ROOP's POV

Mr Bennie felt ever so warm and served as the perfect pillow like always. Hold on! He can't be here!

I parted my eyelids immediately and Mr Bennie wasn't there anymore. I tried focusing more and my eyes widened. I wasn't cuddling Mr Bennie but, Waqas' arm. I instantly scooted away from my sleeping husband and An immense pain shot through my head. I realised my hair were stuck under his shoulder.

I looked up at him and sighed, seeing him sleeping soundly. Do I wake him up now? Maybe no, I'll just wait for him to move. I closed my eyes and slid closer to him to avoid pulling anymore of my hair.

"Waqas! Waqas?" I poked his shoulder gently. He frowned in his sleep before turning to face me. He adjusted his face only inches away from mine and fell asleep again. I giggled seeing his features up close; he always sleeps with a strange smile on his lips.

"Waqas, get up, please—"

"You talk so much," he muttered in his sleep and rested his hand on top of mine. First I tried pulling away but then I chose to just let it be.

"Goodnight," I whispered, touching his stubble with my finger that could reach far enough. He 'hummed' in response and I closed my eyes, smiling.

***

I woke up as the morning sun tortured my eyes. I stretched my arm to reach out for Waqas but The warmth beside me was gone. Frowning, I parted my eyelids again and spotted him by the mirror, applying gel in his hair.

"Good morning," I yawned, sitting up. He glanced at me through the mirror and nodded slightly. I think I heard him mumbling 'morning' but, it didn't sound clear enough.

I sighed and chose to let it be. "Aap kaheen jaa rahe Hein?" I asked him, looking at the wall clock.

"Uh, yeah. Work and I am already running late," he replied, without looking at me. I nodded to myself—wait!

"But it's Sunday today!" I blurted almost sounding like I had just heard a shocking news. He stopped and raised an eyebrow at me before shaking his head.

"My job isn't a 9-5, six days a week government job. I work 7 days a week if I have a project to complete."

"But you have been working for the past nine days, I was hoping you will at least have a day off today," I made a face at him which he obviously didn't see.

"I am late, I'll see you tonight— actually, don't wait, I might come home after midnight," he picked up bag from the bed and walked out of the door.

"But aaj toh Neelam bhi Nahi aayegi, I'll get bored!" I yelled, following him outside. He stopped and turned to face me before sighing. "Roop, I don't take weekends off, for me each day counts. If you feel bored then go shopping or something.... You have the card remember?"

I wanted to protest but I held back my words, I shouldn't stop him from going to work. It would be quite selfish of me.

"Acha, I'll make coffee, wait," I sighed, heading toward the kitchen.

"No I'll manage—"

"I said wait!" I pointed my finger at him, irritated. Why does he have to be so— ughh! I don't know— annoying?

He groaned and I dreaded that he might sneak out. So, I held his arm and dragged him inside the kitchen. "Now stay still!"

"Woah ok," he muttered and I sighed. I grabbed the pot and added things in it for coffee. While I waited for it to boil, I pulled out two slices of bread to toast and applied butter on them. Pouring the coffee in the travel cup, I wrapped the toast in foil paper and handed them to him.

"You better Finish it on your way," I pointed my index finger at him and he slightly smiled as he accepted them. "Ji."

"And keep these curved upwards," I smiled, pushing up the corners of his lips. He nodded and I smiled when he didn't roll his eyes at me for the first time in forever.

"Go shopping, I'll send the driver, okay?" He told me as I closed the main door. I sighed, resting my head on it. No way I am going shopping with a driver; that will make me look like a complete loner in stores. Guess, One more day all by myself.

I chose to take a long shower and change the bedsheets to kill some time but, that didn't even last until noon. I was bored again and all alone when the door bell rang. Maybe he came back?

I ran up to the door and my grin dropped slightly, seeing Kavya in front of me. I was happy to see her but, seeing him would have been a lot better.

"Hey, may I come inside?" She asked awkwardly and I realised how rude I was being.

"Yeah, please," I smiled at her and stepped aside, "but Waqas is not at home."

She looked around for a bit and then turned to me, "yeah I know. He told me to keep you company."

He did?

"He was worried you might not end up doing much today so he asked me to take you shopping and all."

