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"Hold the fuck up―what?"

"LMAO! Khel gaye!"

"Well, did see this coming."

"Told you all they look like a couple but people were too busy character assassinating both to pay attention to this tiny fact. Congratulations, you all made a private relationship a national joke."

"What if it's damage control by Jahangirs?"

"A marriage as damage control? Idts."

"Even if it's damage control, that's a good move by Jahangirs. I mean this nation is CRUEL to those who go viral with or without their own doing. If you think about it, both Sila and Aahil didn't deserve the backlash that was unleashed on them. This way, at least the people will get bored and move on. It's been two days of utter chaos. They deserve this break and some of you all need to calm the hell down."

"Is it too early to start anticipating their wedding photos? Please if they are not released publically, do me a favor and send those to me."

"Somebody, check up on Akhter Naeem. My guy worked overtime just for his narrative to be proved ass and being handed a hefty lawsuit."

"Tag Pervaiz Jatoi and ask him to help his lapdog."

"Sad state of events even though I appreciate this move by Jahangirs, I can't help thinking about Sila and how hard must be the last few days for her. Her professional integrity and her character were there up in public for every XYZ to comment on. Shuddering to think about it. Being a woman in this country is hard. I hope all of you delete your memes now."

"Lol, so no one's going to talk about how this nobody literally hit a jackpot because she was seen with the son of a rich family."

"If by jackpot you mean trending on social media for two days straight, being pulled into the filth that is Jatois SMT, being character assassinated by nobodies on Twitter dot com, and being made into a meme, then sure, let's talk about it, gutter ke maindak."

"Ye sahi hai. Go on dates, hit the hotels together, and still get hailed as the most beautiful couple by fifteen-year-olds on Twitter."

"Dude, if I had the face of a scrotum and the personality of an ass like you, I'd shut up and mind my own business."

"LOOOOOL InsidePakScoop deleted all the pictures of Aahil and Sila. That legal notice is being noticed, hehe."

"Not just them, the accounts spreading rumors are also gone―What the hell that was quick."

"Insta posts are also being deleted. I love it when bullies and rumor-mongers panic."

"This account is an Aahil Sila love bot."

"They are gonna make such a haseen couple."

"When's the wedding? Did they announce the exact date?"

"I get the speculations that it's Jahangirs saving face along with their son and the woman's reputation but guys, doing it with a marriage announcement is pretty unexpected, if I'm being honest. That effectively put all the rumors to the rest and they are now going to be married, the only thing this nation loves and roots for. So, even if it's a PR strategy, it puts an end to the chaos. I don't see any problem with this."

"Lol lkr! But did you see Jatoi SMT already calling the statement a PR move and I'm sitting here like bitch what did you expect? You literally left them with no other option (if their son and Sila aren't already in love, contrary to what the statement claims.)

"Can people for once behave? I can't believe you all are still stuck here. Leave this topic, ffs!"

"My mother-in-law saw this whole thing the other day and let me tell you woman tried to convince me that these two are already married with three kids. I can't stop laughing she's obviously mistaking them for someone else but it's hilarious."

"They do look married already, can't blame the poor woman."

"I can't stop laughing you guys changed your opinions the moment the marriage announcement dropped. Maybe, we all are the problem."

𝄞

Standing in her room window, she was surrounded by the calm that was absent from her life for the past week. Everything else was still in a state of disarray but she couldn't bring herself to care.

Her life and her priorities changed drastically over the last few hours, such a short span for your whole life plan to alter and you have no idea if it's for the better.

The statement caused chaos, as Sila had expected and as she was told it would. But this time, it didn't make her stumble on her feet. She stood firm; a picture of calm. The girls gave her space but kept her updated as well, and the reactions came pouring in.

She ignored Ajwa's texts, not sure if she wanted to talk to her. Truth be told, she didn't want to talk to anyone. Her phone was with Rameen who knew already whom Sila would want to reply to.

