Lounging on the couch, Alina craned her neck in the direction of the kitchen. She could hear the utensils and the delicious smell of popcorn also wafted around. She checked the time, and a hiss of impatience left her lips.

“Can you hurry up?!” She finally called out.

"In about a minute. Have some patience.” He said as if he had all the time in the world, and in a few seconds, he was out of the kitchen with the bowl of popcorn. “I heard you the first time and the second time as well.”

“It's not my fault that I can't contain my excitement.” She stated matter of factly as he took his seat beside her. Alina had already dug into the bowl. Osama could only chuckle at her eagerness.

“Now shhh. I don't want any distractions.” She warned with her finger raised. Osama had no choice but to oblige. 

Kolachi, Osama’s directorial piece, premiered on the OTT platform tonight. He was as happy about it as for any other work of his but his girlfriend’s enthusiasm was something else. The web series starred Shireen Khan and was directed by Osama Siddiqui, two of Alina’s most favorite people in the world. She had every reason to be excited. 

The opening theme began and the first shot was of Shireen herself. Seeing the starstruck look on Alina’s face, Osama couldn't help but chuckle. “You're still a diehard fan of hers.”

“Have you seen her?” She canted her eyes at him challengingly. 

Osama rested his hand behind her on the couch. “Better. I worked with her.” He smirked.

Alina shoved him away. “Show off.”

She went back to the episode but Osama's eyes stayed on her. Fifteen minutes passed and that was enough for Alina. She paused the screen and turned to him. “What?”

“What?” He repeated with a sly smile. 

Alina raised her hands exasperatedly. “I get it that you directed this.” She pointed to Shireen's still. “But it's the first time for some of us to watch it. Don't be such a killjoy.”

Saying that, she resumed the episode. Osama wasn't deterred. He rested his chin on his palm as he played with her hair with his other hand. 

“Remember I promised to introduce you to her?”

Alina looked at him. “You have already fulfilled that by bringing me her signed book. That's more than enough.”

He contemplated and then shook his head. “I don't think so.”

She had nothing to say to that, just a smile that widened on the current scene. “Gosh, look at the shot. A painting literally.”

Osama’s gaze didn't waver from her. “I know.”

Alina rolled her eyes and pushed the bowl of popcorn between them. “But I still think the shots in Monochrome in Manora were something else.”

Osama’s hand stopped. As he was momentarily frozen in time. Surprised, pleasantly so. “You watched that?”

Alina’s forefinger was on her chin, as if deep in thought. “Thrice, if I recall correctly. The first time I went alone, the second time with some people from work, and the third time with Mahad. He swore the ending didn't move him but I saw right through it. I, on the other hand, was in tears when the credits rolled in.”

Osama looked dazed. One beat passed. One more. And then, all he could do was laugh, as he looked down.

“What's the matter with you?” Alina tucked her hair behind her ear self-consciously. Did she say something wrong? 

He inched closer and freed the stray lock once again. It caressed Alina’s cheek softly, but the touch wasn't as gentle as Osama's. 

“The Tina Kakhwani bridal show at Beach Luxury. The breakthrough in your career.” 

The confusion left Alina in succession. She gulped, ready but still unprepared at the same time. 

Osama's hand stayed where it was. “I was there.”

Alina couldn't believe it. “You weren't. I remember it vividly. Mahad was out of the country so only Aahil made it.”

He seemed to enjoy her bewilderment. “Yes, but Aahil wasn't alone. I was there in the audience with him. I was also there when he went to meet you backstage, just that I didn't accompany him.”

Alina had expected anything but this. Gosh. She covered her face with her palms. A chuckle left her mouth. “We're idiots, Osama. Both of us.”

He was in complete agreement as he pulled her toward him. “That we are. But I won't have it any other way.”

Alina rested her head on his chest and looked up. “Neither will I. Never."

He dropped a kiss on her forehead as she held onto him. His eyes went toward the screen on the pause. “Let's get back to the show. I didn't put my heart and soul into it for us to abandon it midway through the first episode itself.” 

