As soon as Aahil left, their table fell into a silence that wasn't remotely comfortable. Alina tried to concentrate on anything other than the man sitting next to her and he did the same, checking something on his phone with keen concentration. Alina gave him a sideways glance. He had chosen to go without his glasses. Not that he didn't look good but Alina had her preferences. Mahad and Aahil weren't wrong when they said Osama's geek looks were what ladies fell for. She was no exception. She chuckled to herself.

Osama looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. Alina's face colored. There wasn't anything amusing that would warrant such a reaction from her, not around them anyway. She looked away. The couple of the night and their friends and family were on the stage. The thumping music and their cheers were loud. Aline craned her neck toward their direction when Mahad took the seat Aahil had vacated. "Let me guess, he ran away."

"As he should've. You'd think the people would have a smudge of decency and wouldn't be so obvious with their staring but here we are." Alina said with a scowl on her face. Mahad just laughed in return. "As his friends, we should all carry popcorn with us all the time. Aahil's life is nothing short of a tragic comedy."

"Stop enjoying it so much." Alina swatted his arm away. He shrugged, not really seeing her point. Then his gaze settled on Osama. He smirked. Osama narrowed his eyes.

"Lina, let's dance."

Alina shook her head. "No. You know I have two left feet. Don't let me embarrass myself."

"Then just get up and enjoy the show. Asfar's family sure knows how to have fun. Besides, I just heard Adeel Hashmi asking around for you. Sitting here with all the boredom of the world," He gave Osama a look." Won't do any good to you. Live a little."

Alina made a face. "Adeel loves to talk and that too about himself. I'm good here. Besides, I think I should leave. My head hurts for some reason."

"Now, where's the fun in that? Come on, Lina. You deserve this after the horrendous dinner with your parents."

Alina's eyes widened. Osama's thumb stopped in its scrolling. Mahad sighed internally. Alina was quick to recover and laughed lightly. "Talking about fun, I think you are pretty occupied."

Mahad followed her gaze. Zoya gestured at him to hurry up. "Correction: I'm occupied with pretty."

Alina groaned but Mahad was unfazed. Osama pushed his seat back and got up. Both Alina and Mahad looked at him. "I'm off." He told them.

Mahad made a face. "Yeah, always ready to top the list of no fun."

Osama didn't even deem his comment important enough for a retort.

"Oye, Sam." He hadn't taken even a step away when Mahad called him. He turned back with a questioning look directed at him.

"Be a bro and take Lina along. I'm her designated driver and as you see I don't plan on leaving anytime soon."

Alina interjected. "It's fine, honestly. I can book a ride."

"At this hour? Don't be ridiculous." He rejected her suggestion and looked at Osama expectantly. Osama ignored him and turned to Alina. "Be quick. I'm waiting in the car."

"But—"

"You're an angel when you want to be, Sam. She'll be right there. Go on."

Alina wanted to wipe Mahad's secretive smile off his face. She picked up her purse and sent her deathliest glare his way but Mahad just grinned as he watched her trying to catch up with Osama's brisk walk.

"I see what you did there."

Zoya took the seat next to him. Mahad shrugged. "And you're going to let it go."

"Totally." She hit his arm when Mahad sat up straight in his seat. "Shit, I totally forgot where we left off. I have a few more reasons why you should totally get on with Sarmad."

"Th guy hates me, Mahad." She whined. He shook his head, disappointed. "He pretends to hate you. I don't see why guys love to do that. Pretending you don't have the hots for a pretty woman? A crime, if you ask me."

"You're such a sweet talker."

"That I'm."

Zoya giggled and Mahad leaned back into his seat. Aahil was out of here with his dignity intact, check. Osama and Alina together in his car, double-check. And his night had just started. Live it, Lashari. He patted himself on the back.

𝄞

The interior of the government offices doesn't really change. But your observation doesn't hold much importance when it's your second round here that too in two weeks. Talk about consistency. Aahil leaned back into the chair as his eyes roamed around. Then they settled at the constable in front of him. Shuja's face was an expression of disapproval. Aahil just shrugged.

"Is your father hiring now?" He asked. Aahil didn't reply. He knew the constable was going to take revenge for his sharp tongue the last time he was here.

"If he is, he should really consider hiring a counselor for you. In fact, the residential flats above the police station are up for grabs. Move in there and make it easy for all of us since you are planning on making this your second home."

