Peering her eyes away from the city lights outside, Alina faced Mahad and rested her palm on her cheek. They were on their way back from Aahil and Sila's reception. And this time around, Mahad had resorted back to his designated driver duties, much to Alina's relief.

"So, you won't tell me what that was about?"

Mahad feigned ignorance or tried to, raised an eyebrow at her without saying anything. That made Alina shake her head. " Really, Mahad? I'm talking about Haleh."

"What about her?"

"I don't know. Maybe the fact that you couldn't take your eyes off her?"

Mahad scowled at her. "That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?"

"So you don't deny you were looking at her, hun?"

He chose not to answer that but Alina's smug smile was telling enough that his denial or right to stay silent didn't matter much here. "She's cute and has this unrestrained energy about her. No filter whatsoever. In comparison, you're all controlled chaos but chaos nonetheless. I root for it, just so you know."

"Hold your damn horses, Lina."

That made her laugh." By the way, Aahil won't like this."

"This." He asserted. "Is just in your head. Also, Aahil should mind his own business."

"You never do that when it comes to him. That's a bit hypocritical of you, don't you think?"

Mahad shrugged, proving her point. Alina opened her phone, checking the notifications.

"Adeel Hashmi was there tonight. Did you know?"

Her thumb stopped and hovered over the mobile screen. She nodded without looking away from it. "Ran into him in the parking lot when we...I got there."

That explains Sam's mood. Mahad thought to himself. The topic of Adeel wasn't something Alina divulged much into. The two dated a few years back. The relationship didn't last for long. Alina never told them why it ended and neither did they prod her. Aahil didn't. Mahad? Not so much. That's about adult life, relationship form and after living their course, end as well. But it was Alina's dating Adeel that cemented the full stop on her and Osama's story.

Aahil and Mahad were witnesses to it. They had seen Alina and Osama falling in love, growing in it, and then, parting ways because Alina threw in the towel. There was a slight hope that this wouldn't be for long and that one day, in the near future, Alina and Osama would get back together. Adeel's entry into Alina's life was a rude awakening.

"I still find it hard to believe that you gave that guy a shot."

Alina glared at him. "You're one nosy guy, Mahad."

"I'm your closest friend and designated driver. I deserve to know."

She shook her head. "You know what? This is the second time tonight I'm reconsidering selling my car."

"I told you that you shouldn't. You were practically in love with it."

A bitter smile appeared on Alina's face. Mahad's sideways glance at her was searching. "If you needed the cash, you could've asked me."

"We've been over this, Mahad. You're the CEO of the Lashari group of industries in your office. Don't try pulling that here."

"Worth a shot. How about I give you a similar car as a present on your birthday?"

"Gosh, you're so infuriating. Focus on driving." She laughed lightly as Mahad refocused his gaze on the road ahead. Alina's smile slowly faded. A thoughtful expression took its place. All his playfulness aside, Mahad was right. She could've asked him for the money but that was about her. If anything life had taught her—and her life had been full of lessons—that was to never bring money into the relationships you value and keep close to your heart. Granted, Mahad and Aahil were poles apart from the example of her parents she had at her disposal, but you really can't unlearn something you've seen all your life.

Her reverie of thoughts was broken when Mahad stopped the car outside her place. She gathered her things and turned to him. "Good night and watch out for an angry Dulha Bhai hunting you down."

Mahad couldn't help his chuckle. "Good night, Lina. You talk rubbish sometimes but your winner face card gives you a pass."

"I'm the most honored."

She shut the car door behind her. Mahad waited for her to get inside and as soon she did, he zoomed away, not once explicitly telling her if her assumptions were wrong and what was up with him and Haleh.

That was for him to know.

𝄞

Contrary to the previous morning, there were no warning calls to summon them back to the world of the living. As it was slowly becoming a thing, Aahil was the first to wake up and pulled Sila out of her dreamland as well. They had to be there at Wadia House to bid adieu to Sila's extended family. Abu, Ammi, and Muaz were to go back to Murree today. Maybe, it was the prospect of seeing her family but Sila didn't protest when she was stirred out of her sleep by Aahil. Both of them moved in sync and were there at the Wadia House right on time.

"Do call me when you get there. And please, Ammi. Don't start with your chores the moment you step foot inside the house. It's a long journey and you'll need all the rest."

Naheed's smile deepened seeing her niece's concern. "As if. Billu will not let me do much."

