Once in a while, in its imperfectly perfect monotony, life tends to get funny and give you a glimpse into something long gone but never forgotten. It doesn't have to be profound, or tangible enough to make its presence known. Sometimes it's just a touch, fleeting, words, uttered with the same conviction that was once a love language.

This evening came at Osama with that same familiarity. He thought he'd gotten over it, forgot how it felt, and left behind the emotions it invoked.

Lies. All in his head. His treacherous heart made sure of it.

He looked sideways at Alina. The moment had lasted just for a short while when she led them away from Aahil so that he could go to his wife and be a good husband. The minute they rounded the corner and stopped close to the staircase, she ensured distance between them and refused to look him in the eye.

That was a rude awakening. Not that he had ventured deep into memory lane. He straightened as they walked outside the house. Silence stretched between them and was interrupted only by Alina's ringing phone.

Osama leaned to the side so she could take the call. He didn't have to do much to know who it was on the other hand.

"What do you mean you can't come and pick me up, Mahad? Times like this I really do regret selling my car!"

She grumbled and listened to what Mahad was saying. Her eyes darted toward Osama momentarily. Whatever Mahad said made her shake her head instantly. "I...I will hire a cab."

Osama narrowed his eyes at her. Really?

"Mahad, I told you—"

But the call ended and the next thing they knew, it was Osama whose phone started ringing. Alina stifled a groan, looking away from him.

He didn't take his eyes off her as he answered the call, knowing all too well who it was.

"Sam—"

"Don't sweat it. We'll see you there in a few."

"Sounds like a plan. Tell Lina it can be this easy sometimes. Bye." Mahad's chuckle didn't do much to ease the scowl on Osama's face. He walked the short distance between the portico and his car and opened the door for Alina.

She was wise enough to not throw a fit. Wordlessly, she sat inside, and in no time, Osama was behind the wheel, driving out of the premises.

Now here they were, with the same silence between them that had lost its comfort long back. This silence was heavy with what-ifs, pervaded by the heartache, and lidden with his unsaid accusations and her defeated quiet.

That day in his house, he wasn't supposed to say so much. Wasn't supposed to bare a part of his heart to her, the same part she crushed under her feet when she left him years back. He had vowed she'd never know the extent of the damage she caused in her wake but what could he possibly do when that ache needed only her as its remedy?

He had established it very early on in his journey of loss and love, where both were synonyms to each other, that his heart couldn't be trusted. When it was about her, it could never be. Or else he would've never told the tale of his heart's tatters to its tormentor.

Alina said nothing—she never did—and left. As always. As history had it. As their story would have it. But her parting words to him stayed with Osama.

"You don't have to go out of your way for someone who broke your heart, who left you incapable of loving again. You're a damn good guy but it makes me feel like I'm the scum of the earth."

Pain that mirrored his. Longing that was half of his whole. And regret.

Regret which had no place in his life. Why would it? He wasn't the one who gave up on them. And in the days following—even though Alina did her best to ignore him—he could see that same regret in her countenance. Rimsha didn't try to approach him after him maintaining his boundaries. He would've noticed it more had his attention not been on just one person the whole time they were on the sets. He and Alina didn't talk again. But when did words become necessary for the people who were, once upon a time, each other's grand notion of love and happiness?

When she ended things between them, forgetting his rationality and giving in to his emotions, he did wish to see her second-guessing the choice she made, did want to glimpse, just once, the same regret reflecting on her face now.

But he soon realized it was cruel and being cruel to Alina Asfandyar wasn't possible for Osama Siddiqui.

But why now? She broke up with him with a strong front, not a tear was shed, no tender proclamation of having no other choice. That decision was life-altering for both of them. They were each other's first love, that too when they were young and their world wasn't as vast as it was now. They hadn't known much. So, a thing like that had life-long repercussions.

Wasn't that the reason that even now, after years, he was unable to give love another chance? He then went along with his life plan, Harvard, and film school. Everything followed the set trajectory, sans Alina.

His every life plan was with her but when that life came to be, she wasn't in it.

He was out of the country for years and naturally, as it is with exes, they never contacted each other. Having mutual friends came in handy at that time. Aahil and Mahad never left a chance to mention Alina in the passing. And that's how Osama knew she was doing fine in life.

Even after coming back to Karachi, that statement didn't see much of a change. They avoided each other but for how long that could go? Again, the same circle and all that jazz. He had thrown a party for his close friends and when he hesitated from inviting her, Mahad and Aahil were surprisingly understanding, stating it was his decision. But he could see the uncertainty in their stances and a bit of resignation too. Not having her around when it was a gathering of people closest to him was unnerving for him as well. That's when he decided that cutting her off from his life was probably not a good idea. It would be practically impossible, their close-knitted friend circle wouldn't allow that. Being bitter exes wasn't a choice, not that he wanted to be one.

So, he invited her. And she came. And if Osama expected indifference, complete disregard, or even feign oblivion, he was disappointed. Nothing of that sort was there.

