Unedited.

Sumbul's POV:

My ears perked as soon as Ehtesham Bhai mentioned Maliha's Api name. Since Apiya and I overheard her the other day, I couldn't help being cautious. Maliha Api is an extremely selfish jealous girl. Therefore, I asked Asaaf to keep an eye on her, which he gladly did when I told him about the situation. Right now, I wanted to call Asaaf but Haider's Bhai presence stopped me from it.

"Sumbul, please help Taha before he destroys his clothes." I quickly turned to Taha who was trying to insert the straw into the juice pack.

"Let me help you with this." I offered him help which he gladly took.

"I told her not to go out of the sight." Grumbled Haider Bhai after a while.

I think she did the right thing...

"Sumbul. Finish your food, we are leaving as soon as Apiya comes back." He said glaring at the place where she went.

"Bhai, aren't you going to eat?" I asked.

"I lost my appetite."

"Then why don't we ask them to pack our food. Apiya wouldn't eat too." He nodded turning his head to look for a waiter.

I also want to run away from here. Haider Bhai is becoming more like Nuwair Bhai day by day and his anger is quite scary. I don't know about Apiya, but handling him would be out of my hand.

Within the next ten minutes, we were leaving our seats. Haider Bhai went to car parking with Sadaf while I was told to wait for Apiya. But instead of standing in one place, I started to check out where Apiya was. Holding Taha's hand my eyes searching for her when I saw Maliha Api walking briskly towards the exit.

What is she doing here???

I stared at her in shock until she was out of my sight.

What's going on here???

I quickly took out my phone and called Apiya, which she quickly pick and told me to wait where I was. Within two or three minutes she was standing before me with a scowl on her face.

I have a bad feeling about this...

"...Apiya, Haider Bhai is waiting outside."

"Okay, let's get." She grabbed my hand and start dragging me outside.

All the way back to the house and even later none of us bring up the topic of Ehtesham Bhai like a silent agreement has been made to remain silent. As soon as I got the chance I ask all the details of Maliha Api's activities from Asaaf and he reported everything like a pro-spy. I was quite surprised only until the moment when he told me that he spent all his day today playing Xbox, therefore, he cannot say anything about today. I wanted to rub his face against the wall at that time but refrain from doing so. I need him now because he is the only one who can stick around with Maliha Api if being asked.

Before going to sleep I peeked inside Apiya's room. Unlike any other day, she wasn't talking to Sheheryar Bhai over the phone but staring into space while holding it.

"Apiya?" I said coming inside the room, "Is there something wrong?"

"No, not at all." She put her phone aside, "I am unable to contact Sheheryar." She sighed.

"Why?"

"I don't know. Both of his numbers are switched off."

"Oh, have you tried calling home on landline number?"

"Hm, Kaka received the call."

"What he said?"

"Sheheryar told him that he is going out of town for some urgent business."

"So... why are you so worried? Maybe he is on his way and will contact you later."

"I know... but..." I waited for her to complete her sentence but she kept quiet.

"Apiya?"

"Can you sleep here tonight?" She asked all of a sudden. I wanted to cling to her tonight, who knows she might decide to open up about what happened today.

"Sure, I don't mind."

"Thanks" She forced a smile, which made me worry.

Why are you upset Apiya???

~*~

The next morning was unexpectedly silent. Stepping out of the room I found all cousins in the living room with a somewhat worried expression on their faces, specially Apiya's face was pale as a ghost but Nuwair Bhai looked furious and Bhabi was trying to cool him down, I guess. Carefully taking large steps I came behind Asaaf.

"Why is everyone here?" I whisper, but instead of answering me, he tilted his head, mentioning me to come to the other side, which I did.

"Sheheryar Bhai is here." He said as soon as we were out of ear reach.

"What?" I find it hard to believe.

"I don't know what exactly happened, but when I went out of the room, he was asking about Maliha Api."

"What? Why?" My eyes went wide.

"No one knows, he said he wanted to talk to her alone and asked Apiya to pack her bags."

"Wh- wait a minute, is he here to take Apiya back?"

"It seems so."

"So what did Apiya say and others? Papa didn't say anything to him?"

"He did and Baba Jani too. They also wanted to know the reason behind his sudden visit and about the demand for meeting Maliha Api."

"What did he say? He didn't refuse right?"

Asaaf sighed and said, "I don't know yar. Because all of them went to the drawing-room after it and Papa stopped us to go there."

"And where is Maliha Api?"

"She is also in the room too."

"Oh!" She wasn't in the living room, I didn't notice it.

"Asaaf, go back to the living room. I will be right back."

"Where are you going?"

"Backyard. Their voices can be heard from there."

