Disclaimer: Seher is the most important character in this book. Don't be surprised if you see way tooooooooo much of her in the upcoming chapters. I am in love with her and you should be too 🙈❣

WAQAS' POV

Kitna time leti hein yeh ladkiyaan! I groaned, looking down at my watch. While I was sitting on the bed, ready to surprise Shehry, Roop was taking forever to get ready.

Sighing I picked up one of the new teddy bears, which, by the way, she ended up naming Ben and Jerry. Seriously. Apparently they are Mr Bennie's children jo bina mrs Bennie Ke hi aa Gaye.

Teddy bear dene Wale Ki kadar nahi hai aur innhein naam deti phir rahi hai.

"Ghoor kya raha hai saaley?" I asked, annoyed, and lightly slapped the teddy's face, who was staring right back at me. The way it's mouth was stitched, it looked like it was smiling at me. In a teasing sort of way.

"Roop we are late!" I yelled again and she gave me a muffled reply. She had just turned off the shower and so she was going to take another hour or so before we could finally leave.

Soon the bathroom's door opened and she peeped out, looking here and there. Her eyes caught me and she stepped out, giving me a good look of her outfit. She wore a white long anarkali with heavy top half and plain white skirt. The little sequins work shimmered under the light, giving the outfit a perfect shade of sliver.

I shifted my gaze to her face as I pulled myself together and sat up straight. She slowly walked up to me, giving me a shy smile, and I gawked at her shamelessly.

"I need help," the words left her mouth in a small whisper and I snapped back to reality.

"Don't you think you are overdressed? Shaadi Pe jaa rahi hai kya?" I asked, looking down at the hem of her sleeves. She tugged on them nervously and I closed my eyes, cursing myself.

Damn, wasn't I supposed to compliment her? Why am I such an idiot?

"I thought it's perfect for the occasion, I'll go change," she said with uncertainty on her voice and I instantly looked up.

"No wait—" she turned around, revealing her bare back and my breath hitched in my throat for a second.

"Woh... T-tumhaari.. Woh zip," I looked away, awkwardly and she turned around again. "Wahi toh band karwani thi. But I'll go change."

"No don't," I said quickly and sighed, "it..."

How hard can this be?

"It.... You.... You look amazing," I managed to chock out, straining my voice a little. It's like nice words refuse to stumble out of my mouth. I get verbal constipation around her— that's if only the term really exists.

"Really?" She smiled up at me which turned into a grin when I nodded my head.

"I'll help you," I offered and she nodded at me before turning around.

Reaching out, I brushed my finger along her neck to push her long brown locks out of the way and soon my eyes fell on the scars on her back. They didn't look as Gruesome as last time with skin peeling off them, but I could bet they were still quite painful. I couldn't help but softly touch her skin around them as tears pooled up in my eyes. She wasn't supposed to jump in there for me.

"Waqas.... Zip," Roop whispered, pulling me out of my thoughts and I quickly wiped the corner of my eyes.

"Don't you think this is going to be too tight? It might irritate your wounds," I spoke after clearing my throat and she shook her head. "Nope, they just get itchy when they aren't moisturised well. So I can wear this."

"Okay," I shrugged and tugged on the zip, slowly pulling it up, "done."

"Great! Let me just comb my hair and did you wrap the presents?" She asked me and I pointed at the pile. Two shirts, tie and a perfume.

"Cool, give me two minutes," she smiled and moved over to the dressing table.

"Okay!" I sighed, and sat down at the foot of the bed; not like I had an option.

She combed her long straight hair that fell down to her hips now. It's funny I never noticed how long they had gotten over the past few months ...... and why exactly and I thinking about her hair?

"Oye, even your birthday is coming up, tune toh bataya hi Nahi kya gift chahiye?" I frowned at her when she looked back at me through the mirror's reflection.

"Mujhe Kuch Nahi chahiye," she shrugged and picked up her perfume. I remembered I forgot to apply mine so I got up to grab my bottle and sprayed it here and there.

"Aise kaise Nahi chahiye? Ladkiyaan toh haq Se gifts mangti hein, especially on their birthdays," I spoke and she chuckled lightly.

"Par Mujhe Nahi Pata mere paas woh haq hai ya Nahi."

