Right on time, Sila, along with her team, was at the airport. She sat in the waiting area. Their flight to Islamabad was to depart in thirty minutes. She was busy on her phone, a scowl set on her face.

His flight was early in the morning and by now, he should have left Islamabad for Bhurban but till now, there had been no calls from him. Not even a text, to tell her he had reached safely. She tried ringing Faran but he also didn't pick up. She had to wait then, there was no other choice. She would meet him in about five hours. That was a long duration.

"Sila, why do you look tensed?"

Elisha, her co-worker sat next to her and asked worriedly. Sila gave her a tight-lipped smile, trying her best to not show her frustration. "I'm good."

"If you say so. Some people have flight fright. I thought you were one of those. Your expressions kind of gave me that idea. But it's good if you are not afraid of airplanes. Wonderful actually."

Was Elisha blabbering or it seemed that way to her? Sila's confusion must've shown on her face because Elisha laughed secretly and left to join their other teammates on the opposite end of the waiting area.

"What the hell was that?" She muttered to herself. Elisha flashed her a grin from her seat. Not just her, every person from her office looked in a good mood, as if they were on to something. Yes, they were going to cover a high-profile event but the prospect of work never made them giddy like this before.

Everything was bizarre today. It also didn't help that she was in a bad mood all thanks to one Aahil Jahangir.

"Tea for the lady. It seems like you're in need of it."

Sila nodded. "Yes! I can really use—" She stopped abruptly, pivoted on her seat, and came face to face with a smug Aahil.

"Hello. Here." He handed her the paper cup. The rich aroma of tea wafted around but Sila was too occupied in coming to terms with the turn of events to enjoy one of her favorite aromas.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She looked around. "You're supposed to be in Islamabad right now."

"If we go by the schedule, I'm supposed to be in Bhurban right now."

"Then why you are not?"

He took a sip from his cup. "I told you I wanted you to go with me. You said no so it's the other way around now. And no," He could see her next argument on the tip of her tongue. "We are not breaking any official decorum. Elma knows I'm here and she's okay with that. In fact, your whole team is. I'm not an outsider, anyway."

Sila could now see why her coworkers were acting strange this morning.

"Did you guys play along against me?" She asked, facing them in her seat. Damn them if they looked even a bit ashamed.

"He treated us with lunch. What did you expect us to do?" Elisha said.

"Lunch? When?" Sila was clueless.

"Two days back. You wouldn't know because you were with Mr. Ansari and Elma in her office. You had your lunch with them."

"That was one delicious meal. Thanks, man." Omran, another one spoke. Aahil raised his hand at him, in a trademark man gesture of acknowledgment.

"See, no one has any problem," Aahil whispered. Sila's scowl had eased considerably. What remained was amusement laced with exasperation. "What do I do with you, Aahil Jahangir."

"Take a selfie? Because my Insta is dry as hell and I need a post that will boost the engagement. Come here."

Sila could only shake her head but she did lean closer to him to pose for the picture.

"So, we are flying to Islamabad together. We are ready to board our plane. We've had our tea. The selfie came out to be perfect. This trip couldn't have begun on such a good note."

Sila wanted to stay mad at him but how could she? When he was so pumped for this trip? And she was no less excited.

"But there's still one problem."

"What?" Aahil asked as they stood up for boarding. Sila waved her boarding pass in his face. "This. We are traveling economy and something tells me you've never done that before."

He shrugged as if it didn't make much difference. "So what?"

Her eyes widened. "It really is your first time out of business or first class?"

Aahil glared at her. "You're again being a spoilsport."

"Now, I can't do that. You're ditching your best seats to sit with me. If that's not couple goals."

"Still a spoilsport."

"You were dying to travel with me. You don't get to complain."

He just huffed in response. Sila's laughter echoed in the premises and even though Aahil wanted to stay mad, he couldn't.

"Let's just hope the ritual doesn't repeat itself and we don't run into Mrs. Junaid."

"I hope we do. Can't wait to flex the real thing to her." He said, already bummed that he wouldn't get the chance. Her response was just a shake of her head.