Sila looked between the two men like a deer caught in headlights. Her eyes widened and then narrowed. Why did it look like it wasn't Aahil Jahangir's first time here? The policeman was giving him suggestions as if he was his uncle on the paternal side. Step-uncle, if she was being honest.

"If the place is as trash as this station, you can shove your marketing skills." Aahil drawled, already bored. He looked at Sila who had a 'What the fuck is your problem!!!??' look etched on her face. Aahil raised a finger. "Don't. Don't you look at me like a primary school teacher! This man has a vendetta going against me."

"Said every delinquent ever," Shuja added.

"I'm too old to be called that." Aahil defended.

"Son, we are talking mental age here. I thought that was established."

"Okay! Enough!" Sila interjected. She even pushed her hands in a peace offering gesture, for emphasis. Aahil grumbled but didn't take the argument further. Sila was grateful. Small mercies in life, as Rameen always said.

"Sir, I'm not going to apologize for the gentleman here. Seems like you two and your beef go long back. I just want to ask why are we even here."

Shuja pushed his reading glasses up his nose and squinted at the piece of paper in front of him. Aahil sighed and leaned forward. "It says your patrolling officers found us in a compromising position on a road. Thank me later."

Shuja was enraged but more than him, someone else was frustrated. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Can't two people have a decent conversation on the road?" Sila grumbled. Aahil smirked at Shuja. Take that, he mouthed.

"Not at this hour." Shuja deadpanned. It enraged Sila some more. "Are you hearing yourself right now? Where the hell is this country going?"

"Mrs. Junaid said to the dogs. Maybe, she was onto something." Aahil added thoughtfully. Sila rounded at him. "Don't bring that nosy woman into this. I really can't with you! Everywhere you have a situation going on with someone. At this point, I'll pick up a random piece of rock from the road and there will be people under it that Aahil Jahangir pissed off."

"Don't imply that it's me. I'm the problem!"

"Don't quote Taylor Swift!"

"Whom should I quote then? The Weeknd? We don't pray for love we just pray for cars? You definitely should."

"Abel shouldn't even be in this conversation. And for the love of everything holy, Stop. Shittinng. On. My. Car."

"Abel? Who are you? His friend from Toronto? And I will shit on that piece of crap the way I want. It landed us in this situation.

Shuja cleared his throat. He narrowed his eyes at Sila. "It's also written here that you said he's your husband." He pointed at Aahil.

Sila stopped midway. Aahil did too but then he nodded in Shuja's way. "Congratulations. You can read, sir."

But Shuja's eyes were trained on Sila who looked anywhere but at him. Damn, she shouldn't have listened to Aahil. He hadn't even said it out loud. She should've also shut up.

"See, you two are found on a road at this hour. You panic when you are interrogated and then, one of you lies to our face that you two are married. What are we supposed to do then?"

"Your job. Which I can assure you isn't harassing innocent people on the roads." Sila added. "That wouldn't help you, you know that right?" Shuja asked smugly.

That's it. Aahil squared his shoulders. Sila was mildly impressed but equally scared. He leaned forward, looking Shuja right in the eye. "Do you know what is the crime rate in this city?"

Shuja just glared at him. But then, he shook his head. Aahil groaned. "Even I don't know but is it my job to know? No. Whose job it is? Yours! But here you're, making a problem out of a non-problem. We were talking on the road, big deal. Did we panic seeing your men? Yes. With the track record of your department, what do you expect common folks to do? Then those two made lewd comments about us. A sensible person will try everything in their wake to get out of such a ridiculous situation. Can you blame the lady for lying to your men? I, for sure, can't. And, officer," He stopped. "11 is really not that late. Unless you are a police officer. I can already tell you have a shaky married life."

Sila pace-palmed. What was this man? Shuja was about to pop a vein. "I have three kids!"

Aahil made a face. "How is that proportional to having a nice and thriving married life? I won't be believing anything without meeting your poor wife."

"You won't be meeting my wife!"

"Scared already?"

Sila jabbed him hard in his side. He yelped, massaging the spot, and gave her a nasty look.

"How do your family tolerate you? You are really a piece of work!" She almost cried. Aahil looked behind her. His face was a combination of relief and frustration. "I guess you're about to find out."

Sila followed his gaze. She wanted to hide somewhere seeing Faran and Adan Jahangir at the doorstep of the police station.

