If one looked at the scene of joyful camaraderie around―oblivious to the fact that these two families didn't even know each other a week or so back―they'd be awed by the harmony and easy-going energy. They all seemed to be long-lost friends; laughs, easy conversations, cheerful introductions, and more. The only contradiction to this statement was...well, the new couple.

The Nikkah was immediately followed by the two families surrounding the couple. And after the congratulations subsided, it was time for the photoshoot. The photographer was as enthusiastic as they come. The couple couldn't share his sentiments but that didn't deter him in the slightest.

"Tilt your head in his direction, Sila." He encouraged, his camera ready to snap the perfect shot. Sila's face was neutral but the smidge of the distance she covered between her and her husband was telling enough. The photographer sighed and came to where they were standing.

"Move a bit close. Come on! Just a bit."

Aahil groaned under his breath as he pulled Sila to him. She was thankful that they weren't entirely into each others' faces but the photographer, Huzaifa, was still not satisfied.

"A bit more."

"Should I pick her up in my arms?" Aahil asked, scowling at him. He grinned in return. "That will be a good start. At least, that way, your awkwardness will ease a bit. I was told you guys are in love. Act like it. It looks like someone randomly chose you too, hauled you in a car, and got you married."

"Is it that evident?" Sila mumbled. Her annoyance filled the contours of her features. Aahil immediately moved closer to her. "No. And as far as I remember, no abduction happened." He whispered with a feigned smile on his face as he took her hand in his. Sila rolled her eyes but didn't try to pry it away. "Imagine the horror. Lucked out there otherwise, this whole thing would be perfect for the script of a cheap drama."

"I don't consider myself cut out for the screen but you will do it just fine." He pointed at her with something akin to admiration on his face.

Sila raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to tell me I'm looking good?"

Good doesn't even cut it, Wife! The same voice screamed inside him. He ignored it or tried to. "Erm.. well, I was implying that you are dramatic," He blurted out and immediately knew he fucked up. The commentary inside him needed to rest, for the love of everything that was holy!

There he was. Sila scowled. "People should take classes from you on what to say to your wife when the Nikkah is not even an hour old."

"From my personal experience, I don't think people should say anything to their wives when the Nikkah is not even an hour old. Especially when it's their first and hopefully, the last." He grimaced. That didn't ease Sila's scowl even a bit. "Glad you are at least self-aware. Don't talk to me for the next hour or so."

She warned. He looked around. Huzaifa was waiting patiently. Their friends and families were also attentive to them. Sila looked away from him when Aahil knew this couldn't go on.

He moved even closer so that his mouth was right to the shell of her ear. Sila's eyes widened. He gave her a cheeky grin and whispered softly. "Play along, eh? We can't let this go to waste," His finger fiddled with her Gajra. While the other touched the side of her cheek fleetingly."And I'm not even trying anymore."

Sila's eyes were fixed on him as he pulled away. Her hand was still in his. She wasn't taken off guard by what he said but she wasn't unperturbed as well.

"This is what I was talking about!"

A click sounded close. Both of them immediately turned to Huzaifa was who looking satisfied with what he had captured, probably for the first time since he got here.

"Some more shots like this! Come on, you can do it."

He shouted excitedly and they didn't need any prompting. Doing as he told them, their only motive was to get it over with as soon as possible but both of them weren't as done with it as they appeared to be just a while back.

𝄞

"It stays true even now, they are gonna kiss or kill? You'll never be able to guess." Amal snickered. Next to her Rameen and Haleh laughed at her perfect analysis of the newly wedded couple's situation.

"By the looks of it, the kill will be on Sila while Aahil should consider himself lucky if he gets to sneak his last kiss," Rameen mumbled conspiratorially. Amal agreed with it. Haleh, not so much.

"Don't talk rubbish, Reen. He's our Dulha Bhai and he hasn't fulfilled his part of the deal yet."

Amal choked on her juice while Rameen raised an eyebrow. "What deal? And why do I not know about it?"

"Because you were busily mommying Sila." Haleh deadpanned earning a glare from Amal. "Can you at least try to shut up? I want to see it happening once in my life, Haleh."

"And I want to see Henry Cavill and Kim Taehyung. Both literally and figuratively. We can't have everything we want now, can we?"

"You two! Don't start here!" Rameen's suppressed warning didn't make much difference. It only made the other two look at her and mumble "See, Mum!"

They had to shut up eventually, not because Rameen the Mum told them to, but more so because the bride made her way toward them and plopped herself in the middle.

