Assalam-o-Alaikum!

Update. Finally!

Chapter spoilers: 

Rajveer's entry 

Shehry's wedding

And...... finally some heart ties <3

Have Fun <3

23| Heart Ties

Khusal| Kashmir

"You have been saying this for ages Dev! But you haven't succeeded in any of your so-called claims yet" he yelled at his face which turned redder with anger and a tint of humiliation. No one ever dared to raise voice at him.

"I want Maya back. Alive! So that I can bury her with my own hands" Rajveer thumped his palm hard over the wooden table. "Just a few months I was away and no one could keep her in place? Ha! You men!" he mocked him with spite in his tone. Dev have had enough since Raj has arrived back to Kashmir he was mocking them all and specially him. He got up from the chair.

I could feel the wrath in his eyes. But I knew such a manipulator Dev was, of feelings of faces.

"I am not sitting here, doing nothing Raj! I know my work, you or anyone else doesn't need to remind me that" he snapped and Raj rolled his eyes before he got up and faced him.

"If you know your work, then tell me why the fuck you asked Suleman to confess before the police? First you asked him to beat that man in Lahore, and then sent him to the police. Why?!" he demanded an explanation. Dev remained quiet for a while and then very calmly stated.

"I know what I did. I know why I did. Why don't you take care of your Papa's business and let me handle this my way" Dev stated, trying to sound composed. Raj seemed to ignore the later part of his statement.

"I don't understand how Shiva bhaiya could do this to the family name?! behen k piyar mein andhey ho gaye wo" Raj shook his head disapprovingly while Dev was smiling sarcastically.

"As you sow, so shall you reap! Jo bo ge wo kato ge, ub ghun boya hea to gehoo to nai katen ge na tumharey Shiva bhaiya Raj babu!" Dev's words had a strange kind of joy in them as if he had already witnessed Shiva Bhiya's fall. My heart ached. "Or ub to un k khud k katney ka waqt aa gaya hea. tum bus dekhtey jao"

"I don't know about him, I want Maya Dev! I want her back, here, right in my feet. In the dust where she belongs. How dared she insult me like that?! Sari baradri thook rahi hea mujh per" Raj spatted pointed his index down to his feet. "This might be just a task for you but for me it's...

"Don't tell me the importance of something my life revolves around now a days Raj" Dev snubbed him and Raj frowned a little, he didn't get his point and Dev continued. "Mein Maya ko pataal se bhi nikal laoon ga, siraf tab he miley ga mujhy Nanna ji ka wishwaas or...." Dev paused a little. "Or panchayat mein Shiva ki kursi"

The frown faded from Raj's forehead as he clearly got what Dev wanted. "Barey door ki kori lagai hea Dev!" Raj smirked, appreciating.

"Mind with your part of the deal" Dev pointed his index at his face, reminding him to saty in his limits and Raj made a distasteful face, as he rubbed his stubble. "Baki jo mera kam hea wo ho jaye ga, kab or kesey is ki chinta tum mat karo" Dev patted his cheek before he walked back towards the door and suddenly panic spread across my head. I quickly backed off and hid behind the bushy climber around the pillar.

I watched Dev walked towards his car, the driver opened the door for him he sat in and the driver drove off.

I had to rush to Shiva bhaiya and let him know what these two ugly brains were cooking about him and Maya didi.

Maya

Lahore | a day prior to Shehry's Barat

"Keep them in Shehry's room and this basket in Hussain's. 

And listen! Do-not-touch-anything-in-Hussain's-room, he'll get angry okay?!" I was instructing the girl, Nadia we hired for the whole day for Shehry's wedding week. She gave me a mixed shake and nod gesture.

Every time she would misplace a thing or two in Hussain's room and then he would create racket in the whole house. ab shadi k ghar mein cheezen ho jati hen idher udher per Hussain ko kon samjhaye!

Nadia held the basket and the small bundle of the clothes and walked past me towards Shehry's room. 

"Oho Maya come on sit with us" Chachi patted the empty space near her on the sofa.

"Chachi ji bus abhi aai" I tried to apologize but she made a face. I didn't know all of the relatives much but trust me the way they all were treating me none could have guessed I was a Hindu and they were Muslims, none could have guessed we were enemies for decades. 

Though I used to feel a little odd at times but the aunties were cute and simpleton. 

"Arey aa jao. Mehndi nai lagwao gi?" Hussain's khala demanded. "Mehndi ka function chala gaya or hatheliyan aesi he sooni raheen tumhari, huhn!" she disapproved and i smiled softly. 

"Khala I don't like it" I made a face lowly confessing. 