𝄞

The shouting coming from her parent's room wasn't something new. Still, Alina felt fear right in her chest. Her Dad was hurling words of abuse at her mother and she was equally creative with her swearing. A loud crash reverberated around the house. Alina's heart thudded in her chest. Her mother's favorite vase, probably. It got subjected to her father's wrath. Her mother's screeching voice sharpened in the pitch. Her father's octave did so as well. She shook her head. No. She couldn't do this. No. No. No. She hated it.

Running to the backyard where the sounds were close to mere background detail. She unlocked her phone with shaking hands. It was 1 in the morning. But God, she needed it more than her next breath.

"Alina?" Osama's groggy voice felt like a summons to salvation. She started crying.

"Shit, are you okay? What's happening? Are those two—"

"Please. I can't stay here tonight, Osama. Can you come and get me? I know it's late and—"

"Pack your stuff and come outside when I text you. I'm on my way."

She ran back inside the house with a newly found motivation. Packing her essentials in a duffel bag, she descended the stairs two at a time. Her parents were too engrossed in their fight to notice how distraught their only child was, so much so that she had to flee. It wasn't the first time, it wouldn't be the last as well.

She stopped on the patio, waiting agitatedly for Osama's text. Going outside alone at this time of the night was a daunting task she wasn't keen on. Relief filled her every pore when she heard the unmistakable sound of Osama's car. Her phone pinged in her pocket at the same time. Without wasting any more time, she ran outside.

Uncle Ashraf, the old driver of Osama's parents gave her an assuring smile, used to this commotion in her life. If he was with Osama that meant Auntie Zeb also knew about it. Osama was just a boy, it would've been difficult for him to leave home at this hour without telling his parents. But Alina's mind shut as she sat inside the car. Osama's arms came around her. His embrace was her safe cocoon, so much so, that she couldn't stop the sobs that left her lips.

"Shh! I've got you, Alina. You're safe now."

He assured her but his words weren't needed. She knew, with him, she'd always be safe. He was her idea of protection and safety when everything around her was in shambles. Her home life, precisely.

𝄞

His eyes were on the road ahead but that didn't mean he was unaware of the tension inside his car. Alina sat next to him, peering at him only once in a while. Her gaze was mostly focused outside or on her lap.

You deserve this after the horrendous dinner with your parents. Mahad's words to her reverberated in his mind. No doubt she was down even though weddings were her scene. This was classic Alina after any encounter with her parents.

What it could be this time around? Did they again verbally assault each other and then her in the process as well? Or was it something else? Osama wanted to ask. He could've. But that would mean crossing a boundary he wasn't sure was his to cross anymore. When someone ends things with you, your say in their life also gets revoked. Alina Asfandyar's home life was no longer his business just like Alina herself wasn't. But could that stop him from worrying? Not really. That was the only thing he was left with. Habits that were burned into his soul. Alina's every matter was once his too. But she took that right from him. How he wished she could take the habits as well.

When was the last time she was in such a situation? Sitting inside Osama's car as he drove her to her place? She couldn't even remember properly. Years, maybe. Still, the silence around felt so alien, something she wasn't used to. When they were together, alone, or among their friends, they had a language of their own, eyes used to talk and them as well, never-ending conversations, planning of the future, together, hand in hand, Alina and Osama.

Now, there were cracks in that picture. Shards of which pierced into her heart, shouting at her that she did this. She brought them where they were. Known strangers. The most pathetic thing two lovers can be. When they know so much about each other. Where to put that leftover knowledge? In which jar? From where it would hurt less? She still remembered that he never opted for eye surgery for his bad eye side because he was too scared of it, still knew the arrangement of clothes in his closet, and could still tell what was on his bedside. Just like he must remember her stash of good luck chocolate in her bag, that she could never read an ebook, always paperbacks or hardcovers, that one teaspoon of sugar in her tea was too less and two were too much so she resorted to 1 and a half.

"Alina."

She whipped her head in his direction as if she had just come out of a trance. Then she followed his gaze. A sigh left her mouth.

Mahvish Asfandyar was pacing outside her daughter's place, clearly waiting for her to get home. Alina gathered her phone and purse.

"Thanks a lot. You really didn't have to but Mahad is one lousy jerk."

She didn't meet his eye, only concentrated on opening the car door when he held her hand. Alina hadn't anticipated this. Nostalgia and something so close to home hit her right in her chest. She felt like she couldn't breathe.

"I can come there with you."

No. You shouldn't. She wanted to cry. His one sentence had totally sent her on the edge. I broke your heart, Osama. I left you. You shouldn't be going out of your way for me. For something that I'm used to. She wanted to say but couldn't. Instead, she gave him a smile that did well to hide the tears in her eyes. She hoped it did.

