Danish's gaze settled on her but for a fleeting moment, he did see behind, the car zooming away out of Parsi Colony. By then, Sila stood close to him. He gave her a weak smile. "Hey."

Sila nodded, pointing to the entrance to Wadia House. "Do you want to come inside?"

Danish was uncertain. Then he shook his head slowly. Sila did see it coming. Lately, things between them hadn't been rainbows and roses. He was asked to leave the last time he was here. If he didn't want to go inside, Sila understood it. So, she sat on the steps outside the patio and patted the seat next to her. "Come."

Danish did as he was told. The silence stretched between them as if both were weighing the words. Sila looked ahead into nothingness. But Danish's eyes were on her.

"I...I wanted to reach―" Sila shook her head, interrupting his excuse. "I know. But I also know that both of us needed time to figure things out. That's why I didn't contact you and I don't hold anything against you that you also didn't."

Her tone wasn't hostile. It had a resigned undertone to it which Danish felt immediately. You deserve it. His mind was quick to remind him.

"Sila, I have so much to explain to do. I don't deny it. I haven't been the ideal boyfriend to you lately. Heck, I haven't even been a decent human."

Sila shook her head. "You're overdoing it, now."

"But it's the truth. I have been an ass to you. I didn't open up, kept you guessing which, by the way, is the worst thing you can do to the other person when you're in a relationship, and I hid things from you."

"I know all that, Danish. But the question is, are you ready to open up?"

There it was; the million-dollar question, the question which started their downfall. Wasn't the distance between them due to this only? Danish looked away. Sila nodded. "You are not."

"It's just..." He ran an agitated hand through his hair. "Things are rough on my end, Sila. They have been for a while. I wanted to tell you but...I couldn't."

"Because you don't trust me enough."

Danish was quick to shake his head but words eluded him. Sila closed her eyes momentarily.

"I do trust you, Sila." He added meekly.

But not with your vulnerabilities and your problems, Sila wanted to tell him but kept that thought to herself. Danish looked distraught. He was surely under some kind of strain. Making him feel bad about something he was already struggling with would be a bitch move and she might be an ignored girlfriend but she was never a mindless friend. Why Danish forgot that, was out of her understanding. Maybe, when a relationship changes, the dynamic also does. Had that not been the case, Danish wouldn't be so bad at communicating with her about his struggles.

"Danish, you know I can't do much here if I don't even know what is wrong."

"It's not yours to right, Sila. I'll take care of it."

"But it is adding to the distance between us and that is, certainly, my problem as well. I can't force you to come clean to me. That's your call to make. But I also don't appreciate being in the dark when it's directly affecting our relationship."

It was the same loop. Sila was concerned but she was also tired of it. Danish pursed his lips. Sila waited for him to say something, anything to make it better. His head was bent and he didn't meet her eye.

"I'm a fucking loser."

He mumbled. Sila placed her hand on his arm but he only shook his head. "I've been horrible to you. You were trying to talk about the future and I told you that maybe we don't want the same things from this relationship. That wasn't nice. Not at all."

"But it was the truth," Sila whispered. Danish's head whipped in her direction. She sighed and nodded, without taking her hand off his arm.

"That did hurt; I'm not going to lie. But when I sat down and analyzed the situation with a clear mind, you weren't that off. Isn't that the point, Danish? We are not on the same page here and the tragedy is we won't even tell each other where we stand, especially you. It's not an accusation. I'm trying to be truthful here."

"You are right."

"So, no matter how much we want to, things can't go on like this. We'll have to give each other time and space. You'll have to see how you're holding yourself back is sabotaging what is between us."

She left his arm and held his hand in hers. "We are both hurting. We are not okay, Danish."

He looked at her face and then at their intertwined fingers. His smile was pained. "Yes, we are not."

"See? So, it's up to us if and how we want things to be okay between us; if this relationship can work, or if we have to part ways for the better. Both options are there. It's our choice. But one thing is for sure,"

She rested her head on his shoulder. Danish also leaned into her. "I don't want us to be strangers, Danish. No matter what. After my parents, you and the girls have been the constants in my life. If the relationship has to go, it should. If we must part ways, I hope we don't do it on a bitter note."

He smiled at that. That was Sila. Rameen wasn't wrong when she said Sila was the most understanding person she knew but Danish's dilemma was different. He couldn't look at this from the point of view of a friend, as Rameen did. He was also the boyfriend and that made all the difference.

Making sure her point was across; Sila smiled at Danish and got up. He also followed suit, ready to leave. But something stopped him. He turned around. "I didn't recognize the person you came home with."

Sila shook her head. "That's because you've never met him. He is kind of my partner in my new venture."

Danish raised an eyebrow. "Does he have a name?"