"O kuriyo! Anu pharo or laao mehndi hathan te" Chachi ordered the girl already applying it on a lady's hand, I backed off frightened and the girl giggled at my reaction. "Ni tu dass menu, Shehry da viyah ae te tu mehndi ni lani? Ki matlab?"

"Chachi wo abhi zara kitchen dekh loon Sadia api k sath phir lagwati hoon" I excused. 

It was his mehndi function last night and I had no henna applied in my palms, I wasn't a mehndi person much. And tonight we were leaving for Islamabad for Shehry's barat. The last wedding I had attended was of dada's and I was really young at that time; I could hardly remember me taking any responsibilities. I had only enjoyed the wedding but Shehry's wedding was a totally different scene; I felt more like a family member busy in arrangements and taking care of house chores and catering guests. It was fun!

"Maya!"

I heard Shehry calling me from somewhere. "Maya!"

"Aai Shehry!" I called back. "I will be back" I excused and marched towards Shehry's room, halting in the door frame I found him with Hussain and a few of his cousins there already.

Shehry looked at me and I shrugged. "What?" he looked down and my gaze followed his, only making me burst into a gwaf, finding both his legs in different pajamas; one in dark blue and one in black with gold strips on it.

"Shehry it's your nikah, not a circus where you will go dressed up.... fancy?" I frowned, the cousin named Waqas chuckled.

"Nice idea, I think she is right. Amna would love this different shade of Shehry" he joked and earned a slap from Shehry but he quickly grabbed the pajamas again when Waqas shrieked. "Oye pajama sambhal!"

Shehry quickly got hold on both sides though he was wearing jeans underneath. I guess he was nervous, just a wedding thing. It was normal for sure.

"These four gentlemen here are not able to decide which pajama to go with my sherwani. These guys suck at being brothers"

"Don't blame me, I don't have any expertise in wedding pajamas" Hussain retorted.

"Neither have I" The boy named Adil, raised both his palms us defensively and Shehry rolled his eyes turning towards Waqas.

"Waqas khotey! Tu to viyah-shuda hea yar, qasmey you are for no good"

"Acha? And who was giving you amazing tips for your after nikah rituals?" Waqas demanded with a smirk and Shehry's face clearly turned into a tomato.

"Harami bakwas na ker" Shehry gritted his teeth showing him a punch when I cleared my throat stepping inside.

"Well, it's a close one, your sherwani is off white with navy blue embellishments but there is also a little black inside, umm....." going closer to Shehry I looked at his sherwani and then down at the two different pajamas.

"I think you should go with navy blue, coz black would be a too much cliché with off white. What say guys?" I looked at them three idiots standing there with the-would-be groom, confusing him even more.

"Wah! Not only the choice but the reason behind the choice even matched" Waqas remarked looking at my back and I turned, finding Hussain rolling his eyes. "Kamal hea doctor sahiba" he further stated and I looked at him

"Ji wo kia hea na k akser doctor k sath rehty rehty mareez ki soch bhi doctor jesi he ho jati hea" I commented and they laughed. I looked at Hussain who didn't seem angry for sure but wasn't pleased as well.

"So Shehry is it decided now?" I asked Shehry who smiled giving me a thumbs up. "You are a true friend girl!" he winked and I smiled.

I walked back to the door but then stopped in the middle and turned, finding Hussian already staring my way that made me a little off guard but then I looked at Waqas as I addressed him. "Waqas now you can continue giving Shehry the after-nikah-ritual-advice" with a smirk I turned and headed to the door.

"Saley ker di na izzat ki kulfi" I heard Shehry at my back followed by Waqas' growl.

"Oye tu kia dekh raha hea Mareez? Doctor sahiba chali gaeen, ghooriyan daalna band ker" those were the last words crashed to my ears, and a strange sensation spread inside me.

Why was Hussain staring me like that? He has started behaving oddly around me. Bhagwan! Lerrta tha tab he acha lagta tha!

....

"Come on Maya, just a little design" Sadia urged me to sit down as she got up, done with her back sides as well. Haye Rabba! Inni ziada?!

"Kal bechari ke pas rush buhat tha na to we thought to complete back sides today" Sadia smiled down at Maha.

"Maya api laga len, dekhen farah baji kitni piyari mehndi laga rahi hen" Maha showed me both her palms and I smiled meekly.

"Its beautiful" I smiled a little wider as the mehndi girl, Farah looked at me.

Quiet reluctantly I walked towards her and sat down, she held my hand. Arrghh! I hate this too much of a feminine touch

"Soni jai lana Fara puter!" Chachi reminded fara who nodded grinning. Chachi ji along with the rest of the elders went away, leaving me with farah in the lounge.