Nisha's calls went unanswered. Amal grumbled about it once again but it didn't make much difference to Sila. Knowing her Mami, she had an idea what their thoughts would be about this whole thing. She was better off knowing that.

It was meaningless now, all of this. She had seen the worse. The only thing that mattered to her was her own peace. Any person she knew would meddle with that was not allowed to reach out to her. Her boundaries had been breached enough already.

Danish had gone back home, leaving behind a feeling of nothingness. Their relationship was already hanging by a thread when she was pulled into this scandal. And the way he reacted to everything was an indication enough that they couldn't work on it anymore.

If the marriage hadn't been there as her possible reality, she would've ended things between them eventually. But she had to act on it as soon as possible. No matter how disappointed she was with Danish and her own reality, she couldn't keep him in the dark. That'd be cruel to him. That was another thing that he had reached a conclusion about as well. He wanted an out. She wanted it as well but it was also her need. For the first time in a long while, they were on the same page and wanted the same thing from their relationship. Even Aahil wasn't that surprised when she told him about it all.

Sila shook her head. What was gone was gone and it wasn't like before her recent situation, she and Danish were the happiest couple on the face of this planet.

Yes, under normal circumstances, she would've taken some time to get into the dating pool again but she was getting married in about a week. That too with the person she had recently come to somewhat understand. But did she have a choice? Did he have one? No.

So, yes, shutting her mind about all this was the safest bet for her, especially when she was still entangled in a mess that had snatched so much from her.

The rest of the Wadia House also mimicked her room. Rameen, Amal, and Haleh were in the lounge, helping Saleema Baji with the dinner. Uncle Jeffery was keeping a keen eye on the outside just to be safe even though Sila assured him that the Jahangirs had taken care of the unknown men roaming around Wadia House.

Dinbanu was in her room. Sila tried to apologize to her for interrupting the peace of the house but that only earned her a scathing look from the older woman. Sila didn't dare to try anything after that.

As far as Jahangirs were concerned, she hadn't heard from them since the statement had been made public. Knowing them, they were giving her the time to come to terms with everything. She was grateful for it. In this whole fiasco, the Jahangirs' unflinching support had been the only positive.

"Sila?"

She came out of her thoughts and found Rameen standing at the door. "Tea?"

She asked. Sila shook her head.

"It will help with the headache." Rameen tried once more but Sila was in no mood for anything. Rameen's gaze on her was full of worry. She opened her mouth to say something but then thought against it.

Sila went back to the window when both of them heard the commotion outside. Sila's face showed her surprise and the next moment, she was out of the room, and into the lounge.

Naheed had already seen her. Sila wasted no time in covering the distance between them as she lost herself in the all too familiar motherly warmth.

"Ammi." She mumbled. Naheed patted her head and kissed the top of it. "I'm here, Bachay. I'm so sorry it took us so long."

She made Sila look at her. What she came across made her expressions grimmer, if that was possible.

"Look at you! What have they done to my daughter? I swear the people who were behind everything won't find peace. I will pray that they never will. So what if we don't come from insane money or influence? Does that give them the right to what they please?"

No questions. No speculations, No doubts. That was the crux of Naheed's bonding with Sila. She hadn't raised her, but the limited amount of time the woman had spent with her over the years was enough for her to have this faith in her Sila, her Bacha.

"Why it took you so long to come?" Sila complained. Not something she'd do in front of just anyone. But with Naheed, she was never the self-made and practical Sila. She'd always be a daughter who needed her mother's cocoon to feel safe.

"Don't even ask! Muaz was home, thankfully. The moment I got off the call with you, I told him to book our flight but then we had to change the plans and get to Islamabad by road and from there on the long journey to Karachi. You know how it goes."

It immediately clicked. Only one person she knew would prefer a long ride on the road to a quick flight.

She looked behind Naheed. Muaz was taking their luggage out of the car but Sila's eyes were fixed on the man standing at some distance from her and Naheed.

"Abu..."

She muttered. The man was already looking at her but as soon as he saw her gaze on him, he looked away. She left Naheed's side and took uncertain steps toward him. Greeting him meekly, Sila was about to turn around when he patted her head, reluctantly and he greeted her back under his breath.

