Qureshi Mansion: Alhaan's room:

Alhaan came back to his room trying to calm his nerves. The look on Inaraah's face when he left the dining table was stabbing his heart. He didn't want to be rude to her but his mind is too clouded to think straight. He sat on the couch, leaning his head on it and closed his eyes.

He was so engrossed in his own pool of thoughts that he didn't notice when the door of his room opened and Inaraah walked in.

Inaraah looked at Alhaan whose forehead was creased and he seemed to be in some deep thoughts. She made her way towards the couch and settled beside him. Hesitantly she placed her hand on his shoulder to gain his attention.

Alhaan opened his eyes when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked at his left and found Inaraah sitting beside him.

"Talk to me Alhaan." Inaraah said just above the whisper.

Alhaan stayed silent for sometime and averted his gaze to the ground. "What should I say Inaraah? I feel like a loser." Alhaan replied.

Inaraah's face fell at his words. She didn't like it when he called himself loser. She took his hand in hers firmly and spoke, "Don't say that Alhaan. Please don't blame yourself for the earlier event."

"Why shouldn't I? It's been three months to our marriage but still I couldn't be a good husband.

Some stranger comes to my house and indirectly insults my wife. My wife is hurt and yet she mask it. My wife is sad yet she carried a smile on her face.

I just sat there doing nothing and let her speak nonsense. I failed as a husband. I promised your brothers to protect you always but I couldn't keep it." Alhaan said in a defeated tone.

"Please Alhaan. You are taking it all wrong. Your ..............." Inaraah tried to explain but Alhaan interrupted her.

"What's wrong Inaraah? Tell me? Instead of sharing your pain with me, you avoided me.

You have made it a habit of ignoring your loved ones. You don't bother to know how they feel when you push them away. You hide yourself in the walls you created around yourself not allowing others to help you." Alhaan said more like blamed her.

His words deeply effected Inaraah. He is right. She used to hide herself pushing everyone away from her. But now everything changed. She started expressing her thoughts to Alhaan instead of writing them. She don't even remember the last time she wrote her diary.

The click of the door brought her out of her reverie and she looked around to find herself alone in the room. Controlling her tears, she got up to search for Alhaan.

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Qureshi Mansion- Terrace:

After searching him for 15 minutes, she finally found him on terrace. He was busy staring at the sky as if trying to make holes in it.

His words kept ringing in her ears making her a bit furious on him. She made her way towards Alhaan and forcefully made him to look at her.

"You are right Alhaan. I am hurt deeply. But you know what's hurting me?" Inaraah questioned.

Alhaan blankly looked at her but didn't reply. The little patience she had in her was gone and she lost it on him.

"It's you who is hurting me. Whatever that lady said had no effect on me. Do you know why?" Inaraah questioned again but only got silence in return.

"Because I value you and your feelings over others opinion. People's thinking doesn't effect me anymore since I know what you feel about me.

And yes I always used to hide myself from others. But from the time we got married I tried my best not to push you away from me. I started sharing my feelings with you instead of my diary.

Before reaching to any conclusion you should have at least noticed the changes in me. Yes I was smiling today and it was a genuine smile from the bottom of my heart. I got to know how Mamma and Abbu feel about their daughters. But you are too blinded in your anger to notice all these things." Inaraah said.

Inaraah turned and left the place without waiting for Alhaan's reply. She wasn't angry on him but disappointed with his behaviour. Alhaan kept looking at her until she disappeared from his sight.

He sat on the swing and recalled her every word she spoke few minutes before. All the moments they shared till day started playing on his mind.

Flashback:

After praying Tahajjud Salah together, both remained seated on the prayer rug feeling blessed and happy.

"This moment is and will always be the most beautiful moment throughout my life. Nothing makes me more happy than praying with you in the darkness of the night when Allah swt is so close to His slaves." Inaraah said looking at Alhaan.

Her words brought a bright smile on his face and he kissed her forehead with utmost love. Inaraah placed her head on his shoulder while Alhaan wrapped his hand around her to bring her closer to him. A soothing silence surrounding them and both the hearts felt at peace.