"Hey don't put too much okay! I don't like mehndi" I told her, trying not to sound rude and she nodded her head in agreement. "Ap fiker na Karen"

That ticklish sensation in my palm annoyed me to the limits and it was too cold against my skin. After a few silent moments the girl asked very casually. "Naam kia likhoon hatheli mein?"

"Hussain"

My heart stopped at the name, so loud and clear strike to my ears and my head spun up finding Sadia standing with Hussain at a little distance. He was clad in a plan blue polo shirt and blue faded jeans, his hair perfectly combed leftwards, like always. The stubble a little over grown, he definitely needed a nice hair cut and to trim his beard after all it was his brother's big day. Or phir Khizrah kia sochey gi? He has to look handsome for her.

I dunno why the name, the mare thought struck something inside me, broke something inside me.

"Fine, so lemme confirm from the tailor. If it's done then you can pick it up on your way back home, theek hea na?" Sadia was asking. "We have to leave at sharp 8, us se pehley bus mil jaye Hussain kisi tera" she continued.

"Sure, confirm it and text me" Hussain agreed. Sadia walked past him while he casually looked around and our eyes met.

He stood there in his place while I sat there frozen in mine, our eyes locked. Slowly he moved forward into my direction, something in his gaze had captured mine, I couldn't look away and soon he was standing right behind Farah. His gaze very slowly, taking his sweet time roamed down to my palm where something was happening... oh yeah! Mehndi

Coming to my senses I blinked my eyes and was about to look down when I found Hussain frowning down at my palm. My gaze followed his and the next moment a shriek escaped my lips as I pulled my hand from Farah's grip.

"What si this?" I got up, feeling a 440 volts running inside me, Farah stood up as well.

"Kia hua baji?"

"Y-ye. Ye nam... what?....what have you done?" I looked up at the girl's face who seemed shocked and frightened herself, I looked at Hussain in panic, there was an unreadable expression on his face as he stood there looking at me.

"Ap he ne bola tha Hussain" the girl stuttered and I found Hussain raising his brow.

"I didn't, why would I? I mean.... hey Bhagwan!" feeling flushed and embarrassed. I quickly rushed out from the lounge and ran towards the washroom with my heart pounding out from my chest.

I had to wash Hussain's name off my palm before it will get permanent.

Hussain

She rushed towards the washroom; her dupatta running back after her and her hair swaying in the air, as she ran in panic but had to stop when Chachi, Khala and Sadia came into the lounge and blocked her way right in the entrance.

Maya stopped. I could feel her breathing heavily though I was standing at a few yards distance.

"Arey mehndi laga li? Chalo acha kiya beta" Khala spoke with a smile, and on the queue Maya brought the hand at her back, now giving me a better view to my name on her palm, though it was small and in between us there were yards but still I could feel the presence. It was there.

"uh- ji. Lagwa li khala" Maya stuttered

"Dikhao to bhala" Sadia demanded and I knew Maya panicked inside.

"W-wo Sadia it's not that good, in fact I told you mehndi doesn't look good at me at all and...

"Aye haye! Q nahee achi lage gi bhala?" Chachi frowned showing affection, not knowing she was panicking her inside. "Oho dikhao to Maya" Sadia insisted when I decided to jump in the conversation.

Maya

I was so dead!

I was about to pull my hand forward and show them my mehndi to ruin my repo in their eyes plus to bring that unending extreme embarrassment. But to my utmost relief the moment I brought my hand forward Hussain called from the back. "Maya!" and I turned, not letting them have a look at my hand.

"You phone is ringing" he informed and trust me, I mentally did aarti of the person calling me at this hour of need. Unknowingly a weak yet relieved smile crept on to my lips. And I noticed the sound of my ringtone from distance.

"Oh, okay I will get that" I replied and he simply nodded.

"Dekh lo, kafi der se baj raha hea, maybe something important" he casually added before he looked back to his phone and walked away.

I turned and looked at the disappointed ladies. "Uh- excuse me, I'll be back" and with that I rushed towards my room without even a glance at my back.

Entering inside, firstly I couldn't find my phone and when I found it somewhere in between the mess of my dresses on the bed there was Hussain's name flashing across the screen. Hein ji?!

Swiping it on I held it to my ear when he spoke. "I never knew you were that desperate to have my name written on your hand" and I realized he was at my back. I turned, finding him right there with a light almost hard to recognize smirk on his face.

"Desperate? Me? for your name? banda kerne wali gal karey Hussain" I rolled my eyes, despite the odd un welcoming feelings in my belly and he chuckled, entering inside. I threw my phone on the bed.

"Well, but you have to agree that I saved your ass" he shamelessly shrugged using those words and my cheeks heated up. I wonder why didn't I slap him in his face, I would have if it wasn't Hussain.