That was the crux of Ikram Ayaz and his only niece's relationship. Naheed gave a disappointed glare to her husband. They were late to get to Sila because of this man and he didn't have the courtesy to even give her a warm gesture. Army men and their non-existent emotional range, retired or not. Thank God her son hadn't adopted his father's aloofness even though he was also from the same profession.

As if on cue, Muaz strode inside the lounge of Wadia House and ignoring everyone else, went straight to Sila.

"Hey, Kiddo." He smiled as his arms came around her. Sila sniffled when he ruffled her hair. "It's okay. You've done so well so far."

"Everything is over, Muaz Bhai."

Sila told him. He shook his head. "It seems like it for now but I can assure you, that's not the case. Now let's sit and talk. I left the house in a hurry so my phone is almost dead. Also, what's with the security around here? We had to give our full credentials to enter the lane. What's going on?"

Sila peered her eyes away from him and saw Naheed meeting the girls and Saleema Baji. Amal left to call Dinbanu. Sila sighed. It was time to let them know about her decision. By the looks of it, they hadn't seen the announcement yet.

"You guys should freshen up. It was a long journey. I'll let you know everything after that. Okay?"

Muaz didn't look convinced but he nodded nonetheless.

𝄞

Danish had just gotten to his room when he heard his mother's footsteps outside. He knew what was coming.

"Danish?" Bushra asked as soon as she entered her room. Her phone was in her hand.

"Did you see this? Sila...she is marrying Jahangirs son."

"I'm aware."

"Then why didn't you―" She stopped abruptly. The agitation in her son's stance was telling enough. Danish nodded as if confirming it to her.

"She told me before she went with it. That's another thing that I was already on my way to her place to let her know about my decision."

"What decision?" Bushra asked. Danish gave her a pained smile. "I couldn't do this anymore, Mama. I went there to break things off between Sila and me."

"Was it because of what happened?" Bushra's question was a mere whisper. She hoped against hope his answer wouldn't be in affirmation.

"No. It had nothing to do with Sila. It should've never been about her even when I tried to make it. It was me, Ma, always me."

Danish sat down on the edge of his bed. Bushra reached his side, holding his arm.

"I was horrible to her. When I should've stood with her, I threw the grim facts her way. Her association with the likes of Jahangirs was my whole focus. That was unfair to her but that's not the end of it. Even before this, I ignored her, hid things from her, and treated her like she was a burden. Did you know we had a fight during Farman's wedding? Just because Sila wanted to confirm if we did have a future together and I made it sound like she was overreacting just to stifle the voice inside me that was yelling that no, we do not have one. She's too secure in her life and I'm all over the place."

He looked away from his mother. The disappointment in her eyes would make him want to bury himself in a hole.

"And even after all this; I was comfortable in my oblivion that I wasn't the problem. It was Reen who told me that the person I used to be is lost somewhere. And the moment she said that to me, I knew how right she was. This isn't me, Ma. You know me, don't you?"

Bushra pulled him close to her with his head resting in her lap. His anguish had shaken her. She never knew her son was dealing with so much. She should've known.

"This situation is irrelevant. I should've done it the moment I knew I couldn't be what Sila deserved. Heck, right now I'm not even what I deserve. I need to work on myself, Mama. I need to let go of so much I'm clinging on. I can't drag Sila through this with me. Not when I know our feelings are not what they used to be."

Bushra ran her fingers through his hair when she found Dareer standing at the door, his eyes glassy. He took a step forward.

"The first and foremost thing you need to let go of is the notion that you have to take care of Mama and mine every need, Bhai."

Danish looked up as Dareer sat down next to him. "I know you think it's your responsibility since Baba's death but it's interfering with your personal life, Bhai. You are always worrying over one thing or the other, not one moment of peace. I love you. Who wouldn't? The brother who is your friend, confidant, and your parent, all in one? But what about his own life? His own dream? His own relationships? It's not your fault that you got to spend more time with Baba than me. That we were more financially sound when you were studying than we are now. Stop thinking that it is, Bhai."