"Remind me to never hire a professional photographer for my next wedding." She snatched Amal's juice and took a sip the size of the Arabian Sea. Amal glared at her and proceeded to get herself another.

"It didn't look bad. At one point we were sure you two were going to kiss." Haleh told her. Sila made a face at that but Haleh didn't let her comment on it. "But yes, for the most part, it looked like you two were made to stand there after getting solid whacking from your mum."

She pointed at Rameen at the end who could just look heavenward.

"Where is your husband, though? I hope that little demonstration didn't make him run to the hills with his tail between his legs."

"Because a riled-up Sila puts the demon in the demonstration." Amal was back with her juice.

"Wasn't his first time, though. Don't you guys remember when the workshop messed up Sila's already threadbare Chaand Gari and she went all Manjolika on him? The guy was sure she needed an exorcism."

"Leave Sila alone at least today! She's the bride." Rameen warned them but Amal just scowled at her. "She said it's not going to be her only wedding. We will behave on the next one."

"No promises, though," Haleh added but all that didn't have much effect on Sila. Her eyes were focused on the other side of the lawn. The other three followed her gaze and found Aahil sitting next to Abu.

"Did you wish him good luck?" Rameen asked. Sila huffed and shook her head. "He didn't even tell me he was going there to do that."

"Gotta appreciate the confidence, then."

"It's calls delusion, Reen but whatever floats his boat." Sila didn't grace Amal's comment with a reply. Her attention was already divided. It was only when Haleh's suppressed shriek sounded next to her did she come out of her stupor.

"What is wrong with you?" Amal seethed as Haleh dunked her head as if trying to avoid an attack. She looked up at Amal with eyes big as saucers. "He's here."

"I know! Osama Siddiqui is Aahil's best friend. Sila, I was onto something when I said your man is a gift that keeps on giving."

Sila opened her mouth to contradict her but she couldn't even say he wasn't her man. Damn it!

"Not Osama, Amal! That guy! The shake stealer art murderer jerk!"

Amal looked again and sure enough, Haleh's hot nemesis was sitting with Aahil's grandmother, conversing with her as if they were best pals.

"Oh yes! It's him! What was his name again?" She asked Haleh. Sila and Rameen looked at them and then at the scene ahead. "Will you tell us what's going on here?"

Amal bent her head as if letting them on in a top secret. "That guy, sitting with Aahil's grandmother. Haleh's talking about him."

Immediately, Rameen and Sila's eyes went in that direction. Amal shook her head. "Be subtle!"

"I don't need to. Bride privilege." Sila shrugged. "How do you guys know Mahad?"

"Yes! Mahad! I forgot his name. I'm so mad I couldn't forget his face."

"His face is nice, not something to forget." Rameen put in earning a glare from both Amal and Haleh. Amal turned to Sila. "Do you know everyone in Aahil's circle? For a random unexpected bride, you're surprisingly resourceful about your groom."

Sila had no retort to that. So, naturally, she let it slide. "Not his circle but I do know his closest friends. I once happened to meet them when we were working together on ACHC. The night he found Ajwa and Shakeel on a date and called me to see it as well."

"You don't have to explain yourself." Rameen patted her arm comfortably. "You two are married. It's totally fine to know that much about each other."

"They weren't married then, my lovely Reen." Amal's cheek earned her a glare from Rameen. She raised a finger in their direction. "You two, shut up and behave or I'll tell Banu Auntie."

"I take it back! You're not mommy material! You reek of a wannabe class prefect!"

Rameen didn't mind. She was used to Haleh's insults.

"As I was saying," Sila continued. "I met them there. Osama, Mahad, and Alina are basically Aahil's childhood friends, we are talking about school here. That old their friendship is."

"Just like your and Reen's." Haleh smiled but Amal narrowed her eyes at Sila. "You never told us Alina is that close of a friend of his!"

"Was I supposed to? I did tell you guys he's friends with her."

"Amal's right! We wouldn't have to figure it out on our video call with him if you did."

The new information made both Sila and Rameen widen their eyes. Amal wanted to commit murder and Haleh just looked normal.

"You guys video-called him?" Sila inquired. Amal looked elsewhere but Haleh wasn't one to be deterred by the ordinary. "We did. From your phone as we wanted him to pick up immediately."

"And why would you do that."

"Because we wanted him to introduce us to Alina, personally might I add. This is where we figured they are close. He calls her Lina for crying out loud."

