Hello......

After a month. *hides*

~~~HUSSAIN's POV~~~

I wore my white blazer, leaving the buttons open, and kept my phone in my pocket. Whistling, I jerked my collar and ran a hand through my hair, satisfied by my look.

"Aaj toh pakka gayi Woh!" I told my reflection in the mirror, smirking.

"Hussain! Shehry! We are late, jaldi karo!" Mama yelled from downstairs. I glanced at the wall clock and sighed. Yup, we are late.

Giving my reflection a last look, I went out of my room and headed to Shehry's. I knocked three times but, when he didn't open, I tried my luck and twisted the door knob. Surprisingly, the door was open.

I checked in the bathroom first and then his balcony. Not being able to find him, I headed towards our terrace garden. He was leaning against the railing, looking out in the distance.

"Oye! Mom's been calling us and you are wasting your time," I mockingly scolded him as I approached him. He was still wearing his casuals.

Shehry looked up at me and slowly nodded, as if still trying to make sense of my words. He seemed quite lost.

"Y-yeah... Coming in a bit," he spoke slowly and I nodded. Okay?

"Tu theek toh hai na?" I asked him, concerned, and he frowned at me. "Nahi matlab... Haya ke thappar Ne buri tarhan Se hila diya na?" I smirked, teasingly.

His frown switched to a scowl as he rolled his eyes at me. "Tu jaa Aur apni Humera Pe dhyan de."

I grinned at what he had just said and sighed. "Haye! Meri Humera.... Sounds so—"

"Bas Bas," he interrupted me before I could complete and I cleared my throat, straightening my posture again, "tu Chal main aaya."

I shrugged at him as he turned away from me, basically ignoring my presence, and ran downstairs where the others were waiting.

"Hello pretty lady!" I addressed mama as I hugged her from behind. She wore a white dress with a golden coloured Hijab. Looking classy like always.

She patted my cheeks before pulling it lightly. "Chal pagal!" She giggled, pulling away, and turned around. I hurriedly stepped away from her when she tried ruffling my hair and she shook her head at her failed attempt.

Chuckling, I looked over at Maha and found her glued to her iPad. She wearing a red and black frock.

"Aur isse dekho, aag lagi hui hai," I commented, pointing towards her. Maha looked up, frowning before ignoring me and going back to her game. I went and sat beside her.

"Yeh kiska kamal hai?" I asked her, referring to her puffy bun, glossed lips and the blush on her cheeks.

"Haya api and Humera api! Mama Ka bhi make up dekho, Humera api ne kiya hai," her eyes lit up as she spoke and pointed at mama. I looked at both of them in amusement, impressed by Humera's effort.

"Arey, bacho Ko Bula lein, late go raha hai," dad came downstairs, buttoning his handcuffs. He wore a grey coloured suit, looking better than Shehry and I. Style khaandani hai boss!

"Maha, go call Haya and Humera. Hussain go check on Shehry!" Mama told us and Both of us ran to their rooms.

~~~HAYA's POV~~~

"Haya Chal yaar!" Humera's annoying voice made me groan. I just wanted to be left alone and she was so keen on pushing every nerve of mine.

"Where are your bangles oye? Ab Woh bhi main pehnau?" She huffed, keeping her hands on her waist. I chose not to pay heed to her so she grabbed my left hand, forcefully slipping a thick white gold bangle on it. I dropped my hand the moment She released it from her grip.

"You have been like this since we came back from the mall. What happened yaar? Cheer up!" She sighed, shaking my shoulders slightly.

"Sab Teri galti hai," I muttered under my breath, irritated.

"Meri?" I looked up and found her frowning at me, "what did I do? You two had a fight and he didn't pay attention to the traffic. How's that my fault?" She asked, referring to what happened in the parking lot.

"Teri hi galti hai... Na tu apna moo kholti Diya ke aage, na Mujhe yeh topic choose karna parta Aur na hi hum yahan aate!" I accused her, getting up from the dressing stool. I slipped on my heels, trying to avoid looking into her eyes. I wasn't looking at her but I could tell she was staring right back at me.