"I am coming too."

"No, you should be there. You know Nuwair Bhai's anger right and if Apiya needs me, give me a call. Okay?" I said and rushed towards the backyard.

What the hell I am doing, eavesdropping isn't a decent thing to do...

A thought popped up in my mind, but only for a moment.

~*~

"I only want to know what was her intention. The situation she created could easily be lead to misunderstanding... Maliha Do you really want that?" I gulped hearing Sheheryar Bhai's serious voice. It sounded no less frightening than Baba Jani and Papa's when they are angry.

Silence engulfed the room for few moments until Baba Jani's voice boomed, "Answer the question Maliha... What were you trying to do by sending that video to him."

What video???

"I... I-" Came Maliha Api's teary voice but before she could say anything else Bari Ami (Wife of Father's big brother) interrupted, "Sheheryar, she made a mistake and look she is sorry about that. Wouldn't it be better if you forgive her, she is like your little sister after all."

"That's exactly why I am asking the reason instead of blaming Fiza for what she has done... Do you realize Maliha that if I tell your in-laws you were trying to break your sister house, they might cancel your engagement or perhaps stop Qasim from marrying you?"

"Sheheryar beta, please don't." I heard Papa's weak voice and I feel something break inside me. He sounds so ashamed... Just because of Maliha Api?

But why... why are you trying to protect her Papa???

"Don't worry I won't. Still, I want her to realize that when you try to spit on the moon, it will eventually come to your own face."

"Maliha, apologize to Sheheryar and Fiza right now." Baba Jani said gruffly.

"I am ...very ...sorry." Said Maliha Api between her sob.

"Now go to Fiza and apologize to her too and then go directly to your room. I don't want to see your face or hear your voice for the rest of the day."

Chand pe thooka mou pe hi ata hai ( if you spit on the moon, it will eventually come to your own face)...

I suddenly remember this proverb that Dadi used to say. Now after all these years I understand the depth of it. Karma will eventually come back to you. There is no escaping from it.

"I want to move into a hotel with Fiza and kids till the engagement. Then we will go back home." Said Sheheryar Bhai.

Wait, what???

"Allow us to leave." He asked for permission.

No, why are they going???

"We will not stop you. They are your family, you can take them whenever you want and I apologize on behalf of Maliha. Please don't accuse Fiza." Said Baba Jani, but it doesn't sound like the usual him and I couldn't find any confidence in his voice.

"Trust me, Uncle, I would never say a word to Fiza about it."

"No matter how much I thank Allah it wouldn't be enough. He blessed me with another son." Said Baba Jani.

"Can I talk to Fiza? Where is she?"

"She is in the living room." It was Nuwair Bhai.

Just after I heard the door closing sound, came Baba Jani's voice, "Never thought that I have to face such humiliation in my life. Especially in front of my son-in-law."

No one said anything and he continued, "If it weren't for Sheheryar, I would've brought Maliha's mind on its place... Mazhar, I am going to talk to Qasim's parents on engagement to set the marriage date as soon as possible. I don't want her to stay too long in this house."

What exactly did she do???

~*~

Sheheryar's POV:

Red face swelled eyes and messed up hairs which she tries to set after every two seconds when they cover her face. I was meeting Fiza after so many days and instead of her smiling face, I was welcomed by her worried expression. But she wasn't at fault here, it was me who created this situation. I don't know what else to do.

Just after my lunchtime yesterday, when all of a sudden I got a video call from Maliha, who was apologizing to me for what she was about to show me. Then she turned the camera towards Fiza and Ehtesham. For a few moments, I remain in a state of utter shock. I told her a night before not to meet him, yet there she was. But this state didn't stay for long, because the next minute I saw her punching Ehtesham's face. He stumbled, but manage to stand on his ground. At the same time, I heard Maliha's surprised voice mumbling 'Oh shit!' and then she hung up.

Instantly I tried to call her back, but she switched off her phone and it didn't take me long to figure out what she was planning to do. I am not stupid, the expression of detest she had for Fiza told me many things when I first met Maliha. Although, Fiza had told me that their relationship is not as good as her brothers but I never thought that her hatred will go this far. She deliberately tried to create a misunderstanding between us, and from that moment I feared that she could do even worse to her or the kids. This fear made me come running here, and because of this fear, I want my family to get away from Maliha.

But I don't understand...

I don't get the reason for Fiza tears...

It pains me to saw her crying, yet I... I just stare at her face. Sitting beside her on the bed, holding her hands in mine. I waited for her to look at me or say something whilst she tried to avoid my gaze. We have been married for months now, but this is the first time I have watched her crying like this. She might call me crazy if I told her how beautiful she looks when her long wet lashes touch her cheeks.

