"My dream is my Jaffa. To return to but I guess, I'll return to my God before that."

The quivering whisper intermingled with the lapping waves. Raed opened his eyes. Before him, the boundless Arabian sea seemed to be singing a song, the lyrics of which were unknown to him but he wanted to sing along.

"Where are you lost?"

He glanced to his side and found Amal taking off her shoes. She placed her bare feet on the sand, the epitome of childlike wonder. Raed had to smile.

"Memories."

She nodded as if she had expected nothing else. Her long tresses were haywire. She tried to tie them in a bun but the sea breeze at Hawksbay refused to cooperate.

"Sea often makes you contemplate things you'd rather forget. Its noise works like a lullaby, sending you to the dreamland with open eyes."

"And I thought I was the writer." Raed echoed, making her grin.

"You are, but your style is straightforward. I don't expect you to use symbolism instead of straight facts."

"A bit of poetic symbolism and romanticism don't hurt anyone. So, I gather you read my books?"

Amal felt busted but what could she do about it now? "Yes, I'm half through one."

"Thoughts, so far?"

"I'll let you know when I'm done with it."

Raed shrugged, but he couldn't say he wasn't looking forward to it. Both of them walked on the seashore as the sun set on the horizon.

As decided, Amal was doing a fine job at introducing Karachi to him. They traveled around the markets of the city the last time they met. Tariq Road, Zainab Market, International Bara Market, Flea Market, Lea Market, Zaibunnisa Street, and Empress Market, to name a few. Seeing the size of the city, it was practically impossible to explore every famous area but they did try their best.

From Regal Chowk Book Market to Clifton Sunday Bazar, from city hawkers to luxury malls, from Banaras Silk House to old Saddar tailors, from abandoned Pak towers to bustling Dolmen—the disparity within the city was daunting but nothing new. Every metropolis is a blend of this and that, all and nothing.

Then they drove around NED University, KU, and IBA, again this and a bit of that.

"I have my fondest childhood memories attached to this place."

Amal said, turning to him. "Going to the beach was probably my and Ammo's favorite thing in this whole world. I remember," She pointed at a distant hut. "She was sitting there watching me. In those days JJ's Na Tu Ayegi was quite a sensation. You know, they play the whole reel in reverse in the music video and as a child, that was pretty fascinating to me. I tried to mimic it, walking backward but fell on my butt. And instead of coming to my rescue, Ammo kept on laughing there, full belly laugh, I kid you not. She just couldn't help it. I was angry but ended up in hysterics myself."

She laughed at the memory but it didn't quite reach her eyes. Memories always come with this baggage, they linger but everything that makes them is lost.

Amal's eye remained fixed on that hut as she played with a stray lock of her hair. Raed pushed his hands into his pockets. "My grandmother was born and raised on the port of Jaffa. Her home. Until the Nakba in 1948. Her family was thrown into the sea, like several others. Traveling by boats, they reached the refugee camps, a new home, a new identity, and exile in their own country. That shaped Sittee's remaining life. Her Jaffa never left her memory even though it had lost all that she had known it for. She loved the sea, she longed to inhale the air of Jaffa once in her life. Her every story featured the port city and what it meant to her. Beaches often make me sad because they remind me of my grandmother as they used to remind her of her Jaffa. Nostalgia within nostalgia? Maybe."

His words left Amal speechless as always. But he hadn't expected her to say anything. It was her ability to listen, without bias and judgment that gave him the incentive to go on and say all that to her.

"This music video you mentioned, I'd love to watch it."

Amal suddenly looked pumped. "Oh, you will love it! In fact, not just JJ, you will love everything about vital signs as well."

She matched his pace, as she raved on about her favorite Pakistani pop band. They walked together, Raed listened to her with deep concentration, the imprint of their feet indelible on the sand.

𝄞

"Are you sure it's a date?"

Sila canted her eyes through the screen making Haleh raise her hands. "I mean, going on dates is for single ass nallay like us. Shouldn't you married people try innovative ideas for foreplay?"

"Maybe, the date is just an extensive foreplay?" Amal echoed from behind Haleh.