"Mahad came up with that nickname. Letting you guys know because if you say that in front of him, he'll fight you and then Aahil that his copyright is breached."

The new arrival made both Haleh and Amal shut up. Rameen tried shifting to the side but Alina stopped her with a shake of her head and sat down close to Sila. Once comfortable, she looked at them questionably. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Not in the slightest." Sila glared at Amal and Haleh but the smile she gave to Alina was dazzling. Alina reciprocated it. "You are looking gorgeous, Sila. Did your husband tell you that?"

Sila was immediately reminded of that moment when they were trying to get decent photos. She could feel the touch on her cheek and the graze on the petals of her Gajra. And what he said next.

"He did, didn't he?" Alina suppressed her grin. Sila concealed her emotions immediately but she had a feeling the ladies around her had already picked up on those. "I think he tried."

Alina shook her head, smiling. "Aahil is usually not someone to keep his opinion to himself but men are a different case with their significant other so you never know."

She looked at the others and realized that they hadn't said one word since she got here. "He told me that he made a pact with his Saalis and to keep his end of the deal, he'll introduce me to you guys. Since I couldn't find him, I thought, let's do this on my own."

Her easygoing smile did the trick. Rameen was he first one to break the silence. "It's good to meet you, Alina. Though, I wasn't part of whatever this deal is," She glared at Haleh and Amal but when she looked back at Alina, her smile was intact. "I'm Rameen, by the way. And these two are Haleh and Amal."

"Hey! We can speak for ourselves." Haleh protested but made sure not to raise her head.

"I know but that's what you get for keeping me out of a Saali deal with our Dulha Bhai."

"Didn't we just tell you were busy being a mom to Sila?" It was Amal this time. Sila had had enough of this. She raised her hand in their direction. "Wait for a damn second! What is this deal you guys keep on talking about?!"

"That's between us and him. You are not invited."

Sila's glare did not affect Haleh. Amal was already Amal. Sila was exasperated. "You guys are his Saalis because of me!"

On seeing them not budging, Sila turned to Alina. "Do you know anything about this deal?"

Amal and Haleh pleaded through their eyes but Alina was torn and equally amused. "It happened on the night of your Mayun. I'm not saying anything more than this."

"You two are impossible!" Rameen exclaimed."Did you send him her photos?"

"They did. I saw him scrolling through those when I went to his room. That's also the time he told me his Saalis want him to introduce them to me. Seemed like he forgot, seeing he's the busy groom so I had to take matters into my own hands."

"He had one job," Haleh mumbled. Sila tried to ignore what Alina had just disclosed but she couldn't. Scrolling through the photos there was the part she wanted to not pay any heed to but that was not possible so she tried to focus on what else was said. That idiot. He didn't know he got scammed. The same photos Rameen had sent to Adan as well. If he had asked her, he wouldn't have had these two making a deal with him. The whole party was bad at negotiations, she inferred.

Sila waited for Haleh and Amal to explain but nothing came from their side. They were more interested in the color theme of the decor. "And then Rameen and I are the bad guys when we say you two can sell your loyalties for your reasons."

"The reason is sitting next to you. It's not our fault that he's friends with so many cool people! Alina Asfandyar, Cyrus Diaz, Osama Siddiqui, what's next? Atif Aslam? Wouldn't put it past him to know my king!"

"I doubt that he's friends with him but if it happens, even I want an exclusive chat time because that's Atif Aslam, duh!" Alina took part in the conversation overlooking the fact that she was also included in Haleh and Amal's cool people list.

"Same here!" Rameen was on board too. "By the way! Alina, tell me you're styling Sila for her reception!"

"Now we are talking!" Amal shouted. How could Haleh stay away from the conversation? Alina laughed at their enthusiasm and looked at Sila. "Am I? Adan did mention it but I want to know from the bride."

Sila chuckled. "Are you kidding me? Now that's a good reason to look forward to the reception. Adan is a genius!"

"Don't let your husband hear that. He will pop a vein until you reassure him that he's more of a genius than her. I'd say, don't take chances."

Haleh's easy smile immediately turned to a grimace. Mahad gave her a knowing look and bend his head in the way of a curtsy. "Hello, ladies. I believe some of you have already had the pleasure of meeting me. For those who are devoid of such privilege, I'm Mahad Lashari. Aahil's childhood friend and biggest supporter."

"Not one word he's just said is true," Osama told them.

"Ignore Osama. He thinks he's Aahil's spokesperson just because he's his best friend."