"But―"

"He is right, Danish." Bushra didn't let him complete. "I've always maintained that we are a unit and we face every curveball life throws our way together. It's not just your responsibility as you've assumed since Baba's passing. Can't you see how this is affecting your personal life? Your relationships? Dareer is right. If you want to change yourself, start from here. Don't try to lift all the burden on your shoulders when there are two more shoulders to share with you."

"It's not a burden." Danish protested.

"But you are overworked."

"Exactly. Imagine things go on like this. In the future, we marry you off and the first thing your wife has an objection to is this, rightfully so. Our house will turn into a daily soap. The absolute horror."

Dareer grimaced. Bushra chuckled at that and a smile reached Danish's lips as well.

"And things like this can't be kept hidden. Imagine if Sultan Uncle and his wife come to know. The shared wall between our houses is thin."

Dareer's face colored. He glared at Danish making Bushra laugh lightly. Dareer had a huge crush on Mr. Sultan's daughter who was also his classmate. Danish's teasing tone was welcoming but not at his expanse.

The heavy conversation took a lighter turn. Bushra looked at her sons who were now immersed in a different discussion. It was mainly Dareer talking with Danish nodding whenever needed. His face no longer showed his anguish but Bushra knew better. Things weren't alright but that didn't mean they never would be. Danish took a step back and removed himself from Sila's way. That was needed but it didn't mean Bushra was not hurt by the fact that in all this, a future she had envisioned for Sila and Danish was lost forever.

But she could just hope it was all for the better, for the both of them.

𝄞

They were all seated in the lounge of Wadia House. Sila had just finished telling her family the details of the last few hours. No one spoke a word, just listened to her intently.

As expected, they didn't know about the marriage announcement, given the fact that it had been announced just two hours back. Once Sila finished, Dinbanu leaned forward in her seat.

"It all unfolded before my eyes, Mr. and Mrs. Ikram. And if I can vouch for something it's that our Sila is stronger than we've always known and it's her fortune that she got stuck with the better of the elite lot. The Jahangirs have been nothing but helpful. They didn't throw her under the bus when they could. In fact, they stood by her as they did with their son. They took responsibility, acknowledging that Sila got stuck in this mess because of her association with them; their priority was saving both of them. The security guards in the colony are also stationed by them when Sila told them suspicious people are seen around our place."

Naheed and Ikram's grave expressions eased somewhat. But they still didn't look entirely convinced. Muaz was silent. He gave Sila a perplexed look the moment she mentioned the wedding but her pressing his hand in a gesture of assurance told him she knew what she was doing. That made him relaxed to a great degree.

"What will the Jahangirs say if we go to meet them?"

It wasn't a question, more of a declaration on Ikram's part. Sila's eyes widened. Before she could say anything, Muaz beat her to it.

"Abu, the setting isn't normal. The situation is as unexpected for them as it is for us. Let's not create any more mess."

Sila took a deep breath. Thank you, Muaz Bhai, she mouthed. She knew her Uncle and his intimidating aura; she also knew he was a difficult man and more often than not, he was rude without any reason. She didn't want the Jahangirs to be at the receiving end of it all when they had been nothing but good to her.

"Your father's demand isn't outlandish, Muaz."

It was rare for Naheed to agree with her husband. It was just Sila's luck that it had to be now. Naheed turned into her seat toward Sila.

"I know it's a done deal. I trust your decision, Sila. You are sensible and independent, if you're saying that those people are good, I trust your judgment. Dinbanu's word is also importance to me. But it's about my daughter. I have to meet the people she will be surrounded with and the person she's going to marry."

At that Sila didn't know what to say. Denying her when her reasoning was so heartwarming wasn't possible for her.

"We won't take much of their time," Naheed added. She looked around at everyone else but none of them contradict her.

That spurred Sila to action. "I'll be right back, Ammi." She told Naheed as she made a beeline to her room and closed the door behind her.