Alina giggled but did nothing to move away from him. He had to do it on his own. She was comfortable in her cocoon.

“One last question, though.” Osama stopped as if he was reminded of something. Alina waited for him to continue. 

“Did you watch Blind Pigeons?”

His question was innocuous, innocent even. It didn't warrant the unease that went through Alina. She tried hard to not let it show.

“I…I never got the chance.”

Osama nodded, not making a big deal out of it. “That’s okay. I just think you should. It's my favorite work of mine and I'm not being a self-praising weirdo.”

Alina gave him a weak smile. Both of them went back to Kolachi, praising Osama's visual storytelling and Shireen’s visceral performance. If Osama felt that Alina had shifted even closer to him, he thought nothing weird about it. They had just had such a warm moment. Her leaning on him was always welcomed. 

So, Alina snuggled into him, their beautiful moment still on her mind.

For the most part.

𝄞

Even after years in the corporate hustle, Mahad couldn't deny the best feeling in the world was getting off work early. He might be the CEO but he had his inclinations. 

So, there he was, back from the office, and the drill concluded for the day. He was enjoying his evening tea in the backyard lawn, as he looked over his plants.

Serene. Soft. Serendipitous. 

His phone rang at the same time. He glanced at it and the feeling strengthened itself. Good day. 

“Hell—”

“Are you home?”

No room for pleasantries. He would be miffed had he not been used to it by then. 

“Hello, Haleh. And yes, I'm home. Got off work early.” He replied to her urgent query as if he had all the time in the world. But she didn't reciprocate his placid energy. 

“Then be a good host, open the door, and let me in. The guard at your front gate is grouchy for no reason.”

Mahad felt his phone slipping from his hand. What? 

“You're here?”

Haleh tsked impatiently. “Have a guess.”

She was here. And suddenly the day had lost its leisure. It morphed into chaotic scrambling as Mahad rushed through the sliding doors and into the lounge. 

“Just a minute.”

“What? You will keep me waiting here? While this Kharoos gives me the stink eye? What is wrong with you!?”

Ask my grandfather. He wanted to curse out loud but he was working overtime. 

“Are you busy? But you said you left the office early.” She said, trying to reason with the delay in letting her in the house. Ending the call was a good thing to do but that would put him in a sticky situation with her which, he realized, he didn't want under any circumstances. 

“No. I'm not busy. Not at all.”

He ran his frantic eyes on the wall and began removing all the pictures he had with Dada Jaan. He had grown to hate this bit and it was only the second time. What a shit show. 

“Are you not decent? Did I interrupt something?” She asked with hesitation. The photo frames were ready to tumble out of his hands. He opened his mouth to negate this outrageous assumption but she didn't let him. 

A gasp left her mouth. “Oh my God! Are you? No! Ew! But are you really? Nope! I'm not doing this! Geez! You should've told me when I—”

“Haleh!” He seethed through his teeth. “Do me a favor and stop talking.”

She got quiet, begrudgingly so. Mahad was about to heave a sigh of relief when she spoke again. “I think the timing isn't right. I'll visit some other day. Yeah, Bye.”

With that, she ended the call. Mahad didn't stop the curse this time. He swore under his breath when his eyes fell on the other side of the room.  His mood worsened if that was possible. “Tabish!”

Nope. No effect. 

“Tabish Ullu ke patthay!”

That did the trick. The guy looked up from his book at Mahad. Confusion was evident on his face. He hadn't noticed a thing that transpired there in the past few minutes, lost in the world of his book. 

“Yes, Mahad Bhai?”

He asked, finally walking to him. Mahad handed him the photo frames. “Place these in the spare room. Now. I'll be back in a minute.”

Not explaining anything to Tabish, in no time, he was out of the main door. Tabish scrunched his brows confusedly. 

“Khuda ki Panah, you'd think he is getting late for an important meeting. What is going on here?”

Well, welp. 

When Mahad came outside, he saw her retreating back. She was walking on the pavement, away from his place. His pace quickened as he tried to fall in step with her. 

“Haleh.”

