The bathroom door closed behind her with a soft click. She rubbed her damp hair with the towel and took in the quiet room. Her movements slowed as her eyes sought him out. Her quest was duly rewarded when he appeared on the balcony the next second. He stood leaning against the railing, his brows scrunched while he fumbled with the phone call.

A chuckle left Sila's mouth. His laidback charm took a backseat whenever work was involved. His mannerisms would give away his novice status right away. Not to forget his concealed (debatable) annoyance. The array of his workplace decorum was on display and Sila would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy it.

She kept on looking, her nightly routine all forgotten. It was all in slow motion, or it felt that way to her. She rested her back against the wall, her eyes never leaving his form. She had recently figured that people in love tended to do this a lot. The old her would've laughed and called this silly but the old her wasn't madly and irrevocably in love so what did she know anyway?

His lower lip jutted out as he exhaled his frustration. He ran a hand through his hair and muttered under his breath. He was lucky that the person on the other side was none other than his brother or else, with this attitude, he'd be shown the door to the exit first thing in the morning.

Sila laughed at her thought and that garnered his attention immediately. He pointed toward the phone and then placed his two fingers on his temple, giving the impression of a gun going off.

"The theatrics." She mouthed and it seemed he understood it right there. His eyes narrowed at her. She shook her head and got to work. She had a beauty sleep to look forward to.

It was after a minute or so when she felt arms snaking around her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder. "A word of wisdom." He said, moving her hair to the side.

Sila snorted. "This better be good."

"It is. Never let your employer know about your availability."

She gaped at him through the mirror. "Your brother is hardly your employer. Everyone and their neighbor knows who bosses whom."

He dismissed her apt assessment. "As I was saying, no after-work favors. Have that mentioned in your contract?"

"But you never signed—"

He sighed, spinning her around. "Such a spoilsport." He said mirthfully. Sila glared at him, huffing. He chuckled, his thumb tracing the shape of her lower lips.

"So, where were we?"

Sila raised an eyebrow. "In the process of calling it a night?"

Aahil pretended to give it a thought and then, pursed his lips. "That's unfortunate. I had far better things on my mind."

Sila wound her arms around his neck. "Enlighten me. What things?"

He skimmed his nose against her skin as his fingers moved rhythmically, following a path on the small of her back. Sila arched into his hold when they ventured further up.

There was a silent tempo to his touch, a rhythm, a cadence. The little discovery no longer surprised Sila. She doubted he was himself aware of his quirk. But she could never brush it off. Not now.

Her eyes bored into his, searching for something she knew wouldn't exist. She might not be able to brush it off but he had mastered the art. Nothing much peeked through the well-molded seams of his resistance. The details that did show themselves were so infinitesimal, that those who didn't know him and didn't build a connection with his music on a deep wavelength, wouldn't ever get them.

But Sila did. She was yet to decide if it was a blessing or a curse.

"Now, isn't that an interesting question?" He whispered and picked her up in his arms before Sila could say something. A surprised squeal left her mouth but it subsided soon enough. Her back came in contact with the pillows and his bemused face hovered over her. She looked into his eyes. Maybe a sky full of stars. Maybe, a world known only to her. Maybe everything. Hers.

She gulped, the emotions overwhelming her.

"Sila..."

He had picked up on her visible distress. Her emotions took him by surprise. She saw the concern on his face. The tender care. The readiness to alleviate whatever troubled her. The touch that had shifted from heated to comforting in a heartbeat.

Oh, no.

She raised her head, her nose stung with tears she tried to keep at bay, and kissed him. She didn't know what else to do. She didn't want to do anything else. Her eagerness might have confused him but he followed her lead, matching her movement but never taking charge and giving the reins in her hands. As per their norm.

"Hey, Is everything alright?"

He asked when they broke apart. His finger caressed her cheek. She mimicked his touch and held his face in her palms.

The face that had become synonymous with love. They said Aahil, she heard love.

Love. It had happened and she couldn't keep the knowledge to herself.

