There were many admirable qualities in Sila Nouraiz. Her immaculate academic record, professional creativity, team leadership, and resilience. Giving up wasn't in her system. She'd cry and curse but would always turn the tide around. Something akin to that happened at the SoundTech event. After the initial setback, all thanks to a wanker in need of some cheap entertainment, she and her team got to work. There was no place for any more mistakes and they stuck to this mantra. The result was in front of them; a successful event managed yet again.

Sila leaned into the back wall. Her eyes roamed around in search of any loopholes but so far, nothing had caught her eye. Things were running smoothly.

She took a sip from her water bottle. All day, she didn't have the time to even hydrate. As she turned to the entrance, her eyes narrowed considerably.

Jahan's team of coordinators was in a friendly conversation with the SoundTech organizers. Nawar and Sahira seemed to like how everything panned out. But Sila's glare was directed at the person behind them who had already found her looking at him. He smirked, pointed around and squinted his eyes, and moved his hand up and down, in a gesture of 50/50. Okayish. Sila made sure no one was attentive toward her when she flipped him the bird. His reaction was a laugh that garnered the attention of the people around him but he just shrugged.

She walked away from the wall, lest he should infuriate her some more. Her efforts today were a solid 100. She wouldn't let a jobless asshole tell her otherwise.

𝄞

Aahil had been totally expecting what he came across. The team of assistant operation managers for AJ events meant business, their leader did more so than anyone. If he got any read on her and he wasn't shitty at reading people, she was a force to be reckoned with. That was another thing that she was a fireball when provoked. He had many instances he could quote to vouch for this fact. Just now he got himself a standing ovation from her middle finger. He deserved it though.

Leaving Nawar and Sahira immersed in their conversation with a rotund guy whose name Aahil had already forgotten, he walked ahead. His steps were calculated, and an air of uncertainty suddenly surrounded him. The music wasn't blasting loud. An acoustic number that had gone viral in SoundTech's latest edition had cast a spell around. The smooth melody intermingled with heartfelt lyrics. He could see the who's who of the music industry around. Faces that had once been familiar, now? Not so much. This had once been his scene, now? He stuck out like a sore thumb.

"Oh, my days! Is it who I think it is?"

The exclamation came from behind him. He turned around, only to be greeted by an enthusiastic whoop. He chuckled. Well, some things never change.

"Aahil Jahangir! I almost thought I was seeing things and I'm not even high." Cyrus reached his side and pulled him in his trademark bear hug. Aahil chuckled. Yeah, some things never really change. Cyrus Dias' cheery personality was one of those.

"Man, it's good to see you after so long. One would think you vanished off the face of the planet or something."

"Now, that's an exaggeration. We ran into each other at the new year's party."

"That was two years ago, you absolute jerk!"

"Was it?" Aahil raised an eyebrow and Cyrus shook his head. "Always the same shit with you. But seeing you here is nothing short of a shocker for me. Aahil Jahangir, at a music eve, among the music fraternity. Have you—"

"Hold your horses, Dias." Aahil pointed in the direction Nawar and Sahira with other people from Jahan were standing. Realization dawned on Cyrus. And with that, there was a hint of disappointment as well.

"Oh, I almost forgot your family owns this place. Makes sense. My bad."

He deflated instantly as if the knowledge had hurt him. And it must've. Those who had been witness to Aahil Jahangir's genius would always be disappointed that it was not his arena anymore. Cyrus was one of those. His over-the-top personality wouldn't give him away at the spot but he was one of the most successful music producers in the country and one of the first friends Aahil made back in the time when his aspirations in life were very different from what they were now.

"But it's still nice to see you around, man. Just like the old days. I—"

Aahil shook his head. "Don't, Cyrus."

Cyrus nodded understandably. "Yeah, okay. But do come out of your den more, hun? Catch up on life someday, maybe? Sonia will be glad to see you. She still mentions our jam sessions."

Sonia, Cyrus' wife, another prominent musical figure. "Yeah, sure, Soon," Aahil told him. A knowing smile reached Cyrus's lips. Both of them knew that soon literally translated to never. But Cyrus was too nice to point that out.