"It's manageable. Nothing I'm not used to. Thank you so much. For everything." She didn't let her smile wane. Osama nodded, understandably. She got out of the car and then stopped. "I saw Shireen Khan's post. I'm so looking forward to the series. It looks amazing already. Believe me, when I say, I'm so happy for you."

Osama smiled lightly. "I know you're. Thanks."

With that, he turned slowly and got out of her street.

"Alina!" If it weren't for her mother's voice, Alina was sure she would've collapsed then and there. How do you get over a love that you thought would be the only thing remaining when everything else perished?

She turned around, facing Mahvish." Mom."

"I'm sorry, baby. I'm really very sorry. That dinner, that disaster of a dinner shouldn't have happened. Your father and I shouldn't have fought. God, I said so much to you. I shouldn't have! I'm such a terrible mother! I think Amir is right. I'm indeed a fuck up. I—"

"Mom, breathe!" Alina held her by her side. "We should head inside. It's late."

"Will you forgive me, Alina? I couldn't sleep the whole week thinking about the dinner and my treatment of you. My blood pressure also fluctuated. I'm under so much stress."

Again. Will you forgive me, again, Alina? That should've been the question but Alina nodded, nonetheless. "It's nothing, Mom. You can stay with me tonight and rest."

That was enough for Mahvish. Alina walked to her front door with her mother right by her side. There was no anger in her she could direct at her mother for always messing up and then crying with empty apologies, no happiness as well that her mother had again realized her mistake, she hadn't, Alina knew by experience and no satisfaction as well.

Just a pain she had become used to and the reverberation of a car, moving away from her.

𝄞

Constable Shuja was a picture of ease and smiles as he negotiated things with Faran. Aahil registered the exchange with a dirty look on his face. He then turned to the person next to him. "I still don't know why you are here."

Adan snorted. "The only question we all should be asking is why you are here every other day?" She ignored Aahil, who was ready to start a debate, and smiled in Sila's way. Since the moment Faran and Adan showed up, she was eerily silent and a bit embarrassed as well. "Besides, I was with Faran when you called. I couldn't just stay back when you mentioned there's a lady with you. Hi, Sila. I wish we could meet again in better circumstances but," Adan shook her head at her brother. "Never mind."

Aahil was unfazed. "You and I both know their reasons for keeping us here are bullshit."

"That they are." Adan agreed and again gave Sila a reassuring smile, only this time around, Sila reciprocated it. Adan Jahangir was nice. Sila had concluded that by now.

"Don't you worry, Sila! My brother over there," She pointed at Faran. "He can take care of everything. He has quite an experience." She then pointed at Aahil.

"Your insults are so outdated."

"Your ability to get in trouble unprovoked should also be, by now. Imagine how tired we are."

"Whatever," Aahil grumbled. He could see Faran was almost done with the formalities. "It's not done yet."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Adan was confused. Aahil suddenly looked determined and that was, never, a good thing in Adan's dictionary. "You see the two men behind Shuja who are, now, the picture of professional discipline. They were crass with us. Weren't they, Sila?"

He looked expectantly in her direction. Sila didn't know what to say but it was the truth, they were crass. "They were."

"See! So, the least we deserve is an apology. Don't we, Sila?"

By then, Adan's stance had also changed. It felt like she needed just Sila's confirmation. She was on board with whatever her brother was up to. Sila could only grasp one glaring fact, as Adan held her arm and walked inside the premises, with Aahil right by their side. The Jahangir family was an absolute circus, so far.

𝄞

"Here we are," Faran said from the driver's seat. Adan and Aahil looked through the car window at the white Banglow in front of them.

After dealing with the Police, Faran, and Adan just wanted to get out of there. Both Aahil and Sila shared the sentiments. It was without question that they'd drop Sila home. She tried to refuse only to get a disapproving look from all of them. Okay, then.

Wadia House was in her view. She was finally free from the chaos tonight had turned out to be. Her phone was continuously ringing on the way back. Amal, Rameen, Haleh, Danish, and even Auntie Dinbanu had called her. There were more missed calls but she couldn't get to them as her phone was in Police custody. She didn't pick up. Just left a text to Amal telling her she'd be home in a while.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Jahangir. You really shouldn't have, though." She thanked Faran who shook his head. "Call me Faran and it's nothing, really. Our brother here has a tendency to get in trouble. He pulled you along as well."