Picking her phone from the table, she ignored the notification bar and dialed the number.

He picked it up after two rings. "Hey."

"Where are you?"

Aahil sat up straight in his seat as he settled the phone over his ear. "At my parents' place. Is everything okay?"

"No! We have a problem!"

"Color me surprised! What it is?"

"Abu, Ammi, and Muaz Bhai are here!"

"Your extending family? How is that a problem?"

"Abu and Ammi want to come to your parents' place to meet them."

He laughed lightly. "It's too late for a proper Rishta talk, don't you think?"

"Aahil, you jerk! It's a serious matter!"

"How so?"

She hesitated and then sighed loudly. "Abu is a tough man to please."

"And?"

"And I'm 100 percent sure he won't like you!"

"OUCH, Sila. You hurt my feelings."

"It's the truth! You are the stark opposite of what he appreciates in the younger generation. Also, he's a retired military Colonel and if you know how they go about life, you can have an idea."

"Can't you go to him and put a nice word for me?"

"That'll be lying."

"Don't makeup stuff. Just omit what isn't according to his liking."

"I'll have to erase your whole personality for that."

"Insulting me isn't going to do much here. Talk him out of it. He's your Abu after all."

"That's what I can't do."

"Why the hell not?"

"We...Okay! Yes! We are not on talking terms."

"I see. Abu issues?"

"I'm not telling you that. Did I ever ask you about you and your father's beef?"

"That is resolved. I didn't land myself in this situation on my own and before that, I was on my best behavior, involved in ACHC. He's no longer angry with me. I'm positive the idea of disowning is out of his mind. Let's hope I get my hands on it in writing, frame it and send a copy to Adan."

"You really are imbecilic. But, hello? We were discussing my problem!"

"What exactly do they want to meet my parents for?" He asked, seriously. Sila looked heavenward. Finally.

"Ammi isn't sure about this whole thing. She's protective of me and wants to make sure I'm going to be in safe hands."

"That's cute."

"To be honest, Ammi is a sweetheart. It's Abu I'm worried about. He really can be difficult to put up with."

Aahil paused. "I think your family wants reassurance and a bit of normalcy in this situation." He said, thoughtfully.

"That they do."

"And they are just looking out for you."

"I know."

"Then I have a plan. Go and tell them they don't need to come to our place."

"And what are you going to do?"

"Make this wedding a bit normal, what else."

With that, he cut the call. Sila looked at the blank screen and sighed. They had this under control.

𝄞

When she told Naheed and Ikram that there was no need to go to Jahangir Residence, they weren't convinced. Muaz and the girls gave her confused looks but all that got cleared when about an hour later, two cars stopped outside the Wadia House and Mrs. Irshad, Faseeh, Sabah, Faran, Nawar, Adan and Misam came out of it.

Their arrival was unexpected, even for Sila. For a while, the inhabitants of Wadia House didn't know what to do. But then they all spurred to action.

"There is no need for any special arrangements. We are about to be a family and in families, things like these shouldn't even matter."

Mrs. Irshad told Dinbanu and Naheed as the guests were made to sit in the drawing room. Sabah had already found Sila and proceeded to hug her, she then made her sit between her and Mrs. Irshad. Sila tried her best to not show the nervousness on her face but she couldn't do much about it, it was her first proper Rishta talk, after all.

The introduction phase was pretty long, mainly because Mrs. Irshad and Sabah wanted to talk to everyone and get to know their position in Sila's life. That was oddly cute and endearing, the way both the women were interested in knowing about her home life. Naheed told them about her parents and their passing, her stay at her Uncle Aqeel's. The Jahangirs was kind enough to not ask why he and his wife weren't around. Sabah also provided Naheed with answers to her questions about Aahil. Sila wasn't surprised to know his graduation was from the USA. But it was odd that he had never mentioned it to her. Sabah shifted uncomfortably when Naheed asked about his current profession and Sila knew she had to intervene.