They talked for a few minutes more, Cyrus inquiring about Aahil's family and Aahil asking about Sonia. Bablu and Manu, their dogs. Sonia's SRK craze. It wasn't long before they said their goodbyes with empty promises of meeting soon again.

Aahil gestured in Nawar's way that he was heading out. She didn't question him, didn't try to stop him. She'd leave with Faran who was busy in a meeting. They'd all have dinner together at Jahangir House.

He was on his way to the exit when he saw Sila coming toward him. She opened her mouth to say something when he raised his hand. "Later, fireball."

"What!?"

He sighed not looking back. "It means you breathe fire through your nose. Not a very attractive look but you pull it off somehow."

"That's not! I swear to God! Why are you so infuriating!!"

She groaned aloud making him smile. Even when nothing around him was remotely amusing.

𝄞

"Hectic day at work?"

Rameen had noticed all through the dinner how lost Sila was. She made a mental note to ask her about it.

"That's one way to put it," Sila said, massaging her neck. Rameen would've attributed Sila's mood to her tiredness but that's about best friends. They always know something is up. On finding Rameen's questioning gaze, Sila dropped her hand and sighed.

"Danish showed up at work today."

"Did he?"

Sila nodded. "He called me during lunch hour. My tone gave him the idea I was pissed at him so he drove to Jahan so we could talk. And we really needed to talk, Reen. But I was angry. He was tired. Both of us were in the middle of a frenzied day at work. So I told him to go. The hotel parking lot wasn't really an ideal place to have that conversation."

Sila ran a hand through her hair. Rameen left her bed and sat next to Sila, holding her by her shoulders. "Hey, it will be fine."

"I'm not too sure about that, Reen. If I'm being honest."

She paused and then gave Rameen a wounded look. "I hate to be the stereotypical whining girlfriend,"

"You aren't."

"I'm. But Reen, Danish...he's not the same person I got into a relationship with. I know people evolve, things change, and circumstances do as well. But lately, I've been feeling this distance between us. As if there's a wall erected by Danish that I can't go through. It's made of glass, I can see through it but can't go to the other side toward him. Am I making any sense?"

Rameen's heart went out to Sila. At the same time, she was filled with rage for Danish. That man! He really needed to sort out his priorities.

"We have to sit down and talk about this. I refuse to keep on feeling this way. We are adults for crying out loud. Not today but in the coming days, yes. I will not sit down until I know what is even going on with him."

She looked at Rameen sideways as she leaned into her. "Reen, you know I love you right? You're my best friend. The person I know I can always rely on."

"I do. You are that person for me too, Sila."

"Then promise me. You won't try to sort this mess for us."

Rameen was taken aback. Sila gave her a sardonic smile. "Sorry to harp on the same thing, but I'm not saying this as a jealous insecure girlfriend. No, I know your and Danish's friendship. You've known him longer than me. In fact, I got introduced to him through you. You have nothing but our best interest in your mind but Reen, we need to work it out on our own. Me and Danish. Gosh, we really do need to."

Rameen pursed her lips. It was foolish of her to think Sila wouldn't know about this. She cared for both Danish and Sila a great deal but Sila was right. She couldn't just keep on sorting their mess, Danish's mess, precisely. Sila was right. They had to work through it as a couple. Rameen needed to take a step back. It was only sensible to do so.

"I won't interfere. You're right, you both have to take care of it on your own."

Saying that she hugged Sila sideways who held onto her arm around her. "But we are good, right?"

"Perfect. No one holds the candle to us. The best bestie duo there ever is."

"I like the sound of it."

Rameen moved away to make her bed for the night. Sila got up to take a long bat, a habit of hers. Regardless of the ferocity of the weather outside, Sila would be found taking her bubble bath before bed. She called it self-care. Amal called it lunacy.

"Sila!"

She hadn't even taken out her pajamas from the closet when she heard Haleh's excited yelp. She and Rameen shared a confused look and then shrugged. By then, an excited Haleh and a bored Amal were inside their room.

"Found him!"

Haleh waved her phone in Sila's face increasing her confusion.

"Whom?"

