The last week or so was hectic for the Jahangirs. They had an unexpected wedding to prepare for and make it look as planned as they could. And so far, things had gone well much to their relief.

The last week had been hectic for the Jatois and their minions as well, but for all the different and grave reasons.

Akhter Naeem hadn't thought much of the legal notice from the Jahangirs. He was sure, with the help of the Jatois, he'd be able to get away unscathed.

He wasn't wrong. But he wasn't right, either. The alarms in his mind started blaring the moment he turned to Pervaiz and found his response rather tepid. His PA cited the politician's busy schedule for that but both he and Akhter knew that was a lie.

But Akhter hadn't lost hope yet. He had been Jatois' mouthpiece for years and they wouldn't desert him this easily. It wasn't about loyalty—in politics, it never is—it was about his knowledge of Jatois' dirty laundry and how deep their filthy dealings ran. They wouldn't discard him. They weren't that foolish. Pervaiz was trying to take a step back because the Jahangirs hadn't explicitly named him in this whole fiasco. Akhter's misgivings were justified; Pervaiz wanted him to fend for himself and his help wouldn't be as absolute as Akhter would've liked. That left a bad taste in his mouth. He would make a point to remind Pervaiz of his unflinching support over the years. He would have to be ready with his ammunition if Pervaiz tried to turn his back on him. That's about coexisting with sharks like Jatois.

But didn't have to come to that, as it turned out.

Akhter and the lawsuit would become the least of Jatois' worries in a matter of a few days.

It started with the murder case Khizer Jatoi had recently won. The aggrieved family of the victim wasn't satisfied with the verdict but had to accept it albeit begrudgingly. They knew what they were up against; a dynastic political family with a penchant for depravity and bloodshed and no care for the law.

But they had decided to go to the supreme court to appeal against the decision and have the trial resumed there. Pervaiz and Khizer were taken off guard. They hadn't thought much of that family, given the fact that they were common folks with no political backing but just truth as their shield, and as the system goes, that shield is never the answer, being the protection is a far cry.

Then what exactly prompted them to take this rather suicidal step?

Pervaiz had a vague answer to that which got clear as the sky overhead seeing the subsequent events unfolding.

They were still in talks with their legal team when the next bomb dropped.

The video of Ali's violent misconduct abroad last year was released on the internet. Back then when it happened, it wasn't easy to cover for Pervaiz, even with all his resources and money. It transpired in a foreign land and Ali wasn't even provoked, just his usual foul temper on display. Pervaiz did all he could to do both; get Ali out of the situation and not let the word out. And he was sure he was successful in doing so.

Maybe not.

The internet went into a frenzy seeing the otherwise laidback, lover-boy charming man showing what he was capable of, just because he couldn't have his way. The picture of his witty, dynastic politics-hating and well-meaning satire of his own father's tenure in the power structure was shattered overnight and replaced with a petulant man-child who wouldn't be placated with even blood spilling if he was enraged.

His party's SMT tried to nip the matter in the bud but they were getting the taste of their own medicine. The public didn't take the video evidence lightly and in a matter of hours, the microblogging sites were filled with anecdotes of the Jatoi family's brutality and power hunger. People brought things onto the surface from the deep-buried recesses of history to add weight to their point. It was a never-ending cesspool.

The next blow came when the police acted promptly and from all over the country arrested people engaged in the smear campaign against Sila and Aahil. They were the same people who spread malicious rumors and even gave false proof for their claims. When the authorities took charge, they all fled from the scene escaping legal repercussions.

The police interrogated them, and after initial resistance, all of them admitted to being part of the Jatoi social media team. That opened another Pandora box for the Jatois who were already in deep trouble.

Media scrutiny, public outrage, compromised social image, judicial inquiries, and trials; the onslaught was unexpected for the Jatois. Not a moment of peace and even if they tried to play the blame game, they couldn't do much here.

And as the last nail in the coffin, the corruption allegations against Pervaiz resurfaced. The offshore accounts and money laundering case he had kept on hold using all his might had quickened its pace, new evidence had been unearthed and he was called to present before the tribunal once again. He was smug that he'd evade the judicial proceedings as always, but one meeting with his legal team and he knew that wouldn't be possible this time.

And that's when it became all the more evident, it was a grave mistake on his part to start a battle with Faseeh Jahangir.

It was his ill judgment that a man of Faseeh's caliber and influence would sit idle when the attack had been on his son's reputation and public image.

In a single stroke, Faseeh had taken care of everything. His son and that girl were married and off the hook of the public eye and curiosity. The people lost interest the moment they announced the marriage, and those who were still stuck there were all for the romantics.

