Dedicated to my dearest friend khanam_Shadan

"A true friend is the one who upon seeing a fault gives you advice and who defends you in your absence." ~Imam Ali (AS)

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Little Care Orphanage:

Inaraah was distributing sweets among the children and volunteers when her friends joined her. They curiously looked at her as to why she was distributing sweets. She ignored them and continued her work. All the children circled around her friends and started their usual blabbering.

Miss. Sahiba asked her the reason for the sweets but she just shrugged it off saying her mother has sent it for them. After playing with the kids for sometime, Inaraah dragged her friends to the park near the orphanage.

At the park:

Suhana, Neha and Alisha settled on the park bench while Inaraah was standing facing them. She kept looking at them not knowing how to reveal about her engagement.

"Well we understood that yesterdays proposal worked out," Neha said shocking Inaraah.

"How do you know?" Inaraah asked.

"Duh... That was the reason you were distributing sweets in the orphanage." Neha spoke sounding so obvious.

"Oh. Yes it did but that's not the reason why I was distributing sweets." Inaraah said.

Her friends were looking at her intently waiting for her to speak further. Inaraah became more conscious under their gaze. She closed her eyes and told them, "I am engaged."

She opened her eyes to look at her friends who were staring at her with shock all over their face. "Girls please say something." Inaraah said confused with their reaction.

"Congratulations." Neha squealed and jumped on Inaraah to hug her. Suhana and Alisha joined them in the hug congratulating her.

"But I am hurt. You didn't invite us." Alisha said making a sad face.

"I am sorry girls. It all happened so fast that I didn't have time to invite you all." Inaraah spoke in her defence.

"That's okay Inu. Tell us who is the guy and what does he do?" Neha questioned.

Inaraah went all silent not knowing what to say. She was a bit scared to reveal the name. She sat on the bench and asked them to join her.

"I am engaged to Alhaan sir." Inaraah said gazing at the sky.

"What? Alhaan sir. As in your boss. How?" Neha asked.

Inaraah looked at them and narrated the whole story to them excluding the condition part.

"Woah! This is so amazing. It's so filmy that your boss have fallen for you. And now you both are engaged. Love is in the air. Now there will be romance everywhere in the office." Alisha spoke beaming with joy.

"What? Shut up Alisha. Think before you speak." Inaraah said a bit annoyed.

"Oh common. It's so obvious. You can go on dates and ............." Alisha spoke but Inaraah interrupted her.

(A/n: In case anyone has doubts about Alisha's response, lemme tell you she is Christian)

"Are you nuts? Dating is forbidden in Islam. And one more, only our families and now you all know about our engagement. I don't want anyone to know about it." Inaraah said.

"What? But why?" Neha questioned.

"Simply. That was the condition for our engagement." Inaraah replied.

"What condition?" Neha countered.

Inaraah took a deep breath and looked at her friends. "I don't want anyone to know about our engagement until the week of marriage. I want to keep it as a secret."

All the three were staring at her as if she have grown two heads. They were trying to process her words.

"Have you lost your mind Inu. Why did you keep such a stupid condition?" Neha asked.

"I don't know. I have a feeling that this proposal won't work out. And if by any chance it breaks, people will bad mouth about it. And I didn't want to put our families prestige on stake." Inaraah said.

"Do you even know what you are saying? You are being unreasonable." Alisha spoke.

"Why did you say yes for the proposal in the first place then Inu?" Neha asked.

"I had no other option. Moreover I did my Istikarah which was positive." Inaraah replied.

"What's istikarah now?" Alisha questioned.

"Istikarah is a prayer offered to seek Allah's consent about any task or situation whether to go ahead with it or not. If you have good feeling or a dream about it, then it's positive." Neha explained.

"Your Istikarah was positive and still you kept such an absurd condition." Neha said.

"You people are not understanding my situation. I have always kept a safe distance from boys in office and everyone knows that I don't indulge myself in haram(forbidden) things.