His curiosity would've annoyed her but Sila was unperturbed. Not that she was doing anything wrong. She shrugged. "Aahil Jahangir."

Danish nodded at that, not asking anything further. He came closer to her and hugged her sideways. "I'll see you around."

"And you'll think about what I told you."

"I will, for sure."

"That's like it."

She took a step back and maintained a distance between them. Danish respected the notion behind it. Sila stood her ground and watched him get in his car. There was no burden on her conscience. She had been as clear to him as she could be and she just hoped, from hereon, he'd also do the same.

𝄞

Tuesday came sooner than Amal was hoping for. Inam Uddin had reminded her twice by then that she had to pick up 'his friend' from the airport. The situation was unpleasant for Amal. What was she? A chauffeur? She hated Inam Uddin's authority as it is but today she was more frustrated than ever.

"Want some?" Usman brought the pack of fries close to her. Amal gave him a scathing look and put her concentration back on the arrival terminal. Usman was Inam Uddin's master's student, Amal's junior, and student. He shrugged at her lack of response and dug right back in. Amal muttered under her breath.

"Did you say something?" Usman asked through a mouthful of fries. Amal narrowed her eyes at him. "Can you stop eating?"

"I offered you some. You refused. You don't get to be salty."

"I'm not salty over your carbs intake. I'm frustrated. It's been almost an hour and Inam Uddin's friend hasn't made his grand appearance."

"He's Inam Uddin's pal, living up to his influence." Usman chortled. Amal couldn't deny how right he was. Being fashionably late was Inam Uddin's forte. Expecting punctuality from his supposed friend was out of the question.

"Can you hold this?" Usman handed her the pickup sign with 'Mr. Ayoub' written on it in big bold letters. "I'm going to get myself some ice cream."

"Usman!" Amal seethed but he was unfazed. Did she mention he was a certified foodie? Yeah, that was self-explanatory. She balanced the sign in one hand and from the other; she dialed the number Inam Uddin had given her. The line didn't connect, adding to her annoyance.

She ran a hand through her hair. Her kohl-rimmed eyes narrowed. Fifteen minutes more. Then she'd be on her way to the campus. Inam Uddin can go to blazes along with his friend. She couldn't stand here all evening.

It was half an hour later when Usman joined her. He saw her thunderous expressions and held his hand (the free one, as he had an ice cream tub in the other) in a peace offering gesture. "In my defense, I got caught up. A gentleman asked for directions."

"The last time I checked, you couldn't even read Google maps properly."

Usman was offended but couldn't say anything to contradict her. She was, as usual, right. "I do know the way to the campus and that's what he asked."

Something clicked in Amal's mind. She looked behind him but he shook his head. "He's gone. The taxi driver was more than willing to help him as he was a foreigner."

Alarms blared around Amal. "Usman! You fucking idiot!" She didn't wait for him to take offense. Gathering her things, she was in her car and her urgency must've told Usman he better keeps his silence. He stuck to that throughout the drive.

Reaching the university premises, Amal parked the car in its designated spot and almost breezed through the main corridor into the lane leading up to her department. She stood outside Inam Uddin's office. Pleasant chatter could be heard there. That made her anger sky-rocketed. Inam Uddin would never let her live it down. His old friend would also laugh at her tardiness even though it was just a matter of some miscommunication and mismatched timing.

"Ah, Miss Rafiq is here."

Sami, the snake exclaimed as soon as his eyes landed on Amal. He looked smug. She had messed up a task given to her by Inam Uddin, it made complete sense that he was on cloud nine. Inam Uddin's disapproving glare was directed at her. She matched it with one of her own.

"Don't! I was right on time! It's not my fault your friend couldn't' pick up his phone or locate a big ass sign with his name."

"Language!" Inam Uddin hissed. He tried to reprimand her with his eyes that it was enough but Amal ignored it, as expected.

"There was a situation."

"Situation? I wasted my two hours at the airport for nothing. You don't even pay me enough as it is and now this? I was waiting there like a fool only to realize, thanks to Usman, that Mr. Ayoub has already left for the campus. Usman is useless, by the way. I told you to ask Sami to come along with me but why would you even do that?"

She took a deep breath and pushed her hair out of her face. "Did he reach safely, though? Why I don't see him around? And why old professors are all alike?"

Inam Uddin ran a hand on his face. Amal scrunched her brows. She felt a presence behind her. Someone cleared his throat.

"I reached safe and sound, Thank you for the concern."

Deep baritone. Clear words. And a hint of what? Amusement? She whipped around.

When she got to know that Inam Uddin's 'friend' was some Mr. Ayoub, automatically, the picture of someone of Inam Uddin's age formed in her mind.

Turned out, that picture couldn't be more wrong.