She wasn't at all sure about what to do. Worse than even him. Nervous and jittery. That stumped Osama. Shouldn't she be confident in what she chose for herself? That gave him the flicker of hope, that maybe, this was salvageable. But as soon as that thought crossed his mind, he wanted to punch himself. Really? After years of torment, pain, and heartache? He was surely out of his mind.

Seemed like her thoughts weren't that out of tune with his. After that night, she avoided him like plague and he obliged, never the one to push someone's boundaries, least of all, hers. From thereon, they settled into this routine where they were just known strangers to each other, with only Aahil and Mahad as the link between them.

Under such circumstances, there's no space for even bringing up their past and it was a good thing. What was there to discuss anyway?

It was also good because his resolve to never let her see his heartache always crumbled when they'd be alone. It happened that day at his place as well.

But something else also conspired there. The moment he uttered those words, telling her his side of the struggle, he expected to hear some cliched words, or worse, her resignation and wariness.

Never once did he expect to see an all-encompassing regret there shining in Alina's eyes, rolling down her cheeks as if, he was hurt, she was equally broken. So much so the urge of reaching out to her surprised him.

But what would that do?

What would he possibly say to her? That it was okay and he was fine. The past was in the past.

That'd be a lie. It was not okay. He was not fine and the past is never in the past, not when the love is as profound as theirs.

So, he stayed put and watched her leave.

Because regret or not, she did break his heart, she did leave him stranded with the baggage of a life that was once his dream and plan ahead. When he left Pakistan, there was another suitcase, of their memories, unseen but the heaviest, and there was no baggage claim for it. He had to lift it on his own, its weight wearing him down.

The looming building of Jahan came into the view. It put a halt to his thoughts. Alina unstrapped her seat belt and proceeded to get out. Osama followed suit but as soon as his eyes went to the other end of the parking lot, they hardened.

On her way to the entrance, lost in her thoughts or her hurry to get away from Osama, Alina ran into a familiar face and stopped.

Adeel's thousand-watt smile made Osama roll his eyes. He was still inside his car, seeing the scene unfold in front of him.

It wasn't the first time. Not for him. And he hated it as much as he did back then. And then hated himself for reacting the same way, as he did back then.

But even the most controlled also lose it from time to time. His hold on the steering tightened.

He told Alina he was unable to move on. Unable to give it all another shot.

That time, a tiny voice shouted inside him. "Unlike you."

Because Alina had, for a while, moved on.

Her short but legit relationship with Adeel Hashmi might be under the rug for the world but not for Osama.

And seeing the stars in Adeel's eyes, it wasn't for him as well.

𝄞

One and a half hours into her own wedding reception and Sila was sure that small gatherings for your important days were superior in so many ways. The Jahangirs weren't jesting when they said who's who of the city would be here. Sila had literally balked when she stepped foot into Jahan's banquet hall.

It wasn't her first time around the elite circle but it's one thing standing on the periphery as your profession demands and an entirely different thing to socialize with them, be one of them. She had a rough start, not really sure how to go about it. Their appraising stares and meaningful exchange of looks made her wry of this whole charade, even before it began.

That's when she felt it, a reassuring touch on the small of her back. She turned to the side, facing him while he stared ahead with a neutral face.

"Play along?" Sila asked making him tilt his head in her way and smile lightly.

"As we always do. It will be over before you know it."

She braced herself as she held him by his arm. "Let's see."

"If it's any consolation, I'm right here with you."

"You better be, husband. I will cause a racket if you're not."

"Now, we can't afford all these money monkeys to see you like that. Don't fret, I'm your savior tonight."

"The joy." She grumbled as they made their way into the hall. Nothing about this had changed in the past five minutes she spent conversing with him but somehow, she felt better in control. She could do it.

𝄞

Keeping to his word, Aahil was right by her side as the night wore on. Faseeh Jahangir, being the host had introduced the new couple to his acquaintances and as Sila had expected, the list was long. Aahil knew almost everyone already so his assistance came in handy, and so did his confidence. He had an easygoing smile on his face but at the same time, knew exactly when to draw the line. That helped Sila as well as she got the hang of the things in no time. It was no longer as unnerving but she couldn't say it wasn't exhausting. She was drained by the time they were left alone.

But the tiredness left her in a jiffy when she spotted her family and wasted no time in reaching them. Aahil was beside her. Faseeh and Sabah were there as well and as it had been on the Nikkah, the two families again got together really well.

It was bearable, Sila mused, going better than she had expected. Yes, there were invasive questions about their sudden wedding but she and Aahil followed the script and moved on to the next topic.

"We've known each other for months but it was only when we were working together that we developed feelings for each other." He pulled her close as he told them.

"Yes, it was during that we knew this thing needed to be explored." She pointed between them.

"So, we started dating and as it turned out, it was the best decision. Our families were aware of the development as well." He looked at her trying to appear as love-sick as he could. Only Sila knew how she stifled her laugh.

"Right, it was quick but isn't it how love strikes usually?" Aahil started as an answer to another question. "We just knew we were the done deal for each other." Sila completed it for him.

Yeah, playing along just fine.