As they boarded their flight, both of them could tell, that these three days were going to be one of the fondest memories of their marriage.

𝄞

Two hours later, they exited the Islamabad International Airport. The cars sent by Jahan were already waiting for them.

Sila couldn't even recall the last time she traveled on these roads. She just had nostalgia knocking at the doors of her mind, unleashing tender memories, those that were secure in a far recess of her subconscious.

Aahil was sitting next to her and more than anything, his attention was attuned to her every move. Her connection to this city wasn't hidden from him. Sila held his hand, reassuring him that she was fine. That was the truth. She was happy, content, and stable in her life. Her parents would be proud to see her thriving.

On their way out of Islamabad, the roads got narrower, and the temperature dropped. The grassy hills caressed the horizon, the deep trenches on both sides of the road, the elevation, the chir pine trees lining the sidelines.

When the car entered Murree's boundary, the chill hillside wind welcomed them with open arms. The hill station hadn't changed much. Sila could still name every place they passed by. But their destination was a town ahead of the main city, small and quaint.

Jahan Bhurban Hotel came into their view from a fair distance. The ivory building was a stark contrast to the greenery around. It was almost evening when they reached there, the orange hue of the sky had covered the scenery into a painting. The cars went through the security check without any hassle as they were the hotel's cargo. Their luggage was rushed inside by the ground staff.

"That's it." Sila pointed toward her team. "I'll see you at dinner, hun?"

Aahil didn't look pleased. By the rule, she'd stay with her team in the rooms assigned to them. He tried to have his way, so she'd be with him in his suite but knowing her, he had already tweaked with the boundaries. She wouldn't let anything else slide.

"I have to join Baba and Faran Bhai so I'll be there as soon I freshen up." He settled her scarf around her neck. She'd donned it the moment they entered the premises, owing to the cold.

"Back to work?" Sila asked.

"What other option do I have?" Aahil mumbled, making her chuckle. As she tried to move away, he grabbed her by her arm. "You can always sneak around to have your bubble bath. We can't have you lose on your relaxing ritual."

"As if I won't have a bathroom in my room."

"One of these days, I'm going to christen you spoilsport and I'm not even kidding."

She could just laugh in response. She would definitely take up his offer. Bubble baths were a must and those in her husband's suite would be far better than anything else but he didn't need to know that right now.

Following the rest of EFvent's crew to their floor, Sila stood outside her room and opened the door with her card. The inside was trademark Jahan, providing all the amenities. Her luggage was already there. She quickly freshened up to start with her work.

The rest of the day went by in a haze. She came back to her room after an extensive discussion with Elma and her team. She was practically exhausted and the event hadn't even commenced yet. She sat down on the bed and checked her phone, something she didn't have the time to do all day. A notification from Instagram had her eyes widened.

Aahilkaamkar tagged you in a post.

As she opened it, her lips broke into a grin. There were two photos, taken in the airport waiting area and inside the plane.

"Hard launch and very fitting flex."

Smug bastard. Trust him to do that. Sila liked the photo and checked some comments.

She's Barbie you're just Ken.

aahilkaamkar 💯

Drop the skincare routine, sir.

aahilkaamkar Get married. Works wonders

I've never seen a couple this happy sitting in economy

aahilkaamkar Thank you. Stay mad

My verdict remains the same, Mahad is more handsome

aahilkaamkar Congratulations, you just earned yourself a block

Thank you for reminding me of my single ass on this bright sunny day

aahilkaamkar Always up for social work

Bhai kar le kaam

aahilkaamkar pehle aap

Tell Sila she's looking gorgeous

aahilkaamkar that's her regular

aahilkaamkar but I will :)

And she was no longer exhausted. Talk about the stress relief of a husband. She dialed his number.

"I thought you were busy with work."

"Multitasking, Sila. It's not like I have to actively engage in the discussion."

She dropped her head on the pillow, playing with the end of her hair. "My day was packed. I don't think I have the stamina to leave this bed till morning."

"Rain check on the bubble bath?" He sounded disappointed.

"Is bubble bath a new code word?"