In front of her was a man whose description was poles apart from Inam Uddin's. Tall with a broad physique, dressed in a black button down and gray slacks, onyx hair, not too short or long, slightly curly, skin a rich shade of light brown. His features were sharp, too sharp if she was being honest, straight nose slightly crooked, thin lips, and a prominent jawline, not sharp to cut something, enough to be noticeable. And his eyes.

Well, hazel never looked this mysterious before. He looked to be in his early thirties or younger. Amal didn't know what to say. She had never been this wrong with her assumption.

"You're right. I miscalculated the timing. My phone was also unreachable, though, for that, I'll blame the coverage. And yes, I wasn't able to locate a big ass sign with my name on it but in my defense, I don't usually go by that name. But it's not an excuse. And to clear the last thing you just said, no, I'm not a professor."

Precise and clear. He pushed his hands in his pockets as he let his words register with her.

Amal looked at Inam Uddin who shrugged his shoulders. Fantastic. He said he was friends with the not-so-professor but didn't even know the name he went with. Sami's eyes were trained on his laptop. Amal glared at his profile and he smirked without looking up.

"Even though everything went as wrong as it could, it's nice to meet you."

His voice brought her attention back to him. The people around her were both amused and surprised. It wasn't an everyday happening that Amal wouldn't know how to use her sharp tongue.

The man in front of her extended his hand. "Raed Suleiman Ayoub but that's a mouthful so I prefer Raed Suleiman."

Raed Suleiman Ayoub. A mouthful, yes but what a beautiful name.

"Amal Rafiq." She said politely as she held his hand. He nodded at her with a slight smile on his face.

"Now that the introductions are over, I think it's time for our guest to have some rest. Let's go, Raed."

Inam Uddin announced, getting up from his chair. His enthusiasm would fool anyone that he and Raed were best of best buddies but Amal had seen the truth behind that statement. Raed nodded, picking up his stuff.

"Thank you so much, Professor."

"It's alright. Come on, now."

Raed hadn't taken a step forward when Amal stopped him. "If you're not a professor who's writing a book, then what do you actually do?"

Raed stopped. He looked at her and then smiled. It was polite, a part of his personality, as Amal had figured out by then. "A journalist with a penchant for writing about the cities that fascinate him. Karachi is one such city."

"Karachi won't disappoint you." She said in a tone full of love for her city. His smile deepened. "It hasn't so far so I'm taking your word for it."

With that, he followed Inam Uddin outside of his office while Amal stood there, her grimace was replaced with a confused smile and her frustration with anticipation.

𝄞

"Have you ever considered asking for a pay raise?"

Sila's lip curled into a smile. She kept her focus on her laptop, though. He leaned into his chair and rested his head on his palm. "I'm being serious. You work too damn hard. I hope Ajwa isn't underpaying you for it."

"She isn't. But thank you for the concern." She mimicked his movement earlier and leaning into the seat, gave her aching back the needed rest. "This event is the most hectic thing I've ever worked on."

Aahil nodded, understandably. "That I can see. If I did half of the work you do, I'd pass out. No lies."

"You're not cut out for the 9-5, Aahil. I thought we established this long back."

"Again, no lies." He mumbled. His eyes were settled on her. Sila raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Did lover boy grovel?"

Sila's reply was a laugh. She shook her head. "His name is Danish. Stop calling him lover boy."

He played with the pen in his hand with a thoughtful look on his face. Sila sighed. "We did talk. But there was no groveling involved. Why are you so fixated on making people grovel for me, though?"

"I found you on a deserted road, lost in your thoughts and on the verge of tears right after you fought with him. That deserves some groveling, don't you think?"

Sila gave it a thought. "He apologized for that. And if I'm being honest, that wasn't my wisest move. You should know by now that I'm a mess when I'm pissed."

"Who other than me would know but that wasn't you going bat-shit crazy, Sila. You were dejected. You weren't bellowing. You didn't want to even talk. That wasn't a very good look. I like you in your sassy zone. That night you were too mellow for that."

Sila was taken aback. Aahil shrugged his shoulders. He hadn't asked her if they were still together or not. She hadn't even told him that night that she fought with Danish, he just understood. She didn't know what it spoke of her and Danish's relationship. Either they were too damaged that a stranger saw through it all or the stranger was good at reading people.

"I'm still working on making you believe Ajwa & Shakeel is a thing."

Sila rolled her eyes but deep down she was thankful for his change of subject. "I don't think they are romantically involved."

"They are. You can trust me on this."

"Are you some kind of love expert?"

He grinned. "Just say you see it too but are too prideful to accept they were dating right under your nose but you couldn't suspect a thing until you were blessed with my presence that put everything in perspective."

"I'm too tired to sit through a bout of your self praises." Sila's eyes were heavy. Aahil pulled her laptop toward him earning a questioning look from her. "What?"

"I can finish the layout and you can take a nap in the meanwhile. Sounds like a plan."