And then Faseeh, apparently busy with the wedding, played his cards. If he hadn't, Pervaiz and sons. wouldn't be in trouble waters, already half-drowned, and their castle of influence and privilege sunk deep in the whirlpool ahead.

Grinding his teeth and stifling the urge to crush everything in his wake, Pervaiz got ready for a busy day ahead. So much had to be taken care of but one thing was sure, for the foreseeable future, he would steer clear of Faseeh Jahangir.

This rivalry had already cost him heftily.

In his study, Faseeh leaned into his leather chair and closed his eyes. A satisfied smirk was plastered on his face. Days of unrest and chaos but finally, there was peace.

He had taken care of everything, as he had told his family.

And, in the future, Pervaiz Jatoi would think twice before looking at him and his family with nefarious intentions.

𝄞

Those who knew Aahil Jahangir were also aware of one fact, he couldn't, for the life of him, wake up early in the morning. He had always gotten shit for it from his family, had been late to some of the key events of his life, and almost skipped his own convocation had it not been for his mother to call him and yell at him to get his ass off the bed and behave.

He hadn't met any person in his life who'd share his abhorrence with early risers and he never needed one. It never crossed his mind that in the future if his wife happened to be one, what would he do then? Change his habit or pull her into the same circle of late to bed and late as hell to rise.

Little did he know, he need not worry.

His ringing phone interrupted his sleep. He squinted as he pulled away from the pillow, raising his head to look for the devil's device. A scowl was set on his face. He was having a good dream, and though the details were hazy, he was sure it featured Gajras.

Not being able to locate it, he threw his head back on the pillow. His sleep left him in slow succession, but not enough for him to get up and start with his day. He could still very well fall back into the dreamland.

But he couldn't. The realization came suddenly. His drooping eyes opened once again as he turned to the other side of the bed.

The ringtone and all the shuffling had done nothing to summon her back from the valley of dreams. She slept with her hand beneath her cheek. Aahil shifted closer.

"Sila."

He called softly. Her eyelids flutter softly but she was still fast asleep. He raised his hand and shake his arm slowly. "Sila!"

"Hun?" She shifted and opened her eyes, looking at him confusedly.

"We need to get up."

"Just five more minutes. Come on." Saying that she pulled him along as he landed back on the bed, close to her. "You too, sleep."

She instructed him and as if he needed no more incentive, he closed his eyes and let sleep take over once again.

It was after two minutes or hours, could've been days as well, he had no certain idea but his phone chose violence again. The incessant ringing grated on his nerves as he sat straight on the bed and looked around.

The noise was coming from the lounge. He must've forgotten his phone there before coming to the bedroom to watch Netflix with her. Giving Sila a fleeting look, he left the room and as expected, found his phone on the couch tucked between the cushions.

"Aahil! Do you have any shame left in you?!"

He made a face. "The last time I checked, no. Good morning, Mama."

Sabah's disapproval was palpable. He could feel it reaching him in waves. "Morning came and went while you were sleeping selling your horses off! It's almost lunchtime! Where is Sila? I'm sure she's as disappointed as we've been for years! What a first impression, Aahil! At least try to make an effort!"

He came back to the room listening to her complaints on the way. In the meanwhile, his 'disappointed' wife had also roused from her beauty sleep, sitting on the bed and reconsidering all her life choices.

"I tried that. She said Yolo."

He mumbled but it was enough for Sila to hear. She glared at him. Yes, he did try to wake her up. Yes, she said they should go back to sleep. Not her fault she and early mornings were not in agreement even with her decent negotiation skills.

"I can't understand your gibberish. Go to your balcony and take deep breaths, maybe that way the haze will shift and you'll realize it's already midday! Give the phone to Sila!"

"You should've called her then!

"I called whom I knew was going to be difficult and how right I was."

He grumbled but handed the phone to Sila. She took it without a word. His mind protested that he should've told his mother the truth but he ignored that effortlessly. Some assumptions are cute. Also, he couldn't imagine the field day his family would've at his and Sila's expanse if they got to know that both husband and wife belonged to the same tribe of sleepyheads.

He slid the glass door to the balcony and stood at the railing, facing the deep sea in the distance. The March days hadn't gotten congested. It was partly cloudy. He was staring there at the horizon absentmindedly when Sila stood next to him and extended his phone in his direction.

"We are invited to Wadia House for the lunch. Banu Auntie called Sabah Auntie in the morning. We need to hurry up and get ready. The lunchtime isn't far. Sabah Auntie said we already missed out on the family breakfast."