"Your road husband, apparently." Amal drawled. Realization dawned on Sila. She shook her head. "Don't you fucking refer to him as that and what I have to tell you, trust me, it's far better than what Haleh must've found it."

"But I got here first!" Haleh protested. Sila, Rameen, and Amal looked heavenwards and gestured for her to continue.

"Remember I told you I've seen him somewhere? Here!" She pushed her phone into Sila's hand where an Instagram profile was already opened. Sila looked at the bio and then scrolled down.

"He's a—"

"Travel Blogger. Last year when we were planning that all-girls trip to Hunza, which had to be canceled thanks to Amal's supervisor being a major a-hole." Haleh was still salty. Traveling with your girl squad without any man on board was already an uphill task in the country and when things seemed to finally take some shape, Amal's supervisor had to assign her the task of arranging the literary fest of their department. Needless to say, they had to postpone the trip. That was another thing until now, no opportunity of resuming it had manifested itself. Work commitments ruining all the fun; tale as old as times.

"Curse him all you want. I hate the guy more than you all combined." Amal affirmed, lying down on Sila's bed.

"We are going off track." Haleh clapped her hands to bring their attention to her discovery, completely overlooking the fact that she was the one who resorted to bitch about Amal's professor. Sila was immersed in her phone, going through his profile. Haleh peeked at it over her shoulder. "I was gathering all the information I could about traveling up the north. I followed many travel-related Instagram profiles. His was one of those."

Sila nodded, not taking her eyes off the screen.

"Isn't he cool though? Some of his reviews are interesting. Check the caption of his picture in the British Museum."

Haleh scrolled and stopped at the said picture. Sila hid her chuckle upon seeing the caption. "Everything is beautiful and mostly, stolen. But we focus on the positives. So, yes, beautiful."

"Aahil, hun?" Rameen, who had also stood next to them looking at the pictures, asked. Aahilkaamkar, the handle didn't provide much to ascertain his identity. His Bio was even better "Was running from my responsibilities. Got on a plane and landed in another country. Now I call myself a travel blogger. Bas abh tu bhi apna kaam kar."

"Aahil Jahangir."

Sila muttered. Instantly, three pairs of eyes zeroed in on her. She nodded. "Yes, The youngest son of Faseeh Jahangir."

"Shut up! Are we really talking about The Faseeh Jahangir? The business tycoon? Owner of Jahan?" Amal couldn't believe her ears.

"The very one."

"But! There's no hint of that on his Insta Page."

"Maybe, he wanted to be independent somewhere." Sila snorted.

"You, Missy!" Rameen pointed at her. "Spill. You know more than you are letting on."

So, Sila sat down on her bed and narrated her clusterfuck of the day to her girls. She also touched upon their encounter in the mall where she had to pretend to be his wife, not her finest move. They were amused and said she got him good. That gave her the confidence that it wasn't so bad after all.

"Wow, that is some filmy shit right there."

Amal was the first one to comment. Haleh was still trying to figure out his real identity through his profile but so far, she couldn't pick on much. Rameen was also with her. Someone had to help.

"Hey, I think he's friends with Alina Asfandyar."

She said. Amal's eyes widened. She jumped from her seat and joined Rameen and Haleh. After fifteen minutes, she squealed. "Yes! He is! He's replied to all her comments on his posts and mind you, he is a stinky ass bastard when it comes to replying."

Sila made a face, knowing too well what was to come. Amal reached her side with a sycophantic smile on her face. "Always knew among all of us you had the caliber to mingle in the elite crowd. Now that you know him, please ask him for Alina's number. Damn, if I get to be styled by her once in my life, my purpose of gracing this shithole will be fulfilled."

"Dramatic much?" Sila rolled her eyes.

"Well, I wouldn't mind knowing Alina Asfandyar personally as well. Her fashion sense is just immaculate." Rameen put in. Haleh was still confused why the hell he hadn't shown off about his family name and Amal was still eyeing Sila expectantly. Sila just groaned. What a day.

𝄞

The calm of his place had never felt like such a blessing to him. The day was eventful, to say the least. And after that encounter with Cyrus, he just wanted to go home and crash on his bed. But he had dinner plans with his family and refusing his mother was something he wasn't built for.

