are done and dusted with their offspring line? Only the people who love to have too much fun. You two aren't those people. So, yes, I'm adopted."

"That's it! I'm done playing nice. Listen you ungrateful spawn of an unfortunate—,"

"Damn well, I'm."

"I'm disowning you."

"I'm not your son in the first place so the joke's on you if you think you can pull this disowning card on me."

"Aahil Jahangir!"

"Not even my real name, now that I think about it. What if my real parents named me something else—"

"ENOUGH!"

The shout hadn't come from Faseeh. It certainly hadn't come from Aahil. Both of them turned to Saba who had dropped herself on the couch and was now sobbing uncontrollably. They shared a look and the next moment, both sat beside her.

"Mama."

"Saba."

Her body shook with sobs. "You two are going to end with your constant arguments one day. And even then you will be too caught up in one-upping each other to notice it."

"Don't talk rubbish."

"Mama, please!"

Both said at the same time, exchanged a look, and then looked away. Saba wiped her eyes with the tissue Aahil had given her from the kleenex box. Then she proceeded to take a sip from the glass of water Faseeh had put in her mouth.

"How many times have I told you not to threaten him with disowning? Is it so easy for you? I can't even imagine it. My boy being excluding from the family. That will kill me, Faseeh." Faseeh looked away, not meeting her eye. She rounded on Aahil.

"And you! What was it? I'm adopted? I almost died giving birth to you! It was a late pregnancy and I was in my late reproductive years. Ask your Baba, how much pain did I endure? I stayed in the hospital for a week. But I gave birth to you! And I loved you the moment you were in my arms. Giving birth to you almost killed me Aahil Jahangir and no! That's your only name. Look at your kartoots! This name is your only saving grace at this point."

Glaring at both of them, she got up. "Until you two have resolved your issues and come to an agreement, I'm not talking to either of you. No Biryani for you," She pointed at Aahil and then at Faseeh. "And you can find somewhere else to sleep."

"Mama! That's unfair!"

"Saba! That's unfair!"

They said together, again.

"Not my problem!" Saying that she was out of the study. Aahil and Faseeh heaved a deep sigh. Regret was there on their faces.

"6 months of my life? Okay."

"Will never breathe a word about disowning you again? Okay."

They nodded at each other and followed her.

Outside the study, in the niche in the wall, Nawar shook her head. "And now they are on the same page but after giving so much pain to Mama. Poor her."

Adan eyed her. "Nawar."

"Hun?"

"You always say Zain got his performative skills from Aahil."

"Yes?"

"What do you reckon? From whom Aahil got it?"

It took Nawar a second to realize it and when she did, she couldn't stop her laughter.

𝄞

"So, on a scale of 1 to Aahil's face, how bad it was?"

Mahad asked innocently. Alina chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. When she left her parents' place, without thinking much, she booked a ride to Mahad's place instead of her own. She needed it, after the glorious mess the dinner was.

"Let me see. Curiosity over mine and your friendship. Check. Bringing in my past. Check. Hinting at my father's affair with his secretary. Check. My mother's poker. Check. Scolding me for being uncareful of my weight. Check. It was pretty bad."

"More than Aahil's existence. This shit got nothing on his face."

Alina laughed at that. Mahad brought his arm around her shoulder. Alina leaned into him. She needed this warmth.

"The room downstairs is ready if you want to crash."

"I love you for the offer but I think I'll just go back home. Thank God I don't still live with my parents."

"Oh Lina, if you did, we'd have definitely lost you to the dark side by now."

His ringing phone on the table put a halt to their conversation. He extended his arm and checked the caller ID. His smile immediately turned into an expression of seriousness.

"Everything's okay?" Alina asked.

"It's from home. Give me a second."

Saying that he went out of the room. Stopping close to the window in the hallway, he picked it up.

"Gina?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"Is everything okay there?"

Abgina sighed loudly. That somewhat answered his question. "Chachu and Chachi had a fight again."

Mahad cursed under his breath. "About what?"

"As if I need to tell you. She's suspicious that he hadn't really gone to Karachi the other day."

"Fucking hell! Baba was with me all the time. Didn't Dada Jaan tell her that?" But then as if remembering something he continued. "Why would he clear anything? He is the real culprit. I told him to skip this time around as Baba was with us but no, Dada and listening to any of us when it comes to—"

"You and I both know it's not wrong. Chachi needs to change her attitude."

"Yeah, my mother will rip you a new one if you tell her that."

"Good thing she likes me. When are you coming home, Mahad?"

"After what you've told me, I might visit this week itself. Always the mediator for my parents' fight."

"Perks of being an only and loved to bits child. I'm hanging up now. Mama is calling me."

"Bye and say my Salam to Tayi Maa!"

"Will do. Bye!"

The call ended but Mahad's frustration and worry had just started. Another fight between his parents? He needed a break. Maybe that's why he and Alina got along so well.