She came and stood in front of me, blocking My way. I looked up at her, feeling vulnerable in front of her dominating figure.

"You know what Haya, I apologised about stealing your topic a million times! Whatever happened after that is entirely your fault! Stop blaming me!" She countered back at me and I looked away, irritated, "ab kya chahti hai? Pair chu kar maafi mangu. Bol na, what do you want?"

"I don't know ok!" I snapped, pushing her away. She stumbled back but gained her balance, "aaj itne saalon baad kisi Se baat karne Ka Dil kar raha hai, kisi Ko Woh sab batane Ka Dil kar raha hai hai jo aaj tak tujhe bhi nahi bataya yaar.... And guess what? He is the last person I am supposed to get close to!"

I closed my eyes, hugging myself tightly, as memories flashed in front of my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder so, without thinking twice, I stepped forward and hugged Humera. It took her a while to wrap her arms around me to hug me back. I never cry. Maybe it's new for her too.

"I feel like talking to him, feel him close to me and I don't like it, Humera. I hate it."

The knock on the door made us pulled away. While I turned away from the door, Humera went to answer it. "Everyone's waiting!" I heard Maha's chirpy voice and a smile automatically made its way to my lips. I never had a sibling; Shehry is so lucky to have such an amazing family!

"Aap Chalo, hum two minutes main aaye," Humera said to her and soon the door closed. I quickly wiped my eyes and fixed my makeup, applying concealer to hide my puffy eyes.

"Chal," I whispered to Humera, without looking up at her. Avoiding the sympathy her eyes held for me. She quietly followed me as I went outside and greeted everyone with the brightest smile I could possibly fake.

"Arey Wah, bohot pyaari lag rahi ho," Aunty caressed my cheek and then looked at Humera. I glanced up at Shehry and he gave me a thumbs up, making me smile. Like, actually.

"Alright then, let's not waste any time!" Uncle spoke and everyone nodded. Aunty, Maha, uncle and Shehry headed towards the door while Hussain stood there, staring behind me.

"Bohot khoobsurat hai na?" I asked him in a whisper, referring to Humera. "Bohot," he replied in a hushed tone.

"Kaho toh aaj hi shadi fix kar dein?"

"Kar do," a smile made its way to his lips while his eyes followed Humera when she walked past us.

"Let me go tell Aunty then!"

"Yeah su— what?" He gasped pulling me back from my arm and I laughed at his horrified expressions. That definitely snapped him back to the reality.

"Itni bhi Kya jaldi hai?" He asked me, frowning.

"Jaise ghoor ke dekh rahe the, Kuch zada hi jaldi main lag rahe the," I smirked at him, teasingly, and he grinned, scratching the back of his neck.

"Ab Chalo," I chuckled at his cuteness and pulled him with me. Humera is lucky, I smiled to myself.

~~~SHEHRY's POV~~~

"Shehry?" Mama called me just when I was about to get inside the car. I stopped and frowned at her, "ji?"

"Beta, is Haya ok? I know you two had a fight at the mall and she seems quite off since," she asked in concern and I sighed internally. This is what I have been thinking about. And I am not supposed to. I need to stop giving a damn about her. About anyone in general!

"Ji mama, she is fine," I tried convincing her even though I was doubtful myself.

"I don't know," she sighed, "something seems out of place. Maybe talk to her? Tumhaari achi dost hai na Woh?"

I smiled at her nervously. She was just concerned and even behind this concern, I saw smirks. What if she figured out something?

"Aap fikar mat karein. I'll talk to her," I smiled anyway and made her sit inside first. All the ladies sat at the back while dad and I sat in the front. Hussain was going to come on my bike since we didn't have enough space.

I looked at Haya through the rear view mirror and frowned at her reflection. She was looking out of the window, oblivious to the little chat going on in the car. Maybe mama is right, I should ask her.

I sighed and concentrated on my driving. The ride wasn't that long since the function was held at Waqas' house which wasn't that far. The moment the car stopped, Maha ran inside. Mama and dad followed her with gifts to meet the bride. Hussain parked the bike just next to the car and took Humera's hand, walking away with her. That left me alone with Haya and a couple of people walking outside the house.

"Hey gorgeous," I whispered to Haya, quickly catching up with her pace. She smiled at me and I sighed internally. Phew, She is not angry!

"Hey handsome," she giggled, wrapping her arm around mine. I awkwardly smiled at her, remembering the presence of so many people around us.

"I thought you were still angry," I told her and she nodded. "I was....." She sighed, "but you just made me forget everything."

"White suits you," I blurted absentmindedly, paying some attention to her clothes. She smiled at me shyly and slowly nodded, without saying anything.

"Shehry, ek baat poochu?" She asked as we entered the house and I nodded at her, urging her to continue, "who am I to you? Do you love me?"

Something hitched in my throat upon hearing her question. I hope not!

The fact that I have started to 'care' for her was enough to ruin my day. And now this!

"Y-yes I do," I managed to utter and She released a puff of air. Did she find out anything about my motive?

She gave me a quick hug, smiling, as two fine dimple formed on either side of her face. I smiled, seeing her smiling, and stole a peck on her cheek. She slightly widened her eyes, causing me to chuckle.

Wait, did I just kiss her? great!