"I don't take naps during work."

"You should start from today, then."

"Aahil―"

"Nap, Sila. Before I get tempted and join you instead of doing this work."

She rested her head on the table as his eyes roamed the screen and fingers typed with precision. Sila tried keeping her eyes open but she gave in to her tiredness and drifted off to sleep.

That's how Adan found them as she entered the meeting room. Nawar also stopped behind her. Both of them were pleasantly surprised by what they saw.

"They are getting along well.", Nawar commented as they came out inconspicuously lest they should disturb Sila's nap or Aahil's diligent work, both once-in-a-blue-moon happenings.

"They sure are. You should've seen it the  first time they met. A shit-show on the roadside. They were out for each other's blood."

"So I've been told." Nawar chuckled.

The memory of that day made Adan laugh lightly. Who would've thought that after that, one day, Aahil and Sila would be found in such a peaceful setting? The scene she had just witnessed turned her laugh into a thoughtful smile.

𝄞

She was in the kitchen, making tea for herself. She had an interesting idea for an article and she started working on it. The boss would have things to say but she could rely on her editor to be on board with it. Haleh was hopeful. 

She poured the tea into the mug and looked around for some leftover carrot cake. She found it soon after. Such a good day, she thought to herself as she made her way to the lawn. The evening was nice. The girls weren't home yet. She didn't like enjoying tea alone but what could she do now? Shrugging, she took the first sip of her tea and took a huge bite of the cake.

"Haleh, Beti." Uncle Jeff's voice came from the gate. Haleh craned her neck in his direction. Taking long strides, he reached her side. "Is everything okay, Uncle Jeff?" She asked.

"Someone was on the gate, asking about you?"

Her shock was visible on her face. Rameen, Sila, and Amal getting visitors was a normal thing. The same couldn't be said about Haleh. She looked at the gate apprehensively.

"It was a woman."

"What did you tell her?"

"Don't worry, Beti. I told her she was at the wrong place."

Haleh took a sigh but her tension hadn't subsided yet. A woman came here asking about her. It had never happened before and she had clear instructions both from Dinbanu and Baba Jaan to inform them both if someone ever came looking for her at the Wadia House. She knew what she had to do now. She ran inside the house, her tea and cake lay forgotten on the swing sofa.

𝄞

"It's favoritism. You both came to get Abgina and Mama. Never once did you show the same special treatment for me and I've been living alone in Karachi for five years now."

Mahad complained to his father and grandfather. They had reached Karachi in the morning. Abgina and Bakhtawar were to leave for Islamabad today. Their trip had been amazing so far. Where Abgina went to her favorite places, Bakhtawar caught up with her old friends.

"Jealousy isn't cool, Mahad." Abgina reminded him. He narrowed his eyes at her. "And favoritism is?"

"Son, now don't get ahead of yourself. All of us know who gets treated as royalty whenever he visits home in Islamabad." Mehrab told his son who looked smug. "Now, Baba, to quote Abgina, jealousy isn't cool."

Agha Murtaza Lashari wasn't pleased. "And among us, there's a fool."

"Gina, Dada Jaan just called you a fool."

Abgina swatted his arm away, laughing lightly. Dada Jaan was about to say more when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. His smile widened some more.

"How's my beloved bacha doing?" He asked fondly. Mahad and Abgina shared a look. He was either talking to Armaghan or...

Mehrab was attentive to his father's conversation. Agha Murtaza's smile slowly vanished from his face. "None that I know of. What happened?"

He answered something said from the other side. He looked to be in deep thought. "Don't you worry? It's good that you told me. I'll see who was it. Don't be afraid. You're safe, Bachay."

Now, he was telling the other person words of assurance. Abgina and Mahad sighed. Not Armaghan. It meant only one thing.

Agha Murtaza Lashari was uncharacteristically silent when he ended the call. He looked at Mehrab and then sighed.

"Where's Bakhtawar?"

"She was out to meet some of her acquaintances, Dada Jaan. She's gotten back just a while back." Abgina explained as if that would ease the scowl on Dada Jaan's face.

"Is everything alright?" Mahad asked worriedly. Agha Murtaza didn't reply to it. His eyes were on Bakhtawar who had joined them by then.

"Did you go to Wadia House?"

He asked. His voice was barely above a whisper. Bakhtawar nodded, confirming his suspicion.

"Why? You don't have anything to do there."

"I just wanted to stop by and say Hi."

Agha Murtaza didn't look pleased by her nonchalance. "On what basis? You weren't her guardian, Bakhtawar. I was. Only I'm allowed to go there and meet Haleh. I've kept you all away from that matter and I'll appreciate it if you respect it."

"Are you sure, Baba? Because I don't think so you've been successful in keeping us all away from this matter."