"He wasn't ecstatic about it, just so you know," Aahil muttered but all three of them heard it. Faran sighed but there was a slight smile on his face. Adan groaned. "Shut up for just a while. And Sila," She undid her seatbelt. "I'll come with you."

She gave her a knowing look and Sila's heart melted. It was almost 1 in the morning. No family would take it lightly that their daughter was coming home at this hour. Adan was just trying to be of help here as she knew everything.

"Yeah, sure." She acquiesced meekly. Adan was by her side when Sila entered through the door to the lounge.

"Sila! Oh my god!"

Haleh and Amal almost ran toward her. Dinbanu released a long sigh. Sakeena had tears in her eyes while Uncle Jeff smiled as if he had found a treasure.

"Do you have any idea how worried were we? Where have you been!" Amal asked, thundering at her. Sila flinched back. Haleh sniffled, hugging her. "Gosh, you really made us lose our shit. Reen is out there looking for you with Danish."

Sila opened her mouth to answer all her questions when her eyes landed on Dinbanu. Oh no. She knew that look. Mrs. Wadia was pissed.

Haleh sensed it too. She backed away from Sila when Dinbanu stood in front of her with narrowed eyes and arms akimbo. "Explain yourself, Missy!" Her makeup was immaculate as ever but Sila could see worry lines etched on her forehead. It was no news, Dinbanu loved all four of them as her own. Her anger was justified.

"Banu Auntie,"

"Actually," Adan interjected. "It's better if I explain this to you. Mrs. Wadia, right?" She had seen the nameplate outside the house and her guess was right as Dinbanu nodded at her, albeit begrudgingly.

"I'm Adan Jahangir."

She introduced herself. Dinbanu raised an eyebrow, familiar with Adan's surname. In fact, everyone in this room knew about it. Amal and Haleh widened their eyes at Sila, who nodded, confirming their suspicion.

"Yes, from Jahan. But that's beside the point." She had an easygoing smile on her face. Sakeena immediately got into action. "Please, sit."

That seemed to bring everyone else to act as well. But Dinbanu raised a hand, putting an end to the commotion. Everyone stopped where they were.

"We should definitely sit but I need to know where was Sila. You said you'll explain it to me. Please, do." She was polite but even then her strict schoolteacher vibe was intact. Adan nodded, not slightly intimidated. "Sure."

Ten minutes later, Adan had explained everything to the inhabitants of Wadia House. Sila occasionally added to it as well. Dinbanu looked less on edge. She thanked Adan for taking care of Sila.

"These girls are not related to me by blood. But I care for them much the same. They are my responsibility. I can't tell you how worried all of us were but Thank you for getting Sila out of that mess."

Adan could understand their sentiments. "That was the least we could do. Thank you for understanding, Mrs. Wadia. Not many families react to such a situation as wisely as you just did."

"Well, why wouldn't I? I know Sila. Have known her for years. I was sure she had gotten stuck somewhere. But I hope she would take care the next time and will not put us through this again."

"It will not happen again, Dinbanu Auntie. I promise." Sila muttered apologetically. Dinbanu nodded at her.

"I should really leave now. My brothers are waiting for me outside. It was unfortunate circumstances but still, it was nice meeting you all."

They could share the sentiment. Adan Jahangir didn't have even a smudge of attitude to her seeing her family name and her own standing in the fashion world.

As soon as she left, Amal and Haleh wiggled their eyebrows at her. Sila opened her mouth but her words got stuck, the reason could be Rameen and Danish's arrival.

"You scared the hell out of me, Sila!" Rameen was close to tears as she hugged her. "Danish found your car there but not you. Do you have any idea how scary it was to even think of the possibilities? Why did you even leave the wedding venue? I asked you over the phone but you sounded so—" She stopped abruptly. Sila's pained countenance and Danish's silence. Rameen understood so much. And she wasn't alone. Sila shook her head and walked to her room. Danish was about to go after her when Amal stood in his way. "Where do you think you're going, Mister?"

"Amal, don't—"

"I very well will, asshole! It doesn't take a genius to know something happened between you and Sila. It made her run out of the freaking wedding we all were enjoying. I don't want to be volatile but get lost, Danish. Sila will only talk to you when she wants to and right now, I fucking don't think she wants that."

Amal didn't look like she was joking. Her face conveyed that as well.

"Listen to her, Danish. Now's not the time. Sila needs rest." Haleh added, not as harshly as Haleh, but firmly enough that he would understand.