Now if they come to know that I'm engaged to Alhaan sir, they will think I was pretending to be an innocent hijabi and trapped Alhaan sir." Inaraah spoke hoping that her friends will understand.

"I don't get it. Suhana will you please open that mouth of yours and speak up." Neha said.

Inaraah looked at Suhana with a questioning look. She hardly spoke from the time they met in the morning. The only word she uttered was' congratulations' and went back to silent mode. Inaraah had a feeling that something was surely wrong with her.

Suhana looked at Inaraah and said, "Your condition is really stupid Inaraah. Your assumptions make no sense. You are scared that this proposal won't work out and your colleagues will point out your character."

She took Inaraah's hand in hers and continued, "You just saw one side of the coin. What about the other side? You don't want people to know until the week of marriage. But did you once give a thought that what will people say when they get to know about your marriage which will be held in a week? Won't they question your character at that time? Everyone will think that you both have done something wrong and that's the reason your families are getting you married."

Inaraah was gobsmacked with Suhana's words. She actually didn't give a thought about it until Suhana spoke. Alhaan's proposal took her off guard and she put forth her condition without a second thought. She placed her head in between her hands feeling utterly stupid. Her brother's protest was now making sense. Maybe that was the reason he was opposing her silly condition. Suhana placed her hand on Inaraah's shoulder to comfort her.

"I feel so stupid right now. Everything happened so sudden that I didn't have the time to think of all the possibilities. The only thing running in my mind was that Alhaan sir is my boss. I had no other excuse to deny the proposal other than our status difference and I was asked not to bring that in between.

I thought I will accept the proposal for the time being and later make them realize that it won't work out. I was already having hard time in accepting the proposal and they surprised me with the sudden engagement. Not knowing what to do I kept the condition." Inaraah spoke her heart out in front of her friends.

"Inaraah it's Qadr(decree) Allah. It was bound to happen this way. Stop making silly assumptions and accept this new phase of your life.

Alhaan seems to be a good guy and that's why your parents chose him for you. Instead of assuming silly things, put an effort to make this relation successful. Status of a person depends upon his/her nature, behaviour and mentality and not on how much money they earn." Suhana explained.

Inaraah just gave a nod. Even though she still have doubts about this new relation but Suhana's words had a greater impact on her. Her heart was screaming at her to give a chance but her mind was speaking otherwise. Alisha's voice brought her out of the thoughts and she looked at her.

"If you have so many doubts regarding the engagement, then why were you distributing sweets in the orphanage?" Alisha questioned.

Inaraah was losing her patience. She didn't want to but who can win over parents. "I didn't want to but mommy was persistent. Next week they have organized a feast in orphanage and old age home but still mommy wanted to distribute sweets in the orphanage. So I just gave them saying mommy have send it for them without telling the actual reason." Inaraah replied.

"You know something Inaraah. Looking at your attitude, one thing is crystal clear." Alisha spoke. Inaraah raised her left eyebrow in a questioning way.

"You are a boring person. My expectations are on Alhaan jiju(brother in law). He will be the romantic person among you two. And only because of him there will be romance in your marriage. You are a hopeless case." Alisha said.

Inaraah's mind was stuck on the word 'romance' and she felt jittery imagining herself with Alhaan. A chill ran down through her spine thinking about it and unknown to her butterflies erupted in her stomach.

"Shut up". That's all she could say as words weren't coming out of her mouth after hearing her friend. On the other hand, her friends were laughing on her condition. "Lets go now." Inaraah said getting up from her place to make a move.

"You all leave. I will join you all later." Suhana said making three heads move in her direction. Inaraah was sure now that something was bothering her. She signalled Neha and Alisha to move so she can talk to her in private. They nodded and left them to talk.

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Inaraah's p.o.v

I settled beside Suhana once Neha and Alisha left. Suhana was looking ahead not bothering to glance at me.

"You know Suhana, someone said to me that sharing your pain with others will make you feel light. Maybe they can't help you but you will feel good by letting it out." I said. Those were the exact words Alhaan sir said me few days before at the same place. I don't know how those words slipped out of my mouth.