His voice was laced with amusement. "I don't need to talk in riddles to say I want you close."

Damn him and his ways.

He continued. "So, if you're too tired to leave your room, it means I should make the tour."

Sila sat up straight on her bed. If he came here, resting would be the last thing on her mind. She had an even packed day tomorrow. They were here for work, for crying out loud.

"Don't come here!"

"Why?"

"Because...because... you're distracting! Yeah!"

He laughed at that, thoroughly enjoying her fluster. "Now who's using code words to say she finds me irresistible?"

"I never said that!"

"You don't have to. I see the way you look at me."

She seethed. "And how do I look at you?"

"I won't say that on the phone."

"Since when do you care for modesty?"

"That's not me being modest. I just don't want to miss out on your face when you're trying too hard to control your risque thoughts about me."

"Cocky much?"

"Just well-tuned with your body and mind."

"That's too much talk for a couple who haven't crossed all the lines yet."

Here, take that.

But his voice retained its cool and amused cadence as if he enjoyed her rebuttal. "Don't sound too eager. We're gradually moving toward that. You can say it's an extended foreplay."

"Eager? Me? Everyone and their mother knows who's DYING for us to get there."

"Whoever it is, should wait it out."

WHY? The question threatened to slip but she controlled the urge. She was sure she could tolerate his smugness to a certain degree and if she slipped, he'd never let her live it down.

"Because as we decided, nothing will happen unless you initiate it."

SAY THAT AGAIN! Another yell lodged in her throat. She swallowed the disappointment and tried for her voice to be as normal as it could be. "Keep on dreaming."

"Okay then. Keep on denying. Guess we both will stay celibate well into our forties."

"Talk for yourself. I have no plan of dying as a Victorian dame."

"Good to know. You just have to say the word and both of us will get what we want."

"All I want right now is a peaceful sleep. Good night, Aahil.'

"Don't sound too sure. Sleep is not going to be kind, seeing I'm not next to you."

Sila shook her head. "Your self-adulation is nauseating at this point. I will sleep well. Thank you very much.

"You're on." His challenging tone was the last thing she heard before she cut the call.

He was one infuriating son of a gun. How was it possible that before this call, she was totally enamored by his charm, but now she wanted to murder him?

Egoistic prick! Withholding sex with that kind of self-confidence. Who even wanted to get on with him anyway? He should fondle his big fat ego and call it the most mind-blowing experience of his life.

She angrily wrestled with her pillow and lay down to get the needed sleep.

One hour passed.

Two.

Three.

Tossing and turning had made her sides ache. She finally sat up on the bed, on the verge of losing every bit of her sanity. Her phone pinged with a WhatsApp text at the same time. She opened it to find a picture he had sent her.

The view from the balcony of his room.

He hadn't been able to sleep as well.

The frustration left her. God, they were both hopeless. She typed her response.

"There's a reason I was ready to launch my criminal career whenever you came into the picture."

His reply was immediate.

"Yeah. I miss you two."

Sila leaned against the headboard. Missing each other when they were in the same hotel. Hopeless indeed.

𝄞

The next morning dawned with a hectic to-do list already waiting for them. Sila woke up from the meager amount of sleep she could get. She tried to wash away the remnants of a restless night but even with all her efforts, it showed. She could just hope it wouldn't affect her work efficiency.

The breakfast was a quick affair. Sila didn't see him anywhere around. Good thing, She told herself. All he'd do was distract her as it was his forte. But still, she couldn't help turning in the direction of the entrance.

She was in the main lobby with her team, poring over their tasks for the day when the familiar scent of his cologne hit her. The next thing she felt was a hand on the small of her back.

"Good afternoon." He leaned against the table. Dressed casually in a grey crew neck, dark blue overshirt, with an olive green pair of chinos and suede boots. But all that couldn't hide the signs of exhaustion eerily similar to hers.

"Bad night?" He asked, trying his best to hide his smile. Sila sent her dirtiest look his way but chose to stay silent.

"Silent treatment at the big age of twenty-seven? Seriously, Sila?"