She stopped but pretended not to have heard him. He rolled his eyes. “I'm decent. You can look.” 

She did and made a huge deal about it. Mahad's distaste showed on his face. “Not that your weird assumptions are true anyway but do you really think I'd come outside like that?”

She hiked a shoulder. “Rich people are not sane.”

“Now, you're just making things up.” He pointed back to his place. “Shall we?”

Haleh held onto her slipping tote and followed him quietly. As they stopped at the gate, the guard from earlier looked at her warily. Haleh glared back at him. Mahad coughed to ease the hostility. 

“Um... Aziz Baba, this is Haleh.” He introduced her to the man who just grunted in response. Okay then.

“And Haleh, this is Aziz Baba. It's because of him that I have to never worry about anything going around here.”

Haleh matched Aziz Baba’s energy and kept her scowl intact. 

“The confusion happened because he hadn't seen you before but now that he knows you're my guest and not a trespasser.” 

She rounded at Mahad. “You're one to talk about trespassing, hun?”

He immediately straightened up. “Never a trespasser, I mean. So, he won't stop you at the gate again.”

“He better not.” Her daggers were once again in Aziz Baba’s direction.

“He won't if he has no reason to.” The old and sturdy man bit back. Their stare-down warranted an interruption from Mahad. 

“Okay. Let's go now.”

He held her from her shoulders and pulled her to the side as they walked toward the main door of the house. Haleh's indignation left her immediately. She was busy surveying her surroundings and she seemed to like what she saw. That was good enough for Mahad. 

When her inspection of the house concluded, she placed her hands on her sides and once again, turned to him. “It wasn't easy getting my hands on your address.”

“You could've asked me.” He suggested as if it was the most sensible thing to do, which it definitely was, but not for Haleh, it seemed.

“I'm trying to get you off my back. Why would I ask for your help doing that?”

Not giving him the chance to analyze her words, she continued. “Khair, I asked Sila, and guess what? She also had no clue as she's never been to your place. What kind of friend are you? You haven't invited them here after their wedding?”

She inquired hotly. Mahad didn't meet her eye. He had wanted to, but Sila was one of Haleh's closest friends, and for the sake of the promise he made to his grandfather, he had to be cautious here, no matter how he hated doing that. 

“Sila got it from Aahil somehow. Yes, of course, she didn't tell him it's me who needs it. Imagine the disaster!”

Mahad felt he'd tasted something bitter. “What’s his problem?”

Haleh stifled her laugh seeing his expressions. He looked as if he had swallowed a nasty bug. “He's a protective Dulha Bhai. Don't want us mingling with shady people. I totally see sense in it.”

“As if. If anything, he's the shady one.”

Haleh patted his arm. “Now that's just your petty speaking.” 

They walked through the main door and into the living area. So invested was Haleh in his place that it didn’t occur to her that she had yet to tell him why had she gone through the hassle of coming here. Not that Mahad asked. 

Her eyes zeroed in on the opposite wall, at her painting. A grin reached her lips. “Woah! You found the right place for it.”

Mahad followed her gaze. “You think?” 

She nodded vigorously. “Of course. I figured it didn’t match your office space, but it wasn’t my place to point that out to you. Good to see that your aesthetic sense is better than I imagined it to be.”

Mahad could’ve taken offense at her comment but as Rameen had said, he was getting the hang of Halehlore and here, this equated to a compliment. He took it as nothing else. 

She ventured further inside when a curious Tabish made his entry to the scene. He looked at Haleh and then at Mahad. So, this was the emergency Mahad Bhai seemed to be losing his mind over. 

A sigh of relief left Mahad’s lips. Tabish was back which meant the photo frames were where they were supposed to be. His grandfather owed him one, that was for sure.

“Mahad Bhai, those frames—” Tabish began but Mahad glared at him to shut up. He didn’t need to be told twice. Haleh watched the exchange with a curious expression. Mahad plastered a genial smile on his face. “Haleh, this is Tabish, who could’ve received you on time had he been nose-deep in his book.”