"You two are doing a great job at making it glaringly obvious why are you still single." Rameen took the phone from Haleh's hand, gesturing at Sila to show her the dresses.

"It's by choice," Haleh stated proudly.

"Of the other party?" Rameen's query earned her a pillow which made the phone slip out of her hands. Sila sighed, looking heavenward. "I hate that Alina has work today. She would've never wasted my time like this."

"Our valuable input is now a waste of time for you? You've changed, Sila Nouraiz."

"Mrs. Aahil Jahangir, more precisely."

Rameen let the two best friends grumble and turned to her bestie. "Show me the dresses. Did he tell you where he's taking you on the date?"

Sila rummaged through her side of the closet, shaking her head. "He's being ambiguous about it."

"Then how are you supposed to choose a dress?"

Sila pursed her lips to not let her smile show. "He said to go with whatever feels right as everything looks good on you."

Haleh and Amal shared a smug look while Rameen didn't know how to contain her own smile.

"Smack and cheese."

"Smooth Jahangir."

"Sila, are you blushing?" Rameen asked. Sila shook her head with more force than necessary.

"Gosh, as the live witness of your first encounter, I must say this feels surreal." Amal sat beside Rameen. Haleh also followed suit. "I mean, who would've thought that spoilt brat had this in him." Amal pointed at Sila.

"He's not a spoilt brat." Sila wasted no time in interjecting.

There was a glint in Amal's eyes. "You're his wife. Your opinion doesn't really matter."

"Exactly. I mean you both share a bed and whatnot and you want us to believe you? One nice hanky-panky and your head is in the clouds, dick-induced delirium, not able to see sense." Haleh played along while Rameen just opted to be a silent spectator.

"I'm his wife now, but don't forget before that I was at loggerheads with him. My opinion of him was anything but nice. As that person, I'm saying this with complete conviction that he's not what he looks from afar."

Her three best friends were fully invested, even though, their faces didn't give it away. Sila continued with her spiel, not caring for much.

"He's the most easygoing person I know. There's nothing you can't confide in with him. No judgment on his part, no hard feelings. He might not have a solution but he just knows when to be an attentive listener. Then his emotional intelligence. When he told me about Alina and Osama's issue, he never made it look like a he vs. her situation. In fact, he knew their vulnerabilities and their flaws and despite it all, he loved both of them. He's amazing with kids, yes, sometimes, he can be a bit crass but he'd immediately offer an apology, not once showing the attitude associated with elders when it comes to dealing with the kids. He's a family man, thorough and thorough. For him, nothing comes before his people. He's a bit reckless with the money but we are working on it and—"

She stopped abruptly, her face flushed. Her three best friends were eyeing the myriad of expressions on her face with interest.

"I gotta go. The date. Yes, that." She ended the video call, not waiting for their reaction. Her heart was hammering in her chest, butterflies having a field day in her stomach.

"Another one bites the dust." Amal sang as soon as the call concluded. Rameen squealed, dropping herself on the pillow. "She's far gone."

"It's almost comical," Haleh whined but then as if the realization hit them all once again, they gave a collective shout of utter euphoria.

"What is the matter!" Saleema shouted from the kitchen. Haleh peeked outside the room, grinning ear to ear. "Nothing, Saleema Baji. We just think Sila is in love. HOW AMAZING IS THAT?"

Saleema wanted to whack the rolling pin on her head. "She's married, La Haula! If she won't fall in love now then when? After giving birth to her firstborn? You girls are crazy!"

But that didn't deter Amal, Rameen, and Haleh's jubilation.

In her room, privy to the commotion outside, Dinbanu turned the page of her book, a deep smile on her face, even though she was reading a crime thriller.

Her satisfaction and the fondness had nothing to do with the book in her hand.

𝄞

"Going good?" Faran asked as he took the seat in front of his brother. Aahil didn't look away from his laptop screen and nodded.

"Aren't you a bit slow?" Adan remarked cheekily. That made Aahil glare at her. "Don't you have work to catch up at your own office?"

"I did that already and what to do when all interesting things happen here only? By the way, the whole day you were preparing for the date with your wife. You don't get to lecture me on work."

"Talked like a true Nand."

It was Adan's turn to glare at him. "Take her to a good place and make it count. She deserves this and more from you."