"Hussain there is a certain code of behavior when you are talking to a girl" I reminded him as he spoke all rudely, in term of words. He frowned. "but I think its new to you, kuri se kadi gal nai keeti na tu ne, isi liye you are so pathetic in it" I rolled my eyes and he did the same ignoring my protest.

"and by the way, I could have told Chachi that this... is just a misunderstanding and nothing else" I showed him my palm with his name and I caught him staring it for a moment longer than he should have, with an emotion in his eyes which made me pull my hand back to myself and I gulped down a lump in my throat as our eyes met.

"or wo man lateen? Do you really think so Maya? If yes, then you don't know these desi aunties" he stated knowingly and I frowned.

"O! Mr. I-know-everything don't imply that you have done an ahsan over my head, tumhari chachi desi hen to mein bhi kam nai. I can handle desi in desi way. Okay!" I made myself clear before I walked past him but he caught my wrist in the way, I turned my head and looked down at our hands before looking up at his face.

I found him looking down at my hand, with a slight smile at the corner of his lips. A part of me wanted my hand to be in his, it felt good but the most of me wanted to pull it off and run away.

"Wesey acha lag raha hea tumharey hath mein mera nam....

I quickly pulled my hand feeling the electric current passed throughout my body as he spoke, he looked up with a little shock in his eyes, I blinked mine in disbelief. "No" I shook my head, taking a step back. "It's not looking good, not at all. Your name can only look good when it'll be written in Khizrah's hand" I reminded him, I seriously thought he had forgotten this and every other thing ever happened between us.

He didn't respond for a moment, our gaze remained locked and then he took a step closer, I tried not to flinch or seem intimidated though I was. 

He spoke looking into my eyes holding a smile on to his lips. "In my religion my name can look good in four hands at a time, don't worry" he winked and walked past me, leaving me frowning at his reply; with my heart beating fast and brain trying to cipher his words.

Amna

Nikah; the most amazing feeling in the world. Just a few words, a couple of pages, our signatures, those duas and so many blessings.

My heart was fluttering ever since I heard him saying those words, I heard him accepting me, taking me as his, and his forever.

So many people congratulated me, hugged me showered me with blessings and wished for my future life. My friends were hugging me with naughty whispers in my ears making me blush even more, and cousins teasing me for finally being able to tie the right lawful knot.

In all that my gaze was trying to roam to him, my husband. All of a sudden he had become more than just a friend, a lover or a partner he was now my soul mate, my man, the person I look up to for my happiness for my life.

He was catering a few guests talking to them, receiving their blessings while I was on the stage surrounded with relatives and well wishers.

"Bhabi! Finally welcome to the family" Maha gave me a big hug and I smiled warmly, hugging her back.

"Bhabi was always our family" I heard Hussain saying and we pull back. Hussain came smiling near me. I smiled back. "But now you have Asifs' tag with you" he added looking at me proudly and I giggled.

"So now you better call me bhabi. Ahtiram wajib hogaya hea beta ji" I mentioned and he obediently bowed down keeping his right hand over his heart. "jo hokum Bhabi jan!"

He was looking extra handsome today in desi.

"O! bhabi is fine, but ye jan ki honda ae khotiya?!" Shehry stepped on the stage and twisted Hussain's ear who laughed. I smiled at them two.

Shehry was signatured as lively and a source of smile for all, by Allah Himself.

"Meri jan ki jan bhi to meri jan hui na. nai?" Hussain tried to come up with some logic and Shehry frowned, raising his brow but then rolled his eyes getting his point.

"Shehry I can smell butter here" Maha sniffed in the air and Hussain smacked her head.

"oww! Don't ruin my hairstyle" Maha complaint and Hussain mocked her. "Vadi aai clopetra"

Meanwhile I was totally lost in observing my Prince charming in off white and blue, the most handsome man alive, wearing the most beautiful smile on his face.

"Amna!" I heard my name being called and Shehry's gaze had to be averted from my face, he moved a side and I found Khizrah standing there with as usual a sweet smile on her face. "Congratulations Amna and Shehry bhai"

"Thankyou Khizrah" she hugged me and smiled at Shehry who smiled back. "Buhat shukriya Bhabi jan" Shehry purposely said the last word emphasized for Hussain but he stood unmoved, as if he didn't care.

"Soon I will be welcoming you to the team, inn Shaa Allah" I smiled at her who clearly blushed, she looked briefly at Hussain who was busy observing the guests and then finding someone he stepped down.

His behavior had been odd always but this is too much! I looked at Shehry, finding him carrying a disapproving look on his face.