But if Sila thought that she was done for the night just like that, well, she had another thought coming. Sabah wanted to introduce her to her club members. They were all associated with the same NGO and were big on philanthropy. Sila had nothing against Sabah, she was the sweetest mother-in-law she could ever hope to get but she didn't have a good feeling about the other women she was going to meet.

Half an hour later, she could tell herself 'told you so'.

Her assumptions were right. Sabah had taken her to those women with nothing but good intentions but after the first five minutes, it became clear to Sila this was a bad idea. That awakening came to Sabah pretty late, when the women around had done their share of Sila's dissection. Sabah was mortified but Sila assured her it was fine. Their invasive questions didn't mean much to her.

That wasn't entirely true but she didn't like the dejection on Sabah's face. It wasn't her fault that she found her new daughter-in-law worth gloating about while others from her circle couldn't see it the way she did. Sila hugged her sideways as both of them made their way to Mrs. Irshad's table.

"I told you not to take her to those witchy wives." Mrs. Irshad grumbled. Sila's eyes widened but the older woman looked unfazed. She patted the seat next to her and Sila sat down.

"We all hate Sabah's club members." She let her on to the family secret in a whisper loud enough that Sabah could hear. She opened her mouth to contradict but then thought against it.

"Useless wannabe critiques, all of those. When their only achievement in life is buying overpriced carpets. I won't ever understand their obsession with that. You'd think they wed and bed on there."

"Ammi!" Sabah's reprimand had no effect on Mrs. Irshad who made a face at the ladies at some distance.

"And we told the guest the environment will be family-friendly. Knew one of us will definitely slip up." Aahil's contained words didn't match his smug expression. He high-fived his grandmother as he took the seat on the other side of her. He was followed by Nawar and Adan.

"We knew the moment Mama took you to her friends that we needed to be here in solidarity," Nawar informed Sila making Sabah take a sharp breath. "You guys are the worst. I've never seen offspring as insolent."

"If you wanted to lecture Adan, you should've done it away from the crowd. She has some misplaced respect in society." Aahil's suggestion met with an exasperated sigh from Sabah and a nasty glare from Adan. "Now if I speak!"

"Please do. Show Sila what you're capable of so she can have an idea what she married into."

"She lives with you. I'm sure by now she has a clear idea, don't you, Sila?" Sila looked between the siblings, not knowing what to say to either of them.

"Enough! Both of you! Your father is looking for me so I have to go." She raised a finger in Aahil's direction. "Aahil, try to behave. It's your wedding reception. If I see you and Adan taking this argument further, I swear to God, I'll—"

"I'm good, Mama. You won't see me going out of the line tonight."

That wasn't good enough for Sabah but nevertheless, she nodded in his way as she walked to where Faseeh stood.

Mrs. Irshad and Nawar shared a knowing look while Adan narrowed her eyes at Aahil. "Let me rephrase it. You will not go out of the line? You?"

"What's so hard to believe about it?"

"Nothing. You're trying to impress your wife. I don't blame you, boy. Look at our Sila. I'd be horrified if you weren't."

Mrs. Irshad caressed Sila's head and looked at her appreciatively. Nawar and Adan couldn't help their chuckles. While both Aahil and Sila were too speechless to say anything.

"All jokes aside, Sila, I hope Mama's club members weren't too hard on you." Nawar steered the conversation to a different topic. Mrs. Irshad was relentless in her teasing and whenever she was in the mood to tear her grandchildren a new one. Someone had to intervene.

"It wasn't so bad." Sila started but Aahil beat her to it.

"It was."

She huffed and turned to him. "And how do you know that? You weren't there with me, were you?"

"Your face tells a lot. Who was it and what did she say?" He demanded. Sila looked at Mrs. Irshad, Adan, and Nawar for help but they had identical scowls set on their faces. Sila's shoulder slumped. "The one in the maroon dress."

"Mrs. Lubna." Adan rolled her eyes. "What'd she say?"

Sila shrugged. "She mocked my rather humble background. But Sabah Auntie told her off immediately. So, no hard feelings."

"Hard feelings? As if she climbed the social ladder through fair means. Her money laundering case where she was involved with her husband is not that old." Nawar scoffed.

"The husband had a small role to play. She was the mastermind. But he went down with her because in illness and illicit business, till jail time do us part." Mrs. Irshad's laughter was the loudest at Aahil's jibe. Adan and Nawar were also amused. Sila shook her head.

"Well, I didn't know that." She laughed lightly. Aahil looked at her thoughtfully. "Who else?"

"Will you let it go?"

"Yes, once you tell me who else had their unsolicited opinion to give. Mama is a big softie. She doesn't know the art of sweet revenge with even sweeter words. Someone has to do the devil's work."

"It's not important." Sila insisted.

"Was it Mrs. Nisar? The one in midnight blue?"

Sila followed Adan's gaze and nodded slowly. "She laughed when I talked about my profession."

"People also guffawed when her business was found to be laid out on a fraudulent basis. Not one dealing was without illegal scheming and she has the audacity to mock someone's profession where they worked their ass off unlike her." Adan's sweet smile had a smug bite to it, similar to Aahil's.