"Reen and Sila think the same about each other," Haleh added, out of habit but stopped immediately. Not that it would help. Mahad had already sat down next to her. She shifted in her seat. He was looking ahead at Sila but a knowing smile tugged on his lips.

"Good to see you again, Mahad. One would think you had just one shirt. Thank you for proving us wrong." Amal then turned to Osama. "I still can't believe you're Aahil's best friend."

"We get that a lot. But trust me, Aahil is a damn good friend so it's easy being his friend as well."

"He is." Alina's confirmation was sweet. Her knowing smile was more so.

"Now, you are just putting in word for your friend." Rameen leaned in her seat. Mahad smirked. "You don't see me doing that."

"I also don't see anyone making a big deal out of it. Maybe, they know you're full of shit." Haleh muttered but the silence around told her instantly, that it was anything but a mumble.

Mahad turned in his seat fully to look at her. "I see, you're still mad at me for that lemon shake."

"That was a gift!"

"Was it? I wasn't aware. It was tasty, though."

"And you're a mean asshole."

"Who happens to be your Dulha Bhai's closest friend."

"As if my mood already isn't sour enough, don't try to worsen it, Lashari!" The warning made Mahad swear under his breath. Haleh's grin added to his misery. He glared at Aahil who had gotten his designated place next to his bride.

"Couldn't charm your father-in-law?"

It was Aahil's turn to swear under his breath. Sila shook her head. "Didn't I tell you that already?"

"At least I tried."

"You should thank your stars you guys were in a gathering of people. Otherwise, Abu keeps his Kalashnikov close all the time. One wrong move and headshot."

Aahil knew Amal was bluffing but he still balked. Sila pursed her lips and gave Amal a disappointed glare. "You're the worst, Amal!" Then she looked at her husband. "Abu is not an easy man but Amal is exaggerating. He doesn't even own a weapon."

"But he looked like he wouldn't even need one for our Dulha here. His one glare was enough to scare him off."

Mahad and Amal high-fived.

"Why don't you go there and talk to him, then? Tell him you stole a shake from me and then we'll see how long you last. Abu hates wrongdoers."

"Will we ever get to know what the hell is the beef going on between you two?" Rameen looked and sounded both intrigued and tired.

"I tell you. These two met during an exhibition and Mahad insulted Haleh's artwork, his argument is that he didn't really understand it and blurted out what came to his mind. He was going to say sorry, according to him but she didn't give him a chance and threw red paint at his pristine white shirt."

"Always knew you were a real one, Haleh." Aahil was quick to present her with his praise.

"That shirt was, obviously, ruined. They ran into each other again in a restaurant. After going at each other they finally decided to put their feud into the past, I was the mediator, of course."

"No wonder they are still ready to rip each other a new one," Sila mumbled. That did nothing to Amal's enthusiasm.

"To do that, they exchanged sorrys but since Haleh did damage to his shirt, he wanted retribution for that. It came in the form of her lemon shake. Seems like she still isn't over it."

"Thank you for your cheap commentary, Amal." Haleh's love for her best friend showed in her scowl. The rest of them found the exchange hilarious and went back to their talks not even realizing, Mahad had grown quiet the moment Amal's narration began.

Haleh looked at him sideways. On finding him lost in his thoughts, she made a face. Good that he was no longer talking to her.

Their conversation halted when Dinbanu and Sabah came to where they were sitting. "Look at you all! I was already telling Mrs. Wadia that they all seem to get along so well."

Sabah stopped close and bent down to say something to Sila. She nodded, replied with a smile, and got up. The girls exchanged a satisfied look with each other. One thing they were sure of; Sila was loved by her in-laws. At Sabah's behest, they all also followed suit.

Just Mahad remained there, his eyes trained on Mrs. Wadia. No one else had noticed it.

But Haleh did. She turned around. He was already looking at her. Her face showed her confusion as she shook her head and resumed her walk.

His face had a realization on it and confusion as well. He kept on looking at her retreating back. For her, he was a stranger she had a beef going on with, and now he was a friend of Sila's husband.

For him, she was all that too, a stranger he had a beef going on with, and the friend of Aahil's wife.

But he had just figured out, they had another connection as well.

And she was as oblivious to it as he was aware of it.

𝄞

The lunch was served soon after that. Normally, it'd be a moment of relief for Sila, given the fact that she hadn't eaten much all day, owing to her nerves. She felt she'd throw up even water if she tried to drink more than one glass. But the main part of the day was already done, the Nikkah. She should've relaxed by now.