I slowly snaked my arm into his elbow and he looked down at the contact but then relaxed as I spoke near him. "Smile baby!" as in instant reaction a smile spread across his face and he patted my hand affectionately. "Better?" he inquired looking down at me holding the heart taking smile, I felt like looking into his eyes forever.

"Best" I whispered back. Still in the trance but it got broken soon with the words....

"Two is company three is crowd" we both looked away from each other and found Maya smirking at us, Shehry rolled his eyes while I smiled. "And here are three hundred Shehry. Kuch to daro Bhagwan se, kuch bad k liye rakho yar tum dono" she scolded us and I giggled.

"Aa gai maa meri" Shehry made a face. "tum ek minute k liye akela nai chor sakti na?" Shehry asked and Maya firmly shook her head, she was looking cute in a traditional frock though she protested a lot over the dress. She wanted to come in jeans and kurta. Gone nuts!

"Actually I came to give you two this" Maya extended a rectangular sleek maroon envelop towards us. Shehry looked down at it and inquired. "Ae ki hea? moo dikhai mata ji?" Maya giggled shaking her head but then thinking something she nodded.

"You can think so, this is a little gift from me for the newly wed" she smiled and Shehry held the velvet envelop.

"I know you people are desperate to leave for your honeymoon, though I don't understand the logic behind this stupid thing why people have to spend so much on it.... but fine! if you want to roam around the globe, then go! we all can wait for the reception wali biryani" Maya raised her hands up defensively. I smiled up at Shehry.

"Menu pata si ae kuri koi bakwas karan wastey ee aai ho gi" He claimed and I chuckled. "sare din se rona paya wa ae faraak da, changi bhali kuri jai lagdi pai ae, te anu jeans vich aana ci meri barat ton. Banda puchey! Tu hiking ton chali ae?" he demanded frowning with a cross look on his face, I had to stop my laughter. It was my barat I had to look decent but with Shehry as my husband well, fat chances.....

Maya raised her eye brow looking down at Shehry's hand holding the envelope "trust me Shehry listening to your bakwas, I seriously want to take back this favor" she threatened but then looked at me. 

"Elders were talking about the vidaai ceremony or something and I know you must be very tired, I just thought it would be great if you'll stay the night here" she said and then continued, holding my hands giving them a light squeeze. "So this is not much I have just booked a suite for you two, hope you like the surprises there" and then winked.

"Jo pasand na aaya to phone ker k bata doon ga, change kara dena" Shehry very seriously commented and Maya showed him a punch but then laughed. "tum kabhi nai sudhro ge Sehry"

"Well, I should leave. I have to change before leaving for Lahore q k mein chaar ghantey is ghaagrey mein nai travel ker sakti." She made a face and I laughed.

"But you look amazing in it Maya. I wonder how many hearts must have back flipped tonight just because of you" I said on which she rolled her eyes.

"kahan yar! Majal hea jo kisi ne ek gulab tak offer kiya ho, huhn!" Maya innocently complaint and Shehry and I laughed.

"Maya beta!" Mami called Maya and she excused us from the stage.

Hussain

"Hussain beta, have you asked the driver about the motorway? Is it still blocked?" Khaloo asked as it was the time of rukhsati and barat had to leave for Lahore.

We had come to Amna's grandpa's place in Islamabad and now had to return to Lahore but due to some political strikes motorway was blocked since evening.

"Khaloo I called my friend an hour back, he works in motorway police he told me things are better now" I informed him and he nodded, seemed a little satisfied now.

I saw Maya and Sadia talking about something, Maya was laughing; her laughter was different than normally a girl would laugh, she laughed like who cares! She laughed like nobody was watching and she laughed like she meant that!

"Wah! Honeymoon suite! Kia bat hea bhai, tum kahan theen hamari bari per Maya darlinnng?" Sadia made a sad face the moment all the men left and Maya chuckled.

"Ap kahen to ub arrange kerwa doon ap k liye?" Maya cheesed and before they could carry on with their chumminess I cleared my throat.

"Astaghfirullah! Hussain, you were earing to girls' talks?! Can't believe it!" Sadia popped her eyes out and I rolled mine.

"Girls? Well, one is a total blot on the name of a girl while other is a mother of one child. I have better taste in both cases" I mentioned, maya took it offensively. I could tell it by the crimson in her cheek as her mouth went in a big O and eyes narrowed in anger.

"Shut up Hussain! You have seriously no taste for girls, huhn!" Sadia countered and left when Arham called her. I took a step closer to Maya who still seemed angry.

"Ye jo bhi tum ker rae ho na stop it" She crossed her arms and gritted her teeth, with her gaze firm at her front she stated on the stage. I frowned at her demand.

"What am I doing?" I shrugged.