His family was happy. It seemed like the prospect of him getting his shit together was euphoric for them. The dinner never had such easygoing energy around. He hadn't seen his father smiling much but tonight, even he was all smiles.

But could he share the sentiment? No. It wasn't about not wanting to work. It was the glaring reality that he wasn't cut out for this life. Today, he felt it more than he had been doing so lately. The music event and his conversation with Cyrus. It seemed like someone had opened the window to a past that was his but not his anymore. He had drifted so far away that there was no way back to it. This was his life now, no matter how much he dislike this fact and it wasn't that he was doing anything to get back to his actual domain. The thought alone was enough to make him run in the opposite direction.

Then what was even the point of thinking about it? That would only hurt him as he was now. He stood in the middle of his room. His hands fumbled with his shirt buttons. He needed a shower and then a good night's sleep. As he undid the first button, his hand touched his collar. A memory of someone setting it for him with the annoyance of the whole world on her face flashed across his mind. Even she told him to get his shit together. That fireball.

And suddenly, amidst all the uncertainty and unsaid, he smiled. For a split second, but he did.

Back in Wadia House, Sila was wide awake, lying on her side and scrolling her phone. Yeah, it was his profile. Sue her. He had nice content up there but Sila had noticed some other things as well. He was a private person. Even though he had quite some followers, in thousands. But still, none of his posts gave away anything about his home life. He was all business. Just his traveling and him.

And maybe, she was reading too much into the lines but this thing felt like a facade. She shook her head. Did she even know he guy properly to come to this conclusion? Some arguments don't make you understand someone but as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't brush this thought out of her mind.

𝄞

The knock at the door interrupted Mehrab Lashari's concentration. He looked up, with the full intent of showing his distaste for his secretary. When he had specifically asked to not be disturbed, why couldn't he understand it?

But his scowl eased upon seeing the person walking through the door. "Hide your knives, Baba. Or else I'll complain to my mother."

Mahad threatened with a cheek in his voice. Mehrab narrowed his eyes but stood up to hug his son.

"You plan on staying in the office tonight?" Mahad asked to which Mehrab shrugged his shoulder. "Wouldn't be the first time."

"Baba," Mahad was tired of this rope pulling between his parents. If their arguments were intense, their silent treatment of each other was even worse. Mahad had been seeing this all his life. Fortunately or unfortunately, both Bakhtawar and Mehrab were as good of parents as bad they were husband and wife. They loved their only child to bits. Bakhtawar loved to spoil him. Mehrab's relationship with him was more of a friend than a father's. Mahad was blessed this way but when he looked at his parents' relationship with each other, he often didn't feel so lucky.

"One of you has to make an effort, Baba."

"Why it always has to be?"

That was the truth. Mehrab was often the one to extend an olive branch. Bakhtawar would always accept it, with an air of nonchalance. They'd go back to normal, until their next argument.

"If we leave it up to her, this cold air would go on forever. None of us want that. And, you also don't."

"Always saving your mother, I see."

Mahad grinned. "Now that's a lie. I do that to you as well. Didn't I cover up for you when you went on a trip with your friends?"

Mehrab grumbled. Trust his son to push it into his face. Mahad sensed victory. "Buy her favorite Kachoriyan on your way home."

"Anything else, father?" Mehrab asked, mockingly. Mahad just laughed. But from inside, he was relieved. At least his work here was done.

"When do you go back?"

"Don't sound too eager. But tomorrow morning."

"I thought you'd be here for the whole weekend."

"Can't. Have to fly back to Karachi for Asfar's wedding."

Mehrab nodded, understandably. The whole family lived here in Islamabad while Mahad alone was there in Karachi. This wasn't always the case. Mehrab and Bakhtawar settled in Karachi shortly after their wedding. Mehrab took care of the business there while his elder brother Mubashir was in charge of things at their Islamabad office. Some five years back, Mubashir passed away after a short duration of illness. That was a huge blow for the whole Lashari family. Mubashir's only son, Armaghan was well-settled abroad for business purposes. It was foolish to call him back when he was needed there. That time, Mehrab came up with this decision. He and Bakhtawar moved in with the rest of their family. Mahad stayed in Karachi and took responsibility of business there. He was good at it. The best, if Mehrab was honest.