"He's on Jahan's event coordinator team. We worked together on ACHC for that very reason."

She finished it for Sabah. The grateful look she sent Sila's way made Sila smile. She hadn't lied, just omitted the fact that it was his first proper job.

Then it came to meeting Dinbanu and the girls. It wasn't Adan's first time being here so she was the most excited to show her family that she had expertise over them in this matter. Sila could see why Aahil was wary of her. They were the two sides of the same coin, she noted with a secret smile.

Nawar and Adan immediately hit off with the girls and Muaz and Faran fell into an easy conversation. Sila noticed with a start, that her Abu was also making small talk with Faseeh Jahangir.

"The atmosphere here is easier than I hoped it to be. That tells us how compatible we are as families." Sabah smiled softly. "I wish all of this were happening under better circumstances."

At that, silence fell around. Faseeh was the one to break it.

"Sabah is right."

He folded his hand on the table as he looked around at everyone. For a business tycoon, he didn't exude any formidable energy. Instead, his aura was welcoming.

"I don't have to reiterate the happenings of the last few days. We all know it hasn't been easy for any of us. First and foremost, I want to apologize to you all for creating this ruckus in your lives, to Sila's life, especially."

Sila tried to say something but he shook his head, stopping her. "It's the truth, Beta. You fell into this mess because of us. The Jatois are our rivals. You came under their radar because you were working for us."

He again looked around. "I can't change anything. The only thing we could do was the damage control and unfortunately, to save both Aahil and Sila's reputations and to take media scrutiny away from them, we had to come up with this sudden wedding."

"But," It was Mrs. Irshad who took over. "We want you all to know that for us, this wedding is as real as it can get. Yes, we all have our reasons for it but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate this union. Circumstances weren't in our favor but if it were up to me, I would've chosen only Sila for my grandson."

That made everyone laugh. "Don't be surprised. My Dado is biased toward her youngest grandchild. Sila, I can assure you, you already have the veto power on your side." Adan informed her cheerfully. Mrs. Irshad patted Sila's head as if confirming it.

"So, it's decided. From here on, this wedding is just a normal one. We are going to celebrate Aahil and Sila and we are going to do it as happy families." Nawar announced. Her declaration worked like magic. The elders got busy in their discussions, and so did the young.

And Sila felt her phone pinging.

The Rich Problem: I hope it's all good there.

Me: It is. This was a good idea.

The Rich Problem: They wanted me to tag along but I refused, I couldn't risk it.

Me: It would not be so bad.

The Rich Problem: Really?

Me: I think so.

He didn't say anything in reply to that but Sila had something to tell him.

Me: Thank you, Aahil. This was very thoughtful of you.

His reply came after ten whole minutes.

The Rich Problem: Anytime. See you soon.

That soon, Sila realized, would be on their Nikkah day.

𝄞

The next three days went in a hurry. The Nikkah was a private event but given the suddenness of the event, there was so much to do. Adan took it upon herself to get Sila's dress ready on the D-Day. The venue was the lawn of Jahangir House as only that place could provide them with complete privacy.

Among Sila's worries, the biggest one was moving. She knew, for a fact, that after the wedding, she wouldn't be staying at Wadia House. Part of the reason for her agreeing to this arrangement was her desperation to keep the inhabitants of Wadia House out of the repercussions of the situation she was stuck in.

The Jahangirs were certain that she'd be moving to Aahil's place. He was too. His asking to help her pack and then get her stuff to his apartment was an indication enough. It was fitting. No matter if it happened under unfortunate circumstances, or was mainly to let the rumors die down, the marriage was going to be real. So, moving to his place was no biggie.

Her emotional state was in upheaval. Wadia House had been her home for so many years. She burst into tears when she packed her first suitcase with Rameen's help. Dinbanu immediately came to her room to embrace her.

"I want you to know that this wasn't a temporary abode. This is your home; you can fall back to it whenever you want to, it's your Maiyyaka. I never treated you, girls, as guests. Neither have you all. We have always been family."