“Dadi says book reading is an elite hobby.” Tabish deadpanned. 

“Not when you have guests knocking at your door.” Mahad rolled his eyes but Tabish wasn’t one to go down without a fight. “Dadi also says it’s useless to engage in a debate with the less enlightened.”

Haleh pursed her lips to stop her giggle. Mahad glared at her. She was supposed to be on his side. With a grimace, Mahad pointed toward Haleh. “And Tabish, this is Haleh. Our guest for today.”

Tabish had a hundred-watt smile on his face as he turned to Haleh. “Nice to meet you Haleh Aapi. Would you like some tea or coffee? Dadi says both are not good for health.”

She laughed lightly. “Your Dadi seems to be a very knowledgeable person.” 

“She is. She’s on the village’s relationship counsel panel.” Tabish stated proudly. 

“She started a whole new feud while trying to settle a family dispute. That’s some solid counseling going on there.” Mahad’s additional notes weren’t appreciated by Tabish, who seemed ready to throw hands. “She also told me I’ll be having the time of my life here. That also seems to be misleading.”

“You were also supposed to be studying for your university entrance test, that’s what I was told when you came here. How many years have it been, hun?” 

Tabish’s scowl was telling enough that he didn’t like the reminder. Haleh sensed another argument brewing and had to stifle it immediately. 

“Okay, cut it.” She said. “And to ask your question, Tabish. I’m not here to have tea or coffee. I have a thing to do and as soon as I’m done with it, I’ll be out of the door.”

Mahad gave her a curious look. What was she up to?

“My end of the deal, remember? I have to cook something for you.” She reminded him, placing her tote on the couch. “So, I’m here to do only that.”

“You came all the way here for the deal?” Mahad was incredulous. He might have been smug when he asked her to cook something for him as retribution but he didn’t think she’d take it seriously enough to barge right through his doors. 

Haleh hiked a shoulder. “Of course! Why else do you think I’d come here? I thought it through and this seemed the right way to do it. I broke your toe and I take full responsibility for it. But you are loaded and I’m not. Coming here, cooking something for you from the stuff from your pantry is economical and wise. You will have no reason to doubt me and I’ll get out of the fear of legal proceedings without spending a penny. Win-win.”

She looked proud of herself. Mahad was speechless. Of course, for someone who claimed to become familiar with Halehlore, he should’ve seen this coming.

“A broken toe? When did this happen?” Tabish exclaimed confusedly. Haleh made a solemn face. “Last week. I stomped on his foot and broke his toe.” She looked almost ashamed of it. But Mahad had other, more pressing matters at hand. Tabish’s overworking brain was the most important one.

“I think you’re mistaken, Haleh Aapi. As far as I know, there wasn’t any broken toe, heck not a limp was spotted. He didn’t miss one morning run or gym routine.” Tabish blurted out, not taking Mahad’s silent warnings into consideration.

There was a myriad of emotions on Haleh’s face. From confusion to realization and from realization to thunderous fury. She placed her arms on her sides and breathed through her nose. Mahad internally grimaced, both out of fear and the realization that his tenure in her good books had come to an end, after all. But from the outside, he didn’t look fazed. Or he hoped he didn’t.

“You!” She raised her finger at him. “You’re an absolute nalla harami! The freaking audacity to lie to my face while I was being nice!”

“Nice?” Mahad snorted. “You called me a burglar and hit my toe. What’s nice about that?” 

She threw her hands. “You know what? I’m out of here. It was my mistake to be ashamed of harming your toe. I should’ve stomped harder.” He opened his mouth, a fitting rebuttal right there on his tongue but she didn’t let him. “Thank God I didn’t cook something before coming here. Imagine that? Complete waste of Banu Auntie’s groceries and my effort. You’re not worth it, after all.”

She charged toward the door. Mahad swore under his breath. As he passed Tabish by, he didn’t hesitate to hurl a muffled Tu hai hi ullu ka pattha his way. Tabish’s response was standard: a grin as if he was proud of himself.