But the lunch meant only one thing: the start of her new life with Aahil by her side was upon her. That was decided. They'd leave for his place sometime after lunch. Her luggage was already there, everything she owned packed in suitcases, there in some unimportant nook of his apartment.

And every moment she got closer to living this reality, this massive change was adding to her ongoing worries. She played with the food on her plate. That's when she heard a sigh next to her.

"This won't make its way to your stomach on its own."

That didn't do much. Aahil leaned into his seat. His eyes were fixed on her. Sila focused on her food or playing with it.

"What?" She finally asked, tired of his scrutinizing gaze.

"You do realize that the photo shoot is over, right? You are allowed to ruin your makeup." He pointed to her food. Sila's eyes narrowed at him.

"If it were up to me, I would never put this much effort into today."

"I second that. Priority during weddings should be your comfort. Only I know what a fucking menace this prince coat is."

"I will keep it in mind for my next and mind you, you will not be invited."

Aahil laughed lightly. "Never heard of a wedding without a groom."

"Bold of you to assume I'll do this again with you."

"Why not? I don't think once you get used to me and my charm, you'll ever be able to settle for anything else."

"Oh, I'm used to you and your nonexistent charm. It landed me here."

"Next to me. I don't think it's that bad of a place to be at." He extended his arm and took a piece of Kebab from her plate. Sila swatted his hand away.

"What? You are not even eating!" He complained with a scowl. Sila took the same piece in her mouth. "Now, I'm. Stay put and don't try again. I don't share my food."

"Newlyweds eat from the same plate, Sila. Didn't you know?"

"Newlyweds give each other gooey eyes as well. The only thing I can give you is the bird. Now, let me eat in peace."

Aahil raised his hands in surrender. His work here was done already. Rameen, being the mama hen had already told him that Sila hadn't eaten anything since the morning. He had to do something because an unwell wife on the first day of husbandhood wasn't high up there on his priority list.

Making sure that even if it was out of spite and to keep him at bay, she was at least eating, he looked around at the people gathered for their big day.

"Your Muaz Bhai is nothing like your Abu, though."

Sila nodded, without looking at him. Now that she was eating, she realized that she was actually famished. So, her focus was the delicious food.

"Dude literally gave me a sympathy talk when I failed to win your Uncle over."

Sila couldn't help her smile. "That's Muaz Bhai. He's got this from Ammi."

"We all should be grateful for that. Can't imagine another version of Abu."

Not yours. Just Abu. Sila's smile deepened. "If it's for any consolation, I'm also not on his list of the people he can stand. We are in the same boat."

Aahil looked at her, a smile was etched on his face. "You don't seem repulsed by the idea of sharing this boat with me. Jhooti"

He was referring to her previous comment. Her smile vanished and a scowl replaced it. She muttered under her breath as she turned back to her food but she couldn't keep it for long. A satisfied neutral expression took its place.

𝄞

After lunch, everyone seemed to relax. That's about intimate wedding functions. There are no awkward situations as only the people closest to you are around. The elders were in their own circle and so were the youngsters. The bride and groom were deliberately left to talk with each other. That wasn't probably a good idea, seeing their tendency to argue but so far, they had behaved and there was no incident.

Aahil's eyes roamed around at his friends, family, and in-laws. He found his parents and siblings busy with Sila's family. Alina and Osama were with Sila's friends and by the looks of it, they were also beyond preliminaries. The only person he felt unusually quiet was Mahad. He made a mental note to ask him about it. Not that he was concerned. He was a good host. Yeah. That's why.

"Mamu!"

The voice was one of his favorite in the world so, as expected, his attention was immediately drawn to the source of it. Hanah reached his side as if she had something important to tell him.

"Breathe, honeypie." He told her as she perched herself in his lap. Her crazy curls had made her tiara hang on the side of her head.

"Zain and Arsh Bhai fought." She told him. Aahil was confused. He looked in search of Zain and Arsh and sure enough, found them coming to where they sat.

"Chachu!" Arsh almost cried as soon as he came into hearing distance. An angry Zain was behind him and by the looks of it, he was about to throw a tantrum.

"What is going on?" Aahil exchanged a look with Sila who was equally clueless. Hanah inconspicuously shifted in her place so that she was closer to her Mami. Aahil noticed it but didn't think much of it. He had more pressing matters to attend to.