My hands halted upon hearing her words and I instantly looked at her. 'Shit,' I think I heard her mutter.

"I am sorry woh—" she was about to speak when I cut her off.

"Haq hai," the two words slipped out of my mouth so gracefully; I meant it with all my heart. I did.

"What?" She asked, looking up at me with a frown playing on her forehead. I sighed and kept the perfume back on the dressing table. I could feel sweat on my palms; phir Se bolna parega?

"I was just saying that...." I sighed again and rested my hands on her shoulders, gently squeezing them, "haq hai, Roop. You have the right to ask for whatever you want."

She stared deep into my eyes and I could tell a billion thoughts were cramming up in her mind because soon her eyes turned glossy. She stepped away at once, blinking rapidly, while I just stared at her, my hands still hanging in mid air.

She was going to say something but I stepped forward and held her face between my palms. I am sure she was aware of my eyes on her but she made sure to not make any eye contact. Maine Aisa bhi kya Bol diya?

Leaning closer, I kissed her forehead and let my lips stay there for a few seconds. She shivered lightly under my touch and I couldn't hold back my chuckle. I pulled away slightly and blinked down at her feet.

"Main bahar jaa raha hoon. Taiyaar ho Kar aa jaana."

Haq hai Roop, aur ek gift Se kahi zyada hai.

SHEHRY's POV

"Saala shadi kya ho gayi, bhool hi Gaya hai hamein," I groaned as I checked my phone again. No social media notification, no texts, no missed calls.

"Tu iss baar mil Waqas. How can he forget my birthday?" I paced up and down the room and Asmaara chuckled.

I raised an eyebrow at her and she looked down at the musli bar that she was eating. Sighing, she stood up from the bed and walked up to me. Her one hand supported her back while she extended the other one towards me. I held it and she stepped towards me.

"Tum toh aise gussa ho rahe ho jaise kisi larki Ke boyfriend Ne usse wish na kiya ho," she chuckled and I rolled my eyes.

"Woh Meri Mary-yummm Ka boyfriend hi toh Hua karta tha kisi zamane main," I pouted at her and she giggled, slapping my arm.

"Ab woh husband ho Gaya hai kisi aur Ka. Bhool Gaya, no big deal!"

"Bhool Gaya? If he doesn't call by twelve am, I am not going to spare him," I huffed, keeping my hands on my hips, and she chuckled.

"Acha ab bahar chalein? Sab wait Kar rahe hein," she asked me and I nodded at her. Holding her hand, I turned around to walk, but she gasped, causing me to panic.

"What happened? Tum theek ho? Asmaara?" I held her shoulders, freaking out, and she just gave me a nod. My frown deepened as a smile appeared on her lips.

"Someone's awake," she giggled, keeping a hand on her belly, "that was one hell of a Kick."

"You scared me," I sighed, relieved, and gulped down the sudden dryness in my throat.

"Looks like they don't have enough room in there anymore," Asmaara chuckled, looking down and I kissed her forehead.

"Few more weeks to go champs!"

PREET's POV

"Remember when you used to crave ice cream all the time?" Hussain asked as I added another scoop in the bowl, "and that day when you came out with a bowl full of it at like nine am?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I thought they were just cravings but look at you. You can eat ice cream anytime and anywhere," He shook his head, making me raise an eyebrow at him. "Tumhe Meri ice cream Se kya problem hai?"

"Yeh gala kharab hone se bohot problem hai, who is going to sing lullabies to Seher?" He frowned at me and I chuckled. "You can."

"And who is going to sing for me then?" He asked he passed me the strawberry syrup. I poured it in the mixer and added milk to it, "kyu? Apni Kavya Se Kaho na."

"Haye! Meri... It sounds so—" I stuffed a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth, shutting him up, and he groaned. I threw the spoon in the washbasin and pulled his nose, giggling.

"Take the meat out. I am coming," I told him and he did as told. Keeping all the bowls, containing marinated chicken and meat, on the trolley, he took it outside for the barbecue.

I placed the lid on the mixer and made strawberry milkshake for Maha and Asmaara since she was craving for it. Once I poured the drink in the glasses, I kept them and my ice cream on a tray and followed Hussain to the backyard.