"I'm not giving you silent treatment. I'm just trying to conserve my energy,"

His eyes shone with mischief. "For our big night?"

Throwing the vase nearby on his head was too tempting. "This is what I'm getting at. You suck out all my energy by arguing with me. You're such a dementor!"

She ran a hand through her hair to compose herself. "And since I'm here for work, I can't let that happen. So, till the event, I'm keeping my distance from you."

"You've got to be kidding me." He muttered, standing straight. Suddenly, his playfulness had been replaced by frustration. Sila could sense the victory. She had ruffled the feathers, after all.

"I'm dead serious and you know I'm a monster when I set my mind on something."

"But, Sila━"

"You can't Sila me. I have work to do. See you after the event."

With that, she made her perfect exit, hair colliding with his front, a bounce in her gait. She heard him swearing under his breath.

Aww, he was bothered and pissed? Good for him. She smiled to herself.

𝄞

The satisfaction of finally being able to concentrate on her work lingered for a while. She immersed herself in her task list so much that no other thought could seem to assimilate itself in the iron wall of her determination.

But as the hours rolled and the event loomed over them, unease settled beneath her skin. He hadn't tried to contact her after their conversation in the morning. That should've given her the smug delight she was looking forward to but it never came. The inaugural had commenced in the morning. Mauve's team had worked their magic and now it was the time for EFvent to do the same. Sila had no second thoughts about it. They had their homework done and had given their all. It was the time for their efforts to come to fruition.

The rest of the Jahangir had arrived in the evening. Sila had met her in-laws but to her disappointment, he wasn't there. Not just her, his day was also packed with back-to-back tasks he had to perform along with his father and brother.

Now that she had given it a thought with a somewhat clear head, she realized, albeit begrudgingly, that he wasn't free-mongering here. He might not be panicking with the onslaught of his work but that didn't mean he was here just to lounge in his suite. He had always found a way to make work interesting, finding diversions to keep him entertained. When they got here yesterday, he hadn't tried to disturb her at all during her time with her team. He wasn't going to do that today as well.

Did she overreact? Or she took her revenge for something entirely different.

She gasped as she got ready for the evening. Her reflection in the mirror was flushed with the realization.

Really Sila? Were you that pissed just because...

.

.

.

He hinted there would be no hanky-panky unless you initiated it.

Horrifying turn of events. A shriek left her mouth. Her frustration had very little to do with his demand that she take the first move and a whole lot to do with the fact that...this way there would be no sex on the plate. Not without their usual back and forth and that could take some time.

Congratulations. You threw a fit because you wanted him so bad. Never again accuse him of having a one-track mind.

Noted. She made a mental note and moved to leave. She was on her way to the door when her phone lit up with a call.

His call.

The speed with which she picked it up was embarrassing but she'd dwell on that later. "Ye—"

"I won't take long. My blue blazer is with your clothes. Send that to me through someone from the hotel staff."

"How can it be in my luggage? I packed everything carefully."

He sounded bitter. "I don't know. Maybe the fact that we live together, share a room, and a closet has something to do with it. Don't forget we are somewhat married. That counts too but what do I know."

Damn, son, he was beyond pissed. Sila didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Okay. I'll send it in a while."

He didn't wait for more and cut the call. Sila immediately went to her suitcase and a cursory inspection proved that he was right. The blazer was with her stuff. Now she just had to give it over to a staff member.

Or she could use this chance to make things better?

She didn't think more. Picking up her clutch where the extra key card to his suite was secured, she made her way out of her room.

𝄞

Sneaking in his suite was the easy part. Once she went inside, the scale of the accommodation made her take an appreciative look around. But her appraisal of the luxurious room had to be put on a halt. She had more serious matters to take care of.

He was yet to make an appearance, in the bathroom, most probably. Sila dropped the blazer on the cushioned chair and ventured further into the space.

What immediately got her attention was the balcony. At this time of evening, when the night was peaking through the horizon, the view of the valley beyond was enchanting. As if a thousand fireflies were scattered around the hills.

Sila didn't know when she moved closer, to the railing. The spell was broken only when she felt a shiver down her spine due to the cold.