"As if up until now, I was taking directions from you."

"Hide your claws, both of you," Faran said from his seat. Aahil gathered his stuff and rose. "I'm off, Bhai. If you need anything, don't hit me up."

"Noted. Have a good time." Faran took in his hurried movements with interest and so did Adan. He was pretty certain about making it worthwhile, it seemed.

"Don't do anything unhinged or else we will come to get only Sila. You who? We don't know." Adan called after him. He didn't stop to grace this with a reply. More pressing matters, yeah.

The door clicked behind him. Adan and Faran got busy in the office-related discourse but both of them hadn't felt this light regarding their brother for so long.

𝄞

"For the last time, Sila, you're not overdressed."

She shifted in her seat, glaring at him. "You didn't even tell me where are we going."

"But I did tell you that you'll look good regardless."

She was far from convinced. "Or maybe, you didn't want to get in the hassle of choosing the dress with me."

He concentrated on driving but not before giving her a duh look. "Didn't even cross my mind so shouldn't cross yours as well. You look fucking breathtaking that I want to pull over and yeah, But driving comes first, safety you know so I'm focusing on that."

Good enough. She leaned into the seat, satisfied. There was no reason to mess with him but she couldn't help it. Hearing it from him wouldn't hurt now, would it? She was fetching for compliments, sue her.

After her video call with her friends, she found it very hard to concentrate on anything else. When her erratic heartbeat got back to normal, she had just one thing on her mind. The imbecile in the driving seat and the date she had with him. As if her speech on the ten benefits of Aahil Jahangir had spurred her to action, and opened a new dimension for her.

Something had shifted. What? She had no time to figure it out but it was good. Fucking awesome, if she was being honest.

"We are here."

Aahil announced. Sila looked outside. Nothing she hadn't anticipated. Someone as loaded as him would've taken her to the best in the city and that's where they were. Sila wanted to giggle at the predictability of it. But all she felt was mush. Predictability or her ability to read him? Were they so well versed in each other's lore? Was it a good thing?

He took her hand in his, and they made their way inside. The standard decorum of being on a date with someone you're interested in. That was another thing that they were married as well. Bonus, sort of.

The place was posh and elite, not her usual setting but her date was her usual, and that made all the difference. Throughout the time they spent there, the conversation flew as easily as slow dancing. And they were good at that.

He had taken care of every little detail. Nothing went awry. All was according to the plan. They enjoyed both the food and the company. As far as first dates go, this was more than they could've hoped for, seeing their trajectory so far.

But.

Yeah, but.

The unpredictability caught up to her.

It happened when on their way back, instead of going home, he smiled secretively and drove on, getting to another location. Sila was clueless and even after asking twice when he refused to give in, she gave up, waiting for it to unveil on its own.

It did.

Sila was taken aback when they stood outside a small settlement in Johar. It was no doubt a restaurant, a cozy one at that but its vibe matched that of a

Kiosk.

She craned her neck in his direction, finding it hard to look away from the soup stall on the side.

"This place..."

"They have revamped it completely but I think they still have their soup on the menu, given it provided them with a trusted clientele."

Her parents' favorite Thelay wala soup in Johar.

"Shall we?" He extended his hand, beaming at her, definitely pleased by her speechlessness. Sila gave it to him, too emotionally overwhelmed to say anything. A tear glistened at the corner of her eye. He wiped it, careful not to smear her mascara.

Who cries on their first date? Those who have a lousy experience but what about those who can't decide if anything can be better than this?

"Lead the way." She whispered. She knew the way, but with him by her side, she'd follow anywhere he'd take her.

Because with him, every trail was new. No matter if the map of it was carved in her memory. With him, it'd always get etched on her heart.

The ambiance, the nostalgia, the familiar taste burning through her mouth—it evoked everything tender within her.

But the man sitting before her. He gave it all a new definition. With him, the known was also new.

She didn't talk much. He filled up the empty silence. She just kept on looking at him. If he noticed her incessant staring, he didn't think much of it.

But she couldn't take her eyes off him.

She couldn't do that when they came out of the restaurant, and not when the dark cloud overhead grumbled and tiny drops happily tumbled down.

