#Speak Truth. It's obligatory for you to tell the truth, for truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise. ~Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) [Sahih Muslim 2607 c]

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Qureshi Mansion:

Moon the ever so divine creation of Allah. Some regard it as a symbol of love while some as a sign of loneliness. But the moon is nothing without it's moonlight which adds to its beauty and is the reason for it's enchantment. And that's what Alhaan regard Inaraah, as his moonlight.

The Q-bros were sitting in the lawn having their regular B-time but Alhaan was lost in his own thoughts. He was simply gazing at the moon thinking about Inaraah and her words. He knew she regret her words and didn't mean it that way but still he was hurt. He tried his best to make her comfortable and gave her enough space to accept their engagement. But now he have a feeling that he failed.

A hand on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts and he looked at his brothers who had a concern look on their face. He tried to mask his hurt but he couldn't. He can never hide anything from his brothers. Even though they tease him, but they love him to bits.

He got up from his place and moved towards Faizan. He sat on his knees and placed his head in his elder brother's lap. This was his habit since childhood. Whenever he was hurt or sad, he used to go near Faizan. And now he was deeply hurt. He wasn't sure about his feelings before, but now he realized that he truly loves Inaraah.

"What's wrong Chote? What is it that's troubling you?" Faizan asked. Alhaan didn't speak to anyone after his conversation with Inaraah. He was trying to act strong but was miserably failing in bottling his emotions. So he decided to tell his brothers everything. Even though Azaan had arranged their meeting but he didn't knew anything about their conversation.

"What? I mean it's good that you told her everything but I didn't expect such an answer from Inaraah." Faizan said.

"I don't know what to do Bhai. She left in the middle of the conversation before I can explain her. And she didn't even glance at me once after that. I will try to talk her tomorrow." Alhaan spoke feeling helpless.

"Chote did you forget that Inaraah is on leave tomorrow. She will come to office on Monday." Faizan said.

"What? I don't know about it Bhai. Who gave her leave?" Alhaan asked.

"Well today afternoon we, I mean Abbu and I spoke to her. She was returning after meeting you I guess and she was looking very pale. So Abbu asked her to take leave and rest properly." Faizan replied.

Alhaan's face fell at the information. He was hurt that Inaraah didn't even bother to inform him about her leave. Everything seems to be falling apart and he couldn't do anything to stop it.

Faizan ran his hand in Alhaan's hair and said, "We will sort this out Chote. I will speak to Fahad and ask him to meet us for lunch along with Inaraah. Don't stress yourself, we will handle this Okay."
Alhaan just gave a nod and again placed his head in Faizan's lap.

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Inaraah's p.o.v

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Wednesday evening:

Knock!! Knock!! Knock!! Something was knocking continuously. I tried to ignore the sound but it was growing even louder. I opened my eyes to see the object and again there was a knock. I sat up and looked around. I was in my room, then it dawned upon me. Meeting, Aarzoo, her confession to Alhaan sir. Again tears started welling up in my eyes.

There was another knock and I got up to open the door. Mommy was standing at the door looking worried. "Inu are you okay?" She asked and I just nodded. "Were you crying?" She asked looking at me intently.

"No. I have a headache. But now I feel better." I hate lying but I had to. I so wanted to hug her and cry but I controlled myself. I don't want to trouble her. "I am fine mommy, don't worry. I will just freshen up and join you all down." She nodded and left without any further query. I glanced at the wall clock and it showed 5.40 pm.

Damn I slept for nearly 3 hours.

I freshen up and went down. I joined my Bhabis who were looking suspiciously at me. Why do these people read me easily. I ignored their looks and try to make a conversation with them. I thought I was successful in it until Fahad Bhaiya appeared.

It was 8 pm and he was back from his office. Just a look at me and he started his interrogation. I was so hating it. Like if I am not speaking then it simply means I don't want to talk about it. Is it that difficult for them to understand.

Even after few minutes of silence when he didn't get any answer he said, "Inu let's go out. You need fresh air to relax. You are stressing yourself." I agreed to his request since I wanted to be away from everyone for a little while.

We went to the city mall even though I didn't want to. I wanted to be in some peaceful place but Fahad bhaiya was like 'Shopping enlighten girls mood.' I gave him a bored look as he is well aware that I hate shopping.

We were wandering around when my eyes fell on the chocolate fountain. My mood lit up seeing it. I literally pulled him along so I can have some. I then entered the ice cream parlour and bought chocolate ice cream for myself. 'Don't jinx. I'm foodie girl at times.'

We moved out to get some candies for kids. On my way I bumped into someone and my face was fully covered with ice cream. Fahad bhaiya started laughing and called me a joker. After laughing for few minutes, he helped me in cleaning.

"Inaraah." We heard a voice and turn to look at the person. And there stood Aarzoo with a wicked smile on her face. I was confused when she was scanning us. She came and stood in front of me.