"I always dreamed of this." Inaraah said breaking the silence while Alhaan looked at her.

"Whenever I used to make dua for my future, I felt I have a deep connection with my spouse. It might sound silly but I had an unknown connection with you. I always had a feeling that even though we are strangers but Allah have destined us and so our prayers connect us. Our prayers were an invisible connection but still it always bounded us together even when we were miles apart." Inaraah confessed looking in his eyes.

Alhaan's heart swelled with happiness listening to her confession. Inaraah still hasn't said those three words to him but this confession of hers was much above than those words. Alhaan realized he wouldn't have been this much happy even if she said those words.

Both were drowned in each others eyes which were reflecting pure love and respect, with a tender smile on their lips. The voice of Azaan(call of prayer) broke their moment and they came back to reality. That morning was etched in both the hearts which were blooming in love.

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Qureshi Mansion- Alhaan's room:

Alhaan came back to his room realizing his mistake. It was wrong of him to pay attention to the lady's words instead of Inaraah's feelings.

The room was dark and was filled with silence which was suffocating him. He looked at Inaraah who was sleeping at her side and had her back towards him. Alhaan's heart ached to see the distance he created between them because of his anger.

He moved towards the bed and lied on his side. He moved near Inaraah and wrapped his arms around her, caging her in his embrace. He snuggled closer to her and kissed her hair.

Inaraah was awake all the while. Though she was hurt with his behaviour, her heart felt at peace in his embrace. She kept twisting and turning but sleep was far from her. And now in his embrace, she found her abode and her eyes felt heavy dragging her to the valleys of slumber.

Next morning:

Everything was back to normal. Both prayed together and followed the daily routine. However, Alhaan was bothered with Inaraah's normal behaviour. He expected her to be angry on him but she wasn't, making him tense.

During breakfast, Inaraah was smiling warmly which made Sumaiyya happy. After last night, she was very much worried about her kids, but seeing Inaraah happy vanished all her fears.

Just like Alhaan, two more people were surprised at Inaraah's behaviour. Ghazala and Aiza kept sharing confused glances seeing Inaraah. They expected her to be angry and hurt but she was behaving completely opposite to their expectations.

"Inaraah Chachi (aunt) did you plan on how we are going to spend our day off today?" Ahana asked.

"Yes Chachi. We will enjoy a lot today because we have school tomollow." Ayaan said.

Inaraah smiled at them and said, "I have planned everything. We will enjoy a lot today but first finish your breakfast."

Both the kids nodded in yes and resumed back to their breakfast. Inaraah too continued her breakfast while Alhaan kept on assuming all the possibilities which changed her mood overnight.

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At the Office:

After offering Zuhr Salah, Mr. Rahman returned to his cabin with his sons. They discussed some details regarding work and then had their lunch.

Mr. Rahman was waiting for an opportunity to speak to his sons. Being a father, he always felt a need to guide his sons on the right path.

"If you three have sometime, I have something very important to discuss." Mr. Rahman said looking at his sons.

"Of course Abbu. Please don't be so formal. We always have time for you." Faizan replied while the other gave an affirmative nod.

Mr. Rahman smiled at his son's reply. He cleared his throat and started in a soft tone. "Kids, I have seen my share of ups and downs in my life so far. Setting up this entire business wasn't easy at all.

I failed many times but I kept on trying. At one point, I decided to give up. I had lost all hopes when my business was going in loss. Many people suggested me to close down the company and join somewhere as an employee.

And that was the time when only one person stood by my side motivating me every second. It was none other than your mother. Though she couldn't help me in business but she took care of my family.

She used to pray day and night for my success. She was worried herself but she never expressed it in front of me because she was aware it would upset me.

After struggling day and night, finally I started doing well. Her constant support and prayers made me a successful businessman."

By the end, Mr. Rahman had tears in his eyes while his face had a beautiful smile. His sons were shocked to see him in tears. They have always seen him strong and polite but it was the first time they witnessed his tears.