The words threatened to slip past her lips.

But...

Her mind reminded her feebly. She listened to it.

She let the words stay invisible in the space between them. They weren't happy to be contained. To be hidden from its intended.

But...

That. One word, simple. 'But'

When it is followed by the loudest proclamations of love, it never comes alone, heartache is its cherished companion.

And nothing frightens a heart in love more than that.

𝄞

Sunday had rolled in with its lazy undertones. The long week was finally beyond them. He knew the importance of the off day, especially for those who worked their asses off the weekdays, his wife one of them. So, discarding any notion of a good time, he let her sleep in and went to the gym. She was inclined to indoor workouts, which had more room to skip training whenever you wanted. He called her out on her tardiness but she wasn't the one to be deterred.

Given her track record, he was certain she wouldn't have noticed his absence, lost in her dreamland. He chuckled, pleased that his assumption was entirely correct, and sat on the recliner to undo his trainers. He made a mental note to prepare her favorite breakfast as soon as he was done with his shower.

His eyes immediately zeroed in on her form, as she shifted in her place. He stared at her scrunched face. She snuggled into his side of the bed. He couldn't stop his light laugh. Also his elation. She had made herself comfortable, hugging his pillow, and went back to sleep.

His smug grin slowly morphed into a tender emotion. He knew it was written all over his face. Some actions, even with their triviality, are so profound that their implications hit you straight in the heart, leave you staggering, your mind a bit fogged, and your mannerisms a bit delirious.

Lately, she had taken it upon herself to do this time and again. He wouldn't recover and there she'd be, once again, making it difficult for him to stay sane and not look a smitten fool.

That was the thing, though. For her, he'd always be ready to look a fool. He'd also always be smitten but that was self-explanatory.

What a life! If a stranger who happened to witness their first encounter on the road saw them now, they'd get whiplash. Who would've thought he and Sila would fit together so well? He certainly hadn't. Married life had been kinder to them. So far, so good.

Sans...

His enthusiastic movements slowed down. The smile dimmed, replaced by lines of deep contemplation.

He hadn't, even in his wildest dreams or nightmares, thought to hear that when he got inside her car. His first instinct was to turn it off, which he did.

It was almost like a summon back to his personal hell. Even though, it was once his cherished sanctuary. The road from this to that was littered with glass shards and he was barefoot. The blood trickled down and the gash throbbed with even a slight touch.

He did what he had to do. What he'd done every time for the past so many years. But...

Yeah, but.

Her.

He tried his best to be nonchalant but her gaze had left him unsettled. She hadn't said anything but he could feel she wanted to say so much. If only he could give her the answers.

She hadn't been unaware of that part of his life. She had asked him about it the last time. And what had he done, then? Shut her out. Made her feel bad for asking. Regretted doing it the moment it happened.

When she told him she was going to meet Sonia, a tiny part of him felt scared. But the bigger part was quite happy about this development. Sonia was one of his people and that alone was enough for him to want her to know Sila. A childish wish perhaps, but he wanted every person who mattered to him to be acquainted with Sila. There was no reason or maybe there were many. He'd list those some other time.

Did Sonia tell her? To what extent? But Sonia wouldn't betray his confidence this way. Her most cherished work was interlinked with him so his connection there was bound to become a part of their conversation.

And why was he worked up over it? Didn't he tell Sila that he'd try? That the door would stay unlocked? He was supposed to make progress but here he was, as entrenched in his misery as ever. Would he ever get out of these trenches?

Or maybe his promises in this regard would always be just empty words.

He closed his eyes in anguish and opened them with a start the next moment. His hand flinched back on reflex and a curse left his mouth. He had burned both, the pancake and his fingers.

"What was that noise!?"

He heard her voice and then looked at the clutter on the island. There went his breakfast plans. Just half an hour back everything was looking so good. Now? Not so much.

She reached his side and took in the scene before her. Her eyes widened seeing his hand.

"Are you crazy? What were you thinking?" She asked, not at all pleased with his mess up.