"We will do that a lot in the future."

"Why?"

Aahil smiled lightly. "Breakfast time for my family is at sharp 8, Sila. I've always hated their timeline and something tells me now, I'm not going to be the only one."

"Breakfast at eight? What in the world!"

"Exactly. What on God's green earth!"

Sila shook her head. She was taken by the view and did nothing to hide her appreciation for it. But for Aahil, that view lost its vibrance the moment she appeared beside him.

Her profile was the stark opposite of her decked-up bridal look yesterday. Face devoid of makeup, hair disheveled as she ran her fingers to smooth the short tresses out, in her comfy pajamas—the only remains of yesterday was the henna on her hands. Aahil could vaguely remember its earthy odor when she shifted close to him as they watched the show. He had also felt it in his sleep. And maybe it was the comfortable silence of the seaside or the companionable unsaid between them, but Aahil wanted to hold her hand in his—as he had done more times than he could count yesterday—and see for himself, the intricate patterns of the henna design. He could glimpse some of those on her forearms, but he wanted to have a look or more than a look.

"I think we should freshen up."

Sila's voice worked like an awakening. He was, once again, taken off guard by his heart's unsolicited ways. He shook his head slowly.

"Yes, and after that, we should have some light breakfast. Coffee and toast?"

"Tea and I can make that for the both of us."

"If you want to, then sure but I can manage a light breakfast and more, say, it's my welcome gesture."

"Wasn't that arguing with me on who gets to take a bath first?"

"You were going to take your sweet time, Sila. And you did, didn't you?"

She ignored the challenge in his voice as she made her way into the room. Her eyes immediately zeroed in on her suitcase.

"I need to organize my things as well," She turned her head back to look at him. "I'll do that tomorrow as soon as I get up. Do you have any no-go areas in your room or anything I should keep in mind?"

Aahil shrugged. "None. All yours."

She smiled triumphantly. "Perfect."

"See, what can survive together."

"Ahan?" Sila replied as she inched closer to the bathroom. Aahil was busy on his phone when he realized what she was doing but it was too late for that. Before he could get a hold of her, the door had already clicked closed.

"Spoke too soon, didn't ya?"

Sila shouted from inside. Aahil didn't answer that. He just ran a hand on his face but whom he was kidding? he wasn't bothered.

Not in the slightest, the smile etched on his face told enough.

They would survive just fine. Hopefully.

𝄞

"Seriously, Saleema Baji! When was the last time you put this much effort into our meals?" Saleema glared at Haleh as she stirred the gravy for the Biryani. Close to her, Rameen was giving the last touches to the sweet dish while Amal chopping vegetables for the Raita and Salad. The other dishes were already prepared by Saleema with the help of the girls.

"You are the one who always orders take-out, Haleh. Don't put the blame on me." Saleema rebuked but it had no effect on Haleh. She leaned against the refrigerator. Amal looked up at her with narrowed eyes but it only made Haleh grin. It wasn't her fault that she had already done her share of the work and was free to do her commentary and Amal was asleep. That's what late risers get. Too bad this feast was in the honor of the other one who entered the holy matrimony.

"I still can't believe our Sila got married and it's her first time visiting us after marriage." Saleema's voice turned tender.

"Saleema Baji is right. To think of it, this was the most unexpected wedding I've witnessed in my life." Haleh agreed. Rameen didn't peer her eyes away from the task in her hand as she spoke.

"We should be grateful that there's at least some normalcy for Sila in this arrangement. Otherwise, it could also be just a court wedding to put the tag of married on both of them. The marriage was inevitable. There wasn't much to consider. The kind of mess they got into, without any fault of theirs would've destroyed them, especially Sila. And It almost did. She lost her job, and her professional integrity and her character were on the tongues of the people she doesn't even know and they also don't know her. And then we had Jatois' men around our house, for God knows what. I'm just glad she's out of that phase. And I'm glad we all stood with her."

"Hell yeah! I can't tell you the satisfaction I get whenever I open social media and see Jatois' image in shambles. They deserve this and more."

"Uncle Faseeh played his cards well. I'm trying to keep up but we are busy with the wedding and it's not like the Jatoi clusterfuck is straightforward. Something is almost always happening. God bless them, they are fucked."

Haleh's comment made them all laugh. Rameen stood from her hunched position and gave the tiramisu a critical look. It looked good, and Haleh said it tasted as good. She gestured for her to move away from the refrigerator when her phone pinged. She knew what it was about.