"She even offered Sabah to help her with her idea. I told her she shouldn't even think about it." Mrs. Irshad added.

"I can't believe Mrs. Makhdoom wouldn't have anything to say. She's the one talking to Mrs. Nisar."

Sila followed Nawar's gaze and instantly, looked away. Aahil raised an eyebrow. "That bad? What'd she say?"

"I'm not going to repeat it."

"Sila!" It was Mrs. Irshad. Sila sighed. "When Sabah Auntie went away to talk to some other friends of hers, she implied that he," She pointed at Aahil. "Must've knocked me up. That's why the wedding was arranged in such a hurry."

"That filthy we—!"

"Language, Dado," Aahil held Mrs. Irshad's arm but a scowl was set on his face and his jaw was set. Nawar and Adan shared a resigned look.

"She thinks everyone must have got a life story like hers."

"What?" Sila was stunned. Adan patted her arm, nodding in affirmation. "Can of worms, if you ask me. The more you open it, the more infested it gets. Just don't let it all get to you. As you've realized by now, all these people love to comment on someone else but when you look deeper, their own life stories are really twisted so just put it behind you. At least, now you know, in the future, you got to steer clear of them. As we all did."

That she'd do. No two ways about it.

"Let's go to the girls. I love the energy your friends have. Never a dull moment with them. See, Alina seems to be a part of them already."

Sila smiled as she got up and followed Nawar. She hadn't gone far when she heard Aahil's voice behind her.

"I really can't stand Mama's club members anymore. The next time they are invited to any of our parties, consider me absent already. I don't care about professional ties. They just shouldn't be allowed here. Do your Saas thing, Dado. Mama never says no to you! Use it to some advantage sometimes."

"Already fighting for your wife, eh? I always thought it'd be Faran to be the ultimate simp but mark my words, you are going to crown yourself the superior simp of the family. Only the second after your father. Because whom am I kidding? No one can beat my son."

"Is that a challenge?"

At that, Sila couldn't help her laugh.

𝄞

Parties were Mahad's scene. And those where he could have fun at the expanse of his wanker friends? Even better. But his usual 'I'll cause chaos because I want to' energy wasn't there, instead, a thoughtful expression was settled on his face as he looked around silently.

That was another thing that more than twice, his gaze collided with an inquisitive one, that narrowed considerably but he looked away each time.

Beside him, Osama sat even more somber in his seat. Mahad wanted to ask what was wrong with him but then he shook his head. That was self-explanatory. Alina. Enough said.

"Keep this just divorced mood on for a minute more and I'll kick you both out of here." Mahad gave Aahil a sideways glance. "We believe that it'll be yours and we also trust your family to throw a party for that as well."

"Who's we?" Osama asked, earning a glare from Mahad.

"Lashari and his unnecessary opinion which he can shove up his ass." Aahil's insult had no effect on Mahad. He shook his head, his gaze lingered fleetingly at some distance but he was quick to peer his eyes away.

Not quick enough, as it turned out.

"Are you eyeing my Saalis?" Aahil inquired pointedly.

"He's been doing that for a while now." Osama the snitch. Mahad glared at both of them. He wasn't eyeing anyone, not the way Aahil pointed out. That wasn't his way to go about such stuff. If he was interested, he'd let the other person know, straightforward and direct. He was in the thinking mode and that was just his luck that most of his thoughts were centered around one of Aahil's Saalis and their link even Aahil had no clue about.

And if Mahad's brainstorming and observation were correct, even the relevant person had no clue about it.

"Just to be clear, I'm letting you know my Saalis are a no-go zone," Aahil warned and it was directed to just Mahad. Osama wasn't going to be a problem. That was a universal truth, Devdas and all that shit.

"Are you suddenly their spokesperson?" Mahad challenged. Aahil narrowed his eyes but then sighed. "So, you are going to be a problem?"

"That's for me to decide. But don't sweat. I have other things on my mind."

"What things? And to be honest, you do look lost. What's going on?"

Mahad smiled at Osama. "Wow, Sam. One would think you are detached from your surroundings, wallowing in your misery but look at you. Should I feel special?"

"You know what? Fuck off."

Both Aahil and Mahad chuckled at that.

"But in all honesty, Lashari. What's going on with you?"

"Concern? I might die from the overload of care."

"Sam was right, fuck the hell off. I asked because you brought bad energy to my wedding reception and I don't like it."

Mahad laughed. "For a last-minute accidental groom, you sure have your priorities straight."

Aahil wasn't one to be fazed by such insults. He gave a scrutinizing look to Mahad. His refusal to open up had added to Aahil's suspicion. Osama had also picked up on it. Mahad didn't say a word more but nodded in their direction, acknowledging their concern. That was good enough. He might not tell them right away but once things settled for him, he would open up. That was their usual.

Aahil's phone pinged at the same time. He looked at it and got up. "Mama's looking for me. Be right back."

They watched him leave. Mahad turned to his phone, careful not to look in the direction of Aahil's Saalis.