"Here you go," I passed Maha her glass. Hussain and dad were already busy setting up the barbecue while ammi was rocking Seher in her arms.

"Where are Asmaara and Shehry?" I frowned, looking around.

"Abhi dulhan taiyaar ho rahi hai," Hussain commented in a mocking tone and dad chuckled.

"Pagal," Ammi shook her head at him.

"Arrey woh toh aise time Le raha hai jaise shadi ho aaj uski," Hussain justified himself as I went to sit beside Ammi.

I took Seher from her and made her sit on my lap before kissing her head. She instantly reached out for my bangle, trying to pull it closer to her mouth.

"Mere chote se baby ko bhook lagi hai," I whispered to her as I picked up the ice cream bowl from the table. Taking some melted ice cream on the spoon; I took it near her lips. She frowned at the taste first before a smile appeared on her adorable face. I could just sit back and stare at her for hours.

"Corrections, he only took this long on his wedding because you gave him toothpaste instead of hair gel," Maha quipped, snapping me back to the conversation.

"With cornflour," I added and we all shared a laugh, remembering how amazing Asmaara and Shehry's wedding was.

"Arrey bhaee bulao unn dono ko koi nahi toh birthday khatam ho jayega aur hum cake ka mooh dekhte reh jaayenge," Dad laughed.

"Aapko toh bas cake ka mooh hi dekhne ko milega, khabardaar jo taste bhi kiya toh," Ammi warned him and he shook his head. "Aapke aage hamari kabhi chali hai?"

"Chalegi bhi nahi," She said and he chuckled.

I looked up at Hussain and smiled. His back was towards me and he was busy placing the meat on the grill. I want to age like this. Yun hi haste khelte.

Suddenly someone clicked their fingers in front of my face, startling me out of my thoughts.

"Jee kahan?" Ammi asked, smirking at me, and I instantly looked away, embarrassed. She chuckled, slapping my head lightly.

"Maha, yaar, go call them," Hussain spoke and she rolled her eyes. "You go!"

"I am older so you listen to me," Hussain shot her look and she grumbled, shaking her head. "Nope, I am the only daughter, so you go."

Hussain huffed and turned to face her properly, "I won't give you any food tonight if you-"

"Main bula laun?" Someone asked; their voice echoed in the air, making us all frown.

"Waqas bhai!" Maha shrieked before running towards the fenced gate. I looked up and found Waqas and Roop coming towards us. Waqas bent down and hugged Maha while Hussain instantly dropped the tongs and cleaned his hands.

"Look who is here!" I smiled at Roop as she came towads me. Ammi hugged her first and then she knelt down in front of me.

"Aap se toh hum baad main mil lenge, pehle inse toh intro kara do," She grinned, staring at Seher.

"What a pleasant surprise!" I spoke, widening me smile. 

Seher turned her head towards me and raised her arms as high as she could to reach my shoulders. I made her stand on my lap with support.

"Dekho kaun aya hai aap se milne!" Roop's grin widened. She was about to take Seher from me when someone pulled her away. I gasped, looking up, and found Waqas holding her close to him.

"Look at you!" He laughed as he gently pushed Seher up in the air and caught her again.

"That's not fair, I was here first!" Roop protested, "give her to me."

She was about to take Seher from him when Waqas moved away, giving her his back.

"Waqas!" She whined behind him and he laughed, ignoring her.

"I swear this man is irritating as hell," Roop groaned and came to sit beside me.

"Oh ho, thori dayr baad mil lena, Koi kaheen nahi bhaga jaa raha," I chuckled and she huffed. "Tell him that."

"Par tum log yahan kaise?" I asked like a fool and she chuchled.

"I think Hussain didn't tell you."

"Tell me what?" I frowned.

"About this trip. Waqas planned it months ago," She told me. Maybe Hussain did tell me and I forgot?

"Gah, bad memory," I sighed and just on the cue Seher started crying.

"Nahi nahi please no don't," Waqas panicked, trying to cheer her up. I was about to get up but Roop stood up before me.

"It is not your cup of tea," She said to Waqas as she took Seher from him. I almost gasped at their little fight on who gets to keep the baby.