"If you provide him with every scoop, that is. That guy is a sucker for gossip."

Naheed could agree with that. That was aptly Billu.

"I wish you could stay, Ammi. We haven't gotten the chance to sit down and talk properly all thanks to Sila and her wedding." Haleh grumbled, canting her eyes at Sila who just shrugged her shoulders. Naheed pulled Haleh to her side, hugging her. "Don't worry, my child. I will visit again soon and this time around, alone. Can't imagine an 18-hour drive when I can board a flight and reach Karachi in about two hours, more or less. Colonel Sahab and his aversion to aviation!"

But he can't help it, he's afraid of heights! Sila wanted to remind her but chose not to. Naheed was aware of it, more than anyone as the man was her husband. But years of togetherness had given her the privilege to use this fact in a conversation as a passing comment.

"That'll be amazing." Haleh perked up and kissed Naheed on the cheek. "Let me finagle some money out of Muaz Bhai. It's not every day we get to see him." She got up with a bounce in her steps.

"My brother is broke!" Sila cried after her but that earned her a disapproving gesture from Haleh. "Let me be the judge of it. And Sila, how clever of you, to be honest. When it comes to Muaz Bhai, you become a protective lil monster but when it's about Aahil, you are like yeah, rob him of his riches as I sip my soda. You turned a blind eye when we asked for a hefty naig as his Saalis."

"That guy is loaded LOADED. I don't see your point."

"And that guy is your husband." Naheed's reminder met with no reaction from Sila. Dinbanu chuckled lightly. She and Naheed exchanged a look. It spoke of their shared relief at how things panned out for Sila.

"When I called you and heard how anxious you were about this unfortunate take your life has taken, I was worried sick. I just wanted to get to you. During the whole journey from Murree to Karachi, my mind swarmed with horrible thoughts. I could see no way out for you in this mess. This kind of thing ruins lives, Sila. People don't forget when someone from a humble background gets involved."

Naheed caressed her cheek. The familiar motherly warmth made Sila's insides fill with love for this woman, once again.

"But as soon as we got here, all those thoughts came to a halt. The Jahangirs' plan seemed ridiculous to me at first, not to say dangerous as well. We didn't know them so how could we trust their scheme? But since that first encounter when they came to meet us and till now, I can say with conviction, this was the best way to tackle the situation."

"And the cherry on top is, they aren't treating this as a compromise, as means to get their son out of a sticky situation. They genuinely love and adore Sila and respect us as her family. That's what comforts me the most." Dinbanu added and Naheed was in agreement.

"And don't get me started on Aahil. He's such a sweetheart. His constant efforts to get into your Abu's good book show that. And I can tell he's been good to you. Am I right?"

Naheed's question was too direct. Sila was taken off guard for a second. But then she straightened. He had been there for her, by her side to take everything life threw their way head-on, and the way he had accepted her in his life and in his house as if this situation was normal and they hadn't gotten married to prove a narrative wrong. Her head moved in affirmation before words were out of her mouth.

"He has been good."

More than good, a voice inside her protested. She ignored it and focused on Naheed and Dinbanu.

"They handled this situation to the best of their ability. It saved you from harm and that's a win for all of us. Everything else should be behind you now, Sila. You and Aahil are married and the way I see it, you both work quite fine together. Put the circumstances in which this union came to be in the past and see this relationship as what it is. I know, it won't be that easy but what's the harm in trying hun?"

Naheed's coaxing tone and soft words made sense to Sila. Had it been the other way around, with the Jahangirs and Aahil treating this whole thing as face-saving and nothing more, Naheed's hopes for this relationship would've been different but that wasn't the case. The Jahangirs' acceptance, love, and Aahil's charm (debatable) had won her over. So much so that she wanted this relationship to work well without the circumstances in which it was formed having any effect.

"Oh, Ammi. You don't have to worry about that. They see it as what it is quite well."

Amal wiggled her eyebrows at Sila's shiny ring. Sila could only sigh out loud but the women around her were more than pleased. "You don't have to worry, Ammi." Sila assured Naheed.

"She really doesn't have to," Amal muttered under her breath earning a glare from Sila. Both Naheed and Dinbanu hid their smiles. Sila's awkwardness around the subject was endearing but strengthened their belief that Sila and Aahil would do just fine together.

The conversation came to a halt when Saleema came running into the room. "Banu Baji! Sila's mother and grandmother-in-law are here!"