"You must've confronted your grandfather."

Mahad grimaced. "I had to."

"You know he made a promise. He isn't one to go back on his word."

"Baba, skipping once doesn't mean he broke his promise, for god's sake."

Mehrab pursed his lips. "I know you don't like this setting. But think of it this way. You have no apparent family of your own. You live with people you have no blood relation with. You've never known what a proper family feels like. An old man is your only semblance of it. And suddenly that old man also stops visiting. Wouldn't that break you?"

Mahad was tongue-tied. It wouldn't break him, per se. But it wasn't about him. Dada Jaan has always maintained she had the softest heart, there is. So it would definitely break her if they go by Dada Jaan's word.

"All I'm saying is, don't be heartless, son. When you really aren't."

Saying that Mehrab got up to leave. Mahad followed him wordlessly and a bit remorsefully.

𝄞

"Dareer! Get your breakfast! I'm not going to mollycoddle you!!"

Bushra called from the kitchen. It was the weekend and much to her relief both Danish and Dareer had no plans for today. It could also be due to the fact that this weekend was going to be spent at Farman's wedding.

"Dareer!" She called again but Dareer was also one of his kind. She was about to march up to his room when she felt a presence behind her. She turned and found Danish standing there.

"Dani, Beta can you please bring your brother to breakfast? Must be busy on his goddamn phone." She said busily. Danish nodded but instead of going to Dareer's room, he took a step inside the kitchen and placed an envelope close to her on the island. Bushar looked at him and then at it confusedly.

"I've already taken care of the gift for Farman and his wife."

"It's not for that."

"Then?"

Danish stayed silent. Realization hit Bushra. "Danish! I told you I'll arrange the money for Dareer."

"And I told you, you need not worry." He moved inside, pouring the tea into the cups."

"Is this...Is this why you went to Islamabad?" She inquired. Danish didn't answer that, proving her suspicion. Bushra suddenly felt frustrated. She also felt immense love for her son. But frustration won.

"Don't, Mama. I'm taking Dareer's breakfast to his room. I'll just have tea." Saying that he picked up Dareer's plate, and his mug of tea and went out of the kitchen. Bushra watched his retreating back with nothing but tender love and care on her face. And worry.

Scolding Dareer for his tardiness and giving him his breakfast, Danish came to his room with his tea and sat down in the chair. He was in deep thought as he sipped on it.

His phone pinged on the table. He extended his hand and glanced at the notification bar. It was work-related, as usual. He ignored it. It was a weekend and no matter how much of a workaholic he was, he also needed a break. Besides, he had lots on his mind.

He opened his contacts. His thumb hovered over Sila's name. His face showed his anguish. His pessimism won once again. As he was about to close his phone, he got a text on his WhatsApp. Even though he was in no mood, his lips curl into a smile. Rameen had sent him her frog of shame. Nothing else. That was her way of telling him he was a loser.

And he couldn't deny it.

𝄞

The wedding chaos didn't confine to just Rameen's place. Wadia House was also depicting it. All of them were invited. Rameen left early in the morning. Her family needed her if her constantly ringing phone was any indication. Sila, Amal, and Haleh were to leave after lunch. Dinbanu, Jeffery, and Sakeena would join them shortly.

"Will Reen be free to do my makeup?" Haleh asked. The tension showed on her face. Amal and Sila shook their heads. Trust Haleh to be worked up over such nonsensical issues.

As soon as they reached Rameen's place, they were swarmed by the wedding hodgepodge. There was so much to do. Tasks kept on surfacing one after the other and by the time they all got ready, they were barely on time.

Almost all of Rameen's immediate and extended family knew Haleh, Sila, and Amal. They never had any problems mingling in with Rameen's folks. Some of her relatives were so cool. Her aunts her on the maternal side, particularly.

Sila settled her Duppata on her shoulder as she greeted another familiar face. She had chosen Golden and black for the night. Nothing too flashy and nothing too subdued. Just the way she liked it. From her makeup to accessories everything was in moderation.