Haleh was about to throw open the door when Mahad stood blocking her path. She glared at him, trying to eviscerate him through her eyes. Mahad remained unfazed. 

“Move before I maule your face for you.” She seethed. 

He ran a hand on his face, partly out of frustration and partly, as a precautionary measure. “Okay, yeah. I might have exaggerated a bit.”

“A bit?” She inquired, none too pleased. Mahad straightened up. This couldn’t be done this way. “Yes, a bit but that doesn’t negate the fact that you tried to cause harm to me. You hit my foot, that’s another thing it didn’t cause as much harm even though you intended to.”

“You—” She began but then pursed her lips. He was right, after all. Mahad sensed a smidge of victory. “So, I don’t think you should drop the idea of keeping your end of the deal.”

“And if I don’t?” She challenged. Mahad raised his phone between them. “I have my lawyer on speed dial. He will take care of the police and all that hassle.” 

She appeared uncertain, but it lasted just for a second. “I will call Dulha Bhai.”

Mahad’s reply was a loud laugh. “Do that, by all means. With his track record, they will arrest him before you that too without any charges.”

Yeah, Aahil’s love affair with the police station was not exactly a hidden trait. Haleh weighed her options. Mahad waited patiently. Her shoulders slumped. “I will make Chicken Karahi.” She announced with the enthusiasm of a sloth. “And once I do, this thing between us is over. I stomped at your foot. You didn’t die, no matter how much you tried to make it look like it. I cooked you dinner as you asked. End of it.”

Mahad bowed his head. “You have my word.” 

She dismissed him with the nonchalance of a crowned princess and he grinned through it.

“I can help, Haleh Aapi.” Tabish was by her side when she entered the kitchen. She acknowledged him with a smile but when Mahad stood behind him, it turned into a sneer. 

“Sure, Tabish. Let me just put Food Fusion on.” She scrolled through her phone. Mahad and Tabish shared a look. “Food Fusion?” Mahad asked, confused.

She looked up at him, not even trying to hide her disdain. “What do you take me for? A professional Masala TV chef?or Sanjeev Kapoor? Hate to break it to you but my culinary expertise is confined to just carrot cake.”

Before Mahad could say anything in his defense, Tabish placed the basket of vegetables on the counter. “Whatever it is, let’s get this started.”

And so they did. She watched the recipe and lined up the ingredients as per instructions. She wasn’t kidding when she said her expertise in the area of cooking was limited. They could see it for themselves. That was the reason both Tabish and Mahad were making themselves useful in whatever way they could.

“You seem like a seasoned cook, Tabish.” Haleh complimented, seeing the chopping dexterity he showcased along with his knowledge about the perfect mix of spices. His smile in return was almost obnoxious. “I’m an expert at this point. Dadi always says taste oozes out of my hands.” 

Mahad was incredulous. “Your tea tastes like washed down Lassi.”

Tabish looked as if he had swallowed something nasty. "That depends on the effort and honestly, I put none in your tea."

Mahad nodded, not one bit surprised by the revelation. "I'll relay that to your grandfather whenever I see him next. He will be ecstatic to know this, I'm sure.”

Seeing Halch's confusion, Maltad took it upon himself to elaborate "Our forefathers come from the same village, Old ties. The reason why I have to endure him.”

Tabish made a face "He already has an agenda against me

"I wonder why."Mahad muttered under his breath as he ran the dishwasher. Haleh didn't want to look interested but her curiosity was piqued.

“Do you know what my Dadi says?” Tabish asked Haleh, completely ignoring Mahad. She didn’t want to appear rude but his Dadi seemed to say quite a lot for a human.

"She says when a man is in his late twenties and well settled, he has no business staying single. Marrying into a good family should be his first and foremost priority.”

Haleh didn't have to guess to whom this piece of advice was directed. Mahad’s smile was sickly sweet when he looked at Tabish, "Guess who didn't wait for his late twenties, and being well settled? He took the plunge into the world of lovers but at last, ended up here.”