"Oh Ms. Perfectionist is having a gala time with her boyfriend I see." Aarzoo said and my eyes went wide. I looked at Fahad bhaiya who was shocked as well.

"I must say you are really a pro in trapping boys. You already have a boyfriend and yet you are after Alhaan." She spoke with sarcasm. But I was scared since Alhaan sir's name caught my brother's attention. I was about to speak but Fahad bhaiya beat me to it.

"Stop your non sense right away. Who are you to comment on my sister?" Fahad bhaiya said in an annoyed tone. I could see him fuming in anger. I was praying to Allah to help me from this situation. This will only turn worst if I don't stop them.

"Bhaiya let's go." I spoke hoping he will agree but his anger got the best of him. "What were you saying about Alhaan?" He questioned Aarzoo.

I looked at Aarzoo who was a bit scared but she quickly masked her expression. "Look Mr. I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I just want to tell your sister to stay away from Alhaan. Today because of her, Alhaan is denying my love." Aarzoo replied.

I closed my eyes in defeat. Now my brother knows the truth which I was hiding from my family. "What? You got to be kidding us." Fahad bhaiya said. He was beyond shock at the information.

"Why would I? You are nobody to me. Alhaan and I love each other from past 7 years. We had many ups and downs in our relationship. After college he left to London. Now when he is back, I am trying to mend things between us. But your sister is coming in between. Just because of her, he is calling our love as attraction." Aarzoo spoke through gritted teeth.

My heart was trembling in fear. I don't know how Fahad bhaiya will react. He looked at me but I looked away not able to withstand his gaze. Before he could say anything Aarzoo stopped him showing her hand and said, "Please. I don't want any explanation. Just tell your sister to stop acting so innocent in front of Alhaan and try to gain his attention."

Saying so she left, leaving us flabbergasted. She thinks I am an attention seeker. "You knew all this right?" Fahad bhaiya asked while glaring at me. I looked at him and a tear slipped from my eye. Words weren't coming out from my mouth.

"This is the reason you are so silent. You are not talking and just staying away from us. Why do you do that all the time Inu? Why didn't you tell us about it?" He looked hurt. I was trying to protect them from getting hurt and ended up hurting them again.

"Bhaiya, I was just trying............." I tried to explain him but he didn't let me speak. "No Inu. Not this time. Stop blaming yourself for the past. It was none of your mistake. And even now you are not responsible for this. It's all Alhaan's mistake. I need to talk to them. Let's go home and talk to Chacha(uncle) first." Fahad bhaiya said.

No baba shouldn't know all this. He will be hurt. I need to stop him. "Bhaiya please no." I said and he looked at me. "Please bhaiya. Let me speak to Alhaan sir first. I don't want anyone to know about it. You remember what mommy says 'Never insult or blame anyone in public.' Let me handle this. And Rahman sir will be hurt too. He is a good person I have ever met bhaiya. I don't want to ruin Alhaan sir's reputation in front of him."

He was hesitant at first but later agreed to it. I don't know why I said all that because I am not going to talk about this to Alhaan sir. I have to find a way out and convince him to call off this engagement.
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Present day- Inaraah's room:

I am standing in front of the mirror getting ready for lunch. Since it's Saturday Fahad bhaiya has an off. He informed me about the lunch and asked me whether I want to go. I agreed to it since I need to clear the confusion.

I still didn't tell bhaiya about my conversation with Alhaan sir. He is still furious on Aarzoo and Alhaan sir. That evening he didn't speak to anyone and just went to his room. I guess we cousins have it in our blood to ignore everyone and hide in our room.

"I am sorry Alhaan sir. I didn't intend to hurt you." I said gazing at my reflection. There was a knock on the door. I opened the door and saw Fahad bhaiya standing. "Are you ready Inu? Shall we leave?" Fahad bhaiya asked. I just nodded.

When we reached the place, we were directly guided towards the table. Alhaan sir was already there along with his brothers. As we neared the table our eyes met and his eyes were reflecting so many emotions.

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Alhaan's p.o.v

At the restaurant:

I am eagerly waiting for her. Yesterday felt like a year to me. I couldn't focus on my work. Even now she is taking forever to come. "Everything will be fine Chote. Just relax." Faizan bhai said.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to clear my mind. As I opened my eyes I saw Inaraah coming along with Fahad bhai. Our eyes met and for the first time she didn't look away. I felt as if she is reading my eyes. They greeted us and settled on the opposite seats. My palms were sweating and I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

Faizan bhai was making small conversation with Fahad bhai who seemed to be a bit angry. I am hoping he isn't mad at me. I couldn't hold it up anymore and said, "Please can we talk about the matter for which we are here." All the 4 looked at me as if I am alien.

"You are right Alhaan. I really need an explanation." Fahad bhai said. I could see the anger in his eyes but he was controlling himself. "Bhai I am really sorry. I can never knowingly hurt Inaraah. Whatever happened was just a misunderstanding." I spoke hoping he would calm down.