Her words were sharp so were her eyes on her husband. Mehrab shook his head and got up. "I'm out of here."

"Because you know I'm not wrong."

"In your mind, you never are, Bakhtawar. Then what is even the point of explaining anything to you? I'm tired and done. "

Mehrab didn't look in the mood to start a fight even though Bakhtawar wanted to prolong it. He went out of there. Agha Murtaza watched his son's retreating back and slumped shoulders. His heart filled with pain.

"Why are you hell-bent upon proving Mehrab goes there, Bakhtawar? Don't you trust me? When I'm telling you it's just me who visits Wadia House. Please don't make it any more difficult for both you and Mehrab."

His voice took a serious edge then. "And as far as Haleh is concerned, this shouldn't happen again. Do you have any idea if she has strict instructions from both me and Mrs. Wadia that she is to tell us whenever someone comes asking for her? She was shaken when she called me. In your curiosity, don't ruin that poor child's peace. She has already been through so much."

He got up with Abgina's help. The easy energy the room was submerged in just a while back was filled with heavy silence now. Mahad moved in his mother's direction but she shook her head and left. Mahad could only sigh at that. In mere seconds, the peace had been shattered.

And he could blame no one for it.

"Do you have any idea she has strict instructions from both me and Mrs. Wadia that she is to tell us whenever someone comes asking for her? She was shaken when she called me."

His grandfather's words just some moment ago reverberated in his ears. He didn't know the backstory behind it. His grandfather had always been elusive about it. Everyone knew there was this girl Haleh but no one was allowed to meet her. His grandfather was particular about this rule.

She hadn't even met his mother, by the looks of it. Just with the mere idea that someone unknown person came looking for her, she was shaken. Why?

He felt it then, unease a smudge of something he hadn't expected to feel. Protectiveness. He shook his head. Yeah, right. His grandfather was rubbing off him. Protectiveness? He had never seen the girl, never even met her, for crying out loud. Absurd. He had to see off his family at the airport and then a dinner with his friends. He better focus on that.

Getting out of there, he was continuously chiding himself, not even realizing that under normal circumstances, his first instinct would be to go after his distraught mother but lost in his thoughts, he walked right past her room.

𝄞

Putting all her concentration on the book in front of her, she tried her best to ignore the giggles of the girls behind her. High school wasn't supposed to be hard, given the fact that she was a decent student but it was kicking her ass because she happened to be the new girl.

Listening to her parents, she tried to be friends with as many people as she could but turned out, the elites were not willing to make you a part of their world if you weren't born into the money like them. The girls behind her were one such example. They not only dodged her attempts of being their friend, but also made fun of her for even trying.

Okay then. Maybe, being a loner for the rest of high school wouldn't be so bad. She could do this. Yes, her parents wouldn't approve of her lack of social life but she couldn't just sacrifice her self-respect to make them happy. She mentally patted herself on the back.

"Is this seat free?"

The voice brought her out of her thoughts. She looked at the person standing close to her desk. Rich brown eyes stared back at her through black-rimmed glasses. She nodded, adjusting in her seat so he could sit.

He was one of the most popular kids in her year. His peaceful persona wouldn't vouch for it, though but his friend circle spoke for it. Ironically, the most popular kids in her year also happened to be the ones she had found the most accepting and fun to be around. She could be friends with them but she was too scared to even try now, her initial experience was enough to keep her at bay.

Their teacher was late. She marked a point in her notebook when a small box of cookies was placed between them. She looked at him questionably who was already munching on one.

"Have some."

"The lecture starts in just a few minutes. Eating during study hours is strictly prohibited." She reminded him.

"Not when I collapsed during the same teacher's class last year. You can say I have some privilege here."

Her eyes widened. His were filled with mirth. She reluctantly took a cookie from his box. "Did you?"

"Yeah, I'm a fussy eater and when I go without eating for just some hours, I start feeling dizzy. My mum talked to Miss. Rose and she's allowed me to snack during the class."

She bit into her cookie. It was delicious. She told him the same as well. He just shrugged. "My mum is an excellent baker. I'll ask her to pack more the next time. You're lucky we don't share this class with Aahil and Mahad. They wouldn't have left even a crumb for you. Pigs."

She couldn't stop her guffaw that that. As she said, fun to be around.

"I'm Osama, by the way."

She nodded. "I know you. I'm Alina."

"I also know you."

"How?" She was confused. He raised an eyebrow. "I can ask you the same question."

"You are pretty famous around here. That's why."

"And you're pretty. That's why."

Alina's cheeks instantly colored. He shook his head, amused. "You're blushing?"

"What else am I supposed to do when someone just called me pretty?"

"Be his friend?"

"Just because he shared his cookies with me?"

"And he called you pretty."

Alina laughed lightly. "Let me think about it."