That stirred them to action but before they could move around much, Sabah herself stood at the door, smiling at them. Mrs. Irshad was behind her. Dinbanu and Naheed immediately got up to greet her, and so did the girls.

"I'm quite angry with you all. You should've told us you were leaving today. If Aahil hadn't texted me, I would've never known." Sabah said, standing close to Sila.

"We didn't want to bother you."

Naheed's excuse was promptly dismissed by Mrs. Irshad. "Please. We are relatives now. Don't pay attention to these formalities. Sila."

She turned to her daughter-in-law. "At least you should've told us."

Her disapproval was equally worrying and endearing for Sila. She opened her mouth to justify but Sila shook her head.

"Faseeh and Faran had already left for an important meeting so I took Ammi with me and came here."

"Really, it wasn't needed, Sabah." Naheed tried in an apologetic tone but Sabah shook her head. "It was."

"Why don't we all discuss this over tea?" Dinbanu interjected. Nodding in Saleema's direction, she scurried away to start with the preparations. The girls followed suit, hiding their smiles. It was an established fact in Wadia House. Sila's in-laws were the cutest.

The ladies also made their way outside, talking all the while. Only Sila remained behind, standing at the door, staring ahead at the scene in the lounge.

Her eyes found Aahil's who had just received a glare from Abu for asking him a stupid question regarding some military insignia.

Sila couldn't help her laugh.

And Aahil smiled as well, sheepishly.

𝄞

"Why do I feel sad that your wedding is over?" Haleh asked, dropping herself on Rameen's bed. Ammi, Abu, and Muaz had just left for Murree. Sabah and Mrs. Irshad followed soon after. Suddenly, Wadia House had returned to its previous normalcy without the guests and Sila was also one of those now. Aahil was in the lounge, gathering as much knowledge about Uncle Jeff's music recorder and collection.

Sila threw a cushion at Haleh. "You were complaining about it just a while back. Stick to one narrative."

Haleh's reply was a shrug. "Not my fault that I love your family. The only thing I'd actually trade with you and of course, your husband's bank account. But sadly, I don't have a family to trade with you."

"What are we? Chopped meat?!" Amal rounded on her. Haleh gave her a scrutinizing look. "Yeah, whatever."

"Haleh Shams, take that back!" Rameen demanded. Haleh stuck to her defiance. When Rameen refused to back down, she sighed. "Okay. Luck wasn't on my side there but can't complain."

"Speaking of luck, I'm really digging Sila's new love souvenir." Amal tipped her head toward Sila's ring.

"You guys are such snitches. Why did you have to tell him I've been planning to buy it?"

"Are you kidding me? He looked about sure to buy you an island. This ring is nothing by his standards." Amal guffawed and that made the rest of them chuckle as well.

"It was cute if I'm being honest." Rameen leaned into her hands and placed the cushion in her lap. Sila played with the ring. Its presence and weight were quite alien to her, as it was just last night it had been slipped through her finger by him.

"He's a bit slow. I mean the bulb in his mind flickered at the end of his wedding reception that his wife's Muh Dikhayi gift is pending. What was he doing on his wedding night?" Haleh wondered out loud and Amal was also in agreement, looking at Sila curiously.

"Watching Dark with his wife?"

"Who watches that mindfuck of a show on their wedding night?"

Sila shook her head. "Us, apparently. And whatever we did on our wedding night is not your business. Stop being snoopy."

"There's nothing to be snoopy about, I'm afraid. You guys are not even at the level of platonic PDA. If there was anything interesting, we'd know."

"Or maybe we are good at keeping it to ourselves?"

Haleh looked at Amal. "She's right. Sila's not the one to kiss and tell."

"Sila is not getting the kisses as well."

"Gross. I'd like this conversation to cease here itself." Rameen made a face but Amal only shrugged in return. "The cackling chemistry deserves some hype, Reen. Let us have our hype girl moments."

Saying that she got up, looking for her phone. "I have to get ready. I'm meeting Raed to discuss his research work."

"About damn time. If it's feasible, click a selfie and show us, for experimental purposes."

Amal pulled her Duppata around her neck and checked herself in the mirror. Her nose pin glinted under the light overhead.

"You know what? Sila is right, Haleh. You're snoopy."

"Learned from the best." Haleh countered, opening her laptop. "I was just being a nice friend. It's your moral obligation to show enthusiasm for a guy your best friend is crushing on."