His only hope was Rameen. He looked at her, pleading through his eyes but Rameen didn't meet his gaze. "Go, Danish. It's late. We all need rest after this happening day and even happening night."

Danish's face showed his disbelief and then his hurt. He didn't wait after that. With defeat visible from his gait, he left Wadia House."

𝄞

Being friends for years and almost the same time living under the same roof, they all had mastered the art of being understanding without exchanging many words. Rameen sat on her bed. Haleh and Amal were at Sila's. Sila was in the bathroom getting freshened up.

She came out, wiping her face with the towel. No one questioned why she didn't think of taking her bubble bath. Sila settled on the edge of the bed.

"Talk, everyone. No one's died."

She told them. That brought a smile to all of their faces.

"You know Arishma? Rameen's cousin who lives in Hyderabad? One of the old ladies told me, making sure no one was listening that Arishma has managed to trap her batchmate whose family is settled abroad. She was basically insinuating that Arishma is going to marry for the money. I said what do you expect in this economy? You all should've seen her face." Amal laughed lightly and that made them chuckle as well.

"Rafay is a good dancer, Reen. Your cousin party was hopeless but Rafay came up to me and said, Haleh Aapi leave it to me. He made them all dance." Haleh giggle. Rameen could agree with her. "Yes, he's always been a pretty good dancer. Ramna and I used to tease him a lot that if nothing worked out for him, he can always join a dance academy."

"That's not a bad idea."

"By the way, Farman's sister-in-law apologized to Unaiza. She was genuinely sorry if we go by Unaiza's word but I don't know why I can't believe it. If I were there when it happened, that would've been a different case."

"Please! Have you seen Farman's sister-in-law? She reminds me of Khirad's mother-in-law from Humsafar. The evil energy is just palpable." Amal made a face.

"Unaiza is being nice. That foolish but wholesome dumbo. But at least the woman apologized. Gotta mean something."

Silence again stretched among them. It was Sila's turn to add something.

"I think Danish and I are this close," she pushed her forefinger and thumb close. "To call it quits. I think I will be the one to throw the towel, after all."

She chuckled but it was devoid of humor. "This can't go on like this, you know. I know when we got into this relationship, career was our utmost priority but it has been a while since that. We are both at least somewhere in our career lines. Danish, said something to me today which, undoubtedly, hurt at that moment but now I think he wasn't wrong."

She looked up and found her friends fully attentive toward her. "He said maybe both of us don't want the same thing from this relationship anymore. Which is the truth. I want stability but I also want us to grow to the other phase. It's not wrong to wish for that, now, is it? And I don't even know what he wants anymore. He will not tell me and I'm not a psychic to figure it out on my own.

She wiped a tear. "I want to be loved. I want a family as well. I didn't have both of these things in abundance in my life. And if Danish thinks that the mere idea of it is absurd, then I guess that's it. We should really think it through and leave each other before it gets any more toxic. I refuse to be at the receiving end of his frustration just because I want this clarity in the relationship."

"And you're fucking right to think this way." Amal's voice was hard but her embrace, as she hugged Sila, wasn't. Haleh joined them. "We've been telling this to you for so long, Sila. You are a fucking queenie and any man who gets to call you his girlfriend, fiancee, wife whatever will be a lucky ass son of a gun! Danish can go to hell."

"He should!" Amal added. Sila's gaze was fixed on Rameen. Rameen got up and sat in front of her. "You know no matter what, you'll always find me on your side, right?"

"Without any doubt."

"Then do what you want to do with this relationship, Sila. Let no one, dictate you on this matter. Whatever you decide, I'm with you."

Sila needed just that. After the kind of day she had, and the night. She needed nothing more than that.

𝄞

"You're awfully calm about it,"

Nawar commented, taking her seat in front of Adan. Saba and Mrs. Irshad were also around. Adan had come here with Hanah in the evening. Misam was out of town for two days and Adan hated living without him. So, without thinking about anything, she packed her stuff and came to Jahangir House.

She and Faran were busy in their usual bestie slash best siblings chatter when Aahil's call came. Needless to say, they all were on the move after that. Faseeh was kept in the dark. Just recently the cold air between him and Aahil had been cleared to a great extent. They didn't want to sabotage it. Now, that the whole issue was resolved, Aahil had gone back to his place, Adan sat the ladies of the house down and filled them in.

"Maybe because Aahil was genuinely not guilty this time around."