Perhaps, I have gone crazy...

No sane person would like his crying wife...

I leaned closer and kissed her forehead.

I am glad that Sumbul took Sadaf and Taha with her and give us a chance of being alone. Which is all I want, some time alone with my wife. Holding her chin I lift her face, yet once again she didn't make eye contact.

"Say it, whatever is in your mind. You don't need to hold back." I said cradling her face in my hands.

"I am sorry." Came her defeated voice.

"Why are you apologizing for?"

"Because of my sister-"

"Don't ... call her your sister." I didn't let her finished, "Sisters supposed to look out for each other, like Sumbul." She grew silent on my remark.

"Maliha is more like Anastasia and Drizella type stepsister." I tried to cheer her up but my words didn't leave any effect at all.

~*~

Fiza's POV:

"Maliha is more like Anastasia and Drizella type stepsister." I couldn't decide whether he was serious or trying to lighten my mood. Whatever it was I wasn't able to muster the courage to say anything or justify her anymore. What she did was really outrageous and when I thought about the possible outcome of her action, I feel a mixed feeling of rage and fear. There was a moment when I really wished that Sheheryar should've gone to her in-laws and she would've fallen in the same pit that was meant for me. She caused so much humiliation for Baba Jani, Chachu, and everyone else.

And Sheheryar, he isn't saying a word about it, still, I want to know what is going on in his mind, how much anger he is hiding in his heart. The look on his face was readable to me. The tone of his voice said the unspoken words. It scared me, what would he think about my family, what if he doesn't allow me to meet my family anymore. There were dozens of other questions spinning my mind but I didn't bring it up.

"Fiza?" He called out my name, "Look at me."

I did and once again my heart skipped a beat. I noticed it when he entered the house, the reason why he looked so different today. He was wearing glasses today and for some reason it made him look more sophisticated than ever. I was having a hard time turning my gaze away from him and his eyes were looking into mine. He has eyes, which can see deep into my soul, which are able to read my problems before I could example, gaze at me with utmost love and adoration.

I can't remember when I fell in love with those eyes...

Don't know what came into the mind that made him smile. Perhaps he noticed me gawking. He slowly leans closer and kissed my cheek after saying, "Am I looking more handsome now?"

His single sentence changed my mood instantly and I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

"Why are you wearing glasses?"

"I look good, aren't I ?" I only nodded in answer, unable to say my true feelings.

"Good! Actually, this was the reason behind my continued headaches."

"Your eyesight weakened?"

"Yes, a bit."

"How?"

"How?... perhaps because of you?"

"What?"

"Your bright light affected my eyesight." He chuckled and my smile widened.

"You know Fiza, your punch was quite powerful back there. I will try to be more careful from now on." He said jokingly which made me buried my face into his chest.

He... is a magician...

A very skilful magician... who cast a powerful spell of love and trust upon me and now I am fully in his grasp, as well as my happiness and my sadness...

I wish I could tell him...

It was the powerful spell of your trust and love which gave me the strength to punch him... it was your power...

I wish I could tell him...

He isn't a prince on a white stallion, he is a magician.

My magician...

~*~

After coming from Maliha's engagement Sheheryar send a legal notice to Ehtesham and since then I never heard anything from him. Auntie and Uncle never contacted me or I tried to approach them. Our paths are different now and I don't feel the need to bridge the gap that has been made among us. Although, Sheheryar took the kids to them, whenever they wish to meet but he never asked me to come with them.

I also got the chance to meet Humaima and I found her total opposite of my expectations. A proper career-oriented businesswoman, that was her image which she carries perfectly. Still, I feel a bit of uneasiness, because whenever she and Sheheryar were together, their pair really stood out. What's worse, she didn't give me a chance to send her any legal notice. Sheheryar and Humaima were business partners, there is nothing more. This was what I have heard from others and after meeting her three to four-time I came to believe it.

Sheheryar's mother is still the same, she doesn't want to meet Sadaf and Taha but his father sometimes visits us. Taha and Sadaf are growing up with each passing day and exploring all new aspects of life and me..., I am happy with everything I have in my life now. Sheheryar slowly fills all the empty spots in my life. He took me to the old home on my birthday like I used to go and celebrate my and Taha's birthday together, three days before Safina death anniversary. With little effort from both me and Sheheryar, our life became beautiful. I can say that now, without any lingering thoughts.

Because of kids...

Because of Sheheryar...

I am happy...

I am satisfied...

I am glad to be alive...