Amal was busy gossiping with some old ladies. She loved the tea. Haleh was with Rameen's cousins, giving them confidence for their dances. In a corner, Sila found Bushra Auntie seated. Her smile deepened remembering how she literally gushed seeing Sila and blew out Duas to keep the evil eye off. That was heartwarmingly cute.

Then she found Danish. Her smile dimmed a bit. He had already seen her. They hadn't met during the ceremony. Sila took slow steps and stood next to him.

"Hi."

He whispered. She gave him a waned smile. "Hey."

"You are looking good."

"So are you." Sila complimented. Silence stretched between them. Sila opened her mouth to break it. Danish did as well. But nothing came.

"Here they are, Bushra." They found Bushra and a friend of hers coming toward them. Sila knew the lady. She was Bushra and Najia's mutual friend.

"You were absolutely right. They look beautiful together." The woman, Durdana, commented after Sila and Danish greeted her.

"Don't they?" Bushra said with a sea of love for them shining in her eyes. Sila didn't know why but suddenly she felt awkward.

"When are you getting them married, then? I will say, wait no more."

"Durdana, we talked about it. They are both building their careers."

"So? Career building is a life-long process. They are at the right age for marriage. They are seeing each other. You love her and I see no problems. Then why not?"

Durnana and Bushra's conversation was unnerving. But it wasn't them Sila was fully attentive to. It was the man next to her and the myriad of negative emotions on his face. Frustration, anger, unease, and tiredness.

Bushra and Durdana went away, still lost in their talks. The breath of relief Danish let out was it for Sila. Her eyes narrowed and her heart crumbled but Sila held his hand, much to his surprise, and walked to a secluded corner of the venue.

"Sila, what?"

She stopped, in an alcove close to the entrance, and looked at him. "That you will tell me. What?"

Danish's confusion showed on his face. Sila threw her hands in exasperation. "What was that just now? Why were you so unsettled by the marriage talk?"

"Shouldn't I be?"

"Surprised? Yes? Not ready? Sure. But disgusted? Danish, Is the prospect of getting married to me that upsetting to you?"

"Woah! Woah! Sila, slow down. When did I say that? And when did we talk about marriage even among us?"

"Your face spoke for you. You looked like someone suggested the least possibility to you which you hated with your whole chest! I know we didn't talk about marriage but wouldn't we get there, eventually?"

He stayed silent. Sila's heart again crumbled. "Wouldn't we?"

Danish sighed. "I can't believe we are seriously talking about this. Sila, we are both building our careers—"

"Don't give me this. I'm well aware of our career aspirations at this point. I'm not saying that we get married right away but you are acting like that's not even a possibility. After years of being in this relationship, why the mere idea of being tied down to me is giving you the creeps?"

It wasn't about marriage. Not really. It was about his reaction to the mere notion of it and that had told so much to Sila. She thought after all this time when eventually marriage would be on the cards, he'd be at least accepting of it. Yes, not ready right away but his reaction screamed he wouldn't think about it in the far future as well.

"Sila, what has gotten into you lately? This is ridiculous. You are making an issue out of nothing."

"Or I'm finally reading between the lines, Danish. Do we even have a future together? Because lately, I think we don't. You are more distant than ever. You hide things from me—"

"Oh, for God's sake not that again. That was really not a big deal."

"But it adds up to everything that is wrong with us for a while now. You don't talk to me anymore. I don't know what's going on with you unless it's about your achievements at work. You're in a committed relationship with me, for fuck's sake. I'm not your linked-in connection who only deserves to know your career milestones."

She stopped abruptly. Danish's eyes narrowed. "Clearly, Sila. We don't want the same thing from this relationship anymore."

It hurt. She had literally spelled it for him that they needed to communicate and understand each other more but he still couldn't get it. Tears stung her eyes. She hated being miserable but lately, she was only that in this relationship.

"I'm going home."

She announced and turned to leave when Danish held her by her elbow. "You can't be possibly thinking of it. We are at a wedding, Sila."

"Well, I don't care." She freed her arm from his grip and almost ran toward the parking lot. Not even caring if he was following her or not. Coming close to her car, she got inside, and miraculously, her Dabba cooperated. She drove out of there the next second.