"I—" He opened his mouth to say something in his defense, only for her to shake her head.

"Nevermind! I need the ointment!" Saying that she rushed out of the kitchen space and back into their room to get the first aid kit. Aahil watched her retreating form and then glanced at his fingers. A slight smile appeared on his face. As usual, her effect.

"Here it is!" She announced as soon as she was back and pulled his hand to her side without even asking him. With scrunched brows and visible concern, she gently daubed the cool material on his burning flesh, all the while blowing on it.

"A word of advice," She said once she was done tending to his hand. "Stop before you kill yourself. Romantic gestures aren't everyone's cup of tea."

For emphasis, she patted his bicep sympathetically.

Aahil raised an eyebrow. "Other wives will kiss my fingers for such gestures." He deadpanned.

"You have other wives?" She screeched dramatically. His poker face stayed intact, not at all impressed. Sila blew a lock of her hair out of her face. "For those kisses, there needs to be fingers remaining, and with your luck, I highly doubt there will be any left in the near future."

She flicked his nose and pushed him aside to resume the breakfast where he'd left it. Aahil was bummed. His solid plan had gone into jeopardy, and he had no one but himself to blame.

He sighed loudly. It made her chuckle as she got the breakfast sorted. He circled her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, kissing her shoulder. That had become his favorite thing to do whenever she was in the vicinity.

"When did you wake up?" He asked lazily, nuzzling the already tender skin of her throat, courtesy of his mouthwork from yesterday.

"When you were in the shower." She told him, immersed in the pancakes.

"And you didn't have the decency to join me?"

His query made her giggle. She turned around. And as expected, found him supporting a scowl but the mirth in his eyes was hard to miss.

"If I did that, God help us, we'd have never left this place today. I know you."

He made a face. "I love staying in. I love staying in bed with you even more. Preferably with less hindrance and more convenience. What's wrong with that?"

Sila looked heavenward. "Nothing. But sorry to break it to you, that can't be done today."

"Today's Sunday! We keep good things and times for Sunday!" He was ready to present his case.

Sila wasn't impressed. "You're impossible. Don't make me do a recount!"

He smirked. "Do it, by all means. Being alive, free, and married has its perks."

Sila pushed him away. "Don't forget being horny."

"I never do when you're around."

That earned him another push and elicited an exasperated laugh. Mission accomplished.

"Get your mind out of the gutter and remember we have to reach Jahangir Residence in the evening. The dinner with the Paracha delegation is tonight."

Aahil muttered something under his breath that was akin to spoilsport. Sila ignored his tantrum.

There was silence for some time which was broken by him only.

"Style your hair the way you did when we first met."

The out-of-the-box demand made her look at him dumbfounded.

He shrugged. "Not my fault that you rock half up and half down hairdo."

Sila laughed. "I will have a bird's nest upon my head and you'll still say the same thing."

"Start taking compliments as they're, Wife. And do that thing with your hair."

Sila nodded. "Will do. Anything else, sir?"

Aahil held the side of her face and kissed her there. His scruff left behind a trail of heat and sweet agony. Sila held the counter to steady herself. Good God!

"Listen, be a sweetheart and don't you dare shave!" She breathed, always weak for his 5 o'clock shadow. That made him 10x hotter. Don't tell him, though.

He smiled as if he had gotten his hands on a treasure chest. "Wouldn't even think of it. Anything else, Madam?"

She wanted to be mad at his smug satisfaction but couldn't bring herself to. Guess both of them were pretty inclined toward considering each other's demands.

𝄞

Slinging his overnight bag on his shoulder, Danish stared at the farmhouse with a resigned smile. Trust Hashir to be extravagant. The amount of time he'd been away from their hangouts, he'd hoped to see it changed but that's Hashir for you. When you are born and raised in money, it hardly ever leaves you. Good thing Hashir's personality was forthcoming enough to mask his riches.