Osama had no such restrictions. Not when he found Alina's gaze settled on him. But he had his own reasons.

So, as always, he didn't acknowledge it and looked straight ahead.

𝄞

Aahil found Sabah close to the entrance, with a scowl set on her face.

"What's wrong?" He asked, as soon as he reached her. All his life being a part of this social circle (or circus, as he fondly referred to it), he knew appearances mattered a lot. You can't always give it back the same way it is dished out to you. Though, he never stuck to that formula. If he did, he wouldn't be his family's nightmare during their high-profile gatherings.

Sabah made a face. "I've decided. We won't invite my club members to any of our personal functions. They were way out of the line tonight. That was uncalled for."

Aahil was taken aback. He vividly remembered how tired all of them were of her club members, his father included. But Sabah always brushed it off, stating they were blowing it out of proportion.

Those nitpickers had always been this way and for the most part, Sabah put up with their behavior, professional ties, and all that magic. Then what changed? What made Sabah take this rather monumental step?

A smile reached his lips. Sabah sighed as she pushed his arm away. "Oh, Stop it!"

"You always had excuses to make for them. Never once convinced that they were mother Gothel's reincarnation. Never knew it would take one encounter with your daughter-in-law and you'd cave."

"She held her own but she didn't have to. I'm so mad I can't tell you."

Aahil hugged her from the side and kissed the top of her head. "You are cute when you're angry."

"Or you are just over the moon seeing me taking your wife's side?"

"As long it's not all of you ganging up on me, I'm gonna root for it."

"No promises."

Both of them walked the length of the hall, close to where the rest of their family was when Sabah stopped him.

"It totally slipped my mind but what did you give Sila as a wedding gift?"

"Was I supposed to?"

Aahil asked and immediately knew that was a wrong question. Sabah's eyes narrowed to slits. "Aahil Jahangir! Don't tell me you didn't get your wife anything? That's a family tradition, you absolute blockhead!"

"Then the family should've given me pointers. It's my first time into matrimony."

"Don't try to cover your blunder with your quick wit. Get her something as all the men in your family did to their wives. Your grandfather, your Baba, and your brother! Even Misam got Adan something to keep the tradition alive."

"Can you elaborate on what the gifts were? Asking for a friend."

Sabah didn't grace that with a reply and left him to his own devices. Aahil was all for independence but he'd appreciate his mother's input when he had no idea what to get his wife.

"Mama!"

"Do it on your own. You're a married man now."

Ah, the joy.

𝄞

"Will you stop eye-fucking him?"

Amal's half-amused half exasperated exclamation made Haleh roll her eyes. She jabbed Amal in the side who just laughed in response.

"I'm just observing."

"Is he a test specimen? A good-looking one for that matter." Amal wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Out of disgust or mortification, either way, Haleh didn't reply to that. It was Rameen who glared at Amal. "Can't take you anywhere, Amal."

"For someone who came here in my car, you're for sure getting bold, my lovely Reen."

Rameen knew this was a lost battle. Amal was in the mood and no one could beat him when she got like this.

The Nikkah had eased them about Jahangirs. The anxiousness about the family and their reputation lasted only two hours into yesterday. It soon became obvious that not all influential families have sticks up their backsides. Not one person from that clan appeared obnoxiously self-assured. They all had an easygoing energy about them and one thing that was the most reassuring was their love for Sila. They accepted her into the family as if she was always meant to be there.

Under different circumstances where Aahil and Sila weren't bound by their public image and so much more, this relationship would've been lots more fun but that didn't mean all of them weren't happy with the way a very unfortunate situation came to be a pleasant experience. As Rameen always says, small mercies in the big conundrum that is life.

"Why don't you ask Alina about him? Now that she's kind of our friend. Still feels surreal, not gonna lie."

"Why would I ask her about...him?" Haleh blanched. Amal regarded her for a beat. "Because you can't seem to focus on anything else and to be honest, this is getting creepy."

"I looked just twice! What are you on!"

"At least you admitted you did look."

If looks could murder, Amal would be six feet under right then. Rameen sighed, ensuring distance between them. All their easy rapport with the Jahangirs aside, they couldn't afford a show right in the middle of Sila's wedding reception.

"Cut it, both of you. Amal, behave for fuck's sake. And Haleh, didn't you literally hate the guy? Then why this sudden interest?"

Haleh looked about done with all this. "For the record, I'm not interested. I found him looking at me weird so I stared back. What with this hot and cold behavior, though? Yesterday, he was acting all civil, and today, no sign of acknowledgment."

"Reen, I think our baby is bummed about being ignored."

"Amal, I swear to God, I'll kill you and make it look like an accident! I'm not going to repeat myself, I'm not interested."

"Whatever floats your boat or ship, in this case."

At that, Rameen also couldn't help her chuckle. Haleh grumbled but stayed quiet.

"Where's Alina, though?" Amal asked, looking around.

"She went to greet someone," Rameen informed them, and as soon as she did, her eyes zeroed in on Alina and the woman.

"See, Sila and Osama are also with her."