'Why can't you just leave my thoughts for sometime?'

"And who is that someone?" Suhana asked making me conscious. If I tell her now she will tease me to no end.

"That's not the point now. Tell me what's bothering you? You are lost in your thoughts since the time we met today." I spoke trying my best to divert the topic and focus on her.

She again looked ahead of her and said, "I got a proposal."

It took me few seconds to process her word's. "Congratulations. Finally my friend is going to get married. I'm so happy." I jumped on her with excitement and hugged the life out of her.

"Aaaahh.. Leave me Inu. What are you doing? And I am not getting married." Suhana said making all my excitement to go in gutter.

"What? Aren't you happy? Don't you like the guy?" I bombarded her with questions but in return got silence. 'What's wrong with her?'

"Okay first tell me who brought the proposal?" I asked hoping she will speak.

"Daadi(Grand mother)." She replied.

"Do you know them? I mean about the guy and his family?" I was questioning or should I say interrogating her.

She took a deep breath and spoke, "He is Daadi's friend's grandson. His name is Daniyal and he is an architect by profession. His father owns many farms which includes fruits, vegetable and poultry. They have trading business throughout India but he wasn't interested in his dad's business. Ammi said that he have started his own firm which is running pretty good. That's all I know about them."

"Wow yaar Suhana. You are lucky and I suggest you should say yes to this proposal. The way I see, this proposal have two benefits- First you will get to eat fresh fruits and veggies and second you don't have to pay for it. Everything is so costly nowadays, thanks to the newly implemented GST." I said to lighten her mood.

She glared at me and said, "You are impossible. I am so stressed and you are being childish."

"Okay jokes apart, don't stress yourself. Tawwakal Allah (Trust Allah). The only thing you can do is pray istikarah leave everything in his hands." I fortified her.

None of us spoke after that. We both were sitting in comfortable silence lost in our thoughts. I don't know what Suhana was thinking but my mind was filled with Alhaan sir and our engagement.

"Can I suggest you something Inaraah?" Suhana spoke breaking my chain of thoughts. I just nodded at her to continue. "Do istikarah again. Maybe it will help you from having second thoughts."

I let out the breath which I was holding when she was speaking and said, "I did it last night."

"What? And still you have second thoughts. Tell me everything in detail." She chided

I closed my eyes and everything started playing on my mind. "I had a dream early this morning. I was sitting in my room which was beautifully decorated and my hands were covered with henna. Everyone were busy and my home was bustling with people."

"That's all. You didn't see Alhaan jiju in your dream?" Suhana asked.

"Stop calling him jiju and yeah I didn't see him." I replied in an irritated tone.

"First of all, you are engaged to him and that makes him my jiju. And second tell me the truth. You saw him right?" She countered.

"Argh! No I didn't see him. I just imagined us ......................" I stopped in between thinking what I was about to say. I looked at her who was having a mischievous look with an annoying smile plastered on her face. "What did you imagine? Tell me if not you know very well what I can do."

I scowl at her feeling helpless on my condition. This girl surely knows how to make others spill the truth. I sighed and said, "Today morning I saw Fahad bhaiya and Samiha bhabi in the kitchen. Bhabi's hijab was misplaced showing off her hair. Her hand was covered with flour, so bhaiya was wrapping her hijab properly. Seeing them I.. I...

I was feeling shy all of the sudden. I couldn't complete my sentence because Suhana interrupted me "And you imagine Alhaan jiju doing the same for you. Right."

Damn this girl. She was beaming like a small kid who got an off from school. I didn't speak after that maybe due to embarrassment. But how can Suhana be silent, once she start speaking there is no pause or stop button to her.

"On a serious note Inu, we are best friends and I know you or should I say I learnt few facts about you in past 6 years. Before I was thinking your condition was stupid but now I feel there is more to it. I know that's not the exact reason for your reluctance, there is something else which is bothering you. Keeping it to yourself will only suffocate you. Speak up. I'm here to listen and help you."