Hashir, Aliyar, Faraz, and Rabeet—his friends' group from university. Along with Sila and Rameen, these four were an integral part of Danish's business school days. After four years of countless good memories, they parted ways on the convocation with promises of keeping in touch. That shouldn't have been quite a task, since they all were from the same city, but Danish was the first one to fade from their meet-ups. His life had panned out quite differently than he had envisioned it. Driver by his career aspirations, he had more or less forgotten about anything else. He always bailed out from the hangouts and at one point, his friends also stopped making an effort to include him.

But that was about the Danish he was once upon a time. The revived him wanted to get everything back that his hustle struggle had snatched from him and on that task list, reconnecting with his friends was one of the top priorities.

So, there he was, right outside Hashir's family farmhouse for a weekend getaway. Excited, nervous but more than anything, at peace. Danish's smile widened when Rabeet's face appeared in the glass window, and so did the jumbo pack of chips in his hand. Rabeet gave him a mock salute. Behind him, he could spot Aliyar and Faraz engaged in a heated debate over God knows what, politics or a football game probably. While Hashir was immersed in his phone, talking to someone with a shy smile on his face, his fiancee he had recently gotten engaged to.

There, the opening Danish was looking for. The usual he was hoping for, and he wasn't disappointed.

Everything after that was a cakewalk. They all welcomed him in their midst as if he had never put up his vanishing act. That's about uncomplicated friendships. Your people not only understand your lapses but appreciate your efforts to overcome those and give you their full support. Sitting among all of them, Danish never felt he had been away. He was glad that he came back.

He was filled with the same contentment as he stood by the pool with his hands in his pants pockets. There was, as usual, another debate going on between Aliyar and Faraz, and Rabeet was trying to be a mediator. That was another thing, he was more interested in the dinner Aliyar and Faraz's usual spat was halting.

"Some things never change, hun?"

Behind him, he heard Hashir's bemused voice and nodded. Hashir stood next to him, offering him the chicken pops. Danish accepted those eagerly. Guess Rabeet wasn't the only one waiting for the BBQ dinner to commence and for Faraz and Aliyar to behave.

"What do you think? When should I use my host privilege and intervene?" Hashir asked, tipping his head in the general direction of the lounge.

Danish made a face. "I'd say don't. The last time you tried, they directed their weapons toward you."

Hashir nodded, solemnly. "I remember. Seeing their coordination, no one could say they are usually out for each other's blood."

Danish laughed at that. Hashir joined him. As their laughter subsided, Hashir gave him a knowing look. "How have you been, Danish?"

Hashir's tone was both careful and serious. Danish couldn't play around here. Not that he wanted to. This question was loaded. Both Hashir and Danish knew that.

"Honestly, the last few months were the worst. Who am I kidding? Not just months, years, I guess. But lately, things are turning around."

"You're turning things around, Danish." Hashir corrected him. Danish was elated to hear this. He was trying and everyone who meant a lot to him seemed to notice this fact.

"What about you and Sila?" Hashir added thoughtfully. "You two were dating for so long and then all that happened. She's married to that Jahangir guy now. It must've been hard for you."

Danish's response was prompt. "Sila... I'm going to be honest, Hashir. She was the person I messed up with the most. Our relationship was hanging by a thread and it was mostly my doing. I also reacted badly to the whole situation Sila was in. That was the last nail. We ended things before she got married to Aahil but it was a mutual decision. I realized she deserved better than whatever I dished out to her."

He smiled, no trace of malice to it. "I'm really happy for her. An unfortunate situation but she turned it around. Aahil is a solid guy. You'll never be able to guess by his mannerisms that he's a Jahangir. I just hope from hereon, everything just goes on smoothly for them and I have a belief it will."

Hashir was in complete agreement. "It should. Sila is one inspiring person. I'm glad to know that her husband is a nice person. The kind of arrangement she had to make, you never know. But it's good that it all worked out in her favor."

He got quiet after that but Danish could see it on his face. He wanted to say more. All these years of knowing this man and being his friend had given Danish this expertise.