𝄞

Weddings weren't Aahil's scene. Especially not when his ex and her fiance were almost everywhere. He wouldn't have minded it that much. But since the moment Vaneeza and Ali showed up with a diamond ring glinting on her finger, every eye blinked in his way. He was the man she had left behind, after all. Maybe, Mahad was right. He should've stayed the fuck home.

"Think of the food," Alina whispered in his ear. He chuckled. Osama gestured for him to leave if he wanted to but Aahil shook his head. That would give people more ammunition. The unsuccessful Majnu walked out of a wedding ceremony because the love of his life had someone else's arms around her and his ring on her finger. That would look so embarrassing and corny as hell. He was better without that scoop.

"Where's Lashari?"

Aahil asked, just to have something to talk about. Alina gestured to the other side of the hall. Zoya and Mahad were busy in a conversation that looked like harmless flirting. Aahil shook his head. Trust Mahad to always have his game intact. Why ladies were drawn to him? Aahil would never know. He didn't even want to know.

He watched Vaneeza and Ali stopping by a table. The ladies there greeted them warmly but as soon as they left, they wiggled their eyebrows and whispered amongst each other. One pointed at him. Aahil swore under his breath. Maybe, it wasn't too bad if he just left. Not stalk off, but slip out of here inconspicuously. He leaned into Alina. "I'm off. Give Asfar my best wishes and the gift, hun? And you look really beautiful tonight, Lina."

She laughed at his praise but nodded. "Will do. It's good if you leave. People really are uncultured mannerless mothertruckers."

Osama tried his best to hide his smile but Aahil caught him. Winking in his direction he got up and tried his best to not garner any attention. He was successful so far. As he came outside, a sigh of relief left his mouth.

"Aahil."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me. Son of a—" He chewed on his words and turned around. His eyes narrowed at Vaneeza. "What do you want?"

She was equally pissed. Aahil held up his hand. "Don't you fucking say I didn't come and say Hi."

"Wasn't going to. We have next to no contact since the day—"

"You got engaged to another man? Well, I wonder why I didn't dial your number?"

"You don't get to be salty, Aahil."

"Oh, I very well do! When the whole social circle I move into is laughing at me."

"Is that my fault? You brought that on yourself. Couldn't you just try? To make this work between us? Couldn't you?"

Her frustration made Aahil take a step back. "Don't, Vaneeza. I'm fucking telling you don't. Stay in your lane. You are in a far better relationship than ours. Stick to it."

"How can you say that? Maybe, it's worse than what we had."

This couldn't be happening to him. He shook his head. "Get over it with the same energy you told me off on your engagement day. You need that. I need that as well. And we need," He maintained as much distance between them as possible. "Is to stay the fuck out of each others' way. There's more at stake than you'd ever realize. I'm not starting a full-on war between my family and the Jatois for someone I never even loved and she didn't love me, as well."

"Good to know you have in you to start a war for someone you deem important enough, who'd that be? I wonder."

Bonkers. Bonkers. BONKERS. Run, Aahil. His mind shouted. And he obliged.

"That's for me to know. Bye! Tell Ali I said Hi."

Saying that he was out of there. He hoped no one had seen his little encounter with Vaneeza. He was almost sure no one had.

He was gravely mistaken.

𝄞

Only his bed, Chinese take-out, and a video call with the Bacha Parrty could make his mood better. Mahad might be a jerk-face twat but he was right about this. He should've skipped. Asfar would've understood. Aahil accepted begrudgingly that listening to Mahad once in a blue moon wouldn't bite him in the ass. At least that would've prevented his and Vaneeza's conversation. That was tripping, for sure. He shook his head as he drove.

Something caught his attention on the side. He focused and raised his eyes brow. This night kept on giving.

Her car had behaved when she left Farman's wedding venue. But on her way, it decided that was it. It broke down. Sila tried everything she knew to make it work but nothing but phus phus was her face. She kicked it and stood outside. Amal's phone was unreachable and Haleh's was attended by one of Rameen's cousins who cut the call telling her Haleh was supervising the dances. Sila had no other option than to call Rameen. She picked up on the third call. Sila bashfully told her she was stuck and Rameen, being the understanding friend that she was, asked her to stay put. She'd send someone to get her. Sila just hoped that someone wasn't Danish.