"My dress is here!" Rameen informed them. Haleh took the tray from her and opened the refrigerator to place it securely inside as Rameen almost ran out of the kitchen.

"She really wants that dress, hun?" Saleema chuckled as she layered the Biryani.

"Can you guys give me enough room just to make myself a cup of tea?" Muaz peeked inside the kitchen. All eyes went to him.

"And I thought you were here to help us." Amal was disappointed. Muaz chuckled as he came inside.

"Ammi came to help you guys out but you sent her back."

"That's Ammi. You won't get the same treatment. I thought they teach you to help the people there in PMA."

"It's part of the training, yes."

"Then help us out." Amal shoved the basket of vegetables in his hands. Muaz made a face but complied, nonetheless.

"As far as the tea is concerned, I'll make it for the both of us, Muaz Bhai. Don't you worry."

Haleh assured him. Muaz was thankful for this. He truly was.

"I haven't seen a better slacker, Amal and that's saying something when all of you are on your own level of uselessness."

Amal accepted Saleema's insult with a smile. Muaz was standing close to the door when he heard a commotion behind him. His quick instincts made him look. Rameen was standing in the lounge, talking to a woman Muaz wasn't sure he had seen before. Or...

"Did you recognize her?" Haleh asked excitedly. The more he raked his brains to place her, the more it became obvious that he had, indeed, seen her before.

"Is that—"

Haleh nodded with a smile on her face. "Yes, Unaiza, Reen's cousin."

As if on cue, Unaiza looked straight at him. Her gaze was cursory and for a fleeting moment. Then she looked away and focused back on Rameen. Muaz also peered his eyes away. Making her uncomfortable due to his curiosity wasn't his intention.

"I expected you to recognize her instantly. Your last encounter was eventful, to say the least." Amal couldn't help her laugh. Haleh joined her as she took the milk carton out of the refrigerator. "Tell me about it. Imagine, a cynical civilian and a newly commissioned army officer, they get into a heated debate. By the way, she got you good that time."

Muaz scowled at Haleh. "I didn't push because she's Rameen's cousin."

"Keep telling yourself that."

Rameen came back the same instant and instantly knew what the conversation was about. "Ah! Good old times when Unaiza was a force to be reckoned with. I miss her fierceness."

Maybe, he was imagining it but the air around the kitchen became heavy in no time.

"Remember how we used to joke that her opinionated cynical ass will get mellow once she gets married."

"It did come true but at what cost," Rameen mumbled. Her eyes were glassy but she soon got a hold of herself and asked Saleema if she needed her to do anything else. Saleema was almost done with the cooking.

"Reen, are Uncle and Auntie coming to the reception tonight?"

Rameen nodded in affirmation. The Nikkah was a private event and only a select few were invited but no such restriction was put for the reception. Faseeh and Sabah had specifically asked the girls to invite their families. Since only Rameen had her folks, they were given the invitation by Mrs. Wadia. "Mama and Baba will definitely and Ramna also. I'm not sure about Rafay as he has exams coming up."

"That's great. I almost thought they will not."

Rameen could agree with Amal. "Honestly, I did too. The way Sila and Danish's relationship ended, Auntie Bushra was dejected so I expected Mama to be the loyal best friend that she always is and politely refuse to come but she surprised me. And what she told me really made me respect her more."

She leaned against the door and looked at them. "She said that with the kind of hassle Sila has been through, we all should go there to tell her that she's not alone. Along with Ammi, Abu, and Muaz Bhai, we are also her family she can rely on whenever she feels the need to. Her mother's home is a woman's biggest pillar when she marries someone and we all should make it a point that we all are her Maiyyaka, her mother's home."

That was heartfelt, nothing they wouldn't expect from Rameen's parents.

"Gosh, Reen, I love your family." Haleh wiped a tear. Amal and Saleema also had tender smiles on their faces while Muaz smiled with gratitude. He always knew his sister was surrounded by some of the best people. This was the main reason he and his mother never had to worry about Sila.

The conversation halted after that. But Sila's text that they'd be here in half an hour worked like a stimulus, after a while. They all dispersed. Muaz handed the chopped vegetables to Saleema as he came out of the kitchen but instead of going to the lounge, he walked to Haleh who was rushing to her room with her ironed clothes in her hands. There was something he had to know.

"Haleh."

She stopped as he stood at some distance.

"What was that about?"

She looked at him confused. "What?"

"That you guys said about Unaiza."

Realization hit her. She sighed, and her body language changed instantly. "Unaiza got married, Muaz Bhai. Nikkah was done and it was decided that the Rukhsati will be after her graduation but it never came to that. Her husband died in an accident shortly after and she became a widow before she could be a wife properly. I thought Sila told Ammi that. It was a huge tragedy for Reen's family."