~~~HUSSAIN's POV~~~

Love! Arrey Wah bare bhaiyya.

Haya walked away from Shehry as mama called her and I chose to head towards him. On my way, I picked up a laddoo from the tray placed on a long table.

"Mubarakaan Ji Mubarakaan! Suna hai pyaar ho Gaya hai kisi Ko?" I asked him teasingly as I threw my arm over his shoulder. He titled his head slightly and I shoved the laddoo in his mouth. He scowled at me, having a hard time finishing it.

"Koi pyaar vyaar Nahi Hua hai," he yanked my arm off, irritated, and I smirked at him. "But you just told her that you love her."

"I said 'yes I do.' I never said I love you," he pointed out, making me frown. "Dude, that girl might be in love with you already."

He stopped and looked at me for a moment before sighing, "hussain, this happens all the time. I hang out with girls, they waste my money over shit and then they leave. Don't overthink, yeah?"

"But I don't think she is after your money," I told him, lowly. Haya seems like a sweet girl. Yeah, she goes a little over board with her tantrums and that stupid nick name she gave to Shehry but, other than that, I like her.

"Sab ek jaisi hoti hein," he commented before walking away. I didn't miss the disappointment in his voice. Just because he always came across some gold diggers, it doesn't mean everyone is like that.

I shook my thoughts away and ran after him, "sab ek jaisi Nahi hoti Hein. Ab dekh, Haya ke alawa aaj tak tujhe thappar bhi toh kisi Ne Nahi mara naww... And no one ever dared to break your controller," I reminded him, smirking at him, "I believe she is different. She is a nice girl—"

"Itni pasand hai toh Teri baat kar loon mama Se?" He asked, making me widen my eyes in surprise.

"Saaley," I slapped his back, scowling, "bhabhi hai Woh Meri!"

"In your dreams, bro," he countered back, shaking his head. I smiled at his denial, "sapno Ko haqueekat bante dair nahi lagti."

"Tu na—" he was about to say something when suddenly lights dimmed and soft music started playing. We turned to look at the stage and I mentally face palmed myself.

"I forgot to meet Waqas," I whispered to Shehry. He looked up at me and smirked, "uske alawa tujhe aur koi dikhta hi kahan hai?" He looked over at Humera and I scratched the back of my neck.

"Chal, even I didn't meet him. Lets go," he added and I faked a cough. "Tu bhi toh busy tha Meri bhabhi ke Saath!"