"Zara dekh kar, bacchii hai koi khilona nahi," Ammi stole the words out of my mouth and I snickered. I am not the only one possessive about her here.

"Toh Waqas se kahein door rahein," Roop said and walked towards me with Seher in her arms.

"Maha, get me her milk bottle, please?" I asked and she ran inside to get it from the kitchen. Eman followed her inside while Shayyan came up to us.

"Aap toh abhi bhi ro rahe ho," Roop talked to Seher, gently rocking her in her arms, "Tayi ke liye toh smile kar do na, please."

"Yeah she is very obedient," I chuckled, teasingly, and Roop rolled her eyes. "Try karne main kya jaata hai?"

Maha came back with the milk bottle and Shayyan ran inside with her. "Call us when the food is ready!" He yelled on his way and soon both of them disappeared inside.

"Nosh didn't come?" I asked Roop.

"She had some dinner to attend. Something to do with her new jewellery store," Roop shrugged and turned her attention towards Seher who was sitting calmly now.

"See, she loves me more."

ROOP's POV

Everyone was busy chatting while I was busy playing with Seher. First Zaidan and now her; babies really light up your life.

"Thanks for the clothes, they are adorable," Preet said, making me smile. I realised Seher was wearing one of the frocks that I had made for her. It had two shades of yellow and a puffed up net skirt.

"I was worried they might not fit," I said and Preet nodded. "The pink and white one is a little tight but rest of them are mostly a size or two big. Such a cute surprise Yaar!"

"I spent majority of my time making clothes for Zaidan and Seher," I smiled,  "I made some for Asmaara too but I don't know of if she is having two boys or a boy and a girl."

"Yea, she doesn't want to get it checked," Preet chuckled, "it's fun you know. Not knowing the sex, adds more excitement."

"I am sure it does," I nodded, agreeing. How would I know?

Soon there was loud cheering again and I saw Waqas running. I widened my eyes in surprise when he jumped on Shehry and he actually lifted him off the ground. Hussain ran after the two while Asmaara laughed at them from a distance.

"Yeh teeno pagal Hein," Preet laughed and so did I.

"This kind bond in cousins is just amazing," I sighed, remembering old days when things used to be less formal and more fun between bhai and I. Now it's all about bhabhi. Either we would fight pointlessly or I would sit like a statue in their living room, not knowing when bhabhi might get offended by something.

Mama always wanted a joint family but bhai just had to leave.

"Here," I whispered as I carefully passed Seher to Preet and walked up to Asmaara. She instantly pulled me in a hug and I hugged her back, making sure to not hold her too tightly.

"You have no idea how much Shehry cried for you," Asmaara said to Waqas once we were sitting down.

"Oh please, I don't even care about him," Shehry quickly retorted and Waqas slapped his head.

"Main itne paise kharch kar ke aaya, Aur tujhe kadar hi nahi hai," He huffed and uncle chuckled.

"Lies! Andar do bucket aansu bhaha diye!" Asmaara laughed. Shehry grumbled, scowling at everyone.

We all chatted while Waqas took over uncle's spot and fed us yummy food that Preet had marinated and then it was finally time to cut the cake.

"Cake se zyada toh candles hein, maan jaa Shehry, buddha ho gaya hai," Hussain teased him and Shehry made a face at him.

"You are only a year behind me, taiyaar ho ja."

"Haan both of you will be retiring by the end of the year, nahi?" Waqas shook his head, earning a grin from Hussain. He went up to Waqas and locked his arm around his', "Aww aur yeh dekho, hamara sabse chota bhai."

"Yeh toh Seher se bhi do-teen saal chota hai," Shehry chuchled and I frowned.

"But she is not even a year old," I blurted just before it struck me. That was the whole point!

My sarcasm level is zero.

Shehry and Hussain raised their eyebrows at me, while Waqas chuckled beside them, and I looked away, feeling embarrassed.

"Its okay bhabhi ji, hota hai," Hussain said meekly, but before I could respond, Shehry and he both cracked up, laughing.

"Shut up Hussain," Asmaara groaned, "You know Roop, he teases a lot. so just don't take him seriously."

"Last time when he commented on Asmaara's biryani, she almost cried," Preet chuckled beside me and I shook my head. "That is the best thing about being the youngest. We can be the crazy ones in the family."