Sighing, she was about to turn back when she felt him behind her. Silently, he draped his blazer around her shoulders. Sila smiled, facing him fully, only to be surprised to see him ready to host a banquet.

"If you weren't going to wear it why did say you need the blazer right away?" She asked with a frown.

"If you could've sent it to me through the staff why did you make the tour yourself?" He retorted, unfazed.

One beat passed. Two. Three.

The air around became laden with something captivating. Their eyes bore into each other. Her sharp intake of breath. His muffled groan.

His arms came around her waist and she raised on her feet to match the height advantage he had. Before they knew it, the all too familiar touch had them under its hold. Lips fighting a battle both were determined to win but more than ready to lose as well, him gently guiding her to the wall, so that her back leaned against it, in a more comfortable position. The blazer lay discarded on the floor.

With every passing second, the intensity grew, and so did the ministrations of his lips and hands. Something incoherent left her lips, which had him grinning against her mouth.

"What?" She breathed, pushing her hands on his chest.

"Not so silent treatment now, hm?"

Sila pushed him away. "Thank you for behaving and not ruining my dress."

"No hickey as well." He made a point to let her know.

"Yeah, that too."

He pulled her in his arms, tucking her hair hair behind her ear. "See, I can be a gentleman."

"Far from it."

His thumb caressed her lower lip. "I see, you're still angry."

"No. I'm over it, to be honest."

He raised an eyebrow. "Jhooti. But go on, keep telling yourself that. I'm a patient man. I can wait."

He stepped back. Her glare deepened his smug smile some more. But when he extended his hand, she held it, without any hesitation.

It was time to venture into the world outside, which had completely faded from their minds in the last half an hour.

𝄞

On a scale of 0-10 hectic, last night was a 10 and on the same scale of fun, it was a 100. That was Sila's final assessment of her first major event with EFvent. From preparing for it in the meeting rooms to actually putting those long hours of discussions to work, the experience couldn't have been better.

The inaugural had been a major success. Not only the attendees and staff but the media was also raving about it. Yesterday's events had gotten a lot of coverage, but that was nothing novel for any of Jahan's ventures.

Sila had to juggle between two roles, she was on the event's team but she was part of the Jahangir family as well. But her husband wasn't the only multitasker here. She aced both her job and her family commitments and enjoyed every bit of it.

The celebrations went on well into the night. When she hit the bed in the wee hours of the morning, she was out as light in mere seconds.

She slept in, as her task sheet was empty for what seemed like weeks. Her team was to fly back to Karachi but she had no such inclination. Now that the job was done, she was free to do as she pleased.

"Why do you always sleep like you have sorted your future generations for good."

She stirred but only shifted to the other side, away from the source of the voice and the bright light the room bathed in.

"I know you were the star last night but we have places to be, things to do, and breakfast to eat. Wake up!"

She grumbled, finally squinting at his tall build. He stood before the window, drawing the curtains to the side.

"What time it is?"

"For you to get out of the bed right this instant."

She dismissed him. "Let me sleep. You should also do that."

He came to the bed and sat down close to her. "Tempting offer but I'm in no mood of tardiness today. Didn't wake up, shower, and get ready in this chilly weather just to get back inside the covers."

"Don't say I didn't offer."

She was about to go back to the dreamland when the duvet was pulled off her. She sat up straight on the bed, scowling at him. "What the hell is your problem?"

"I've got a list. Your sleeping problem is at the top of the list. Us getting late to visit Ammi and Abu is second and you refused my suite to stay here is the third."

She left her bed and stood close, her arms on her side, ready to lash out at him. "Do I look like I care for the third?"

"You had trouble sleeping your first night here."

"Many people find it difficult to relax in unknown places. It's no rocket science. Besides, I wasn't the one to declare that I missed you. It was the other way round."

Aahil had taken out her clothes by then. "It was mutual. You can deny it all you want. By the way, can't you tell Elma to give you a week more? I want to explore the city now that the inaugural is behind us."

Sila snatched her clothes from his hands. "If I remember correctly Murree wasn't your pick for the honeymoon."