Amal glared at her through the mirror. "I certainly do―"

"The L in Amal stands for lies!" All three of them echoed together. Amal had had enough of this.

"I'm off."

"Off your rocker when it comes to Raed Suleiman," Haleh called after her but Amal was already out of there, going toward her room to confirm the timing. Haleh also got up. "I also have to make a quick call to Maniza. That woman won't let me have a moment of peace since the day I handed in the article."

"Cold feet?" Sila asked. Haleh nodded with a sigh. "Something like that. I have a meeting scheduled with her tomorrow. Will let you guys know what comes of it."

Saying that she also left, her phone on her ear. Sila dropped her head on her bed, the mattress was devoid of her favorite comfy sheet, and her side table had nothing of her at it, all that was now at her new place, still boxed and waiting to grace the side of their bed.

"Don't feel important but I hate this room without you." Rameen leaned into her pillow, looking at Sila.

"Sorry but I do feel important." Sila laughed and that put a smile on Rameen's face as well.

"How's everything at the new place?"

Rameen's question wasn't cursory. Between the two of them, it never was about scratching the surface. Sila looked on at nothing in particular.

"I'm yet to see where I can fit in everything I own but I have a feeling, his place has enough room for it."

Rameen's smile reached her eyes. "That I don't doubt. And if it's not, you both can come to an agreement and make some adjustments."

They would. No two ways about it.

"Dareer texted me yesterday, congratulating me on the wedding, wishing me all the best for this new endeavor in life."

"That kid is wordy sometimes but his heart is always in the right place." Rameen chuckled. Sila's gaze on her was searching. "What about Bushra Auntie? Did you talk to her?"

"I didn't but Mama did, of course. She's not bitter about how things panned out, Sila. You don't have to worry about that."

"I'm not worried, Reen. I just don't want us to be strangers to me, Danish, and his family. I will try to get in touch once I settled down in my life."

"Focus on the life-altering change you are going through. They are not going anywhere and there's no misunderstanding among you all. They know what happened and under what circumstances. Also, you did talk to Danish before going on with the statement. Don't sweat it."

"What about him? Did he reach out to you?"

"No. And he better not."

Rameen's tone was bitter. Sila raised an eyebrow. "Reen―"

But Rameen beat her to it. "I know, you both talked and it went well. He finally came around and shared his problems with you and even if this whole fiasco hadn't happened, you two were not in for the long run, the relationship had run its course. I know, Sila. But I also know that in his own miseries and self-doubts, Danish was unreasonably hard on you at a time when he didn't have to be."

"I'm over that, Reen. Trust me."

"I know. But I also know that was low of Danish, especially when he's capable of so much more, better. That wasn't my friend and the guy I always root for his sensibility."

Sila had nothing to say in reply to this. Rameen had known Danish longer than her so it was understandable that she had more expectations out of him than Sila, the reason she was hurt when he didn't live up to those.

Silence fell between them but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was only broken by the footsteps outside of the room.

"Sila?"

Aahil knocked and once he got the cue, he stepped inside.

"Are you done?" He asked. There was a plate of Nimko in his hand that he must've gotten from Saleema Baji. He stopped close to Rameen and offered some to her. She took a handful, eagerly.

"Amal is leaving in a few but Haleh, Reen, and I have lots to catch up on."

"You guys were apart for what? Three days? And in all those, you saw each other daily."

"You are a man. You won't understand." Sila dismissed him. He made a face but nevertheless, gave the plate to her. Rameen hid her smile. Good.

"We are telling her how lost you were when you came to us for help choosing a gift," Haleh said as she came back inside the room. Amal was right behind her. Aahil shrugged, not perturbed by it. "I'm an amateur as it's my first wedding. I'll keep all the points in mind for the next."

He tipped his head in Sila's way, throwing her words back at her. That elicited the exact response out of her. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"What negotiation you were finalizing with Uncle Jeff, though?" Haleh asked, snatching the plate from Sila. Aahil sighed.

"He's missing some records from his collection. I happen to know a guy on Tariq Road who deals in old cassettes and vinyl. Will get some for Uncle Jeff."

"The man will be on cloud nine if you do that. Doing a good job impressing your in-laws, I see."

"Come on, Amal. The in-laws are already impressed enough." Rameen gave her Dulha Bhai a thumbs-up. Aahil grinned like a Cheshire cat on a sugar high. Sila raised her hands exasperatedly.