"I don't care about shopping," I groaned and she looked at me, puzzled. "Spending time with him is a different thing."

I mean, I can just watch movies all day and not complain but, spending time with my husband and knowing him better is what I am really after.

"And he doesn't want that?" She asked. I am home alone. Isn't that obvious?

"He— I don't know what he wants," I sighed. I don't, I really don't. He wants to make this work but he can't spend a day with me.

"Well, what do you want then?" She asked and I rolled my eyes. I told you that already.

"I want him to spend some time with me."

"Let's make him understand this then," she shrugged, making me frown, "he wants you to go shopping right? Then let's buy things you won't ever need!"

She winked at me and stood up, "now go get ready!"

"But—"

"No buts, you have ten minutes, only!" She pushed me inside my room and closed the door. I frowned, staring at the wall, what is she up to?

"Fast Mrs Waqas! Mr Waqas needs a mini heart attack by this evening!" She yelled from outside and I grinned at the name. Quickly changing into a loose Kurti and skinny jeans, I pulled out a Matching scarf and wrapped it around my neck. I was ready to leave In less than five minutes.

***

Our first stop was a beauty salon where I was forced to get my nails pampered and then we ended up having lunch. Her secretary and the two guards that Waqas has sent were following us around all the time.

"So tell me, what do you want to buy first? Something for yourself or the house?" Kavya asked and I shrugged. "I don't know, maybe a sewing machine or something."

She raised an eyebrow at that. "I am a qualified fashion designer but it's more like a hobby."

"Oh wow! Seriously? What have you made so far?" She widened her eyes, amused, and I rolled mine, feeling conscious all of a sudden.

"Designing my own wedding dress has been one of my favourites so far."

"Wow! I need to have a look at that," she grinned at me and I pulled out my phone to show her pics of Waqas and I. She scrolled through all of them while we walked to the store where I could buy the machine from.

"Get this framed," She suddenly pointed at a picture. I looked up close and smiled at it. I don't remember what I was thinking at that time but, I was looking at the ground while Waqas was looking at me. I clearly remember how awkward that night was for us.

"I will," I smiled at her and kept my phone away. We entered the store and soon the smell of new, crisp fabric filled the air around me. I liked this store already.

I picked a pretty basic machine; not too fancy or expensive. Some different colours of threads and lilac coloured fabric to make the curtains for that extra room. Kavya decided that the living room needed new curtains too and picked up a few different set. I watched her while she added unnecessary things in the trolley and sighed.

It's sure going to cost Waqas a lot.

WAQAS' POV

"One more take before lunch break guys, let's try and finish early today," I announced, clapping my hands and everyone scattered around, taking their positions.

"Sir your coffee," my spot boy walked in with a take away cup. I took the cup from him and blew on it before taking a sip. It tasted funny.

"Doosri lao, I don't like it," I told him and he frowned at me. "But sir, this is your usual."

"It's not," I sighed, "something tastes weird. It's just not the same." He slowly nodded and walked away. Coffee just doesn't taste the same anymore.

"Everyone ready?" I yelled in the mic and received nods from every direction. "Alright then... Lights, camera, action!"

My phone beeped just in time and I stepped away to avoid any noise. "Hello, Waqas here," I answered the call from the unknown number.

"Hello Mr Waqas, I am calling from ICICI bank," a lady spoke from the other end, "I am only calling to check if you are aware of the payment worth of 347,500 rupees being made from your account? It Looks like your card has almost reached its monthly limit."

"What!?" I blurted out of shock. That's a lot of money to be spent in a day!

"Are you not aware of the Payment?" The lady asked, concerned and I groaned internally. "No— yes... I mean, my wife is out shopping so It must be her."

"Oh ok Sir, would you like me to Increase the limit? I can go through the process with—"

"No thank you, I am more than fine with five hundred grands," I cut her off, "thanks for letting me know, have a good day."

I ended the call, without listening to any more options she had for me, and ran a hand through my hair. What is this girl up to?

"Sir your coffee," the spot boy came up to me again. I glared at him in frustration and he quietly walked away.

"Sir shot—"

"Shot Ko maaro goli! Pack up!" I yelled out, kicking the chair beside me. Some people gasped behind me but no one dared to ask me anything. I quickly collected my stuff and left the set.