At the same time, Aahil slid the glass door opening into his balcony and handed the cup of coffee to Osama. Both of them stood there silently, looking at the endless sea in front of them.

"Jodi called me today. Said you haven't been yourself since yesterday. Your davedas vibe is all over the place."

"Jodi worries unnecessarily. I'm fine."

"It's not just Jodi. Even I think you're far from fine."

"This is why I didn't hit you up. You think you can have a read on me and I hate that."

Aahil chuckled. "I can have a read on you, Sam. The same goes for you."

"How are things at your end? The last I heard, you were stuck in family drama."

"I'm still stuck in that. I think I got tricked tonight into agreeing to Baba's offer but since I love my Mama, I'm going to let this slide."

It was Osama's turn to chuckle.

"You should've called Lashari if I weren't available."

Osama grumbled. "I think I finally agree with your sentiments. Lashari is an ass."

Aahil shook his head. "Now, now. I'm no fan of the guy but if this opinion is because of his proximity with a certain honey hair woman, you and I both know he loves Alina just like he loves Abgina, as a sister. He'll never say it out loud because calling any beautiful woman a sister, when she isn't blood-related to him, he thinks is beneath him."

"He's still kind of an ass."

Osama got silent after that. Aahil gave him a look and turned back to gaze at the sea. Both of them had lots on their mind but they'd never push the other to talk it out if he didn't want to. Maybe that's why they got along so well.

𝄞

Night at Wadia house had fully settled in. All of the inhabitants were in their respective rooms, the lights dimmed and Jeffery's recorder silent for hours now.

Haleh closed her document with a tired yawn. The words wouldn't make any sense to her and that was her cue to give it a rest and try again with a fresh mind, maybe in the morning.

She leaned into her pillow and shifted to place her laptop on the side table. In doing so, her eyes fell on the photo frame placed there. Her parents' picture. She smiled which deepened when she saw the art supply box next to it.

Baba Jaan's latest gift. She caressed the smooth surface and closed her eyes. Her loss and gain were sides by side. She didn't need anything more.

On the bed next to her, Amal tossed and turned. Even her Kindle wouldn't be able to distract her. She'd have to convey to her father one way or the other that Ghar was off limits. So, he better drops any idea he had regarding that place.

In the next room, Sila lay on her bed, playing with the end of her duvet. She glanced at Rameen on the other bed and turned away from her.

The first thing Rameen did after Bushra's departure; made it clear to Sila that she didn't know Danish hadn't told her about the change of plans. Rameen knew all about it because Rafay, her brother was going with Danish and Dareer. Sila had accepted that. She didn't have any issues with Rameen anyway.

Her issue was with a certain man and the apparent lack of communication between them on his part.

Rameen was also lost in her thoughts. It was a working day tomorrow but sleep eluded her. Her thoughts were plagued by so much that she didn't know how to sort them through but one thing was sure, as sure as it had always been for Rameen. She would always be Sila's best friend. She would never let anything else mar that.

Love and other emotions included.

𝄞

His first day at Jahan was at their Civil Lines Hotel. Reluctantly, cursing his fate and his naivety, he drove there, sacrificing his sleep. Once he was through the doors, he knew there was no turning back. Faran had asked him to come straight to the floor the main offices were on. He was going there only but on his way, he passed by the banquet hall number three and the commotion inside had him rooted to his spot.

A huge space, the stage at the far corner, instruments for the live band, sound system.

A setting so familiar yet foreign, home yet barren land, melody yet static.

Every else faded into a void for him. He stared and stared. And then there were voices from a distant past. A life that was once his.

"Music prodigy."

"Proficient in not one or two but three instruments."

"You wrote this? I can't believe it. It's fantastic."

"Your music matches your depth. That's why it makes everyone your fan."

"You are destined for greater things."

"Berklee's star."

No. He shook his head. But the spell was around him. In waves. As confetti. Invisible. Only known to him. Only felt by him.

Static. Silence.

And then there was not. A melody?

A laugh.

His head whipped in that direction. Static. Zone zero. But then her. Her laugh.

A melody.

She tipped her head back as she laughed freely. As freely as the first keynote of a piano. The tension inside him mimicking a guitar string dissipated into the air.

And then there was just music around him. A laugh. A melody.

She suddenly stopped, her eyes found his. And then they narrowed. She gestured at the person to her side to wait and walked to where he was standing.

She stood next to him. She was saying something. Running a hand through her shoulder length hair, then she shook her head, probably at his lack of response, and held his hand, to take him toward her team.

He didn't know why. He couldn't focus. Because at that moment, he was surrounded by music from every direction.

After years his domain had opened up to him.

And he was not ready.

𝄞

Author's Note

The song linked above, 1:41-2:39 time stamp, the last scene of this chapter= Magic.