"Are you leaving?" She asked him and he immediately nodded. "Faran Bhai just called. He needs me in the office."

"Then go. Don't wait for me. I'll get back on my own. I have a car, if you don't remember."

Aahil made a face but halfway through the alignment of his features, he thought the better of it. Sila was waiting for him to slip up. He couldn't afford it.

"That thing can ditch you anytime, Sila."

"She had enough time to rest, she'll be fine."

"By 'she', Sila means Chaand Gari." Amal thought it important to let Aahil know.

"Don't call her that!"

"She's calling it a vehicle from the moon. What's wrong with that?" Haleh came to Amal's rescue. Rameen chose to just enjoy the show.

"You!" Sila pointed at Aahil. "They are openly insulting my car because of the boost you've given them."

"I didn't say a word!"

"Exactly! He didn't!" Amal, Rameen, and Haleh echoed together. Aahil was smug. It was one against four. Sila was outnumbered but would that make her cower? No.

"I will see you three in a while but you," She again turned to her husband. "My car will be in your building's parking lot when you get back home and she will fit in just fine. Mark my words."

Aahil's distaste was evident on his face. He raised his hands in surrender. "Chaand Gari is going to bail on you, mark my words."

"The deal is on, Richie Rich."

"I will win, Wife."

"We need some popcorn!"

Sila ignored her friends' demands and focused on her husband. His knowing smirk was infuriating.

Oh, how she'd love to wipe it off. She could just hope her piece of a junk car cooperates.

𝄞

Agha Murtaza Lashari was immersed in a book when his grandson stood at the door silently. His eyes were narrowed and his stance showed his disapproval. Agha Murtaza smiled to himself as he turned to face Mahad.

"You're here, finally."

Mahad scoffed as he left his spot and came inside the room. "I told you I was going to visit as soon the wedding was over."

"How'd it go? I sent my best wishes to the Jahangirs."

"And they asked me about you given the fact it was your health that kept everyone in this house occupied and they couldn't attend."

Agha Murtaza made a face. "Your trust in me is encouraging. Ask Gina. I was actually feeling under the weather."

"I do have questions to ask but not from Gina but from you, Dada Jaan."

He took the seat in front of him. Agha Murtaza sighed but didn't say a word. This conversation was long due.

"Am I safe to assume that you got an invitation from Mrs. Wadia?"

His grandfather nodded. "I did. But I knew under what circumstances the wedding was taking place. I had to decline. I couldn't attend, not when we are on family terms with the Jahangirs."

Mahad had seen it coming. He folded his hands and threw the most important question his grandfather's way.

"You didn't tell her your complete identity, am I right?"

Agha Murtaza Lashari didn't miss a beat. "I didn't. She doesn't know my surname and I intend to keep it that way."

"Why not? You are keeping her in the dark without any reason."

His grandfather shook his head. "I have my reasons, Mahad. Whatever she's lost in life, we also had a part to play in it. Her parents were traced because of their link with us. I don't have to tell you what happened next."

They got murdered. Mahad wasn't aware of much, granted that tale was a forbidden topic in their family but through his grandfather, he had some surface level information. Haleh's parents were killed in a suspicious manner when she was just a kid.

"I promised Firuzeh that her daughter will be my responsibility if anything ever happened to her and Nousher. That time I was sure that it wouldn't come to it but I was wrong, gravely mistaken. Sherzais never forget disrespect and they never forgive dishonor."

"Well, their idea of both these things is outdated and skewed. No one should die for honor."

Agha Murtaza patted his grandson's shoulder. "Sadly, not everyone thinks this way, Mahad. For some people, especially Sherzais, these things come even before life. Firu had to give up on hers because of this archaic thinking. And in all this, Haleh suffered the most. She has known me longer than her parents and that thought pierces my heart. She has been snatched the chance at a normal life."

Dada Jaan looked away, the moisture in his eyes spoke of his love for Haleh. "She can't know her roots. She can't know what killed her parents. If she does, they will come to know and it will be a matter of time before they get to her. Keeping her in the dark about my complete identity is also a precautionary measure. She has to be disconnected from our world, Mahad. That's the only way she can stay safe."

"But what if she wants to know?"

His grandfather's gaze on him was stern. "You won't tell her. I can't allow you."

"I didn't mean―"

"It's for her safety. That was my promise to her mother." He closed his eyes momentarily and when he opened those, the tenderness wasn't hidden from Mahad. "I know her life isn't perfect but she's secure this way. Sometimes, oblivion is a safe haven, son."