***

"Welcome home!" Roop opened the door for me with a wide smile on her lips, "aap itni jaldi kaise aa Gaye?"

Like you don't know?

"I don't know, you tell me?" I replied sarcastically and threw my belongings on the couch. All the curtains were missing and numerous bags were kept in a corner.

"Oh I went shopping, Kavya showed me the best stores in town!" Roop came forward and opened one of the bags, "I got six new sets of curtains. Help me decide which one is better?"

Six?

"Are you out of your mind?" I blurted, irritated, "it takes me days to earn what you spent in just one swipe!"

"But you asked me to go shopping," She pointed her lips out in a pout and knitted her eyebrows together.

"So are you going to do whatever I tell you to?" I asked, glaring at her, and she nodded. "Chaho toh jaan bhi maang kar dekhlo?"

She suddenly looked so sad. I sighed, trying to calm myself down. "Hey, look... Relax ok?"

"I am relaxed," she shrugged, "I am just thinking what should I buy tomorrow?"

"What do you mean?" I widened my eyes. I don't believe this girl.

"I mean, I'll be alone tomorrow and I feel like shopping is perfect..." She sat down on the couch and kept her feet on the table, showing of her painted toe nails, "You don't mind spending three to four lacks on me everyday, do you?"

"What do you want?" I groaned, sitting beside her. She looked up at me and grinned, "promise you will give me?"

I thought for a second before nodding. Do I even have a choice?

"Great!" She shrieked, clapping, "one day off every week, you choose which one!"

"That's what it's all about? Are you crazy?" I snapped. She stayed calm and nodded ever so innocently, "you, yourself, call me pagal."

"Roop, you are an idiot!" I groaned and she nodded again. "Thank you! Yeh quality mujhe mere husband Se mili hai!" She flipped her hair, folding her arms.

My jaw dropped at her response. Excuse me?

"Acha? Wait and watch; I'll block your card!" I narrowed my eyes at her and smirked, seeing her wide eyes.

"Fine," she snorted after a short pause, "I'll use the one baba gave me."

"Fine!" I mimicked her and sat down on the couch, beside her, looking ahead of me. She turned to look at me, scowling. "Uske baad Kya beete gi mere baba pe, socha hai? Unki beti ka husband useless hai, yeh soch kar kitna hurt feel karenge Woh!"

"You are going to use my nice gesture against me now?" I asked and she opened her mouth a little bit to quickly stick her tongue out at me.

"Tum na!" I groaned, leaning closer and she hurriedly backed off. "Ayee door hato, don't touch!"

"Don't worry I won't, mere Haath gande ho jaayenge," I smiled at her, sarcastically, and she gasped at me. "How dare you?! Is a day with you too much to ask for? Fine! I am sorry!"

She picked up the tv's remote and threw it at me. I covered my face and managed to dodge it away in time, "aye mooh pe lag jaati toh?"

"Toh lag jaati," she shrugged, walking away, "waise bhi, it's not that special!"

"You—" the bedroom door closed, basically telling me that the argument is over..... And that I can happily get lost.

Ever wondered why I preferred staying single for a very long time? Yeah, this is the reason why.

AISHA's POV

"Chocolate chocolate chocolate, there are more flavours, you know that?" Atif groaned as I pushed him out of the main door. I giggled when he pouted at me. He really didn't want to go out shopping at this hour in his track pants.

"Tumne bigara hai, now he wants chocolate milkshake and dadda is going to buy that," I chuckled. He sighed and raised his hands in the air. "Fine. Ab sari zindagi Sunna parega."

"Jee Haan, Aur ice cream bhi le Kar aana, OK?" I smiled at him before closing the door. Few seconds later, I heard the sound of the engine and then the tires rubbing against the concrete. I shook my head and headed inside Rishab's room where he was playing with his new electric train set.

"Rishu kya kar raha hai?" I called, grabbing his attention.

"Mumma mikshake?" He looked up at me instantly, dropping his train. I chuckled and picked him up from the floor. "Meri jaan, dadda is bringing it for you."

"Bohot shara?" He asked, widening his eyes and smile. I smiled at him, seeing how crazy he is for chocolate milkshake. "Yes, Bohot sara, but first you need to take a shower, okay?"