"When did I say anything about the honeymoon?" His suggestive smile made her blood boil. "Whatever. We need to leave tomorrow. Don't forget the party at home."

The inaugural might have concluded here but the huge party for Jahangirs' friends and acquaintances in Karachi was a must. They couldn't skip it and it wasn't like they wanted to.

Sila got ready with 1% of her husband's vigor. Both Naheed and Ikram were there at the event last night as per the invitation. Sila had already met her Aunt and Uncle so by rule she shouldn't have been feeling uncertain to visit them at her ancestral home but she couldn't brush the unease. It had been a long time since she last visited. Muaz wasn't home, his posting was in a remote area these days. That was also a bummer. His easygoing energy and Ammi's affection always worked like a buffer to move the frigid rock that was her and Abu's relation.

The car moved on the clear Murree roads. Aahil kept her occupied with his questions, assuming that she'd know the area better as she had been here a lot. But she lacked the enthusiasm and her knowledge was outdated. That made him frown but he kept his opinion to himself.

But thankfully she knew the way to her grandfather's house. The driver stopped the car outside a well-kept property. The cottage aesthetic of the house drew it apart from the other residential settlements around. The stone steps lead up to an open space, lined by potted plants and barricaded by an iron railing. On one side, there was a lamp-post under which a bench was placed. The area was ideal for holding bonfires and barbeque parties, but knowing Abu and his disdain for fun, Aahil couldn't believe it had lived up to that potential.

There was another set of steps that led to the red-bricked main house with a gabled roof. Aahil followed after Sila as she covered the front porch. At the same time, the door opened, and a beaming Naheed appeared there.

"My kids are here, finally!" She exclaimed, embracing Sila in a bear hug. For the first time since they left the hotel, Sila's lips broke into a smile that reached her eyes.

"Boy, do you know Halwa Puri is eaten as breakfast? It's way past lunch." She ruffled Aahil's hair as he bent down to hug her. He raised his hands. "I'm not the culprit here. Ask your beloved Bacha why she was sleeping selling her horses off."

Sila didn't look perturbed by his snitching, smug actually. Naheed laughed at his complaint. "That's a family thing. Sila, Muaz, Their Abu, all three of them are heavy sleepers. Nouraiz was the same and so was my father-in-law.

"Let me guess if it's a day off, it gets even worse?"

Naheed nodded. "You just know it. Sila still gets up when asked to. Muaz is the worst. I don't know how that guy is faring in the military. Something things are better left unresolved."

"He's the most diligent officer. Don't forget his stellar record in the PMA. Cut my brother some slack, Ammi." Sila immediately came to Muaz's rescue.

The inside of the house was cozy as Aahil had expected. It wasn't just about a warm place to live in a hill station. There was something else about the air around here, sweet as honey, warm as hot chocolate with extra marshmallow topping.

The main hallway led to a spacious lounge and dining area. To one side, there was the wooden staircase leading to the upper portion. A man came rushing from the kitchen with a huge smile on his face.

"Oh, my days!"

Sila laughed at his theatrical approach. "How are you Billu?"

"I'm good! It's been so long that I forgot how you look. You were this," He gesticulated with his hands with such conviction, that he might as well be talking about a baby rabbit. "Small. And here you are, all grown up and married."

"You really haven't changed much, Billu! I was well into my twenties when I last visited. What are you on?"

But her protest meant nothing now. Aahil's laughter meant the damage was done.

"Those few occasions don't count. You came and went like the wind. I'm talking about those days when you'd stay for the whole summer."

The good old childhood. Ah, Billu. The ever softie. Sila looked at Aahil and pointed at him. "This is Billu. He's one of those people you can't imagine this house without. And Billu," She held Aahil's arm. "This is Aahil Jahangir. My husband."

Aahil being Aahil had no problem getting familiarized with Billu that too in such a short span. They sat in the lounge, and the talks flew. Ammi and Aahil's rapport came in full swing just now. It was as if they had known each other for years even though it had been just months. Their being connected through WhatsApp had really made them best pals. Not that Sila had any problem with that.