Mahad didn't argue with it, he had nothing to say, anyway. His grandfather's reasons were justified. The man's association with Haleh was something he kept personal. None of them knew much about it. Mahad had always thought it was because of Bakhtawar but now he knew the exact reason for it.

He was saving her from their world and its evils.

"But she has no idea, Dada Jaan. When I figured out who she is, I expected a flicker of realization on her end as well. But nothing of that sort happened. Don't you think complete ignorance can also be harmful to her? She can take it well if you let her. I haven't known her for long but she's no fool. She can deal with the truth. The fact that she knows next to nothing about the reality of her past which shaped up her present doesn't sit well with me."

His grandfather was taken aback by it, as it seemed. He hadn't expected Mahad to take this matter with such seriousness.

"That reality killed her parents, Mahad. She's better off not knowing it."

That made sense but not much. Mahad imagined himself in her place, having no idea about her past. He'd never be okay with that. But then again, the truth will jeopardize her safety.

"I know what I'm doing, son."

Agha Murtaza assured him. Mahad's reply was a slight nod. "You know better than me, Dada Jaan, but now that the Jahangirs are involved in Wadia House, Sila being their daughter-in-law, what about your trips to the place?"

"Oh, I'll find a way, can't stay away for long from my favorite kid."

"I thought that was me?"

"It's a tie between Gina and Haleh."

"Does Armaghan know that? Don't make the Lashari brothers cause an uprising."

"I'll love to see you both try. By the way, I'm yet to ring Aahil and congratulate him on his wedding. I've known Sila for years and there's nothing about her that isn't praiseworthy. Aahil is a nice kid as well."

Mahad's sour expressions deepened. "The bit about Sila is believable but I really don't see why you do like him."

"Oh, he's a fun kid to be around. He kept me laughing that one time he came over, quite wit that one has got."

"He belongs to a circus."

"He's friends with you. He took care of that already."

Mahad got up, done with this conversation. "I'm out of here. You need your midday sleep, Dada Jaan."

"Mahad."

He was near the door when his grandfather's voice stopped him. He gave him a questioning look.

"I trust you with this but don't try to meddle with a storm we can't stand."

Mahad didn't need to be told twice. The underlying message was clear. I trust you to be around her but don't try to cross a line when it comes to what you know. He wouldn't. He knew the stakes.

He came out of his grandfather's room and was on his way to his parents when his phone rang. He picked it up glancing at the caller ID.

"Yo, Rony."

There was a sigh on the other hand. Mahad's smile deepened. His cousin brother's hate for his nickname always gave Mahad the kick out of it.

"I mailed you the documents last night and haven't heard from you since then." Precise and straight to the business, classic Armaghan Lashari.

"I was busy with the wedding but will look through those as soon as I get the time."

"What time? It's still office hours there in Pakistan."

"I'm home, Grandpa."

"Oh,"

There was a pause. Mahad waited for something, anything but as always, Armaghan said nothing of that sort. "In that case, do it soon. I have to move the project further and that can't happen without your input."

"Roger that, Boss. You'll get it by tonight and―"

"Mahad?"

Abgina's arrival interrupted Mahad's conversation. She stopped next to him with a catalog in her hand.

"Gotta talk to you later," Mahad said into the phone and placed it on the window ledge, coincidently, he forgot to end the call.

"What is it, Gina?"

"You know the hailstorms damaged the backyard patio. Chachu's going to start with the renovations soon. He asked me for ideas. I have selected a few but I'm not really sure. Need your opinion."

"This is your area of expertise, Gina."

"Shut it and focus. Which one? And hurry up! I have to see the lunch preparations as well."

"What's in dessert?"

Gina canted her eyes at him. "Leftover Kheer."

"Sorry, then I have no opinion to give." He handed the catalog back to her. Abgina made a face. "You're impossible! I'm baking brownies for you, happy now? Just give me an honest answer?"

Mahad placed his finger on a marked picture. "This one."

"Great! It was my pick as well. Can't wait to see it all coming together. Thank you, Mahad. Now, I need to get to your brownies and you have to give me all the deets from Aahil's wedding!"

Saying that, she went away as she'd come, smiling and giddy. Mahad wished she'd always stay this way because she deserved this and more.

His eyes went to his phone where he could see the call still connected. He shook his head as the person on other hand finally cut it.