I heated up the water and made him sit in his bath tub for a while. I pulled out a fresh pair of night gear for him and laid it on the bed  before packing away some of his toys.

"Time to come out!" I announced as I entered the bathroom again and pulled Rishab out of the bathtub. He giggled, splashing water on me and I cringed my nose when a bubbled sat right above it. Rishab opened his mouth in 'O' shape before poking a finger in the bubble, popping it.

"Badmash," I slapped his back from over the towel and he laughed. I frowned when the door bell rang. Atif can't be back already.

"Aap wait karo, mumma abhi aayi," pulled the blanket on Rishab to keep him warm and went outside.

"Waqas?" I smiled as I opened the door and instantly looked behind him, "where is Roop?"

"She is the reason why I am here," he groaned and nodded in amusement. "Wait I need to get Rishab dressed and then I'll hear you out."

I went inside the room again and Waqas followed me. "Oye nangu pangu, shame shame," he picked up Rishab and threw him up in the air, lightly, before catching him and pulling him into a hug. Rishab kissed his cheek. It's cute how is just too good with little kids.

"So, what happened Han?" I took Rishab from Waqas and pulled a t-shirt over his head.

"Madam's angry, I doubt she will cook tonight so yahaan aa Gaya," he shrugged, carelessly, and I widened my eyes.

"Are you serious Waqas? You are fighting already and you are not going to talk things out with her?"

"It's her fault," he rolled his eyes in his defence. He is not just good with kids, but he is a kid himself.

"You guys are fighting already! It can't be her fault, I am sure you did something," I pointed my index finger at him, accusingly. He scowled at me before sighing, "she spent over three lacks today on buying curtains!"

"What? Who spends that much on curtains, what were you doing?" I asked him, frowning.

"I had work so I wasn't there," he sighed again.

"You sent her shopping alone?"

"Nope," he shook his head, "I didn't have time to stay home and entertain her so I asked Kavya to give her company." Genius!

"It should have been you Waqas.... Giving her company and Spending time with her," I pulled up Rishab's pyjamas and he ran outside.

"You know when I have shootings, I don't have time for anything else. I couldn't waste time on shopping."

"Waqas, you are married now. Priorities change karni parengi," I said and he looked down at his hands, "pehle ghar pe koi intezaar Nahi karta tha, now you have someone there who waits for you every evening at the dinner table. Thora sa time toh de hi sakte ho na?"

"Why do I have a feeling she talked to you already?" He raised an eyebrow at me and I chuckled. "no silly, I just know you too well."

"Now please go and don't ever show me your face unless she is with you too, you are not getting free dinners here anymore," I got up and pulled him up too. He groaned as I dragged him to the door, "go home, say sorry and try to spend as much time with her as possible yaar. Waise bhi, you two need that a lot to know each other better."

"All you wives are the same, bas hum sorry bolein? What about the money she wasted?" He narrowed his eyes at me and I rolled mine. "Toh kamate kiske liye ho? All that she does for you everyday, money is the least she deserves."

"All that she does for me," he mumbled under his breath as his expressions flattened. He walked out without even looking behind for once.

WAQAS' POV

I am so stupid, Aisha is right! Waise bhi, aaj tak usne mujhse maanga hi kya hai? All she ever asked me for was my friendship on our wedding night and now a day off from work. Itna toh uske liye kar hi sakta hoon.

I pressed the breaks as the traffic light turned red, and rolled down the window to breath in some fresh air.

She deserves more; a lot more than what I can give her and I am trying but, it's just not enough.

"Do rupiya ka ek, do rupiya ka ek!"

I frowned upon hearing a little kid's voice. I looked around and found not just one but, a few kids running around the cars, trying to sell little thing. One of them caught me staring and ran up to my car. Damn, this is risky.

"Do Rupiya ka ek sahb Ji!" He spoke as I rolled up my window. I was not interested in buying whatever he was selling.

"Sahb taaze gulab, ek le lo sahb!" He requested over the honks. I sighed and rolled down my window. Pulling out a twenty rupees note, I handed it to him, "la, ek de de Aur baki paise rakh le."

He passed me the biggest flower he had with a grin on his face. "Thankoo sahb," he smiled down at the note and I looked down at the red rose in my hand. Roses!

"Aye ruk!" I yelled just when he was about to run away, "kitne hain tere paas?"