He didn't say anything to that. Both of them knew it was a done deal. Their story started from there on.

𝄞

The first day of the film shooting began with the same chaos he was used to by now. The crew ran around frantically. The equipment was being set and the location was ready. The actors were out of their vanity vans, donning the look of the characters they'd be playing for the next few weeks.

The shooting for the very first scene started with a loud whoops and uproar. He focused his eyes on the scene ahead as he asked for them to get into action.

It got wrapped in three takes. Perfect if he was being honest. Ahmed and Rimsha were decent, both as an onscreen couple and as individual performers. The next scene was due in fifteen minutes. He sat in his chair, replaying the clips on the monitor when he felt movement in his peripheral vision. His eyes found her, as always.

She was standing with Rimsha, settling her Saree for her as Rimsha's makeup artist touched her up. It was happening again, a throng of people around and in front of him but Osama Siddiqui's eyes were just for Alina Asfandyar.

She tucked her hair behind her ear as she instructed Rimsha and gestured with her hand as well. Articulate and animated, as always. Her honey-colored hair was in a ponytail. She laughed at something the MUA said. Osama found his lips curling up into a smile.

But then the spell broke. His smile vanished and he straightened in his seat. Get a fucking grip. He chided himself. This couldn't happen. He was here for work. He couldn't let anything mar that reputation. Shaking his head, he was back to his previous task.

If he thought she hadn't felt his eyes on her, he was gravely mistaken. She'd always know. She pretended to be immersed in her work but who was she kidding? She couldn't concentrate after that, even when he went back to what he was doing.

This was Alina's first time being on a movie set, that too a set of Shani and Neha. Everything spoke for the fact that it was the most successful production house in the country. The quality of every process involved in the filming vouched for it.

It was also the first time Alina was seeing Osama Siddiqui the director in his professional avatar. He was precise and a thorough professional. To the point with his instructions and he knew how to get the best out of his actors and the whole crew. They were no longer on those terms but Alina would always be proud of what he had managed to get in his life. He was where he always wanted to be.

The rest of the day went the same way. The lunch was special from Neha and Shani, mostly seafood. Too bad Alina couldn't, for the life of her, eat seafood. She didn't tell that anyone, just skipped lunch.

It was after pack-up; Alina scrolled her phone as she made her way out of the movie set. She was booking a ride. Aahil was busy with his first-ever proper job and according to Mahad, it calls for celebration. He pestered Aahil so much that Aahil had to give in and treat them all to dinner, no matter how much he hated Mahad for it. The dinner meant endless teasing but that's Mahad for you.

She stood on the pavement when she saw it. Rimsha was at some distance from her. She hadn't seen her yet and it seemed like she wouldn't, for her focus was on someone else. Alina followed her gaze and to her utter surprise, found Zeb Siddiqui.

Rimsha grinned and hugged her, she was narrating her whole day to Zeb, and the older woman was all ears.

In the middle of the conversation, Zeb's eyes found Alina. Her smile deepened. By then, Rimsha was also looking at her.

"Alina! What a pleasant surprise!" Zeb exclaimed, as soon as she reached Alina's side.

"It's so good to see you after so long." Zeb caressed the side of her face. Alina felt her throat constricted. The embrace reminded her of so much that was no longer there.

"It's good to see you too, Auntie. You look lovely as always."

Her praise was heartfelt.

"I didn't know you both knew each other," Rimsha asked, looking between Zeb and Alina. Zeb saw the uncertainty in Alina's body language. She nodded, silently telling her that she'd got this.

"Who doesn't know Alina Asfandyar?" She added good-naturedly. Rimsha's curious expression turned into one of knowing at that.

"Oh, I was about to get jealous." Rimsha joked. Zeb mock-glared at her, but any person who saw them right there could tell they were close; their camaraderie spoke of their comfort level.

Alina didn't show it on her face. But the fact that Rimsha and Zeb knew each other and were close was news to her.

"Auntie, we should hurry before your son spots us here."

Rimsha reminded Zeb who looked ready to catch up with Alina. That got Zeb's attention. "Rimsha is right. Osama hates mixing professional and personal lives. Now that Rimsha is working with him, he will not like that I came here to get her. But she insisted on treating me to dinner."

"Auntie, we talked about it, didn't we? It's the biggest project of my career so far. I want to celebrate it with you. Is that a bad thing?"

The smile that Zeb gave to Rimsha was nothing but motherly. "Not at all. We should get going before Osama spots us." She looked at Alina. "See you see, Alina. Come home sometime. Our long chat over coffee is long overdue."

Rimsha's gaze again turned curious but she didn't say anything this time around. She and Zeb sat inside Zeb's car. They waved at her before driving away.

Alina took a deep breath as she watched the vehicle vanishing from the eye. The last five minutes were something, what? She couldn't say with conviction.