Muaz had a vague recollection of his mother talking about it but he never knew the details, heck he didn't even know which friend of Sila Ammi talked about.

On finding him silent, Haleh smiled at him lightly and went to her room. Muaz shook his head. His sister and her husband would be here in some time but he couldn't forget the image from years back when a university sophomore stood up against him in this very house and started a whole debate on the department he came from.

And the same person he saw again today, but even at a glance he could see her burning rage wasn't there anymore, and neither was the conviction about herself, according to what he'd gathered from the girls' talk in the kitchen.

Life is, without any reason, cruel to some people.

𝄞

Half an hour, she texted her friend but it stretched to an hour and a half, all thanks to the imbecile in the driver's seat.

"Just so you know, you can't win my Abu with gifts."

Aahil swiveled the steering anxiously. He was already nervous and his wife wasn't much of a help. "I'm trying to be a good son-in-law."

"Try being a good husband first."

"Not this again!"

She huffed and folded her arms in her front. "You made a face when I said I'll bring my car to the new place soon."

"I did not."

"You want me to believe that? You hate my car."

Did he? Or the fact that once she brought her car to their place, he wouldn't get enough chances to have her beside him in the shotgun. Yes, he could always sit in her car on the front seat but he had an idea she'd never take him along.

"I do not. Yes, we started on a bad footing—"

"Didn't know you rich folks call bullying that."

Aahil rolled his eyes and glared at her. "You will not cooperate, right?"

"Not in the slightest. And mind you, you'll need my help to escape Abu's Kalashnikov."

"You said he owns no weapons!"

"I might've lied a bit."

His face showed both his annoyance and the concealed fear. Sila pursed her lips to stifle her laugh.

"I think I'll be fine. Hate me all he might, but I have Ammi on my side. Mrs. Wadia and Uncle Jeff too and Saleema Baji. Muaz will also try to save me. Can trust Haleh and Rameen on that as well. Amal, not so much but she knows I'm of value so she will also help. You are a fool if you think I'll need you to escape Abu's wrath."

It was his turn to be smug. Sila looked away, not wanting to take this useless bickering further. But the way he had listed her whole family as if all these people were as his as they were hers did something to her heart. Warmth? Yes, that.

"But it's your loss as well, Sila. Imagine getting such a stud as a husband and losing him to an old man's anger because he didn't sing praises for your piece of a jun—I mean your car."

"Look at me." She turned to face him. He gave a sideways glance. She raised an eyebrow. "Do you actually think I can't get another man?"

He took a dramatic pause. "You can but over my dead body."

"Don't worry. We are almost here. Abu will take care of that."

Sila laughed as he almost tore his door down when he got out of the car. But her grin faded as soon as she saw the familiar vehicle already parked there. Aahil had sensed the shift in her body language. "What?"

Sila's shoulders slumped. "I think it's time you meet my Mamu and Mami."

"Why don't I have a good feeling about this?"

Sila held his arm as they both made their way inside. "Because you're not supposed to."

𝄞

Ambreen and Aqeel's arrival at Wadia House was unexpected (a little less than Aahil and Sila's wedding, but all semantics) Naheed hadn't forgotten how disturbed Sila was the last time she visited her Uncle's place so she was warier of the couple being here that too when, in just a few hours, they all had the reception to attend. Not to forget, Sila and Aahil were on their way here.

"I must say, I'm disappointed."

Ambreen took a calculated sip of her tea and began in a somber mood. Haleh, Rameen, and Amal were standing close by, and so was Muaz. They all exchanged wary looks with each other.

"About what exactly?" Dinbanu asked with the same poise and grace she carried herself with evident when the girls knew, the couple's visit wasn't appreciated by her.

"Of keeping us out of the loop. We are her kin, for crying out loud. Nisha kept on asking these girls," She pointed toward Amal, Haleh, and Rameen. "About Sila but they didn't think it was important to grace her with a reply."

"With all due respect, Mrs. Aqeel, Nisha never once asked us about Sila. All she wanted was the details of what had happened. Sorry, but we weren't handing out gossip as sweets." Amal was never one to sit down quietly and she believed in elders earning the respect they expected from the youngsters.

Ambreen's gaze was sharp on her. "So? What were we, the oblivious ones, supposed to do? The last we knew Sila was in a relationship with Danish and marriage wasn't her priority in life. But then, suddenly everything changed. I don't exactly blame her. Everyone can change their objectives in life when the package is as appealing."