"Not so slick, Rony.'

Mahad muttered, pocketing his phone.

𝄞

Aahil pushed the tablet away, pressing the stop button on the screen. He looked away from the footage and then at his brother and father.

"Your building's security team sent this to us. It could be proof enough of Ali Jatoi's violent streak but we were sure you wouldn't like it going to the media."

Faseeh said, eyeing his youngest child. Aahil nodded solemnly. It was the footage of the day Ali manhandled Vaneeza and assaulted him in the parking lot. Vaneeza was mostly a pain but using a moment to prove a point, where she was vulnerable and being abused physically would never be his go-to move.

"Regardless, we got him good. In fact, we showed the Jatois the door pretty well." Faran concluded and he was right. Pervaiz, Khizer, and Ali, all were fighting their respective legal and public battles. The burn wouldn't heal for the Jatois for a long while and even if it did, it'd leave a scar.

"My only concern is that they shouldn't look our way for the foreseeable future."

Faran chuckled. "They won't. We made sure of it."

"Good riddance, then. I can do very well believing they don't exist."

Aahil stood in the glass window, looking over at the web of buildings in Karachi's busiest commercial area. Faseeh was next to him but instead of the city outside, his eyes were on his son.

"This situation is now behind us, Aahil."

"I'm aware, Baba."

"It also means that whatever it contained has also passed. Everything but your and Sila's wedding. It's the only reality and the only positive I see in all this."

"Are you going to give me the talk?" Aahil raised an eyebrow. Behind him, Faran smiled. Faseeh's eyes were also bright.

"Not really. The way you managed everything and cooperated, I can start believing in the grand notion that my son is finally acting maturely. Is it because of the company? I suppose it is."

His family would never leave any chance of praising their daughter-in-law, directly or indirectly. He had come to terms with that.

"Sila is smart, responsible, and hard-working. I have had years of dealing with people from every wake of life and I can vouch for her integrity as a person. You are all those things as well."

Were. Aahil wanted to correct him but stayed put.

"Yes, getting you two married was the best option we had at our disposal but even if it weren't the case, I wouldn't have minded you both in a relationship."

He held Aahil by his shoulder. Aahil's looked uncertain but said nothing. "All I'm trying to say is, regardless of the way you both got together, you make it look effortless, Aahil. You two fit in well. This can work remarkably, but only if you give your all to it. Don't stay fixated on what is in the past, has been there for so many years now."

Called it. He looked away, not wanting to show his father the vulnerability there but since when did parents need these formalities to see through their kids?

He nodded, mustering just enough courage to utter meekly. "Okay, Baba."

It seemed like that was good enough for Faseeh. He patted Aahil's shoulder. Aahil didn't stay there after that. Faseeh kept on looking at his retreating back and sighed.

"What are you thinking, Baba?"

Faran asked. Faseeh caressed the small trophy on the side shelf. It was in the shape of a musical note. A fond smile was playing on his lips. He vividly remembered the day it was added to his 'personal achievements' on the shelf in his office.

"I've literally destroyed the Jatois. If not completely, I've caused enough damage that it will take them a while to find their footing."

His eyes were still on the trophy. "I still regret not using this influence when it was needed the most."

The same pain could be seen in Faran's eyes as well. But he held his father's shoulder. "It was his choice, Baba. He forbade us from taking any action."

He gestured to the way Aahil had just gone to. Faseeh knew that. But as always he didn't agree with the choice his son had made years back, the choice which cost Aahil almost everything.

He was walking through the lobby, replaying his conversation with his father. The advice wasn't unbecoming. His father was right but that's about words. They don't mean much when they aren't backed with actions and actions take courage.

Courage, a coward's Achilles heels.

He would've ventured more into these thoughts but his ringing phone saved him from the unwanted territory.

The name on it put a smile on his face, a rarity when he had just been thinking of what was, probably, the lowest point in his life.

"Sila?"

He said her name. There was no response from the other side, just a heavy, frustrated sigh. Aahil wanted to laugh out loud, forgetting all about everything else.

"Where?" He asked, trying his best to conceal the mirth from his voice but a small chuckle at the end gave him away.

"In the service lane right next to Teen Talwar."

She chewed on her words and cut the call immediately. Aahil wasted no time in getting out of the office building. Everything else faded in the background, unimportant, insignificant, and trivial.

𝄞

*Continued in the next part