Amal and Haleh followed her gaze and sure enough, found them. "I think the woman is Osama's mum."

"Looks like it. By the way, it is just me or someone else has also picked up on the very peculiar energy between Osama and Alina?"

Haleh looked on confused while Rameen's eyes widened at Amal. "MEEE! I did! Gosh, they scream unfinished business."

"As in lovers?" Haleh asked, still confused.

"No, dumbass. Siblings."

"Ew! Gross. GoT finished long back. Don't bring that up."

"Then don't ask stupid questions."

Amal leaned into her seat, a self-assured smile playing on her lips. That didn't sit well with Haleh.

"You start tomorrow with that Raed Suleiman assignment, right? Let's see where your love Guru tendencies take you."

"I don't mix work and personal life."

Rameen snorted. "Right. That's why you were positively starstruck when you first met him."

"Pathetic, if you ask me." Haleh had to get back at her for Amal's assessment of her non-situation with Mahad.

"That's why no one asked you, Haleh. Focus on your interest."

"I'm not going to repeat myself, I'm not interested!"

𝄞

His mother stayed true to her word and didn't extend any help to him whatsoever in this herculean task of getting his wife a wedding gift. He wasn't one to be deterred easily. He asked his father for guidance. His grandmother called the man the biggest simp this family ever produced, it was his time to live up to that statement.

That he did. One look from Sabah and the man pretended he didn't even know Aahil. Aahil glared at his parents but couldn't do much here.

His next stop was his brother and sister-in-law. Faran laughed but Nawar was full-on judging him.

"Shouldn't you know that?"

"Sila and I weren't dating prior to marriage. But newsflash, you two were, so, help a fella out."

"We'll have to think about that. Wedding gifts are personal." Nawar pretended to think it through. Aahil made a face.

"Bhabhi, I walked on you both in the kitchen making God knows what, Arsh probably. Don't shit me with personals."

Nawar's mortification and Faran's stifled laugh, Aahil knew he was on his own. After that embarrassing reminder, Nawar would never help him. Asking Adan was pointless, everyone and their mother knew Misam took her on a surprise tour of her favorite countries. She couldn't shut up about it for almost a year to come.

At such short notice, he couldn't go to such lengths. He didn't even know Sila's favorite cities.

God, such a mess. He needed help.

So, naturally, he came to where his Saalis were sitting.

"Why do you look like someone stole your inheritance?" Amal scowled at him.

"I hope Sila did and I also hope she's willing to share with us." The mere prospect was exhilarating for Haleh.

"And I get the best friend privilege." Rameen didn't come slow.

"Can we focus on my problem?!"

"You are the problem, Dude. Sila has you saved as such. The rich problem."

"Has she?" He was curious but then shook his head. Later. He had more pressing matters to attend to.

"I need your help."

At some distance, Osama, Sila and Alina were immersed in a genial conversation. The premised was set by Zeb Siddiqui, telling Sila about Aahil and Osama's friendship which also featured Alina and Mahad, so much so that even after she'd left them, the conversation didn't stop. The woman was so easy to talk to, Osama hadn't inherited her energy, that Sila was sure of.

"So, you and Aahil both studied from the states?"

Sila asked, earning a nod from Osama. "Mahad as well, though his campus was at a fair distance. It'd a take two hours drive so we saw him mostly on the weekends. Aahil and mine were close, at a walk of minutes."

That was the longest sentence the guy has spoken. Sila turned to Alina. "It's safe to assume like me you are also not an ivy league graduate."

Alina smiled lightly, shaking her head. "Couldn't dream of it. No trust fund."

"Same here, Alina." Sila high-fived. "But I studied at the best business school of Karachi so I don't get to complain."

"My art school was also pretty dope if I'm being honest so yup, no hard feelings."

Osama couldn't help his chuckle. Sila and Alina had formed a good rapport in such a short span. Not just Sila, Alina was now friends with her roomamates as well. She could do with all these new bondings. All her life, she had just him, Aahil and Mahad as her closest people.

And it was none of his business. He rebuked himself.

"Sorry to interrupt an enlightening discourse, but what is going on there?" Mahad stopped by them and without any delay, tilted his chin in that direction. They followed his gaze and as soon as Sila did, she canted her eyes at the scene ahead.

"Are the planning something?" Osama asked, confused.

"They better not. Those three are already unhinged, yes, Reen also have her days. Add Aahil to the mix. Nah. I don't like the sound of it." Sila told him and Osama nodded, understandably.

"Maybe, he's just having a harmless debate with his sisters-in-law?" Mahad was quick to disregard Alina. "Does it look like harmless to you? They are practically joined by the head."

"Mahad you and your tendency for drama."

"He's not that off. Should I go and interfere?" Sila asked. The three of them shook their heads.

"That will give you away. I'd say don't take any chances." Mahad patted her shoulder making her sigh.

"I swear to God, if they are conspiring against me—"

"Sila, I don't think they are easy to buy."

"Exactly."

Both Alina and Osama looked at each other and then pretended nothing of that sort happenned. Sila's gaze was questioning at Mahad who just shook his head, mouthing 'Ignore them.' Sila couldn't understand much but let it go.