She shook her head. What it was to her if Rimsha knew Zeb and was on very good terms with her. Just like Rimsha didn't know Alina had once shared the same rapport with the woman. And it seemed like Osama also knew Rimsha. No one could say that seeing his professionalism. But that was about Osama, never any slip-up.

She tried shaking the thought off her mind and once again opened the app to book a ride when she felt her world tilting on its axis. She held the wall for support and massaged her forehead. Through her unfocused vision, she saw a silhouette close to her. She raised her hand. "I'm okay."

"Yeah, I can very well see that."

She opened her eyes and when her vision finally settled, she found Osama looking at her with a scowl set on his face but his eyes full of concern.

"I'm serious. I'm okay, now."

"You're still holding your head, Alina."

She was quick to drop her hand but as soon as she did, she felt dizzy once again.

"For god's sake!" Osama exclaimed. He held her from her sides and steadied her.

"Who told you to skip lunch?"

"You know I hate seafood!"

It all came back the very next instant. The two people standing on the pavement weren't successful film director and a fashion stylist. They were two teenagers, in their school uniforms, her hair half tied, half falling on her back, and his glasses askew on his nose. Both were aware of each other's habits as the back of their hands and weren't shy to let the other know.

But they weren't kids anymore. That time had slipped through their hands, somewhere in the years gone by.

Osama looked away, wishing she hadn't noticed his slip-up. If she asked him how he knew she hadn't had her lunch, he'd have nothing to say in his defense.

Alina's eyes were on him. Wishing he remembered this detail about her. If he said he didn't, not anymore, her heart would break once again, the same way it was bleeding for years.

But neither of them did anything to fulfill the other's wish. Making sure, she was somewhat in a better state, Osama left her side. Alina didn't know whether to feel relieved or dejected. Her dilemma didn't last for long. His car stopped right next to her. He sat there in the driver's seat without saying a word. Alina knew if she was invited for the dinner, there was no way in hell he wouldn't be. They were going to the same place. It wouldn't be absurd to go there together.

"I think―"

"Get inside, Alina. We are getting late. You need some food in your system to function properly."

Alina grumbled. She was still not feeling that well or else she would've fought more.

As soon as she sat on the passenger seat, a box of cookies was placed in her lap, without a word. He started the car the next moment, concentrating on the road.

Alina had tears in her eyes as she tore a cookie into her mouth. This fight? She'd lose it even after winning it and win it, even after losing it.

𝄞

Going by their teasing, Aahil had expected to be pissed throughout the dinner but much to his surprise, everyone seemed to be preoccupied with something.

Alina and Osama tried their best to avoid each other. They had come together in Osama's car because they were working on the same project. Low-key this dinner was in celebration of that as well, but he and Mahad decided not to let Alina and Osama know that. They would have their heads.

But even Mahad was subdued. He hadn't taken as many jibs at him as Aahil knew he was capable of. Something was up.

"I didn't know the theme for this dinner was going hard with a Devdas vibe. I feel left out."

He drawled. Mahad chuckled. "There's room for only one Devdas among us."

"Then why are you guys trying to fit three?"

"I'm not!" Alina interjected. Aahil nodded, understandably. "Yeah, you're too pretty for that."

"I second that. If anything, you are the best shot at getting someone out of their Devdas feels." Mahad agreed. His mischievous gaze was settled on Osama who grumbled under his breath.

"Did you say something, Mr. Director?"

"He told you to shove it," Aahil added dutifully as if he were Osama's spokesperson.

"The only person shoving food down is Lina, though."

Alina's hand stopped. She made a face. "I almost passed out, asshole. Don't shame me for nourishing myself."

"Who are we to do that, Lina? Eat away."

She nodded, begrudgingly, and took another spoonful of Beef Bihari. Osama inconspicuously pushed the platter of BBQ chicken Biryani close to her. Alina didn't notice it but both Aahil and Mahad did. She wanted to replenish her energy. Sam was just helping her. Boyfriend duties die hard.

"What in the hell!"

Aahil's exclamation had them all attentive to him. He looked positively giddy by whatever he had found at some distance.

"What?" Alina and Mahad asked together while Osama looked at him questionably. Aahil raised his hand in a 'wait a sec' gesture and placed his phone to his ear.

"Where are you?" He asked. His eyes narrowed the next instant. "What do you mean still at work? When I was leaving, you said you also would in about fifteen minutes."

The explanation on the other hand didn't look satisfactory if his face was any indication. He nodded. "Okay, which means you're not far. Come to Baithak on Club Road. I have something to show you. Be quick."

"Your secretive smile is almost nauseating." Mahad made a point to tell him.

"What's going on, Aahil?" Alina asked, concerned.

"If it's something illegal, I'm out." Osama, the best friend.