"What it is?" He asked with a frown. That earned him a shrug from Hashir.

"I know things took an unexpected turn but I kind of saw it coming. You and Sila never made sense to me even back then."

Danish raised an eyebrow at that. It was Hashir's turn to laugh lightly. "Don't look so offended because I mean none. It's just that you and Sila were too alike. Career-oriented, driven, and business-minded. That works for a college project partner but not a life partner. Your guys lacked the spark I think is necessary for a couple in the long run. That's just my opinion."

Wow. Danish didn't see this coming but Hashir was a perceptive person and his opinion was valued by Danish.

"In fact," Hashir continued. "I always felt you had more chemistry and compatibility with Rameen. Thought you'd end up with her. Was surprised when you and Sila became a thing."

Danish was truly dumbfounded by this. Once again, he hadn't seen this coming.

Reen?

"He's not alone." Rabeet stopped by, having given up on Faraz and Aliyar. "We all kind of felt it that way. But didn't say anything because you know your life and you're the boss. Hashir!"

He faced the man in the charge with a scowl. "Let the dinner begin before I lose my appetite seeing Faraz and Ali's constant bickering. Who can say their girlfriends are always joined by the hip? Such weird people."

Seemed like his assessment had been heard loud and clear by Faraz and Aliyar who had teamed up to tear him a new one. Rabeet cursed under his breath and looked at Hashir imploringly. Hashir sighed and came to his rescue.

That left Danish alone with his thoughts.

Rameen and him? What in the world?

𝄞

Rameen was on her way back from their immediate neighbors. Dinbanu wasn't fond of cooking but she was one of those people who could cook anything if they wanted to. She was also very keen on sending whatever she made over to her acquaintances in the colony which roughly translated to everyone. Needless to say, it took Rameen close to half an hour to present the houses in the two lanes with Dinbanu's special Farcha, aka the best crispy fried chicken Rameen had ever had. She had to convince Dinbanu that two lanes were enough. It was a Sunday cooking session after all, not a festival.

She was lost in her thoughts, going through the list of the tasks she had to be done with before hitting the bed when she stopped in her tracks.

Danish looked up at her from his perch on the bench. The Wadia House garden was such a serene place, Danish concluded. No wonder the girls loved having their evening tea here.

"When did you come back from your boys' hangout?" Rameen asked excitedly as she sat down next to him.

"Just three hours back. Was out to get some things for Mama but thought of saying thanks to you."

Rameen's brows scrunched in confusion. "Thanks? What for?"

Danish folded his arms behind his head. "For convincing me to go ahead and reconnect with the guys. I was missing out on so much just because of my hesitation."

She was pleased with herself. "Told you, they'll invite you in as if you were always there. That's what friends do, Danish. And the only thing you should thank me for is the best Farcha in the whole world I'm going to serve you. Come inside!"

She tried to make him stand but he pulled her right back to where she was. "I will. Have heard a lot about Mrs. Wadia's cooking. But it's so calm out here. I want to stay a little bit longer."

"Oh, it is. The best part of this house. Really helpful when you have lots on your mind and want to be left alone."

Danish closed his eyes, resting his head on the back of the wooden bench. "Stay here with me."

Rameen couldn't say no to such an innocuous demand. As if she could deny him any demand anyway.

She chided herself and chanced a look at his relaxed form. He couldn't see her, but she still turned back to staring in her lap. Some wishes are too good to be true. Some dreams are too distant to be turned into a reality.

Danish opened his eyes in the same instant and saw her lost form. He stared at the side of her face.

Some thoughts, no matter how fleeting, leave you wondering so much.

So much that seems too good to be true, too distant to be real.

But is it really?

𝄞

"Are you sure you don't want the grape soda?"

Mahad made a face that conveyed his fondness for the drink. Sila stifled her laugh.

"He will get better at it." She made a point to assure him. But it was Mahad in front of her. His response was a loud snort. That gave Sila her answer. Well, she did try. Now it was on Mr. Husband to up his grape soda game.