"Anyways, to answer you both, they are easy to buy because one, that jerk has shit load of money and two, he knows important people. I never prided my friends to be exactly principled when it comes to these things."

"Let's just hope his crazy and your friends crazy doesn't make you go bonkers." Mahad said. Sila had to agree, with a resigned nod.

"Mahad, you are too much. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

Alina swatted his arm but seeing Aahil immersed in like that she herself wasn't so sure. Osama didn't even want to say anything. His friend could pull of anything.

Well, Welp.

𝄞

He and Sila tried but they weren't successful in extracting any information from Aahil and his new support group. At the last, they gave up and he told Sila she was on her own. The reception wrapped up soon after. Who would've though an accidental wedding could be as normal as this one had been. Mahad mused on his way to the parking lot. He would be lying to himself if he said he hadn't enjoyed these two days.

Apart from her that came outta nowhere.

Who was leaning against his car, engrossed in a heated debate on her phone.

Mahad stopped at a shot distance from her and folded his arms on his chest. She hadn't noticed him yet, too busy in telling the other person off.

"Really? You told me to go on with it and now you're the one getting cold feet? You know what? I'm hanging up. I got no time for cowards."

She nothing but shouted and cut the call with more force than necessary. Mahad waited for her to notice him, or at the least, get away from the side of his car.

Nothing of that sort happened.

Being the chaos monger that he was, he pressed the button on his car-key remote and the next moment, his shiny vehicle gave the all too familiar loud sound.

Not louder than Haleh's started yelp.

She took a step away when her eyes landed on him, then to the key in his hand and at the smirk on his face.

"No. My night can't end on an even lousier note. Not happening."

Saying that, she proceeded to walk past him but Mahad came in her way, earning a glare from her. "What? I didn't key your car or something. Though, I would've if I knew it was yours but tough luck on my part. Don't you dare ask for a retribution for just standing next to it."

"You think so highly of me. I'm on cloud nine."

"Try doing a backflip."

That made Mahad laugh. He shoulders shook lightly. Haleh's gaze on him was unimpressed.

"Funny, Hahaha. Now tell me why were you staring at me the whole time?" For emphasis, she pointed at Jahan's enterance.

Mahad's laugh came to a sudden brake. "Excuse me? When did I stare at you?"

"When you were with Aahil and Osama. When you were standing alone and also when you just arrived."

"You were keeping a count?"

She nodded, defiantly. "Amal always says when a rich dude is showing interest, always have your guard up."

"How can you say I'm rich? Something tells me you don't even know my full name."

"Rich people are not normal. Because by the rule of ordinary, when someone calls you out on your shit and then calls you rich in the same sentence, you're supposed to defend the former not the latter. Also, you're right. I really can't recall your full name but it has nothing to do with this conversation."

"I was not...God! Did it make you uncomfortable?"

She gave it thought and then shook her head. "Curious, actually. Why were you interesed?"

"I wasn't. I don't even know how to respond to that. But for the love of everything holy, that wasn't my remotest intention."

Haleh shrugged. "Good for you. Next time don't give a woman that idea. Now, I really need to get going. Amal can leave me here without any regrets. She's total badass bitch and a heartless monster when she wants to be."

"That's one way to tell people about your best friend you ungrateful midget!"

Amal shouted from her car, which was at some distance from them. Haleh shrugged, not really affected by Amal's anger. She walked past him when Mahad stopped her.

"Haleh."

She stopped and looked at him questioably.

"Mahad Lashari."

Her face remained neutral and at the last, she shrugged. "Don't really know it but seems like you come from old money. Good night, Mahad."

She didn't stop after that. Mahad kept on looking at her retreating back. He had introduced himself yesterday with his full name. If she knew it, she would've shown a reaction right away. She was not someone to keep something to herself. The few encounters with her had told him that.

And now, after seeing her oblivion once again, he was sure of one thing. She had no idea about anything.

𝄞

"Are you really not going to tell me what you were planning with MY friends?"

Sila tried once again but that earnned her a secretive half smile from him. Glaring at him, she looked outside the window at the passing buildings by the clear road, a rarity in Karachi.

"Mama won't invite her club members to any of our family gatherings. She told me."

Sila closed her eyes momentarily. "I hope you didn't make her feel bad about it. I told you it wasn't her fault."

"Nah. She decided it on her own. To be frank, about fucking time. Baba is going to be the happiest. Among all of us. he hated those ladies the most."

"They were something. Though, I can overlook everything they said or implied, but the he-knocked-her-up comment was really where I lost it, didn't know how to even respond."

Sila chuckled but soon realized Aahil hadn't even cracked a smile.

"What?"

He went back to driving, still silent.

"I mean do you really think you could get your hands on me? No Mister. Not happening."

"Contrary to your delusion, I'm not saying anything."

"But I can and I will. You can only dream of what she implied because nah. Again, not happening."

"Are you telling me or yourself?"

"I'm stating the obvious!"

"Too bad our definition of obvious is quite different."