"But he is not the youngest, I am!" Maha Spoke loudly so everyone could hear that.

"Jee sabse choti and moti bhi," Hussain pulled her cheek and she slapped his arm. I was surprised by how angry she looked as she ran up to uncle and hugged him. Definitely the pampered one too.

"Tell him you love me more," She said to him.

"Daragiri hai? I am his favourite," Hussain huffed.

Uncle chuckled, shaking his head.

"Bhaee hamara toh bas ek hi favourite hai ab," I smiled as he took Seher from aunty and kissed her cheek, "Baki sab jao apne kaam par, apne dosto ke saath raho. Hum inke saath bohot khush hein."

"Me or my niece, same thing," Maha proudly folded her arms in front of her chest and Hussain made a face at her. "Me or My daughter, even better."

Maha gasped, stomping her foot on the ground, "Dad-"

"I swear if you guys don't shut up you will be eating melted wax with the cake!" Shehry shouted, shutting everyone up and Aunty laughed.

"Chalo, jaldi karo mujhe neend aa rahi hai," She said and everyone gathered around the table. Shehry bent down to blow the candles and suddenly Waqas pushed his head down. Everyone gasped in surprise.

"Waqas!" Asmaara screamed as Shehry pulled his head out of the cake, "dude it took me forever to pick this cake! Why do you have to be so annoying?"

Behind her complains, was Hussain's laugh and I saw him taking a photo of Shehry.

"Yaar maine instagram ke liye bhi pic nahi li thi abhi tak!" Asmaara groaned, making me raise an eyebrow. Yaha Shehry ka face kharab ho gaya aur isse cake ki photo ki padi hai.

"Shame, you guys can't eat this," Shehry sighed and licked his upper lip, "It tastes good."

"Aivein?" Waqas spoke beside him and grabbed his face, "Hum bhi khaayenge."

I widened my eyes at him; He got to be kidding me.

"Oye hatt!" Shehry shrieked when Waqas went close to him and pushed him away.

"Meri izzat spares kar do," crossing his arms in front of his chest, he stepped away from Waqas. Preet laughed and sat back down.

"Yeh cake mujhe dede, Shehry," Waqas laughed devilishly as Shehry hurriedly stepped back. He ran in my direction and Waqas ran after him. Jumping around the cane couches, He finally came behind me and I froze in my spot, not knowing what to do.

"Dekho kitna besharam hai aapka husband," Shehry said as he hopped behind me, guarding himself from Waqas. I was suddenly standing between the two of them.

"Besharam aur main? Abhi dikhata hoon tujhe!" Waqas was about to push me aside when something flew between us and I stumbled back. Shehry's hands on my shoulder, stopped me from falling down. Aunty gasped, making me look up again, and a surprise laugh escaped from my lips when I saw Waqas' face, covered with cake now.

"Ab khaa cake," Hussain huffed and Preet laughed behind us. Waqas knitted his eyebrows at Hussain and I couldn't help but laugh again. He shot me one of his looks that clearly said you are dead tonight.

Oh Well!

"Kya karte ho tum bacche bhi na," Aunty sighed, disappointedly, "Now go, clean yourself."

"Jee," Waqas and Shehry replied in unison and without any fights, they both went inside.

"I'll get the other cake," Hussain said, keeping his hands on his hips.

"Don't tell me it was your plan," Asmaara gasped and he smirked at her. "What if I told you it was and that I tricked Waqas too?"

"You are such a..... Such a... a..." while she struggled to find the right word my mouth came up with one.

"Kameena, right?" I was going to grin, proudly, but aunty cleared her throat, putting me in that awkward position again. You see why I said My mouth came up with that word instead of my mind?

"Sorry, mujhe verbal dirrhea hai," I mumbled.

"Hussain cake maine le aaun?" I asked him, just to escape the situation, and he thankfully agreed.

WAQAS' POV

"Hussain ke bacche, you double crossed me, you cheat," I huffed, wiping my eyes with the tissue. I yelped when I rubbed it too harshly that it almost made my eyeballs bleed.

Someone laughed near me, making me groan again. "Badi badteesi phad phad Ke hans rahi hai, Kuch help hi Kar de," I said, recognising that soft laugh as Roop's.