"Solah (16) aur hein," he showed me the bunch in his hands, "abhi yeh bechunga toh behen ke liye khana le kar jaaunga."

"Acha la, saare de de," I smiled at him as I pulled out more money from my wallet. He handed me all the roses and I gave him a hundred rupee note. He ran away, yelling to his friends. Within two seconds, four other kids came up to me, trying to sell their roses too. Note to self; don't ever buy things like this.

I sighed and exchanged their roses for money.  They ran away and I rolled up my window instantly; I already had about sixty roses on my passenger seat and I didn't want anymore.

After about twenty minutes, I parked my car under my building and carefully collected all the roses. Kya Kya karna parta hai.

Ab bas Woh maan jaye. One day a week is all she asked for after all, Yeah?

ROOP's POV

Had hai waise, Kavya Ki baaton main aa kar main pagal ban gayi. Aivein Waqas bhi ghussa ho kar chale Gaye. I am such an idiot!

I glanced at the wall clock and sighed, realising it's already eight pm. He was quite frustrated when he left but, I was still hoping that he would be back for dinner.

But what if he has gone back to work? He won't be back until midnight! I threw the knife on the bench top in frustration and kicked the cabinet. Sara din is ghar main Akele pare raho; aise toh depression hi ho jaayega mujhe.

The doorbell rang and I sighed. Ab iss time kaun aya?

"Coming," I yelled as I turned on the tap to wash my hands. The person rang the doorbell again, definitely growing impatient.

"Aa Rahi hoon!" I yelled again as I ran past the couches but the person didn't stop.

"Hi," Waqas smiled at me when I opened the door and I rolled my eyes. "You have got the keys right? Khol nahi sakte the?"

He flattened his face and I turned around to go back to the kitchen. Faint sound of foot steps suggested that He was following me but, I chose not to address him. From the corner of my eye, I saw him leaning against the bench top and staring at me. Why is he staring now?

"Aye Roopwanti—" he poked my shoulder and I pushed his hand away. "It's Roop! Don't you dare ruin my n—"

I paused for a second and looked down; Waqas was holding a rose. I frowned at him and he rolled his eyes, "Le lo, roz Roz Waqas Riaz kisi ko rose nahi deta."

I rolled my eyes at his attitude and kept the rose on the bench top without even addressing it. He poked my shoulder again and I frowned at him. He was holding another rose in his hand. I slowly accepted it and kept it with the same rose but, nicely.

"Kuch zada meherbaan Nahi ho rahe Hein aap? You must have spent a lot of money on these, naheen?" I rolled my eyes at him, questioning him sarcastically.

He snickered, looking down at his hand and pulled out roses after roses until I had ten beside me. He sighed, realising that I am not going to react, and walked out of the kitchen. I looked down at the bunch and smiled, picking up all of them.

"Impressive mr husband," I giggled, stroking the soft petals.

"I knew it! You girls just have to make life hard for us!" I dropped the bunch on the floor when Waqas came rushing inside the kitchen, "jab pasand aa hi gaye the toh Bol hi deti."

"Oh please," I rolled my eyes at him as I bent down to pick up all the roses, "I don't even care."

"Really? So what do I do with these then?" My eyes widened upon seeing a larger bunch in his hand, I doubt it would even fit in mine. "Give it to me!" I shrieked as I leaped forward to snatch them from him. He swiftly moved his hand away and smirked at me.

"Pehle bol we are all cool?"

Those were such pretty red roses!

"Fine whatever!" I groaned and he handed me all the roses. "They are so pretty— ow!"

Something pricked my finger and I instantly pulled my hand out, dropping a few roses. A thorn had pricked me, causing a drop of blood to slowly ooze out of my skin. I pressed on it to stop the bleeding.

"Here," Waqas picked up the roses that I had dropped, "saw a few kids selling these on my way ... Tumhe pasand Hein to Le aaya."

I smiled at him as I pulled out a glass to keep the roses in for now. "Thanks," I mumbled while he slipped in the rest of the roses. Just then something caught my attention and my eyes widened.

"Khoon!" I threw the glass aside and held Waqas' hand. He looked down at it and sighed, "yeah, woh... There were thorns in some of them so..."

"So? So what? you didn't even realise your hand was bleeding?" Holding his hand, I walked over to a drawer and pulled out the first aid kit.