"Oh really Alhaan. Any random girl comes and insult my sister, point at her character and you call it as a misunderstanding." Fahad bhai said in an offended tone. I was confused as to what he was talking about. I looked at my brothers who seemed confused too.

"What are you talking about Bhai?" I asked him.

"As if you don't know what I am talking about Alhaan." Fahad bhai replied. I still didn't understand what he is talking about and had a blank look. "No I really don't know what you are referring too." I said.

He looked at Inaraah and asked her, "You didn't tell him about it?" Inaraah looked scared and started stammering, "Bhaiya... Mai(I)... woh(that)..." She didn't complete and instead tightly shut her eyes. "I can't believe this Inu. You said you will handle it. This is how you handle the matter." He whisper yelled at her. I could feel my temper rising. Even though he is her brother, he cannot yell at her, at least not in a public place.

He turned to look at us and told about the incident which happened two days before. I was shocked to hear that. I can't believe Aarzoo would stoop so low. How dare she point at Inaraah's character. I clenched my fist trying to control my anger.

Now everything was making sense. That was the reason Inaraah said me those words. That was the reason she asked me to reconsider my decision. Even though it isn't Inaraah's fault but still I am mad at her. She didn't tell me about it. How can I make her comfortable if she doesn't open up.

"Now tell me Alhaan. If you already love someone, why did you bring the proposal in the first place?" Fahad bhai questioned me. I don't blame him. He has all the right to be angry on me. I shouldn't have hide it from them. I need to tell him the truth and clear the misunderstanding.

I could see him pondering over something after I narrated him the whole story. I didn't tell him about my conversation with Inaraah. I know he will surely scold her if he learns about our meeting. "In that case, why didn't you tell us before or at least you should have told Inaraah about it." Fahad bhai said.

"Bhaiya actually I ............" Inaraah was about to tell him but I stopped her. "I am sorry Bhai. Inaraah is still trying to adjust to our relation and I didn't feel right to inform her. I thought once she is comfortable with me, I would tell her." I told him. I looked at Inaraah and shook my head as no. I don't want him to scold her again, if not I will surely lose my temper. I will deal with Aarzoo later. Till now I was being generous with her but she is taking advantage of my generosity.

"Bhai I am really sorry for everything. I will always protect Inaraah and take good care of her. I promise." I told Fahad Bhai without breaking the eye contact with him. He just smiled at my words and apologized for his rude behaviour. My gaze travelled towards Inaraah who had a shy smile on her lips and her eyes were lowered. It brought a smile on my face too. Finally everything is falling in place. Alhamdullilah.

After asking the attendant to come later thrice, we finally ordered our lunch. Everyone was having lunch except this Hijabi. She was playing with her food instead of eating. I glared at her and said, "Food is meant to eat and not to play with." Everyone looked at her and she lowered her eyes becoming conscious suddenly. "Nothing new, its her habit. She hardly eats anything. Aahil and Armaan are better than her when it comes to eating. Yeah but give her junk or fast food, she will finish it in lightening speed" Fahad bhai informed.

I can't believe she doesn't eat properly. That's the reason she is so lean. She was getting irritated when everyone started telling her to eat healthy food and take care of herself. 'Just wait till our marriage Ms. Hijabi.'

"Its better we get them married." Faizan bhai said and Inaraah choked on her food. Fahad bhai gave her water and rubbed her back. "You are right Bhai. I don't want to deal with any more conditions." I said looking at Inaraah. She looked down while our brothers laughed at her reaction.

"Oye hoye! Ishq par zor nahi Ghalib (There is no control over love)." Azaan bhai remarked.

(A/n: Ghalib was an Urdu poet)

I just gave him a bored look. This was the first time he spoke from the time we arrived. He was more scared than me since he didn't want to lose his little sister. Somewhere I was happy knowing he really cares and treat her like his sister. But I was jealous too because he always tease me and hardly show that he care. But he really helped me a lot even though it was more for Inaraah than me. I am grateful to him for that.

I shook my head at him and looked at Inaraah. She tried to ignore his remark but her cheeks were telling a different story. They were slowly turning red and I couldn't help myself from smiling widely at her blushing face. The rest of the lunch went with the oldies teasing us. I was good at maintaining a poker face but Inaraah was having hard time. If it was possible, she would really have dig a hole and hide herself.

I controlled myself from laughing at her state. In a way I was feeling bad for her. I wanted to stop them but if I speak in her favour, these people will get a new topic to tease us. So I opted to stay mum and enjoy my would be wife's blushing face.

After the lunch, both Faizan bhai and Fahad bhai started arguing about paying the bill. "Argh! Bhai why don't you split the bill." I said. They first opposed but later agreed to it. "I think we should leave now." Azaan bhai said. They got up to leave but I stopped them, "Bhai I want to talk to Inaraah. Please can you three give us 5 minutes." I said looking at them.