"You better know"

"No I don't know. You better mention" I demanded and she looked at me, her expressions pissed off, but soon softened down as she blinked her eyes and she looked away once again.

"I dunno I mean... tumhen pata hea tum kia ker rahe ho" she blabbered and I mentally chuckled at her discomfort.

Her gaze was fixed towards the stage where elders were escorting the newly wed couple down the stage. I leaned in towards her; I could feel her sideways glare at my way "Am just trying to confirm are you seriously a blot on the name of a girl?"

At once she turned her head and our noses touched, our breaths fanned our faces. Maya took a step back hurriedly while I stick to my place. "I-AM-NOT-A-BLOT. I-AM-A-GIRL" she spoke every word loud and clear.

"Really? A girl who doesn't like mehndi and wants to wear jeans to a wedding" I rolled my eyes. "plus can never talk politely to anyone, sounds more like a ghunda when she talks to a boy" I added giving extra emphasis and her narrowed eyes popped wide open.

But then she flattened her expressions crossed her arms and faked a smile. "If you are talking about yourself, then trust me I love treating you that way Mr. Saroo because you deserve that" she snapped at my face and I frowned at her childish behavior.

Maya

He stood there with his arms crossed over his torso; making his tonned biceps even prominent from under his kurta sleeves turned up to his elbows making him look hotter. And I realized girls used to be right when they said they drool on a boy's tonned arms and rolled up sleeves and protruding veins and frowned forehead. Oh My God! was all that true?!

Today, no, since a few past days I had a slow realization about this huge ass fact about us, poor girls and our feels which could be silly and odd and awkward anytime, anywhere.

"And now I think you should be there with Shehry" I pointed at my back towards the rukhsati scene and Hussain peeked at my back, tilting his head to his left a little and then looked back at me. I dunno why even the smallest gestures of Hussain were giving me feelings inside. It needed to be STOPPED!!!

"You are right. We should be there" and with that he walked past me, I didn't get when he grabbed my wrist and pulled me along with him.

"Hussain hath choro mera" I gritted my teeth, slapping his hand around my wrist on the way but he didn't bother till he reached the crowd of people towards the exit of the hotel. "leave my hand Hussain" I tried to jerk my hand off his grip when he looked back at me, smiled and let my hand go softly. Before he snaked with in the crowd moving towards Shehry and Amna.

I stood there, looking at the people; muddled emotions tears and smiles, good byes and hellos, with in all that my own heartbeats and feelings got mixed up, confused. I couldn't understand what they wanted, I couldn't comprehend their music.

Amna and Shehry were taken to their suite by the team of the hotel along with Sadia and a couple of other family ladies. I think Hussain also accompanied them. Good! I got time to change before leaving.

Blot on the name of a girl! his words rang in my mind. Moron!

Maha

"When will Shehry and Bhabi return?" I inquired from the front seat, Maya api was lying in the back seat all calmly in her t and trousers while Hussain has not even driven a few kilometers yet.

"A couple of weeks" Hussain replied, taking a u turn, putting the vehicle on a rather busy road. He jammed hard on the horn along with a few colorful words escaping his tongue which got muffled within the honks.

"Hussain language!" I reminded him.

"Ullu ka patha abhi neechey aajata ghari k, andho ki tera bike chala ra hea Sala!" Hussain blurted angrily pointed at the man just crossed with his bike from our front. Maya moved a little forward and inquired. "Really? Was he Khizrah's brother? Arey Hussain, rokna tha na unhen. Betha letey at least you should have asked him for a ride man!"

I laughed at Maya's response manipulating his word sala, while Hussain glared at her through the mirror at his front. "Joke tha? Hansna tha?"

Maya leaned back in her seat, comfortable enough and crossed her arms around a cushion. "Mat hanso. Saroo!" she shrugged carelessly.

"Blot!"

I heard him retorting under breath and to be honest I felt like witnessing a miracle in front of my eyes, yet again. Hussain and Maya under one roof, so close to each other, yet behaving almost like humans? Wow! I mean just wow! Applause to banta hea Boss!

"Seat belt" Hussain pointed to my unbuckled seat belt and I groaned.

"Please Hussain I don't feel comfortable yar you know" I wined and he gave me a am-not-taking-your-shit look. "Acha pehenti hoon ghooro mat, let us head to the motorway" I made my favorite excuse. It had always worked on Shehry but Hussain.... aarrghhh! He is a brother cum troll. He kept glaring me.

"Okay Abbu jan! pehen rahi hoon" I faked a smile and wore my seat belt.

"Amna and Shehry were so happy na" I heard Maya from the back seat; I turned my head as I squatted in the seat looking at her. The seat belt was so uncomfortable trust me, I hated that!.