But even though her unease had subsided to a great extent, she still couldn't stifle it completely. Her eyes darted around. Naheed followed her vision and sighed.

"I don't know what took over the old man. Contrary to his routine that starts at sharp 10, he woke up at 6 and had been sorting the storeroom ever since. I should go and check on him. He should also know the kids are here"

As if he doesn't know that already. Sila thought bitterly but kept quiet. Instead, she focused on Aahil and Billu's very enlightening conversation.

But the muffled voices coming from the storeroom confused her. Aahil also looked in that direction, then his gaze settled on her.

Sila slowly rose from her seat, ignoring Billu's attempts at stopping her. She crossed the lounge and reached the last room in the hallway. The door to the storeroom was wide open and she could see Abu and Ammi arguing about something. Well, it was Ammi mostly. Abu had resorted to seething in silence.

But that lost her interest the moment she saw the clutter on the floor.

Very familiar clutter.

A cricket helmet, some school performance shields, torn photographs, Wasim, Waqar, Imran, and Miandad's posters, Nazia and Zohaib Hassan's cassettes, an unfinished caricature drawing, and some letters.

Her father's childhood and teenage memories. Those were supposed to be in his old room upstairs. Just like her grandparents' were preserved in their room right behind her. Instead, they were thrown here, as discarded goods. Litter.

Pain, anger, and hurt. It all clung to her throat and made it painful for her to even breathe.

"Sila..." Naheed took a step forward but Sila's eyes were trained on the man who stood stubbornly, not an ounce of regret on his face.

This is why she didn't want to come here. It was a bad idea. Always a bad idea.

She didn't care for anything else. She just had to get the hell out of there. She marched out of the house, the voices behind her a mere echo.

She was near the bench when she felt a hold on her arm. The familiar touch made her want to bawl right there.

"Hey." Aahil steadied her. She sniffled but didn't cry. Pat on the back.

"Can we please leave?"

He nodded. "We are leaving."

That was enough for her. She glanced back at the house that was once her definition of happiness and love. Where otherworldly things were possible. If fairies were real, they must resided there. If the Hogwarts Express was legit, the house must be a stop on its way, if there was a cupboard to Narnia, that must be her grandfather's old almirah.

Childhood was no longer there. The magic had also left. Parents and their love, that too. She was as bereft as ever. Naheed's teary apologetic face came into Sila's view. She didn't have the energy to let Ammi know that she would be fine.

She just wanted to leave and never come back here.

𝄞

The whole ride back to the hotel, Sila remained subdued and silent. If she didn't have his hand in hers, he would've thought she was shutting out him as well.

It was a bad idea. He should've tried to prod her more on the prospect of visiting her extended family. Maybe, that way this could've been prevented. But he had never known her equation with her Abu was this strain. It always looked like being a former military man, Ikram Ayaz struggled with showing affection and had a set of strict life rules and Sila didn't appreciate that. But there was more to it than what met the eye as he had just seen a while back.

He wanted to curse out loud when as soon as he crossed the parking, he got Faran's message to meet him in the conference hall. He didn't want to leave Sila alone right now.

But she insisted that he go and would've none of it. He had to oblige. No matter if he just wanted to call Faran and ask him to leave him alone for now.

An hour later, he left the conference room and went straight to the reception. His mind was set.

"She's already had her luggage moved to your suite, Sir." The receptionist told him when he instructed her to transfer Sila's stuff to his room.

Good!

A sigh of relief left his mouth. Finally, his wife had seen light. Without waiting any more, he went toward the elevator to reach his floor.

When he entered his room, she was standing in the middle, rubbing her hair with the towel. By the looks of it, she'd just gotten done with her bubble bath.

Normally, he'd give her hell for this. He had won the argument. But he did nothing of that short.

He just slightly raised his arms, urging her to come to him. And she needed no further prompting. Taking small but sure steps, she came closer and lost herself in his embrace.

As Aahil caressed her hair, kissed the top of her head, and whispered gentle words of reassurance to her, Sila closed her eyes.