That made her cry more. It wasn't every day that Banu Auntie would be so up and front about her love for the girls. It took her two days to finally get done with her packing. Jahangirs' driver came to fetch her stuff but she refused Aahil's help, knowing he was also busy.

Keeping the matter of privacy in the mind, they hadn't invited anyone to the Nikkah, just immediate family. Sila was unsure whether to send an invitation to Aqeel and Ambreen. She hadn't the humiliation she faced she last visited them. Her Mamu was putty in Mami's hands. He would not only do as she wanted him to but also would say what she'd tell him to. Sila had seen it happening so times in her life. And she knew, by experience that Ambreen wouldn't have anything nice to say about this development in her life. Also, there were crickets from the two over this issue. Only Nisha wanted all the deets, Amal hadn't replied to any of her texts.

One day before the Nikkah, the ladies arranged a small Mayun ceremony for her. She wore an all-yellow dress with flower jewelry Rameen had gotten for her. They weren't kidding when they wanted this wedding to have the real feel.

In Jahangir Residence, Adan, Nawar, and Alina wanted to do the same to him. He tried dodging but he was one person against so many ladies. That was another thing he got no help from Faran, Mahad, and Osama.

He was going to stay for the night in his old bedroom. When the oil, turmeric paste, and something else he couldn't even name, the session ended, and he wasted no time rushing to take a shower.

He had just gotten out, rubbing his mop of damn hair with the towel when his phone rang with an incoming call. He extended his hand to see who it was.

He was surprised to see Sila's name there. The closer the date of Nikkah got, the more subdued Sila became. So, it was natural for him to be surprised, especially when it was a video call, not a voice call.

With a raised eyebrow he picked it up but instead of Sila, came face to face with two other women.

"Omg! Amal, he picked up!

"I can see that. Haleh." The other one told her. Aahil was silently seeing them fumbling about, they hadn't expected him to answer the call, it seemed.

"Hello!"

He finally said to get their attention. It was the one with heavily kohled-lined eyes that held the phone in her hand while the other one peeked from behind her and waved at him.

"Hi, our Avayin kay Dulha Bhai" Amal greeted him with a sickly sweet smile. Aahil narrowed his eyes. "You went straight for the video call. Pretty desperate to talk to your Avayin kay Dulha Bhai."

"She is bluffing. I don't think so, you are our Avayin kay Dulha Bhai." Haleh corrected from behind Amal.

"Thank you, Haleh."

"What? you know my name?"

Aahil hid his smile. Her friend, Amal, had just called her name. "I do. I also know that you stalked me on Instagram."

"Sila ki Bachi! Can't keep anything a secret and I'm the one with no filter, as they say."

"Sila told you that?" Amal asked Aahil who nodded. It was her turn to narrow her eyes at him. "Anyways, let's keep it simple. Do you want to see your Mayun Bride?"

"What? Why would I want that?"

"Thought so. Your face tells you you are an uncultured man. Bye."

She hung up. Aahil wasted no time in calling her back. She picked up on the first ring.

"Changed your mind, Stud?"

"You should! Sila is looking gorgeous!" Haleh informed him from behind. Aahil hadn't even opened his mouth when Amal spoke. "But we won't show it to you for free."

"Why not? I'm the reason she's in Mayun."

"Right now she's our very single and very gorgeous friend. So, we get to decide."

"You guys haven't become my Saalis yet. So, no, there will be no decision."

"I told you, Amal. He doesn't look like a good negotiator." Haleh whispered in Amal's ears. Aahil heard it. "Guess who's not good at subtlety."

"You heard it because you were meant to hear it." Amal came to Haleh's rescue. "God forbid, tell me you aren't a business major."

"What's that got to do with this conversation?"

"They are usually good negotiators. Our Sila is."

"Sila is good at everything. That's beside the point. I happen to know someone who's also a business major but he doesn't hold a candle to me."

"We are going off track!" Haleh cried. "Sila is having dinner. The moment she realizes we have her phone, we are busted. Be quick, Amal." Haleh again whispered. Aahil wanted to tell her to not even try but he kept it to himself.