"Trust me I had never seen my brother that happy in life, smile dekhi thi Shehry ki. Wallahi!" I sighed and got smacked.

"Ow!!!"

"MashaAllah boltey hen bewaqoof" Hussain scolded and and I rubbed my head, saying MashaAllah.

"What does this mean?" Maya asked and I was about to reply when Hussain spoke. "When you want something away from the reach of shaitan or the bad sight you say MashaAllah, in this way you ask protection from Allah" he explained and Maya nodded thoughtfully.

"Ahan! That's why you said MashaAllah looking at Khizrah tonight?" Maya inquired making an innocent face, and Hussain literally gasped in shock.

"What the hell? When did I say so? Damagh kharab hea tumhara" he snapped. I hide my grin and Maya winked at me.

"Really Hussain? tum Khizrah ko dekh ker MashaAllah MashaAllah bol rae thy?" I teased him and he punched in my arm making me groan.

"Bachi ko martey ho. Derpok! Buzdil! Qayar!" Maya literally kicked the back of Hussain's seat. He didn't respond, just shook his head at her drama. "Himmat hea to mujh se muqabla ker k dikhao bachoo! Aesa chaaro khane chitt karoon gi na k naani yad aa jaye gi" Maya challenged him and once again I witnessed a miracle. Hussain smiled.

He shook his head sighing deep at her nonsense with a smile on his lips. I just gawked his face in utter disbelief and then looked at Maya, who carelessly leaned back in the seat considering the challenge to be thrown away.

"huhn! Derr gaya" she started to look out from the window. I noticed Hussain peeking in the mirror a few times. Oho Maha! you silly girl, maybe he was looking at the back traffic or.... Maybe he was looking at the traffic in his heart. Wait! What?

Is it even possible?

My own thoughts made me excited and uncomfortable at the same time. I sat in the seat a little straighter and then peeked at the back. Maya was half lying in the seat. Hussain was calmly and as usual silently driving.

"Uh- Maya api?"

"Hm?"

"I want to come back"

"Hm. Aa jao"

"Ni, ap aagey aa jaen. I want to stretch my back a little" I stretched my arms groaning and Hussian looked at me for a brief moment.

"Oh! Okay"

We waited for a few silent moments but when Hussain didn't stop the car; Maya finally spoke out of annoyance. "Hussain! Are we supposed to exchange seats through windows?"

"yes" he calmly replied and I grabbed his arm. "Hussain stop the car." he reluctantly slowed it down and stopped the car at the side trail. Maya and I exchanged the seats. Though I had no intentions of sleeping but chalo bhai k liye itna to ker he sakti hoo. Let's pretend Maha!

"God! Am not gonna wear those heels ever again, am so tired; don't wake me up before home guys! Good night" I announced before pulling over myself Shehry's hoddie, and heard them bidding me good night.

"You don't have music in your car?" I heard Maya asking after so many silent and quiet boring minutes.

"First its not my car, second, Maha is sleeping" I heard my Saroo bhai replying to such a romantic question of a girl. Huhn! I peeked my face out

"Uh- I won't mind a little music. That's okay with me"

"Shut up and sleep" Hussain looked in the mirror and snapped. Ooops! He really wants you to sleep Maha! so ja!

I snailed inside again.

"Plus I don't listen to songs when I drive"

"Then? What else you listen to?"

"Nothing normally. I like being quiet"

Aaargghh! Hussain Khuda ko mano yar, kia sari bhusi batein ker rae ho? Is this something for which I sacrificed the front seat? Damn it!

"Hm, but I can't spend five hours quietly. I happen to be a talkative person and I love to talk. Am sorry you have got wrong company"

There was silence for a few moments. 

I want my front seat back!

"wesey, I dunno since when but I have started to develop a thing or two for this wrong company" I heard Hussain saying after those silent moments and oh am geee! Hussain? You said that to Maya? Seriously?! I died at the back seat and could hardly control the choak in my breath.

"yeah, I did some jadu tona on you bus you are still a Saroo, I couldn't do anything about that. Tch! Such a shame!" Maya stated and I smiled at her response, even Hussain chuckled lowly.

"Mein paidasihi Saroo hoon. Aesa he rahoon ga sari umer. Berdasht kerna parey ga" My ears got alarmed.

"mein q berdasht karoon tumhen? Tum jano or tumhari Khizrah janey, huhn!"

"Or agar kerna per gaya to?" Hussain inquired, there was something hidden in his question.

What was he trying to imply? Ye bat kahan se kahan nikal rahi hea?