Making a kissy face at him, I ran away as fast as I could to save myself from him.

~~~HAYA's POV~~~

I smiled upon seeing the bride as Waqas led her to the stage. I hadn't had a chance to meet her yet but, everyone here had nice things to say about her. Especially Shaista Aunty; she is really fond of her.

I looked over to Shehry and found him busy with Hussain. At least they were having a better time than Humera and I.

"Aur bhabhi Ji, ab toh Shehry Ki bhi umar ho gayi hai," some Aunty spoke beside me and I looked up at Shaista Aunty, waiting for her to answer. Yup, Humera and I were stuck with a bunch of old ladies. And the one who just started the conversation, was annoying me since the past half an hour.

First she had a some really amazing taunts to pass about my dress for looking too western and then she lectured Humera for dressing up like she was the bride herself. Like what's up with these aunties?

"Haan bhabhi, bas ab Waqas ke baad Shehry Ki hi baari hai," Shaista Aunty smiled, "aapki nazar main koi achi larki ho toh zaroor batana."

"Arey Haan, yeh toh mera farz hai bhabhi," that Aunty smiled, I could clearly see how fake it was. As far as I figured out, she doesn't have a daughter so why is she starting this topic anyway?

"Par Kya koi larki aapke bete ko pasand karegi?" She added, making a face. I raised my eyebrow at her and the other lady, next to her, who whispered something quite inappropriate.

"Ab uski harkatein kisi Se chupi thori Hein. Woh Kya naam tha uss larki Ka? Haan, Sania..... Tch tch, Kya tamasha khara kiya tha usne," she patted her own cheek, sighing, like she was really tensed and worried about Shehry. Buddhi!

I looked at Shaista Aunty in concern. She shifted in her chair slightly, maybe at a loss of words. I bet she knows who Sania was, and maybe about the girls before her too. Humera nudged my arm, urging me to say something.

"Aur usse pehle bhi toh Thi na koi, Woh angrez.... Shar.. Shar... Haan, charlotte," that Aunty clicked her fingers when she finally remembered the name like she had just made a perfect round roti.

She shook her head instantly, looking worried again. If she wasn't Shehry's relative and an old lady, I would have happily punched that expression off her face. How dare she talk like this about him?

"Ab kisi ke yahan rishta le kar jaoge toh unke mann main toh ek hi baat aayegi na. Kaheen Shehry ne unn firangiyon ke saath —"

"Bas!" I snapped at her sick attitude. There is a limit to everything!

"If I am not wrong Aunty ji, that's your son right? With a tattoo on his neck?" I smiled at her, pointing at the guy standing in green sherwani. Aunty frowned at me before nodding proudly. Beside him, stood a Filipino girl whose dress was even shorter than Maha's.

"Aur Woh uski mangetar. Hai na?" I asked, pointing at that girl, "oh no sorry, girlfriend I mean.... Oh sorry, uski boss."

Both the ladies exchanged looks and I grinned internally, already proud of myself. "Dono har waqt saath main hi hote Hein na? Office, business trips.... Are you sure there is nothing going on between the two of them? You know what I mean, no?"

I picked up a cracker from her plate and took a bite. "Mera beta aisa Nahi hai," she spoke in his defence and I smirked.

"Ab hamein Kya Pata? Unn trips Pe Kya hota hai.... If Shehry takes a girl out on a dinner, she becomes his girlfriend. Toh fir Aapka beta toh kitne din uske saath—"

"Bas bhi karo ab!" She widened her eyes at me and then looked at Shaista Aunty, "yeh kaise rishtedaar Hein tumhaare. Na koi Sharam, na koi baro ka lihaz."

"There is a saying Aunty, 'jinke ghar sheeshe ke hotey Hein, Woh doosro ke ghar Pe pathar nahi phenka karte." I said, ignoring her scowl, "kabhi aram se isse samjhne ki koshish karna."

"Chalo Mehnaz," she said to the lady next to her as both of them stood up. I smiled.

"Arey sunein toh!" I called out as both the ladies walked off hurriedly.

"Chalein na sunein," I whispered to myself as I sat back in my seat.

"Aunty, you should not let such people effect your mood, na," Humera spoke up, keeping her hand on aunty's arm, "you know your sons better..."

"Log jalte Hein, tabhi baatien karte hein," I told her and she smiled at us, nodding, "they know their sons aren't better than yours."

"Ok come on, now smile! Uncle's coming this way!" Humera interrupted and everyone sat back nicely, putting on a smile. He came forward and Aunty excused herself to go and meet the bride.

"Aye, how did you find out all that about Waqas' cousin? Sab sach tha ya hawa main teer mara?" Humera asked me, making me chuckle. I knew she was dying to ask this.

"Remember when I was googling Shehry?" I asked her, earning a smirk from her. She only saw me going through his pics and not what I was actually doing.

"Stop it," I scowled at her before sighing, "I saw that girl in his last year's birthday party snaps. I thought she Might be one of his girlfriends so I searched her up but, she ended up being his cousin's girlfriend cum boss. And guess what? Her father passed away last year, leaving his nine BMW stores across Texas for her. You see where this relationship comes from?"

"Are you telling me he is using her?" She widened her eyes in disbelief and I nodded, "then we should warn her, no? How can people do this? Pathetic!

She frowned at the table, disgusted and I bit my lip, feeling guilty. "Isn't it what we are doing?" I asked her lowly, and she looked up, parting her lips.

"Haya, thats different."

"It's not Humera. We are no less. Koi farak Nahi hai inmein aur mujh mein," I whispered to her and stood up, "I need some fresh air."