Aahil and Sila stopped outside the drawing room, the comment reached them loud and clear. Sila closed her eyes in regret while Aahil chuckled. "An appealing package? Never been called that before."

Inside the room, Naheed matched Ambreen's glare with her own. "Watch your words. So, that's why you're here? to question us on all that happened? Is that so?" Naheed seethed. Ambreen shrugged her shoulders. "It will not harm anyone if we are told the whole truth. Especially when we are the ones the most affected."

"How the fuck?"

Haleh exclaimed, more in confusion than anything else. All eyes went toward Ikram Ayaz, as he hated swearing but he barely acknowledged it. He was busy shooting daggers at a silent Aqeel who hadn't said a word since he came here. He was letting his wife do all the talking.

"The girl lived with us for years! Our whole neighborhood knows her. She has old friends there in Johar. They came to us to know what the hell was going on and guess what? We had no idea! We didn't know if her relationship with that rich boy was real or made up. If I'm being honest, it did look legit. But then where did Danish go in all this? Or he was discarded because he didn't belong to the riches as the new guy?"

"Mami, you're crossing a line," Rameen warned but Ambreen ignored her. She went on with her spiel. "Of course, these aren't my assumptions. This is what we had to hear for days. Aqeel was so embarrassed that he didn't go to the campus for two days." She pointed at her still a silent husband. "It was, of course, because of his association with Sila. He was angry, I'm not going to lie. His Aapa left the girl with him to take care of and she went ahead and got herself into such a humiliating situation. I kid you not, at one point, he was ready to disown Sila and renounce every relationship with her but I didn't let him. Not without knowing the whole thing."

Unbreakable silence fell around the room and outside it. Aahil saw Sila taking a deep breath. Her countenance didn't falter, as if she was ready for this. As if she expected nothing less. She moved to go inside when she felt a tug on her hand. Her eyes went to her side.

At their intertwined hands. She looked up at Aahil whose initial rage subsided, instead a cool expression took its place.

"Let's go." He whispered and both entered the drawing room hand in hand.

Ambreen was the first one to spot them. Her body language shifted instantly. She left her seat and reached Sila's side.

"Sila! Who does this to their own kin? You didn't think of us once taking such a massive step? And didn't even think it important to invite us? You didn't even tell us what was going on!"

"This is why, exactly."

Sila said, her voice cold and unyielding. Her gaze was the same as she looked at her Uncle behind Ambreen. The woman instantly knew Sila had heard what she said earlier. This wasn't why she was here. She was here to get back into Sila's good books now that she was the daughter-in-law of such a prestigious family. The Jahangirs were filthy rich. Having that kind of affiliation never hurts anyone, it only gives and Ambreen was here to make sure of that.

"I see, you heard what I said about your uncle. Don't let the misunderstandings cloud your judgment as they did his. I made him see sense. That's why I was all the more hurt when we weren't invited to the Nikkah but that can be changed about the reception! We are family, Sila."

"You called me a guest when the last time I was at your place, do you remember what else you said to me?"

Ambreen was taken aback by the question. But she recovered instantly. "Sila, I—"

But Sila got out of her embrace. That's when Ambreen's eyes fell on the man next to Sila. He nodded at her.

"This must be the gentleman! Aahil Jahangir, right?"

"Yes, I see you know me."

"You're our Sila's husband. How can we not know you?"

Aahil's smile was smug. "Really? But Sila never told me about you. In fact, I got to know of your existence just a few minutes back."

Ambreen's face colored. Aahil could hear sniggers behind him. But he wasn't done yet.

"Really, Sila? This is not done! I know you're angry and," Signing, she again looked at Aahil. "You look sensible, Beta. Why don't you make her understand that we are her family? We've always been. This is what we get to raise an orphan?"

"Are you hearing yourself right now?" Sila countered but Aahil's hold on her hand tightened. She stopped and looked away.

"Parveen Mami, right?" Aahil asked innocently.

"Ambreen!" She corrected, with more force than necessary. Aahil nodded in response. "I told you. I knew nothing about you. This name was also a guess. Never been my forte. Come sit, Mami."

Ambreen obliged but her face told them all that she wasn't happy.

"So, Mami." Aahil began once she sat down. "You are not happy with Sila because she didn't invite you to the Nikkah and the reception."

"Yes and I know she's angry but—"

"Do you even know where the reception is?"

Ambreen was tongue-tied. Aahil nodded as if he already suspected that. "It's at Jahan, the civil lines hotel. Do you know who owns that?"