Mahad was the happiest when she came outside of the kitchen area with two mugs of coffee and snacks. Yeah, that grape soda should stay where it belonged, in Aahil's creation box and shipped to a far land in Antarctica.

"So, let me get this straight," Sila said, once she had settled herself on the couch. "You are inviting me and Aahil to dinner at your place?"

Mahad nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Exactly that. The other day, I realized I messed up there. Not done."

Sila covered her snort with a cough. "Sure."

Mahad ignored the knowing look she threw his way. "Your husband will try to bail out. You'll have to be vigilant there."

Sila gave him a sickly sweet smile. "Don't worry about that. If I say we have to go, he'll obliged."

"Wrapped him around your finger, haven't you?"

She shrugged with royal smugness.

Mahad's grin was almost evil. "Fantastic."

Right at that time, the front door opened. Sila and Mahad looked at the incoming. Aahil balanced the grocery bags and looked at them. His wide smile slowly turned into a grimace as he spotted Mahad there.

"What is he doing here?" He asked, with the warmth of a pressure cooker.

"He's come here to invite us over for dinner at this place in the coming week."

Aahil was incredulous. "Where did that come from?"

Mahad took full offense. "As if I've never had you and Sam over dinner."

Aahil shrugged nonchalantly as he sorted his shopping. "I can count those times on my fingers and for how long you've been tormenting us? Almost two decades."

"Hush, now," Sila interjected, reprimanding her husband. "We will definitely come, Mahad. Don't listen to him."

"I usually don't, Sila. That's established."

"You should when I tell you to get out of my place." Aahil deadpanned. That had next to no effect on Mahad who had made himself come more comfortable on the couch. Aahil rolled his eyes.

"Sorry to break it to you, Man but I'm at Sila's place. If she wants me here, no one can kick me out. Least of all, you."

Aahil thought it through and relented. Yeah, the fucker was right about that. Sila found the exchange both entertaining and bizarre.

"Mahad, why don't you invite Osama and Alina as well?" She asked as she helped Aahil with the groceries.

"Please, do. I need moral support to tolerate you." Aahil said matter of factly.

"Actually," Mahad was focused on Sila, ignoring Aahil's 6'2 existence as if it was no more than a pest. "It's a good idea. We can have a little get-together. The last time we had dinner was when your husband got the first proper job of his life."

"You were a last-minute addition. I was happy with just Lina and Sam." Aahil struck again.

"Your third-wheeling is one of the reasons it has taken them so long to realize they need to behave and patch up." Mahad countered as if he was talking about the weather.

Sila sighed. These two!

"Anyways, I had promised the girl we go out but I'll tell them the change of plans."

"Bring them along." Mahad's offer came without a second thought. Sila looked unconvinced but Mahad wasn't. "In fact, do bring them along. I should invite them myself. Will do that but let's all have dinner together."

Saying that, he got up. "I'm off then. Thank you for the coffee, Sila but more than that, thank you for not making me drink that abomination in the name of Grape Soda. Honest to God, the person who made it should serve jail time. Can be arranged as he has personal terms with the police department."

Aahil was ready to launch his rebuttal when Mahad made a beeline toward the door. He was about to get the hell out of there when a thought hit him.

Well.

"Actually Sila, I think I should give Rameen, Amal, and Haleh the invitation in person. I'm going to Wadia House."

Sila eyed Aahil to see if he'd behave and shook her head. "That'll be futile. Rameen has gone to meet her family, Amal is still at campus and Haleh's out for a pottery art workshop in Phase 6."

Mahad nodded. The wheels of his mind were already working. He had an idea about the art studio in Phase 6 that organized the workshop every month. He also knew Phase 6 was pretty far from Parsi Colony and someone would definitely appreciate it if she got a free ride home. You know, recession and inflation.

But unbeknownst to him, two people before him had noticed his enthusiasm with interest. One was pretty keen to see where this would go while the other could just say how dare he!

𝄞