Tabish pushed the cutting board aside and pointed the knife at Mahad. "I would sleep with one eye open tonight if I were you." Then as if realizing what he was holding, he shrieked in a high pitch and dropped the knife immediately. In no time, he was out of the kitchen with a royal indifference.

Haleh's shoulder shook with silent laughter. Mahad pulled the board toward him and resumed the work on vegetables where Tabish had left it.

“That was mean.’ Haleh pointed to the door with the wooden spoon. Mahad was unfazed. "It shut him up. A win is a win.”

She was in the mood of taking this further. Mahad sensed the ensuing argument and had to put a halt to it. "Be honest with me, were you ready for him to say ‘My Dadi says’ one more time?”

Haleh regarded his question and stayed quiet. Mahad grinned. “That's what I thought.” 

The dinner preparations went on smoothly after that. Even though she claimed that she wasn't an expert, she was good at following instructions. Once the Karahi was ready, and Mahad had prepared the Salad, she and Tabish set up the table. She had worked hard on everything, so, staying true to herself, she wasn't going without the dinner.

Mahad was on his phone checking the status of his Lotus Cupcakes and Belgian Mart Brownies order on the GetACake app. He was not only a mindful guest but a good host as well, no matter the abruptness of it all. Haleh was about to go back to the kitchen when she stopped close to the mantel shelf. She frowned good naturedly and gingerly touched the stone figurine. Mahad saw, as she turned to him. "Where did you get it from?”

"A gift" He replied softly.

“What a coincidence. I have one identical to this one. It was also a gift.” Her eyes again went back to the figurine "Mine's better, though.”

Mahad smiled. “How can you be so sure? Both are identical as you just said.

She shook her head. "The person who gave it to me is very special, part of my family, so mine's more precious, no matter what.”

The same innocent assertiveness Mahad had seen her showing whenever it came to the people she loved. Tabish came through the door and said something about a delivery from GetACake. Her face broke into a huge smile. She sought him out. Her eyes bright, as if the city light were enclosed in those orbs. She didn't say a word. He didn't need any.

Mahad's gaze flickered from her to the figurine on the mantel. Baba Jaan had always told him how delicate his favorite stone pieces were, and to keep those with utmost care.

But Baba Jaan had to know, something far more delicate and tender was at stake here.

Something Mahad never wanted to see broken.

𝄞

“Mamu, you're again doing it the wrong way.”

Hanah's frustrated cry made her cousins giggle. Aahil grimaced at the haphazard shape before him, and immediately got to the corrections needed. But before that he made sure her curls were out of her eyes. She yawned and perched herself on the couch.

“Tell me, she's not going to take her fifth break in an hour now, is she?” Zain asked, pointedly.

"Don't be mean, she's just a baby.” Arsh reprimanded him.

Zain wasn't convinced. "It's her school project.”

"And you're being a good brother helping her out. She's new to all this so definitely needs the pointers.” Aahil remarked sagely, as a responsible adult would. 

“These are not pointers, Chachu. It's unpaid labor.” Zain's eyes were wide and he talked with both his mouth and hands. Aahul couldn't help his chuckle. “I think we all also need a break.”

“And Pizza!” Zain thought it imperative to add. Aahil nodded, ruffling his hair. 

As he ordered according to their choice, they all settled on the couches in the TV lounge. Hanah snuggled into Aahil, her eyes fixed on the TV.

“I'm going to be honest, this is my favorite place in this city.” Arsh said, lounging on the couch he shared with Zain.

“Mine as well. Mama said it's a no Pizza day because we already had a pizza party yesterday but who's going to tell her? If she does come to know, Chachu is on his own." Zain chortled. Aahil had been habitual to Zain's ways (Indirectly, his ways but semantics) that nothing could surprise him anymore.

“That's lots of talk for dudes who ignore my FaceTime." He complained. 

Zain and Arsh groaned "We never ignored you." Arsh said defensively. "It's just we're not allowed."

Aahil could fight anyone right at that moment. "Who dared to stop you from face timing me?"

"Baba!” Zain and Arsh chorused. Aahil was about to say more when Hanah looked up from his side. "And my Mama.”