"I wasn't kidding when I told you to get rid of this travesty."

His voice came from right beside her. She jerked and then relaxed. "And I told you don't you dare insult my car."

"Don't call this," He made a face. "A car."

"Get lost, Aahil." She was tired. She didn't have the stamina in her to take this bickering forward. He bent his head to have a better look at her and then his eyes narrowed. "Have you been crying?"

"What? No!"

"And you are stuck here at this hour. Hey, is everything okay?" The tenderness in his voice surprised even him. She was also taken aback.

"I...I'm not crying. And everything's fine. I was on my way back home from a wedding and my car broke down." Her voice was timid.

"If you are not crying why do you have a runny nose?

Her hand immediately went to her nose and then her eyes narrowed. Aahil nodded. "Let me guess, lover boy messed up?"

"None of your business."

"Which means he did. Damn, I thought it'd be a short ride but he's making sure your and his relationship mimics your car."

"Why are you so obsessed with my car and my relationship."

"I don't like when pretty talented people cry."

"Would've never minded much on your own crying then."

"I'm not pretty, Sila. I'm hot."

"What about talented? You are not that as well."

"Why are you eager to find out about my talents?"

"There's not much to find out other than, perhaps, posing the same way for every picture you take."

She immediately realized her mistake. Aahil's eyes glinted. "Ah, You stalker. You found my Insta."

"I certainly did not."

"Jhooti. You so did."

"Not me! Haleh!"

"Who is Haleh? And is she cute?"

Sila huffed. "God, please make Reen send someone soon. I can't stand this man anymore!"

"With lover boy as your man, you don't get to make these comments."

If he stayed my man anymore. She wanted to say but that would be like giving this man too much ammunition.

The police siren and the unmistakable sound of tires whirring had them both alert. Sila's eyes widened. Aahil looked uncertain. Soon enough, a Police mobile stood at some distance from them. Aahil and Sila shared a look full of panic.

"What do we have here, hein? Two color-coordinated lovers." One of the constables said.

Sila looked at her black dress and then at Aahil's black kurta. She groaned.

"Do share with us what you two were so engrossed in talking about."

"Must be family planning, Sir." Another constable spoke which make the other one chuckle. "Look at them. Likes of these don't plan anything. They just straight get down to the business."

Sila glared at the two men and shifted away from them, which made her stand closer to Aahil.

"So, son. What is she to you?"

Aahil rolled his eyes. "What do you think?"

"Counter question. Tough fella. No problem. We will ask her. So, dear, what is he to you?"

"Why dear? You referred to him as son. But I'm dear?"

"Okay, Daughter, what relationship do you have with this gentleman here?"

Sila closed her eyes. She couldn't possibly be in this ordeal. She looked at Aahil who was trying to tell her something through his eyes.

"You two can take your eyes off each other for a while, Son and Daughter." The constable drawled. Sila understood what Aahil wanted her to do. She didn't agree with it but it was their only bet.

"H... husband. He's my husband."

The constables didn't look surprised, nothing new for them. People make up all kinds of lies when they are in sticky situations.

"We will need the proof of that. Do you have your marriage certificate with you?"

"What?!" He held Aahil by his arm. He wasn't prepared for it if his surprised yelp was any indication. "We are coming back from a wedding, Officer. You wouldn't expect a married couple to be carrying their marriage certificate around a wedding, for heaven's sake."

"We will not expect them to be in separate cars as well."

He pointed in the direction of Aahil's car and then at Sila. Both of them didn't know how to defend this. Busted? Maybe.

"Hanji anymore you want to tell us from your script? We will hear all about it but once we are in the safe confines of the Police Station."

"WHAT?" Both of them shouted. But the constables had already seized them. Sila's eyes found Aahil's who didn't look as fazed as her but he wasn't calm either.

"But! At least listen to us. Officer—"

The last thing Sila saw before she was hauled into the Police van was her beloved car, and a confused Danish just getting out of his, having no idea what had just happened here.

Rameen did send him, hun. Sila wanted to fucking cry.