"What do you want?" He finally asked. Amal's eyes glinted.

"Wow, you do want to see her, don't you?"

Aahil kept a straight face. Amal shook her head. "Introduce us to Alina Asfandyar. We believe that she's your friend and we saw she's even invited to Nikkah."

"What do you want with Lina?"

"LINA? Do you have a nickname for her?"

Aahil was confused. "We are childhood friends. I don't think it's absurd to have nicknames for old friends."

"That makes so much sense and our chances of meeting and having a conversation with her are at an all-time high now. Be a good Dulha Bhai and help us tomorrow!"

"Avayin kay Dulha Bhai." Aahil corrected. Amal shrugged. "Semantics."

"Sila's coming. We got to go but keep your end of the deal." Haleh shouted, finally, not trying to showcase her poor skills at subtlety. The call ended the next moment.

"But what about my end of the deal!" He said into the void. He waited for some time but found no new message from Sila's number. Disturbed by his own disappointment, he decided to call it a night when his phone pinged with a message from an unknown number.

There were the photos.

"Here. Also, save my number, Avayin kay Dulha Bhai. You surely are a gift that keeps on giving. Amal."

He opened the pictures and scrolled through them. Then he did it again. Then he chided himself for doing that.

But somewhere in his heart and mind, a voice patted his shoulder and whispered in his ear. "You lucky bastard."

𝄞

The dawn of the next morning brought it with a day full of activity. From the last touches to the decor on the lawn to receiving everyone from Wadia House, from getting ready to finally assembling into the designated spot.

Aahil stood alone at the makeshift entrance to the lawn. Dressed in his off-white Kurta and trousers, with the prince coat of a darker shade of the same color. He ran a hand through his hair as he checked the time on his phone.

Only five minutes to go.

He felt no tremor in his movement, no anticipation. Just a blank sea, inside out.

Then he heard it. The footsteps behind him. Slow, deliberate. His neck whipped in that direction.

And he forgot to blink.

Ivory double layered Pishwas, the stonework on which was both elegant and regal, Head covered with a flowy Duppata, minimal jewelry, and makeup. Gajray in both forearms.

But that wasn't what he saw. He saw the uncertainty on her face, the barely there gulp as she looked between him and the decorated space ahead.

Aahil took a step forward. She remained where she was.

He extended his hand. She hesitated and placed hers in it, gingerly.

He smiled as he held it in a hold that was sure and firm, comfortably so.

"Ready?"

He asked. Sila nodded and started walking with him by her side. He gave her a sideways glance. She looked ahead.

But he could hear the same voice in his heart.

"Lucky Bastard."

It told him again.

𝄞

The Moulvi Sahab asked her the question she knew was coming. She had known it for days now.

"Aahil Jahangir."

"Kya aapko ye Nikkah Qubool hai?"

These were the words that stayed with her, rest became static. Her heart gave a lurch and then it was all silence. Calm.

"Qubool hai."

She whispered, whispered again and then again. Then she signed where she was told to. Muaz caressed her head softly. Naheed kissed her forehead, and her friends and Dinbanu smiled through their glassy eyes.

Outside, the same story of intermingling of two fates was being repeated.

"Sila Nouraiz."

""Kya aapko ye Nikkah Qubool hai?"

These were the words that stayed with him, the rest became a fading keynote. His heart was at peace. Calm everywhere.

"Qubool hai."

He said with clarity, said it again and then, again. Then he signed where he was told to. His brother and father hugged him, his mother and grandmother kissed his forehead, his sister and Bhabhi grinned at him and his niece and nephews tried their best to understand what had just happened to their Chachu and Mamu. His brother in law patted him on the back and his friends hid their smiles, still finding it hard to believe that he was the first one to go into matrimony.

And him? He had his eyes set on the other side of the lawn, where he was supposed to go now.

To his wife.

Sila's eyes also went in the direction at some distance, where she knew he'd be anytime now.

Her husband.

𝄞