"I'm worried about the girl who was with him, what did you say her name is? Sila, right? How did her family take it?"

Mrs. Irshad asked worriedly. Saba also nodded, reflecting her mother-in-law's concern. Adan smiled. "That was one interesting thing I came across today. Sila's living arrangements really warmed my heart. She lives with some other girls in a Parsi Woman's house. But by the looks of it, they all are a proper close-knit family. Mrs. Wadia was shaken by Sila's sudden disappearance but not once did the woman doubt Sila's word."

"That's good to know, Adan. Because with your brother's track record, I was sure he will take the poor girl down as well." Saba exclaimed.

"If it's any consolation, he oddly behaved about the whole thing. Yes, his sharp tongue did show its fluency but for the most part, he was not that bad."

"My son is maturing." Mrs. Irshad was proud. Adan helped her get up but not before sending her a disapproving glance. "He's in his late twenties, Dado. If this is his time to finally get his shit together, that's not something to be proud of."

"Can you live one second without trashing him?" Mrs. Irshad glared at her. Saba chuckled at the mindless argument and held Mrs. Irshad's hand. It was way past her bedtime already. Both the women left a lot lighter than they were a while back.

"Why is Aahil asking for Ajwa's contact number?"

Nawar was confused. Adan's brow also scrunched. "At this hour?"

"Ahan. I just forwarded it to him. Is he really taking work this seriously?"

Adan had an idea this wasn't about work at all, but she kept it to herself. "Let's hope he is."

𝄞

Sila was about to call it a night when her phone flashed with Ajwa's name. She scowled but picked it up anyway. Boss is boss.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you, Sila. Didn't wake you up, I hope so."

"No, not really."

"That's good to know. I'll be quick. Aahil Jahangir wants to contact you. Says he has some urgent business."

"At this hour?"

"Yes, that's what I said but he was vague about it. Said I should let you know this is urgent. I'm forwarding you his number."

"Yes, do that. I'll see what it is about."

"Okay, good night, Sila."

"Good night, Ajwa."

Right after some seconds, Ajwa texted her Aahil's number. Sila frowned, not entirely sure what was happening here but dialed it nonetheless.

"Never knew contacting you would be such a work." He said as soon as the call connected. Sila snorted. "Seems like a first for you."

"At least I wasn't as scared as you on your first round of Police Station."

"You seemed like a regular there, though."

"You know what, Sila? Both of us can argue all night and still will have the comebacks at our disposal. This isn't why I called. I went to the impound lot they moved my car to. You'd think they'd slip but seems like they follow everything through when it's about arresting non-lovers. Anyways, yours was also there. No one wants that abomination."

"Or I'm lucky." Sila countered but from inside, she was in panic mode. Shit shit shit. How could she forget her beloved car? After getting home, not once did the thought of her vehicle cross her mind. Stupid!

"Don't panic."

"Who said I'm?"

"You just called yourself stupid."

"I called you stupid!"

"Nice cover up but I know what I heard. I was going to be on my way. Enough bakwas for one night but then my gentle heart won. Your car is right now at a workshop close to my place. They'll see what is actually wrong with it. I'd say everything but that's kinda rude."

"Kinda? And why the hell a workshop in your area? You are a defense breed through and through. Do you know even know how far your area is from my place?"

"Even farther if you get to know where I actually live. Wanna see?"

"No—"

But he video-called her in about some minutes. Sila wanted to bang her head somewhere. She picked it up though. And instead of his face, she came face to face with the never-ending sea from his balcony.

"Why am I not surprised? Freaking Crescent Bay!"

"Thank you. I'll let you know when your car is ready. Should take at least four months, seeing its condition."

"You've got to be kidding me! How will I go to the office? You really love making my life miserable, don't you?"

"Something like that."

"Tell them to get it ready by Monday!"

"Monday is tomorrow Sila. In fact, it already is Monday."

"I fucking hate you! You jerkface idiot!"

"I love me too. Bye. Sweet dreams and do not dream of me. I've heard that makes the other person hiccup."

"I will! And I will make sure I kill you in my dreams! That should give you at least an itch!"

But he had already ended the call. His laughter was the last thing Sila heard. And even though she was frustrated and pissed and whatnot, she couldn't help laughing in her exasperation. What a piece of work!

𝄞

"You should be glad it was our security guy who saw it. Imagine if it was someone else."