The parking was on the other side of the road and as they crossed it, they were half-drenched.

"Let's just hope the clouds only get as kind as this city can take it." Aahil took the driver's seat, running a hand through his hair.

"Sila, seatbelt—" But she took him by his shoulder, cupping his face and kissing him on the lips. The touch was fleeting, not at all heated but it still made his heart skip a beat.

"You really are the best." For me.

"Can say the same about you." When it comes to me.

He tucked her hair behind her ear. "Home?"

"Home." She proceeded to strap her seatbelt when he laughed lightly. "If the freaking police once again take us into custody, I'm afraid no one's coming to my rescue."

"And they will come for mine?"

Aahil looked as if she had asked the obvious. It was Sila's turn to laugh. "Don't worry, I'll let them know we are a package deal."

"Can't wait for Adan to hear that."

He started the car and Sila looked out of the window. Rain in Karachi had always meant unbearable hassle for the whole day but for the first time, she loved the downpour.

𝄞

Agha Murtaza Lashari looked out of the car window at Karachi's running roads, completely ignoring his grandson's disapproval.

"Will you stop shooting daggers at me?" He asked, at last tired of Mahad's unwavering glare.

"Don't think that making lame excuses to Uncle Faseeh and Aahil will work in the long run. One way or the other, eventually, you'll have to meet Sila."

Agha Murtaza Lashari grumbled. This guy would never let him live in peace. Why couldn't he be as accommodating as Armaghan? But then again, Armaghan had his fair share of reckless shenanigans during his teenage, so, being an obedient grandson in his late twenties was probably a good idea. Both of his grandsons were their own brand of riot, Agha Murtaza Lashari had figured that out long back.

"When that comes to be, I'll see to it."

Mahad was unconvinced. They had just met the Jahangirs. Being on amiable family terms, the fact that apart from Mahad, none of the Lasharis had attended Aahil's wedding didn't look good on them. Dada Jaan made an excuse of being unwell himself and Mehrab's foreign deal at that time. The Jahangirs bought it. But it wouldn't be able to come in handy all the time.

"I'm still certain that you should come clean to Ha—"

"Not this again, Mahad."

"Why not?"

Agha Murtaza refused to entertain this conversation as their car entered Parsi Colony. Mahad's eyes went toward the now familiar white bungalow. He could see a figure pacing the front patio in anticipation.

"You can call me foolish and whatnot but I will never compromise on her safety and her innocence. She's safe as long as she's oblivious, Mahad. Knowing is a burden, son. Curiosity is a curse. And when both of these things involve people like Sherzais, it's akin to calling out to your own destruction. Even their shadow is harmful to Haleh and as long as I'm alive, I intend to keep her away."

With that, he opened the door and went outside the car. Mahad leaned into the seat, obscuring himself. She had already seen Dada Jaan and her unbridled joy put a smile on his face.

He still didn't agree with his Dada's handling of this matter but one thing where he could agree with his old man—her safety and innocence weren't the things to compromise on.

𝄞

Munching on the last morsel of her dinner, Unaiza's eyes swept across the dining table. The whole family was present, exactly what she wanted. She cleared her throat.

"I wanted to talk to some of you about some things."

All eyes went to her. Her mother silently asked her what was she up to but she gave her a reassuring smile.

"Go on, Beta." Amjad Taya, Farman's father encouraged her, in his trademark affectionate way, while Ayesha Auntie, his wife, squirmed in her seat uncomfortably. Unaiza couldn't help her small chuckle.

"I was under the impression that since we all live together and are more or less a family,"

She paused, gauging the reactions. Her grandmother could already sense something was wrong. Good.

"We know each other well enough but I guess that's not the case."

"What are you on about, Unaiza?" Farman asked, confused. Unaiza looked at Mehreen, who sat right next to him.

"I'm an independent woman, Mehreen. I'm a lecturer at a college and work part-time as a freelancer. I really don't owe you any explanation of my finances but I think it's necessary. I'm not dependent on my parents for that matter and not at all on any other person in this family."

"Unaiza," Ayesha tried to interrupt but Unaiza stopped her. "No, Ayesha Auntie. It's important to clear Mehreen's doubts."