~*~

Baba Jani didn't wait long and marry off Maliha within six months. During this time I wasn't allowed to stay there. Sheheryar did what he said back then. Although he took me there whenever I asked him or Baba Jani called me but the visit was always short. So after her wedding ceremony, I stayed there for a whole week and reached Chachu' house today early in the morning. According to what we've decided, Sheheryar was supposed to come the next day but he was there in the evening. His arrival surprised everyone, especially me. Not only because it was unexpected but because of his appearance too. He was still in his formal attire, means he didn't bother to go home and change. Wearing a light grey suit with a blue colour shirt peeking from his coat made him more eye-catching than usual and since he starting to wear glasses he looked more appealing to me than before. I couldn't help myself from kept stealing glances at him. My heart kept pounding all the time just by looking at him and the worse part of all is that he noticed me. At least this is what his smile told me, which stayed on his face all the time. Even now when we are in the car heading back home.

'Best of luck Apiya, love you.' Came Sumbul's text and I feel like my heart will come out of my chest soon.

Come on, the stupid heart of mine, get a hold of yourself...

I mentally scolded my heart while clenching my cell phone.

"Are you planning to squeeze it?" Suddenly his hand was upon mine.

He was making fun of me, referring to the punch to threw at Ehtesham. It is unfathomable to me why he enjoys so much reminding me of that day. Usually, I get angry at it and give a remark but right now... the buzzing feeling inside my heart made me unable to think or speak anything.

"You must be tired." I said when I kept silent, "You should've stayed there and rested for the night. I wouldn't mind coming back tomorrow."

I am sure he would come and yes, he didn't ask me to go with him. However, his presence there was enough to tell the reason and without thinking, I got ready.

"Home is the best place to rest." I said staring at our hands, as his fingers intertwined with mine.

"Indeed, it is." He squeezed my hand gently.

"The moon looks beautiful." Said Sheheryar gazing at the moon through the windscreen.

"... can you stop the car for a minute?"

"Why? Is everything alright?"

"Let's view this landscape for a while." Sheheryar nodded and stopped the car aside.

Glancing at the two peaceful sleeping faces on the back seat, I opened the door and stepped outside. Looking at the small town from the top of the hill in a full moon night was more beautiful than I thought. Sheheryar also joined me and we both stood side by side leaning against the car.

"People like me who was born and brought up in big cities rarely had the luxury to enjoy such scenery." I said staring at the river which shines like a silver thread flowing near the town.

"I agree."

"If it weren't for you, I also might not have this luxury." I turned my face to him.

"Will it be too much to say that you are happy to be here with me?" He smiled.

I didn't answer him, instead and circle my arm around his.

"Sheheryar, can Sumbul stay with us for a few months?"

"Sure, you don't have to ask this but why though?"

"I might need someone in the future and she is very close to the kids. Also, ... she is extremely excited." I lean to his shoulder.

"Excited? About what?"

My heart started pounding so hard in my chest as I said this, "About welcoming a new member in our family."

"...Wait,... what are you talking about?" He quickly stood straight.

I left his arm and put my finger on the back seat window, "I am talking about their cousin."

There was a moment of silence, both of us didn't say anything. My eyes were fixed on him, as stood frozen in his place, probably overviewing what I had said.

An audible breath escaped from his mouth, "Fiza, can you clearly say what have you said earlier? I am having a hard time believing it." He said in a somewhat shaky voice.

"Sheheryar Sahab, I thought you were smarter than this."

"I never claim to be a smart person." He said in a defeated voice.

"Our family will soon have a fifth memb-" Before I could finish, I was engulfed in a tight hug.

"Sheheryar, even if no one comes here at this time of night, it is still the road." I quickly pushed him away.

"I-I am sorry,... I just couldn't stop myself." Happiness was dripping from his voice and all of a sudden he started pacing back and forth. It was funny, I have never seen him like this.

"Should we go home?"

"Yes, sure." He said and opened the car door for me.

"Today will be one of my unforgettable days." He said closing the door.

"And what are others." I asked when he was seated in the driver's seat.

"... The day I realize that you have accepted my proposal, our wedding day and...."

"And?"

"The day you punched Ehtesham." He grinned and I facepalm myself.

The night is beautiful and so is the journey ahead of us...

THE END!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(September 17, 2018)

___________________________

Salam and hello everyone!

Finally, the journey has come to an end. This was probably one of the simplest stories I have written and most of you didn't want it to end like this, but this is what I had in mind so I couldn't go against it.

Anyways, thank you very much for all the support whether it is related to 'You are Mine' issue and delays in updates. You guys were always there and believe me if it weren't for your comments, I would've stopped writing long ago.

Please vote and comment and I will try my best to answer you all.

Love you!

Take Care :)