Maya

"Or agar kerna per gaya to? he asked, I looked at his face as he calmly drove on the wide road, there was such peace on his face I could look away fro uncountable moments and when he finally looked towards me I averted my gaze much awkwardly.

I preferred not to reply. I had no answer to his odd question. Though my heartbeats were saying something, confessing something but my tongue could not utter a word.

I started to look out from the window, inside the car it was much cozy and warm but outside, it seemed chilling cold. I started to feel like dozing off, wanted to sleep but then thinking about the driver.... Well, Maha to already so gai hea, mein bhi so gai to ye bhi so jaye ga or phir, Ram Nam Satey Hai!

There was complete silence in the car, every now and then I would hear Hussain's wrist watch move and the chain across his wrist made sound as he would change the gear as the car would speed up or slowed down. It was strange how the mare sound was giving me a strange sensation to my heart.

I rested my head to the back rest and shut my eyes.

....

"I like it when you do something for Shehry and Maha, when you try to bring smiles on their faces." he broke the silence and my head spun towards him in utter shock. He was calmly driving as if he hadn't bombarded me with the unbelievable news. I gawked his face.

"There is nothing more important for me than their happiness, their smiles. Thanks for adding into it" he added, paying no attention to my surprise.

Slowing down the speed he then glanced towards my face and looking at my stunned expression he shrugged in question putting his attention back on the road.

"You don't sound like yourself" I narrowed my eyes suspiciously on which he broke into a sudden gwaf putting his head back at the head rest and I frowned at his behavior.

He nodded, as he was nodding to himself and then said very softly "This is new to me as well" and then he looked at me, with a shadow in his eyes lingering across those deep orbs from which I couldn't look away only till the harsh loud voices of horns crashed through our ears bringing us both back to reality and a shriek escaped from my lips as I looked ahead only to cover my eyes with my arm to avoid the bright lights piercing through my them.

I felt Hussain trying to control the car when a car speedily came from the opposite direction, honking loud, and the fear turned grave as we found it a tractor. I felt like being smashed under those huge wheels any minute.

"Hussain!" horrified I grabbed Hussain's arms; I felt he was panicked himself. And suddenly the car was jolted hard from the driver's side. The last thing I remember was the scream escaping my throat. "Hussain!!!!"

Hussain

I glanced to my left, finding her head leaning to one side and her eyes shut. Right in the middle of something I felt she dozed off. Weird!

Maha was asleep too; it felt contagious at the moment and dangerous too.

I calmly drove as it was still a couple of hours left for reaching back to Lahore. Suddenly I felt Maya moved in her seat, I looked at her direction and found her expressions disturbed. Frowning a little I looked back at the road.

But the next moment I had to look back at her when my name uttered from my mouth more like a shriek. "Hussain!"

I slowed down the car. "Maya?" and looked at her face, she seemed disturbed with her eyes shut firm and forehead crumbled. She was clenching her shirt in both his fists. "Maya! You okay?"

"Hussain!!!!" Maya screamed and pulling the car aside, my foot jammed hard over the brakes.

She looked terrified as she woke up; God knows from some nightmare or what! Her eyes wide open and breaths badly uneven as she looked ahead her. Then soon as realization stuck her senses she turned her head and looked at me, her forehead glistened with sweat beads. I could feel Maha's stare from the back seat towards her, equally shocked and confused.

I remained quiet looking at Maya's terrible state, who blinked her eyes, still panting hard. Her gaze was searching my face as if trying to confirm if it was actually a nightmare?

"IthoughtI'velostyoutoo" she blabbered something, gulping down still looking panicked and I frowned at her statement. She herself seemed a little taken aback from her own words and I turned my head to look at Maha, who was carrying a puppy dog face wornout eyes, a little mushed up eye makeup as she looked at Maya in concern

"Maya Api! Khuwab tha. All is okay" she softly rubbed Maya's arm. Maha looked at me worriedly as Maya remained under the panic attack. Her gaze was lost somewhere on my face.

"Am fine" I assured her making her reluctantly avert her gaze from my face. I sped up the car bringing it in the middle of the road.

"Maya api you want something, water or something to eat?" Maha asked, I looked at Maya who only shook her head firmly crossing her arms at her front. She still seemed disturbed.

I could feel her glances at me every now and then; hesitant and uncertain glances. But my mind was stuck in her gaze, in her words when she had spoken; I thought I have lost you too....

....

Ahhh! After so many days am feeling good, finally after updating Redemption <3

For Shehry, Have Laddooosss guys!!! ;) 

And for Maya and Hussain finally some heart ties <3 

Maha is <3

Rajveer + Dev = _______________ ? ;)

hope you liked it ;)

One prediction...........................? 

Stay tuned till the next update :) up till then you all have to SMILE :*