"Roop it's really nothing," he insisted and I shot him a glare as I dragged him to the lounge area. "Shut up ok?"

He sighed and sat down on the couch while I pulled out the detol and cotton. "Tell me if it hurts ok?" I cringed my nose as I cleaned the blood. Stupid roses gave him seven cuts on his palm.

"Itni si toh chot hai, it won't— ayi!" He winced in pain when I purposely pressed the cotton too hard.

"Guess what mister? Mard Ko dard hota hai," I gave him a sarcastic smile and he rolled his eyes, groaning. "You are a kameeni, you know that?"

Did he just swear at me?

"Well thank you, this comes from my husband too!" I countered back, still smiling, and he raised an eyebrow at me. Don't you cheat on me my stupid little stomach; no summersaults please.

"I realised how you pick up bad habits so easily," he shook his head. I shrugged, focusing on his hand again, "He has no good qualities, what to do?"

"Tum pagal ho, Pata hai na?" He chuckled after an awkwardly long pause.

"Pagal na hoti toh yahaan Nahi hoti," I winked at him, giggling, and he sighed, nodding at me. "I am sorry that you are stuck with me like this, Roop. I know this isn't fair."

I frowned at him for a second before releasing a sharp breath. I took his hands in mine and squeezed them gently, "no Waqas, I am not stuck here. I am here because I wanted to be. You gave me a choice I chose This for myself because all I care about is that you are a nice man!"

"I am not," he pulled his hands away and ran them through his hair, "we have been married for six weeks now and I have done nothing for you.... You must have had some expectations from This relationship and — God!— I am such a....."

"You are such an amazing person," I completed it before he could, "thore saroo type Ho but it's okay."

He didn't say anything; just stared at my face so, I sighed, "sachi Waqas, I have no regrets. I am happy with my decision."

"Why do you have to be so nice?" He chuckled slightly and I smiled at him. "Jo log khud ache hote hain na, unhein sab ache lagte Hein."

Finally He mirrored my smile, "thank you!"

"Bas thank you?" I frowned at him, keeping my hands on my hips. "So? What do you want?" He asked, pulling his eyebrows together and I grinned at him.

"You know it already!" He rolled his eyes at me words and raised his hands in defeat. "Fine! You won, happy?"

"Ji Haan!" I giggled, getting up from the couch, "chalein, I have made grilled chicken for dinner and I am starving!"

"Aah! I love you for that!" He stretched his arms, getting up from the couch. My heart skipped a beat as I smiled unwillingly at his words.

I know you don't really mean that just yet, Waqas, but I'll wait for the day when you will.

***

"Roop? Roop!"

Waqas kept nudging me while I pretended to be asleep. I was too tired to talk right now but, I guess he wasn't going to give up so easily.

"Roop?"

"What?" I mumbled as I turned to face him. He was already facing towards me. I almost freaked out at how close we were.

He sighed and looked up at the ceiling again. "Why did you even say yes to my parents?"

I smiled at him; how glad I was that the lights were off. "Because you are a nice guy and...."

I paused and took a deep breath before daring to keep my hand on his arm. His muscles stiffened slightly under my touch and I waited for him to relax them first. In the meanwhile, I stared at the outline of his face that the moonlight was creating. Such a cute nose, may I pull it please? Just once?

"And?" He asked, snapping me out of my fawning mode.

"And..... I... I like you," I managed to utter before biting my lips. You are only saying this to your husband. Chill Roop!

"You what?" He whispered, as he turned his head in my direction. "Breaking news, I have feelings for my husband," I chuckled sarcastically but honestly, phat rahi Thi Meri.

I hid my face in the pillow as my cheeks heated up. He couldn't exactly see me but the fact that he was looking in my direction and that I had just told him something that was important— for me at least— was enough to make my heart go Gaga!

"Goodnight," Waqas whispered in my ear, as his fingers tucked some loose strands of my hair behind my ear. Something soft touched the side of my forehead and stayed there for a few seconds. His warm breath fanning my skin, and I forgot how to breath for a moment.

Did he just kiss me? I swear I could just happily die already!

~~~***~~~

LONG ONE THIS TIME hehe...

Same question as always, how was it? :3

LoveAlways<3