His father's deep voice brought Ali out of his lost state. Pervaiz grunted as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I told you not to go after her. But you were blinded by love. Now, here you're. The woman you fought us all to bring to your life isn't over her last relationship. And that too with Faseeh Jahangir's son. The humiliation makes me want to—"

"Dad, calm down."

"The hell I'll calm down. I'm telling you, Ali. Contain that woman. I won't tolerate her making us look like fools. Our reputation is far more important than Jahangirs."

That was probably true. Their business rivalry was always going strong. But where Jatois had found a niche in the political scene, The Jahangirs were far away from it. Faseeh had maintained time and again that he wasn't much of a politician. He would always be a businessman and he wished to stick to that definition only.

"Let's do it this way. You take care of the Jahangirs as you always have and leave Vaneeza up to me?" Ali suggested. Pervaiz gave him a glare but nodded. "What else can we do? We have to have the upper hand here."

His father got into a thinking mood. Ali cursed under his breath. He sometimes hated how far he had fallen for Vaneeza. Because even amidst all this, his priority was her.

𝄞

It was Barcelona Vs Real Madrid which meant the whole of the Jahangir family together in the TV lounge. Aahil and Misam were RealMadrid fanatics while Faran and Adan's chant was Visca el Barça. The rest of the family members sided with the team they found winning. That was mostly Nawar. She was more of a cricket fan.

"Take that, stinky ass losers!"

Aahil booed at Faran and Adan as his team got into a leading position. He could've continued with this had his eyes not found his father's stiff posture. He was on a call close to the window, away from the chaos of the living room. Adan and Faran had also picked it by now. Suddenly, the game had lost its meaning for them all. Faseeh's clearly thundering expressions had them on alert. It could either be two things. Aahil messed up again but Aahil was right in front of them so that left them with only the second option: The Jatois.

"That man has got some nerve." Faseeh couldn't even utter his words properly.

"Baba? What?" Not waiting for Faran to ask more, Faseen pushed his phone into his hand. There was a news link sent by Nadir, Faseeh's personal assistant. Pervaiz Jatoi's latest interview with Akhter Naeem, a famous journalist, and a staunch Jatoi tout. The rest of the people also stood close to Faran, to know what was going on.

"So, you're saying that the rivalry between Jahangir and Jatoi name is now in the past? That both the parties have buried the hatchet?"

Pervaiz's smug smile, Aahil always hated it. "That's one way to put it. See, Akhter, rivalry means competition. And competition always looks good between people equally adept. Look at us, the Jatoi name. We've left Jahangirs far behind. We are thriving in the business scene. The performance of our conglomerate was better than Jahan's this year the previous financial year. Then comes our political ties. I'm glad that the people of my area trust me enough to always elect me. I'm sitting in the national assembly. One of my sons is in the provisional assembly. Then comes the work other than that. Tell me, when was the last time, Jahan went all out? When they had something glorious to boast about? It's the same monotony for them and we've long outgrown it. Faseeh Jahangir is busier taking care of his son's matters, so it makes sense."

"What kind of matters? if you want to shed some light on it."

Another secretive smile. "Let's stay what's hidden, hidden. The main thing is, we have left Jahangirs and Jahan far behind. It's only forward we look to and they are not anywhere close to it so why should we term it as a rivalry?"

Akhter had moved on to the next question, unrelated to Jahan and the Jahangirs. But it would take Faseeh Jahangir a while to get over this public humiliation at the hands of Pervaiz Jatoi. His family was sure of it. His youngest son, more than anyone.

𝄞

Her car, with all its flaws, was still a blessing. Sila realized it more with every passing day without it. But she had to suck it and go on about her daily routine. She had contacted Aahil once again but he told her there was nothing from the people at the workshop. Rameen's routine also got affected. Expecting Dinbanu to lend them her car was next to impossible. The woman loved it more than any hypothetical children she could've if her husband had not been a cheating sack of potatoes.

On top of that, Ajwa had called her for an impromptu meeting. Not at their head office at Zamzama but at Jahan's civil lines hotel. That confused Sila but work was work. So here she was, walking through the hotel lobby. Ajwa had called her to the power floor, where the offices were located. That was also odd. Sila felt the unease creeping in as she rode the elevator up the said floor.

As soon as the doors opened, her eyes fell on the person standing close to a potted plant. Sila's doubts got some more clarity.

Aahil had also seen her. He gave her a waned smile and pointed in the direction of the far-end door.

Faseeh Jahangir's cabin.

Well damn.

𝄞