"Focus on your dinner, guys. Whatever it is, you will get to know it in just a few minutes."

It was about five minutes when he gestured to someone at the entrance.

"What is wrong with you?!" Sila almost seethed as soon as she reached his table. "I was about to finalize the layout and schedule."

Aahil gestured for her to keep quiet as he made her sit on the chair next to him. With a triumphant grin, he nodded to the table right across theirs. Sila's eyes widened.

Ajwa and Shakeel sat there, hand in hand, giving each other coy smiles and whispers of sweet nothings.

"Oh my god!" Sila shifted her gaze.

"This is why you should believe me when I'm telling you something with conviction."

"You told Mrs. Junaid I was your wife with 100% conviction. Sue me if I find it hard to believe you."

"I asked you to play along, didn't I?"

"And I told you that you owe me, didn't I?"

"I solved your Ajwa Shakeel confusion, we are even now."

"The hell we are!"

"Hey, love birds, sorry to interrupt but I think your couple of the hour is leaving."

"Don't ever call us that again."

"Shut your trap, Lashari."

Two reactions, different words, same undertone. Mahad nodded with a smile on his face. He was right. Ajwa and Shakeel were leaving. Sila's eyes followed them will they were out of the door.

"Damn, Sila. You will put nazar on them."

She opened her mouth when he beat her to it. "Don't say Ajwa can do better than that."

"But she can!"

Sila and Alina said together as soon as the words made their impact, Sila realized, finally, that they had company. She turned into her seat and found three pairs of eyes looking at her interestedly.

"Did I gatecrash a dinner?"

"The one who's paying invited you exclusively so you didn't," Aahil said without looking at her. He was finishing his Biryani. He gestured toward the platter but Sila shook her head. She was too nervous by the three people giving her their undivided attention. Aahil sighed. "Speak up, assholes. Don't make her nervous."

Osama's lips lifted into a smile. "Osama Siddiqui."

"The filmmaker," Sila mumbled which made Osama nod, with a smile.

"Just so you know, the real deal is here." It was the one who called them love birds. Sila's gaze was sharp on him. Mahad was unperturbed though. "Mahad Lashari."

"Oh no. Are you by any chance..."

"CEO of Lashari group of industries in Karachi? Yes."

Sila gave an incredulous look to Aahil but the shock of her life came when she focused on the only other woman on the table. "Oh, my days,"

She whispered as if star-struck. It was comically cute for Aahil. Alina smiled at Sila. "Alina Asfandyar."

Sila slowly turned to Aahil. "You are friends with Alina Asfandyar."

"You are pretending as if you didn't know this. You stalked my Insta, remember?"

She shook her head. She couldn't believe this.

"Aahil here is having a hard time so I'll make it easy for him. We are the three people who have been tolerating his shit since school. Yes, we are superhumans. No need to state the obvious."

Mahad's speech did not affect Aahil. He leaned forward and pointed at Sila. "And this is Sila Nouraiz. The mind behind AJ events, currently the head operations manager and mastermind for ACHC. Faseeh Jahangir trusted her with the whole event, that good she is."

Sila wanted to hide somewhere. He was introducing her as if she were some celebrity. His friends were those, for crying out loud.

"Does she also happen to be the unfortunate woman who got stuck with you at the police station?"

Mahad Lashari and try peace when it was about Aahil Jahangir? No. Never.

"Yes, the very one." It was Sila who confirmed this. Aahil gave Mahad a warning glare. "Stop getting information out of my grandmother."

"Sorry but that can't happen."

"Ignore them, Sila. It's their usual. Just so you know, it's very nice to meet you."

Sila had schooled her star-struck expressions to a great extent by then. "You have no idea how nice it is to meet YOU. My friends are going to be shocked when I tell you I randomly met Alina Asfandyar tonight."

"Randomly? I invited you here."

Sila had gotten up by then. "If you're expecting a thank you, you don't get any."

"Why?"

"You said it yourself, we are even now."

"That doesn't mean you can't thank me!"

She ignored him. "It's time for me to go. Goodbye, everyone. It was nice meeting you all."

Without giving Aahil even a backward glance, she was out of the restaurant. Aahil's scowl was set on his face as he saw her in the parking lot through the glass windows. She sat inside her car but soon her smile morphed into annoyance and panic when her car wouldn't start.

"For heaven's sake!" Aahil got up and in no time he was outside, standing close to her car. She was in the driver's seat. Both seemed to be arguing over something and when, in utter annoyance, Sila started the car, it finally roared to life. She gave Aahil the meanest smile she could muster and drove out of there and when Aahil turned around to get back inside to join his friend, his face was in a smile that was straight from the heart.

The three people sitting there had noticed it.

𝄞

Author's Note:

Now that ships are somewhat clear,

https://youtu.be/yiPmQLo2g7o