"This fool says he will announce to everyone that you both are already married and he knew it all along when they didn't." Arsh glared at his younger brother who matched the intensity with his own. "That's the truth! I want to brag!"

He stomped at the end. Arsh rolled his eyes and looked at Aahil exasperatedly.

"Come on, Chachu! We should always brag about our achievements!"

"What idiot told you that!"

Zain's glare was almost accusing. "You."

Sila couldn't stop her snort. Aahil rounded on her. "Don't underestimate his tendency to pull off a performance. He means it and both you and I know we can't afford any more complications."

"Whose brilliant idea it was to feed Mrs. Junaid lies and give her a performance to get her off your back?" She asked, settling Hanah's tiara.

Aahil didn't look her in the eye. "Mine."

"Again, a self-aware fella." She extended her arm. "Come here, Zain."

He did as he was told. She ruffled his hair and smiled at him. That was his indication to go on. "Come on, Chachi! It will be fun! They all will be jealous of the three of us that we knew you and Chachu were married before any of them had any idea."

His grin was almost evil. Sila shook her head and looked at Aahil as well it was his fault. He pulled both Hanah and Arsh close as if he spoke for just the two of them and had no association and impact on the chaos monger.

"You know what will be more fun?"

"What?"

"Keeping it a secret. Our secret, something just the five of us know. We won't tell anyone else. It's like our pact."

"A supreme secret?"

"Yes! It stays between us. The others aren't at the level to know it. We do because we are a better team than them."

Zain gave it a thought. Aahil already knew what his response would be. He knew his nephew well.

"That's a great idea! I like it!"

See? Called it. He rolled his eyes when Zain literally bounced on his feet making Sila giggle. He stuck his tongue at his older brother and went away, skipping all the way.

"What an idiot!" Arsh laughed but Sila stopped him. "Nah. He's cute. So are you." Saying that she settled his lopsided glasses. He blushed. "Thank you, Chachi."

With that, he also followed Zain. How could Hanah stay behind? She tried getting down the seat but Aahil didn't let her. "Where are you going, Honeypie? You're yet to tell me I'm looking handsome today."

"You always look handsome, Mamu but..."

"But?"

Hanah grinned in Sila's way. "Mami is looking better."

"Do you mean to say she's also handsome?"

Hanah was so disappointed it showed on her face. "No, silly! Girls are pretty! Not handsome! Don't you even know that, Mamu?"

"I didn't. But thanks to you, I do now."

That was good enough for her that she knew something her Mamu didn't. Giving him a quick peck on his cheek and grinning at Sila, she ran behind Arsh and Zain.

Sila saw the kids and opened her mouth to say it but Aahil shook his head. "I know. Everyone says it. Zain has gone on me. His father declared it when he was ten days old."

At that, Sila couldn't help her laugh. Aahil didn't want to but a smile tugged at his lips as well.

𝄞

Soon, it was time for Sila's family to leave and for her to go to her new place. Mrs. Irshad and Sabah assured Dinbanu and Naheed, again and again, that from today onwards, Sila was their daughter and they would always take care of her. The girls hugged her with teary eyes. It was suddenly a glaring reality that the four of them would no longer be together as they were for years. One of them would be away at her new place, in a new relationship, with a new family. Eventually, that would be the fate of all of them as well but the fact that it had begun was bittersweet.

Muaz was probably the most chilled out during the whole thing. His commentary eased the atmosphere to a great extent, so much so that when Dinbanu and Naheed hugged and kissed her goodbye, she didn't break down the way she expected to. The girls were next. There was this tiny consolation that they'd be in the same city but who were they kidding? It's never the same when a change of this magnitude makes its presence known. Even the sight of Saleema Baji and Uncle Jeff made Sila emotional. She'd miss the cooking and of course, the music player. Ikram Ayaz was the last one to say goodbye with a pat on her head. Sila didn't expect a hug and he didn't give one as well. Some things never change.

She watched them get into their cars and drive away. And that's when she felt his presence beside her and her hand in his.

"Shall we?" He asked. She nodded meekly. They turned around and waved at their family and friends, earning enthusiastic smiles and mouthed good lucks.

There it went.

𝄞

The first time she got into his car, she was at her sarcastic best. Their banter continued the whole ride.

The last time she got into it, she was subdued and silent, her own reality and the implications of it enough to make her quiet.

And now here she was, still in her bridal apparel, fiddling with her Gajra, trying her best to not pay much attention to his calm persona as he drove meticulously.