~~~SHEHRY's POV~~~

"Aaj ke baad Rabail ke naam Ka stamp lag Gaya tujhpe toh beta!" Hussain laughed, teasing Waqas. Rabail, who sat right beside him, was blushing since the moment she stepped inside the hall. We have known each other for a couple of years now but just their engagement changed a lot. She is not just a friend anymore but, an official new edition to our clan. She is an absolute sweetheart, which is why I am so happy for Waqas.

"Ab no Sheila Aur munni for you," he added, giving me a hi-five. Rabail chuckled beside Waqas while he gasped, smacking Hussain's head.

"Saaley aashiq! Tera number bhi jaldi aayega!" He countered back, smirking.

"That reminds me, I haven't met the lucky ones yet!" Rabail spoke up. I looked at Waqas, isne hi mooh khola hoga!

Hussain raised his eyebrows at Rabail in amusement. "Arrey wah, aap bolti bhi Hein?"

"Very funny," she rolled her eyes at him and he shook his head. Before he could go to call Haya and Humera, mama and dad came up on the stage to meet Rabail. She stood up and hugged mama while Waqas hugged dad. Mama and dad, both, seemed very happy for them; they sure expected the same from us too.

Find a nice girl, settle down, have kids and live happily ever after. I scrunched my nose as an image of me, ten years from now, crossed my mind. I'd probably be living in the same house, changing diapers instead of smartphones. Watching food channels instead of playing video games. Going around in some ridiculous family car, to fit the car seats for kids, instead of sports bike. Yuck.

"Thinking about bhabhi Ji?" Hussain's annoying voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I nodded at him casually before stepping off the stage to go and call Haya. I wouldn't be lying if I told him that I wasn't thinking about her.

I was thinking about my life with his so called bhabhi but, it doesn't have to be Haya. I shrugged my thoughts away and looked around, trying to spot her in the crowd. Waise sabse alag hi dikhti hai Woh.

I frowned, seeing her approaching the back door, and ran after her. She didn't hear my voice over the loud music and exited the house before I could reach her. I followed her to the back garden, where the food was going to be served, and found her approaching a nice spot in the corner, by the brick barbecue.

Why so sad? I wondered as I approached her and sat down beside her. She was lost in her own world, unaware of my presence. Keeping my hand on her shoulder, I parted my lips to speak when she yanked my hand away.

"Humera leave me alone yaar!" She whimpered. Was she crying?

"Haya...." I whispered, earning her attention, and she looked up instantly. Her eyes widened at me before she quickly wiped the tear that had just left her eye. "Shehry... Tum? When did you..... Humera..."

"She is inside," I sighed, "if.. If you want I'll leave you alo—"

She sniffed, cutting me off, and my frown deepened. "Hey, why are you crying yaar..... Haya? What happened?" Cupping her face in my hands, I made her look at me. Her eyes were red; just like when we were leaving house to come here. I hadn't missed her appearance then.

Suddenly She pushed my hands away and stood up, turning away from me. I watched her, confused, as she hugged herself and stepped away. "What's your.... Your take on being cheated on, Shehry?"

Her question left me feeling even more confused. Did she find out anything? What if she leaves and Yousuf doesn't sign the contract? What if she tells mama and dad anything? Woh jaan Le lenge Meri.