I was in awe after listening to her. I still can't believe she figured out this much. She is right, I can rely on her. Maybe she can help me in solving my problem. "Aarzoo." I said waiting for her reaction on it.

"Aarzoo. As in the girl who joined your office last month." She told more like questioned me.

"Yes. She is Alhaan sir's classmate, but he behaves as if he doesn't know her. I shouldn't be thinking all this but I feel they are hiding something.

You may think I am being judgemental but I have a strong feeling that they had a past. I don't know what to say more."

Suhana was all silent as if she was processing my words. These thoughts are choking me. I don't even have guts to confront Alhaan sir about it.

"Honestly I don't have any answer. All I can say is have patience. Don't do anything in haste that you will regret later.

And one more thing Inaraah. Don't let your past influence you. I know your past have broken you leaving wounds and scars behind.

But please don't cage your heart, making it difficult for Alhaan jiju to reach you. Show him your wounds and let him heal you. The only way to get rid of the pain is to face it. That's all I wanted to say."

Her word's brought back all those memories which I want to get rid off. Maybe I'll be married to Alhaan sir in future but don't know why I can't trust him with my past.

'Everything's complicated.'

After few more silent minutes, we got up and headed to offer Zuhr salah in the orphanage. The only solution to all my worries is bowing down to my creator. I just hope and pray that everything falls in place with time.

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Alhaan's p.o.v

Alhaan's room:

I was sitting in my room waiting for Tauhid to show up. Usually I feel lazy on weekends as there won't be much to do. But today I'm really happy. I was smiling like an idiot when Tauhid entered or should I say barged in my room.

"Ohooo... Someone is in a good mood. May I know the reason behind that smile? Tauhid questioned.

'Another drama queen in my life.'

"Shut up and please take a seat. I need to tell you something." I said ignoring his remarks.

"Wow. Seems something's really important. Go ahead I'm all ears." He said

I took a deep breath to control my anxiety. I was feeling nervous all of the sudden. I looked at my best friend who supported me and helped me in every possible way he could. He really deserves to know what's going on in my life. I closed my eyes for a moment and said, "Yesterday I got engaged to Inaraah."

"What? Are you serious? Woah man that's an amazing news. Congratulations Bro." Saying so he jumped on to hug me making us fall flat on my bed. I started laughing at his reaction which was nothing but comical to me.

I then narrated him about the whole situation including Inaraah's condition. Somewhere it hurts me to know she isn't ready to accept our relation openly. I'm trying my best to ignore those feelings and give her space.

"Alhaan." Tauhid called me bringing me back to present. I was so lost thinking about her condition that I totally forgot about him. I looked up at him waiting for him to continue.

"I can see you are upset with her condition. I just want to say that Inaraah is a great girl and according to me she is perfect for you. I know her from past two years. She is very simple and kind of introvert. She doesn't open around easily and stay at a distance from boys.

I know her condition is weird but this all is so sudden for her. You need to give her enough time to accept you. Just be patient and please control your anger."

I couldn't help myself from smiling at him. He is the best person to approach when it comes to take advice. He is so unlike me, always keep his calm and analyse the situation thoroughly before reacting. I just gave a nod and said "You are right. This all is too much for her to take up. I will be patient and give her as much time as she want."

"One more thing Alhaan." He spoke and blew air from his mouth as if preparing himself to speak further. I kept mum anticipating what he wants to talk about.

"You should tell Inaraah about Aarzoo before she finds out from elsewhere."

I was half expecting this. Even I was thinking about it. I don't want her to know about our past from someone else.

"I know. But now is not the time to tell her about our past. She still didn't accept this engagement wholeheartedly. If I tell her about Aarzoo, she might think that I have proposed her because of Aarzoo. I don't want her to think that she is an option to me. I will tell her once she is comfortable with our engagement." I said and we remained silent after that for sometime.

Later my brothers joined us and we had some really good time. After a long time we played PS together. I just can't thank Allah enough for his blessings and hope everything will get fine with time. I just need to be patient and leave the rest in Allah's hands.