"How so?"

He stopped the car in front of the their building's security check and turned to her. "Here's the deal, Sila. Whenever that happens, and no, never say never because if we can get married, everything is possible on this planet. As I was saying, whenever or if that comes to be,"

He leaned in close, making Sila take a sharp intake of breath. "It will be all according to you, desired by you, and I don't like to get ahead of myself, but initiated by you as well."

"You are awfully confident about a hypothetical situation."

"Every reality was once a hypothesis, Sila."

Saying that, he bent down to gather the fabric of her Saree so she could get out without tripping on her own feet. Sila gave him a thankful nod and stood close to his car.

"I have an errand to run." He informed her.

"Just say you are going to your side chick because you know you have no chance of getting your hands on me."

"I know I'm irresistible—"

"Insufferable asterisk."

"But I'm also one woman man so you don't have to worry about my hands or any body part, for that matter."

"I'm not worried—"

But he was already out of there, with a self satisfied infuriating smirk on his face.

𝄞

Getting back to his...their place, she went straight to the bedroom and dropped her things on the side table. Massaging her neck, she sat on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes.

It took less than a week for her life to do a one eighty. The wedding chaos was over and it was finally time to slow down and take a breather and also to look back on everything.

If someone had shown her a trailer in 4k of the turn her life was going to take, not even then she would've believed it.

Roughly two weeks back, she had a steady job, a rocky relationship, was a nobody and had never been to the seaside apartment complex.

But here she was, jobless, married, associated with one of the most famous families of the city and living in this posh residential building on the seaside.

What a fucking life story. She chuckled to herself and got up. She had to change out of this tent of a fabric. Yes, it looked good on her but it was a pain to deal with. She also had to make their bed for the night.

But all of that could wait, she told herself as she threw the curtains aside and slid the glass door opening into the balcony.

Her eyes darted toward the illuminated garden below and the stone ledge, to her side, there were other balconies opening to the same view as hers, and beyond it all, was the fathomless sea, the moon hun over it in it pale silver glow.

She'd let Aahil know that this part of his place was worth all the money he or his father must've spent on this outrageously expensive side of the city.

His place? Ours asterisk. A voice inside her corrected her typo. And she wasn't mad at it. It was the truth. Her reality. And there wasn't anything grave about it that she'd hesitate from accepting it.

The way this wedding came to be, all of this was on a chance possibility. This or that. Easy or fucking hard.

She was glad that for the most part, it was the former. She ought to be thankful for it. And she was. She'd get the hang of everything but right now, she just wanted to feel the relief that both she and Aahil left the worst of it all behind them. That got to mean something.

She heard footsteps behind her and craned her neck to look at him. He had discarded his coat and his tie was askew over his shirt. He had a tiny box in his hand as he stood next to her.

"She kicked you out, didn't she?"

He laughed, it shone brigh in his eyes or maybe the moon made a home there. Who knew.

His hands fiddled with the box. Sila raised an eyebrow.

"It's a tradition to get your new wife a wedding gift. I'm going to be honest, I wasn't even aware of it. Mama told me when we got there and I was clueless what to get you."

"So you took help of your Saalis."

"Trust me, they were the only ones who proved of any use. Your in-laws? Not so much. A useless bunch."

"Hey! Watch your words."

She mock-glared at him when he opened the box. Sila was stunned for a second to see the ring inside.

"This...Oh my God!"

"Yeah, Rameen told me you like rings and was planning on buying this one for so long so I thought, why not?"

Right at that moment, Sila's smile was the brightest he'd ever seen or maybe, she was the moon, who knew?

"May I?"

He held her hand in his and she let him, no hesitation and no qualms, just something profound between them, breathing in the salty air, smiling at them.

Love.

He slid the ring in her finger. And he could swear, it wasn't as beautiful when he looked at it at the store.

Right across from them in the balcony of the apartment third from their vantage point, Zaha squinted her eyes at the scene and almost ran inside the room she shared with her sister.

"Zinia!"

She jerked her sister out of her sleep. Zinia glared at her. "What the hell, Zaha!"

"The hot neighbour! He's on his balcony with a woman!"

"WHAT?"

Zinia bolted from her bed and both of them stood at the railing. As Zaha had reported, there was indeed a woman there and when she placed her hand at the railing, the ring shone on her finger.

Both the sister couldn't help their excited shrieks. It got the attention of the couple as well. Sila turned around curiously. Aahil was right behind her.

Zinia and Zaha weren't perturbed by that. At this angle, they could see her ring more clearly.

"Congratultions!" Both of them shouted excitedly making Sila chuckle.

"Thank you but we are already married."

That intensified their fangirlish euphoria some more. "ARE YOU REALLY? DOUBLE CONGRATULATIONS! OMG!"

Sila heard Aahil's chuckle behind her and she couldn't stop her laugh as well. The girls were adorable.

There Zinia and Zaha left the balcony as their excitement subsided.

"The hot neighbor really won at life, eh?"

"Hot neigbor's hot wife also did. Gosh, that's one good looking couple."

"Where's the lie."

𝄞