His place wasn't that far from his parents'. Maybe that was the reason, when he stopped outside the security check barrier, Sila felt as unprepared as she was when they left Jahangir Residence. Once in the parking lot, he got out and opened the door for her as well.

They had just three days to prepare for today and in those, there were so many things to take care of, especially for her that visiting his place, now theirs didn't even cross her mind. So, it was officially her first time being here.

She was suddenly conscious of her attire and accessories. Aahil waited for her to get out and when she didn't, he bent down to see what was wrong, only to find her trying to remove her Gajray.

"What are you doing?"

Sila looked up at him. "I look like a fool."

"You look like a regular woman who's just gotten married. Don't be ridiculous." He held her hand, effortlessly stopping her from removing the Gajray. Sila huffed but he wasn't having any of it. "Come on, now. I'm also dressed as a Dulha. If you think you look like a fool, I'm no less. Let's be fools together."

"You and your ways with reassurance." She grumbled but came out of the car. A few people looked their way but after a fleeting glance, they got back to what they were doing.

It remained the same way as they crossed the reception area and then got inside the elevator. There was a family of three with them, parents and their teenage girl. The parents just smiled at them while the girl looked positively impressed.

Sila was thankful when they got to his...their floor. Aahil stopped at a door and unlocked it. He gestured for her to get inside. Sila did so wordlessly.

The inside of the place was nothing as she expected. Or maybe, she hadn't expected much. She stood in the short length of the entrance hallway. On the walls at her sides, she could see artworks in line, there was a small table, perched atop which was a piece of sculpture, some other decoration pieces, and a beautiful fluorescent lamp. At the end of the hallway was the TV lounge. She could see a floor-length window with a lone chair on one side. There was an open kitchen area alongside the lounge and further inside, three doors leading to other rooms.

Knowing his family's status, this was surprisingly modest, by his standards but the place was inviting and had a touch of warmth to it. Aahil didn't say a word as she did her exploration. Opening the first room, she peeked inside and instantly knew it was the master bedroom. She found her suitcases in one corner.

"The next room is for the kids. They visit a lot and often stay overnight." He appeared behind her as if already reading her thoughts.

"What about the other one?"

Aahil's face was unreadable. "That's out of bounds."

"What is it? Hogwarts?"

He didn't reply. Sila waited for him and at last, took a deep sight. Whatever. It wasn't like she didn't know marrying him would come with all its added hassle. Sharing a room and all that jazz.

"If you need—"

"Yes! I do need to freshen up and change out of this tent."

"I need that too."

"I said it first."

"It's my room."

"Not anymore!"

"I'll be quick!"

"Am I supposed to believe that?"

"I don't know. Take your chance."

Saying that he opened his wardrobe and picked whatever he could in record time, and before Sila could say anything, the bathroom clicked close behind him.

She dropped herself to the edge of the bed. What a lovely start.

𝄞

Proving her assumptions wrong, he indeed didn't take long. She had gotten rid of her accessories and makeup when he came out, in his comfortable clothes, grey sweats, and blue tank top. Sila made a face. He shook his head to soak extra moisture in his towel. "Sorry to disappoint but I'm not a big fan of dressing up at home, especially after wearing this abomination the whole day." He pointed at his wedding clothes.

"And I was thinking I'm the bride."

He looked at her and then at the mess on the table. His lips lifted in a lopsided smile. "Yes, sure. Whatever works for you."

Sending a glare his way, she made her way to the bathroom, her pajamas already in her hand. It was almost seven. The day had more or less ended. She needed her beauty bath, the only good and normal thing in this day full of chaos.

Once she was inside, he discarded his towel and taking care of the mess, came out into the lounge. Switching on the TV, he stopped at a sports channel. On the next, a PSL game was being broadcasted. His next few hours were sorted. A football game and PSL side by side. He'd order Chinese takeout when they'd feel hungry. Good that they agreed on something.

Satisfied, he sat on the couch. His focus was on the screen but his ears were attuned to her footsteps, which would be sounded anytime now.

Twenty minutes passed.

Then forty.

And soon it had been an hour since she was inside. Aahil scowled as he finally got up. Coming inside his room, he hesitated for a bit but then covered the distance and rapped on the door.

"Sila?"

No response. He did it again. "Hey, are you okay?"

He heard nothing. "Sila?"

Nothing again. Alarms blared inside his head as he went to war with the door. With one hand, he was thwacking it, and with the other, he was trying to unlock it. Not once did he stop to think it through.