"Woah, that some evil conspiracy against us. I won't settle for this." He declared. Both Arsh and Zain were giving him duh looks.

“Chachu, do you realize that they stopped us because those are your work hours?" Arsh finally asked the million-dollar question. 

Aahil shrugged, not seeing the point. "A bit of fun at work never kills anyone.”

“Baba sat us down, and said it's a good behavior rule. You know how the rules go, don't you? If we're constantly out of line, we can get grounded.” Arsh settled his glasses to add weight to his words.

“When they should ground you.” Zain put it as it is. Seeing the disbelief on Aahil's face, he shrugged. "It's true. You FaceTime us during your work hours, and we get the warning to be grounded? How is that fair?”

"I love face timing you, Mamu." Hanah could never sit back and see her Mamu being subjected to any kind of criticism. "I texted you that I lobe you. Wrote with my pretty finger. Baba said he can help. I said no." 

She showed him her index finger, which according to her was pretty, while her pinkie was a cutie, and her thumb was Mr. grumps. Aahil held her hand in a gentle hold and pushed her hair out of her eyes. "Good job! Mamu loves you too, honeypie. Same as I told you over the text."

"Hello, we are also here." Zain grumbled. Just as Aahil was about to launch in a fardly wrestling match with the boys (friendly from his side only), the front door opened, and immediately the voices reached them.

"So are the ladies.” Arsh said, and soon enough, Mrs. Irshad, Sabah, Adan, Nawar, and Sila entered the lounge talking amongst themselves, back from an event Adan had dragged them to.

“Seems like you were having a blast without us.” Ardan commented. Sila went immediately to their bedroom to get rid of her heels.

“We earned it after working on Hanah’s school project, and just for your information, we take payments in cash.”

Zain's demand gave them all a good laugh. Adan hugged him and promised in his ear the super hero themed game he wanted. Seemed like Aahil was wrongly accused of spoiling the kids.

"Join us and finally see what fun people do in their spare time." Aahil gave her the pizza box with the remaining slices. The topping was her favorite, so Adan immediately dug in, offering some to Nawar, Sabah and Mrs Irshad.

“The people I know don't even wait for their spare time to have fun." Adan taunted, clearly taking a dig at his FaceTime inclination during work hours.

"Oh, yes." Nawar immediately picked up on it. "FaceTime at work, seriously Aahil?”

"Why are you all making such a big deal out of it? Faran Bhai never told me it was forbidden." He looked at Sabah, imploring her to say something in his favor. She almost did, but was stopped by Adan.

"No, Mama. I don't think so. Sit this one out.”

"She's a free citizen. She can speak her mind.” He protested. Adan dismissed his complaints. “You're being criticized, she's never going to be unbiased." 

Aahil smirked. “That sounds like a you problem."

Mrs. Irshad tsked "Boy, you're a menace. Do you realize how strict Faran is with proper work decorum? But for your sake he hasn't said anything."

"Maybe he knows I'm not intimidated by him.” Aahil suggested.

Nawar took a bite of the pizza slice. "You're a different case. I don't think there's anything in this world that fazes you.”

"Fazes whom?” Sila asked, joining them. The smugness on Aahil's face vanished. He smiled at her as she took the seat next to him and pulled Hanah in her lap.

It was Adan's turn to throw him an evil grin. “Your husband, Sila. We're talking about him FaceTiming the kids during peak work hours and he seemed to be more than pleased with himself."

"He what? Sila asked incredulously. Aahil glared at Adan, wanting nothing but to wipe the grin from her face.

“Do you FaceTime the kids as well?” Sila asked, and from her body language alone it could be fathomed that she wouldn't be pleased by his witty one liners. 

He sulked "Sometimes.”

"Everyday.” Zain corrected him.

Sila couldn't believe it. "Let me get this straight, you continuously text and call me, then you FaceTime the kids. I, for a fact, know you ring Sabah Auntie in between when you want her to talk uncle into canceling the lengthy meetings. When do you get the time to work?”