She again turned to Mehreen. "So, when I'm dependent on not even my parents for my expenses and stuff, how will I'll ever be dependent on your husband? He's not my brother, but a cousin. I value him no less but even if he were my brother, I won't ever burden him with my responsibility. I hope that clears your concerns."

She was now talking to no one in particular but everyone was attentive toward her. "It's my decision that I don't want to remarry. I don't find myself ready for such a commitment. But rest assured, my decision will not harm any of you. So, please, don't worry over things that do not concern you at all, and Ayesha Auntie,"

She once again looked at Ayesha. "I don't know if it slipped your mind or whatever but I hope that you remember that both Arooba and Urwa are in committed relationships."

Mehreen looked shocked by the revelation. Unaiza smiled at her, with no warmth behind it. "Do you know Ahad? Arooba's class fellow? Who often visits sometimes? He's her fiance. They'll get married right after their university graduation. And Urwa is engaged to Hamza, Uncle Zafar's son. Both these developments took place after what happened to me so, no, my fate didn't have much of a shadow cast on my sisters' happiness. I hope that helps everyone's concerns."

Saying that, she got up but her eyes had only her grandmother in focus. "You know what, Dado?"

The older woman didn't meet her eye, but Unaiza continued. "Reen was always right. It's better to take a step back when the sweetness of the relations hasn't been infused with bitterness. But none of us took her seriously."

She left after that. Putting a strong front wasn't easy. She needed her mother's warmth to shed some tears. Something for which she'd always need her parents but she didn't expect the likes of Ayesha Auntie and Mehreen to understand that.

𝄞

"It's fucking hilarious if I'm being honest."

Sila placed another bundle of clothes in the suitcase. "What's so hilarious about it?"

Aahil laughed taking his shirt out of the closet. "Me? On a business trip? My father and brother are smoking something."

"Or maybe, they can see your improvement?"

"I'll ask them to let me see it too."

Sila hit his bicep, not pleased by how he was going on about this whole thing. He had been informed today that he was accompanying Faran Bhai to Lahore. Jahan was soon going to introduce a new hotel outside Islamabad, and they were all busy with the preparations for its launch. Faseeh's schedule was packed, hence on his behest, Aahil was to go with Faran to their Lahore HQ.

Once the packing was over, he zipped up the suitcase and rolled to the side, taking her along. His one arm was under his head and the other came around her.

"You sure the stay is for three days?" Sila rested her head on the same bicep she had just smacked, drawing circles on it.

"Why? Are you gonna miss me or something?"

"Just three days, Richie Rich. Don't get ahead of yourself."

"But your face tells me they'll going to feel like three months to you."

"Dream on."

"That I do. All about you."

Sila couldn't help a smile at that. "Whatever. Three days will be over," She snapped her fingers. "Just like that. Don't be deluded that I'll spend those standing in the doorway, wasting away, longing for my piya."

"Damn, there days without kissing you. Literal hell. Give me one good reason not to get rid of the Jahangir stamp."

"Your trust fund?"

He gave it a thought. "Hmm. Good. Can't sabotage our retired couple's vacay. So, I'll have to go, touche."

"It's either the kisses or the monies. Here I thought I hold some importance."

"You don't. I'm here just for this." He dipped his head, kissing her. Sila giggled through it.

"Three days?" He asked between the frantic union of their lips.

"72 hours." Her breathing hitched.

He didn't stop with his ministrations. "4320 minutes, if I'm not wrong." He kissed a path down her neck.

Both stopped, he raised his head, looking right into her eyes.

"Whatever, it's not like I'm going to miss you much."

"We will both be busy with our respective work. Who will even have time to miss the other."

"Damn straight."

Then why the thought of the coming three days was already unsettling both of them?

𝄞

Wednesday

The Rich Husband: Just freshened up. I need a nap but Faran Bhai says we have to leave for the meeting in fifteen minutes. Is it just me, or my brother isn't as amazing as I used to think he is???

Me: You ranted about the same on our call. Get. Some. Work. Done. They don't pay you for your face.

The Rich Husband: They should.

Me: That's it. I'm calling Faran Bhai!