"Pehle photo Le loon? Bade cute lag rahe ho," she giggled as I heard her footsteps approaching me. Quickly reaching out, I grabbed her waist and pulled her towards me. Something fell when I trapped her between my arms and the sink.

"My phone!" She gasped, making me smirk. "Serves you right."

"No, serves your right. Hussain tricked you, didn't he?" She giggled and I sighed. "Yeah, he only told me what I had to do and not what he was going to do to me."

I heard the water running and soon something cold pressed against my eyes. Roop wiped them with a wet napkin and I slowly opened them.

"Ab khaa liya cake?" She asked me, giggling, and I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah it's yummy. You want to try some?" I asked her as I took my cheek closer to her and she leaned back, pushing me away.

"Aye chee. Eww ... stop it!" She shrieked. I laughed when she scrunched her nose and pulled away. Sliding my finger down my cheek, I tapped it on her nose, leaving a good amount of cream there. "Better."

She huffed, scowling at me, and then brought her eyes together, trying to look down at her nose. I blinked at her, amused.

"View clear hai?" I asked her and she looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. I sighed and forced her to turn around so she could see her nose in the mirror.

"Tera dimag Seher Se dus bara saal Toh Chota hoga hi," I commented, remembering the other conversation. She looked at me through the mirror and groaned, "don't even remind me of that. You know what happened? I called Hussain Kameena."

"So? I call him that all the time," I shrugged as she turned to face me again. "Yeah but it's different. Besides uncle Aunty were there too."

Lines formed between her eyebrows when she frowned at me, worriedly, and I blinked at her.

"You have no idea what you just did," I sighed, "mami gets mad when someone does that. Ab woh mama Ko call karengi."

"Are you serious?" Roop gasped lowly and gulped when I nodded. "She will complain about you and then mama will call your mom and scold her for raising such a rude daughter."

"Sachi?"

"Muchi!"

"Aivein?" She punched my torso out of nowhere, "Parent teacher meeting chal rahi hai yahan? Pagal samjha hai Mujhe?"

"Woh Toh Tu bachpan Se hai," I rolled my eyes at her and she gasped. Before she could hit me again, I grabbed both of her wrists and pinned them against the sink.

"I know you can't stay without touching me par apne jazbaato Ko Zara kabu main rakh. Bohot log Hein yahan."

"Jazbaat my foot," She rolled her eyes and sneered, "you really think you are that hot?"

"I don't think. I know," I boasted and she chuckled, making me frown.

"Well, sorry to burst you bubble but you are not."

Well Ouch!

She tried pulling her hands out of my grip and I smirked when she couldn't. My eyes kept roaming around her face while she tried her best to escape. It's Kinda cute when she freaks out a little.

"Do you want to go?" I asked her and slowly released her wrists but Before she had a chance to run, I wrapped my arm around her waist, and pulled her closer. She blinked at me, biting lower lip and I smirked at her nervousness.

"Jaa." Stepping away, I released her from my grip, and she frowned at me. "Pakka?"

"Haan, Pakka," I chuckled and she instantly stepped away.

"Roop rukk, Kuch kehna tha," I hurriedly stopped her by grabbing her wrist again and she frowned at me.

"Woh Toh pichle kaafi dino Se kehna hai, par Kuch kehte Nahi Hein," she frowned, "kya Hua?"

I gently pulled her close again and held both of her wrists, staring into her eyes. Kehna Toh bohot Kuch tha.

"Kuch Nahi. Bhool Gaya," I whispered and she sighed, unsatisfied. "Bari kharab memory hai aapki."

"Sholly?" I pouted at her and she rolled her eyes. "Jab yaad aa jaye Toh Bol dena."

She was about to run out again but I stopped her again. "Aise jaayegi?" I asked her and rubbed my thumb against her nose, cleaning the cream.

"Oh thanks!" She laughed, realising, and ran out. I shook my head at the plain white wall.

Yaad Toh hai, bas lafz Nahi Hein...

*~*~*

TO BE CONTINUED

It was gonna be sooooooo long that I had to divide it into two chaps. This one wasn't even edited cuz I am such a lazy bee.

Love Always!