Ambreen opened her mouth but Aahil shook his head. "Not me but my family. So, why do you think you'll be invited to my wedding reception, at my family's estate, on a day that's important to me, after insulting my wife?"

He smiled, but nothing was warm about it. "If she doesn't want you there, nothing else matters. You're not invited and never will be."

With that, he stood up. "If I were you, I'd immediately run out of here with my remaining dignity intact but that's just me."

It wasn't Ambreen but Aqeel who moved this time. "Get up, Ambreen. I won't sit here anymore, listening to this rich brat."

"That'd be a good thing to do. Jeffery will see you out."

Ikram Ayaz's words had a finality to them. Aqeel and Ambreen had had enough. This humiliation was enough to last a lifetime.

"Just one thing, Aqeel." Naheed's voice stopped them. She wiped a tear. "Nabiha will not be proud of her brother for this, the brother she always loved as her own child. She trusted you with Sila but this is what you did to that trust. But why am I even saying all this, you can't value the living, expecting you to value the dead is futile."

The words were meant for Aqeel but they hurt Sila more because none of it was a lie. She saw her Mamu and Mami walking out of there and ironically, that was also them walking out of her life as well, for good.

Because if she'd learned one thing from her Mama, it was to never compromise on your self-worth and never keep those close you make you doubt that.

But with a dull ache, fading into nothingness, there was a warmth in her heart as well.

And she wasn't surprised to see the reason for it was the man who had just stood up for her.

𝄞

Sitting in his office chair, Mahad swirled the paperweight in his fingers as he waited for the call to connect. His brows were furrowed and a thoughtful expression was settled on his face.

"Mahad?" The voice of his grandfather made him lean forward in his seat.

"Asslam Alaikum, Dada Jaan."

"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Bachay. How are you and how's the wedding going on?"

"I'm good and the wedding is also going great. What about you?"

"What about me? I'm living on a bonus if I'm being honest. So, the fluctuations go hand in hand."

Mahad smiled lightly. But soon his face became serious again.

"I thought you'd visit. You're invited by the Jahangirs, are you not?"

He could feel his grandfather calculating his next words.

"As I said, I'm feeling a little under the weather. I'm afraid I'll have to skip but I'll let Faseeh and Sabah know my reasons. The seasonal flu has me down."

"Is that so? Did you call Dr. Idress?"

"I did. Gina was with me when he came for the checkup."

"So, he must've prescribed Ice-cream as a remedy. That can be the only reason for the pictures Gina sent me just a while back."

His grandfather groaned. "This Gina!"

"Don't try to be over-smart the next time. As soon as Aahil's wedding wraps up tonight, I'll pay you a visit. I need to discuss things with you. Allah Hafiz, Dada Jaan."

He ended the call without waiting for his parting words. That meant only one thing, he was angry. Agha Mubashir Lashari sighed as he placed the phone on the table. He had an idea of what was up.

He just didn't expect Mahad to figure it out just yet.

But seemed like his grandson had.

𝄞

Their day started late and since then, everything was that only, late.

They got to Wadia House: late. There was the showdown with Aqeel and Ambreen and then the family lunch in an atmosphere far better than Sila had imagined, even her Abu wasn't sending a glare every once in a while in Aahil's way. That was progress.

That easygoing environment made them lose track of the time and when they left Wadia House, they were, as expected, late.

Getting to Jahangir Residence and starting with the reception preparations: Late.

The result: Everything that could go wrong, did in the hurry.

Adan had done all the arrangements at home. The makeup artist and Alina both were on time but as it turned out the bride was, without any doubt, late.

"I can't believe you left your bracelets at your place."

Alina grumbled, as she took a step back and gave her a critical look. Sila was on the verge of crying. Nothing about this night was going as planned.

"All of this is his fault! I told him buying gifts for the family particularly Abu was futile! He wasted almost two hours there, Alina!"

"He says you wasted the exact same time gossiping with the girls. Honestly, I don't know whom to believe!"

"Me! You should believe me. I'm having post marriage crisis. You need to stand with me."

"Honey, it is called mismanagement of time but whatever."

Alina buckled her blouse as Sila gave herself a pertaining gaze in the floor-length mirror. The wine-red Saree hugged her in elegant plates. Alina pinned the remaining fabric to complete the look. Nothing was overdone. The Saree and blouse, along with accessories were Sila's choice and Alina had to praise her taste. She was yet to wear the bracelets and her heels but she was looking as riveting as Alina knew she would.

"Did you call him?" Sila asked Alina.