"Abbu." Faizan said touching his hand. Mr. Rahman assured him by tapping his hand and wiped his tears.

"I am sorry for getting carried away but I wanted to tell you our marriage journey.

Marriage is a very beautiful and delicate relation. The most loved relation in the eyes of Allah. They may be times when situation won't be in your favour and at that time you will know how strong your marriage is.

Your mother and I aren't perfect. Many times our opinions differ but being patient towards each other at such times strengthen the bond.

You three might be thinking why I am sharing this now." Mr. Rahman said looking at them.

"Whatever happened yesterday wasn't in our hands but how we deal with it is surely in our reach.

I am not blaming you Chote. This relationship is new to you both and together you have to strengthen it.

Allah forbids, you might face even more worse situation in future. Instead of turning your back towards Inaraah, hold onto her. Always remember you are not alone. It's always 'we' and not 'you or I' anymore.

I know you are confused with Inaraah's behaviour early this morning. But from the way I see it, she is handling it in a matured way rather than throwing tantrums.

Though she was hurt with your behaviour, but she preferred you over her anger. I advised you before and I am repeating it again. Don't let your anger spoil your relations. I hope you remember the hadeeth Inaraah told you before." Mr. Rahman said. Alhaan just gave a nod and remained silent.

"No relationship is perfect Chote. Put all your efforts to have a successful marriage." Mr. Rahman advised. Alhaan again gave a nod and looked down.

"It will take time for him to become like us Abbu." Azaan said in a confident tone.

"Like us?" Mr. Rahman asked raising his brows.

"Yeah Abbu. Like Mamma and you, Aiza and me." Azaan replied.

"Here we go again." Alhaan mumbled while Faizan face palm at his reply. Mr. Rahman chuckled looking at his sons and said, "You know Azaan, I am really proud of Aiza for putting up with a specimen like you."

Azaan's face fell at his father's comment while his brothers started laughing. Azaan looked at them with an annoyed look.

"If I were you Chote, I would have gone back to home and sort out the issue instead of laughing." Azaan said.

Before Alhaan could reply, Mr. Rahman spoke, "He is right Chote. Work is important but not more than relations. Go and talk to Inaraah. Sort out the differences and amend things."

"Yes Abbu." Saying so Alhaan got up and left office to meet Inaraah.

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Qureshi Mansion- Lawn:

After finishing their lunch, the three ladies settled in the lawn while the kids were busy with their grand mother.

"Inaraah are you okay?" Ghazala asked.

"Yes Bhabi." Inaraah replied slightly confused.

"Don't take me wrong Inaraah. After yesterday's incident, I thought you are hurt and angry on Alhaan. But your behaviour from morning is so normal that I couldn't hold back myself from asking you." Ghazala said.

"I am completely fine Bhabi. I wasn't angry on Alhaan, I was just disappointed with his behaviour. I was hurt at first but then I felt it's baseless to argue on such silly incident. If I behave normal everything will automatically turn into my favour." Inaraah replied.

"You know Inaraah, if I were at your place, I would have punished Azaan." Aiza said.

Her words brought up a bitter memory of the past and Inaraah lost herself in the lane of painful memories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello." Inaraah said.

"Hey Inu. How are you." Her friend asked.

"Soha I am sure you didn't call me to ask about my well being. What's the matter?" Inaraah asked annoyed at her question.

"Inu please talk to him." Soha requested.

"Oh so now you became a messenger." Inaraah said in a mocking tone.

"Inu..." His voice rang in her ears making her stiff.

"I am sorry. Please talk to me. You know right, I cannot stay without talking to you." He said.

"Really. Then you should have thought about it before hurting me. I don't want to talk to you. Stop calling me, you are wasting your and my time as well." Inaraah replied and disconnected the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Inaraah.. Inaraah where are you lost?" Aiza asked bringing her out of her reverie. Inaraah looked at her sister in laws who had a worried expression.