"What... What do you mean?" I asked, stuttering. Guilt and fear taking their best shot at me.

"Like when you love someone and then you realise it was all a lie. The whole relationship was nothing but a drama," she explained to me before sighing.

"I'd be hurt," I told her truthfully and she nodded. I know what it feels like.

Yet, you are doing this to someone! A voice yelled at me from inside my head, making me shiver slightly. I shoved my hands in my pockets and sighed, calming myself. No I am not. She is here for the money like others. I know she will leave like them too; so what, if I play around this time instead of being played around this time?

"But what happened?" I found myself asking, and mentally face palmed myself. Why am I trying to dig into this?

"You know when my father passed away, My mother asked me to come and stay with her," she turned around to face me, "I somewhat felt protected again even though she and her new family could never replace my father.... Before I knew it, I was being forced into marrying her brother in law's son and she had nothing against it. She kept saying its for the best.... I hated him."

"Did he .... Did you ...." I trailed off, regretting what I was about to ask. But did she end up getting married? He didn't force her into anything, right?

She chuckled before shaking her head. I sighed, feeling relieved.

"I ran off with my passport and some money. I had to sell the house I grew up in to pay my college fees and then worked two jobs to keep up with daily expenses," she said while I kept staring at her pale face and sore eyes, "when I turned twenty one, I found out that my grand father left me one third of his land in Pakistan before I was even born. My mother and her husband wanted that land... They were after my money. That love was all about money!"

I didn't say anything. What I am doing is also for the money. For my selfish reasons.

"I have to tell you something Shehry!" Her voice made me look up again, "you were right that day. None of my relationships have gotten this far because this is my first one. After what happened, I just didn't want to trust anyone. When my own mother can do this to me, then anyone can."

I looked away from her face as a knot formed in my stomach. I didn't want to look at her in any other light. She is a girl, just like the others. I didn't want to feel anything towards her. No sympathy, no friendship, no real heart to heart talks, no care, no—

I stumbled- literally- out of my thoughts as Haya pulled me in for a hug, "I didn't want to tell you this right now and ruin your mood. But I have to.... I have to confess something. But before that, just please, say you love me once."

I was about to wrap my arms around her back when I stopped and frowned over her shoulder. What is she so restless about? Is there something I really should know? I didn't have a good feeling about this at all.

"I do," I whispered, keeping my hand on her back. Her long hair rested right under my palm and I softly caressed them. She shook her head and pulled away to look into my eyes.

"Not like this... Say, 'I love you'."

There we go!

"Haya I ..." She blinked at me, waiting for me to complete. My eyes trailed down to her quivering lips as my thumb caressed her cheek. She rolled her bottom lip between her teeth and released it, flicking it outwards. I focused my eyes back to her's, trying to ignore the tension that was building up between us.

I have never seen her so vulnerable; not even when she told me about her father.

"I...." Someone cleared their throat behind me, causing me to pull out of my trance. Haya stepped away hurriedly and turned her back towards me, hugging herself again. I turned around, only to find Hussain behind me.

"I knew control Nahi hoga, isiliye warn karne chala aya, saari paltan yahan aane wali hai, in a count of three!" He grinned, so proud of himself and counted three on his fingers. Just when he reached one, Waqas' tai came out with her daughter and Hussain smirked at me. I rolled my eyes at him for being so accurate as people started attacking food.

"Waise wait nai ho raha na? Agar main thora late ho jata toh kya Se kya — tch tch tch tch," He spoke and I felt like slapping the smirk away from his face.

Tu thora late hota toh zaroor Kuch na Kuch ho jata. I shook my shoulders, trying to get rid of my thoughts. Haya walked past Hussain and I, without sparing a glance at me.

Leaving me to wonder what could have been stressing her out so much.

~~**~~

I didn't expect it to be this long !!! Hahaha

Well, no promises because every time I promise, I don't end up updating /.\

But, don't forget to VOTE and do leave me COMMENTS  :D :D

And a HAPPY WALA NEW YEAR in advance!! <3

Love always!!!