The Rich Husband: Why don't you call Baba as well? Bloody class prefect.

Me: Go!

The Rich Husband: 🤷

𝄞

Wednesday

Voice Call

54:30

𝄞

Thursday

Me: This meeting is a snoozefest.

Me: Istg the uncle in front of me fell asleep right before my eyes.

Me: If I do this I'll be the bad guy.

Me: There's no harm in trying, tbh.

Me: Why aren't you replying?

Me: That busy?

Me: So am I. But I'm texting you.

Me: Mrs?

Me: Wife?

(My) Wife: Wow, look at these texts. You really are missing me, hun?

Me: #KuchBhi? 🧐

𝄞

Thursday

The Rich Husband: Just got to my room. About to call it a night. Seems like you're asleep. Good night, wife.

Me: Did you eat?

The Rich Husband: Yeah.

Me: Okay then. Good night, husband.

It was certainly not a good night, as both couldn't sleep for a big chunk of it but no! They weren't missing each other. Not a chance.

𝄞

Friday

A mad hectic day for him, the reason his calls and texts to a certain contact were not as frequent as he'd like them to be.

He was pissed.

She was cranky.

But they, in no way, were missing each other.

𝄞

Friday

The Rich Husband: Get me out of here we have another meeting

Me: You're on your own kid, Taylor Swift, Midnights.

The Rich Husband: You're of no help.

Me: You're there to work.

The Rich Husband: That's what I did the whole day yesterday and the day before that

Me: When is your flight?

The Rich Husband: Missing me?

Me: You wish. I'm going to Wadia House so have to plan accordingly.

The Rich Husband: Faran Bhai said something about extending the trip

.

.

.

.

Me: Oh. no worries. Do let me know the new plan.

It was indeed a worry. If it weren't, she wouldn't have lost all the excitement to spend some time at Wadia House.

𝄞

She had just gotten to the parking lot of her building. The day at work was hectic but her own mood was all over the place so she couldn't put the blame on the 9-5. She slung her purse over her shoulder. The rain showers had given the otherwise stifling atmosphere a refreshing feel but she was immune to its charm. A scowl set on her face, She walked toward the elevator when she stopped short on her way there.

Dressed in his work attire, coat on his arm, tie askew, a Cheshire cat grin on his face. Sila pursed her lips, trying to not give her away because, at that moment, she could bounce on her feet.

"Delayed flight, hun?"

He covered the remaining distance between them. "Totally worth it."

"Aren't you a stinky liar?"

"Aren't you beautiful?"

A small laugh escaped Sila's lips. Suddenly, the breeze was feather-like on her face, the chatter around was a sign of life and the horizon punctuated by the sea had never looked this beautiful in the distance.

"Let's go home."

He placed his hand on the small of her back and she followed suit. Once inside, alone, she shifted in his hold, facing him.

"Confession time." She said, playing with his tie.

"I also have one to make."

"I'll go first."

"Mine is literally eating me alive from within"

"I said it first."

"I crossed miles to say it."

.

.

.

"I fucking missed you."

"I really missed you."

Simultaneously, the same intensity. They stopped, letting the weight of their words linger.

Turned out, it was as light as a cloud. As easy as breathing.

She wanted to pull him right into her, his tie was still in her hand but the security camera in the elevator stopped them.

No such restriction was there in their apartment. So, that's what she did as soon as they were through the door, she pulled at his tie, and he was more than happy to oblige.

Sweet homecoming.

Several kisses, nips, and pecks later, they fell back into their normal. Chinese takeout, important and unimportant details of their days apart, his hilarious anecdotes, her boundless joy.

It was after midnight. Sila stood on the balcony, looking at the city lights and dark sea.

Serenity, inside her, serenity surrounded her. Smiling to herself, she left the railing and slid the glass door close behind her. Getting inside the covers, she snuggled close to him. Even in his sleep, he wound his arm around her, his fingers resting on hers, on her ring, and staying there.

She kissed his collarbone as she closed her eyes.

One of the neighbors shuffled their Taylor Swift playlist.

Uh oh, I'm falling in love

Oh no, I'm falling in love

I thought the plane was going down

How'd you turn it right around

𝄞