"Sila, I swear to God—"

The door swung open and Sila appeared in it, flustered and roughly dressed. "It's alright! It's alright! I'm fine! Drop your weapons!"

Aahil's confused eyes traveled from her face to down below and he immediately turned around.

"What? I'm fully clothed—" She stopped abruptly as she looked at her front buttons, undone, and gave a peek at her bra.

"Oh, for heaven's sake!" She wanted to throw herself out of the window as she buttoned it up.

"Why didn't you answer me when I was calling out your name like a banshee?" He inquired, not daring to turn toward her. Sila scowled and held his shoulder.

"You can look! I took care of it!"

"Don't expect a Thanks!"

"I don't."

He did so as he was told. "As I was asking, why didn't you answer me?"

"I did say, 'go away'! It's not my fault that you didn't hear me. I was living the highlight of my day and you ruined it!"

"The highlight of your day is a...bath? You're kidding me right?"

She sighed, again, went to the bed, and sat down on it. Then she patted the seat next to her. "Come here. I think we should've done this before but better late than never."

"Do what, exactly?" He asked but did so as she told him.

"Tell each other peculiar habits we have so the next time, something like this will not happen. I'll go first. I take a long bubble bath every night as soon as I'm done with my chores for the day or work, for that matter. I spend almost an hour there. That's my idea of relaxing."

Aahil pursed his lips. Sila glared at him. "Don't you dare make fun of it! Now tell me if you have any habit like this I should know about?"

He thought for a while as if he was the epitome of good behavior and normalcy and any such thing was beneath him.

"I'm a bed hogger."

"Excuse me?"

He nodded, affirming what he had just said. "A bed hogger, Sila."

"How do you even know that?"

He leaned back on his arms. "Possessive already?"

"You wish!"

"Well, once I had a sleepover at Adan's place since she and Misam Bhai had to go out of the city to attend a wedding. They left the boys behind. Their exams were going on and the responsibility of it all was on my sturdy shoulders. It started with Zain, he got up half an hour after going to bed and started crying because he had a scary dream. Him narrating that to Arsh scared him as well and then your superhuman of a husband—"

"Keep it realistic and don't give it fictional touch."

"Had to be there for them. I slept on the other side of the bed just so they'd feel safe. That was another thing I hogged the whole thing. One of them rolled over off the bed. I don't remember which one. I also snore really loud and sleep talk as well. This one time, I narrated the whole plot of the Godfather without missing any detail, and one time, I shouted all of Shahrukh Khan's dialogues from Raj and Narayan Shankar's showdown from Mohabbatein. Adan recorded it."

Sila's horrified expression became even graver as she got up. "That's it. I'm sleeping in the next room."

She tried walking past him but he held her hand and then his shoulders shook with his laughter. Sila instantly knew he was bluffing. "You're an absolute jerk!"

"And you are gullible. I don't know a better match."

"So you don't hog the bed, snore loud or sleep talk?"

He shook his head. "None."

Sila took a deep breath. He had her there.

"Chinese for dinner?"

"Yes, please!" She said as she took out her laptop and opened it.

"Don't tell me you're going to get some work done? PSL is on and so is a very interesting football game. We can watch it together."

"Sorry to disappoint but I'm going to be totally predictable and tell you I'm not into sports. And as far as work is concerned, I'm currently unemployed. There's this Netflix show I have on my to-watch list and I'm thinking of starting it today."

"What series?"

He asked, peeking over her shoulder from behind as her Netflix profile loaded.

"Dark. Amal has been bugging me to watch it for almost two years now but me being me, I never had the time."

"I also haven't watched it."

"You didn't?"

"No."

She hesitated. What she was going to offer next was the most normal thing but it still felt huge, considering their setting. But he had also offered to watch sports with him.

"What do you say about binging it together?"

Aahil grinned. "Sounds like a plan."

So, that's what they did on their very first night as a married couple sharing a room. They spent the next few hours, watching a show which didn't make much sense in the beginning but once things started to clear, they couldn't help but keep on going. They were on the bed, they ate their Chinese takeout there as well and at the last, when both of them felt their eyes drooping, warned each other to stay put at their side of the bed.

The laptop screen got blank, and the room submerged in comfortable silence, as the two people slept, her head next to him and him lying on his stomach with his arm close to her torso.

The night sky and the sea out of the window remained the same, and so was the whole world. But in that room, a change had occurred.

Love had taken its first proper breath.

𝄞