Suddenly, the world didn't look that bleak.

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"In all my years of knowing both of them, Baba and Abu never got along."

She made invisible circles on his chest, where her head was also resting. "They had issues. I don't know if it was something that happened in their childhood. They just couldn't see eye to eye. For the most part, they ignored each other. That was convenient, seeing Baba was in Karachi and Abu in Murree."

She looked up at him who pushed her hair out of her face. "Abu was Dada's favorite. He was a high achiever, held up the family's esteem, and got into the military, he also lived his life on the same rules as my grandfather. Baba was, sadly, the black sheep of the family. He didn't have the same regard for rules as his brother and father, lived his life on his own terms, and didn't show the aptitude for something as strenuous as service."

She went back to staring into nothingness. "That shouldn't make two people as wary of each other as Baba and Abu were. Baba never talked about him in front of me and Mama. If he did, it was a mere sneer or roll of his eyes. I never thought much of it but then...Baba got sick and everyone came to see him, everyone, Aahil. Even our old neighbors from Islamabad but Abu never show up. His brother was dying but he was busy nurturing his ego."

She wiped her tears. Aahil felt his heart was squeezed. The picture she was making was on top of the list of the things that unsettled him.

"He was there at the funeral. He came when everything was over. If he'd kept his differences aside, they would've talked. Baba wouldn't have gone with the baggage of a bitter relationship with his brother. Things would've been so different."

"Did you ever try to talk to him about it?"

She shook her head. "I wanted to but then I changed my mind. What was the point? Baba was gone. Nothing he said would've made any difference. And after today, I'm sure nothing has changed."

She grew silent after that. Aahil traced the path her tears had made on her cheek. "Your nose has turned red."

"It does whenever I cry, go out in the winter, or eat Bholay ke gol gappe from Saddar. His mirch-khattha ratio is flammable."

"I'd say cute but not going to lie, I hate it right now. Will have to try the other two methods to cancel out this one."

She chuckled at that. The first smile of that night graced her lips as she snuggled more into him and closed her eyes. In a matter of minutes, she was asleep but the same wasn't true for him.

He stayed awake, running his fingers through her hair.

Her pain had him more unnerved than he'd like to admit.

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The next day, they were ahead of schedule when they drove toward Islamabad airport. Their morning was eventless sans Naheed's call which Sila answered with the same affection she had for her Ammi. After that, they packed their stuff and left Bhurhan.

They were in the middle of the capital city, going toward the airport when Sila fiddled with her shirt as she faced him.

"What?" He asked, confused.

"Um...can we take a detour?"

He was yet to agree but she didn't wait for that. She instructed the driver who stopped at the exact location after some ten minutes.

The modest residential building greeted them in its monotony. Aahil realized, with a laden look her way, where they were.

"Come on."

She urged him, taking his hand in hers. Getting out of the elevator on the designated floor, Sila stopped outside a beige door and produced a key from her purse.

For any other person, the door would lead to a small apartment but for Aahil, it was a world on its own. This place had seen his wife's most precious life moments. This was the place she had kept for her happiness. For her best days.

She wouldn't expose this part of her life to just anyone.

"We took all the furniture with us to Karachi but I remember the alignment of each and everything. This," She pointed to the wall. "Is where my study table used to be. And Mama would keep an eye on me from there." Her fingers went toward a secured space on the other side. "It was our kitchen."

The house was just walls and floor but she could still find her home there, nestled in her memory. Aahil was yet to say a word. He had an idea he wouldn't be able to. She had left him speechless.

"Don't look too shocked. We were close by and I just wanted to come here...with you."

She didn't meet his eye but he held her chin and made her look at him. "Thank you. You have no idea how important this feels to me."

She grinned, more than happy to hear that. The knock at the door startled them, breaking the spell around.

"That must be Mrs. Asif. She's the neighbor I mentioned last night. She's going to be so happy to see me here. Let's hope she still bakes those brownies. The best I've ever had."

Sila left him to open the door but on her way, she turned around.

The pieces of her most precious memories scattered around, with him in the middle.

The picture never looked this complete.

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