He felt like he was in an investigation room. "I told you, I don't have to actively participate in the discussion. Also, it's not always me who rings them. They also do. Dado called me last week to share a gossip update. Mama wanted my opinion on the new vase she's ordered. Then why are you being mean to me?”

Sila was speechless, so was Sabah. Mrs Irshad gave him a slow clap. “Shabash. Always there to do us proud.”

“Mention not.” He mumbled.

Sila got up. “Anyways. I'm making tea for all and milkshakes for the babies.” She announced. Arsh protested that he was not a baby. Sila chuckled and settled his glasses for him. Aahil followed her to the kitchen. He stopped to hug Sabah on his way. She wanted to prolong her silent treatment after he threw her under the bus but couldn't quite do so. Zain waited for Sila and Aahil to be in the kitchen when he gave Mrs. Irshad a sickly sweet smile.

“Cough up, Big D.”

Mrs Irshad swallowed her pride and handed him the money. Nawar and Sabah gasped. Adan could just laugh.

"Ammi, you betted on Aahil and Sila?" Sabah asked, eyeing her with concealed mirth.

Before Mrs. Irshad could say anything, Zain grinned. "She did and lost as well." He showed them the money, in cash, obviously. "Oh Big D. I told you. I've seen it more than you did. Chachu is afraid of only my beautiful Chachi."

There was nothing but laughter in there for a few minutes after that. It subsided only when Aahil and Sila reentered the lounge.

“Jinxed it for me, didn't you all?" He pocketed his phone. "Faran Bhai needs me in the office. So I'm off. See you all at dinner."

He didn't wait for their booing and made his way toward the door. Sila was right behind him. As they stood away from the prying eyes, he leaned in to steal a kiss. Sila laughed, and pushed him away, shaking her head.

"Behave.” She hissed.

He made a face. "You'll always be a spoilsport." 

His fingers lingered on her arm, as he looked into her eyes, drawing invisible circles on her skin, the touch innocent enough, the intent, not at all.

"Miss me." He whispered into her ear, and before she could even grasp onto the reverberations of his words on her skin, he was gone.

Sila came back inside only when her heartbeat had gotten back to normal and the mindless grin less prominent. In the meantime, Nawar had served everyone the tea. The kids were playing a game, more like Arsh and Hanah running after Zain to get something out of him. Sila went straight to the kitchen and blended the milk and fruits as promised. When she went outside with the tray, Hanah was closing in on Zain. He left out a loud yelp which made Hanah laugh evilly. Overcome with her giggles, she staggered on her feet, and collided with the ajar door behind her.

"Oh, my goodness, Hanah!" Sila exclaimed and placed the tray on the table. She reached Hanah's side who was as overjoyed as if nothing has happened.

"Are you okay?” Sila asked, pulling her to her feet. Hanah nodded, kissed her on the cheek and skipped all the way to Arsh and Zain. 

Sila smiled at their silliness. Due to the impact the door had thrown wide open, its content visible to everyone sitting there. Sila closed it with a soft click as if it was the most mundane part of her routine.

Only when she turned around, did she realize it was, after all, not as mundane as she thought.

The gaping faces before her vouched for it. Then surprise, no, not surprise, astonishment unsettled her a bit. She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Errm, is everything okay?”

Adan was the first one to nod at her. "Yep, all fine. Come, we were waiting just for you.”

Nawar patted the seat next to her. "Hurry up, Sila. Dado is finally going to tell us the piece of gossip she's already shared with your husband."

Sila did as she was told. Soon, Mrs. Irshad's retelling of the juicy scoop began. Sila couldn't say she wasn't enjoying herself.

But she couldn't ignore the way Sabah's gaze would go in the direction of that room. Sila could feel her eyes were glassy. All the time, she kept on looking at Sila with so much tenderness, and when they were all inside the kitchen, preparing dinner as no one wanted to go back home yet, Sabah hugged her sideways, as if she was seeing something Sila couldn't see.

She wanted to dismiss this notion but in her heart, she knew this was somehow related to the ajar door of Aahil's music room.

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