Inaraah just shook her head and replied, "Nothing Bhabi. Your kids have drained me out. I need a small nap. See you both later." Saying so Inaraah left the place while the other two remained seated clueless about her behaviour.

____________________________

Qureshi Mansion- Alhaan's room:

Inaraah came back to her room to offer two rakath Salat-e-istegfaar. Her tears were continuously dripping wetting her face. After sometime, she got up and placed the rug in it's place. She moved to the washroom to wash her face.

Alhaan entered the room in search of Inaraah. He closed the door behind him and was about to call her but stopped when she walked out of the washroom.

"You came so soon?" Inaraah questioned moving towards him. Alhaan kept looking at her whose eyes were red and swollen. Inaraah became conscious under his gaze and tried to walk past him towards the wardrobe.

Alhaan caught hold of her wrist and mumbled an apology. "I am sorry for my behaviour Inaraah."

Inaraah turned to look at him but was shocked to see him on his knees. She immediately went on her knees and cupped his face.

"Please don't apologize and get up now." Inaraah said.

"I have hurt you so much. Punish me but don't hide your pain from me." Alhaan requested.

"Alhaan you haven't hurt me. Please stop saying that. I am perfectly fine." Inaraah said but Alhaan didn't look up.

"And I really like it when you follow me like a lost puppy." Inaraah said with a teasing smile.

Alhaan looked at her whose eyes were sparkling with happiness and a beautiful smile lacing her lips.

"Really but there is one addition to it." Alhaan said to which Inaraah raised her left brow in a questioning way.

"I love it when you laugh wholeheartedly." Saying so Alhaan started tickling her. Inaraah let out a scream and got up to save herself. She ran towards the washroom but Alhaan was quick enough. He caught her and started tickling her again. Inaraah pushed him and ran towards the bed to go to the other end of the room.

However Alhaan caught hold of her and both fell on the bed. Alhaan again tickled her while she was trying her best to stop him. Both were so engrossed that they didn't realize the proximity between them.

"Alhaan please....." Inaraah said but stopped abruptly realizing how close they are. Both looked in each others eyes and Alhaan pulled her more closer to him. He moved forward and placed his forehead on hers. Alhaan traced her face with his nose while Inaraah closed her eyes.

BANGGGGGGG..BANGGGGGGG..

A loud booming voice broke their moment and they moved away from each other. Inaraah sat up and corrected her appearance while Alhaan went to check upon the person who is about to break the door.

As soon as he opened the door, two little figures ran inside the room and settled on the bed.

"Ahana, Ayaan. Were you planning to break the door?" Alhaan asked in a sweetest tone.

"Chachu it's called knocking not breaking." Ahana replied.

"Yeah I saw that before. Anyways you both need anything?" Alhaan questioned.

"No. We want to be with Chachi (aunt)." Ahana replied.

"Ahana, princess you can spend time with your Mamma or Daadi (Grand mother). Chachi is really tired and she needs rest." Alhaan said trying to persuade her.

"So we will also sleep. We ale not hele to play with Chachi." Ayaan replied.

Inaraah bit her lower lip to stop herself from laughing at Alhaan's fail attempts. Alhaan sweetly smiled at Ayaan and muttered, "Mini version of Azaan."

Inaraah couldn't hold back herself and laughed at his comment. Both the kids looked at her while Alhaan had an annoyed look. Inaraah composed herself and made the kids lie on the bed while Alhaan moved to the changing room.

After changing his clothes, Alhaan came out to join them. Both the kids were fast asleep. Ahana cuddled Inaraah while Ayaan occupied the whole place on the other side of the bed.

Alhaan came to his side and moved Ayaan to make place for himself. He lied on the bed and looked at Inaraah with puppy eyes. Inaraah chuckled looking at him while he smiled seeing her happy face.

He caught her left hand in his right hand and entwined their fingers. Placing a kiss on her hand, he closed his eyes to have a nap. All the differences between them were sorted and they spent a lazy cum sleepy afternoon together.