"I did. He wasn't pleased to comply but had to. That's the least he can do as a husband. I just hope he hurries the hell up. We are already two hours late."

"I've never been late to my professional commitment but look at me now."

Alina laughed at that. "Welcome to the mad world of the married, then."

They heard voices from outside. Sila was in Aahil's old room. It was devoid of anything that was valuable to him. Adan had told her that he took everything to his apartment when he moved out.

"I think he's here."

Alina said and walked to the door. Sila had sat down on the stool to wear her heels. Alina looked at Aahil and Osama and then at Sila. A grin appeared on her face as she left the room with her clutch and phone.

"Here are the bracelets," Aahil exclaimed, as soon as he saw her. Alina shook her head at him. "Give those to your wife. That's the only thing left for her to be ready. Go!"

Aahil made a face at her. Alina didn't think much of it. Settling his tie, she smoothed out the planes of his coat. "Looking dashing as always but you'll look extra nice if you act like a good husband and go to your wife! She's already nervous as we all are more than fashionably late."

"I was on time." Osama put in.

"You're not the groom. So what's even the point of keeping score? Let's go!" She held him by his arm and led them both out of there, all the while trying her best to convey to him through her eyes that she knew what she was doing and Osama was no fool. He understood what was going on here. Alina wanted the bride and the groom to have some time alone before the reception. So, he wasted no time in following her as they both left Aahil there, confused and with a box of bracelets in his hand.

Sila had just slipped one heel on her foot when her phone pinged with a text message. She absentmindedly glanced at it and forgot to breathe.

Shamyl: You two are trending again.

He ended it with a straight-face emoji. Sila got up abruptly. The two days where they were the talk of the town from the near past came rushing to her memory and she felt she'd collapse. No! This couldn't happen to her again. She felt the world spinning, and that's when an arm came around her waist.

"Sila? What happened?"

He asked worriedly. She got hold of erratic thoughts and showed him her phone. Aahil read the message but then he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"Open Twitter."

"I won't!"

"Trust me and open it."

"But—"

He took her phone from her hand and opened the app himself. As Shamyl had said, they were, indeed, trending. Aahil clicked on it and as he did, recent tweets flooded Sila's explore page.

Their wedding photos had been made public by Jahan's media team. Not all of them, but still enough.

Sila mustered her courage, emboldened by the fact that Aahil's scowl had eased considerably, and chanced a look at the phone screen.

No rumors. Nothing malicious. No slut shaming. No memes.

Everyone seemed to be gushing about them, the way they complimented each other as a couple, their wedding fits, the decor people could see in the background, and their apparent love for each other.

Huzaifa, the photographer had taken quite a lot of photos, some of which were cover page worthy, if they had to quote it in his own words.

But the most talked about the picture wasn't from the actual photoshoot. It was a candid shot, taken from the side angle, by one of Huzaifa's assistants, snapped just after Aahil had said those words to her, touched her Gajra and her cheek.

In the picture, they were looking at Huzaifa, even though he wasn't in the picture, their eyes focus and both of them closer than they had in any other shot, her hand in Aahil's, as his thumb caressed the back of it, while they stood. A slight smile on his face and a slight blush on hers.

There was something about this picture, it was no wonder it had gone viral.

"I'm going to beat the hell out of Shamyl for scaring you like this."

Aahil locked the phone and placed it next to her clutch. Even though it was nothing to worry about, Sila still felt her legs jelly. But it wasn't the time for all of this. She panicked more as it dawned on her, they were getting late. Very late.

"Give me the bracelets!" She demanded and he wasted no time in giving the box to her.

"Where's Alina?"

"I think she left with Osama."

"What? But I'm not ready yet."

"She said not much is left."

That was quite right. Sila opened the box with shaky hands and took the bracelets out. Aahil saw her and shook his head.

"Give it to me."

He took one piece in his hand and clasped it around her wrist with a flick of his fingers. He did the same with the second one. Sila tucked her hair behind her ear when Aahil took a step back and looked at her head to toe. She shifted in her place, her nerves jabbing at her once again, for all the different reasons.

Once his perusal of her was over, he came closer again and made her sit on the stool.

"I can do this on my own."

"I know."

He bent down on one knee, as if there was nothing else he'd like to do, and slipped the heel into her foot. Without taking his eyes off the task at hand, he tied the contraptions above her ankle. Satisfied with his work, he let her Saree fall as it was supposed to and stood up, extending his hand toward her.

Sila said nothing as she held onto it, and let him pull her close.

"Shall we?"

He asked with an easygoing smile on his face. She reciprocated it with one of her own.

"Lead the way."

𝄞